Alas, my application for WIA (workforce investment act) has been denied due to my job function that I left being in high demand. Too bad they don't also help point you to exactly where those openings are... I see only one in my area, and it's for an employer with a very bad reputation. So, I'm off to see about Commissioner Approved Training next week. We'll see. Not exactly sure what the differences are between the two programs, but I'm going to do what I can. I'd really like to change industries.
Though I did have a good phone interview this morning for a company located 500 miles away. Too bad it's not closer. It seems like a great position with a good challenge. We'll see what happens with it.
It's interesting how we can plan all we want, but "things" don't just bend to suit our plans. God has a plan. I just have to be patient, and it will be clear soon enough. He's taken good care of us thus far!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
I came here with something to say
And now it's completely gone. Void. My mind is a vacuum, a vortex of veritable blackness. Perhaps it will come to me.
Clean Carpets
I cleaned the carpets today. I cleaned the carpets six weeks ago. You'd never know it. Where does it COME from? Are there carpet gremlins that come out at night? Must be. I've learned to do a run with the soap, and then another run with plain water. Uck. Feels better now!
Ah HA! Teamwork and "Skills"
Teamwork. This is what I wanted to talk about. Teamwork and skills. Though I bet "skills" aren't what you THINK they are.
We had a little joke at work about "skills." Us girls have a set of skills located just below our shoulders and above the belly button. These skills allow us to be proficient in note taking, setting up meetings and projectors, etc. Yes, I was highly skilled. Okay, the double entendre releived the annoyance a bit, and allowed us to make lots of inappropriate jokes.
Funny though the joke may be, it has more than a ring of truth to it. I can't tell you how many times I was invited to meetings so I could set up the projector and take notes. Not because my OTHER skills were needed. Not to create a visual representation of a process or to find some form of waste. Not so I could provide input on robust methodologies to measure products or processes. Not because the other meething attendees all had broken hands. Because I was the girl in the area. Uniquely qualified for these tasks.
Highly skilled.
Teamwork
Which brings me to "teamwork." I'm pretty proud of the relationship I have with my husband. We have a great balance, and we pitch in and get things done. He stayed home with the boys for a couple of years. There were ways in which that was hard for him. Sometimes people would make nasty comments to him. Because he's THE MAN, and should be out winning all the bread. Well, it just worked better for us that way at the time. He did the laundry, vacuumed the floor, made dinner, did dishes. I also helped him, though he did the lion's share of the work.
Granted, I'm ALWAYS the one who cleans the carpet. But he's ALWAYS the one to mow the lawn and change the oil in our vehicles. It all works out. But we don't have much work that's HIS or HERS. And now that I am the one home, he still helps with the housework. He's making homemade refried beans today. I didn't even ask. I'm wildly in love.
Why can't this be true in the workplace? Why on earth is it so hard for the men to learn how to plug a projector into the outlet and focus it onto the wall? Why is his hand less capable of typing in notes? Granted, there WILL be situations where a facilitator skilled in taking and formatting notes is important, but by and large, why do you need a set of breasts in the room to get that task done? And why is it that men are less apt to hone that particular skill?? Pitch in and get it done, so the D cup can work on her process map.
Now the question remains: how does an employment candidate determine the level of cooperation and teamwork when it comes to the "woman's work" ?? Perhaps I should add a section to my resume!
Does not:
Clean Carpets
I cleaned the carpets today. I cleaned the carpets six weeks ago. You'd never know it. Where does it COME from? Are there carpet gremlins that come out at night? Must be. I've learned to do a run with the soap, and then another run with plain water. Uck. Feels better now!
Ah HA! Teamwork and "Skills"
Teamwork. This is what I wanted to talk about. Teamwork and skills. Though I bet "skills" aren't what you THINK they are.
We had a little joke at work about "skills." Us girls have a set of skills located just below our shoulders and above the belly button. These skills allow us to be proficient in note taking, setting up meetings and projectors, etc. Yes, I was highly skilled. Okay, the double entendre releived the annoyance a bit, and allowed us to make lots of inappropriate jokes.
Funny though the joke may be, it has more than a ring of truth to it. I can't tell you how many times I was invited to meetings so I could set up the projector and take notes. Not because my OTHER skills were needed. Not to create a visual representation of a process or to find some form of waste. Not so I could provide input on robust methodologies to measure products or processes. Not because the other meething attendees all had broken hands. Because I was the girl in the area. Uniquely qualified for these tasks.
Highly skilled.
Teamwork
Which brings me to "teamwork." I'm pretty proud of the relationship I have with my husband. We have a great balance, and we pitch in and get things done. He stayed home with the boys for a couple of years. There were ways in which that was hard for him. Sometimes people would make nasty comments to him. Because he's THE MAN, and should be out winning all the bread. Well, it just worked better for us that way at the time. He did the laundry, vacuumed the floor, made dinner, did dishes. I also helped him, though he did the lion's share of the work.
Granted, I'm ALWAYS the one who cleans the carpet. But he's ALWAYS the one to mow the lawn and change the oil in our vehicles. It all works out. But we don't have much work that's HIS or HERS. And now that I am the one home, he still helps with the housework. He's making homemade refried beans today. I didn't even ask. I'm wildly in love.
Why can't this be true in the workplace? Why on earth is it so hard for the men to learn how to plug a projector into the outlet and focus it onto the wall? Why is his hand less capable of typing in notes? Granted, there WILL be situations where a facilitator skilled in taking and formatting notes is important, but by and large, why do you need a set of breasts in the room to get that task done? And why is it that men are less apt to hone that particular skill?? Pitch in and get it done, so the D cup can work on her process map.
Now the question remains: how does an employment candidate determine the level of cooperation and teamwork when it comes to the "woman's work" ?? Perhaps I should add a section to my resume!
Does not:
- wash windows
- fetch coffee
- sharpen pencils
- drop off dry cleaning
- buy your wife's birthday gift
Monday, September 14, 2009
Migraine
Who knew kids got migraines? I didn't! Until today. At first I thought my son was doing a bang-up job vying for an academy award in order to get out of running laps for pushing his brother. Until he laid down and really slept. And screamed and writhed and got ILL. Though migraine wasn't what flashed through my head while driving the 1.5 miles to the urgent care clinic. Thank God it's not meningitis! Poor kid. That sums up my excitement for the day!
House cleaning
I also got all of the light diffuser bowls (alabaster bulb cover things) through the dishwasher. First time in 4 years (I am NOT proud of that). Oh my. Ick. AND... there HAS to be a better way to secure those things into a fixture other than the three screw design. My right finger and thumb are quite raw. I also repotted some plants, and washed the boys' bedding.
Unemployment /education progress
Made plans to meet a buddy at a WIA presentation. We'll see about getting in to school!
I also applied for a job close to my family. Wonder if I have to go to an interview and/or take it if offered a position? I'm fuzzy on the rules. You HAVE to apply for jobs in your field. You don't have to apply for jobs that are too far away, or have unfavorable conditions or pay. hmmm. Added that little item to my growing list of compliance questions. But at least I'm one down for the week, right? This is my waiting week. Though I get my severance this coming friday. It doesn't count as pay because benefits are not accrued. All the unemployment logistics you never knew you were interested in!
Visitors!
I'm excited that my friend and her family are coming up for a short visit! It will be so nice! She's a homeschooling mom, so she's looking to do something "field trip-ish" while here. I need to check out the options of things to do and still be home in time for the eldest's arrival.
So things are coming together. So nice how that all works out, eh? :) I'm happy! TA TA!
House cleaning
I also got all of the light diffuser bowls (alabaster bulb cover things) through the dishwasher. First time in 4 years (I am NOT proud of that). Oh my. Ick. AND... there HAS to be a better way to secure those things into a fixture other than the three screw design. My right finger and thumb are quite raw. I also repotted some plants, and washed the boys' bedding.
Unemployment /education progress
Made plans to meet a buddy at a WIA presentation. We'll see about getting in to school!
I also applied for a job close to my family. Wonder if I have to go to an interview and/or take it if offered a position? I'm fuzzy on the rules. You HAVE to apply for jobs in your field. You don't have to apply for jobs that are too far away, or have unfavorable conditions or pay. hmmm. Added that little item to my growing list of compliance questions. But at least I'm one down for the week, right? This is my waiting week. Though I get my severance this coming friday. It doesn't count as pay because benefits are not accrued. All the unemployment logistics you never knew you were interested in!
Visitors!
I'm excited that my friend and her family are coming up for a short visit! It will be so nice! She's a homeschooling mom, so she's looking to do something "field trip-ish" while here. I need to check out the options of things to do and still be home in time for the eldest's arrival.
So things are coming together. So nice how that all works out, eh? :) I'm happy! TA TA!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Park
So I took the boys to the park today. Got to play with the camera a bit. Evidently (my shout out to a work buddy), I have a lot to learn! Looking forward to learning more about how to use light and glass to capture moments in time. I got a lot of shots. A few pretty good ones. But the boys were moving so fast in the shade that quite a few weren't as good as they could have been. First "run" with it, so I'm still happy.
Speaking of parks, the one by our house should be done pretty darn soon. We're all excited about that.
Today was a good day! It's kind of strange to not go grocery shopping on the weekend. Gives a different feel to Saturday and Sunday without having to battle people for an hour or two and unload groceries. Kinda nice. :)
I looked at a couple jobs online, and just couldn't apply for them. Not just yet. Can't wait to go to the WIA seminar this week and see if I can get approved. If not, I'll step up the job hunt game. But I'm really looking forward to going to school now. Honestly, if I'd been given a choice to be laid off with the ability to go to school vs. continuing my job, I'd have chosen the layoff. I'm pretty sure of it.
My friend and her family will be here this week! It will be a fun couple of days! I can't wait to see them and show off our town! Maybe the park will be done in the next three days??? LOL, probably not, but that would sure be fun!
Speaking of parks, the one by our house should be done pretty darn soon. We're all excited about that.
Today was a good day! It's kind of strange to not go grocery shopping on the weekend. Gives a different feel to Saturday and Sunday without having to battle people for an hour or two and unload groceries. Kinda nice. :)
I looked at a couple jobs online, and just couldn't apply for them. Not just yet. Can't wait to go to the WIA seminar this week and see if I can get approved. If not, I'll step up the job hunt game. But I'm really looking forward to going to school now. Honestly, if I'd been given a choice to be laid off with the ability to go to school vs. continuing my job, I'd have chosen the layoff. I'm pretty sure of it.
My friend and her family will be here this week! It will be a fun couple of days! I can't wait to see them and show off our town! Maybe the park will be done in the next three days??? LOL, probably not, but that would sure be fun!
It's late...
It's technically Sunday. I had to apply for 2 jobs in order to be able to answer the unemployment questions truthfully tomorrow. Ugh. There's not much out there in my field. The rules are to apply for jobs in your field. Is it bad to hope to NOT be called? Though I suppose I shouldn't hope anything just yet, since I don't have a firm schooling plan.
I got a lot of dusting done today. Also got my new wireless printer all hooked up. How nice to have two computers print to ONE machine! Thank heavens for modern technology!
Otherwise, I don't have much to contribute. I'm hoping the little ones will remain in their own beds tonight so that I might get some sleep! My poochie is giving me the "sleepy-eye."
I got a lot of dusting done today. Also got my new wireless printer all hooked up. How nice to have two computers print to ONE machine! Thank heavens for modern technology!
Otherwise, I don't have much to contribute. I'm hoping the little ones will remain in their own beds tonight so that I might get some sleep! My poochie is giving me the "sleepy-eye."
Friday, September 11, 2009
It's D-day! Vitamin D!
Three more doses of the vitamin D to go. Wonder if it's helping? I guess I'll know in about three months when they check it again.
I shipped the docs today. I'm done. I also purchased a Nikon D-60. I figure I wanted to blow a LITTLE of the severance pay. I've been wanting a DSLR camera for a long time now. I haven't had a lot of time to check it out, but what I've seen is amazing. It's so darn fast! I love the speed, the clarity and the color! I can't wait to take the boys out for a photo op this weekend! I wanted something GOOD and FUN to come of all of this stress and and sadness and change. This should be a healthy distraction.
MMMmmm, Wasabi peas.
I was just going to say that I didn't have a bitter thought all day. I was pleased with that. But then I remembered that I DID have a bitter thought. Ah, well... it's waning, and that's what's important. You know, I think the whole thing would have been easier for me to absorb had it not been performed so impersonally. The boss's boss tipped back in his chair, played with his cell phone, and recited some speech and left. It was like he didn't care. Though in my heart of hearts, I think he DID care. I think he felt somehow triumphant. This person is the one I have most of the bitter thoughts about. I'm struggling with forgiveness. He was not a good manager. He was not a competent leader. He is no longer a relevant part of my life.
I know that ultimately, I'm better off for what happened. I can't change the past. I can only plan for the future and make good decisions today. I'm slowly moving there. It will happen! One day, I'll be typing in this blog, and I'll remember that the layoff event inspired me to start writing in a public forum. And I'll be a different person. Grown. Getting there just isn't easy. But you know what they say, you can't build your muscles without pain.
I am going to face the pain and ugliness and sadness and use it to grow into someone I'm proud of.
I shipped the docs today. I'm done. I also purchased a Nikon D-60. I figure I wanted to blow a LITTLE of the severance pay. I've been wanting a DSLR camera for a long time now. I haven't had a lot of time to check it out, but what I've seen is amazing. It's so darn fast! I love the speed, the clarity and the color! I can't wait to take the boys out for a photo op this weekend! I wanted something GOOD and FUN to come of all of this stress and and sadness and change. This should be a healthy distraction.
MMMmmm, Wasabi peas.
I was just going to say that I didn't have a bitter thought all day. I was pleased with that. But then I remembered that I DID have a bitter thought. Ah, well... it's waning, and that's what's important. You know, I think the whole thing would have been easier for me to absorb had it not been performed so impersonally. The boss's boss tipped back in his chair, played with his cell phone, and recited some speech and left. It was like he didn't care. Though in my heart of hearts, I think he DID care. I think he felt somehow triumphant. This person is the one I have most of the bitter thoughts about. I'm struggling with forgiveness. He was not a good manager. He was not a competent leader. He is no longer a relevant part of my life.
I know that ultimately, I'm better off for what happened. I can't change the past. I can only plan for the future and make good decisions today. I'm slowly moving there. It will happen! One day, I'll be typing in this blog, and I'll remember that the layoff event inspired me to start writing in a public forum. And I'll be a different person. Grown. Getting there just isn't easy. But you know what they say, you can't build your muscles without pain.
I am going to face the pain and ugliness and sadness and use it to grow into someone I'm proud of.
[Insert witty title here]
Seems I'm all out of funny. And interesting. Need to run to the store for some more, I guess.
The day started out disappointing. I went to the Unemployment Office for a presentation on WIA (Workforce Investment Act) to see what I needed to do to apply for my education to be funded, or UI benefits extended, or whatever magic they whip up with the education. Alas, I was late. Partly (okay, mostly) because I woefully underestimated the time it would take to drop my son off at the sitter's and park in the "mafia wars: LIVE on Second Street, Spokane Edition" parking lot they have. Also partly because the chick at the "reception" counter was quite honestly dim-witted, and I (and another gentlemen) waited a full seven minutes for her to finish a phone call (Time is of the essense!)
So I left there, and went to the bookstore to find a GRE study guide. And then I ordered what I wanted off of Amazon. Hey, I got two books for the price one would have sold for at Barnes and Noble, plus free "super saver shipping"... you really HAVE to patronize a purveyor of such excellence in alliteration! Besides, the reviews are priceless.
I had the priveledge of dining with four lovely former coworkers this afternoon. The food was good, and the company was exceptional. I really did work with some fantastic people. Even though my employer was flawed, I miss so many people I got to interact with daily. It's good to keep in touch with people. At least for me... it makes me feel less crazy.
Speaking of the crazy...I'm wondering when it will go away. How long will I wonder what I did wrong, or if people really thought I was stupid and just were too nice to tell me? How long will I go back and forth on whether or not there actually was a good deal of injustice there on a daily basis? I'm thinking at least until I get into school. When school starts, the head focuses on something else. I'm really looking forward to being engaged and distracted. Being with the boys is fantastic, don't get me wrong... but their whirlwind energy still leaves me plenty of time to meander down crazy street.
So, this is my life today. Next stop: make appointment with a career counselor at WSU. I hope they have some information as to the actual difficulty of people "outside" the healthcare industry to crack into it without a nursing degree. I really don't have the time to earn a BSN. I also lack the inclination. So there you have it.
HAHAHA, something funny... while at lunch, a friend told me the rumor mill has it that I'm going for my nursing degree. This isn't entirely unbelievable; my mom is a nurse, and I'm an excellent student. I can really do just about anything. But it would be a huge switch. I said "as long as the rumors don't involve a pole, I think I'm good!"
Credits: I'd like to thing Amanda G for the inspiration for the witty-witless title. Yes, I completely plagiarized from your facebook status update.
The day started out disappointing. I went to the Unemployment Office for a presentation on WIA (Workforce Investment Act) to see what I needed to do to apply for my education to be funded, or UI benefits extended, or whatever magic they whip up with the education. Alas, I was late. Partly (okay, mostly) because I woefully underestimated the time it would take to drop my son off at the sitter's and park in the "mafia wars: LIVE on Second Street, Spokane Edition" parking lot they have. Also partly because the chick at the "reception" counter was quite honestly dim-witted, and I (and another gentlemen) waited a full seven minutes for her to finish a phone call (Time is of the essense!)
So I left there, and went to the bookstore to find a GRE study guide. And then I ordered what I wanted off of Amazon. Hey, I got two books for the price one would have sold for at Barnes and Noble, plus free "super saver shipping"... you really HAVE to patronize a purveyor of such excellence in alliteration! Besides, the reviews are priceless.
I had the priveledge of dining with four lovely former coworkers this afternoon. The food was good, and the company was exceptional. I really did work with some fantastic people. Even though my employer was flawed, I miss so many people I got to interact with daily. It's good to keep in touch with people. At least for me... it makes me feel less crazy.
Speaking of the crazy...I'm wondering when it will go away. How long will I wonder what I did wrong, or if people really thought I was stupid and just were too nice to tell me? How long will I go back and forth on whether or not there actually was a good deal of injustice there on a daily basis? I'm thinking at least until I get into school. When school starts, the head focuses on something else. I'm really looking forward to being engaged and distracted. Being with the boys is fantastic, don't get me wrong... but their whirlwind energy still leaves me plenty of time to meander down crazy street.
So, this is my life today. Next stop: make appointment with a career counselor at WSU. I hope they have some information as to the actual difficulty of people "outside" the healthcare industry to crack into it without a nursing degree. I really don't have the time to earn a BSN. I also lack the inclination. So there you have it.
HAHAHA, something funny... while at lunch, a friend told me the rumor mill has it that I'm going for my nursing degree. This isn't entirely unbelievable; my mom is a nurse, and I'm an excellent student. I can really do just about anything. But it would be a huge switch. I said "as long as the rumors don't involve a pole, I think I'm good!"
Credits: I'd like to thing Amanda G for the inspiration for the witty-witless title. Yes, I completely plagiarized from your facebook status update.
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