Here's to Health and Productivity!

Outside my window... about an hour or so ago I saw a bunny—an Eastern cottontail specifically. Judging by the size, it was a young one. I often spot them noshing on clover & weeds in the evening hours. Today it was just one lone rabbit.

I am thinking... that I am happy. It has been a good day.

I am thankful... to be feeling better and to have accomplished some things today.

In the kitchen... there’s nothing cooking. I’m still eating light—not really hungry. I had a cucumber from my garden with homemade dressing for breakfast followed shortly by toasted raisin bread for some staying power. For lunch, it was a bowl of Oriental ramen & some bittersweet chocolate chips. I think I’ll have a sour cream, chive, and cheddar potato for dinner but that’s a tentative plan.

I am wearing... pajamas—again! But I just showered and this is a fresh set, my second favorite: blue knit cropped pants with a geometric pattern of circles (the smaller ones navy) and a loose navy T-shirt.

I am creating... a cleaner house. Got some loads of laundry done so my walk-in closet is tidier. Plus, I took out the trash so the house smells a little fresher too.

I am going... to the library tomorrow. I completed as much of my substitute teaching paperwork as possible, but I need to photocopy some documents (Social Security card, driver’s license, teaching certification, and transcript request forms) so I’ll do that at the library tomorrow as well as browsing for fresh reading material.

I am wondering... if it will be easy to find work as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) and if I’ll enjoy the work. When I went into teaching, I assumed it would suit me. It didn’t. With the nursing, I am aware that I don’t know if I’ll like it. On the other hand, I think I’ll like it better than teaching. We’ll see.

I am reading... nothing lengthy. I did skim an article posted by friend on Facebook that debunked the myth of confined taste areas on the tongue (sweet, salty, sour, bitter). Sensors for the various flavors are found throughout the tongue. The trivia I learn... LOL.

I am hoping... that the checks I ordered today arrive quickly so I can finish up the substitute teaching packet. A voided check is needed so that the district can direct deposit my earnings.

I am looking forward to... getting the twin bed frame, box springs, and mattress out of my living room. I had posted the furniture to Craigslist but no sale, so now I need to submit an ad to the local paper. Another Facebook friend just sold a washer and drier through a virtual yard sale site, so I should ask her about that as well. I’m not willing to take rock bottom price for the bed though because it is quality furniture. I upgraded to a queen so no longer need it.

I am hearing... a motorcycle revving on the highway in back of my house, the air conditioner running, a cacophony of noisy insects outdoors, and the movie I am half-watching (Space Cowboys).

Around the house... it is dark and I haven’t closed the blinds yet, though it is time. The only light on is in the knitting room/den where I am presently.

I am pondering... when it will get cooler. The mornings are already a smidgeon cooler, but the afternoons are still toasty.

One of my favorite things... is my garden. It’s mostly vegetables and herbs. I’d like to plant more flowers (including some from bulbs) and also fruit—blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and maybe raspberries. Oh yeah, and asparagus and rhubarb! And shrubs—forsythia and burning bushes. And…so it goes—I do love plants. Besides the seasonal timing, there’s the issue of money. I need an income to keep the house. I also need money to invest in the garden. I won’t try to garden in the existing soil—way too much work—so I need raised beds. I can build rudimentary ones but need money for the lumber and the soil to fill them. Then there’s the cost of the plants and/or seeds. I may make a produce “profit” in the long run, but the initial cost is inescapable even if I’m frugal.

A few plans for the rest of the week: the library and hopefully church. On Monday it’s fingerprinting time and a TB test, both to qualify for subbing. 

This journal entry is part of The Simple Woman's Daybook project.

Way Past Time for an Update!

I ended up starting the job at the call center. I've nearly completed the 10 weeks of training and should get a pay raise to $9/hr. next week. It's likely I'll have to fight them for it because the company seldom does things in a timely manner. I like the work sufficiently, but I will also begin looking for a different job shortly because of the low wages.

My current schedule is 2nd shift, from 2:30 to 11:30pm. Surprisingly, this works fairly well for me given my sleep disorder. My days off are Tuesdays and Saturdays-- I'm not sure how refreshing it is going to be having only one day off at a time, but it is rather nice to break up the work week into segments.

I really enjoy my co-workers although company policies and office politics are ridiculous at times. I actually ended up "adopting" a couple of co-workers who've been slammed around by life lately. They've been staying with me for about 7 weeks. Depending on how things go for them, that may continue into the new year. They are most certainly NOT freeloaders, but their situation is personal so I cannot go into detail here. I have helped them, but they have been a blessing to me as well, taking on some of my house projects & "upgrading" my car with maintenance and detailed cleaning. Some good things are beginning to happen for them, but other situations remain unresolved.


My other exciting piece of news is the purchase of an upright piano!!! It is used, but in great condition and will allow me to practice and improve my skills. It will be delivered tomorrow or on Tuesday. I can hardly wait!!! I dipped into my savings for it because it was available at a newly reduced price. It was in the store for quite some time and a previous purchase arrangement fell through-- I think God was saving it for me! ;-)

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Changes

On Thursday, I uprooted dead, dying, and struggling plants from my garden then replanted seeds for one last harvest before frost. Today there are radish & lettuce sprouts visible. Neato!

On Friday, I spent the morning applying in person for jobs here in town. I was hired at a call center, second shift (4pm to 12:30am), at the low pay rate of $8.50/hr. which will rise to the low pay rate of $9/hr. after 10 weeks of training. It's not enough to pay my bills given my house mortgage. Still, for the time being I will take the job and continue to look for better-paying work so that I don't deplete my savings and lose my house. Fortunately, health insurance is included. I start this Monday or next. We'll see.

St. Patrick's Day

Had a good day yesterday. Did some errands-- checked in for 6-week unemployment review, paid vehicle tax and registration fee, and bought the last of the compost for the raised beds I plan to build today.

Celebrated St. Patrick's Day by making Martha Stewart's Irish Beef Hand Pies (okay-- not great) and watching The Quiet Man (a family tradition). The movie has some really funny and charming moments. Definitely enjoyed it!

This morning I've had my tea but need some breakfast and have a few things to attend to such as filling out & mailing my census form, loading the dishwasher, folding pajamas, etc. But AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I'm headed out to the back yard to build and fill my raised beds with the potting soil I will mix-- while enjoying the "abundant sunshine" forecast for today!!!

Image source (edited):Backgrounds app
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My TMD Visit

I headed to Louisville around noon yesterday, planning to do some errands before my appointment with the TMD specialist. I dropped off a patient assistance program form to my doctor in Mt. Washington (to get some financial assistance with my expensive medication from the pharmaceutical company that makes it), then connected with the Gene Snyder.

I got caught in a thunderstorm, and it was bad-- sky so dark and rain pounding so heavily and fast-- visibility was dreadful. Meanwhile, people driving just as usual! Insane!

Image source:www.geograph.org.uk/.../ 17/1041712_d419805d.jpg
I opted not to do my errands under such conditions but to head for the doctor's office instead. Then the hail started. The ice wasn't that large, but it was coming down so forcefully-- twice it sounded like my windshield had cracked. Unnerving. By that time, I had pulled into the doctor's parking lot. I had to wait until it was safe to get out. Looking out the car window, I could see deep streams of water rushing toward the drains. That was one violent storm!

My doctor was able to squeeze me into his schedule two hours early (since mine was a 20-minute appointment for a bite guard adjustment).

When I left, it was still raining, but a drizzly ordinary rain. I was able to do my errands after all! I bought 8 cubic feet of vermiculite which the man at Frank Otte nursery was just barely able to fit into my trunk. (I had to move some pieces of lumber inside the car with me.) I dropped off a job application at Barnes & Noble and headed home.

Between hormones, stressful driving, and the manipulation of my jaw during my appointment, I had to take Midrin again. It really seems to be doing the job of ending my migraines. I still can't quite believe it, but I love being free of that misery-- very grateful.

I did have trouble staying asleep last night, waking at 4:30am (then napping later when I shouldn't), but the bite guard adjustment seems to be helping. My jaw was a lot "quieter" than usual when I woke. I go back to the doc again in two weeks to have the adjustment checked but so far so good.

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TMD Specialist

Once again, I've been awake since 4:30am. I did consider leaving the lights off, but there was so much moonlight pouring in (even through my closed blinds) that it seemed a moot point. Possibly a full moon? Maybe just a lack of cloud cover for a change. I'll have to look it up.

In any case, I got out of bed and filled out job applications for Barnes & Noble which I hope to deliver today.

I also have a 2.5 hour appointment in Louisville this morning with a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. Perhaps I can get some help with the muscle-tension headaches and facial pain that dog me. I already wear a bite guard at night, but my current dentist doesn't make adjustments to it unless I ask-- he's a good dentist but TMD is simply not his specialty. I had a great dentist in California, and I can tell a difference in the quality of treatment. Besides, my jaw won't tolerate staying open for a cleaning AND for a bite guard fitting-- recipe for a headache for sure. So if I'm going to have to schedule separate appointments, I'd just as soon see a TMD expert.

Given my lack of sleep, the flashing glare of light through trees on my drive to Louisville, the stress of finding an unfamiliar location in busy city driving, and the delay of food during this lengthy dental appointment, I fully expect that migraine medication will be necessary today. I will pamper myself to the degree possible but will count myself lucky to get through the appointment, get back home, and not vomit. I hope to God the Midrin works again if I end up needing it-- it's on hand in my purse.

Well, off to get ready. I need to leave the house by 8:15 for sure.

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Recipe & Tonight's Plans

My mom sent my dad over to my place with some leftovers-- beef roast in gravy with mashed potatoes on the side. I love gravy, but seldom make it.

She sent 3 meal-sized portions at least! So I ate one helping for dinner as is, but the next day I morphed a portion into Shepherd's Pie for lunch (Leann Ely's recipe from Saving Dinner for the Holidays). Yum! I definitely want to remember that strategy-- sauté some chopped onion and carrot, add the beef and gravy, seasoning with crushed rosemary, garlic powder, and pepper. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes. Bake until warm. Delicious!

As for today, I'm going to apply for more jobs, sending out my resume repeatedly. (And also eat that last portion of beef and gravy for dinner.)

Then tonight, my parents and I are going to see my brother's art displayed in his church's gallery. We won't stay long-- my parents have B&B guests-- but of course we have to be there; my brother has talked of nothing else for weeks! ;-)

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Audio Update-- Two Options for Listening

Embedded player and mp3 (requires Flash which my iPod lacks):



The mp3 below plays when you click it. (I hope.) I know my iPod can play the file using Safari and Quicktime, but I don't know about other browsers. I'll have to experiment.

             Audio Update

Incidentally, I did do some job searching...

I made a list (for my own thinking) of what my health problems are, their symptoms, treatments, and what considerations I need from an employer, so that I don't end up fired again. Though survivable, being fired is not really an experience I'm eager to repeat.

I pruned my resume to make it more concise. I looked up tips for answering interview questions about why I left my last job. I made a list of all the employment agencies here in town and nearby that I want to inquire at via phone, Internet, or in person (hopefully tomorrow). I requested a check via Kentucky's unemployment site. I registered at one employment agency online. In doing that, I realized that I'm going to have to lookup education dates, employment addresses, and reference contacts from my files; I'm lousy at remembering that kind of info.

Of course, I need to search the Internet/newspapers for jobs as well-- the agencies won't have much to offer me since I'm not suited for most of the industrial and manufacturing positions that local businesses need staff for.

Well, prospects aren't thrilling, but the basics of my game plan are coming into place.

Resume is updated!

As it turns out, it wasn't too difficult or time-consuming. One of my Master's assignments was to post a resume online. That was about two years ago, I guess. Luckily I had a vague memory of uploading it, so when I didn't see a copy on my laptop I was able to visit and download the online version, edit it a bit to get it current, and VOILA! I'm ready to job hunt-- or at least I'll be ready tomorrow morning.

Tonight my big plan is to watch Pride & Prejudice (with Greer Garson-- I'm a fan). If I can manage, I'll cook or bake something fitting for the occasion. "No, my dear, no, not turtle soup-- you mustn't expect turtle soup until after the engagement."



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