The blog has been on the back burner, along with many things I had been doing on a daily basis since June. Last week I started working in Philadelphia. My new roles as both business professional and wife, are two very different roles for me, that I need to acclimate myself to simultaneously. Both very positive changes in my life, might I add. I had a few months to begin figuring out "wife", and as part of that role, I worked out different ways to live on a budget (couponing being one of them). I think I got pretty good at it.
Just as I started to adjust to how my day is carried out, I got a job (finally)! I find it so rewarding to know that I am financially contributing to our family again, along with how nice I find it to be taking the train into the city, dressing like a business woman (I never thought I dressed like I would've like to as a teacher), and being a part of the "hustle and bustle". As odd as it sounds, I forgot how much I liked being at a desk. I find it much less stressful when I get to do my job without the impressionable eyes of twenty-something middle schoolers watching every move you make. Don't get me wrong, I love teaching, and hope to teach again, but I don't hate working in an office. (I know, I have only been there a week.)
Anyway, I think my point is that all of a sudden there aren't enough hours in a day. I told the hubby the other day, teachers do have it made, I had no idea. I used to hate that my long commute as a teacher meant I didn't get home until 4:30. Now, I don't get home until about 6:30 and I think, "How in the world am I going to do anything other than eat dinner, shower, and get to bed". Luckily, I married a great cook, and when he gets home first and decides to cook, I know I am in for a treat.
So, how does everyone do it? Wife, Worker, and Independent Woman? Is it possible to be all three? Figuring my day out, the breakdown seems I have eleven hours as a worker, require eight hours of sleep, which leaves me five hours to do everything else (both as wife and woman). I will give it another few weeks and hope I can tackle the day to day needs of the house. Well, I hope I can get the laundry done at the very least. If I can manage to extend the day to 26-28 hours, maybe I will be able to stay more on top of the couponing!
;-)
Showing posts with label Job hunt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job hunt. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Pardon my absence...
I know I have been gone for a little longer than usual. Things have been kinda crazy for this unemployed girl. My number one priority is... ok, I guess I can't pick just one "top" priority. I have been driving back and forth to Delaware quit a bit in the past two weeks to see my family and help out where I am needed.
When I am not driving, I have been couponing and working on the house. I have done a few small projects since my last blog, emphasis on the small. One project was that I finally hung the towel rack in the bathroom. I know, wahoo, a towel rack. But, our bathroom walls are tiled, so the thought of drilling into into the wall terrified me. However, I sucked it up and fortunately did not crack the tile.
Major successes I have had this week was with couponing. I am not yet good enough to classify myself an extreme couponer, but I am excited by the possibilities. I have been sharing my savings with the hubby and I told him that I was not going to be an "extreme" couponer to avoid stock piling. Then he said the words "you can stock pile, as long as it can be kept in the basement". Oh my, it was like getting a free ticket to an amusement park. Wonder what he will do if I start finding out I can get things like diapers for pennies. Do I stock pile them for sometime in the future? Those freaking things are expensive! Note to anyone who reading this: if you ever find coupons that you are not using, please send them my way. Many deals require multiple coupons and vendors put print limits on the computer versions. I think this has been holding me back.
The hubby is working a double today and tomorrow, so I am going to try and get a lot of work done around the house, possibly attempt a free shopping trip (which would make me an extreme couponer!) and apply to as many jobs as I can find. This whole job thing is so discouraging. I have been applying to absolutely everything I can find that doesn't require a degree I don't have. I am crossing my fingers something pans out before I lose my mind.
Oh, new topic since my last post: running. I hate it. However, I am going to be running a 5k on Thanksgiving Day (I am a poet). Now I have to run so I don't embarrase myself. Only problem I can't seem to tackle is that, no matter what, I lose my breath halfway through the second mile. I'm gonna have to figure that out pretty soon.
Ok, well I have run out of topics for day. I will try to post more later in the week. Hopefully something more interesting, too.
When I am not driving, I have been couponing and working on the house. I have done a few small projects since my last blog, emphasis on the small. One project was that I finally hung the towel rack in the bathroom. I know, wahoo, a towel rack. But, our bathroom walls are tiled, so the thought of drilling into into the wall terrified me. However, I sucked it up and fortunately did not crack the tile.
Major successes I have had this week was with couponing. I am not yet good enough to classify myself an extreme couponer, but I am excited by the possibilities. I have been sharing my savings with the hubby and I told him that I was not going to be an "extreme" couponer to avoid stock piling. Then he said the words "you can stock pile, as long as it can be kept in the basement". Oh my, it was like getting a free ticket to an amusement park. Wonder what he will do if I start finding out I can get things like diapers for pennies. Do I stock pile them for sometime in the future? Those freaking things are expensive! Note to anyone who reading this: if you ever find coupons that you are not using, please send them my way. Many deals require multiple coupons and vendors put print limits on the computer versions. I think this has been holding me back.
The hubby is working a double today and tomorrow, so I am going to try and get a lot of work done around the house, possibly attempt a free shopping trip (which would make me an extreme couponer!) and apply to as many jobs as I can find. This whole job thing is so discouraging. I have been applying to absolutely everything I can find that doesn't require a degree I don't have. I am crossing my fingers something pans out before I lose my mind.
Oh, new topic since my last post: running. I hate it. However, I am going to be running a 5k on Thanksgiving Day (I am a poet). Now I have to run so I don't embarrase myself. Only problem I can't seem to tackle is that, no matter what, I lose my breath halfway through the second mile. I'm gonna have to figure that out pretty soon.
Ok, well I have run out of topics for day. I will try to post more later in the week. Hopefully something more interesting, too.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
A not so extreme couponer...
Yesterday was my first attempt at extreme couponing. I think I failed. It took me over an hour to coupon hunt for the things that I needed for the week. (While I want to spend the least amount of money possible, I am going to try to eat healthy.) It seems that the the cheapest food is the most unhealthy. If anyone ever finds coupons for fruits and veggies, let me know! At the end of my trip, my receipt says that I had a savings of 36%, saving me $57.40. I was pretty excited about saving nearly sixty dollars, but would like to get that percent up to 50%. After I left the store, I noticed that not all of my coupons rang, and one item I bought rang up at full price, so next time I will pay more attention.
Anyway, without giving you a play by play of my grocery shopping, you all should know how a little bit of extra time can save you a lot of money. The lady behind me at the grocery store laughed when I said, "I just saved more money than I made at work today". . . I think she thought I was joking, but I wasn't.
What a great segway to my next topic today. I also started my new job yesterday. What a change from teaching. It was the first day of a new job, which is always a different kind of day. Promotional marketing is really interesting, especially if you enjoy observing people. It is interesting to see how different people give you different reactions when you are trying to show them something. I think the stuff that I am marketing is really cool, and if people weren't so quick to say no and actually look, they would love it. But, ce la vie. Now I have to go get ready for day two!
Anyway, without giving you a play by play of my grocery shopping, you all should know how a little bit of extra time can save you a lot of money. The lady behind me at the grocery store laughed when I said, "I just saved more money than I made at work today". . . I think she thought I was joking, but I wasn't.
What a great segway to my next topic today. I also started my new job yesterday. What a change from teaching. It was the first day of a new job, which is always a different kind of day. Promotional marketing is really interesting, especially if you enjoy observing people. It is interesting to see how different people give you different reactions when you are trying to show them something. I think the stuff that I am marketing is really cool, and if people weren't so quick to say no and actually look, they would love it. But, ce la vie. Now I have to go get ready for day two!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Another Baseball Birthday
When we weren't partying, my dad was up helping get the bedroom closet done. I am so excited because it is finally time to sand, paint, and call to get the carpet installed! I will be sure to show you all the before and after transformation of the bedroom. I am so excited, mainly because I picture in my head how something is going to look, but usually do a terrible job explaining it, so when it is finished, I just hope that it looks like it does in my mind. It was pretty much the same thing with my wedding reception, and that turned out just like I pictured. :-)
Along the same lines, I have decided that I am going to attempt a "project of the week". This weeks project is going to be painting the bedroom, and next weeks project is going to be a new fireplace screen for under $30 (Thank you Craigs List). Also on the project list is a job... I need one, and preferably before my next car payment is due. I had a third interview with a company today, and now I am just crossing my fingers.
Hopefully I will get one more post up before the impromtu trip to Disney World. We leave Thursday. I am pretty excited, mixed with wish my mom and my hubby were going too. Regardless, Disney is always a good time!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Working so hard, yet not working at all
Today I woke up full speed, with a long list of to-do's, and didn't stop until dinner was done. Now, I don't feel like moving. I had a "group interview" at the local substituting company. It was the worst hour I've had in a very long time, and I'm pretty sure there was another girl in the room who was thinking exactly what I was thinking (with the exception of the occassional "I hope Hamilton's doctor appointment is going well".) I am a good teacher, and the frustration of not even receiving a phone call for an interview boiled over in the hour I sat there listening to the drill. Even though I have a masters degree in education and many years experience in a classroom you are forcing me to pay you to spend a day in a room full of people with no educational training? I think I'd rather practice reciting the daily specials for my next job as a waitress. I'd make more anyway. Why did I spend all that money on college?
So, anyway, after trying not to storm out of the room, I began checking things off of my list. I did manage to make a few stops that weren't on the list. Found a cute little thrift shop near my mother-in-laws house. Didn't get the two things I had my eye on because it was cash only. They would definitely be quick, easy, and awesome projects. Maybe I will go back tomorrow. Also stopped at the Goodwill and got a brand new, in the box, office chair (much needed, since I don't have anything now) for thirty dollars (whoo hoo).
After getting the hubbys car fixed, taking it to get registered, and stopping at Lowe's to grab lamp parts for a project (stay tuned), I went to pick up the pooch and fell in love with Charlotte, the three month old kitten up for adoption at the vet. I may go back tomorrow ;-) If we didn't have a 120 pound Rhodesian Ridgeback, we would be currently showing Charlotte her new home. The vet tech even took her out to see how her and Hamilton got along. It was adorable until Charlotte realized that Hamilton was a giant and clawed her way up the techs arms. Ugh, she was so cute!
Since Hamilton and I got home, he's been sleeping off the anxiety of being at the vet all day, while I have been applying for every job under the sun that I can find, even the ones I am not qualified for. Here is a question that I am sure many people in my situation ask: how do I get the experience that this job is requiring without getting hired? Maybe my blog will take off, I will become famous, people will start buying my pictures, and I can get by with odd jobs for the next few month. Or, maybe even better, collecting all those Acme game pieces will result in me winning the grand prize. I don't think I should hold my breath for that one.
Until tomorrow, my friends.
So, anyway, after trying not to storm out of the room, I began checking things off of my list. I did manage to make a few stops that weren't on the list. Found a cute little thrift shop near my mother-in-laws house. Didn't get the two things I had my eye on because it was cash only. They would definitely be quick, easy, and awesome projects. Maybe I will go back tomorrow. Also stopped at the Goodwill and got a brand new, in the box, office chair (much needed, since I don't have anything now) for thirty dollars (whoo hoo).
After getting the hubbys car fixed, taking it to get registered, and stopping at Lowe's to grab lamp parts for a project (stay tuned), I went to pick up the pooch and fell in love with Charlotte, the three month old kitten up for adoption at the vet. I may go back tomorrow ;-) If we didn't have a 120 pound Rhodesian Ridgeback, we would be currently showing Charlotte her new home. The vet tech even took her out to see how her and Hamilton got along. It was adorable until Charlotte realized that Hamilton was a giant and clawed her way up the techs arms. Ugh, she was so cute!
Since Hamilton and I got home, he's been sleeping off the anxiety of being at the vet all day, while I have been applying for every job under the sun that I can find, even the ones I am not qualified for. Here is a question that I am sure many people in my situation ask: how do I get the experience that this job is requiring without getting hired? Maybe my blog will take off, I will become famous, people will start buying my pictures, and I can get by with odd jobs for the next few month. Or, maybe even better, collecting all those Acme game pieces will result in me winning the grand prize. I don't think I should hold my breath for that one.
Until tomorrow, my friends.
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