Stuff and Things

its official. i no longer can use comic sans. [!!! I meant Georgia! Where in the world did comic sans come from? Not that i EVER use that font either!] 

if wishes were horses beggars would ride. 
unless the beggar didn't want a horse .. 
then what? 
also? why do wishes have to be horses? If they were dogs

i don't get that quote, but it was a fitting segway into today's .... monologue? musings? ramblings? 

Did You Know ... 

1. 368 days ago i started my first full time job? 
2. its been a very long 368 days 
3. i miss the freedom of working parttime. A day to sleep a day to work ... now its just work, work, work, work and more work.
4. your house stays very messy when you work full time
5. your good eating habits also go out the window
6. other people's habits interest me. i waste a lot of time watching people's morning routines. and i don't even wear makeup. however i find myself become jealous of the fact they can get up and have a morning focused all about them. "first thing i do in the morning is brush my teeth, do my hair and my make up." My morning is more like .. "first i'm rudely awakened by a screaming pup, then throws some clothes on and rush outside for first potty break then feed all the dogs, crawl back into bed for an hour, before jumping back out again and letting the other three dog out, fixing my hair, brushing my teeth and getting my uniform on. 

[This post was never completed, so we shall ever wonder what on earth else I had on my mind this day. Seemed like it was going in such a good direction. Ah well. July 11, 2014]

A Day Off

"Off Days" have taken on a whole new meaning since starting my full time job.
Instead of meaning: Another day to sleep in, and clean my house.

It suddenly turns into: You-now-have-24-hours-to-try-and-complete-a-weeks-worth-errands-cleaning-and-fun. It turns into the day to clean the house, catch up on laundry, haul trash to the dump, practice your piano, change all the linen, wash the dishes, groom the dogs, pick up the yard, clean out the car, grocery shop, run errands and OH! read that book you've been getting bits and pieces of, work on that crochet project you started months ago, take David to the dog park, finally schedule blog posts for the next week .... I think you're getting the picture.

I want to be lazy and sleep in, but I realize that this is my only day until Sunday to get things done, during normal people hours.

Suddenly it becomes a stressful day ON.

Wednesday's are my "Off" day every other week. And every week its the same, I plan everything I need to do out of the house on Wednesday, and by the time I get home Tuesday night I'm already overwhelmed and re-prioritizing.

I know what you're thinking. You wondering why I can't do this stuff during the week after work.
The thing is, when you work until 7PM or later, the LAST thing you want to do after an exhausting day on feet, dealing with work-place drama and irate customers is to do ANY of the above.

(Not to mention sometimes you can't do any of the above due to the time places close)

Even reading is tiresome at times.

So what exactly did I do on my day off you're wondering?

Absolutely. Nothing.

How do you like to spend your days off?

Series of Adjustments | New Job

In exactly four days, I will be leaving this job that I've held for the last three years. 
In exactly one week, I will be starting a full time position as a veterinary receptionist. 

Yes. I finally got a new job. 

I will go from having free weekends (except during football), an extremely flexible schedule, the comfort of knowing what I'm supposed to do, how I'm supposed to do it, etc.. to being once again, the new kid on the block. 

While this isn't my "first rodeo" as I've held five other jobs in the past, this is the first time where I go in knowing absolutely nothing. Besides how to file things, and handle customers. The learning curve on this new position will be huge. With just being a receptionist I have to know a LOT about the basics of animal health, vaccines, and reproduction of cats and dogs.. apparently.. on top of that I will be going from a very lax environment (example: I am currently at work typing this) to a very strict one.

Its going to take some getting used to. 

However, there are benefits (or else I wouldn't have taken the job!) and Davy-Boy can come with me, so there's that! 

My current job is so loathe to see me go (what a nice feeling) that they've managed to get me to agree to stay on in a CPS position, working whatever events they need extra hands for.

To sum up this post in a few words? 

You ain't going to see me much no more. 
Good-bye afternoon naps 
Good-bye afternoon sun baths 
Good-bye afternoon shopping trips

Its been fun.
If you need me? I'll be at work. (read: Hellloooo Money!) 

Dealing with Disappointment

That disappointing moment when I don't get the job. 
A couple of weeks ago, I applied for a position as an administrative assistant with a company and before the day was out I was scheduled for an interview. It happened so fast, especially after months and months of NOTHING, I was..admittedly excited! Surely this is God right?

The interview process went well, I felt like I presented myself as a good candidate for the job. There were a couple aspects of the job that I had to come to grips with in my mind, the nine hour days (versus my 5 hour ones. I'm spoiled I know), the fact that I'd have to give up puppy raising (*gulp*), could I actually do the job? (YES!) but once I'd finally come to a bit of peace about them, I was ready to accept the job should they offer it to me.

Far be it that I should turn down a $10,000 pay raise.

Fast forward one week and four days.

I finally get a phone call from an unknown number, right as I walk into a notoriously dead zone at my job.

I know as soon as I can hear her voice on the other end, even SHE sounded depressed.

To be honest, before the phone call I'd come to grips with whatever, if I stay or if I went. But I was really hoping it would be the latter; so now that I have my answer, I guess the best way to describe "now" is numbness.

And a bit of anxiousness regarding the future.

I needed that money.  

I've totaled my current debt up too almost $5,000, which doesn't "look" like a lot, unless you know my current salary.

Perhaps I just need to learn to live more frugally. And not do stuff like buy tires for my car, or go to Six Flags for friends birthdays. OR something.

I don't even know.

Now that I've gotten my "pity-patty-party" out of the way. I've got to move on.

Obviously this wasn't the door I was meant to go through, so now I'm back to trusting that God has something better out there for me. Which is really hard to see right now. REALLY HARD. 

Also? I hate job hunting.

Back to the drawing board!

Stale...Mate?

<begin complaint>

Today I have...
Responded and took care of some work emails.
Checked my email
Checked Facebook
Checked Twitter
Logged books into GoodReads
Downloaded free books from Amazon
Checked Facebook
Read through 100 posts on Google Reader
Check Pinterest
Pinned things to Pinterest
Browsed blogs found through Pinterest
Browsed blogs linked on blogs found through Pinterest
Checked Email
Read through a 10 emails
Watched a video
Watched another video
Read more blogs
Played two games of Scramble with Friends
Browsed Instagram
Checked Facebook
Started writing this blog post
Got Distracted
Read another blog
Commented on a couple of blogs
Shared links to Facebook
Checked Facebook.
Played Words with Friends
Started reading a book on Kindle

...

Sounds productive right?

Here's the thing, this place I am currently employed at was and is a great job for a college student, who is IN COLLEGE. I don't have a heavy work load, and I can use downtime to work on school projects etc.

But right now? Out of school, struggling to get back into... the monotony is killing me.

I MISS working. I MISS having a JOB. I MISS being TIRED from actually WORKING all day, I MISS having my dog with me at work. I'm TIRED of having to pretend like I'm working whenever anyone "important" comes into the office.

I have attempted to create more work for myself, but unfortunately when things are needed, they are needed. I have attempted to help other people out, but when it was discovered it was shut down pretty quickly.


So here I am. Stuck in my little space.

I've been here for almost three years. THREE YEARS.

I've applied for jobs up the "wazoo" with no takers. No calls. No interviews, but tons of rejection emails.

I feel as if I'm staling.

Don't get me wrong. I am extremely appreciative of the fact, that I actually HAVE a job to begin with, and until I get a better paying one, I will hang on to this one with every fiber of my being. But.

I still have an hour and half left.

*sobs*

< / end complaint>

{Summer Week 7}

And finally the calendar acknowledges that summer has begun. PSHT. I could have told you that!? I don’t know where it’s been but it’s been in the 80’s at least since May and in the 90’s since the beginning of the month. Now I’m a person who loves the outdoors, but this heat has even me running for my Air Conditioning and showering twice a day. I believe it was 81 degrees when I came into work this morning. That is crazy my friends, and makes me miss my clean, crisp mountain air..


It’s about 30 minutes before noon and my co-workers have hit the door. I could set my clock by their stomachs really. I’d really like to eat Firehouse Subs, my mouth is watering at the thought of the thick sandwich…but I have consider my money and a $10 lunch is not really what I need to pay for right now. But OH. Guess I’ll hit up Taco Bell. (*gags*)


I have sat down and re-budgeted my moneys and come up with a plan that will, hopefully, reduce the amount of money going out at certain times of the month. While I don’t think I’m actually able to save anything STILL, I will at least have more than $50 in my bank account between paychecks. It’s sad because I can’t do ANYTHING. No out to eats, no shopping, no trips to Dollywood, Florida, or Arkansas for the matter, and no driving to California with the Roommate…if that is something I wanted to do. Every stinkin thing costs money!


No this is not news to me, but thank you, peanut gallery, for that insight.


But my path to gain more money has stepped up a bit, I finally realized that I really need to stop telling God what I want, and just let him guide me to where I’m supposed to be. So far all of my past jobs have been what I needed when I needed them, and I’m pretty sure it will be no different this time. So I’ve sat down at my computer, shoved my fears of the unknown aside started hitting those “Apply Now” buttons. It’s hard for me not to play the “what if” game, what if I get “bad” coworkers, what if I don’t like the environment, what if I have to give up school, what if I can’t raise GDP’s anymore? What if, What if, WhAT IF!! But on the same side what if it’s perfect for me?


*sigh*


Stupid Logical Thinking;


Alas my money problems aren’t getting smaller the less I do, I still have no financial aid money, and no word from the FA Office. So I have no choice but to load Pompei in the car, and head out there tomorrow morning/afternoon. *sigh* If I were a betting person, I’d bet $5 they aren’t out there tomorrow.
On a completely different thought, I am completely bummed out that I can’t go to Disney with my friends this year. We all participated in the Disney Give a Day, Get a Day Program and got free tickets, but….. it just didn’t work out so we could go together. This is not too say that we aren’t going, my family is hoping to go later on this year…but I think I’ve already talked about traveling with my family. I love them. But.


So my 21st birthday is coming up in almost three months, that in and of its self is not a huge milestone for me, 20 was a bigger deal in my mind, because I could finally drop the “TEEN+Steroetypes” from my age. While I don’t have anything “BIG” planned I am hoping to purchase myself a present in the form of a car. Let’s hope the whole job thing pans out....

The End.

Summer Break: Week 2

Now that I’ve revived from my post-school-funk, I am really starting to enjoy having nothing to do. Week 1 was pretty emotional for me, depressing really; there were also a lot of other things going on in my life that didn’t help out my mental state, but God and I got a real good talk in Friday and I determined to let go and let God and he’s defiantly helped fight and win since then.

I can see this being the second most nerve racking summer of my life, as I seek direction as to what I’m supposed to do this year. Financial Aid was finally sent my way, though I haven’t received anything just yet, which was a huge relief off my back at first, but as time has progressed I am beginning to realize that I can’t stay at my current job.
It’s tough because I really, really, like my job, my co-workers, etc.. but I am barely making enough to cover the few bills that I have. Then I receive a phone call, technically I called her, but it sounds more dramatic this way. My mom had been talking to our insurance agent about an issue, they got that resolved yada, yada, yada, and then the agent starts asking questions.

Note to self, if insurance agents starts asking question find some way to remove yourself from the conversation.

To surmise the situation, the insurance company didn’t have me down as the primary driver on my dad’s car, which at the time I was placed on the policy I wasn’t, so they adjusted that status and guess what?! That action added $50 to my low $45 a month payment. To panic or not to panic is the current question, though they haven’t raised it just yet, it’s only a matter of time. At this time I believe “Nationwide is on your side” will be who I go with as for me their rate would only be $50 a month which I can totally handle.

But it also brings the startling reality that I.Am.Broke. I guess I should be happy that I’m finally getting into the full role of a college student, but I’m not seeing much to laugh about. Thus begins the question of what to do now. I can get another part time job in the summer, but how is that going to help me when school starts again? Or I can look for a full time position which will cut me out of going to class fulltime and receiving financial aid.

Or I can get a full time job that is similar to my current position where I can do homework around my other work… Which then limits the places I can apply to; or…um..nope I’m out of ideas here. Now you should know something about me, I am very picky as to where I apply to work. First because well …(and this may be a totally lame reason) I want to have a chance that I can continue working with service dogs, so that cuts me out of the Food and Retail Industries. Second would be the people, I’m going into interviews looking around at people, how they greet me, how they respond to each other if I can help it I do not want to get back into drama city.

Though with my track record I’m due for another drama filled job *sobs*.
• First Job = 2 women owners, 2 women managers, 4 women employee’s and a gay guy = D.R.A.M.A  When you are starting to dream about your job and are almost getting physically sick on the way to work in the morning...its time to move on.
• Second Job = Husband and Wife owned/managed, 3 girls = No Drama, Great Bosses very fair, awesome co-workers albiet a bit crazy at times. 
• Third Job = 1 woman owned/managed/dictated……yeah I’ll let you feel in the blanks= DRRAAMMMAA -Granted that was the one job where I actually LOVED my work and my co-workers. I do miss the WORK a lot, but not the heavy amounts of stress.
• Fourth Job = Corporation still some drama, but none involving me or those that I work with. So nice to come home and not think about your job until you get their the next morning
• Fifth Job = Who knows????

Thirdly would be flexibility, I’ve probably changed my schedule at least every three months during my time here, they have been awesome about working with my school and other job schedule (at the time) and I’ve been LOVING having my weekends free.

Oh. HA and I guess pay would rank up there between 1 and 2.

But the biggest thing I guess that’s “holding me back” is my parents reaction to me telling them that I was considering leaving, my current place of employment. Let’s just say it wasn’t “excitement” that greeted my pronouncement. And while I will ultimately make my own decision….I do value their opinions, (I can actually admit that now without cringing NEVER TELL THEM THAT would ruin my credibility) plus they get to listen to my job rants…However I think we’ve gotten to the point where I don’t really have a choice anymore.

So the Job hunts begins.

In other news, I have gotten Way tired of eating frozen food and decided to try a simple recipe from the The Pioneer Woman’s Cook Book.

Steak Bites{Full Recipe}

See! They even look like hers!!

I rarely follow cooking directions to the "T", so I added in some of Emeril's BAM BURGER seasoning, which spiced it up!

And since this is officially the longest post I’ve ever written…on this blog.. I will end it.
Tata!
Erin

Looking to the Future

* Final for Expository Writing, we were asked what our goals for the next 10-20 years were, and here's what I said.

As a goal oriented person, it might seem strange to find that I do not have many long term goals in place. In everyday life I am continually making lists and goals for things I want to get done over the week’s time. My calendar is always close by to make sure any new situation, event, appoint, can be fit in. So it may be odd that I do not really have a clear cut idea as to what I want to do in my future. For me the reason is simple: I do not like change. Once I set a goal or have a plan as to how I want things to go, it is extremely hard for me to let go of that idea and go a different way. God has taught me it is better if I just let Him take of the future and focus on the now. That being said, I do have some idea as to what I where I want to be in about ten years….a college graduate, working a job I love and perhaps preparing to find someone to spend the rest of my life with.

My goal is to graduate with my associates’ degree in Photography and perhaps return and complete my degree in Web Design. College is extremely important to me at this point in my life, as it will dictate what types of jobs I will be qualified for in the future. But on a personal level, it is more than that as it is an opportunity to show myself that I can accomplish something I set out to do. Two years into my “college career” I moved to Tennessee and changed my major from Web Design to Photography, I have hit a mental road block knowing that I am starting over. While my self confidence is strong in some respects, the doubts that I can actually get a degree and be good in said field still linger. I need to complete this to prove to myself that I can do it, one semester down, three more to go.

My next goal would be finding “the” job for me; at the time of this writing, I have worked at four different part time jobs. I am more than ready to find a position that I not only can excel at but move up in as well. I want to be able to enjoy my job enough that I would be willing to stick with it year after year. I am not a materialist person and money is not enough of a motivator to keep me in a job I do not like, so I will do whatever it takes to find the job that I will be happy doing for at least five years. In my mind that perfect job would be running my own photography business.

My third goal becomes a little hazy, as I know this is where God will have to step in and help out. Once I have completed my schooling, had some time in a career, enjoyed life as a single person…. I want to find that person who I can spend the rest of my life with. This is exactly what I mean when I say “I do not have many plans for my future”, I know I have this idea in my mind as the way my life wants to go, but if God has something better, sooner, then I need to be willing to leave my plans behind and take what He is offering me, because I know that it will work out so much better. At the same time I can still prepare for whenever that time period is, by saving my money and getting me to a point where I can be a help meet to someone. I am an observer and I like to watch the marriages I see around me and take note. I listen to how other women talk about and to their husbands, and how their husbands treat their wives. There are I things about myself I want to have changed before I get into a serious relationship with someone and I want to spend this time working towards that goal.

Life is a funny thing to try to plan around but we do our best. I look forward to the day when I can walk down the aisle clothed in the polyester robe wearing my flat tasseled hat, and receive my diploma from Pellissippi State Community College. I cannot wait until I spend my days doing something I love and make money at it too; and most of all I am excited to see who God has for me later in life. Ten to twenty years seems like a long time now, but I know it will fly by.

No Drama...!

I just realized something....
I have officially been drama free for about three months now.
How Ka-RAZY is that????

If you'd known some of things I've been through with my past job(s), you would know...

I can come home, and leave my job at the pd and not think about it, until I get back there the next afternoon or morning. An amazing feeling.

My first job was like diving into a vat of sharks, there was so much "she said ...Oh No she didn't" EVERDAY, I couldn't get to sleep at night, just dreading going to work the next day. On top of that the owner of the facilities and the manager didn't get along, we were hiring new co-workers every month it seemed....I had to leave after about 8 months.
Next job was pleasantly drama free.
Job number 3, right back in the drama pool again. *shudders*
Job number 4 if there is drama I don't get to be a part of it. And I'm perfectly happy about that.
Which if we go according to my odds, I'd better just stay put!

Its Friday! Thank God.

Random Ramblings of Me in a lot more than 140 characters...

{Is it the weekend yet? No?}

{Well wake me up when it is!}

• I had to set my twitter account back to private. Yeah I was kind of fun to keep track of what all I've tweeted throughout the day, but all the porn and spam bots I was getting, just isn't my cup of tea. 
• My refrigerator has stopped working, and its really bumming me out. It'll be next week until I can get something done with it...until then I guess I'll have to put stuff in my parents fridge and hop its there when I can get it...(family member male: Hey! whose pizza rolls are these? Family member that-didn't-get-the-memo: I don't know. Family member male, proceeds to eat them..all. probably.)
• Week of the wacky schedule is over, and I am soooo glad. oh geez. Switched back to my old supervisor, drove all.over.town. Every single day. A couple of days, I've come home and had to lay day for about 30 minutes, before proceeding with my evening. And who knows how much caffinene I've consumed. 
• My teachers have been ridiculously slow about grading our work, so I was happy to get two grades back this week. Both A's I think!!! Woooot!!! Alas I still have two exams, a report, and a paper to finish before the nights over. (hence why I'm on here) 
• My theater class will be the death of me. I hate it. With a PASSION. (To those majoring in theatre more power too you, but please understand as a photography major, I don't feel that this is doing me much good you see..) I don't care what the Greek Theatre look like, and I certainly don't want to pretend I'm there and right a story about it!!!!
• I want to start my career. I am tired of working part time jobs, bouncing here and there, worried that my position may not be needed. Yet at the same time, I’m not ready to give up the flexibility of part time. But then I think of the money I could be making if I worked full time........but with school....*sigh*
  I have been at current job for about 7.5 months now, so far my job “average” has been about 8 months, either due to me finding a better position, or other circumstances.
  I was extremely proud of myself for lasting a entire 11 months at my last job….
  I don't dislike my current job, I just wish I felt like I was needed, in a bigger part. Iono 
•  Stupid Weather changes, have really messed with my sinus/allergies/whatever, I don't care what you call them, but they are making me miserable.

Ok my head is now clear of all thses thoughts, and I can go finish studying.... 

AT least that's what I tell myself. :)

Daily Thoughts

The random ramblings of me in 140 characters.....

• 10:47 Happy International Puppy Raiser day! Tore up my room looking for my shirt this morning. #
• 12:06 @LeaderDogMom Wow! Good luck to her!! Will you be raising another? #
• 12:08 @K9_Kirsty twitpic.com/1453ej - Such a Cutie! #
• 12:09 @K9_Kirsty Lol yep! puppyraisingshirtday.webs.com/ #
• 13:54 Suuuunnshiiiinnnnnneeee!!! #
• 15:0 4 I love how we communicate through email subject lines around here. #
• 16:02 Studying outside while the dogs play in the yard. Loving this weather!! #
• 16:08 Texas has decided that Natural Balance is better than Wellness and is refusing to eat his food, and trying to eat Pompei's #
• 16:20 I knew when I saw @GuidePupPompei running joyously towards me that he had found something dead. #gag BUt it has been disposed of. #gag #gag #

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Daily Thoughts + Life

The random ramblings of me in 140 characters.....

• 14:03 Wednesday = School, Work than Church. Pompei was an angel in class, found out there were two other guides on campus. #
• 14:04 Will have to have those guides show Pompsters the ropes :)) No stopping and flopping when you are supposed to walking, no chasing leaves etc #
• 14:32 @sugirly yeah not impressed with it at all. #
• 14:52 What's sad about Google Buzz: The majority of my page full of MY POSTS! #lame #googlebuzz #

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-Good Day turned bad . In a situation where, I feel like I'm being treated like I'm stupid. I totally realized part of my message was completely ignored, and than reworded so that it would benefit them and not me. *ssigghh** Now the question is, whether to back off and keep what I have or to "fight".

School....

Hi my name is Erin, and I'm a Professional Student.

This year I'm going for an associates in Photography while getting a Certificate in Web Design. After I graduate from that, I will be studying behavioral science while also becoming certified through Karen Pyror Academy as a dog trainer...once that is completed become an autism therapist, while training service dogs of course.

Its such a pity we only have one life. How am I supposed to choose (or for that matter have the money) which one is THE one for me!? 

Speaking of school, FA app is in, other paperwork has been sent no word if it has been received. Tomorrow they will receive a phone call from me, asking/begging/pleading to be allowed a registration appointment. 

Christmas in...4 days!!!

***************

"I don't know what do you want to do?"

This Week's Motto: Live In The Now


Sometimes I miss being a kid, and just having to worry about what I'm going to where, or getting through another day of school, or what to eat for lunch..(or how to skip out on P.E.) 

As much as I enjoy managing/organizing things, there are times when I wish someone else could do, it and I could go curl up in a ball. Today it wasn't big things, that I needed to decide on, but for some reason, it was just a real drag to have to be the one everyone was looking too....(Nope I'll never be one to seek power! "Uh why don't you go ask them?")

• Whether or not to go to lunch or wait another two hours and get it on the way home...
• Should we cancel puppy class due to rain or just deal with it?
• Should I take Vicki out in the rain tomorrow or leave her crate for 8 hours?
  
• Who should I match these two new volunteers up with ?
• Should I go shopping before work or afterward?
• Do I talk to this person tomorrow or wait till next week?
  

Needless to say, we got them all answered in some for or another, and I'm (not really) all set for tackling tomorrow.

Now...what to eat for dinner...??

Living out this weeks motto today: #FAIL

***************

She Who walks softly and carries a Big Purse

**WARNING, EXTREME RANDOMNESS AHEAD** 

***November 3, 2009****

November.
In less that 2 months, 2009 will be history.
I still don't know when life sped up and left me behind!
This month I had some plans to make some big purchases...(no not a car, though that is still  in the works) but defiantly a laptop, and  put a huge chunk in savings...
Welllllllll.......As it turns out...my cell phone contract ends on Saturday; and for reasons I cannot state here, I need to get a Data plan..(well I want it too, but it IS a need); As I'm sure all of you know, its not a just a simple, oh lets get another plan.

Nope.

There's a new phone, a new carrier, a canceling of services, a waiting to make sure you don't get early termination fees.......and all this costs MONEY. It probably could possibly cost a lesser amount of money..but that's only if I relinquish the death grip I have on the HTC Hero.


In other words...bye-bye laptop.


My body is still adjusting to the ending of daylight savings time. I've actually enjoyed getting up in the mornings, and have felt very relaxed as I've dashed out to the car and rush to work, cause I woke up too late.

Adjusting my foot. psht.

 *****Friday, November 6, 2009 *******

I am at work changing the locker room, when I realize just how much stuff my bag holds; its rediculos, I had an external harddrive, notebook, planner, 3 books, keys...odds and ends..etc..etc..

I figured if anyone were to attack me (say in the parking garage of the police station) I could at least hold them off with a couple hits from my bag. But I think I'd probably be too concerned about breaking my hard drive.....hmmm..I'll have to rethink this strategy.

Anyway; the weekend is here. For once I am glad. This has been a tough week for me emotionally; I used to "pride" myself on being the most "de-stressed", but lately I've noticed things are starting to build up and I feel like I might just blow up from the pressure!!

Yesterday was the worst, but God was right there keeping a (REAL) smile on my face, and my attitude right.

Still trying to adjust today, and praying hard that next week will be better. I don't know how much more of this I can take.

Attempted to find a Sprint store this afternoon....I thought i was in the mall, and so stopped there. I guess it was perfume and cologne day, or maybe my brain was over reacting due to lack of food. I don't know, but the ENTIRE MALL REeKED of COLOGNE; my head was killing me by the time I escaped. It was horrible. And I didn't find the Sprint store. #sadness

School Registration starts next week, and if I can find some time I'll be headed up there to get my FA started, and set up some online classes; I'm ready to start school again, even though it was an EXTREMELY good thing I took off this semester.

Off to go send some emails.

TTFN

This week in the Life of Erin - 10/18

This weeks theme song. I <3 Veggie Tales



I'm baby...er..puppy-sitting a 5 month old, poodle named Mensa. She's a guide dog in training with the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. The organization I used to volunteer with/ hope to volunteer with in the future some day.

That brings my "pack" up to 5 dogs for this week....once you hit four dogs, another one really doesn't hit the radar screen. My dogs keep her busy, and I just make sure she eats and potties OUTSIDE.

Tomorrow another kennel day, my puppy Titus and I are going to work really hard on him holding his "down" command for more that 2 seconds. And than Make sure he knows all of his other commands before our "test".

If I'm lucky I'll get to be there when our two newest Bouviers des Flandres (Boo-Vee-Air don't even ask about the last part) pups arrive.

Tuesday and Wednesday I'll be at UT back to back, I hate leaving the pups for two days in a row, but they'll survive. Also have a puppy class with Victoria's sister Willow, so which means a later home arrival.

Thursday back out at the Kennels and another puppy class with a Golden-doodle named Noah.

Friday back at UT.

Saturday back out at the Kennels.

Sunday - Church, and meet with Mensa's raisers halfway between NC and TN. 

Week after that its time for the dreaded swap. Where all the trainers at my job switch dogs again....But on a happy note, my friends and are starting our S.H.O.E (Shopping/Hanging Out/Eating...I think) meetings up again something we've been sorely in need of since we only see each other in passing at church. *sadness*

This week I only have one goal.

GET THROUGH IT!!!

10/12/09 - Goals Update

This weeks Goals: 

• Go to bed early  - Ok this would be #FAIL
• Get up early (Twice Counts)
• Walk dogs before work  (I did this TWICE! YAY ME!!)
• Make Grocery list for Month
• Call potential Foster family  (Boss gave this fam to another trainer. yay)
• Keep up my daily photos (SO Proud of myself, I have a photo for everyday!)
• Laundry ( Got that knocked out Tuesday)
• Drink Water ...daily #FAIL

Week 2 of my new schedule, and I'm literally on the verge of exhaustion. 

Ok its not THAT bad, but I can foresee that in the near future. My week was...busy, I started off great, and slowed as is my norm. I did wake up ...earlier on two occasions this week, and found out how NICE it is to actually get out of the house on time, and know I've gotten everything I needed to get done DONe! 

"It would defiantly be a benefit for me to go to bed earlier, but I find that I have a hard time prying myself out of bed regardless how much sleep I've gotten."

This week the weather has taken a turn for the worse..I think someone forgot to remind Winter what day it started, cause WOW has it be COLD! Wednesday and Thursday it pretty much rained ALL DAY without stop. Which of course those were the two days I was out at the Kennels. And of course I only had a thin jacket, and sneakers that were like wearing sponges. 

It was miserable. If I have any extra money left from this paycheck, first stop will be a nice rain/winter coat, and those oh-so-adorable rain boots.

Speaking of clothing, I was looking through my closet this morning, and was nearly knocked out the scream. It was pretty garbled but I managed to make out " You Need More or New Clothes" I can't figure out which one exactly. But the essences was clear. My winter clothes selection is sorely lacking...TIME TO GO SHOPPING!!!!! 

Whenever I can find the time.....and money for that matter.

Tomorrow Long day at the kennels...cleaning, puppies coming and going with volunteers, than a two hour drive to pick up a poodle pup I'll be baby-sitting for a week... Fun Times!

Wooooooshhhh

This has been the view from my house for the last week.
Good "ol fashioned Tent Revival of sorts.

I know people jokingly call themselves parents of their pets, but believe me...I have truly felt like a single mother of three.

This week my life has consisted of this, in this order:

• Work 
• Home
• Uncrate dogs, and load into car. 
• Park for 30mins-1 hour
• Home 
• Visit for 15 minutes 
• Get ready for church
• Feed Dogs
• Re-crate B & T
• Church
• Home
• Sleep

*repeat*

My guys have only had the minimalist about of time with me, as I could afford, my friends have only seen glimpses of me as I dashed in and out.

My house is a shambles and my brain is fried. I AM TIRED.

And why am I still up at 2:16AM?


Funny story. Although today was the last day of campmeeting, last night was our last service in the tent....why? Well because at the end of the service the skies let loose all the gallons of rain it had been holding for the last couple of days.

The service ended yet no one made a move to leave the shelter of the tent.....until the water came in. I had gone ahead and braved the rain with Ira, as I didn't want her to get dirty, when I came back, water was pouring down the slope and puddling by the stage. Probably 2-3 inches worth.

People migrated quickly to their cars, and to the stage, but still the water came. A lot of girls gave up on the shoe thing, and sloshed around barefoot...

Its was way too funny. Tomorrow we'll have a picnic....its supposed to rain enough to float a boat. Oooh Boy!
FYI: Volunteers play Ohio tomorrow as well.

The Wedding

Wow its been a while since I've posted. I have so much to do and say, its kind of hard to know where to start up again.

The biggest event of Fall 2009, was my friend Trinity's Wedding.

This was one of the first wedding, where I was intimately involved; not so much as doing stuff, but I was with them at their planning meetings (and socialize my dogs), went on shopping trips, took her bridal photos, took photos at the wedding, and was the pianist. So there was a lot of time, and preparation, put into that.

It turned out beautifully! I didn't find out until late that I was supposed to play the prelude, as well as the soloists songs; so I was stressing about that, but in the end it turned out well. I ditched the music I'd planned, and made up something pretty. No one ever knew the difference.




*phew*

They had one of the best receptions I've been too, with games, and commentary about the Bride and Groom, that kept everyone entertained, and not thinking about their growling stomachs.

We'll miss her so much, but am so glad she's found "The One". :)

Maturing...to fast?

Sometimes, I do feel old beyond my years.

I mean what other 20-year-old, budgets, plans meals, is worried about fiances and etc.. I'm working two jobs, for petes sake.

I read other blogs, with people my age, and their ..internet.. lives seem a lot more exciting than mine.

But then I remember how much fun I get out of organizing, and I'm just me, you know? I can't be other people, nor do I want too! I have fun doing other things, I just don't post them here much. Would be much more interesting to read for sure! Ha.

Oh yeah? You wanna know about today?

My job #2's, shift was long and tedious, and once arriving coming home, I things I had to take care of with job #1, and then off to church. Where I had more things I needed to take care; and in the middle of the service, I get another email from job #1, in reference to another situation that had risen. The rest of the service was a blur for me, since my mind was spinning, and as soon as it ended, I had to practice some songs for Trinity's wedding, as well as send my laptop, with our church computer guru....(hardrive crashed. Imagine that?! Its a PC.)

Once that was over, I came home, let the dogs in, and out, and in and out.....*eye roll* and then sat down to work over my emails. And now its 12:31AM, .....and I'm still wide awake.

But sooooooo thankful I don't have to work tomorrow. Hallelujah.