Monday.

Today was just one of "those" Monday's.

The rain was a constant, work was crazy. I may or may not have screamed at the phone when it rang for the 500th (exaggeration) time at one point in the afternoon. Somewhere along the way my filter disappeared and my un-inhibited thoughts were verbalized.  (Shortening someone's name to "Rolly" was one of those moments. Luckily they didn't hear.)

Still, despite the stress my co-worker and I did good. Not one patient missed an appointment. Everyone completed the necessary paperwork, everyone was seen in a timely manner... There are very few complaints that can be made and if no one else notices, I'll take a moment and be proud of myself.

Policies, Procedures and Manuals

Have you ever tried to write a manual?

Can I tell you it is one of the most mind numbing, tedious things I've done to life, but due to recent changes at my job, my down time has to be productive in a manner other than browsing the web.

So after getting mad, then frustrated, then resigned I have determined to be the change instead of hoping for it.

This much I've learned after six months on in this position. If you want something changed, you have to have already made it and present it. Otherwise....

So yesterday I had the idea of appointing myself as representative for my department to the higher ups.

Today I spent the day digging for documents containing what my job responsibilities were. Not surprisingly there a few miscellaneous documents containing some pieces of my job description, a list with SOME of my responsibilities listed, but nothing containing all the tasks I accomplish on a day-to-day basis.

So I have taken it upon myself to work on this.

I have spent the ENTIRE day typing, and organizing and writing, and reading and searching and printing. I've got quite a bit done, to be honest, but the list is still quite extensive.However it has made time go by quickly and I look SUPERBLY productive.

If anything I can now spell manual on the first time. (Originally wrote "manuel" first before receiving a red line)

I feel that my business and technical writing class will come in real handy in the coming months.

More later ... 

Things

This week was a pretty good week.  Not because I aced all two of my exams this week.  I probably only "aced" one of them, and utterly failed the other. I keep obsessively checking blackboard for updates, but there is none at the moment.  It wasn't because I only had homework for one section of math this week.  (Which I can't deny, was pretty amazing) 
It wasn't also that awesomely productive, feeling I got this week, when I finally made a breakthrough in my study sessions. 
It's not because work was amazingly, awesome, and I was on top of things. I'll be honest, I wasn't. I jokingly told my co-worker that one of these days they are going to make me choose either work or school apparently doing both just shuts me down.  It wasn't because I didn't have a lab pup to contend with..  But that was pretty awesome too.. *S/O to Mrs. C and her family!* 

It wasn't because my house was amazingly clean all week.  There is nothing quite like laying down in bed, and looking over to see a piece of raw chicken wrapped in your pajama shorts. 

I cannot make this stuff up guys. #lifewithanimals 

No, the awesomeness lies in the fact that I felt like I was awake through most of this week.  I didn't feel like I was slowly dying from exhaustion and I could focus on other things besides the deep, bone aching misery that is lack of sleep. 
That was last week. 
This week I remember Monday (sort of) and Tuesday (too well) and Wednesday (so long) and Thursday (that was yesterday right?) And now we're here at today.  The other part has to do with the fact that I drove through at least three speed traps this week WITHOUT GETTING STOPPED!  Can I get an amen? Because it's needed.  So that was my week.
How was yours? 
Also these videos needed to be shared. You're welcome. 
" Why can't periods last for like an hour? I'm not pregnant so you've made your point. Please leave." 

Five on Friday: New Job

1.) A New Job - This week I started my new position as an administrative assistant for [Department Name Here] at [School Name Here]. While I took a pay cut, the benefits and nine free credit hours PER SEMESTOR more than make up for the $80 a month I am losing. At least that's all I hope I am losing! 

 While I definitely will miss the friends I made at my last job, it was past time for me to move to a different working environment. Part of the reason I've been so quiet over the last year, was due to the stress and conflict I felt about my job. It kind of took over my life for the last year and a half, and I didn't feel like releasing that angst on the internet was the best idea, especially while an employee. 

Now that it's over? Let's just say ... that's one year and nine months of my life I will never get back. Moving On.


2) The New Job  - Today marked the fourth day at the new place, and so far ... I love it. My coworkers have made a great effort in including me, and making me feel as if I am a part of the organization. I appreciate it so very much. 

I, like anyone, hate the transition period of "I have some skills but not the skills you need me to need right now." I can feel the expectations of me, and watch myself come short hourly. Despite the turmoil in my past job, I knew it inside and out. There were rare moments when I came across a challenge I couldn't handle, or a question I couldn't find someone who knew the answer. I was confident in my knowledge. It was acknowledged hard come by, but I'd finally "arrived". 

Now I'm back at square 1.5. I can help out in a basic sense, but not enough to feel like an equal. Today I answered phones, checked people in, and handed out named envelopes like a pro. Need a stack of papers shredded? I'm your girl! Have a complicated question? "Can you please hold?" 

I left work today wishing I had an instruction manual to study over the next three days, so that I can go in Monday feeling a little bit better. Everyone has been super nice, and I am happy to have another co-worker my age in the same department. 

3.) Things I love about the new job - Now, part of the reason I left [Place that shall not be named] were the hours. As a college student they seriously sucked. As a person wanting to live life, they also sucked. It could have been worse definitely, but for me... they just weren't my cup o' tea. So the regularity of this job, the fact that as soon as the clock hits 5PM I am out the door REGARDLESS, is AMAZING. 

Unfortunately, they don't pay overtime, so being out the door at five is a must, or else you dock an hour the next day.  

The office is also amazing, I get my own desk, I get my own keys, the dress code is super casual (I wore heels Wednesday and felt super dressed up), not to mention I LOVE being able to wear CLOTHES all day long. [Read: Yay no more scrubs or uniforms!

4.) Did I mention they are paying for school? - Yes, people. Nine credit hours worth of school and the only tab I have to pick up is books. As a struggling college student, this job is literally an answer to prayer. Of course I am "Staff first Student second" so any schooling is worked around my work scheduled. NO PROBLEM. 

5.) Weekend Plans - First week of work, and I'm already looking at a three day weekend. It really can't get better than that. I don't have many plans for the next couple of days. My parents are out of town, my sisters are out of town, my friends are out of town, so it's just me and the munchkins. I hope to get some grocery shopping down, prep for next week, find a reasonably priced hammock and read at least two books before Monday. 

Speechless

Hi My Name is Erin...

I've been attempting to post on this blog for a least a couple of weeks now. I finally have a computer again, and have been eager to, once again, share my life for the world to read.
Cause life as *I* know is incredibly riveting.

Where else would you find conversations with old ladies with quotes like... "I wasn't even your size when you were born! Ha Ha! [think old lady cackle]" or "Have you ever thought of modeling hun? Cause you really got it goin on! Uh huh!"

To which, I make some sort of self depreciating noise, and awkwardly dash for the cash drawer, so I don't ruin my image by letting snot drip down my nose.

[See! Amazing visuals you won't get anywhere else folks!]

Why is this MY life?

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]

Life.

one month, ten days.

That's how long it's been since my last blog post. I'd like to blame several things ... but there really isn't a good excuse, aside from the fact that I'm just lazy. It's not that there haven't been some great blog worthy moments over the last forty days. I .... m just lazy.

the end.

My job is draining. i feel so sluggish and tired after putting in a 9+ hour day, and only having a few hours before i have to climb into bed and do it all over again. There are times when I wonder if it's really worth it. The times I envy people who have the ability (and funds! Let's not forget that very important thing) to just quit their jobs and pursue what they love.

there is nothing quite like having to do what you absolutely don't love (i won't say hate) to help sharpen your view to what you do love.

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?

101 in 1001 - Round 3

source

Yes. I did just begin another 101 in 1001 project. No I haven't come close to finishing the last two, or three. I can't remember how many I've started at this time. However. This time its different, this time, my list is born from a need to accomplish these things; verses a desire to "fit in". 

I'll admit, the last couple of times I started one of these projects was because 1.) everyone else was doing it 2.) It looked like fun to set un-abtainable goals. Climb Mt. Everest? Sure why not.  Lets make it a goal. 

Not this time. On this list you'll see many some seemingly mundane things, but as I said this list was born out of accomplishments for this year, so don't be surprised if you see things projects I want to accomplish, specific songs I want to learn etc.. 

I feel so much, more motivated this year and I want to do, and see, and feel, and be as much as possible. 

Bring it on 2013! 

101 in 1001

January 4, 2012 – October 5, 2015

Track my goals with me on DayZeroProject.com

Health & Wellness

1.     Drink less Soda

2.     Remove Wisdom Teeth

3.     Physical

4.     Take a vacation

5.     Run a 5K

6.     Pack Lunches instead of eating out

Spiritual

7.     Be pleasing to God

Dogs

8.     Create a “care” schedule for dogs

9.     Rabies Vaccines

10.  Health Exam for Bubbles

11.  Desensitize Dachshunds to being held

12.  Desensitize dachshunds to nail trims

13.  Puppy Raising break

14.  Bring Home Rei

15.  Go see David Graduate

Wish List

16.  New Vacuum cleaner

17.  Purchase something off of Etsy

18.  Camera/Camera lenses

19.  Non window A/C unit

20.  Photoshop CS6

21.  Hammock

22.  New Couch (Leather)

23.  Vanity/Small table for bedroom

Relationships

24.  Birthday gifts for the Fam & Friends

25.  Spend more time with family (once a week)

Home Décor

26.  More plants

27.  Wall Art from Ross

28.  Canvas Drawings of dogs

29.  Table & Chairs

30.  Headboard for Guest bedroom

31.  Batman Poster(s)

32.  Rugs for Kitchen & Hallway

33.  Paint Wall in Bedroom

34.  Curtains in Bedroom

35.  Curtains in Office

36.  Curtains in living Room

 Home, Sweet Home, Sweet Home. 

37.  Make up Bed Daily

38.  Shampoo Carpets every six months

39.  Get bathroom fixed

40.  Get rid of excess furniture

41.  Washer & Dryer hooked up and working

42.  New Refrigerator?

43.  Hole in floor fixed

44.  Tear down Wall between kitchen + living room

45.  Remove Window A/C and store in white storage building

46.  Get quote about fixing electrical issues

47.  Create Cleaning Schedule

Bettering Myself

48.  Practice Piano Daily

49.  Learn to Play “Hey You” – Jonas Brothers

50.  Learn to Play “Someone Like You” – Adele

51.  Learn a duet with Kristen

52.  Learn to play the bass guitar

53.  Learn to wake up Earlier

54.  Create Morning Routine

55.  Use Camera weekly

56.  Take Kristen & Robyn’s graduation portraits

57.  School Fall 2013

Hey There Good Lookin!

58.  Establish a hair care routine

59.  Find brown scarf

60.  Find orange & White Scarf

61.  UT VOL Fan girl stuffs ­

62.  Work out Gear

63.  Running Shoes

64.  Brown Boots

65.  Black Boots

#NoMoPro13

66.  Sunday Pre-Week Planning Session

67.  Oil Change Every Three months

68.  Wash Car & Vacuum once monthly

69.  Trash & Check tires weekly (when filling up)

Money, Money, Money, Money, MONEY!

70.  Save towards Travel, Pets, Wish list

71.  Create Budget & Print

72.  Use COUPONS!

73.  Revamp Resume

74.  Purchase Dog food through Purina Website

75.  Pay off Library Fine

76.  Pay off School by June 2013

77.  Pay off Rebekah by March 2013

78.  Sell Bridesmaids Dress

79.  Sell old Computer

80.  Sell Printer

81.  Sell Nightstand

iBlog,  iWrite

82.  Create a focal point for each blog

83.  Create a blog schedule for each blog

84.  Journal Weekly

DIY

85.  Make headband holder (As seen on Pinterest)

86.  Make scarves (3)

87.  Repaint Bookcase & Cover Backs

Entertainment 

88.  Read 150 Books

89.  Dollywood

90.  Go Ice Skating

91.  Go Snowtubing

92.  Shop @ Tanger Outlets

Travel

93.  Whitewater Raft

94.  Florida Camp meeting

95.  Youth Jubilee 2013

96.  Charlotte Fellowship Meeting

97.  Morgan City Alabama

98.  Meetup with YPG on Valentines Day

99.  Kristen & Audrey’s Graduations

100.  Blog Conference

101.  Finish This List 

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!) 

Bubbles

I am one of those "people" who let their dogs sleep in bed with them. Not all three, of course.. I need to have somewhere to rest myself, but the dachshunds can fit comfortable, and don't mind me rearranging them in the middle of the night. 


However, my oldest and I are going to be having a little "come to Jesus" meeting over this next week. Now I love Bubbles, whether those feelings are reciprocated is debatable (whoever said dogs love "unconditional is a liar. Plain and Simple..or only had labs). Bubbles is really my dad's dog, but since they really don't want to be bothered with dog care, she lives with me. 


However, ever chance she gets, she's high tailing it to my parents house up the driveway. She could careless that she can't get on the furniture there, has no food up there, has no dog beds up there, her people are up there and that's where she wants to be.


What am I? Chopped liver?!? 
Obviously not because she would be down here more that's for sure!


Anyway. Since she's gotten older, she has decided that she can afford to be catered too. (Probably because my family caters to her whims as well, not to mention that she can be obnoxiously persistent when she wants to be) This has manifested itself, in things like 4AM water runs (aka I get up, run to the kitchen fill a bowl of water, stand there and let her drink from the comfort of the bed, as otherwise I'd have to pick her up and put her on the floor, and then back on the bed and that's just too much work at that time in the morning.. and then crawl back in bed afterwards.) Not to mention her "early to bed, early to rise" motto drives me and Texas a little nuts. 


SO WHAT If the alarms going off! GET BACK UNDER THE COVERS GIRL! 


Since my schedule is changing to early mornings 5 days a week, not to mention weekends. (Urgh!) Sleep is valuable to me.  So Bubbles will be sleeping in her crate at night. She has her bed and bowl of water at her disposal


And I'll have my sleep.


Cause that's what matters. 

Happy 4th of July!- School House Rock

Happy Fourth! No big plans over here other than surviving the day. I've got several dogs to take care of so most of my day will be spent doing that, and playing with my own pups.
I hope you all enjoy your three day weekend celebrating this great country we live in!





Wooo! There's going to be FiRee WOrrks! :) 

Words.

Its the way we communicate as humans. Without words we are lost. Isolated. Destitute.
There are so many words available to us to use. Some of the good, some of the bad, some helpful, others hurtful and degrading. Some are just down right trashy.

Words can get us into trouble, words can stress us out, words can get us out of scrapes and binds, and turn around and get us right back in them.

There is one word, in the English language, though, that I can't seem to use when I need it the most. Its a small word. But has so.much. power in my life.

What is this word, you ask.

No.

Well, actually, it depends.

If you are my sister, father, or brother, I have no problem using it.

"Erinnnnnnnn could you ___________??"  - That would be my sister. Whiny tone, already I can feel the word "NO!" bubbling up in my chest.

"Erin, you need to get out here and clean up the yard______" - That would be my brother. Demanding. Expecting to be obeyed. Really. Who DOES HE THINK HE IS!??

Kids these days!

I include my father in there, though I rarely say "No" and mean it. Most of the time, I'll argue about it and the do it. Why do I do that? That tiny teen still hanging around inside me. I'll blame it on her.

Now if you are my mother, friend, or random co-worker type person....

Its a different story. I want them to feel like they can count on me to do things, even if it causes me stress.... so when I hear a question...saying "NO" is difficult, my mind is already racing around all the things THEY have to do, and if I don't take it, than they'll have to spend time looking for other people and I know if that were ME I would want someone who could just take that burden off of me quickly so....

"Sure...why not..."

Hours later.. I sit at my computer, staring at my google calender, wondering why on EARTH its so hard for me to say that teeny tiny word?

No.
No!
NOOO.

Yes.

Have you ever...

Had so much going on at once, that you didn't have time to stop, sit down, organize your thoughts and photos...and write a blog post? Yeah that's pretty much how life is at the moment.

• The first week it was a new job, new dog + old problems.
• Second week, is still new job, old dogs + their problems + VBS + New Drama.
• The 3rd week it was the new job + care of three dogs + VBS recovery + Other Drama + Stress 
• Fourth Week, new job(s) (I work client to client) + plus one of my dogs is with someone else + recoverying from the stress of last week + lack of sleep...

I don't have any time! Gargh! However... as much as I thought I'd hate the ridiculously early hours of my new job, its not as hard as I thought it would be. Perhaps its just because I'm back to doing something I love again..(not that I don't love my other job, its just....I'll be there two years and its...well not as "challenging" as it once was, but its the best paying job I've had, and I love my co-workers so we'll be there until I graduate at least) 

Clients dog worn out from our walk

These next two weeks will be incredibly busy. I look at my calendar and shudder sometimes....however I wanted something to do to keep my busy this summer...and I've got it!

 I've also got some BIG decisions to make this week...< insert another shudder > its making me extremely nervous, and starting to stress me out some. And the idea of me stressing out is stressing me out more..(my body hasn't quite recovered from my last bout of anxiety...the thought of food is still making me nauseous. I have NEVER been so stressed as I was last week. I don't want to do that again.)

Which means I have less energy, am more tired etc..etc.. BLAGHER. Can I please quit being a grown up now? Please???

Anyway, this is all to say, that posting will be spotty until school starts...(how ironic)...which probably means that I'll start posting more regularly. It always happens like that, so... until I write again!

Ta! TA!

Hellooo

Its almost 2AM and I've just arrived home from working Destination Imagination. A solid 8 hours under my belt for the evening. And I figured I'd still make and attempt to keep this blog updated, while I decide when/where/why/who/what I am doing with this here bloggy. 

I have a new car. 

YES! 

I still can't believe it myself. I think her name will be Belle. We shall see. 

I have a second job. Or will as soon as I get all the paperwork and etc taken care of. 

I have been working overtime on my first job. (See above) 

I have been lazy. Its summer. I'm allowed too. :

More on last weekend and etc later. I'm too tired to think straight at the moment. 

First Snow

I'm skipping today's #Reverb10 prompt, cause it was just like, I ....I can't even explain the confusion I felt when reading it. Inteeways....the weather announcements started around Thursday afternoon, a huge storm system was supposed to go through our fair city over the weekend. Snow, rain, sleet the whole nine yards. All the locals were skeptical, after all the most snow scene around here is about 0.5 inches. Skepticism rose to a whole new level when Saturday morning dawned bright and 50 degrees. 


And it wasn't until 11PM that the rain started. Cold, bitter rain. I began to become optimistic that we'd have snow by the morning. My disappointment was great when I  stuck my head out into a cold, gray day. 
However, by the time church was out the flurries were coming down hard and fast, much to Pompei's delight, and the dachshunds horror. By the time, we were getting ready for the evening service, the roads were getting slick, and icy.


Now most northerners who move down here, are always laughing at the locals and how quickly the town shuts down when the snow starts falling, however, they don't realize that those huge...shall we say "ditches" or drop offs, the mountainously steep roads, are a like riding the roller coaster of death, on a thin sheet of ice. Four wheel drive or no. I've attempted to drive them. Believe me, its not an experiance I want little children and busses going through.


So what do I do on a Sunday evening, with no church and lots of snow coming down?? Well after I freeze my nose off, letting the dogs play in the yard....

I organize my closet!!!!!!! I know, I know try not to be jealous. It had to be done, I needed to get to my clothes.

Have you ever washed your entire closet all at once? 

Like, take every.single.piece of clothing out of your closet and wash it?

No?

You probably should do it every so often. #justsayin

ANyway, so I'd done that last month, for a reason,that I'm not going to tell you right now, and spent sometime sorting through, bagging up the clothes I haven't worn in like...since I bought them, and let my sisters go through them. #werecoolwithhandmedowns

I made quite a dent in my closet, so now instead of taking up both sides, it only takes up one....and a dresser...and a bunch of tubs....See? 

Before...

 In between....

 And After! 

Except you can't see my closet...

Or inside it...

So you'll just have to take my word..K?!

After that was done, I cleaned other parts of my house and all the while managing my city on Age of the Empires II. Gold Edition. My mom used to think that game was violent.  It is sorta, of but a girl has to keep her city safe, and if I have to commission, armies of archers, elephants, calvary and hoards of villagers to keep my food supplies up. You should try it sometime. :) During the managing of my second empire, I whipped up some Monkey Bread. 

Yummy, ooey, gooey, goodness. Note: Don't try to grab the pan without oven mitts. Also don't stick your finger in the empty pan and try to lick the remaining glaze...it burns. 


Oh wait..you actually wanted pictures of snow?! About that...there's the little problem with it getting dark at 5:30PM and yeah. Maybe tomorrow. Speaking of Monday, I don't have to go in until 10AM, and with any luck they may just shut her down.......


You'll excuse me, so I can go pray for 12 inches of snow?


See Ya!

Reverb10: Wisdom

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

My process of making one of the wisest decisions, for 2010, started in 2009 to be honest. I was working a job at the time, that was incredibly stressful, but one I enjoyed greatly, at the same time. I put my best into that job, but I felt as if I was spinning my wheels, and digging myself deeper and deeper into a job that wouldn't help me grow towards any career. I didn't feel appreciated as a employee, I didn't feel my opinion, though asked, was really appreciated, and I grew increasingly frustrated with the constant drama. 

I don't do drama. I started out my "working career" in a drama filled place, and I've vowed not to do that again. However, it seems every other job I get, has that. Hence why I'm not leaving, current drama-less (at least that involves me) job at the moment.

But I digress...
I wasn't happy with how different situations were being handled, and I felt overworked for the pay I was receiving. At the same time I was working another job, that really was my reprieve from my main job, I have an awesome boss, very understanding, easy to work with I couldn't have asked for anyone better. Which made working at Job #1 all the harder to work with. This was a "work from home" job, I spent the majority of my day answering emails, and phone calls..I had to go out and get an email capable phone, simply so I could keep up with all the information, planning and etc I had to do. While I loved being in charge of a whole part of the organization, it was a little much for one person, and though that was brought up several times, it took a lot to get things changed. By that time, I had one foot out the door. 


I know my parents and friends had to be tired of hearing me talk about the things going on. I know I was tired of dealing  with it, and I knew if I wanted to go back to school I could do 40+ hours of work a week. So I ended my employment in January of 2010, and started school again. 


I soon learned what a great decision that was, as school quickly bogged me down and raked me over the coals. There was some aspect I missed, I had some awesome co-workers whom I miss seeing on a regular basis, but overall, it was good for the short term, but not something I needed in my life long term.


And that, my friends, was the wisest decision I made.
But I really miss the money...

November 29: Budgets.

I've failed. 


If I could remember what I thought when I checked my bank account Friday morning, I'm sure those two words, would have been the first thing that ave come to my mind. 
With only $0.33 left in my checking, I knew I'd finally achieved my goal of being a broke college student. A goal I haven't been striving for. 


However, failure was not on my mind, as I promptly blame my insuffient fund account on the fact that this month has been very heavy in the way of bills. Between my two charges of $96.50 in court fees, and purchasing a brand new camera flash...on top of my regular spenditure, I was pretty sure that was the blame. 


Over this year, I've made a big effort to cut back on my impulse shopping, purchasing food once a month, paying all my bills on one check... everything else on the other, insuring that there is money for my bills.. 


I really thought I was making great strides, but just wasn't bringing in enough money. 
Just to be sure, I sat down with my bank account and crunched some numbers this morning. 

I was very dis-hearted with what I saw. 

Though I'm not spending much on "fun stuff"... um.. I made at LEAST 3 trips to Wal-Mart walking, spending no less than $30 each trip. And then one $50 trip to Target .... which tallied up to $322+. 


Could someone PLEASE tell me why in the world I was going to Wally-World that often this month?? I hate that place! 
Oops. 
I'll admit I'm an impulse shopper, which means I have very little regrets about the purchases made without prior thought..until I'm broke that is..That being said, this month I did have a lot more of legitimate "need" purchases than normal, due to..um..circumstances. 
But um...perhaps I could have thought this through a little more. 


I had set amounts for: Food, Gas, Bills and General Purchases, and I truthfully thought the amounts were reasonable. Compared to what I'm actually spending.. like not.at.all so much. 
So I bought a separate visa card, to put my "expenditures"  like, food, gas and house supplies on that. that way when the money is gone its gone. In turn, causing me to be more vigilant about watching where my money's going. I'm also going to start purchasing staple products from a site called Alice.com, which will keep impulse buying down. 


Not only do they have most of the items I would get in a place like Wal.Mart they also have FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING. Can't beat that people. 


If only stores would have little carts to calculate your totals, as you shopped...watching that balance increase as you add things, goes a long way to making me think about what I'm buying! 
I'm not much better when impulsively buying food...I mean, you can never have enough food right? 


Am I Right?


Especially if has the letters : I C E  C R E A M on it. 


Its an addiction.


But back to the point, I've written down "menus" for the next four weeks, and try to buy only the things needed to make those items, and maybe a few snacky items. I also make sure I've eaten before I grocery shop, as the will negatively effect my budget. 


I've got to get a handle on my monies now or I'll NEVER get a car, or be able to set foot in other clothing store for a long.long.time.


And that, my friends, will be a very.sad. day indeed. I've bought maybe 5 new pieces of clothing this entire year. I've avoided them like a plague, because my impulse disease is very.hard. to control in those places.


Anyway. The brain is wandering from the subject at hand. 


So in conclusion, there really isn't a real good reason I should be completely broke at this point, starting from the ground up every.single. month. I mean there are reasons, but I think i could have managed my money I LOT better than I have to date. Thankfully we make mistakes to learn from them. 


And that's what I plan on doing. 


Dear Self,
You want this right? Its time to buckle down and get a move on! 
















 Sincerly,
Tired of Being Broke.