Oh BlogSpot, you've been good to me, but I'm willing and ready to try a new spot for a brand spankin new year.
Feel free to follow me at the following address and let me know which site you prefer! You won't hurt my feelings...
https://gentlegraceblog.wordpress.com/
Sunday, December 27, 2015
hustle season
I finally got a new keyboard so I can actually type, a new slim hp keyboard since my computer works just fine.
I am tired. It's been a long time since I wrote and a million things have been going on in my life. There are so many things I'd love to write about such as my visit to the reservation, loving and letting go, being a healer and healing, friendships, and so forth, but I don't have it in me tonight.
This is my hustle season. I'm hustling in every way imaginable. Just finished up my second job which was seasonal, and I'm currently picking up all kinds of extra shifts at my full time job with the incentive of extra hourly holiday pay and double time on holidays.
This past year has been a very unstable one for me financially, so when I landed a stable job in October, I count my blessings and I work as much as I can.
It feels good to be working so hard.
I wonder if I should begin a new blog for 2016?
I am tired. It's been a long time since I wrote and a million things have been going on in my life. There are so many things I'd love to write about such as my visit to the reservation, loving and letting go, being a healer and healing, friendships, and so forth, but I don't have it in me tonight.
This is my hustle season. I'm hustling in every way imaginable. Just finished up my second job which was seasonal, and I'm currently picking up all kinds of extra shifts at my full time job with the incentive of extra hourly holiday pay and double time on holidays.
This past year has been a very unstable one for me financially, so when I landed a stable job in October, I count my blessings and I work as much as I can.
It feels good to be working so hard.
I wonder if I should begin a new blog for 2016?
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Bad dreams, New job, Goals
Bad dreams:
I have heard you aren't suppose to share your dreams with people, but I can't shake the awful dream I had last night from my head. I fell asleep listening to the radio, and I had it on Christian radio- KLove. They were doing fundraising last night, which seemed to correlate with my nightmare. I had signed up to give money to various people (charities) I cared about, all of which were 100.00 each, and I did not have the money to follow through with my promise. It was awful! This is part of the reason Dave Ramsey has sold me on the debt free lifestyle. I want to be able to GIVE more.
New job:
I woke up from the dream, shuffled off to my third day training. I walk to work, and I was freezing in Arizona's cold front- 80 degrees. It doesn't seem like a big deal but when your body has been adept to 100, it honestly feels like a blizzard. Right now I'm wrapped in five blankets. No joke. I can't seem to get warm, and I froze all day at work- sneezing and freezing. I don't know what's wrong with me. Anyway, my trainer told me I am the most professional and accurate, but "your voice sounds so sad." I confess I'd rather sound sad than perky, but sounding sad isn't a great thing either. I was concentrating hard and nervous being judged in front of everyone, but it led me to all kinds of self reflection tonight which only seemed to make me feel even more sad. I'm not going to even go into it!
Goals:
I feel like I have such a long haul in my debt free journey and listening to people so much younger and smarter than me pisses me off! Why didn't this come to me earlier? I think I've always cared about it, but I didn't understand budgeting, didn't always have steady work, and most of all- didn't always have steady work.... Having steady work is so important and it's not the easiest thing to find. If not for my temp agencies, I'd probably still be adding to my list of failed attempts at employers. Anyway, I'm setting a small goal for myself. I have 1,000 to pay off on my South Carolina Student loan and 15,500 to pay on the combined rest. My goal is to have my SCSL paid off by January 1, 2016 and to have my loan payment below 15,000. I have an extra dog sitting gig at Thanksgiving and may be able to work at Hickory Farms through the Christmas season if I can work it out with my current job- even just one day a week. It doesn't feel like much, but we all have to start somewhere, and I'm trying very hard to be responsible and take care of this at last!
FYI!
I did start school later than average. I started community college at age 25 and that would be the rest of my SCSL. My other student loan is a combination of living expenses and books from my time at Berea College, a tuition free school. Some of the living expenses were my apartment, food, books, a car and bicycle. I ignored my loans for a couple of years (so responsible!) and then I deferred them due to unemployment, etc., and I've been paying on it the last couple years at a little over the minimum. I will continue to pay the minimum now until I knock off SCSL.
Financial goals are good, right?
I have heard you aren't suppose to share your dreams with people, but I can't shake the awful dream I had last night from my head. I fell asleep listening to the radio, and I had it on Christian radio- KLove. They were doing fundraising last night, which seemed to correlate with my nightmare. I had signed up to give money to various people (charities) I cared about, all of which were 100.00 each, and I did not have the money to follow through with my promise. It was awful! This is part of the reason Dave Ramsey has sold me on the debt free lifestyle. I want to be able to GIVE more.
New job:
I woke up from the dream, shuffled off to my third day training. I walk to work, and I was freezing in Arizona's cold front- 80 degrees. It doesn't seem like a big deal but when your body has been adept to 100, it honestly feels like a blizzard. Right now I'm wrapped in five blankets. No joke. I can't seem to get warm, and I froze all day at work- sneezing and freezing. I don't know what's wrong with me. Anyway, my trainer told me I am the most professional and accurate, but "your voice sounds so sad." I confess I'd rather sound sad than perky, but sounding sad isn't a great thing either. I was concentrating hard and nervous being judged in front of everyone, but it led me to all kinds of self reflection tonight which only seemed to make me feel even more sad. I'm not going to even go into it!
Goals:
I feel like I have such a long haul in my debt free journey and listening to people so much younger and smarter than me pisses me off! Why didn't this come to me earlier? I think I've always cared about it, but I didn't understand budgeting, didn't always have steady work, and most of all- didn't always have steady work.... Having steady work is so important and it's not the easiest thing to find. If not for my temp agencies, I'd probably still be adding to my list of failed attempts at employers. Anyway, I'm setting a small goal for myself. I have 1,000 to pay off on my South Carolina Student loan and 15,500 to pay on the combined rest. My goal is to have my SCSL paid off by January 1, 2016 and to have my loan payment below 15,000. I have an extra dog sitting gig at Thanksgiving and may be able to work at Hickory Farms through the Christmas season if I can work it out with my current job- even just one day a week. It doesn't feel like much, but we all have to start somewhere, and I'm trying very hard to be responsible and take care of this at last!
I also realize that it's easy to think about giving as money and gifts, but giving is also time and service and attention. I walk by the Gospel Rescue Mission for Women and Children every day, and I even applied to work there awhile back. I once volunteered at the one in Kansas City and every time I pass by the one on my way to work and less than 10 minutes away from me, my heart feels a tug. I'm going to see what my work schedule is for the holidays, but I want to start getting involved with being a volunteer there. They are hosting various banquets over the holidays and are looking for volunteers to continue. I am excited to check this out and meet more people. Other goals: utilize my library more, learn how to cook depression style (From my youtube queen GREAT DEPRESSION COOKING!), read more, bicycle more and try more recipes. These are my goals! Simple and sweet, three months to attain!
FYI!
I did start school later than average. I started community college at age 25 and that would be the rest of my SCSL. My other student loan is a combination of living expenses and books from my time at Berea College, a tuition free school. Some of the living expenses were my apartment, food, books, a car and bicycle. I ignored my loans for a couple of years (so responsible!) and then I deferred them due to unemployment, etc., and I've been paying on it the last couple years at a little over the minimum. I will continue to pay the minimum now until I knock off SCSL.
Financial goals are good, right?
Monday, October 5, 2015
Recipes!
Hello! I've been browsing new recipes/old cookbooks and have marked (in my mind) a few I want to try. I thought I'd share them with you while also keeping myself accountable to try them sooner than later.
Peanut Butter and Banana Quesadillas
Turkey Black Bean Chili (I make this a lot) but with Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Muffins
Poor Man's Feast (From Great Depression Cooking)
Cold Oats
Better Fried Eggs
Missouri Dirt Cake
and... I'm always in the mood to try a new cookie...
I'll keep you all posted. :)
Thanks for reading!
Peanut Butter and Banana Quesadillas
Turkey Black Bean Chili (I make this a lot) but with Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Muffins
Poor Man's Feast (From Great Depression Cooking)
Cold Oats
Better Fried Eggs
Missouri Dirt Cake
and... I'm always in the mood to try a new cookie...
I'll keep you all posted. :)
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Happy, happy October!
I am so thankful for bus drivers with BIG hearts.
Last night I worked my last night at PBR, which was good money and totally exciting to experience, and I got a little lost walking back to the bus stop. I finally made it there and sat down to wait for the bus to take me home. I kept seeing "not in service" buses go by and started to wonder what was going on.
It was Saturday night, and finally my bus 16 showed up and the lady asked me, "Are you waiting for bus 16?" Yes, I am. Well, this is the last bus and it's not running anymore. I said Okay and started to think about the long walk home in my strappy sandals- never mind the hoodlums along the way. She looked at me and said, "hey, just get in. I'll take you home." I started to put money in and she said, "no, you can't put money in- we're closed." So, I got a solo bus ride home. She told me, "I looked at you and thought- this woman doesn't need to be down here." (FYI: the bus stations in Tucson are extremely sketchy.) I appreciated her kindness. I had been feeling this heavy joy and lightness thinking about how it's me and God- we're together on this journey, and I'm trusting Him... I have been blessed by angels like this one to help me get home.
The PBR event was exciting! There is a prayer beforehand, and for the two events I attended, a border patrol man sang the National Anthem. I love the bulls, people watching, and the music and competition. I'm very glad that they are making the next generation of cowboys wear masks. Tradition might pride itself in a simple cowboy hat, but it scares the begeebes out of me!
I am starting a new job Monday. If you've been following me at all this year, you know that I've had my share of trials with work. I feel very optimistic about this job, however, and I feel like the tide may actually be turning for me. PRAISE GOD! It was a professional interview, a pay raise, and I'll even have benefits after the first three months I work with my temp agency. It is really good health insurance, too- they cover 75 percent. I like the work environment and people. It's retro and filled with light and plants. It's funny how it's the small things that can really make a difference. I will begin my training this week.
I'm budgeting pretty well. Last night I blew it and while I was working I bought a 3.50 salted pretzel! I have to remember to pack snacks at all times! Still it's nice to see that I'm getting my debt (all student loans) paid off! I feel focused and determined. I have less than 1,000 now to pay on my South Carolina Student Loan and 15,500 on the rest. I can do it! I want to be DEBT FREE. It's a gratifying feeling to be in control and my biggest thing is- keep the money flowing, find work- whatever it takes! I've saved money by eating lots of leftovers and being creative in the kitchen. I've utilized my downtown library, reading recent novels by Jennifer Weiner. I've picked up extra event jobs, and I no longer use public transportation unless absolutely necessary. I bike everywhere. I'll be biking to my job as well. I let my clothes hang dry outside, and I believe in eggs and potatoes.
Hope you all are ushering in October with much joy and jubilee. It's a great time of year. Back in Maine, I can remember the crispness in the air, the changing colors, and the happiness I felt pulling out my fleeces, sweaters and tights. :) Now in Tucson, I'm happy that it's staying warm- still swimming and not dying from intense heat.
Last night I worked my last night at PBR, which was good money and totally exciting to experience, and I got a little lost walking back to the bus stop. I finally made it there and sat down to wait for the bus to take me home. I kept seeing "not in service" buses go by and started to wonder what was going on.
It was Saturday night, and finally my bus 16 showed up and the lady asked me, "Are you waiting for bus 16?" Yes, I am. Well, this is the last bus and it's not running anymore. I said Okay and started to think about the long walk home in my strappy sandals- never mind the hoodlums along the way. She looked at me and said, "hey, just get in. I'll take you home." I started to put money in and she said, "no, you can't put money in- we're closed." So, I got a solo bus ride home. She told me, "I looked at you and thought- this woman doesn't need to be down here." (FYI: the bus stations in Tucson are extremely sketchy.) I appreciated her kindness. I had been feeling this heavy joy and lightness thinking about how it's me and God- we're together on this journey, and I'm trusting Him... I have been blessed by angels like this one to help me get home.
The PBR event was exciting! There is a prayer beforehand, and for the two events I attended, a border patrol man sang the National Anthem. I love the bulls, people watching, and the music and competition. I'm very glad that they are making the next generation of cowboys wear masks. Tradition might pride itself in a simple cowboy hat, but it scares the begeebes out of me!
I am starting a new job Monday. If you've been following me at all this year, you know that I've had my share of trials with work. I feel very optimistic about this job, however, and I feel like the tide may actually be turning for me. PRAISE GOD! It was a professional interview, a pay raise, and I'll even have benefits after the first three months I work with my temp agency. It is really good health insurance, too- they cover 75 percent. I like the work environment and people. It's retro and filled with light and plants. It's funny how it's the small things that can really make a difference. I will begin my training this week.
I'm budgeting pretty well. Last night I blew it and while I was working I bought a 3.50 salted pretzel! I have to remember to pack snacks at all times! Still it's nice to see that I'm getting my debt (all student loans) paid off! I feel focused and determined. I have less than 1,000 now to pay on my South Carolina Student Loan and 15,500 on the rest. I can do it! I want to be DEBT FREE. It's a gratifying feeling to be in control and my biggest thing is- keep the money flowing, find work- whatever it takes! I've saved money by eating lots of leftovers and being creative in the kitchen. I've utilized my downtown library, reading recent novels by Jennifer Weiner. I've picked up extra event jobs, and I no longer use public transportation unless absolutely necessary. I bike everywhere. I'll be biking to my job as well. I let my clothes hang dry outside, and I believe in eggs and potatoes.
Hope you all are ushering in October with much joy and jubilee. It's a great time of year. Back in Maine, I can remember the crispness in the air, the changing colors, and the happiness I felt pulling out my fleeces, sweaters and tights. :) Now in Tucson, I'm happy that it's staying warm- still swimming and not dying from intense heat.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Mid-week Milestones
Life has been good to me lately. I've been enjoying a little down time in between jobs. I've been swimming and biking, cooking and cleaning, and doing some research.
I've even felt a little rest and relaxation!
I have job interviews lined up, one tomorrow with more in progress. There are three possible jobs that I am pursuing. My newest temp agent told me, "I get you. I got you before I even met you. You're one of those that enjoys experiencing life. You should have been around in the 70's. I get it." She had me figured out through my resume, my email address and phone conversation. I enjoyed meeting with her, and having temp and staffing agencies have literally saved my life this last year. Once you prove yourself as a good worker, they will have your back, and I am so indebted.
I have another event this weekend which I am so totally excited about working! I will be working as a brand ambassador (once again) for PBR! I confess I didn't even know what it stood for until I looked it up, and then I started to feel jazzed! This should be fun! The money is great and the job is easy, AND I get a free pass in to watch the event on Friday and Saturday night whenever I am not needed. I can't wait. Bulls are such majestic animals, and I'm baffled at the sport and curious about it too. I know a lot of other people must feel the same.
I skyped with a friend this past weekend that I haven't seen in five or six years. This lady is amazing! She and I were pals back in Berea, Kentucky. We were both non- traditional students and became instant friends. She is a lovely Chinese lady from Myanmar. She is intelligent and thoughtful, kind and considerate. There is so much I love about her. Anyway, in the last few years she went to an IVY league school in Pennsylvania, got her Masters and worked with Unicef and other agencies. She was eventually offered a job with an organization in Germany, and she is living in Berlin now. She's getting married in three months to a German that speaks better Chinese than anyone she knows. I have to tell you what joy and fun it was to speak with her from my little apartment in Tucson all the way to her apartment in Berlin. I was waking up with a pot of coffee and disheveled hair and she was going to bed soon in her cozy orange robe sipping a mug of tea. I saw in her apartment boxes and boxes of books, and I got to hear my friend talk about her life in Berlin, a progressive, free city she loves. It reminded me how wide and expansive the world is, how much there is out there, and how good it is to travel and take it all in whenever you can.
I've even felt a little rest and relaxation!
I have job interviews lined up, one tomorrow with more in progress. There are three possible jobs that I am pursuing. My newest temp agent told me, "I get you. I got you before I even met you. You're one of those that enjoys experiencing life. You should have been around in the 70's. I get it." She had me figured out through my resume, my email address and phone conversation. I enjoyed meeting with her, and having temp and staffing agencies have literally saved my life this last year. Once you prove yourself as a good worker, they will have your back, and I am so indebted.
I have another event this weekend which I am so totally excited about working! I will be working as a brand ambassador (once again) for PBR! I confess I didn't even know what it stood for until I looked it up, and then I started to feel jazzed! This should be fun! The money is great and the job is easy, AND I get a free pass in to watch the event on Friday and Saturday night whenever I am not needed. I can't wait. Bulls are such majestic animals, and I'm baffled at the sport and curious about it too. I know a lot of other people must feel the same.
I skyped with a friend this past weekend that I haven't seen in five or six years. This lady is amazing! She and I were pals back in Berea, Kentucky. We were both non- traditional students and became instant friends. She is a lovely Chinese lady from Myanmar. She is intelligent and thoughtful, kind and considerate. There is so much I love about her. Anyway, in the last few years she went to an IVY league school in Pennsylvania, got her Masters and worked with Unicef and other agencies. She was eventually offered a job with an organization in Germany, and she is living in Berlin now. She's getting married in three months to a German that speaks better Chinese than anyone she knows. I have to tell you what joy and fun it was to speak with her from my little apartment in Tucson all the way to her apartment in Berlin. I was waking up with a pot of coffee and disheveled hair and she was going to bed soon in her cozy orange robe sipping a mug of tea. I saw in her apartment boxes and boxes of books, and I got to hear my friend talk about her life in Berlin, a progressive, free city she loves. It reminded me how wide and expansive the world is, how much there is out there, and how good it is to travel and take it all in whenever you can.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Keurig!
Today I worked six hours straight as a brand representative for Keurig- hired out by EventPro. Yes, I find the strangest and oddest gigs, but the money is (will be- it takes a month or so) very good for standing around offering coffee, scooping ice, and asking people if they'd like to sign up to win a Keurig machine by filling out a survey. Oh, and cleaning up the messes people make from using the eight different Keurig machines.
For the first two hours I scooped ice while University of Arizona tail gating red shirts walked by- many were tipsy and most were young. One lady told me, "You're starting to get a sunburn." Oh well, I thought, at least I'm making some money. After a couple hours someone in the team offered to switch with me, and it must have been the perfect time. I was beginning to shake in my feet and hands, and I couldn't concentrate on what anyone was saying to me.
I told my boss and he let me rest by the ice for a few minutes. I rested for about ten minutes and was able to work the rest of my shift in the shade. This helped me a lot.
People are excited about free Keurig coffee, so we stayed busy the whole time.
I was the "older" person among the college kids, but I found them to be very nice, pleasant, and helpful. The lead guy was also very nice and thanked us for our hard work. He told us that he'd like to keep the same people when he comes back in November- when U of A plays against Utah. It's easy money, interesting people watching (what are girls wearing today? NOTHING!) and not very hard at all. I'll just bring more water and sunscreen next time. I didn't have black shorts or black shoes, but I borrowed one of the girls hair ties for a ponytail at least. If I had my choice, I would pick the orange Keurig above my head. I tend to like brewing my own coffee or boiling it for even stronger coffee, but I'll keep that secret to myself.
For the first two hours I scooped ice while University of Arizona tail gating red shirts walked by- many were tipsy and most were young. One lady told me, "You're starting to get a sunburn." Oh well, I thought, at least I'm making some money. After a couple hours someone in the team offered to switch with me, and it must have been the perfect time. I was beginning to shake in my feet and hands, and I couldn't concentrate on what anyone was saying to me.
I told my boss and he let me rest by the ice for a few minutes. I rested for about ten minutes and was able to work the rest of my shift in the shade. This helped me a lot.
People are excited about free Keurig coffee, so we stayed busy the whole time.
I was the "older" person among the college kids, but I found them to be very nice, pleasant, and helpful. The lead guy was also very nice and thanked us for our hard work. He told us that he'd like to keep the same people when he comes back in November- when U of A plays against Utah. It's easy money, interesting people watching (what are girls wearing today? NOTHING!) and not very hard at all. I'll just bring more water and sunscreen next time. I didn't have black shorts or black shoes, but I borrowed one of the girls hair ties for a ponytail at least. If I had my choice, I would pick the orange Keurig above my head. I tend to like brewing my own coffee or boiling it for even stronger coffee, but I'll keep that secret to myself.
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