REFLECTIONS

I picked up my final check from Wal-Mart today.  Today is a Thursday, and there were hardly any customers, at 5:00 IN THE AFTERNOON.  They are eliminating layaway effective November 9, 2006.  I read in the media that they are attempting to move a substantial amount of its employees from full-time to part-time.  The last time I remember witnessing so many changes taking place in a company in such a short period of time, the company was either:

1) Downsizing,

2) Filing for bankruptcy; or

3) Going out of business.

Also, many of their discontinued clothing items are being found at discount clothing stores.  I was able to buy a pair of velvet dress pants, that were selling for $30 at Wal-Mart, for $8, at Fallas Paredes.  I hope that my observations are just assumptions, and not facts.  Wal-Mart is good for hiring people who wouldn't otherwise be able to work anywhere else, but need to, and they did give me a chance.  They did help my family and I, and many others impacted by the hurricanes.  I will never forget my experience there, whether good or bad.  Wherever I am, I am always grateful for the opportunity to work.  I would hate to see my former co-workers lose their jobs.

I will start working the evening shift on Saturday.  My training period will end October 28th, and I will be a full-fledged employee, able to volunteer for overtime and everything! LOL  I am planning on going to the Houston Community College next week, on my day off, to obtain course information and costs, locations, etc.  I also want to find out if I have the option of starting over from scratch, or using my existing credits to help me get my degree quicker.  I am going for the Associate's Degree in Business Administration, folks.  I think that with a family, that will be enough of a workload to add on to my already full plate!  Hopefully, I will try to continue my education later, when I will have more time!

My husband is still outofwork.  It has been over a year, and he still hasn't found a job.  Normally, it wouldn't bother me much, but Matthew isn't even trying, and I am growing more frustrated with him by the day.  I am helping him as much as I can.  The Work Source is trying to assist him, but he hasn't returned their phone calls, nor has he made himself available to take them.  I am not expecting him to work a full-time job; Matthew has worked part-time most of his life.  I just want him to bring some income in to help with bills, and pay his own debts.  I don't think that I am asking for much, am I?  Don't get me wrong.  I appreciate his help with the girls, and I know that he is going to school.  It's just that I know that he can do MORE, but is hell-bent on doing just enough to get by.  The assistance we are receiving will run out soon, and I know that the funds that he has in his bank account is running low.  I always feel safe and secure when I know that we did all that we could possibly do to prepare for the future.  I feel like preparation is only my concern in this family.  Please forgive me y'all for being so personal.  I just had to say something.  I mean, I am not walking in the clouds here.  I have issues, too, I just don't try to reveal them here, because I want this to be a place where people can come and be encouraged.  Today, I could use some encouragement, or some empathy.

Nicolette is in puberty, and she is becoming more difficult to deal with by the day.  She is very moody.  I am not so old that I don't remember what it was like, but I don't like it when she challenges my authority and throws a tantrum when she doesn't get her way, or when I have to discipline her.  She's young enough now that I am able to "reign her in", but she is one that I have to watch, because she is "sneaky."  Plus, she is still struggling in school, but is doing much better than she was last year. 

I did help Maya with her project, and she earned 400 points!  Angela had gotten five stars in her homework folder, and her teacher awarded her with a Power Puff Girl doll, her favorite.  I try not to focus on the little ones too much, or showtoo much favoritism, but they are more like me, and I relate to them better.  Still, I love Nicolette VERY MUCH, and I will continue to do everything in my power to help her succeed.

Gotta go feed my family, folks.  Herbed rice, pork chops, roasted chicken, and broccoli, cauliflower and carrots in cheese sauce.  YUMMY! LOL

 

Adrian