WHAT'S NEW

Well, Matthew started working on Monday.  He says that he isn't doing much of anything at the moment.  He will be getting his laptop next week, and says that he isn't in a hurry to obtain the cell phone that they are providing for him yet.  I guess the cell phone puts him at "on-call" status, so whenever they need him, they can contact him to come out.  I assured him that it is totally normal for it to be slow right now; I didn't start doing any "real" work until my third month of being here! LOL  He just started; he has to give it time.  I told him to enjoy these slow days! 

He's a salaried worker, which means that he doesn't have to clock in and out, like I do.  Sometimes, he has been coming home early.  We'll see how things go from here; it's too early to tell.

My old car, Nelly, is up for inspection soon.  I already know  that he's not going to pass.  Matthew and I are going to New Orleans next Saturday to borrow one of my brother's cars until we can figure out what we are going to do about my car situation.  There is a voucher program that has been set in place here that gives the driver of an old, smoky car up to $3500 towards the purchase of a newer vehicle.  The catches to that, though, are a) the car can't be older than a 2006; and b) the voucher must be used at one of the participating dealerships in the Houston area.  In other words, I smell a car note coming on!  I was excited about the prospect at first, but I really had to sit down and think about what sticky situation purchasing a car can put me in, especially since I am trying to pay down my debts through a consolidation agency.  I cannot open any new accounts or apply for any new loans, and a car loan is a LOAN.  I could go on Matt's name, but I want MY OWN car, not a car with someone else's name on it!  Believe me, those arrangements between folks can get pretty ugly, and I don't want any part of that drama!  I was thinking of just buying a newer model car in cash.  I wanted to buy my brother's car, but he opted to let me borrow it instead (it is a Cadillac).  He loves the car, and doesn't want to part with it.  I understand that; I hate the idea of having to part with Nelly, too, but he's not going to last much longer.  I am glad that he held up these three years! LOL 

The girls' had good report cards; Nicolette and Maya had A's And B's.  Angela didn't do as well (she barely passed), but the problem with her is that she knows how to do the work, but puts anything down on the paper so that she can hurry up to go play!  Matt and I already told her that if she doesn't pass to the second grade, she will not go to see her grandma in Mississippi this summer.  And we mean it, too! 

At work, there have been a lot of resignations and transfers going on up here.  There are now two morning spots available.  Everyone keeps asking me if I'd like to take one of them, and my answer is always no.  Matt has to work from 6 am to 2:30 PM, which means that I have to bring the kids to school in the morning.  My girls are too young and vulnerable to be left alone to fend for themselves.  That's why Matt and I make sure that whatever jobs we have will accommodate them, if possible.  My mom never left me alone when I was a kid, and Matt's family always made sure that someone was there for him and his sisters when they were young.  When they are older and are able to show me that they can handle a bit of freedom, then I will give them a bit of independence; but that time isn't now. 

However, a senior is leaving this department.  He found another job somewhere else in the city.  He works evenings, and is off on Monday and Tuesday.  I am considering applying for his open position.  I have learned all that I can possibly learn where I am now, and a senior position increases my chances for advancement.  There is still a lot of drama going on over there, though.  I'm still thinking about it.............. 

Adrian