WEIGHING OPTIONS

The interview went very well. They are seriously considering hiring me, but the training coordinator is concerned about hiring me because of the distance that I would have to drive. I have thought about that, too, but here's the thing; if I stay where I am, my schedule will be 1:30 pm to 12 midnight, with probably Mon-Tue-Wed or a Tue-Wed-Thu off. Stafford PD is still on 8-hour shifts, but they will soon switch to 12-hours (7A-7P, and 7P-7A), with an option of a Sat-Sun-Mon, Sun-Mon-Tue, or Wed-Thu-Fri off. Either way it goes, I would still have a weekend day off, plus I would be off ALL DAY before having to return to work. And, I will be paid more. The only detail that I would have to iron out is making sure that the girls get to school on time in the mornings on the days that I am working. The two older girls don't have to be at school until 8:30, but the little one has to be there by 8, and will have to take the bus on those days. If I get a Wed-Thu-Fri, then Angela would only have to bus Monday and Tuesday mornings.

I also received a call from the City Of Houston. They are interested in interviewing me for an available position in the emergency communications center. I have an issue with the city to clear up first before she can run my background check, but she told me that she has a few more potential prospects. She gave me until Friday to take care of it, so that she can process all of us together.

Again, I must stress that there are no major problems where I work now. It's just that the new scheduling will be an issue for me. I am trying to work LESS hours, not more! And if I have to work more hours, that's fine, but it would be nice if the schedule was made well enough to accommodate everyone who works in the department, not just a few. I mean, what mother would want to get off at 12 midnight, when she has to get up at 5:30 AM? By the time those three days off finally roll around, I will be beat! I feel like I am always having to fight and battle to make sure that I am able to balance family and work life. I need to do both; dropping any of these obligations is not an option. My family is my priority. I came with them. LOL They didn't just "drop in" my life all of a sudden. And for anyone to insist that a decision must be made between family or work, to me, is irrational. So, here I am, yet again, trying hard to maintain balance.

Matthew came home early yesterday. We went and bought Nicolette a new bed (a full-size with a pillow top mattress!), and went to eat at Fuddruckers (a hamburger joint) with a friend of his, who also wound up staying with us until dusk (He had to leave for work before dinner was finished). I had a lot of fun yesterday, which is a luxury for me. I rarely have any downtime, and that is dangerous, because remaining in a constant state of purpose has the potential to cloud my judgement a lot of times. There are other reasons why I want to work somewhere else that has nothing to do with scheduling, and I cannot mention them here. I can say that I am determined to do my best at anything that is set before me. I am not a quitter, and I don't give up. I have grown up around people who were quitters, who became content with anything that was handed to them, and who easily made excuses for why their lives couldn't be any better. They didn't even try. I also had people in my life who wanted to do better, but just couldn't for reasons beyond their control. I know and believe that the ones who wanted desperately to have a better life but couldn't by no fault of their own (mental illnesses, physical handicaps,etc.) would have had one if there was an opportunity for them to do it. I am determined that as long as there is breath in my body, and my limbs are in use, that I will do the best that I can, and refuse to allow myself to make an excuse for why I shouldn't or can't to anything to better my life or myself.

Everyone doesn't think like that. There are those who see the results of integrity, but are not willing to do what it takes to acquire them. Instead of attempting to achieve a measure of integrity themselves, they band together to try and make life harder for people who have it.

Adrian

BUSY WEEK

Tomorrow morning, I have a job interview. Yes, a job interview for a police telecommunicator position with the Stafford Police Department. I had taken the test for it Saturday morning, and passed with flying colors. No, I am NOT in trouble at my current job. LOL On the contrary, I am doing very well. I am in no hurry to move. I am just weighing other options. They are getting ready to make some changes here that may affect family life at home in a big way (10-hour shifts, etc.), so if there are opportunities to move to other environments that may offer better working conditions, I don't see anything wrong with taking a look at them.

I also have to take a flu shot on Friday. I missed both chances at the free ones they were giving out here (I was off on the days that they gave them), but now the city is offering all employees a $10 shot. I had to register for it and everything. Another task that has to be done before I have to go to work. Great. LOL Well, at least the interview is on my day off. And you already KNOW that "the Dooney" is going to show out Tuesday! LOL What's great is that I already have a cute pair of shoes that has the same colored top stitching as my purse does. The training coordinator told me to "dress for the part," so I will try to look my best!

I asked Matthew what he thought about all of this, and he just told me to go and see what the job was all about. My husband is SO supportive. LOL

I am also beginning the process of helping the girls at home get ready for the TAKS test. Angela's school sent home some reading and math workbooks, and I had to check textbooks out for Nicolette to bring home. I will work with Nicolette on my days off, and I will work with Angie on the weekends, before going to work. Angela is scheduled for after-school tutorials on my off days, plus she has choir rehearsal early Tuesday morning. I am also thinking about sending her to church Wednesday nights to sing with the youth choir! I don't want to overwork her, but I think that keeping her busy, especially in a constructive way, will help her in the long run.

I REALLY, REALLY need to visit my loctician again. So much has happened to everyone during and after Hurricane Ike, and many people are still playing catch-up. I called her not too long after the storm, and she didn't return my phone call. I began thinking that she didn't want me to be her customer anymore (you know how we tend to let our minds play tricks on us), when I spoke to the lady at my church who referred me to her. Sister Francis said that the loctician didn't return her phone calls for awhile, either, and when she finally did, she told her that she wasn't going to be able to schedule an appointment for her until November! And Sister Francis is one of her BEST customers! LOL I will call her again, probably tomorrow or Wednesday, and see if she is able to fit me in soon.

I have to wash the girls' hair, too. I have been doing Nicolette's hair every weekend, because her hair was falling out. Now it is growing back healthy and thick, but I am ashamed to admit that I haven't been taking as intense an interest in my other two daughter's hair. And Maya's hair REALLY needs some attention. She has been wearing that fro puff for awhile now, with no complaints. But I know that she would love for her hair to be washed and braided like her sister's too. Angela's hair is still easy to manage. She has baby-fine hair, and she is still young enough that her hair is in that manageable stage. I am really, really considering perming their hair, simply because it would be "easier" for me, but I know all too well how bad chemicals can be for our hair. I am trying to hang in there and resist temptation. LOL

I am cooking for Thanksgiving, even though I will be working this holiday. Matt's friends are already making plans to come down. I am glad, because we really need people to help us eat all of that food! LOL

I had a really, really rough week last week. Matthew was pretty much a part of the problem. But he and I have since made up. I can't stay mad at him; the man is just so SEXY.........LOL :-)

Adrian

SPLURGE

Like it? I LOVE it!

Kinda nice..........

Well, I finally have my blog set up the way I want it, for now. Blogger has more of a grown-up feel to it. Maybe that's what we need sometimes, to grow up with some things. LOL I just hope that I'm not out of my element here, and out of my league. I have heard that some members of Blogger can be treacherous.

Matthew is back on his regular schedule. Thank you, Jesus!

The girls had really, really good report cards this semester. I am so proud of them. I think its because they really like their schools, and they love this new school district, and this area. What a difference a new environment can make!

I will write more later. Have to go and get ready for work. Today's my Friday, though...YAAAAY!

END OF THE YEAR SAVING TIPS

In two months, Christmas will be here.  Many Americans are already experiencing some serious financial problems.  Holidays can bring on additional stress-if you aren't prepared.  Here are some of my bona fide end-of-the-year tips that can and will help save you money, and bring you some peace of mind:

1) Cook your own holiday meals, or host a "holiday potluck" at home if guest are coming.  The latter guarantees that you will only have to be responsible for a few dishes yourself.    

2) Clip coupons.

3) Watch the weekly sales.  Buy meat and staples when they are sold at bargain prices, even if you don't need them at the moment.  Stock your freezer and pantry, so when the "lean weeks" roll around, you'll have plenty of food in your own home to eat.

4) Be creative.  Take advantage of recipes, and abandon conventionalism.  Eat breakfast for dinner if all you have is eggs in the refrigerator and grits in the pantry.  Who cares?  It's still food!  

5) Don't take unnecessary trips.  Plan your grocery, laundry, errand-running days, etc. on the same day, if possible.  Map out where you need to go.  Bring a list and stick to it.  This saves time, gas, and money.  A triple benefit!  

6) Bring your own lunch to work. Every day. Snacks too. Resist the urge to raid the snack machines and concessions, and you'll be surprised how much money you will save every month.

7) Stop smoking!

8) Prepare your kids to expect only one gift, or maybe even NO gifts, for Christmas.  Save those lavish gifts for their birthdays.  Remember, Christmas isn't their birthday, anyway.  Does this work in my household?  It definitely does.  I have been doing this for a number of years, and the girls really don't mind, just as long as they are rewarded for  their patience when the big days roll around!    

9) Watch that bank account!  Keep track of it online, and balance that checkbook!

10) Wash last season's winter clothes and wear them.  Don't buy anymore clothes unless you really need to.  Update your wardrobe with only a few pieces.  Let most of what you wear come from what you already have.  Bundle up in the winter months, and dress in layers.  Wearing more than one shirt, or "layering" is "haute couture." LOL

11) Be wise when and if you have to purchase another car.  If you haven't finished paying off the one you have, please don't buy another one yet.  If you MUST buy another car, do your research.  Figure out right now what you are able to afford (this figure includes taxes, title, license, insurance) and shouldn't go over  1/4 of your income.  Yes, this means that you may not be able to buy that beautiful truck or that hot sports car.  But the car you can afford is the one you really need.  You don't want to purchase something that you will hate to use because the price you are paying for it stresses you out all of the time

12) Need a cell phone? Consider a pre-paid plan.  Pre-paid phones today offer all the amenities of a plan phone (texting, media messaging, internet, unlimited night and weekends) without a contract.  I had one for three years (and still have one; I replaced the phone I lost with a cheaper handset so that I could keep my old number), and it has served me well.  These are really great for those of us who only need a phone for emergencies, to call close family members, and never use cell phones very much.  My kids alsohave pre-paid phones.  They know that the phones are to be used for emergencies only.  So far, they are doing extremely well with them.  I don't have to worry about them running up a $300 or $400 phone bill, because once those minutes are used up, that's it; no more phone until I am ready to buy more minutes!  Which would you rather, a heart attack over a pricey bill, or a $25 loss? 

13) Buy things that you will always need ( soap, shampoo, sanitary napkins and tampons, deodorant, etc.) in bulk, especially when they are on sale.

14) If you see something that you really like, buy it now, even if it isn't on sale. (This is in reference to clothing and shoes.)  You probably have the money for it right now.  It's foolish to say that you'll wait for it to go on sale, especially around the holidays, as if you were the only person looking at the same item in that size. You may pay a bit more, but at least you'll  have yours.

15) Use those grocery store discount cards!  Some offer up to 10 cents in savings at the pump (if they sell gasoline),  and are even linked to other stores where you can use their cards to save money also!  

16) If a grocery store TRIPLES coupons..............ah, you know where I am going with this one...LOL

17) Purchase generic brand food and prescriptions, if they are available.  Many times, the generic brands taste and work as good as the brand name!

18) Don't be ashamed to shop at a "hood" grocery store; a lot of bargains are to be found if you are willing to humble yourself!  Of course, go in the day time, be careful, and protect your belongings........LOL  

19) Buy your house cleaners, paper and supplies at a Dollar General, Family Dollar or any dollar store.

20) Nix your obsession with designer clothing.  If you MUST be a tag hag, shop around for bargains, and take advantage of sales.  Go to outlet stores. Places like Kohl's, Ross, Stein Mart, Burlington Coat Factory, etc. sells designer clothes at bargain prices.

21) Toss your loose change in a jar, and use the coins for the kids' lunch money.

22) Do your own hair, feet and nails.  Salons are a luxury; treat them as such.

23) Watch the movies and play the games that you already have at home.  Share movies, music and games with family, friends, and co-workers (make sure they return your stuff! LOL)

24) Set the air conditioner to the highest possible comfortable setting. 78-80 still leaves your home pretty comfortable.  Open windows and run the fans during the day.  Turn on the air after 8 PM. Turn it off in the early morning hours.

25) Shower.  Run water sparingly.  Don't use the dishwasher.

26) If your kid has a PSP, a Game Boy, an X-Box, a PlayStation, and a Cube, why in the heck does he or she need a Nintendo DS Lite? Come on, people! Same goes for cell phones (I know some kids who are on their TENTH phone), i-pods, and other electronics.  You are teaching your kids to be grossly unappreciative.  Buy them some good books instead. Or a telescope. Or a chemistry set.  Or an art/craft kit.  You get the idea.  

What end-of-the year tips do you have to share?  

Adrian