Sigh. I got a letter from EDD (unemployment) last week telling me I had to attend a mandatory meeting this morning at 8:15 at one of their offices and if I don't go, my benefits will be affected. Oh, yeah, and bring along 2 pieces of identification that prove my eligibility to work and fill out a form telling them about my job search efforts.
So, I dragged myself out of bed this morning only to discover that I had a screaming headache and queasy stomach. Hmmm. Maybe it's just the stress of this meeting causing it. Into the shower and into what felt like a normal routine - it's before 7:00 a.m. and I'm dressing in "work" clothes, doing my hair and putting on makeup. Strangely enough, it felt really good.
I found my way to the facility where this meeting was to be held, and was somewhat surprised at the people just hanging around in the parking lot, some of whom were in line at the front door, waiting to get in. My meeting was at 8:15, and I arrived at 7:55. I guessed that the doors opened at 8:00, but couldn't quite figure out why all these people were hanging around.
Well, the facility is called Peninsula Works, which is a job/employment/career assistance office. There's 4 of these offices in this area, and it works in conjunction with the EDD and local adult schools, shelters and training programs to help people of all ages and skills get back to work. That explained some of the clientele I observed in the parking lot.
What I also discovered upon entering the building was that this wasn't a meeting with someone from EDD - it was a 2-hour seminar with about 20 other people! Yes, we were corralled into a room where a very nice gentleman led us through the do's and don'ts of collecting unemployment, how to use the Peninsula Works offices to our benefit, and answering questions from the group. It was very informative, but long, especially since I wasn't feeling so hot.
But, I did my duty, got my check mark for attending and my new identification card that allows me to use the Peninsula Works facility. It's just one more hoop that I managed to jump through to keep those checks flowing to my mailbox every other week.
Oy. I need to get a job soon!
Until Next Time,
Kel
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Reno Reno Reno!!!!
My friend Marie is one of the most generous people I know. And I love it when she invites me to go to Reno with her!It's been over a year since she and I have been there together; she's been up there on a few occasions with other friends and family, and I've been up there twice in the last year for scrapbooking retreats. But, this past weekend, we had a girls trip - just the two of us!
I picked her up Saturday at 6:15 a.m. to start our 4-hour long road trip. Why so early? We can't wait to get there! And, we miss any traffic that may build up later in the morning/day. Of course, there were the usual "pit" stops: Starbuck's in Vallejo (about an hour from our start), Safeway in Dixon (gas is way cheap there and we got a 30 cent-per-gallon discount on the Safeway gas reward I earned) and then one last time at Donner Summit for a potty break. We managed to pull up and hand the car keys to the valet at 10:30 - not bad timing!
When we checked in, Marie's casino host upgraded us from a regular hotel room to a "spa suite" on one of the upper floors - a birthday gift to her (she celebrated on 6/18). Wow - what a great room!!!!! It was bigger than my whole house! Had a big ol' jacuzzi, a walk-in shower, HD TV, a couch/seating area
and killer views of the valley. The only drawbacks we could find: 1 king sized bed for us to share, and the jacuzzi was in the middle of the room! We decided that we've known each other long enough that sleeping in the same bed wasn't a problem, and that we'd just make appointments with each other to use the jacuzzi. I normally don't gamble much when I go, not because I don't like to, but because I need to control myself or I'll happily hand over my rent money to the Lucky Lemmings video slot. This trip, I was really really on a tight budget - those unemployment checks don't even come close to covering what I'd like to gamble. So, I cautiously budgeted my money so I could spend time in the casino throughout the weekend. And I brought 2 books, 2 videos, my computer and my workout clothes to go the gym to cover the time I wasn't in the casino.
Surprisingly, I met Lady Luck Saturday night after a yummy stroll through the buffet (can I just say that the Silver Legacy has one of the best buffets in Reno!). I was playing a triple poker machine for nickels, sitting next to Marie, when it dealt me 3 aces on the first hand. I held them all, and turned to Marie with my hands over my eyes saying "I just can't look 'cause I know it won't deal me another ace." I hit the deal button and much to my surprise, on the third hand, it dealt me the 4th ace AND the 3 wildcard - I actually hit a little jackpot! Woo-hoo - 100 smackeroos on a 75 cent bet! It was the biggest hand I had ever hit. Suddenly, I was on the winning side of the street. I squealed with delight as I cashed out that bad boy and told Marie "let's go play somewhere else!"
We moved to another part of the casino where Marie introduced me to another triple hand poker machine, but this one had a twist: it was called "Times X" poker, and would randomly deal a wild card in the first hand that would grant you a winning multiplier from 2 - 12 times your bet. So, if you got the 5X multiplier and hit 2 pair, instead of just 5 (nickels, dimes or quarters), you'd get 25 on each line that you win. Well, after playing on my $20 for a short time, I was down to about $1.50 in credit left to play. It dealt me a pair of aces and as I held them I jokingly said to Marie "hah! You think I could hit the 4 aces with the 3 kicker again?" We both laughed as I hit the deal button and I watched the cards come up on the 3 lines. I about passed out when the third hand hit 2 more aces AND THE 3 KICKER for another $100!!!!! I was screaming so much you would have sworn I hit a million dollars!! I danced around a little bit, acting like a crazed, drunk gambler, and then cashed out that little ticket. At that point, I told Marie I was taking my $200 winnings and going to the nice room on the 31st floor for the night. I was quitting while I was ahead - my mama didn't raise no dummy.
Sunday wasn't as profitable, and I took a field trip to the local scrapbook store (which was closed for Father's day!) and then to the craft store just to kill some time. We enjoyed a very nice meal at the steakhouse at the Silver Legacy (one of Marie's 'gifts' for her birthday from the Legacy) and gambled some more for the evening.
I did give some of my winnings back, but, for the first time in all these years I've been going to Reno, I didn't go to the atm to get more funds and I came home with more money in my wallet than I went up there with. Woo-hoo.
And my friend Marie? Well, my Granny always said that if you were generous, you'd be rewarded two-fold. Marie proved that was true this weekend. She hit several 'large' jackpots on her video poker machines, and her name was pulled in a casino drawing on Sunday afternoon and she won $250! I think Granny must have been looking down on her from Heaven and giving her a helping hand for being so generous with me over the weekend.
It was a great break for me to be away from the house and both of us had a blast!
Until Next Time,
Kel
Friday, June 19, 2009
Twenty Years Ago Today...
When I was younger, thinking in terms of a span of 20 years seemed like such a long time. It felt like it took me forever and a day to reach my 20th birthday. My impression of people who spoke of things they did 20 years ago: they were old.
Guess what? Today I'm officially old by my own standards.
June 19, 1989. I walked into the law offices of Steefel, Levitt & Weiss at the Embarcadero Center in San Francisco to start my new job in my new home. I had just celebrated my 27th birthday, gotten over a bad divorce and only knew 2 people who lived in the Bay Area. What the hell was I thinking?
I was thinking that I needed to stand on my own two feet and be my own person. I didn't want to be referred to as "his" ex-wife any more. My family was extremely supportive of my new "single" life, but I needed to prove to myself that I could be independent and not call on them every time a spider crossed my path. I had lots of friends, but I needed new friends who judged me for being me and who didn't feel sorry for me for the drama I had been through in the previous 2 years.
I'll never forget that morning. I arrived early (of course!), and waited in the reception area with 4 other women who were also starting their first day at SLW. All legal secretaries of varying experience. We all nervously sat there, wondering what the day would bring. There was Patrice, a sharply dressed girl who didn't say much; Marilyn, a British girl that I had a hard time understanding (Cajun and British accents are both hard to understand - she had a hard time understanding me, too!); one girl that I can't remember her name (the mind is the first to go when you're old!); and Debra, a drop-dead gorgeous blond mother of three - who is still my good friend today.
That day, my new, exiciting life began. I often wonder what my life would be like today if I hadn't taken that big step - would I still be working at the same law firm I left? Who would be in my inner circle of friends? Would I have met, fell in love and married the new man of my dreams?
One thing that I did not anticipte that day: the truly wonderful friends I have made over the past 20 years. There are so many of them that it would take me forever to list them here, but you all know who you are and just in case you were wondering, I love you all and thank you for being my friend (uh-oh, there goes the theme song from "The Golden Girls" in my head!) Without all of you, I would not be the woman I am today.
I do miss my family terribly, but thanks to today's technology, I get to socialize with them on a daily basis, something that I couldn't do 20 years ago.
Funny how life is cyclical. 20 years ago, I was nervous about starting a new job. Today, I'm once again nervous about starting a new job (and let's not talk about finding one!).
Until Next Time,
Kel
Guess what? Today I'm officially old by my own standards.
June 19, 1989. I walked into the law offices of Steefel, Levitt & Weiss at the Embarcadero Center in San Francisco to start my new job in my new home. I had just celebrated my 27th birthday, gotten over a bad divorce and only knew 2 people who lived in the Bay Area. What the hell was I thinking?
I was thinking that I needed to stand on my own two feet and be my own person. I didn't want to be referred to as "his" ex-wife any more. My family was extremely supportive of my new "single" life, but I needed to prove to myself that I could be independent and not call on them every time a spider crossed my path. I had lots of friends, but I needed new friends who judged me for being me and who didn't feel sorry for me for the drama I had been through in the previous 2 years.
I'll never forget that morning. I arrived early (of course!), and waited in the reception area with 4 other women who were also starting their first day at SLW. All legal secretaries of varying experience. We all nervously sat there, wondering what the day would bring. There was Patrice, a sharply dressed girl who didn't say much; Marilyn, a British girl that I had a hard time understanding (Cajun and British accents are both hard to understand - she had a hard time understanding me, too!); one girl that I can't remember her name (the mind is the first to go when you're old!); and Debra, a drop-dead gorgeous blond mother of three - who is still my good friend today.
That day, my new, exiciting life began. I often wonder what my life would be like today if I hadn't taken that big step - would I still be working at the same law firm I left? Who would be in my inner circle of friends? Would I have met, fell in love and married the new man of my dreams?
One thing that I did not anticipte that day: the truly wonderful friends I have made over the past 20 years. There are so many of them that it would take me forever to list them here, but you all know who you are and just in case you were wondering, I love you all and thank you for being my friend (uh-oh, there goes the theme song from "The Golden Girls" in my head!) Without all of you, I would not be the woman I am today.
I do miss my family terribly, but thanks to today's technology, I get to socialize with them on a daily basis, something that I couldn't do 20 years ago.
Funny how life is cyclical. 20 years ago, I was nervous about starting a new job. Today, I'm once again nervous about starting a new job (and let's not talk about finding one!).
Until Next Time,
Kel
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Day 35: Thank Goodness for Julie!
Today I had another session with Julie, my awesome career coach. Julie is like a personal trainer for my brain: she's making me rethink the process of looking for and landing a job.
Let's face it. I've been working since 1982 (longer if you count all those summer jobs in high school and college). Wow, that's a long time: 27 years I've been gainfully employed. 27 years? Holy crap, I'm old. But I digress. In that time, I've had a total of 5 jobs, 3 of which have lasted 7 years or longer. I'm definitely not a job hopper!
For each of those jobs, I applied either through a newspaper ad or with a recruiter. I sent in a printed resume, filled with my skills, accomplishments and references. I waited, got phone calls, went on first and second interviews and got offers and accepted one. Finding a new job always seemed easy.
Today? Not so much. Yeah, I could go online and search for a job on any number of job-search websites. But what I'm learning from Julie is that it takes a lot more than that piece of paper I called a resume to land a job. It takes a lot of work! For example: I need a web presence. Not just this blog or my Creative Memories website or Facebook. I need to have a profile on LinkedIn, ZoomInfo and Ziggs so people can find me. I need to have business cards with my contact info. I need a resume that has keywords in it. I need to network!
I need to go to the gym.....
Until Next Time,
Kel
Let's face it. I've been working since 1982 (longer if you count all those summer jobs in high school and college). Wow, that's a long time: 27 years I've been gainfully employed. 27 years? Holy crap, I'm old. But I digress. In that time, I've had a total of 5 jobs, 3 of which have lasted 7 years or longer. I'm definitely not a job hopper!
For each of those jobs, I applied either through a newspaper ad or with a recruiter. I sent in a printed resume, filled with my skills, accomplishments and references. I waited, got phone calls, went on first and second interviews and got offers and accepted one. Finding a new job always seemed easy.
Today? Not so much. Yeah, I could go online and search for a job on any number of job-search websites. But what I'm learning from Julie is that it takes a lot more than that piece of paper I called a resume to land a job. It takes a lot of work! For example: I need a web presence. Not just this blog or my Creative Memories website or Facebook. I need to have a profile on LinkedIn, ZoomInfo and Ziggs so people can find me. I need to have business cards with my contact info. I need a resume that has keywords in it. I need to network!
I need to go to the gym.....
Until Next Time,
Kel
Friday, June 12, 2009
A Little Sad....
I haven't talked about the "E" word (exercise) in a while.
You'd think with all the time I have on my hands right now I'd be spending way more time at the gym. Uh, nope. I've actually been spending less time there, mostly because the knee is still not 100%. Today was the first time in nearly 2 months that I didn't feel any pain all day. I'd say that's a little progress.
But, I just got home from my last paid personal training session with Denise. I'm really sad about it because right now, I can't afford to buy another 10 sessions with her. Heck, with that measly unemployment check I got this week, I can barely afford to pay my bills! I'm actually going to admit that I'm going to miss the workouts because I feel like I've come so far since I started working with her last June. Tonight, to celebrate, she increased my weights just for good measure. More than the workouts I'm going to miss hanging out with her on Friday afternoons. I can be myself with her, whether I'm being Connie Complainer or Wendy Whiner or Amy Angry or Gloria Goofy. She lets me be me.
And I think of her more than just a personal trainer. We've become friends and we talk about our lives and the things that are going on around us. Heck, I've even cried on her shoulder a time or two and she didn't seem to mind.
But, that's not the only thing that made me a little sad tonight. I had signed up for the summer session of boot camp, which was set to start at 6:00 a.m. sharp Monday morning. When I got to the gym, I was told they had to cancel it because they didn't meet their minimum enrollment. Rats. Phooey. Crap. Wussy women who are afraid to try it. I needed a good challenge, and boot camp always challenges me. Rats. Phooey. Crap.
Oh, well. There's still the Saturday morning Yo'lates class with Denise. And I'm sure I'll find a way to save up some cash to schedule some time with her sometime in the near future.
After all, my butt's depending on it!
Until Next Time,
Kel
You'd think with all the time I have on my hands right now I'd be spending way more time at the gym. Uh, nope. I've actually been spending less time there, mostly because the knee is still not 100%. Today was the first time in nearly 2 months that I didn't feel any pain all day. I'd say that's a little progress.
But, I just got home from my last paid personal training session with Denise. I'm really sad about it because right now, I can't afford to buy another 10 sessions with her. Heck, with that measly unemployment check I got this week, I can barely afford to pay my bills! I'm actually going to admit that I'm going to miss the workouts because I feel like I've come so far since I started working with her last June. Tonight, to celebrate, she increased my weights just for good measure. More than the workouts I'm going to miss hanging out with her on Friday afternoons. I can be myself with her, whether I'm being Connie Complainer or Wendy Whiner or Amy Angry or Gloria Goofy. She lets me be me.
And I think of her more than just a personal trainer. We've become friends and we talk about our lives and the things that are going on around us. Heck, I've even cried on her shoulder a time or two and she didn't seem to mind.
But, that's not the only thing that made me a little sad tonight. I had signed up for the summer session of boot camp, which was set to start at 6:00 a.m. sharp Monday morning. When I got to the gym, I was told they had to cancel it because they didn't meet their minimum enrollment. Rats. Phooey. Crap. Wussy women who are afraid to try it. I needed a good challenge, and boot camp always challenges me. Rats. Phooey. Crap.
Oh, well. There's still the Saturday morning Yo'lates class with Denise. And I'm sure I'll find a way to save up some cash to schedule some time with her sometime in the near future.
After all, my butt's depending on it!
Until Next Time,
Kel
Thursday, June 11, 2009
"I Wish the Dog Had a Snooze Button"
While out for the afternoon, I stopped in at Sur Le Table, a high-end kitchen wares store. Now, I'm quite amused and entertained by kitchen things. If I had a bigger kitchen, I'd spend way more money on these little treasures. I saw gadgets that I never knew existed and sometimes had to ponder what one would do with such a gadget in the kitchen.
But my favorite find this afternoon was a very large ceramic coffee mug. It was definitely a one-of-a-kind and it stood out among the other mugs on the shelf. This mug summed up my mornings right now: I Wish the Dog Had a Snooze Button. When I saw that, I just started laughing. And not subdued, lady-like giggles to myself, mind you. It was a hearty belly laugh heard by all in this fancy establishment who all looked in my direction to see what the noise was. I couldn't help it. It just cracked.me.up.
Because after 28 days, Aero still doesn't get the concept that I don't have to get up before the crack of dawn 5 days a week. He still aggravates the bejeezus out of me once the sun comes up and won't stop no matter how long I try to ignore him or fuss at him or pet him. He wants me to get up when he's ready to get out of bed and he promptly goes back to sleep on the couch. What a life.
So, yeah. I got a really good laugh this afternoon when I saw that mug. It made my day.
And I DO wish Aero had a snooze button....
Until Next Time,
Kel
But my favorite find this afternoon was a very large ceramic coffee mug. It was definitely a one-of-a-kind and it stood out among the other mugs on the shelf. This mug summed up my mornings right now: I Wish the Dog Had a Snooze Button. When I saw that, I just started laughing. And not subdued, lady-like giggles to myself, mind you. It was a hearty belly laugh heard by all in this fancy establishment who all looked in my direction to see what the noise was. I couldn't help it. It just cracked.me.up.
Because after 28 days, Aero still doesn't get the concept that I don't have to get up before the crack of dawn 5 days a week. He still aggravates the bejeezus out of me once the sun comes up and won't stop no matter how long I try to ignore him or fuss at him or pet him. He wants me to get up when he's ready to get out of bed and he promptly goes back to sleep on the couch. What a life.
So, yeah. I got a really good laugh this afternoon when I saw that mug. It made my day.
And I DO wish Aero had a snooze button....
Until Next Time,
Kel
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Day 21: I Just Need to Keepy Busy
It's hard to believe that it's been 3 weeks since I got laid off.
My worst enemy is too much time on my hands. Oh, sure, I can do laundry. But there's only so much laundry one person can create! And I could clean my house, but where's the fun in that? I find that when I sit here, even in front of the computer, my mind wanders and starts to focus on things that could make me crazy: how am I going to pay my bills? How am I going to find a job? Am I too old to start over? How do I compete with a younger, smarter candidate? And let's not even go to the place where I beat myself up for my looks....
My friends have been so wonderful trying to help keep me busy. Angela and baby Max meet me once a week for a lunch outing. Joyce and I hang out on her days off, going to Target or catching an early movie. Marie has given me an open invitation to hang out at her house on the weekends. It's these "play dates" that help keep me unfocused on the scary stuff.
Yeah, busy is good. Maybe I should volunteer some of my free time...
Until next time,
Kel
My worst enemy is too much time on my hands. Oh, sure, I can do laundry. But there's only so much laundry one person can create! And I could clean my house, but where's the fun in that? I find that when I sit here, even in front of the computer, my mind wanders and starts to focus on things that could make me crazy: how am I going to pay my bills? How am I going to find a job? Am I too old to start over? How do I compete with a younger, smarter candidate? And let's not even go to the place where I beat myself up for my looks....
My friends have been so wonderful trying to help keep me busy. Angela and baby Max meet me once a week for a lunch outing. Joyce and I hang out on her days off, going to Target or catching an early movie. Marie has given me an open invitation to hang out at her house on the weekends. It's these "play dates" that help keep me unfocused on the scary stuff.
Yeah, busy is good. Maybe I should volunteer some of my free time...
Until next time,
Kel
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
It's Just Another Day....
Today is just like every other day. I mean, there's no real reason to celebrate. I told my friends that there's nothing to get excited about. Even Aero's treating today like there's no special reason to get up - he's been snoozing since we got out of bed this morning.
Maybe I'll treat myself to a movie and a nice lunch. Or maybe I'll get some Chinese take out from my favorite place for dinner tonight.
But whatever I do today, I'm not celebrating the fact that I'm a year older.
Maybe I'll treat myself to a movie and a nice lunch. Or maybe I'll get some Chinese take out from my favorite place for dinner tonight.
But whatever I do today, I'm not celebrating the fact that I'm a year older.
That's probably as close to a cake as I'll get today.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Day 17: The Sleepless Nights
I've always been a night owl, and have always hated mornings. Even as a kid, when Mom and Dad would put us to bed at 9:00 p.m., I'd generally lay awake in my bed listening to whatever show they were watching and then on to the news. I even stayed awake after they went to bed and the house was quiet.
As an adult, I had to train myself to go to bed before midnight so that I could get up before the crack of dawn to go to work and be semi-coherent.
But now that I don't have a regular routine, of course, I'm awake late at night and sleeping in in the mornings. I've been up to see all of the last episodes of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno; I've seen several Jimmy Kimmel shows; M*A*S*H comes on at some point on TV Land; did you know you can watch professional poker on NBC in the wee hours of the morning? The problem isn't that I'm just staying up late because I can. The problem is that I can't sleep.
It's been about 6 nights now. I just lay there awake, my mind racing. At least the tv distracts me a bit, but it is frustrating to not be able to sleep.
I'm getting tired. I try not to nap during the day because I know it won't help the situation at night. And I've given up caffiene again. But nothing seems to help. Of course, right now, it's the middle of the night again and here I am, up in front of the computer instead of in bed snoozing. I didn't feel like watching the poker game.
At least my little furry friend is snoozing away!
Until Next Time,
Kel
As an adult, I had to train myself to go to bed before midnight so that I could get up before the crack of dawn to go to work and be semi-coherent.
But now that I don't have a regular routine, of course, I'm awake late at night and sleeping in in the mornings. I've been up to see all of the last episodes of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno; I've seen several Jimmy Kimmel shows; M*A*S*H comes on at some point on TV Land; did you know you can watch professional poker on NBC in the wee hours of the morning? The problem isn't that I'm just staying up late because I can. The problem is that I can't sleep.
It's been about 6 nights now. I just lay there awake, my mind racing. At least the tv distracts me a bit, but it is frustrating to not be able to sleep.
I'm getting tired. I try not to nap during the day because I know it won't help the situation at night. And I've given up caffiene again. But nothing seems to help. Of course, right now, it's the middle of the night again and here I am, up in front of the computer instead of in bed snoozing. I didn't feel like watching the poker game.
At least my little furry friend is snoozing away!
Until Next Time,
Kel
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wow! It's Been Exactly Two Weeks...
I feel like all I talk about lately is the danged layoff. I'm guessing that all my friends feel like that's all I talk about lately, too. God bless them for listening and letting me talk about it.
Being home every day, I've had lots of time to think, reflect and explore things that normally would get lost in my day-to-day routine:
Being home every day, I've had lots of time to think, reflect and explore things that normally would get lost in my day-to-day routine:
- Aero is a creature of habit and likes to be home alone so he can nap the day away
- I'm easily distracted
- Learning to write HTML code isn't so hard
- Going to the movies before noon costs $2.75 less than going between noon and 6:00 pm; it's more like $4 less than going at night
- A trip to the Dollar Tree can be a fun adventure with $5 in your pocket
- Daytime tv doesn't have much to offer, unless you like talk shows, court room shows or soap operas
- I'm easily distracted
- I have lots of clothes that I can donate
- When you drink a lot of water, you use a lot of toilet paper
- When you cook a lot, you wash a lot of dishes (three cheers for take out food!)
- I'm easily distracted
I need a routine again. I need to be with humans who will respond to me when I talk. I need to feel needed.
Mostly, I need to give Aero his space again.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Day 12: The Paperwork Begins
Today's mail included 6 official looking envelopes: 3 from unemployment, 2 from my 401K provider and 1 from the people who administer COBRA.
Yikes. With each envelope, this becomes more real and I'm not just on vacation. I'm freaking unemployed!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
The original package of paperwork I received "that day" was overwhelming. Thank goodness for my friend Marie: she's the office manager for another law firm and went over the paperwork with me to help me understand what the heck it all meant.
Today I discovered that it's a lot of work to be unemployed! And it's all so confusing.
Like unemployement. There's a form that I need to fill out over and over telling them that I've been looking for work and am eligible to work each week. That's so I can get paid and it takes 10 days from when they receive the form until I get a check. Yikes. That's kinda scary. Oh, and I have to register on line with their job search service or I won't get benefits. And the scariest thing in the envelopes from them was a notice that there's going to be a phone interview and my answers to that can affect my eligibility to receive benefits. Crap.
Then there's COBRA. That's another maze of legal-eze and forms to be filled out. And it's not cheap. But, I do qualify for some new program that reduces that payment and I'll only have to shell out 35% of the total premium. Thanks President Obama. That reduces my payments from just over $600 a month to less than $300.
And the 401K stuff. There's options on what to do with that money. And very few options on how to pay back the loan I took last year to buy my car. There's still about 20 pages that I need to read through on all of that.
No wonder people are going crazy right now. The money that it takes to maintain a basic standard of living and the little money that comes in when you're unemployed is enough to send even the strongest person over the edge.
I'm lucky. I don't have a huge mortgage payment - my rent is very reasonable thanks to my wonderful, terrific, very kind landlord - my cousin Ryan (notice the kissing up going on here?). I haven't had a credit card in over six years, so I have no debt there. My monthly bills are fairly minimal, but I can reduce that amount by a few dollars. The only real debt? My car loan, but luckily, that's not financed traditionally and nobody can take my car away from me at this point.
But how do I pay for COBRA? And groceries? And gas for my car? And a haircut? And the oil change that's just about due? And any unexpected things that may come up?
It's overwhelming, and my life is small potatoes compared to others who have been laid off.
I think I'll go have a plate of red beans and rice. At least those will last for several meals!
Until Next Time,
Kel
Yikes. With each envelope, this becomes more real and I'm not just on vacation. I'm freaking unemployed!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
The original package of paperwork I received "that day" was overwhelming. Thank goodness for my friend Marie: she's the office manager for another law firm and went over the paperwork with me to help me understand what the heck it all meant.
Today I discovered that it's a lot of work to be unemployed! And it's all so confusing.
Like unemployement. There's a form that I need to fill out over and over telling them that I've been looking for work and am eligible to work each week. That's so I can get paid and it takes 10 days from when they receive the form until I get a check. Yikes. That's kinda scary. Oh, and I have to register on line with their job search service or I won't get benefits. And the scariest thing in the envelopes from them was a notice that there's going to be a phone interview and my answers to that can affect my eligibility to receive benefits. Crap.
Then there's COBRA. That's another maze of legal-eze and forms to be filled out. And it's not cheap. But, I do qualify for some new program that reduces that payment and I'll only have to shell out 35% of the total premium. Thanks President Obama. That reduces my payments from just over $600 a month to less than $300.
And the 401K stuff. There's options on what to do with that money. And very few options on how to pay back the loan I took last year to buy my car. There's still about 20 pages that I need to read through on all of that.
No wonder people are going crazy right now. The money that it takes to maintain a basic standard of living and the little money that comes in when you're unemployed is enough to send even the strongest person over the edge.
I'm lucky. I don't have a huge mortgage payment - my rent is very reasonable thanks to my wonderful, terrific, very kind landlord - my cousin Ryan (notice the kissing up going on here?). I haven't had a credit card in over six years, so I have no debt there. My monthly bills are fairly minimal, but I can reduce that amount by a few dollars. The only real debt? My car loan, but luckily, that's not financed traditionally and nobody can take my car away from me at this point.
But how do I pay for COBRA? And groceries? And gas for my car? And a haircut? And the oil change that's just about due? And any unexpected things that may come up?
It's overwhelming, and my life is small potatoes compared to others who have been laid off.
I think I'll go have a plate of red beans and rice. At least those will last for several meals!
Until Next Time,
Kel
Monday, May 25, 2009
Day 11: The Nosey Neighbor
I think every neighborhood has one: the little old lady (or man) that single-handedly becomes the neighborhood watch. You know the type. Never misses a thing that happens with you or any of your neighbors. And they know all the gossip from up and down the street and are more than happy to share it with anyone who'll listen.
Yep, I have one of those. Her name is Betty. She's a very lovely lady and I really enjoy chatting with her when I see her. I've had her over for visits and she's had me over for dinner and for tea. Her house is impeccable and her yard immaculate. I think it's during her time doing yard work that she picks up on what's going on with her neighbors.
I've been amazed that my car being home during normal working hours for 6 days straight hadn't elicited a phone call or visit from Betty. But, sure enough, today there was a message on my answering machine when I got home from running errands: "Hello Kel? This is your neighbor Betty from across the street. Please call me when you have a minute."
Yeah, the neighborhood watch was watching and taking notice that something's not right in my household. And the nosey side of her needed to know why.
So, I called her and I was right - she had noticed that my car has been home when normally I'm at work; have I changed my working hours? Have I stopped driving and maybe was car pooling or taking the train or bus to wrok? Am I on vacation? Am I sick and can't work?
I broke the news to her that I was laid off 11 days ago and that she'll see me and my furry friend around the house a lot for a while. She expressed her sympathies and wished me luck in my job search and rushed to end the call. I guess that's all she needed to know and she was on the hotline to spread the news to others in the neighborhood.
I can't help but smile when she grills me with about things that are going on in my life. She means well and I totally appreciate the fact that she's watching the neighborhood. If something were to ever go wrong anywhere on the street, I know she'd be the first one to dial 9-1-1.
God love her.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Yep, I have one of those. Her name is Betty. She's a very lovely lady and I really enjoy chatting with her when I see her. I've had her over for visits and she's had me over for dinner and for tea. Her house is impeccable and her yard immaculate. I think it's during her time doing yard work that she picks up on what's going on with her neighbors.
I've been amazed that my car being home during normal working hours for 6 days straight hadn't elicited a phone call or visit from Betty. But, sure enough, today there was a message on my answering machine when I got home from running errands: "Hello Kel? This is your neighbor Betty from across the street. Please call me when you have a minute."
Yeah, the neighborhood watch was watching and taking notice that something's not right in my household. And the nosey side of her needed to know why.
So, I called her and I was right - she had noticed that my car has been home when normally I'm at work; have I changed my working hours? Have I stopped driving and maybe was car pooling or taking the train or bus to wrok? Am I on vacation? Am I sick and can't work?
I broke the news to her that I was laid off 11 days ago and that she'll see me and my furry friend around the house a lot for a while. She expressed her sympathies and wished me luck in my job search and rushed to end the call. I guess that's all she needed to know and she was on the hotline to spread the news to others in the neighborhood.
I can't help but smile when she grills me with about things that are going on in my life. She means well and I totally appreciate the fact that she's watching the neighborhood. If something were to ever go wrong anywhere on the street, I know she'd be the first one to dial 9-1-1.
God love her.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Day 7: Panic Sets In
One week ago, the gauntlet fell. I got the proverbial pink slip.
I've been wrestling with my feelings now for a full week and I'll tell ya, it's been quite a roller coaster ride. I go from angry to happy to insulted to calm to, well, just numb. Today, after the numbness wore off, the complete and total panic set it.
Panic as I watch the amount of money in my checking account diminish, knowing that that automatic deposit I've relied on for the last 9 years won't be making its way into my account. Panic that I haven't gotten any information from unemployment yet. Panic that a huge employer in this area just laid off 6000 other people yesterday, making the job market tougher than it was 2 days ago. Panic that my resume is 9 years old and that I had grown so comfortable in my job that I didn't develop my skills beyond what I knew. Panic that I'm a middle-aged fat woman competing in a market with 20- and 30-somethings who place beauty before brains and have more updated skills than I do.
The panic today was overwhelming. I couldn't bring myself to do anything. I didn't change out of my pajamas. Didn't leave the house all day. I think I slept most of the afternoon away because at least when I sleep, I don't have to think about how sucky this is right now.
Until Next Time,
Kel
I've been wrestling with my feelings now for a full week and I'll tell ya, it's been quite a roller coaster ride. I go from angry to happy to insulted to calm to, well, just numb. Today, after the numbness wore off, the complete and total panic set it.
Panic as I watch the amount of money in my checking account diminish, knowing that that automatic deposit I've relied on for the last 9 years won't be making its way into my account. Panic that I haven't gotten any information from unemployment yet. Panic that a huge employer in this area just laid off 6000 other people yesterday, making the job market tougher than it was 2 days ago. Panic that my resume is 9 years old and that I had grown so comfortable in my job that I didn't develop my skills beyond what I knew. Panic that I'm a middle-aged fat woman competing in a market with 20- and 30-somethings who place beauty before brains and have more updated skills than I do.
The panic today was overwhelming. I couldn't bring myself to do anything. I didn't change out of my pajamas. Didn't leave the house all day. I think I slept most of the afternoon away because at least when I sleep, I don't have to think about how sucky this is right now.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Day 6: A Fun Day
Had a play date today with my friend Joyce. Unfortunately, or forutnately, depending on how you look at it, her firm reduced her number of workdays down to 3 a week, so she's off on Wednesdays and Fridays. Unfortunate because that's quite a pay cut. But fortunate because she still has a job and an income.
We went to see a matinee of "Start Trek" this morning. We haven't been to a movie since last summer, or whenever "Sex and The City" came out. The theater was pretty empty - I think I counted 7 people just as the lights went down for the previews. I love empty theaters!
Started my online web design class today. The lessons are posted on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the class runs 6 weeks. I got a 100% on the quiz on the first lesson today. That's encouraging. Keep your fingers crossed that I catch on to this stuff!
Made it to the gym today, even though my knee is still not 100%. That's making me nuts because now that I have more free time, I'd love to spend more time in the gym. But I'm not going to risk totally messing up my knee now, so I'll just take it slow.
I'm trudging on. Every day is an adventure.
Until Next Time,
Kel
We went to see a matinee of "Start Trek" this morning. We haven't been to a movie since last summer, or whenever "Sex and The City" came out. The theater was pretty empty - I think I counted 7 people just as the lights went down for the previews. I love empty theaters!
Started my online web design class today. The lessons are posted on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the class runs 6 weeks. I got a 100% on the quiz on the first lesson today. That's encouraging. Keep your fingers crossed that I catch on to this stuff!
Made it to the gym today, even though my knee is still not 100%. That's making me nuts because now that I have more free time, I'd love to spend more time in the gym. But I'm not going to risk totally messing up my knee now, so I'll just take it slow.
I'm trudging on. Every day is an adventure.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Day 5: Doing Some Positive Things
It's Tuesday, and today's been a good day. I paid for my online web design class (which starts tomorrow), ran some errands, met my friends Marie and Hank for lunch and talked with my new career coach, Julie.
Julie and I will be meeting by conference call at least twice more while I explore the big question: what do I want to be when I grow up? She's also going to help me design my resume so that it stands out in a crowd. She also understands and explained to me how job hunting has changed in the last 9 years - things that I kinda knew, but never really thought about as well as things I just didn't know. She's very knowledgeable and I'm glad we were able to spend a little time chatting this afternoon. It may take a little time, but I feel like I'm taking a step in the right direction.
But tonight, I'm just hanging out with my little four-legged furry friend. He's still not adjusting to my new schedule. But at least he's so tired he sleeps through the night!
Until next time,
Kel
Julie and I will be meeting by conference call at least twice more while I explore the big question: what do I want to be when I grow up? She's also going to help me design my resume so that it stands out in a crowd. She also understands and explained to me how job hunting has changed in the last 9 years - things that I kinda knew, but never really thought about as well as things I just didn't know. She's very knowledgeable and I'm glad we were able to spend a little time chatting this afternoon. It may take a little time, but I feel like I'm taking a step in the right direction.
But tonight, I'm just hanging out with my little four-legged furry friend. He's still not adjusting to my new schedule. But at least he's so tired he sleeps through the night!
Until next time,
Kel
Monday, May 18, 2009
Day 4: It's Like Vacation!
It would have been easy to sleep in until 8:00 a.m. or so this morning, but my little furry friend is such a morning dog! He was up at 5:30, wanting to go out, and then he aggravated me from the time we crawled back under the covers until I finally relented and got up at 6:45. I guess he's just such a creature of habit that his little brain kept telling him that Mom needed to get up and go to work. He expressed extreme displeasure with me all the while I was home because I was disturbing him. It's gonna be a long haul with him.
But I did enjoy my day - it felt like a vacation day. I went to the gym this morning, followed by a trip to the grocery store on the way home. There's a big difference in shopping on a Saturday morning at 11:00 and on a Monday morning at 11:00. Only had to fight off the blue-haired set in the aisles - there were no yuppie soccer moms with screaming kids in tow!
The thing I'm having the most trouble with is my short attention span. I'd start something (like laundry) and just never quite get back to it. Or, I tried to organize some scrapping supplies and kept getting distracted by something on tv, or a song on the radio that I could dance to. Gotta work on that (the attention span - not the dancing!).
On the job front, I contacted a career coach today. We're exchanging messages, trying to nail down a time for a conference call. I figure since it's been nearly 10 years since I've written a resume or gone on a job interview AND I'm now competing for a job against hundreds of younger qualified applicants, I need all the help I can get.
I also registered for a on-line class on creating web pages. Can't hurt and I think it'll be great for me since I don't have to commit to being in a classroom. Wish me luck with that!
Until next time,
Kel
But I did enjoy my day - it felt like a vacation day. I went to the gym this morning, followed by a trip to the grocery store on the way home. There's a big difference in shopping on a Saturday morning at 11:00 and on a Monday morning at 11:00. Only had to fight off the blue-haired set in the aisles - there were no yuppie soccer moms with screaming kids in tow!
The thing I'm having the most trouble with is my short attention span. I'd start something (like laundry) and just never quite get back to it. Or, I tried to organize some scrapping supplies and kept getting distracted by something on tv, or a song on the radio that I could dance to. Gotta work on that (the attention span - not the dancing!).
On the job front, I contacted a career coach today. We're exchanging messages, trying to nail down a time for a conference call. I figure since it's been nearly 10 years since I've written a resume or gone on a job interview AND I'm now competing for a job against hundreds of younger qualified applicants, I need all the help I can get.
I also registered for a on-line class on creating web pages. Can't hurt and I think it'll be great for me since I don't have to commit to being in a classroom. Wish me luck with that!
Until next time,
Kel
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Day 3: An Eerie, Quiet Calm
Well, it's nearly 9:00 p.m. on Sunday night and I'm pleased to say that today wasn't so bad. I haven't cried, gotten angry, depressed or annoyed. Hmph. That's real progress in only 3 days!
Managed a trip to Target with my best bud Joyce and only spent $20 - an all-time record for me. I was surprised that it didn't bother me more that I knew I shouldn't wander through the aisles and make impulse purchases. Of course, I don't know how long I can keep that up!
The good news is that I got the unemployment claim filed! Yay! I realized I was reading the first question incorrectly: it asked if you had worked in any state other than CA - not if you had only worked in CA. Gotta remember to not try to fill out important paperwork online late at night.
At some point today, though, I did have a happy moment when I realized that hey, I don't have to get up on a Monday morning, get dressed and go to work! I've always hated Monday mornings, so I found joy in the suckiness. Now tomorrow morning may be another story....
Until next time,
Kel
Managed a trip to Target with my best bud Joyce and only spent $20 - an all-time record for me. I was surprised that it didn't bother me more that I knew I shouldn't wander through the aisles and make impulse purchases. Of course, I don't know how long I can keep that up!
The good news is that I got the unemployment claim filed! Yay! I realized I was reading the first question incorrectly: it asked if you had worked in any state other than CA - not if you had only worked in CA. Gotta remember to not try to fill out important paperwork online late at night.
At some point today, though, I did have a happy moment when I realized that hey, I don't have to get up on a Monday morning, get dressed and go to work! I've always hated Monday mornings, so I found joy in the suckiness. Now tomorrow morning may be another story....
Until next time,
Kel
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Day 2: Reality Sets In
So I got up and started off my Saturday like any other Saturday: roll out of bed, take Aero out, eat a bowl of Cheerios, get dressed and head off to my new favorite class: Yo'lates. The class was great and I got a great workout. On the way home, I decided I should probably take the boxes out of the car - no sense in burning extra gas carrying them around with me.
Once the boxes were in the living room, I sat there looking at them and that's when I fell apart. Sitting there on my floor were 5 boxes filled with things that have defined my professional life for the last 9 years. Wait, probably the last 20 because a lot of that stuff came with me from my previous job! But yeah, 9 years of my life reduced to 5 boxes. It was kinda pitiful.
But, I dragged myself into the shower and got dressed and headed over to my friend Marie's house. She's an Office Manager for a law firm and she said she'd help me go through the "separation" paperwork I received on Thursday (which, by the way, I hadn't looked at yet). On the drive over the hill, the desperate thoughts started racing through my head again. What if I can't get unemployment for some reason? What if I can't afford COBRA? What things can I cut from my life to make ends meet a little easier? How long can this last? Who would want to hire a fat, middle-aged white woman? By the time I got to her house, I was a wreck again. Good thing she's one of my best friends and I knew I could let go of those crazy emotions right there in her kitchen.
I spent the day there with her and her family and they helped me get over the negativity I was feeling. And while I was there, I received a couple of phone calls from friends and family that I love and respect, all offering me the sympathy, love and support in any way I need. I think that's what's going to get me through this scary transition in my life.
So to try to move forward, tonight I tried to apply for unemployment via the California EDD's web site. Everything in the info I was given says this is the easiest, quickest way to start those benefits. Yeah, well, I couldn't get past the first 3 questions! I answered them (yes, I've been empoyed in CA for the last 18 months, no I haven't worked anywhere else and yes (and no), my employer gave me a claim form) and kept getting a screen that said I had special circumstances and needed to call an 800 number! WHAT DA' HECK? I've decided that I'll try again tomorrow, and will call the stupid 800 number. Sheesh. I hope the rest of the stuff isn't this hard!
So, that's it for today. Tomorrow's adventure will include shopping for cleaning supplies and paper products at Target on a very reduced budget. That's going to be hard!
Until next time,
Kel
Once the boxes were in the living room, I sat there looking at them and that's when I fell apart. Sitting there on my floor were 5 boxes filled with things that have defined my professional life for the last 9 years. Wait, probably the last 20 because a lot of that stuff came with me from my previous job! But yeah, 9 years of my life reduced to 5 boxes. It was kinda pitiful.
But, I dragged myself into the shower and got dressed and headed over to my friend Marie's house. She's an Office Manager for a law firm and she said she'd help me go through the "separation" paperwork I received on Thursday (which, by the way, I hadn't looked at yet). On the drive over the hill, the desperate thoughts started racing through my head again. What if I can't get unemployment for some reason? What if I can't afford COBRA? What things can I cut from my life to make ends meet a little easier? How long can this last? Who would want to hire a fat, middle-aged white woman? By the time I got to her house, I was a wreck again. Good thing she's one of my best friends and I knew I could let go of those crazy emotions right there in her kitchen.
I spent the day there with her and her family and they helped me get over the negativity I was feeling. And while I was there, I received a couple of phone calls from friends and family that I love and respect, all offering me the sympathy, love and support in any way I need. I think that's what's going to get me through this scary transition in my life.
So to try to move forward, tonight I tried to apply for unemployment via the California EDD's web site. Everything in the info I was given says this is the easiest, quickest way to start those benefits. Yeah, well, I couldn't get past the first 3 questions! I answered them (yes, I've been empoyed in CA for the last 18 months, no I haven't worked anywhere else and yes (and no), my employer gave me a claim form) and kept getting a screen that said I had special circumstances and needed to call an 800 number! WHAT DA' HECK? I've decided that I'll try again tomorrow, and will call the stupid 800 number. Sheesh. I hope the rest of the stuff isn't this hard!
So, that's it for today. Tomorrow's adventure will include shopping for cleaning supplies and paper products at Target on a very reduced budget. That's going to be hard!
Until next time,
Kel
Friday, May 15, 2009
The First Day
Well, it's been about 18 hours since I joined the ranks of the unemployed. I'm not sure how I feel today.
I didn't sleep much last night. Finally forced myself to go to bed around 1:30 this morning, followed by just laying there listening to the tv and feeling my heart pounding. Aero didn't seem to be too bothered by the news - he snuggled up next to me and started snoring right away.
I was up at around 5:30 this morning, which is earlier than my 'routine' time to get up. I just couldn't sleep any more. Of course, it's now just after 9:00 and I'm still in my pj's trying to decide what to do with new-found freedom.
I could unload the boxes that hold the treasures that adorned my office for 9 years. But that would mean I'd have to get dressed and actually go outside the house. Nope. Not gonna do that right now. I could tackle the mess and giant dust bunnies that are like my non-rent paying roommates. But then I'd disturb Aero's mornig nap. Then there's the ongoing 'organize the workshop' project, which would free up my scrapbooking space and I could get some work done on those projects. Nope. That sounds like a lot of work. Hmmmm. I'd say I could go shopping, but you know how I hate that and besides, I'm unemployed and shouldn't be spending money!
Good thing I have my regularly scheduled (and already paid for!) training session with Denise tonight. I think a good session of serious weight lifting and sweating is just what I need today.
Until Next Time,
Kel
I didn't sleep much last night. Finally forced myself to go to bed around 1:30 this morning, followed by just laying there listening to the tv and feeling my heart pounding. Aero didn't seem to be too bothered by the news - he snuggled up next to me and started snoring right away.
I was up at around 5:30 this morning, which is earlier than my 'routine' time to get up. I just couldn't sleep any more. Of course, it's now just after 9:00 and I'm still in my pj's trying to decide what to do with new-found freedom.
I could unload the boxes that hold the treasures that adorned my office for 9 years. But that would mean I'd have to get dressed and actually go outside the house. Nope. Not gonna do that right now. I could tackle the mess and giant dust bunnies that are like my non-rent paying roommates. But then I'd disturb Aero's mornig nap. Then there's the ongoing 'organize the workshop' project, which would free up my scrapbooking space and I could get some work done on those projects. Nope. That sounds like a lot of work. Hmmmm. I'd say I could go shopping, but you know how I hate that and besides, I'm unemployed and shouldn't be spending money!
Good thing I have my regularly scheduled (and already paid for!) training session with Denise tonight. I think a good session of serious weight lifting and sweating is just what I need today.
Until Next Time,
Kel
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sucks to be Me Today
For a Thursday, today was going really well. I visited the dentist this morning and he's pleased with my oral hygiene habits. Work was smooth when I arrived; the sun was shining, it was warm outside. I went to lunch, had a very tasty sandwhich.
When I got home tonight, I really wanted frozen yogurt. I jumped in the car and headed over to my favorite spot and the line was out the door! I stood there in the line for a few minutes and peered in to see what the no sugar added and the low-sugar flavors were for the night and rats, I didn't like either of them. Okay, no big deal, I'll just head over to Starbuck's and grab a shaken iced tea and perhaps a pastry. Uh-huh. Too bad it was 7:45 and my neighborhood Starbuck's closes at 7 freaking 30.
But the really big sucky part of my day: I got laid off from my job of 9 years.
Until next time,
Kel
When I got home tonight, I really wanted frozen yogurt. I jumped in the car and headed over to my favorite spot and the line was out the door! I stood there in the line for a few minutes and peered in to see what the no sugar added and the low-sugar flavors were for the night and rats, I didn't like either of them. Okay, no big deal, I'll just head over to Starbuck's and grab a shaken iced tea and perhaps a pastry. Uh-huh. Too bad it was 7:45 and my neighborhood Starbuck's closes at 7 freaking 30.
But the really big sucky part of my day: I got laid off from my job of 9 years.
Until next time,
Kel
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