His First Visit To His New School

Kyle starts school in just a few days!  He will be starting 6th grade at a brand new school, in a new school district.  

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Job Interview with the County

I had my interview with the County today.  I applied for 3 different "office assistant" positions in mid-March so when she called me in for the interview, she didn't specify which position. 

The interview process was two hours.  The first hour was for testing.  The first test was a written test: alphabetize, put numbers in order, grammar.  There was also an exercise to prioritize your work day after returning from vacation.  They had a list of job duties and they wanted you to number them in the order you would accomplish them and explain why.  The second part of testing was a computer test on Excel.  Create a spreadsheet and then a typing test.  I didn't like the typing test because it was on Excel with numbers and typing and I had to use the TAB key and then go to the next line below.  It was difficult using the keyboard and the mouse.

During the interview, there were 4 people.  I later found out that one of the ladies is the immediate supervisor/manager and the person next to her was her manager.  She told me about the position and she pointed out my experience in PBX and my background with HIPAA.  When they asked me if I had any questions, I asked when will they hire for the position.  He said that the position has been open for awhile now and they hope to have a decision within a week! 

At the end, I kindly thanked them for their time!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Kyle sick

Kyle is sick.  I could tell that he wasn't looking good yesterday but thankfully made it through the entire day!  It didn't really start to hit him until last night.  He didn't eat anything when he got home, which he normally wants to. 

Last night, he had a rough time.  He whined a little and I could tell he was in pain.  Maybe his body was aching.  He woke up a few times.  This morning, he is staying in bed and will be sleeping for most of the day.  I hope he is better by Monday! 

Monday, April 22, 2013

Job Interview with County

This afternoon, I received an unexpected call for a job interview.  She actually called last Friday but I decided not to call her back because the voicemail she left wasn't specific.  She just said she was calling for Social Services. 

Today, she called a minute before I had to leave to wait for Kyle at the bus stop, so I couldn't pick up the phone and risk getting stuck on a call for too long. 

I have a job interview next Tuesday for a County position.  Over a month ago (March 13th) I applied for 3 "office assistant" positions, so it could be for any of those three.  I did not expect to ever get called for an interview with the County because I have been applying for over a year with no luck. 

When I was applying for jobs last month, I was hoping my new certification as a medical administrative assistant would give me an edge with the County. 

I am excited but nervous about the interview.  She said to expect two hours.  The first hour is testing I think.  The second hour is interviews with at least 4 people. 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Little by little

This week, we have been moving our things over to our new apartment while Kyle is at school.  We do a few boxes a day.  Today, we did two trips. 

We cannot wait to move our stuff completely! 

Shannon was worried about moving without having to hire someone.  We plan on renting a U-Haul but he and I are going to be moving our things.  He had us practice with the couch because it is heavy and he was most worried about moving that.  He said he and I can do it slowly just to get it from the apartment to the truck and then moved into our new apartment.  It is heavy, but I think we can manage it.  He said he's confident with moving our other things with the help from a furniture dolly. 

So, it looks like we won't have to hire anyone to help us move, which will help us save a few hundred dollars. 

Blog Convention

Today, I received an email stating that I was chosen to be a volunteer at a blog convention.  I am excited, however, I am now trying to find sponsorship.  This is the biggest and most popular blog convention out there.  I have heard of bloggers getting so many freebies that they had to ship them home. 

The convention is in Chicago, the week of my birthday.  I may have to get there early and have training on my birthday!  =) 

It is still undecided if I can/will go.  I definitely want to go. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Dreaming of furniture and an iPhone

Shannon was thinking about getting new furniture for our new place and have it set up before we officially move in.  He wanted to get a coffee table, two end tables and a new TV stand.  Our current TV stand is about 9 years old. 

After browsing online for possible places to go to, he found end tables priced at about $250 at JC Penney, which is way out of our budget.  So, he decided we should try Target and Walmart. We found some really cute pieces at Target and then went to Walmart to look around.  One our way home, Shannon realized that we are unable to afford new furniture, even if it's the kind you assemble yourself.  He decided that we should use the money towards a washer and dryer.  We're still not sure if we are going to buy or rent.  I have a feeling we should buy them.

I have been looking/wanting/dreaming of getting an iPhone!  They are pricey but I have it narrowed down to getting one through Straight Talk or Cricket.  I know I don't need a phone now but it would be nice to have.  I like the iPhone 5 because it comes with Siri and a few other perks.  I am trying to save up the money I earn from my blog to actually purchase the phone.  I am making a semi-steady income with my blog that I may be able to afford a cell phone each month. 

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

What did we just do?!

Shannon is working all this week, but he is working 4 or 5 hour shifts in the evening.  Since Kyle is back at school, we are taking the time during the day to get things done.  Today, we went over to our new apartment complex with the intention of signing the lease and double checking our rent amount.  Our rent was at $575.  However, my in-laws applied for the same apartment only a few weeks after we were approved and their rent is at $502!!!  How can that be? 

Shannon and I decided we were going to ask about the difference in price and hopefully get in at their rate!  The leasing consultant said that they were accepted in a different special.  I asked her if we could talk to a manager about that. 

About 5 minutes later, she comes back saying she will give us the apartment at $485 a month, BUT we would have to move in today!!!  Shannon and I were floored!  Mainly because we aren't out of our current place until the end of May.  We asked if we could let them know later today. 

After we stepped out of the office, we talked it over and decided it would be best to get the apartment at $485.  Although, we are paying double rent for April and May.  We signed a 2 year lease, just to lock in that low rate! 

Our rent is paid for through June at the new apartment.  We have the keys and the lease is signed.  We won't move in until mid-May or so.  But since we have the keys, we can take our time moving our stuff over. 

This will give us time to switch our mail over and not worry about losing any mail too.