Day of Sunshine

Today was the first day in 4 days we had nice weather. The last 4 days were overcast, cold, windy, and raining here and there. It was pretty much too cold or wet to go outside. We took Kyle outside to play throughout the day, which he loved!

For the first time in about 3 1/2 to 4 weeks, Kyle had something else for dinner this afternoon. Normally for lunch and dinner, he would have a waffle and a Morning Star sausage patty. Today, Kyle had brown rice and corn! I was so surprised to see him eat it, but I am very glad at the same time! Hopefully we can get him to eat more meals like this! He hasn't had vegetables in a very long time. I honestly think he was getting tired of the same thing over and over, but it's really hard to get him to eat! He's so picky!

I feel like a huge weight has been lifted. I ended up quitting my work at home job today. I have many reasons for doing so and feel better now.

Other than that, we're hoping for some phone calls this coming week! Shannon is really wanting to go back to work! And I am really wanting to get our own place! We are really hoping to hear back from the local job, I even found an apartment complex that I really like here.

I have decided

I have decided to quit my work at home job. I will let Shannnon know later today of my decision. He supports me in what I want to do.

I will be letting them know at the end of the month. I just don't have the time for this job and all of this mess with their recent changes and everything that I am reading in the forums is pretty bad. It's really opened my eyes! I haven't had the energy to work very much this week. Our internet is slow, which is really preventing me from working. The system is slow on my end, which I have no control over. It's not worth my time if my internet is slowing my pace down.

I am exploring other opportunities and still doing other things. I have applied at other companies and still searching. I am in no hurry to start with another company right away, but it doesn't hurt to keep looking.

Heavy Fog

I woke up this morning at 4 AM because I couldn't breathe and also because it was freezing cold! I had to use my asthma inhaler a least twice. I decided to get an over the counter inhaler, instead of going to a clinic. I am still waiting on my homeopathic asthma medicine to arrive, it won't be here til next week.

I didn't feel like going back to sleep so I ended up logging in to work! I was able to make the rest of my daily minimum in about an hour! It was nice to work without any interruptions from Kyle! The second hour I was up, I was just searching the internet, checking emails, and clicking on my PTC sites.

I woke up again around 9:30 AM when Kyle woke me up. I went to open the window shades and all I saw was fog! Very thick fog. By noon, the fog was gone and Kyle was able to go outside. It was a nice day today. It was a hot earlier, but it has since cooled off.

Shannon went to Walmart and bought a few more food items that we need, as well as my over the counter inhaler.

This weekend

This has been a nice quiet weekend. We've stayed indoors because it's been raining here and there and it's all wet and cold outside. Thankfully Kyle is okay with being indoors.

I belong to a website where they offer "bucks" for using their search engine. I have earned enough to redeem for prizes. I have chosen to redeem them for amazon gift cards. I was looking at the amazon website and found that they sell live houseplants! I was in heaven. I really want to buy a new plant! I am trying to distract myself with my current plants for now. I was thinking of buying a book or two. I want to read Watchmen and even considered getting the Twilight books. Instead, I am going to get some homeopathic medicine for my asthma. My allergies to the cat are doing good since I am taking homepathic medicine for that. But my asthma is really flaring up.

Just this weekend, Shannon has received 2 call backs for phone interviews. He has a phone interview on Monday for a manager position in Vermont. Then he received another call from a manager position in Louisiana. They are going to call him back on Monday to set up a phone interview. We have also decided to narrow our search and stick to only a few surrounding states. Plus, he is only looking for a certain pay range, if it's lower than that, he won't consider it.

My job is going well. There is still a little drama/gossip/rumors/horrible talk about the pay rate change. I won't go into details of what was being said, but it was hard NOT to read what was being posted online about it. I didn't respond to what was being posted, but it sure was crazy! I have only been with this company for a short time, and I don't want to ruin a good thing. This company has been good to me so far. I am just thankful to have a job that pays each month.

Internet Fixed

Shannon was able to fix the internet so I have internet on my laptop! I did a little work this evening and still plan on working more tonight. We really missed having internet for a full day. I hate not being able to research and look things up.

Since we didn't have internet this morning, I went through all of our pics and I found some that I really liked and added a few on my facebook page.

Catch Up

We just got back online a few hours ago. Our internet was out all day yesterday. I've been catching up on emails and everything else that I do online. I haven't been able to work since yesterday morning. We have internet on one computer. I am not on my computer so I don't have my bookmarks or settings that I am used to. Even the keyboard is throwing me off.

Our tax refund is being transferred into our bank account! The first time in since we've been married. We plan on getting the car fixed with the money.

Shannon also applied for unemployment. All he had to do was call in to file it. Now all he has to do is call in once a week and apply for at least 2 jobs a week. Piece of cake!

My mother-in-law has offered me some clothes that she is getting rid of. So far, I have gotten several tops (long and short sleeve) and a new bra! This is great since I had to get rid of most of my clothes!

Shannon has a phone interview in about an hour for a position with a hotel in New York! We're trying not to get our hopes up, especially after a roller coaster of emotions when he does get a call back. In the meantime, we are still looking.

We're looking at making our own laundry detergent. My mother-in-law got the idea from the Duggar family (the one with 18 kids) show. I looked up the recipes online and we just need to print them out. It only takes 3 ingredients. Mrs. Duggar said it only costs her $4 per month to do laundry, and they have 20 people in their family!!!

Shannon is still researching colleges. He found University of Phoenix, which he can attend online. He also found a local law school and all you need is a BS or BA to attend. He wants to get his BS/BA from University of Phoenix. He still needs to research the colleges more on costs, etc. With our internet being down yesterday, it really through us off. We couldn't do any research, check emails, etc.

Out to Shop

My mother-in-law and I went out today. We stopped at Cracker Barrel and looked around in their gift shop. I have never been there and I didn't expect to see such a big retail area. I thought it was just a restaurant with a little area to shop. They had a lot of cute stuff, as well as old fashioned candy and toys.

We then went to Walmart. She had some clothes to exchange. I ended up buying 2 pairs of jeans for Shannon. They were Wrangler brand only $14.50!! I wanted to buy jeans for myself but ended up not getting them. They had several racks of clothes between $3-$9!!! Shannon really needed new pants since he only has 3 or 4 pairs, and some of the pairs he does have have holes in them.

When we got home, I did more job hunting and applied for another 10 or so jobs.

I didn't get to work as much as I wanted to today, so hopefully tonight it will be busy.

New Platform

I just finished training on a new platform for work! It looks really fun and different. It's a different screen and I think I will like this one just as much as my first platform. I will try to work more tonight, in between watching Kyle. Shannon has been really great watching Kyle downstairs and outside while I am working.

The training manager also asked me to consider being a moderator. I don't think I would want to do that because they have a work schedule and they are required to do more texts each month. I don't know if I want all that. Kyle takes up most of my time.

Hopefully next week, he'll start looking at the local college course information as well as the temp agencies. I will continue to job search and applying for any jobs that pop up!

I am going to try to make time at night to work as much as I can after Kyle goes to bed. Kyle is more active these days and loves being outside and running around.

Time Change

We haven't noticed the time change and Kyle didn't either. I think it was because we all went to bed pretty early. We put Kyle to bed around 9 PM or so, and Shannon and I both fell asleep too. I wanted to get back up to work more, but I was way too sleepy.

Shannon woke up around 6:45 AM or so and I woke up shortly after that. Kyle woke up at his normal time at around 7:30 PM.

Kyle's been outside since 8:30 AM. He couldn't wait to go! He'll be outside all day today.

It's busy at work today so I've been working here and there, I am also going to train on another platform this afternoon.

Friday Fun

Shannon and his mom went grocery shopping for organic fruits, vegetables, and other things. They bought more bananas for Kyle. Kyle had some grapes and a few bites of peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a few bites of my boca burger for dinner. I am just glad he ate the grapes! He needs more fruits in his diet.

My order for homeopathic medicine and other items arrived in the mail today. I am already tired of the medicine I am taking. It's making my nose feel REALLY dry to where it's starting to irritate me.

We took Kyle outside several times today. The weather was really nice (between 62 to 67 degrees). He loved to run around and the fresh air was good for all of us. Plus my in-laws dog loves to go outside and run around like crazy.

I am still applying like crazy to any and every job listing I see that Shannon may like. I check the job sites throughout the day. I probably applied for at least 15 jobs just today. Next week I am hoping Shannon will go to a temp agency. We talked about him doing that, just to have some money coming in. I asked him what he has planned for next week and he said he's thinking about it. Hopefully he'll have a plan of attack for next week.

Meanwhile, I am trying to put more time into working. Especially since Shannon is taking the initiative to watch Kyle more for me during the day. This gives me time to apply for jobs and do a little work here and there.

For some reason, there seems to be less work coming in and more people logged in to work. So it feels like we're all clamoring for work. I really hope this changes, it sounds like it's not usually like this, where there isn't much work to do.

Taxes are DONE!

I just finished our taxes and e-filed them! I am glad that is done and over with. I was able to file both state and federal taxes for free since we qualified for their free program (just like last year)! I don't even know or expect to get a refund since it usually goes straight to Shannon's student loan.

I also had to switch our address with our car insurance company and that brought our rate down about $3 per month.

Boxes and Bags

We are now living in boxes and bags. Our stuff is still packed and our clothes are still in our bags. It's just disorganized for me. I feel displaced. I hope we can have our own place again soon.

Kyle seems to be adjusting. He loves playing with the dog and loves to get kisses from him. He even tried getting kisses from the cat but she wasn't having anything to do with that. He had a tantrum last night at bedtime, hopefully he will understand soon.

We are still waiting to hear back about this last job interview he had on Thursday. In the meantime, I am still looking and sending out his resume and cover letter.

It's been raining all day today and yesterday! The rain is great but it would be nice to go outside. We heard it's supposed to snow, but still nothing yet.

Since it's been slow at work this last week I joined a few new PTC sites. Now I am torn between doing my PTC sites and working. I know I make a little more through work but my PTC sites are a habit of mine, so I want to get them all done and work. Today, I am trying to squeeze in work and PTC sites between watching Kyle.

Slow at work

It's been slow at work all this week. So I haven't been spending as much sitting there waiting for work. I've been focusing on us packing and moving. I just want to make sure everything is taken care of when we move out of here. Shannon takes care of the packing part, and I focus on the background things like paying bills, packing our clothes, forwarding mail, etc.

I am also still job hunting here and there. Shannon had his interview yesterday and they "will be in touch." They have an internal candidate applying for this position as well, but it sounds like the GM doesn't want to hire him for it. Of course, that doesn't mean he has the job, so I am still looking and sending out his resume and cover letter. Shannon said not to job hunt this weekend but it's become a habit for me. Just this morning, I sent his resume out for at least 10 jobs.

If we don't hear anything by Monday, we'll start re-applying for food stamps, and apply for WIC. We still have to file our taxes so I want to get that done as soon as we can. I don't expect to get a refund this year anyway, since it usually goes straight to Shannon's student loan.

Back to the Beginning

I checked Shannon's email and the lady wrote saying they are hiring someone else. UGH! She was so confusing. Why would she tell someone to "plan to move to Oklahoma"?!?! After seeing that email, I sent out Shannon's resume to a bunch more places. Hopefully we'll get a call!

We are still packing and getting things together. I went through my closet again yesterday and decided to throw more of my clothes away. I threw clothes away that I don't wear anymore or don't quite fit my body anymore. Who knew having a baby would change your body? =o)

Once we get settled and all moved in with my in-laws, we plan on re-applying for Food Stamps and Medicaid for Kyle. We also plan on going for WIC! Shannon will be applying for unemployment. I also have to get our taxes filed, so I want to wait until we are all moved in.

This is depressing news, but I will keep on working on my work at home job. I will try to put in more time. Once we move, I hope to train on other platforms as well. I did get paid from last month! That made me happy to see that posted to our account!

Getting Better

I was still feeling sick yesterday. I kept getting the feeling that I wanted to sneeze, but then it would go away. I felt like I had allergies but its just that I am sick. My eyes would water and feel puffy. I think I needed to be in bed, but I have too much on my mind. Shannon still has a cough, but I think he's feeling better.

I tried working yesterday but I couldn't concentrate at all. I ended up going to bed around 9pm. LOL I hate being so tired!

I've been sending out Shannn's resume anywhere and everywhere through 2 job sites. I've applied for at least 50 or so in the last few days.

I am feeling better today, still have a running nose and watery eyes, but I can focus better. I am trying to work as much as I can.

Yoga for a bit

Today was a nice mellow day, aside from Kyle's constant whining. I am not sure if it's his 3 year old tantrums or he's tired and really needed a nap. He normally doesn't take a nap, but he did when he was sick.

I am feeling a little better today and seem to have a little more energy. I am going to try to work tonight after Kyle goes to bed. I've been slacking the last few days since being sick. I just didn't have the energy or motivation to work.

I ended up doing yoga last night and another yoga workout this morning! I hate going too many days without working out and I felt the need to workout last night. I am doing yoga because pilates can get a little mundane and I needed a change. Anyway, both workouts were a great change of pace and nice to try out. They weren't the type of workout to hold a pose and breathe 82 times and then switch poses and breathe 82 more times. I hate slow paced workouts because I get bored.

I just happened to check my backoffice for my job and they already have the amount of my earnings for last month posted. I should be getting paid around the 21st of this month! It's a nice chunk of extra cash!

Days off, Job Interview, and More

I joined facebook a few days ago. I am still getting used to it's features and where to find everything. Still not sure what it all means. But it's very fun and active. I can comment on my friends status, and have live chats with friends.

I ended up staying up until Shannon got home last night. This week, I haven't been sleeping very much or all that well, perhaps from stress and worries. Shannon also messed up my week! LOL Last week he said he had Wednesday and Thursday off, and it turns out he has Tuesday and Wednesday off instead! ARGH! At least I have my training for work on Wednesday! I don't want to schedule anything when I am home alone with my son, there are no guarantees that he won't need me for something. With that, I plan according to my husband's ever-changing schedule.

Anyway, something good may come to us! I have a feeling that it could be fate and perfect timing. Shannon and I have been looking for other jobs for him for the last few months. A few weeks ago, Shannon's Human Resources manager sent his resume to a "sister property" that was hiring for a manager position. That HR manager called Shannon asking if he was interested, etc. Shannon never called her back because it was for an "assistant" position and this property was in another state. So, a few weeks went by and Shannon gets an email from his HR manager, it was an email from the other HR manager asking if he was still interested! As Shannon is telling me this, I asked him why is he reconisidering this position. He said that he thinks it's odd that she's still looking to hire for this position after a few weeks went by. So he emailed her back last night. Of course, I am excited about all of this. But we also have to consider if they will pay for relocation. If not, we won't even move. The position listed on the website is for an "assistant manager" so we're not sure what that means. Shannon will have to clarify that with the HR lady. Hopefully he can set up a phone interview with her! This position is in Arkansas in a little city, he said it was a "blip" on the map. Shannon looked it up on google earth and he said it's near a big lake.

After he told me all this, I couldn't sleep so I stayed up til about 1:30 AM. LOL I ended up finishing up watching The Bachelor and Jon & Kate Plus 8.

Catching Up

The lack of sleep is catching up with me. I am ready to go to sleep and not wake up until tomorrow! But I can't, I have a 3 year old. LOL

It's been busy all day at work. I am going to train on a second platform on Wednesday. I chose either Wednesday or Thursday since that is Shannon's days off. I need to make sure Kyle won't interupt me while training. Once I finish that, I will be able to work 2 platforms at once. Hopefully make more money!

I am still looking for other texting jobs. I saw another company is hiring operators, so I sent an email out. I heard it's a really good company to work for, BUT it's really hard to get in. So, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Shannon is planning on getting the car fixed on one of his days off, which one, I couldn't tell you. Knowing him, he'll wait til Thursday night. Another inconvenience is that we have a car care center not too far from our house, he could easily WALK home, but there are NO SIDEWALKS and NO PEDESTRIAN stop lights! So he's thinking of walking over to Walmart which is on the same side of this place and not too far away.

Sleepy Giggles

I wasn't able to sleep that well, I ended up waking up when Shannon got home. I got up to talk with him for a bit and after that, I tried going back to sleep but wasn't able to. I ended up staying up for a few more hours.

When we both went to bed around 3:30am, Kyle suddenly started giggling in his sleep! It made us both laugh. He must have been dreaming!

I couldn't sleep because I am just stressed over everything. I wrote down our earnings versus what we are spending. This has also encouraged me even more to work more! I also asked Shannon if we should look at moving into a 2 bedroom apartment (instead of our 3 bedroom that we have). He said he was thinking about that too. I just checked around and found a community that I like. They even have some "paid utilities with rent." Unlike our current community, this place pays for water and sewer! So I sent them a request for more info on their current prices and availability!

My hands hurt!

I busted my tail today! I am trying to motivate myself and work as much as I can with my work at home job. Any time I had a free moment where Kyle didn't need me, I logged in to work. It's been super busy today, which is great!

I think I am done for the day because my hands hurt! LOL I can't work non-stop, I tend to do a few messages here and there, and stop to take a short break and then work more. If I feel re-energized after Kyle goes to bed, I may log on again.

My job is having a 24 hour contest. I won't be competing though. There several operators who have logins for all platforms so they have the advantage. Plus, the prize (chocolate) isn't worth it. LOL It's easier for me just to go out and buy chocolate for myself. Don't get me wrong, it's a great incentive, I just don't feel like competing, although I will be working. I just need to boost my paycheck for my family! This economy and job market isn't getting any better, so I am trying to do my part!

Since I started working, I am improving my typing and my speed! Kyle's getting used to mommy typing all the time. He'll even come up and pretend to type on my computer or his dad's keyboard.

Shannon's next days off aren't until Wednesday and Thursday of next week! I don't know what we'll be doing. I think my in-laws want us to come visit again. Shannon still needs to get the car fixed! I have no idea when that's happening.

I don't think I'll be able to volunteer with the puppies. They asked for a schedule of when I can volunteer and that's really hard to say since Shannon's schedule changes LITERALLY every week! Plus, we don't know his schedule for the next week until Thursday or Friday before. This has always been difficult for me to set up doctor appointments too.

Shannon and I haven't had much time to talk, catch up, or spend time together. By the time he gets home, I am asleep. I have tried staying up until he gets home, but I am usually too tired the next morning to function! LOL He doesn't get up until about 10 to 15 minutes before he has to start getting ready for work.