Birthdays 2009.5
Yes, I know, I’m about six months behind. But these are the latest pictures commemorating the 2009 birthdays, albeit six months late.
It was brought to my attention a few days ago, that I have not been updating in LJ land. This is sadly true. So, instead of one long, monotonous post about the goings on in my mind attic, I will, instead make several smaller posts. Hopefully this will not deter the one or two of you that still read this thing.
Neil is very happy at his new position/company, and they really value him. He still wishes he didn’t have the commute everyday, but he’s too happy to be living in his own home again to really complain. Plus, he just never complains. That’s just not him.
I am currently working for a temp agency on contract with one of the states largest health insurers. I spent eight intense weeks in training to be able to do this job. After eight weeks of trying to make my body get used to early mornings, I realized it was futile. I have since gotten my preferred, later day shift, which means no more alarm clocks for me. The days that I’m scheduled to work vary from week to week, and I am often working weekends, and six, or seven days in a row without a day off. It’s hectic, but I’m not complaining. It’s a good gig. It pays the bills, puts food on the table, affords me a few small “wants” and allows me to start putting some money back into my savings account again. We won’t discuss how badly depleted it had gotten from nearly a year of unemployment. The contract is through the end of February, possibly March. There is no guarantee of permanent employment once the contract is finished. However, it has been customary in the past that they will offer an occasional position or two. So, I’m keeping my fingers crossed. If not, then I move on to the next gig, or try another approach. Along with the unpredictable schedule, I am not allowed to use anything other than my legal name. This adds much confusion to my day. Suffice it to say, I am having to get used to saying Nancy. And, I’m having to adjust to others referring to me as Nancy. To give you some sort of idea how stupidly difficult this small transition is for me; I have not actively used that name (except legally, of course) in over twenty years. I can count the number of people that actually still call me by my given name on one hand. So, there’s that.
Along with both Neil and I working simultaneously again, (which is GREAT!) I have had a difficult time resigning myself to the fact that I never seem to have enough time anymore. I don’t know where it all goes. I do not understand how families with children do it every day; day in, and day out. I think that the majority of parents must run on autopilot half the time. I know that we have done this before, but I can’t seem to get back into the groove. I’m slowly beginning to understand how important preparation is, even in the smallest of ways. I am fairly organized as far as what I wear each day. I have that taken care of usually the night before. I am always organized when it comes to laundry, so that’s not much of an issue. I also try to do related tasks together. The laundry gets done, and if there is any ironing to be done, that gets done right away, rather than waiting a day or two. But, I just can’t get a grasp on how much of my time I don’t seem to have. I know, with relative certainty, that most of the issue is the fact that I have yet to establish a set routine. I am forcing myself to do the things that need to be done, but I’m resenting it every step of the way. On my days off, I find myself cooking up huge batches of food for the purpose of eating and dinners, but also to pack for lunches for both of us. This is not a big deal, but I tell ya, my fridge sometimes looks like a Rubbermaid Commercial.
All in all, we are both doing well, and are happy on the job front. It’s nice not to have to worry from day to day where the money will come from to feed yourself and your family. Believe me, I count my blessings. I know how fortunate I am. For this, I am thankful.
