Just me

Due to circumstances beyond my control, both here and on LJ, I have decided to follow the example set by many before me. Effective immediately, this journal is going Friends Only. If you are not already friended, please comment to this post to be added. This means no annoymous posts, you will need a name to be added.

So....after the stupid retarded run in with Walgreens, I made dinner, and waited for randombastaryand the call from Michael and Heather.  I got the call before randombastary showed up, so I called her to find out where she was, and she was at the door.  Woot...so we went ot get them, and then came home, and finished dinner.  We didn't end up eating until really late, but when we did...woo boy...it was a lot of silence while we filled our faces.

We talked some about tv and movies, and music, and games and such...and about my face because of how swollen it still was.  We thought it would be amusing if I, upon being asked by people what happened for me to grab my face, and start to cry, and whilst sobbing, say "I ran into a door!!"

randombastary  left around 9, and Heather and I ran to her mom's to get their swimming stuff.  When we got back, Heather ran to the bathroom (that's what happens when your preggers), and I walked up to the pool to see what was happening.  It looked like just a few adults at this point...nothing big.  I reported this, and we decided to head up.  Unfortunately, I was wrong.  People, these were the same fools from the day before...the bathroom joint smoking idiots that we called security on.  Shit!  They'd been standing in shadows, and I was unable to see who they were.  Oh well, they were pretty mellow, and we thought they had left at around 1030, but they returned right before 11 pm when the pool closes.  We were leaving, and we saw beer, which isn't allowed.  SO, since we figured nothing had been done before, we called security again.

When we got back, we all changed, and Heather and I went and got gas, then to the store.  When we were leaving, we saw a car from the security patrol turn into the complex.  I'm not sure if they were there tonight, because we were gone.  Anyway, we then went by McDonald's because Tim wanted something, since he didn't eat a lot of the meatloaf...at least he tried it.  :)  

While we were gone, Tim and Michael had hooked up his N64, and were playing Shadowman.  They were here until about 5 am.  Needless to say I slept very very late.  

When we woke up, we headed into Ceres to where Tim's parents were working today...Derrel's mini storage.  They're hoping they'll get this location since it is not available full time.  They're gonna call on Monday about it.  As it is, we went with them to dinner, then hung out at my parents' for a while where they're staying.  

Now, I'm going to have to try to get to bed early because I have to get up and make several phone calls tomorrow (blue cross, car company, job thing).  And I have to give a couple people rides.  *smile* Talk later.

Last night, Tim and I went to the pool for the first time in a few days.  We were hoping to see our new friends, Michael and Laurie.  The pool was pretty much desserted, which was odd considering it was a Friday night, but we weren't complaining.  Tim got in the spa, while I cranked it up, and commandeered a chair and a corner to stow our stuff.  That was when I noticed these guys hanging out at the end of the gated area.  Our pool is in a fenced in area behind the apartment's office.  It is a rather nice area, with two spas, a wading pool, the actual pool, and about a kajillion chaise lounges.  These guys were chilling out down at the far end, on about 3 of the chaise lounges.....FULLY CLOTHED.   I thought to myself, WTF??  I cautiously got in the spa, and lounged a bit, and then Tim noticed something else that was peculiar...the men's room door was propped open with a trash car.  

My theory was that the dudes weren't from the complex (I deduced this because one of them climbed over the fence while we sat in the spa...a small kid with a skateboard).  I thought they were going to hang out until 11, when the pool was locked.  Shortly before 11, they were going to hide in the restroom (which is why it was propped open), and then once the coast was clear, come out to swim.  Why they didn't just get in at this point, I wasn't sure.  

There were small kids in the pool at this point, and that was alright.  I got hot, and decided to go do my laps, which is helping my pain, and seems to be helping me lose some weight, and it toning up my arms and stuff...then Tim and I took turns in the pool/spa.  Then we heard Elaina (Michael and Laurie's daughter) before we saw her.  We thought the wait was over.  But lo and behold, it was only Elaina and her aunt.  I played with her for about 5 minutes, before I decided I wanted to go home...that and Tim was motioning me like crazy.  I went over and got back in the spa, and that's when the smell it me.

The fucktards were in the men's room, smoking a joint.  Okay folks, I don't care what you do in the privacy of your own home...I wouldn't even care if you were doing it there...but there were children in that pool.  WTF????!!!! When one would come out of the men's room another would go in.  It was definitely the dudes from the end of the pool.  SO...Tim and I got our swag, and left, called Zach for the number to security, and called dispatch.  They swore they were going to send someone out.  A short time later I went over to the convenience store to get a soda, and all seemed to be quiet over there...whether anyone showed up I don't know...maybe I'll have to call the police the next time.

Anyway, this morning, I got up,and went down to the pool to do my laps.  Don't think I ended up with a burn...just think I got a nice bit of tan.  Came home at like 1130.  Then I ate a muffin, and was checking my email when I got a surprise.  On my Monster.com job alert, I had one from Stellar Nordia for payroll administrator.  I couldn't help it...I applied.  I know they'll just laugh at my application and move on, but what the hell.  I think it's funny.  Wasn't that Julie's position?  As soon as I sent it, I got an out of office reply from Toni...just like the old days.  Then I showered and headed to the store, to get stuff for dessert tonight.

Then I remembered I had to go pick up my prescription that I had filled since I was assured that my insurance was back in force.  Ptsh.  No such luck.  Blue Cross is telling my pharmacy that it's still expired.  I about had a conniption.  I was completely out of my topamax...if I don't have that (the big mg this time) I'm fucked...seizure time baby...they called them, and the rep I guess was really rude the pharmacy tech...so the pharmacist made an exception for me and gave me 5 pills to get me through until Monday...but you had better believe first thing Monday I am calling those bitches.  I've been dealing with this for over a week now.  I only have benefits for 8 weeks.  Now they've taken 1 away from me.  I don't think so...

Came home, made that eclair stuff that Zach gave me the recipe for...and hope that Michael and Heather will be able to make it.   If not, we''ll have fun with just us and randombastarymeatloaf ahoy! We'll see...that's it for now.  Oh...still no word on that job...still waiting.

Everyone knows that I'm a clutz. What people don't know is that I don't really know how to pack very well. I also can't stack a closet very well. Today, when Tim got up, I went to change clothes, but I was inspired. Afterall, I had nylons on, and new heels, why not try on other clothes in my closet?

Okay, so let me paint this picture for you first...precariously stack, poorly packed heavy boxes up top, and a clutz messing around below.

Are you ready?

So, I tried on one dress. I'm fine..then I decided to look for another dress, and that's when everything feel down, and decided to use my face as a landing strip. There was a series of loud bangs, and I didn't even know what happened, until I flinging that old jewelry box my grandmother gave me onto the bed, and an SBC box and a few other things, and running to the bathroom holding my face, in nothing but a bra and nylons.

When I looked in the mirror I saw ( this. )

Okay so I'm posting via the client for the first time in forever...damn...I forgot what I pain in the butt it is. But there is a reason for it...I have to see what is going on on the screen behind the client...as I am making a relay call..go figure.

So yesterday, I got up at the butt crack of 830 to go to the clerk recorder's office to get a copy of our marriage license/certificate. I was parked in a 30 minute zone, and I was taking forever in their office, so I was getting nervous. When I got up there, I expected to have to wait while they went to look for the thing, but lo and behold, they just printed the thing out, with signatures and all. That's pretty groovy. Then I zoomed up J St to McHenry to Claribel to Wells Fargo in Riverbank and they made a copy and I'm all set. Yay!

Then I got online to apply for a few jobs before I started cleaning house. I applied for 1 job, then found another one and I tried to apply online, but found i couldn't. So I called the location, and ended up going down there to apply for receptionist. When I called I wanted to make sure that they had direct hire and/or temp to hire positions. I wasn't going to waste my time on temp positions. I was told they had both. So I went down there. And was told they had a majority of temp positions and very few of what I was looking for. But I thought what the hell because they had a few. Then proceeded to waste the majority of my day. I'm talking TWO AND A HALF hours. I filled out a paper application. I thought I was done. The receptionist chick told me to have a seat. I did. Then I was taken into a stifling room. I filled out a electronic application. I came back out and had a seat again. Then I was taken back into the stifling room to complete 5 evaluations...basic office skills (omg there was basic math for which I could not use a calculator...addition subtraction division and multiplicatoin of decimals, fractions, negative number..and I suck at math...did okay though), excel, word, 10 key data entry, alphanumeric data entry. I scored higher than anyone else in 6 months. I came back out and had a seat again, and waited. Then I had an interview, at which time they told me there was a temp to hire position that they were interview for on Friday (today) and they would like to submit me for. Okay then.

I was home for about 3 minutes when my phone rang. My interview was at 1130 on Friday. The catch? I had to wear close toed dress shoes. I don't happen to own any close toed dress shoes. I only own sandles. So off to the shoe store I went. Bought some cute shoes. I then proceeded to finally clean my house. Four and a half hours later I finally have a clean house. Ugh it was gross. Now I can have the maintenance guy come in and fix shit. I just didn't want him in here.

We went to the store and bought food for the rest of the month. While we were there we realized we don't have plans for the fourth. Hmmmm, dunno. Then we figured we'll make the meatloaf this weekend

randombastary, Saturday or Sunday is best? And you wanted ranch taters with that??? I went to bed at 0230.

I got up a little before 10, took a shower, and got ready to go. Got down there at 11. And waited. There were 2 people before me, Goddess knows how many people after me. My interview went pretty well. Had them laughing. When I went in there, they said that on paper, they like my qualifications, so I just had to wow them...I am hoping that I did. I just have to wait for a call. I don't like that it's a temp to hire position. I mean, after 90 days, if they like me, I'm in. And I can get benefits through PrideStaff to make up for that 90 day period, but still...suckish...but we'll see.

When I got home, I checked the mail and there was a letter from California Life Line. We have to renew our qualification. Tim is the reason we qualify, so I had to call SSA, so get a proof of benefits letter. So, hello IP Relay. Brought back some memories. Now, since my shorts aren't clean yet, and I don't want to go into the bedroom to wake up Tim, I guess I'll put my heels back on and walk down to the mail box to mail my continued claim form.

As soon as I hear something I'll let you know. I might have a job!!

 

"They always tell you to get on the plane.  Fuck you, I'm getting IN the plane.  I find there's a lot less wind there."  George Carlin

I had to find the right quote.  He was such a wise man, and his comedy always found just the right spot with everyone.  RIP George...I know you're kickin' back somewhere, watching the world and laughing your ass off.

I did in fact go to Wells Fargo for that Opportunity Checking account, but the lady told me that they don't just take your word for it that you are on check systems.  Once she ran a check on Check Systems, I was on there...therefore I was able to open a regular checking account.  If for some reason I do show up on Check Systems, they'll just change my account over to Opportunity Checking account.  I should get my checks and atm card in 7-10 days.  The only problem???  The old profile still exists with my maiden name and they wouldn't accept my social security card and ID with my new last name.  I have to bring in my marriage license and I couldn't find it...so tomorrow morning I have to go down to the court recorder's office and get a copy.  I even went to my mom's house to look for it.

Anyway, I have to get ready to go.  Going to a go away party tonight...for a bit.

So, I did indeed call Walgreen's yesterday.  Afterall, when we are waiting for doctor authorization, they've always given me loaner's out of my prescription.  When I am out before the end of the month, when I can get a refill, they'll give me loaners off my prescription.  So, I called and explained the whole thing...there was a miscommunication between myself and HR, and cobra and I already paid but it hasn't been reinstated blah blah blah...and do you know what they told me?  That I would have to pay market price per pill.  Ladies and Gentlemen...Topamax is not cheap.  Try 11.95 per pill.  PER PILL!!  I needed at least three.  I'll let you do the math.  I'm waiting. That's right...35.85 plus tax.  Just for 3 little 25 mg pills.  And, here's the kicker, if I don't have them, I start jolting like a mofo, because these are my anti seizure pills.  I have the big 100mg mothers, but these are the little pills I take to supplement them.  Joy.  

So I freaked out, and called my neurologist's office to see what they could do, or how they could advise me.  I left a message with basically the same thing I told Walgreens.  This was about 2 pm.  30 minutes later the nurse called me back.  Turns out my neurologist was out of the office.  I had to very patiently explain to her that I needed them before they closed because I only had 1 pill left.  She tried to tell me that she was sure it would be okay but when Dr. Harner returned in the morning, she'd run it by her.  *facepalm*  I was thinking, what part of don't have enough for the morning, don't you understand.  I walked her through the semantics once more, and what did she ask me??  "What time in the morning do you take them??"  *sighs*  "6am"  "Oh."  So then she said she was going to call the on call doctor.  And I waited.  And waited.  At which point, Tim woke up, and we discussed what I should do.  It was 4:30, and I decided to drive my happy ass down to the office, and be a thorn in her side.  I could understand her saying no, but just not calling me back??  WTF, man?  I was just talking to the receptionist when my phone rang.  The on call doctor had approved it.  I only wanted one bottle of samples, but they gave me two, so at least I'm okay for that.

Jim came by for his chairs yesterday, and forgot the cover letter and updated resume *smiles at JIm* but while I was gone getting dinner, his wife brought them by.  So I was able to go get copies of my typing certificate and about 15 copies of my resumes for future use, and then get everything together to mail out to that job in Stockton.  I realized that I hadn't filled out the app all the way, so I finished it first.  It ended up being like 10 pages total, with the application (5 pages) typing certificate (1), resume (1) cover letter (1) and addendum page to explain gaps in employment (1).  Okay, well 9.  I am really hoping i get this, as I haven't heard back from any of the jobs I've applied for.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that I have applied for about 150 jobs since I got laid off.  It's disheartening.

Went swimming last night.  After sitting in the spa last night, I swam about 6 laps, that's up and back 6 times.  He swam a few too...so at least we're getting exercise.  I would have done more, but then people got in the pool :(  The we just played.  Did flips, sat on the bottom of the pool.  We were there for a couple of hours at least.  I didn't go to bed until 1230.  I put that application in the mail when I got home.

Today, I'm going to finish laundry, apply for yet more job, and go to Wells Fargo.  It is my understanding they have a checking account for people on check systems, and anything I can do to save myself money is a great thing.  I haven't done anything with my severence check yet, and I need to.  And I might go back down to EDD to try to get a better typing certificate, don't know...either that, of I"ll clean the hell out of my house.  It's gross.  I never got around to it yesterday.  So, that's it in a nutshell...

After Michael and Heather left, I collapsed in bed, and got up around 11 or so.  I got on the computer, and only left to go to the bathroom, and find sustenance.  I was in front of the bloody thing for 10 hours.  I applied for 40 jobs all total yesterday, I think.  I lost count.  I know it was at least 40, because that's how many responses I got.  I was still doing it when Tim got up.  I was so stiff and sore I could barely move.  

I went and checked the mail, and got that award letter that EDD told me I'd get.  There are 3 names on it.  S Wharton from March 07, S Liebe from the rest of 07, and then some random person by the name of Akola from Los Angeles.  Because of that fuck up, they had me getting like 450 a month.  Had I not called them about my name, I probably would not have even figured it out, because I barely glanced down there.  As it is, I get about 80 less than that, give or take.  Blah.  I have no idea when I'll get my first check.

I got an application in the mail I requested from a job in Stockton, so I have it filled out, but it needs a cover letter.  So I asked James to print one out that I emailed him.  Also, I updated my resume, so he's going to bring that.  I also have to make a copy of my typing certificate.  Once I get all of that, I can mail that off tomorrow.  The benefits sheet they mailed with it, looked pretty good.  I hope I can get that since nothing else looks promising.  

I went to the doctor today, and now I've come full circle it seems.  Back to bursitis in my hips, but it's throughout the entire hip joint and not just in one specific place.  That's why injections don't work for me.  I guess.  Then, as far as my knee goes, I have cartiledge degeneration happening in there.  They want me to go to aqua therapy, because it's non-impact.  I don't know, I don't feel right about this diagnosis either.  We'll see.  

I still don't have the insurance straightened out.  Had to pay 284 yesterday but they said they hadn't yet received it, I have to call back tonight.  Now I have to call Walgreen's to see if I can get some loaner Topamax until my insurance kicks in again.  *sigh*  This sucks balls.  Okay talk later.

Unemployment does not really suit me.  I need to have a job.  I really do.  I need to feel useful.  I need to have a place to go.  I need to know I'm bringing in money.  Having said that...

Friday night we made new friends in the pool.  Not really gonna spend too much time on that, but their names are Michael and Laurie, and they have a 6 year old daughter named Elaina.  They're really nice people.  We're hoping to catch them in the pool again.

Saturday was just a day.  As I've been getting up a lot earlier than Tim, I have been doing crap throughout the day.  I cleaned the fridge out, as there was a ton of mystery water from god knows where in it, and it was starting to stink up the joint.  I took out all the shelves, and wiped it all out.  That bottom shelf/drawer thing was a bitch to get in and out.  The fridge is just in the wrong damn place.  I figured out that the water was coming from when we fill our ice trays and we're clumsy.  You know...spillage?  Anyway, got that cleaned up, and then spent the rest of the day chilling until Tim got up, and then we headed to his parents' in Stockton.  They're always telling us how they live in this terrible neighborhood on S. Airport, and that they always have to be home before dark.  We didn't think much of it, and left at like 1030.  Debbie gave us all these instructions as we were leaving...go the speed limit, make sure you keep your doors locked, if someone approaches your car, haul ass.  What?  Do you live in South Central LA or what?  We got out of the neighborhood without incident, and no one looked at us twice.  I'm not going to say that it wasn't ghetto, but I don't think it was all that.  And yo, we got BBQ out of it.  Oh, and Marie Callendar's pie.

Sunday, I woke up around 1130, and headed out with randombastary.  Met her for lunch, and then headed over to Border's and got meh...a little bit of writing done.  Like usual we just talked, but that's alright :)  That's what happens when I never see her *scowls* It was fun though, and that chocolate coffee crunch javakula thing was so highly caffeinated I was a deranged chipmunk for days.  The downside to going to borders though was I was afraid of running into Meghan and Brian...bleth.

Later that night, Michael and Heather came over.  We went back to the pool, and had a pretty good time...was pretty mellow.  Stayed there for a couple of hours.  Came home.  Hung out, watched TV, and then started looking for Tim's N64 for some reason.  That's when we realized we left a lot of shit at my mom's house.  Almost died going through the closet.  Almost died going through our little storage.  But oh well.  They left around 4 am, and which point I promptly crashed out.

On Saturday I tried to pick up prescriptions and found that my insurance was no longer valid.  Uh....what?  According to the HR witch, there was not supposed to be a lapse....so I called them.  Yeah, since I hadn't made a payment yet, it's suspended.  Great.  But the first person I talked to was....guess where?  India!!  And the clapping and celebration going on in the background was so loud I couldn't even hear.  So I said, you know what?  I can just make that payment online myself and hung up because the payment was only supposed to be for 90 bucks or something and he said I could pay with a Visa.  So I get online, and find something at the top that says "Your account is paid in full..." and the amount online matches the bill I got, and says 285 or something, and I was even more confused and I called back.  This person, who may well have been in India, but at least I could understand him, and it was quiet in the background, explained that the bill was actually for all of July and part of June, and he was unable to split it, and yes they take Visa.  Hmmmmmm, okay.  Well, I get back online, and they only take checks online, and no payments over the phone.  SHIT!!  So now I have to wait for Tim to get up to get permission to use his checking account then go put money in his account.  However, I do still think I'm going to do the "opportunity checking account" dealy at Wells Fargo.  I'll lose 25.00 a month to a savings account in case of overdraft, but after a year, I get it back.  Not so bad.  Then I"ll just cancel the hell out of this stupid card...but my concern is if I can't do direct deposit right now, what happens?

Anyway, I have to start job hunting now.  I guess I'll go.  I got excited today.  I got a voicemail, but it was a return call from Friday, when I asked someone to mail me an application.  Damn.  Okay, all for now.

I gave into peer pressure and joined godficso as soon as I'm approved, I'll post this short fix I posted over on Inklings on LJ.  So approved me randombastary!!

stolen fromrandombastary

Your result for The What Middle Earth race do you belong to Test...

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So I figured out how I need to put pictures on here and it's freaking complicated, but I guess it's what I have to do. Dammit.

Anyway, I was sitting here applying for a shit load of jobs when I got a text from Billy :) asking if I wanted to go for coffee. Uh, hell yeah!! So I called Zach to see if he and Travis wanted to come, and they did, so I went and kidnapped them, and we went and met Bill. I ended up seeing one of my old operators, Kyle over there. OMG, that was weird. He didn't have his rastafarian hair anymore, but it was Kyle nonetheless. I miss that guy. I insisted on getting a couple of pictures...

Me at coffee

Zach and Travis at coffee

Me again

Billy at coffee

Then we headed over the Zach and Travis' place. That was fun. Checked the mail before getting there, and I had this bizaare big yellow envelope from Stellar Nordia. I was afraid. What? Are they asking me to stay? No, it was already my severance check. And I got pwned in taxes. Anyway, that's about it.

And here are the other pictures I couldn't post before:



Haven't gotten any responses from the job front, when I do, I'll let you know.

So, I woke up on Monday and filed for unemployment.  I know my last post was a little scatterbrained, and I'm sorry.  It's hard to think, when you can barely see through tears.  It's a lot easier to file than I remember.  There was a box for your name (dur) last name first.  And then another box for the aliases that you've gone by.  This is where my maiden name has to go.  Goddess, I'm going to look forward to never having to put that down again.  Married friends, how long am I going to have to put up with this?  Plus, EDD is retarded (see later in post).

Monday was just difficult all together.  We went out to get Tim's hair cut, and got something to eat, and then spent some time in the pool/spa.  Later in the evening, we went to the store.  Tuesday, I got up earlier than he did, and I went to EDD to take my typing test.  Okay, having worked at relay, I beyond all shadow of all doubt that I can type 70+ a minute accurately.  Otherwise I couldn't work there.  But this old fuckwad kept coming over and talking to this that was testing, and kept distracting me.  I asked him kindly to speak to her elsewhere, but he just looked at me like I was speaking some alien dialect.  I ended up with 66 gross with 15 error for 51 net.  Sucking balls!  At least the jobs I'm going for require 45 max.  It's just going to make me look like a liar on my resume.  But if I explain the situation, maybe it will help.  I'll go down again next week and try again.  Then after then, i took Tim's phone in, because like my old phone, his kept turning on and off like it was possessed by Satan.  Satan I tell you!!!!  After the Christina Aguilera look-a-like chick was able to recreate it, they traded out his phone.  Thank goodness for the insurance. 

So, then I went and got a haircut.  Okay, I'd had the same hair style for like 6 years.  So, I decided it was time for something new.  Then it was over to the eyebrow place for those, and while I was there I got a manicure and pedicure.  It felt great.  But, not everyone likes my hair :(  But it made me feel loverly.  But low and behold Tim's new phone was also defective.  His empty phone was saying it had no memory.  So back to the store I went.  Had to get another new one.  Then when we tried to send ourselves backgrounds for our phones, the servers were down.  I thought I was going to have to go back again.  But by the next morning it finally went through. 

Michael and Heather came over the night and we went to the pool again.  And I have to say that people need to learn manners.  And what in the name of everything holy were 5,6 and 7 year olds doing at the pool at 930?  We kept getting run over.  When we got in the spa, we had munchkins in there with us.  It was quiet annoying, and just not right at all.  Once they went home it was quite enjoyable.  I mean, I don't mind children in the pool with us in the early evening but I assume by the time they'd all go in.  

Wednesday I spent a good portion of the day on the computer applying for jobs.  I had decided just because I wasn't going to go out, didn't mean I wasn't going to do anything.  So I spent the day searching various job boards, and applied for like 40 jobs.  At one point I got a phone call from one of the jobs I applied for, but they told me they didn't think I was qualified, which is fine.  But turns out the people recruiting for this job also happened to a temp agency and they kept trying to get me register with them.  Look!  I don't need temp work.  Come register.  No!  *click*

Thursday, I got up early, turned in my typing certificate to Memorial HR, because of that one job that required it before they'd even look at my app, then off to apply for a vetrinarian.  Don't think they were particularly impressed by me.  Then I went to my mom's to borrow her paper to look for more jobs, and only found a few more fax numbers, so ended up coming home, and stopping by Savemart to do that.  Blah.  Sucktastic.Then when I checked the email, there was something from EDD.  Turns out that I have to register for if I register for unemployment.  I was going to do that anyway...but the notice was under the wrong name...urm...dude, I stopped answering to that over a year ago...helloooooooooo!  So I called them, and they fixed it, but they told me that when they mailed out my award letter (what award letter?) that there was someone else on there with me, so it increased my award amount, so they told me my new about (it's only about 60 dollars less a week), but it's still about half of what I was making every 2 weeks.  Yeah, gotta find something really soon.  

Okay, gotta get Tim up, we got shit to do.

I know I said I was on hiatus, and I know I said I wasn't sure if I was going to be back, but guess what...I couldn't stay away.  So much is happening right now, if I don't write it out, I'll explode into a crying puddle of goo.  

The good news is that Tim is better (YAY!), I do not have rhuematoid arthritis, Lupus, or anything else that can be found via a blood test.  So, now the doctors are throwing around the diagnosis of FIBROMYALGIA.  I don't think I have this, but I have to call an orthopedist to get a second opinion, and I keep forgetting to do this.

And I have to, as I only have 8 weeks of benefits left.  You see, effective June 16th, my relay career officially came to a close.  I keep telling myself that it is a good thing, that I am going to go on to better things, but at this present time, it's hard to see the positive for all the fear that is threatening to drown me.  If I don't find a job by the time my benefits expire, I won't be able to afford to keep the cobra benefits.  Yes, I have filed for unemployment, but let's be real people, I'm not going to make a whole lot on that.  Okay, let's talk about the last week, shall we?

I did everything in my power over the last month to keep things as close to business as usual as I could.  I completed all of my one-on-ones with my operators, and during those meetings, I told them what to expect over the next month.  I completed 2 calls per operator, and did an ergonomic assessment on each of them.  I even completed my relay time.  From what I can gather, I was one of only a few who did all of this.  It gave me comfort.  

Management dispersed my team on Sunday.  I finished everything on Thursday.  So when I got waved over to another desk by a peer, I was pretty okay with being called away from my work.  I learned then that you have to be careful what you say to people.  I had been venting to a peer about someone who had been creeping me out, and found that the person who had been listening in, decided that in an effort to look out for me, would go to management.  Management forwarded it to HR.  This person got called into HR, and wanted to give me a heads up.  Gee, thanks!  *sigh*  

We got the team assignments on Friday.  I managed to get most everything together Friday morning.  There was to be an all day potluck for us on Friday, so I was going to be doing very little that day.  They showed a powerpoint of pictures, most of which were from before my time.  I really didn't want to see this.  I did, however have fun playing Wii.  I got called into HR, and had my little meeting over the above mentioned issue, and learned that something else that I had spoke to another peer about, in an effort to commiserate with her, about harrassing phone calls, had also been taken to HR.  So the moral of the story is TRUST NO ONE!!

Then I got assignments in an effort to keep me busy.  They expected me to monitor 30 calls per day.  I hardly ever did more than 10.  Yeah, needless to say I was braindead each day, but at least I made an effort.  By Monday, all I had left was a pen, a highlight, and a clipboard.  And of course, the crying.  

Always the crying.  I started to walk around to say good bye.  At 12 30 I had my meeting.  And OMG, I handed off my equipment, and left.  *sigh*

I can remember my first day of training, when I got lost, and ran around traffic 15 times before finding my way out.  Then, I remember getting so overwhelmed on my first week of having a team of operators that I went into the bathroom and cried.  I'll miss so many people.  

Wish me luck folks...on an up note, I went and got my typing certificate today, and then got a new hair do, and got a pedicure, manicure, and my eyebrows did, so I feel better.  Michael and Heather are here, so I have to go.

This used to be a place for me to shout my joys, dreams and hopes.  To vent my sadness, disappointments, and troubles.  To rage my angers and frustrations.  To sound out my fears for moral support.

For a long time I have felt that they have fallen on largely deaf ears, but that was alright.  It wasn't for those who listened.  It was for me.  It made me feel better.

It gave me joy.

Finally though, the joy has been overridden by the pain that it is causing me.  When I can no longer freely shout, freely vent, freely rage, freely sound.  Not even when it only has to do with my own thoughts.

It is time to go on hiatus for a while. I don't know if I'll be back...or when.  If you want to contact me, simply email me, or leave a comment here.  I'll still look in from time to time.  Believe me, it's better this way.

So, Tim is getting better.  We went to the specialist, and the good news is there shouldn't be any lasting effects from his infection.  

And, WWWOOOOTTT for Obama being the presumptive Democratic nominee.  It's about damn time!!  I sat, glued to the television, on Tuesday night, for both Hilary's speech, and Obama's.  I would have been there for McCain's except I was out getting dinner at that time.  And ya know, I would have though Hilary would have succeeded.  But nope!  Instead, she just prolonged the inevitable.  Obama's speech was eloquent, and I found myself tearing up a bit, and nodding and clapping, and I was glad that he was the nominee, even more than before.  

Anyway, I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday, and I was hell-bent on FINALLY getting something done.  I have lived with progressively worse pain, and that's not okay.  It started, if you remember in my hips, and there is dwelled rising, and falling for about 3 years.  And over the past 6 months, it has just gotten worse.  I know it has something to do with our furniture, because let's face it, anyone who has sat on our couch, or laid on our bed knows it sucks ass, but that's no excuse.  Then the pain migrated to my left knee.  The knee cracks and is swollen and stiff.  Okay, I might have been able to buy the fact that I have bursitis in all 3 joints, except that when I went to that quack of an orthopedist, Dr. Weiss, and he gave me a hydrocortisone shot, in my hip, it did crap.  Perhaps it was in the wrong place, but I doubt it.

Anyway, it kinda plateaued for a while, until all of a sudden, my second toe on my right foot started to burn, and my right index finger started to get stiff and sore and swollen, and all of my pain in my hips and knee started to get worse.  I fought through it, but then all of my joints got worse.  I went to the podiatrist for my toe, and he mentioned being tested for rheumatoid arthritis, so when I went to the doctor on Wednesday, I got in his face.  If a totally unrelated doctor who hasn't lived through this for 3 years thinks it's a good idea, then ya know what?  It's a good idea.

He tried to back out of it, saying that an "orthopod" probably couldn't help me.  "Well, then send me to a rheumatologist."  He stammered for a bit, and I explained what my podiatrist had told me.  So, he prescribed me a medication (non-narcotic, because apparently he doesn't believe in vicodin), and ordered a blood test for rheumatoid arthritis.  The outcome of that will decide where I go.  If it is positive I'll go to a rheumatologist, if it's negative, I'll go to a different orthopedist.  I go back next week for the results.  I also told him that if my pain meds didn't work, that I would be asking for a narcotic pain reliever because I'm tired of hurting.  So far, these are working.

I went back to work today, and everyone wondered what happened.  I was appropriately vague.  

randombastaryjust RSVP...it'll be cool.  Meet me at my house at 2:30.  We'll head over to my mom's and go from there.  Sound good?

Okay, I'm off...I've just spent the last hour applying for jobs with Sutter Gould.  TTYL.

Tim is awesome...he gets me icons :)  So, I have so new ones!!  He's feeling better.  Oh, and I got one of these.  Because of how ucky my feet (and Tim's feet) get, I usually use a pumice stone and some ointment.  But it usually don't work, and it makes a mess.  This, OMG, feet are smooth, and not that messy...I would recommend buying one, I'm just saying.

Okay...that's it :)

Tim has been sick for several days...just generally feeling under the weather.  Yesterday, about 15 minutes before I was supposed to come home, the phone in my row rang.  It's not actually on my desk, but since I heard a phone, and thought it sounded close, I thought I'd check it.  It was mine, so I answered it.  It was Tim.  He had gotten much worse, and needed to go to the doctor.  I ran out of work like all the hells of hounds were on my ass.  I think I only told one person I was leaving, and got home in like 5 minutes.  Sure enough, he needed to go, so we headed over the same day clinic, but they decided they couldn't treat him.

So...we headed to the emergency room at Memorial Hospital.  And were there until 1045.  Tim has a very bad infection, and is in a lot of pain, but is going to be okay.  I was up with him all night long on Sunday night so I didn't go to work today.  Also, there was a good chance I was going to have to take him to a specialist today...but the specialist called, and wants to see him Tuesday.

Hopefully, this will not jeopardize our ablility to have children...if we come out on the other side, we have decided to start trying.  AND to freeze some of the little buggers.  

Blah.  What a day.  On an up note, he is getting better already, the IV antibiotic they gave him is kicking this thing's ass!!

"Dear Stephanie,

Thank you for applying for employment at (insert name of company here)  While we did not select you for the current job opening, we appreciate your interest in seeking employment opportunities with our company.

We will retain your application on file for six months (three months, one year).  If we advertise another position that youa re interested in, do not hesitate to call and reactivate or update your application.  Again, we thank you for takin gtime to complete an application and we wish you success in locating the career opportunity you deserve.

John Doe
HR Manager"

Okay, so now, I'll give you my translation:

"Dear Stephanie,

We thank you for applying for employment here at whatever our company name happens to be.  However, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you really do suck.  I just don't like the look of you.

So, kindly piss off.

No love,
John Doe
HR Manager"

This seems like the 18th rejection letter I've gotten.  It doesn't even matter who the letter is from, they're all the same.  I do have to give them credit for even bothering to send me a letter of acknowledgment, even if it is rejection.  I'm sick of seeing them.  I don't think it would be so bad if I had just started, but I"ve been doing this since the middle of April.  Over a month, and nothing!!  

Okay, off of that, and onto something more positive.  I do have to say congratulations to Jim, who got a teaching job.  Way to go you!!!  And yay for Michael and Heather for getting the truck fixed.  

And now I'm off to finish making dinner.  I'm out.

So, when last I posted...lemme see...I was just about to get Tim up.  I had gone on a quest for new icons...see?  Hahah!  Okay, Tim went to his gastroenterologist, and found out he has acid reflux...gave him some medicine...if that doesn't work we have to call him.  Then I went to my podiatrist...and saw someone who used to work at relay working the front desk.  DAMMIT!  Off to see if they have any job openings.  Anyway, I have the great thing known as hammer toes, and possibly rhuematoid arthritis.  *sigh*  

We went and got Tim sleep shirts and then came home.  Other than that, not much else.  It seems a kitty has adopted us.  Blah, okay I'm off...