get a job???

I must admit that I allow myself to get triggered by the averring of those people with jobs to the unemployed to "GET A JOB!" I'm not looking to complain or whine, but only to open some peoples' minds and possibly foster some empathy towards people that are struggling.

Here's my story:

I was not only working my last full time job for three years, but I was also working one day a week in a private therapy office renting space. Having purchased a home much further away from the full time job, I started searching for, and found, a job in the county that I reside. I did the right thing and put in my required four week notice at my full time job. Well at the three week mark, the new job offer was rescinded.

I requested to extend my resignation to give myself a cushion to continue job searching but the agency did not allow it. Fortunately, at the private group practice I was renting space at, the income was good. I continued my job search for a full time work but at least there was some income for me. Then that office I was renting was no longer available for rent.

I have continued my job search, started renting an independent therapy office, I have registered with two temp agencies, I am sending out copies of my resume to openings every week and even pounding the pavement for seasonal work. I have three college degrees and a solid work history. Does any of this sound lazy to you?

I still have no job. The temp agencies haven't had much. The private therapy practice is growing slowly but not yet covering the cost of my rent and additional insurance so I am not even breaking even. I am considered over-qualified for seasonal work that I am very willing to do. Then there is the fact that, though employers are not legally allowed to discriminate or be swayed against pregnant applicants, it's more difficult for a pregnant woman to get hired.

So, when you say or re-post those "Get a job" sentiments think first because it can be perceived as hurtful. Being unemployed and unable to find work to provide for your family despite trying is a difficult situation to handle. So please don't criticize and make assumptions about us. Are there lazy people in this world? Of course there are. Some of them are even employed and don't do squat while at their jobs, but I assume by your posts that they probably have value to you because they've got a job.

Get a job? I'm trying.

things that i don't understand

I just don't get:
The excitement of the Twilight movies.

Stealing from others.

Hatred of other religions.

Adopting an animal only to neglect or abuse it.

Not wanting to help others.

The appeal of sunbathing.

The Jerry Springer Show.

People that get upset over another person being vegetarian/vegan.

People that enjoy washing dishes.

Those that couldn't fall in love with a puppy.

Getting messy drunk.

People that don't enjoy the outdoors.

Going to the store on Black Friday.

Needing the newest/best/most technologically advanced products out there.

Not liking pumpkin desserts.

There are plenty more things I don't understand, but these are the ones that are on my mind right now.

when i conceived...

...I was still bringing in some regular income and I couldn't conceive of being broke. Now I'm job hunting while pregnant. Eek! What a scary place to be indeed. The good thing is, going scary places, whether a physical location or a situational one, helps us grow. When we stay in a place that is safe, we safely stay the same. That is not necessarily a bad thing if you like the person you have already become. But when life throws you a scary situation, revel in the fact that you will get through it and be better for the experience.

tut tut, It looks like rain

Double dose of "dang, people are idiots."

Yes, this 22 year old,

while driving drunk and wearing this t-shirt,

rammed a police car.

Keeping it classy, I tell you.

not-so-extreme couponing

Clipity-clip-clip-clip...coupons that is. It is amazing how challenges in life can change a person's shopping habits. Now don't get me wrong, I've never been one to go on crazy spending sprees (except shopping for Christmas gifts for family and friends, where I'm notorious for over shopping). I have never been one to need the biggest, best and newest technology or toy out there. I even find shopping a chore most of the time. The only type of shopping I actually enjoy is food shopping.

Enter the life challenge: financial strain. This has made frugality a necessity. In the past, I would occasionally clip a coupon or two but then I'd usually forget to bring them to the store. I started to get more serious about couponing. Not like the people on Extreme Couponing. I have no idea how they have the time of patience to do that, but I am amazed at what they are able to accomplish. I also wish some of their tricks would rub off on me.

Last time I went food shopping, I decided to see what I could save with sales and coupons and, to my surprise, I was able to save 77 dollars! May not be a whole lot, but when you do not have much money coming in, every little bit counts. And, I must admit, it was kind of fun. I can certainly see why the "extremers" get a rush out of it.

I'm going to try and figure more of this couponing thing out and try and save. Hmmmm...should I start stocking up on diapers now?????

oozing love hormones

No, that's not eluding to something raunchy. Quite the opposite.

Look at that picture! Boddington can just brighten my day just by being cute while napping. It's noticing these little moments and just being able to sit with them that makes life so full. It also gets the oxytocin flowing. Love, love, love!

Something else that is filling my life and my oxytocin quota: being pregnant. Yes, folks, I am pregnant, with child, knocked up, have a bun in the oven, incubating a child, etc. And it's amazing! I am thankful that it has been relatively uneventful so I am truly enjoying the experience. During the first trimester, I only experienced morning sickness four times for only a minute each. I was also really exhausted the first eleven weeks but that has passed.

It is all so wondrous, being able to see and watch the baby grow and dance on ultrasound. I've seen it's tiny little bladder and even both lobes of it's brain. The best is hearing it's rapid little heartbeat thump, thump, thumping away. I have already fallen in love with this sweet little kidlette who is all safe and sound in my womb. Life is good.