A Bone, for my Dawgs

Yes, you read that right-- I'm throwing the proverbial blog-bone that a number (ok TWO) of my readers have requested.

What a long, strange internet-less trip its been, amigos mine.

Here's a thumbnail to bring all of you (ok-- the two remaining readers) up to speed on my present state of being. As the last post mentioned, my work hours were slashed in half back in November & for now have not been restored to full time. With that in mind, our agency HAS received notice of incoming funds (to the tune of roughly $25,000 total) that are coming-- exactly when the hell they are coming, no one can answer. That being the case, until those pesos are actually IN HAND, its not feasible to restore my 40-hour status. **Sigh**

In light of that "challenge" to my income, I have since taken on two additional part time jobs (one with the Wheeling Artisan Center in their gift shop [working random Saturdays], and the second with a local pre-school doing aftercare). The retail work is easy, but it reminds me why I got out of working retail (barely over minimum wage & zero mental stimulation). The child care is a little more fun, but it likewise reminds me why I got out of child care / early childhood education (on your feet constantly, lame pay, minimal mental stimulation). At least this go around with child care doesn't coincide with the Barney craze from 15+ years back--- say... no... more. My fond hope is that within the next 60 days 1) the money will arrive to restore my work situation, and 2) I can give final notice to both part time gigs and close the chapters. I've enjoyed the work, and appreciate folks hiring me on to get me through this rough patch, but working 6 (and sometimes 7) days a week tends to wear a woman down, capice?

As to the personal life, Steve and I are still going strong after almost 9 months, and we are in the middle of making the transition to full time cohabitation. I have a tenant moving into my ghetto abode around the 15th of this month (I refer to her as Laura's Little Dividend), and have roughly 75% of my things moved out already. This Saturday is scheduled to be Ground Zero for the last leg of the move (last of the larger furniture, etc)-- of course, Steve was just informed that he now has to WORK Saturday, so methinks I'm going to be playing moving day mostly solo. **double sigh**

And in reference to Steve working a 6-day, that's also been a screwed up spectre during our relationship-- he's just come off of the third work layoff since November, and his oh-so-wise bosses are working the crew like a chain gang (10-12 hour days, 5-6 days) to fill an order, and the scuttlebutt 'round the mill is that they will all be laid off again after this order is filled (short of another large order being placed). **triple sigh**

That said, our relationship has only grown more solid, despite adversity. During this same 5 month period, Steve's mom has been recovering from major foot surgery, his dad his been diagnosed with (and successfully treated for) bladder cancer, and my grandmother has been in the hospital & is now ensconced at a nursing home due to failing physical strength (hell, she's gonna be 97 May 22-- she's allowed to lose power). Between work / financial stress, family angst, and the usual ups and downs of getting to know one another, I'd say we're surviving the turmoil nicely, despite it all.

I've also had random house / pet-sitting gigs that have help pay Da Man, and the occasional freelance writing job has also fallen on my plate, so looking at the big picture I'm far better off than many fellow Ohio Valley-ites whose lives have been utterly devastated by the present economy.

I have work.
I have family & friends.
I have a home (ok, TWO).
I have love.

I'm in a much better place than a large cross section of the population, so I try to keep perspective when the bills come due (and they always do) & it feels like this everlasting winter won't end...

Hopefully your girl blogger will soon have regular access to off-the-clock Internet, and I can once again unleash the fascinating workings of my mind on my adoring reader(s). You know you want me to!