Thursday, July 31, 2008

That's just the way it goes...

I know I have already made a post today, but I felt inclined to post again. Those closest to me know that if it wasn't for bad luck, I would have NO luck at all. It sounds sad, but unfortunately, it's the truth.

I have been so excited that I almost have Bertha (my car) paid off! You have know idea the relief and excitement this has brought me. I have NEVER paid off a vehicle. I have been looking forward to having a little extra money, especially since Miller's birthday is at the end of Sept, and Christmas will be right around the corner.

We are presently receiving Section 8 vouchers for rent. This means that HUD pays a portion of our rent, and we pay the remainder. Well, due to my lack of income at the beginning of the year, my payments were dramatically reduced. After obtaining "gainful" employment, I sent them the updated info. Well, here we are, 5 months later, and I receive a letter from the housing authority stating that beginning September 1, I will be responsible for 1/2 of my rent. That's more than my flippin' car note! That's more than I make in a week!

Obviously, with this, the relief of having a little extra money has been replaced by stress and continued worry about how in the heck I am going to get Miller something for his b-day. Not to mention, the added stress of trying to work Christmas into my budget.

This is literally a case of one step forward, two steps back. Ahhh... This is how we roll...

The "Job"

So, let me tell you a little about my job. My employer shall remain nameless, but I will clue you in on why I look so miserable during the week.

I arrive at work, in da hood in Beaumont, every morning at around 8:30 a.m. I walk in, turn off the alarm, turn off the porch lights, start my coffee, turn on the copier and sit here, alone, until approximately 10:00 a.m. At this time, Mr. Personality comes walking through the door with the usual scowl on his face. He will snippily (is that a word) ask me about messages, and proceed to give me a "you're stupid, go to hell look," while I explain them to him. Then, he walks back to his office and gets online, usually to find out about tennis tournaments. He never speaks to me, unless it is absolutely necessary, and even then, it's with a very gruff tone.

Our office was broken into at the beginning of May 2008, and the microwave was stolen. It is now 07/31/08, and he still hasn't replaced it. If I eat one more sandwich, can of tuna, cold lunchmeat, with cheese and a fruit cup, I am gonna puke!!! As a matter of fact, yesterday, I almost did puke. The twit often leaves for lunch, and has NEVER asked if I wanted/needed anything. BTW - I do not get to take a lunch...

Not to mention the fact that we ran out of paper towels and handsoap in the bathroom 6 wks ago. I have given him a list of supplies, 3 TIMES, and he still has not replaced anything. We are now down to 1 roll of toilet paper, and I'm getting worried. 3 wks ago, we ran out of trash bags. Oh, I forgot to mention one of my duties is to take out the trash ever Monday and roll the can to the street. Yesterday, the water jug on the cooler was empty, and I think it was empty this morning. I honestly think the cheap-skate filled it with tap water. This house/office was built in the 1930's, and I seriously doubt the plumbing has been replaced since then. I really do NOT want to drink the water from the faucet.

So, by now you are asking me why I keep this job. It's simple, I am having difficulty finding a new one, and being a single mother of 3, having a job is absolutely necessary.

Hopefully, now you will understand why, at times, I am not such a happy camper. It is miserable going to a job, where you are treated so crummy and disrespectful. I try to have a good attitude, but as soon as he opens his mouth, that good attitude flies out the window.

I do know that God has great plans for me. I am holding onto the hope of Jeremiah 29:11. However, at times, I seem to loosen my grasp on this one. I know He is in control, and He will provide, but when things seem to constantly be chaotic or miserable, I lose sight of Him. How do you hold onto the hope He gives when you are going through troublesome times? I know it's possible, but I just do not know how...

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

It's been a long time...

Well, I decided that since I have several friends from church that are on here, I would get back to working on my blog.

So much has happened since my last post. I was laid off, again. It took me 4 months to find another job. I have, however, been working since the end of February. I am grateful for my job, as it helps to provide for my kids. However, let me be honest, I HATE IT!!!! My boss is an ungrateful, arrogant, self-important butthead. Oh, he's also a tight-wad. Presently, what I earn is BELOW poverty level.

Enough of that... The kids are growing up, way too fast. Maggie will be in 4th grade, Miller in 1st and Matt will be starting Pre-K. This is the only year that all of them will attend the same school. After this, I will always be shuttling between 2 schools. At one point, I will have one in High School, one in Middle School and one in elementary. That will be interesting. RRRRrrrr...

Presently, we are getting ready for the start of the new school year. The thought of having to purchase school clothes and supplies for 3 kids, on my income, is quite overwhelming. However, I have learned to ask for help, instead of stressing because I cannot do it alone.

Well, I will be back again, soon.