patchworkorange: (Default)
2024-11-28 07:36 am

and it just keeps getting worse!!

This week, it was just boss and I (well, mon-tues). He told me first thing that they're getting rid of our Direct to Consumer e-commerce offerings. Which means, my life goal at Cropp/Organic Valley, getting into E-Commerce, which we're finally doing in my department and I LOVE, (besides the fact that it's the only thing keeping us busy right now), is leaving.

Leaving us with absolutely nothing to do. Looking forward to a big move to a distribution center NOT set up for what we actually do (dishes,laundry etc), having to wear hard hats in a separate room to meet BRC standards, no gum or snacks, nothing but water bottles......there is absolutely nothing keeping me there. While we have great perks (covered massage pay, wellness money, HSA deposit to offset the high deductible)....I just feel like our positions are teetering on the brink of dispersal, we almost lost them already.

I'm at peace with the fact that I have to let Organic Valley go. It is not the "cool" job I got in 2005. It is now corporate with the cover of the cooperative name. I really need to find something else.

So I thought about what I'd really like to do and what I've found interest in (medical coding). I asked our neighbor friend how she got into it and she convinced me that it's starting to get very competitive and that I'd need a certain degree to be considered eligible for any open positions, even if there ARE any. She said that they're just not filling open roles and just passing work to others...so I basically put the idea out of my head. Until I glanced at the local hospital listings and right there, they're searching for a coder. So, taking it as a sign, I looked into the schooling needed.

Mentioned it to my sister and she looked herself at the listings. There is an open Pharmacy Technician position that she suggested applying for. And believe it or not.....it's my job, just with medication. Variety, multi-tasking, documentation.....cropp 2 and cheese room combined. So I worked on my resume (that was a feat, getting it from old Macbook to desktop- thank you back up hard drive and past forethought and the purchase of a USB to USBc adapter). Got my 3 references (library director, library coworker and OV coworker) and sent it on its way. I also applied for a Patient Representative position.

I figure the medical field is going to offer me the most security in this crazy world. Yes, I'll take a pay cut from the start, but the range in pay is huge. I have not told my boss or department about this, and won't until I'm offered something. I feel like if I made it known that I'm actively searching, I'll be the first considered cutting to save money....seems the co-op is hiring more and more 6 figure directors and giving the little folk nothing. Moving everyone into buildings that make no sense and selling their properties. Cropp II Warehouse will be empty of the co-op. And the staff of 3 full time and 1 semi retired will be close to 2 semi retired and boss is actively searching as well.

One of the great things about the Pharmacy Tech job is, my boss would be my past high school class mate and library patron. So I have that going for me :) I feel good asking OV coworker for her reference since we provide items to her department (that serves farmers and their meetings). So she has a first knowledge look at their future too (even though her boss already knows and fought for us to keep our jobs).

So much going on but I feel it's time to make a quick getaway.
patchworkorange: (Default)
2024-11-09 04:42 pm

Let's Have an Update, shall we?

First, uuuuuuuuuugh......politics. At this point, I'm just in denial and believe Elon and Putin rigged it with some election interference. I've decided not to pay attention right now because....

I'm looking for a different job. Seems I haven't posted since August and so much has happened since. We found out that not only did we almost lose our jobs, they're selling our building. Thankfully, other departments vouched for us. Our building holds all of the property for events and provide it all, shipping to regional meetings, Annual Meeting and Expo West. They couldn't do it without us.

But of course, they could farm out the work to a 3rd party. Thing is, while I'm grateful to have my job, I do NOT want to have to wear a hard hat every day when we'll be in our own room. It took me 8 yrs to get out of a warehouse with regulations. After 11 yrs in my current job, what used to be my dream job that I worked so hard to snag, has totally changed and I want to change MY life before the big move happens.

But what? HOW? Where? I know I want to remain working through the 1st of 2025, till my january HSA deposit comes. Then I'll be able to totally pay the remainder of our bill and be done with it. Seems it's hard to find a job where I'm paid enough, has benefits and could maybe work from home, not a requirement though. But what would that be? No degree so I don't have much to make me desirable and feel it's too late.....unless I did a 2 yr medical coding course, but I hear that's getting more and more competitive.

Looking at things to do online but that would take time; print on demand etc. Arrgh, I just don't know. Of course I'm keeping my eyes open for jobs internally...but all that's offered is production. Maybe I should look into Kwik Trip again....UGH.

BTW, baby Iris was born on Oct 29, the day before daddy's birthday. Zoe chose to go as natural as she could, for as long as she could. 17 hr comes around and she says to break her water (she wanted her body to do it naturally). 15 min later she's here! 6 lbs 14 oz and 19 inches long. Those 2 extra weeks of baking made her bigger than her sister lol.

Our trip to Orange Beach was lovely and I felt very grounded on the beach. I think I'll move there someday....
patchworkorange: (Default)
2024-08-03 07:35 am

Loooooong Overdue Update about Nothing at All

but.....KAMALA HARRIS!!!! Am I right??!?!?

Beyond that, life is incredibly stressful and incredibly boring all at once. What a friggin lazy assed summer. We have done nothing fun, all I've done is basically doom scrolling up until Biden handed off the reins to Kamala, where I now "excitement scroll"...is that a thing?

We are planning a big beach wedding weekend in September, for his niece's wedding. I think having weddings like this ask an incredible amount from people; in stress, wasted money, etc. After our disaster of a Vegas weekend away in the winter, he's worried and totally killing the vibe. Beyond the fact that he now decides he doesn't need a job (basically having a tantrum because boss is on vacation and boss' kid thinks he runs the show), I'm worried.

He didn't go to work on Friday after spending all night stress cleaning his garage and now says "don't worry, I'll have the "rent money".....ONE thing, it's not rent (unless you decide to break your lease and move on out- or get evicted), another thing.....we all remember what happened when he told me for a YEAR that we'd have our down payment on the mortgage, don't worry). Until THAT MORNING when my mother decided to save our ass and gift us the down payment)....he had been planning on borrowing it from boss. Until boss told him "sorry, can't do it".

But we don't talk about that one.

Anyway, at this point, flights are booked and paid for. Park and Fly is booked/reserved. Room is booked (not yet paid). That's the thing: we're staying at Sleep Inn on the Beach in Orange Beach Alabama. I originally booked a cheaper room with a boulevard view. I've heard nothing but complaints about "not even having a beach view". Little does he know I've actually booked a Gulf view room at his statement that no one had ever truly surprised him.....so, SURPRISE! He'll walk in to a gulf view room with a balcony. But of course, that room is way more expensive and CAN be cancelled up until the day before. I really don't want to have to cancel anything.

We have our clothing. Have our "something blue" gift (an embroidered handkerchief with bride and groom's name...."for your happy tears" with the date. We have our park n fly....still need to book our shuttle from airport to hotel (and back). But beyond that....all we need is cash for tips and souvenirs and other incidentals. I think we're otherwise set.

But still.....leave me hanging on money stress. I'm just hoping Monday comes around and he realizes he's being silly and goes to work. Friday is payday and I'm expecting his half!

********************************************************************

Beyond all of this, work is okay. But I watch our beloved cooperative turn corporate and it's so hard. I'm considered what they call "a legacy" employee now. The aren't many OG Croppies (cropp/cooperative region of organic producer pools) employees). So even with that.....jobs teeter on the brink. All of our old upper management is gone, (all mysteriously "retired") and you never hear about employees or anything. With our new hybrid work people do not even need to meet anymore. COVID totally changed the world.....but I am finally feeling the respect I've wanted for years. Even my boss will ask questions about the event properties and asks me to deal with finding/deleting from inventory since the guys have no idea HOW or WHERE.

Bryan is semi retired now, working only Mon-Wed. Kevin is on his way toward that soon, so what happens after? Mitch and I cannot run the Cropp II show togetherk some events are just too large for 2 people to handle pulling and preparing.

But I'll cross that bridge when I have to. Did I tell you my daughter Zoe is giving my first granddaughter a sister? Due in early november....so if it's anything like Daisy, Zoe will go mid October lol. 2 birthdays in October!
patchworkorange: (Default)
2023-01-28 07:51 am

Can't Turn off my Brain- Creating

So, as we all probably know, I had hit a creative roadblock in the past brought on by abandonment. Jeffrey left, and I shut the door on my studio for years after. Through much therapy and hypnotism, I was able to release that block. But ever since then, I've hit OTHER roadblocks.

As we all know, I love a vintage Singer sewing machine. But I'm feeling now, that my desire to create is overshadowed by the frustration of vintage. And it's been proven trying to do many many things since I created the studio in our new home. I'm going to list the blocks I've come upon and it's just frustrating enough to make me throw up my hands and lead Jeremy to believe I've "lost interest".

*Featherweights offer a tiny bobbin. Even before working on a quilt, you have to wind many many bobbins.

*Featherweights are straight stitch only. So I bought a 301 but I couldn't get the old free motion foot of my past to do what it did in the past (total new design). So I bought a 401a that offers decorative stitching, but every time I use it, I have to take it all apart to grease gears and get the stitch levers unstuck. This is not a big deal.....but I'm at the point in my life where I simply want to sit down and sew. I want to create. I want to be inspired. But it all seems like such a chore anymore.

*I miss the features of my Janome Memorycraft that I raised money for. The EASE of that machine made creation simple. The stitches themselves were magnificent. Even offering a simple ZIGZAG without needing a zigzag attachment (that vintage Singers need) is intriguing. I proved it to myself when attempting to repair Tobias' baby blanket....I had no access to a simple small zig zag :(

At this point in my life, I have two Featherweights, a 301 short bed, a 301 long bed, a 301 aqua repaint that Jeremy did, a 401a and a Babylock Quilter's Pro. That machine was given to me and it offers a longer bed and 1500 stitches per minute, but no utility stitches. The 401 could possibly provide everything I want.....but I just don't know the machine well enough and it's not a heart machine, if you know what I mean. I don't think I'll ever get used to the idea of raising the needle plate for free motion, instead of dropping the feed dogs.

It's like, everything I have was purchased to remedy a problem from something else. And I STILL don't have the functions I want. Why can't I have what I want AND need?

Thursday is Bag Lady day at Olive Juice. And I'm going to look at the lower end Kaffe Bernina. I really do not want to finance anything.....but if I sold all but my heart machines, maybe?

I will never rid myself of the '41 Featherweight (gift and most perfect), the 301 long bed (rare), or the repaint. While my Centennial has been my go to for years....it would be ok to let her go, and the short bed 301 is beautiful....but could see a new life with another.

Why would I spend more for a Kaffe machine? Because just LOOKING at it thrills me. And that is what I've wanted to feel, for years.

Ugh. Talk me out of it.
patchworkorange: (Default)
2023-01-08 06:48 am

Vegas Trip a Bust

Well, Jeremy's 50th birthday trip was a total bust....but we were able to turn it around. Wisconsin weather, you know.

We were supposed to leave last Wednesday, but a storm was brewing in the future, so we thought to get to Madison ahead of time so we didn't have to travel through a storm. We booked a room at the Comfort Inn & Suites, with the free shuttle to airport. That was a great hotel experience, failed to bring swimsuits to enjoy the hot tub, but the continental breakfast was a great and the sexy times were appreciated, ha!

Then next morning, we were off on the shuttle to the airport. Let me preface it all by saying Jeremy has HUGE anxiety over flying. He'd only ever been on a plane once pre-911, so today's flying was totally different for him. But we got on the plane without a hitch, he enjoyed a canned White Russian before the flight (which he thought was an awesome offering), and we boarded. We were in different groups (he was in group behind me), so he was kind of on his own scanning his boarding pass that I'd sent to his phone.

The flight was great, even though we had to wait about 40 min while they de-iced the plane (which led to his increased anxiety). The flight was about 1.75 hrs or so, to Charlotte NC (yea, don't ask me). Flight attendant could not tell me anything about our connecting flight status (since we were a bit behind) and told us to talk to the agent at the gate for more info.

Once we landed, notifications started blowing up and I found out our flight to Vegas was cancelled. They didn't offer hotel rooms for weather related cancellations, so we were in the airport for the night. I was offered multiple options for connections to Vegas, but we were on a time frame. Most would not get us there till evening, where we'd be so exhausted, we'd sleep it away till his drive the next morning. So I took the earliest option which brought us BACK to Chicago O'Hare. I knew Jeremy's nerves could be totally shot by then, and we'd be closer to home.

So we stayed in Charlotte airport all night, across from a crying young mother and her little 3 yr old, trying desperately to get her to sleep on the uncomfortable benches. We eventually struck conversation, and she was on her way home to New Mexico and HER connection was cancelled as well. She too took the option to Chicago. The airport was high stress; long lines of people looking for alternate flights, a poor teenage girl alone totally freaking out because they kept changing her gate and she was alone and on the phone with someone trying to calm her down. Myself and young woman tried to help her, take a deep breath, look at the signs, go straight ahead etc. Ugh.

Jeremy was able to settle down on the nasty floor under the benches. I tried but laid in a wet/cold spot, so I was up and walking around the open gift shops where I found a couple pillows that turned into blankets. At least we'd have a place to lay our heads, they really came in handy.

Finally, we were on our flight back to Chicago. This was a short one and we arrived about 8 am. Our original connection to Vegas was supposed to be at 9 am something. But the minute we got off the plane, my notification told me our gate and time changed to the afternoon. After that night, I knew we were done. There was really no use in spending a couple hrs sleeping before his Lamborghini drive the next morning. So we put our heads together, made some calls and grabbed the Van Garder (sp?) bus to Madison and home.

I at least was able to have his supercar experience changed to open and he has 5 yrs to do it now. Planes and hotels had insurance.....but proving everything required is too difficult and I'm just done. Chalk it up to a pricey trip to the Charlotte airport.

We did turn it all around and went to the Dells, where I indulged in some emotional Coach shopping and Jeremy gambled with mom and sis at HoChunk. So all was not lost.

His mom had given me a cute backpack that I'd taken on the trip. And that backpack proved to be a savior in holding our snacks, being a makeshift pillow, holding my stress and tears. So that's what called me in Coach; a black leather backpack. I put it back and almost didn't get it, until we saw a young couple in Kay jewelers (while cleaning my ring), looking for their own ring. She had the black Coach backpack, and it was beautiful.

I took it as a sign to fall off my long Coach wagon I'd ridden. Heh.....
patchworkorange: (Default)
2022-12-07 07:00 am

Head is Swimming!

It's really amazing how things just happen....

Put my notice in at the library to focus on becoming a Remote Online Notary...into a future as a NSA (notary signing agent, where the money is), next year's resolution. Right?

Well. Monday I received notice that my Notary submission was approved!! Yee haw, first step down, meaning I can move on to the next step of purchasing my signing agent training and doing the work toward completion of that training.

We then find out that the co-op will be hosting their Regional Meetings *virtually* next year, gulp.

50% if not more of my work is focused around providing supplies for those meetings. Drink dispensers. Roasters for lunch. Paper supplies to serve food. Table covers. Table runners. Etc etc etc. And then the washing and clean up after they return.

What the hell will we be doing? Who's gonna lose their job?

Thank you Universe, for the 'Ah Hah!' brainstorm of this future career endeavor. How long did I search for it and it comes like a lightbulb at the exact right time.

Ugh.
patchworkorange: (Default)
2022-11-29 06:51 am

Taking the Jump

I've put in my resignation at the library. Finally, after 6 yrs.....I'm just done.

It is nothing but an annoying stressor anymore. I feel it takes time away from my life. From my family. My new grand baby. From even the thought of hosting a holiday. And I have a goal now, that I'm needing mental time for, to study and train. I will be done at the Bekkum Memorial Library at the close of 2022.

I've decided I'm going to train to be commissioned as a notary public first (waiting on my commission from the state as we speak). Then, I will move on to train for RON (remote online notary). Then, I will move on to my ultimate goal of notary signing agent, which is where the money is.

Lofty goals, but here and mine. And huge......so, kicking library away finally.

Time to focus on what I WANT. And stop thinking about what I "think" I NEED.

I've been looking for my "ah hah" moment regarding future career. The co-op I work for is not doing well....every time diesel goes up, our profits go down. We are looking at about a 14 million loss this year. It's become increasingly apparent that I need a recession proof source of money, I could very well be part of the next group that is escorted out the door with the intro of our new CEO.

So many worries.....but library won't be one of them soon.
patchworkorange: (Default)
2022-08-26 06:54 pm

Totaled my Car!

So yea, it's been a week. Sunday, we were driving home from somewhere, town maybe? Can't remember....but I realized that the library "Open" sign was still on. So I decided it'd be nice of me to run back and turn it off, mostly so I didn't get yelled at, lol. Saturday, I was working with the new library director who stayed long after I left and she must have failed to do it. Anyway....

I was driving Park St. Park St is the road that brings you up to Main Street from the country. It's a road I take regularly. Crossing Park St a block below Main, is Black River Ave. This street has a stop sign at Park.

I was driving-*WHAM!*, glasses are knocked off as my body lurches violently, car spins a 180 back the other way. Disorienting. Scary. Out of the blue. It took me a couple of seconds to catch my breath, find my glasses, assess my health. I get out of the car to a teenager stating how sorry he was. I still really have no memory of HOW it happened. But neighbors came running at the sound. Asking me if I was alright, did I need a doctor....at the moment, I knew I'd wrenched my back but felt ok.

Called Jeremy, I swear he was there is 5 min. Cop came to do a police report. Talked insurance. Never got the kid's name, or his grandfather. We were on our way, one girl urged me to call the doctor, she didn't want me suffering for years like she did....sudden movements can cause permanent damage.

I was able to drive my grinding, rubber smelling car home....Jeremy then took it up to the shop and cut out the fender so I could at least drive it to work. But the car is bad. Totaled, thankfully along the back door and fender, NOT the driver's door (where I probably would have been terribly injured with that one). Grateful grateful.

Eventually, my back started hurting. Jeremy said "I'm taking you in", so I went to the ER. They did X rays, all fine. Then my neck started throbbing, did a CT scan. All good. Sent home with instructions to take 600 mg ibuprofen and 1000 tylenol every 6 hrs. Recheck in 3-5 days.

Next morning, my upper back was like a rock. I chose to stay home, thankfully I did....the phone rang off the hook from insurance and people checking in. I'd sit up, get sore so I'd lay down. Get sore so I'd sit up, until I got sore.....etc etc. Today, I'm feeling better. My recheck was today and I passed.....keep up pain meds if needed, find massages, let them know if I'm not better in two more weeks (three wks from accident).

Jeremy took monday off too, and took it upon himself to take the car himself to our body shop where they inspected and declared it a total loss. So then, he called our banker.....was pre-approved and went to the dealership to strike up a deal for my dream vehicle. The deal was that they'd put new brakes and rotors all around, which they agreed.

We picked up the 2018 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk on Wednesday, with brand new brakes. 40k miles. I signed up for far to0 much roadside assistance to the tune of 7k over, but I know we're set for the life of the vehicle, really. AND, found out that the pay off amount PLUS my initial claim for deer damage (that had already been approved and closed, just waiting on my week) will add up to almost 10k, bringing my car loan down to the limit I set for myself!!

Paid off 22k worth of debt, added on 20k lol! Easy come, easy go, right?
patchworkorange: (Default)
2022-07-03 06:12 am

Dads were Watching!

Let me just start by saying: Jeremy loves his trucks. They are his "sexy bitches". SO....

We've been using his '87 Toyota 4x4 all weekend. This is a truck he was offered to purchase from my parents; he's lusted over this truck for years, it's been my step dad's, and he received it when his brother passed. They realized, at their age, they didn't need to pay insurance on it anymore when they only used it to haul mulch lol. SO, since they wanted to sell it, they offered it to Jeremy first. For 3k, how could he go wrong?

He's worked for a couple months, painting the box, painting the hood, adding decals, new lights, new stereo etc etc. I bought him beefy tires and rims for Father's Day. HE LOVES THAT TRUCK.

We went down to Bloomingdale to do fireworks last night, and he offered to take the leftover debris to our fire pit at home after. Unfortunately, we were so exhausted, we went straight up to bed.

Thankfully, Bella was at other grandma's party in Dell and let us know she was going to sleep at our house because there were too many people there. So we left the door open in preparation for her arrival.

We were laying in bed talking.....I heard the door slam when Bella arrived. And then my phone rang,
"Mom, the truck's on fire!". HOLY SHIT.

We got up like a bat out of hell, put clothes on (or, at least pajama pants and night shirt) and ran down, grabbing fire extinguishers on the way out of door.....Jeremy's yelling to grab the hose, I'm searching in the dark for all of the kinks keeping it from working. It was chaos, and frustrating....he's throwing things out of the truck box into the driveway, burning his fingers without thinking, trying to desperately save the situation before it hit the gas tank....

His truck was parked next to the nylon car port holding my car. That is situated directly in front of our large LP tank for home heat....it could have been catastrophic and devastating had it hit the tank in the truck.

After all is said and done, we saved it. But now we're left with a burned pile of debris in driveway and fire pit. The truck has lost the brand new tail lights, has some burned parts of the box. Thankfully he was planning on replacing the box someday anyway since the old Toyota trucks are known to keep the pristine front, while the box rotted away (which his truck was doing).

Basically, lights and wiring for those lights need to be replaced. Good thing he knows a good mechanic, eh? Thank you dads, for situating Bella's arrival to our house when she did. We could have woke to nothing, or not woke up at all. What happens when an LP tank is hit with fire? What happens in the house? Does it blow up?
patchworkorange: (Default)
2022-06-26 07:25 am

Man, Viewing my World

After a visitation yesterday, I have found my own views of others having cleared. I have clarity. I don't know why or where it came from, but my own world has changed so much that the difference in others is apparent.

I will never ever ever say that I'm "wealthy" because I surely am not. I am STILL living paycheck to paycheck but only because of design....I'm still actively budgeting, paying cash and tracking spending with the goal of saving my 3 month emergency savings (and damn, who knew it'd be so difficult lol). But I am in a completely different place than I was 3 yrs ago. Once that savings is complete, the amount of immediate cash will be fruitful.

I have two debts that I'm actively paying down, both are 0% totaling about 2k so payoff will be easy. I'm contributing to my company's full match to my 401k. I was just able to pay our whole year's home insurance from my mutual fund. I am able to cash flow much of our immediate needs. I am never hurting for money. And my mentality has completely changed. That is probably why my view has changed.

The visitation yesterday was for a family member's adult child, who probably died of overdose. This family is part of my kids' family....Josh's (dad) uncle Tom. Tom and Ann (wife) are Josh's uncle and aunt, so related to my kids. Their daughter Pamela was the daughter who passed. If you remember years of journal entries, Josh's family is huge. I've known them all since the late 80's and it's a huge stew of people from all walks of life. Tom and Ann seem to choose poverty.

They were not prepared to pay for an adult child's death. I have absolutely no idea if they even have a savings account. Sounds like Tom gave a lot of money to all three of the adult daughters, which left him without. They're the sort who are absolutely anti-vax, and only because of their "rights". So through the pandemic, the family was split from the others who wanted to do their part for the greater good.....all are fully vaxxed etc. When Pamela died, older sister started a GoFund Me to help her parents out.

Me, I was the first to donate from the family (and I'm not necessarily family anymore). This then led to Josh donating, Havalah after, brother Isaac, ex MIL Pam etc. And I was really surprised to see all of them at the visitation yesterday.....it was in Viroqua and they traveled from the cities to attend. Cousins Karen and Sher arrived with grandpa Fred Sr in his wheelchair, all of their children from the cities were there etc. That's another part of the family who has always chosen to live off the state (Karen and Sher even moved from La Crosse WI to Minneapolis because they lost their assistance in WI). I remember back then, the little boys watched gutters and sidewalks for found change out on walks. They literally grew up in poverty, on purpose.

But the OTHER half of the family is now in real estate investing; Josh bought a duplex with new wife years ago, it is now an air b&b after they've bought another house. His parents own multiple properties etc. And I could FEEL the difference between families.

And it's sad to say, I WANT to feel wealthy. Well off? Not a victim of anything, at the very least. But not in "looks", but more in accounts.

The hard work that I went through was worth it. I made it through from there, to here. And I will retire gracefully....while I do not know if I'll ever be in the "real estate" world, I'll at least have investments to use someday. That is important to me. Thom quit his long time job because of a vax or testing ruling at his job, so stupid.

I remember when Josh was first doing his own financial journey, he told me "your financial situation is not MY problem". I could have fought back saying he never paid child support, Scott Walker took my Food Share away etc etc. But in the end, he was right.....it was mine. And I found my way through it.

Eyes wide open all around.
patchworkorange: (Default)
2022-05-08 06:14 am

Happy Mother's Day :) I want a new job

Well, here we are again.....my once PERFECT position that valued my ability to bounce back and forth between sides of the warehouse; one being the branded merchandise- bumper stickers/t shirts etc/farmer education materials and shipping that product, between the OTHER side filled with event property, all the things needed for an event like tables, table covers, appliances/coffee makers, Nesco roasters, utensils etc....

has turned into my literal hell that I dread walking into every day. What has changed? The state of the world, and my environment and people around me.

What was once a place teaming with vibrant, creative women and men, where my talent and computer ability was valued is now just me (a short/not very physically strong female) and two grumpy opinionated men on the door to retirement (and who have never had to work on the events side at all until last coworker left pre-covid).

I refuse to live my last 10 working years NOT doing something I'm excited to be doing, where I'm excited to learn and being totally engaged in my work and the co-op. So I have #1, applied for a position in our Retail store. The only thing about the position is that I'd have to give my library job up and probably take a pay cut, and I definitely don't want that.

But Friday was an awful day. The floor had been swept, Bryan used the scrubber, I finished the tool kits and put them back (general office tool kits you can order for event use with everything you may need),we finished washing and folding all laundry, we received our shipment of new roasters that I made new boxes for, washed the inner pans and lids so I can cook off the "new" on monday for general event use, and we were at a relative stand still.....at our computers doing training or whatever. Fridays are generally really slow.

Kevin had his work plan check in and left for the day after this, so it was just Bryan and me, plus boss. Boss went out the door, and when he came in, totally blew up at Bryan and I, that there were "so many orders that haven't been reviewed and orders to pull, it shouldn't all be up to KEVIN!".

Ummmm, like.....WHAT? Yes, there are orders for the week after next so they don't set off flags and we generally don't pull an order till a couple days before it's to be picked up....we only have so many carts and so much floor space. But obviously something has changed in the process that I wan't aware of. I've worked in that fucking warehouse 10 FUCKING YEARS and I guess you learn something new every day.

But it made me burst into instant humiliating tears. And proceed to pull the entirety of a regional meeting order while Bryan pulled the little orders. All carts are overflowing with shit at this moment and I walked out the door in tears and sat in my car and cried a bit before making my way to the store for milk on the way out of town. Why is it that I can't keep my composure when angry? Why is my first reaction to cry?

Anyway, I decided right then and there that I have GOT to get out of this department before it makes me sick. I will never have a voice among the men. I do not have experience to rely on (in their minds). Even though boss TELLS me I'm the one with experience, I "should know" what needs to be done and since the process is so completely different because it's essentially made by the men, I am always micromanaged and never fulfilling expectations. Even when I try to talk to boss in MY work plan review, that I offer to help when Kevin is looking for something inventory-wise, he's too proud and stubborn to ever actually ASK for assistance or accept when I ask him if I can help. But boss simply turned it around on ME and what I'm doing wrong. I will never have a voice. Friday, I was even ready to look outside the co-op for a new job, as a Mother's Day gift to myself.

But when I stopped into the store, I saw an old coworker "cube neighbor". She was Consumer Relations when I was Retail Telemarketing. But now she's in Farmer Relations. I asked her if there were any positions opening in her department and she said that there will be one in a couple of weeks; in Membership Services- my goal department from years ago!!!! The only reason I've never applied is because there's never been an opening!!!

This department is one I actually help every month with the monthly mailings. Collating, stuffing envelopes, I've helped with the Annual Report every year. Totally supporting the farmers....and it's all women, and one (gay) man. I've worked with the boss in the past on shadowing opportunities.....and I feel like the universe just swept in and gave me an answer. Even yesterday at the library, the "most difficult" board member came in (as he regularly does) and handed me a magnetic bookmark from our mental health display that reads, "the best is yet to come".

Am I to be one of the millions leaving their job because of a toxic work environment? Maybe once....I'll be AT that Membership Services table at Annual Meeting and not simply moving the shit and setting it up. Ready for change.
patchworkorange: (Default)
2021-07-10 07:06 am

Once Upon a Time

back in oh.....1997? A young 27-something housewife got a new-ish computer and was introduced to the World Wide Web. The early days of the internet seemed a barren landscape, not very many things of interest, minimal quilt sites, but there was one site that offered a plethora of interaction and that site was a quaint little "chat room" complex with rooms that ranged from friendly, to all out porn.

Bianca's Smut Shack.

Nowadays, the friends made through the site remember fondly the interaction, and the relationships....but for this young housewife back then, the writing capabilities were endless. I can't remember the room that enticed me, but it was anonymous and safe and I started my first ever post. I can't even remember what the subject was.....can't remember the tone. All I remember was that my screen name was Jag (after Jagnightwalker, my original screen names back then based on a series of dreams I had, what I'd considered "spirit animal" dreams). I left the post open ended for interaction.....

Throughout time, many "regulars" became continual commenters on Jag's posts, one user being "AP". The posts and interaction between Jag and AP became shows of humor, intellect, and eventually....passion, foreplay and desire. Screen fantasies were hot, the synergy for all to see was palpable. Eventually Jag and AP took the conversations private. It wasn't until then, that she learned who AP was. His name was Adam Parker, and he lived in Australia.

Jag and AP were well known now as real people who were slowly, REALLY falling in love in front of the eyes of Bianca's Smut Shack. We talked so much about our lives; she was married and unhappy, he was married and unhappy. Phone cards and a program called "Cool Talk" was introduced into the equation, and the rest is history.

I left my marriage to be with Adam. We had an apartment. I got pregnant. He was (at the time) undiagnosed Aspergers syndrome and it was extremely difficult to maintain a relationship. Long distance, pregnant and sick, a man who either smothered me in tears and emotion, or froze me with coldness. Extremely difficult. But the love always remained.

Adam died on July 5th 2021, AUS time, from a sudden diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic renal cancer. July 4th, in the USA. Right before the fireworks started. We shall remember his passionate personality every year. But boy was he ready to fight that diagnosis and had the best outlook, his body just didn't play along.

Tristan looks and acts so much like him....DNA isn't a joke! Tristan is musically talented as Adam always was, he's intelligent, and now he vows to carry Adam's heart with all he does in life. Adam loved everyone and inspired so many and Tris wants to do that in his honor. It helps him to read memorials from Adam's friends on FB, and to see pics of young Adam. The resemblance is eerie and uncanny.

As for me, I know that the innocence and naivete of Jag and AP will remain in my heart forever. Such a loss, far too soon. I will miss your friendship and influence, my dear friend.
patchworkorange: (Default)
2021-06-15 09:54 am

OMG, it's almost over!!!!

I've found a buyer for the house!!!!!

I don't know if I wrote about it, but the renter is moving out July 1st. So I immediately called the bank to see if they had any advice for me....I always felt I was under water and didn't want to put ANY money into it myself, needing SO much work. They suggested I try to sell it again and to call a specific realtor who was also a house flipper. He came to look at it two weekends ago.

We had set up an appointment yesterday morning and he showed me comps if I wanted to list it. I told him my whole history with the house. He asked, "in your perfect world, what do YOU see"? Of course, I started crying.....but this house has been SO stressful for me ever since asshole left. The leak. The village grant. The work done to list it 3 yrs ago. The non-sale. The knowing I don't have it in me to do it again....and I told him that. He made an offer of 54,000. With the mortgage, the grant, the closing costs, I owe 57,500.

I had already called my banker about the potential for a home equity line of credit for the off chance I needed to make up the difference between whatever offer and my total. And he's sending me an app to have on the ready when cash is needed. SO, now we wait.....wait for final numbers and closing dates and more info. And then wait to figure out whether we roll Jeremy's stuff (4 wheeler and lawn mower) into this, or if I adopt them to bang out like I have everything else.

I don't know. But I came home and slept like I had years of stress lifted from me. And I still can't believe it.
patchworkorange: (Default)
2021-01-15 05:37 am

I'm Halfway There!

HOLY SHIT, I MADE IT!!!! Thoughts, revelations and resulting brain dump at the halfway point on a debt free journey:

Today, I can declare that I've made it to my #1 GOAL in my Debt Free Journey, which is being down to my LAST two (consumer) debts- my car loan through my local credit union (2.4% interest), and a Visa through the same (7%). The reason this was the first real bench mark for me is because, while they are the highest balances in my snowball, they are the lowest interests and will bang out quickly. Plus, they're local from a co-op..... All the little ankle biter debts are paid and GONE!!!

I'm not against charge cards, never have been. I've just learned that I'm not GOOD with them. Why create debt if I have a savings (well, besides the obvious cash back or air miles)? I remember a time as a single mother, when every card I owned was maxed out simply because I didn't know how to manage the money I brought home. That debt was money borrowed that I didn't have to spend in the first place! If there's one thing I've learned, it's that if I can't afford the item or the emergency with actual money or savings, I probably don't need it at all (unless of course, it's a major expense like a well or septic). It's hard when you're on your own with 4 children at home.....I'm not alone anymore and I am so grateful. At this point in time, over a year later....I have the money to back words up, at the very least.

In October of 2019, after filling our 1K emergency fund back up (flood-wipe out-start again)....I started my zero based budget/cash envelope debt payoff journey. At that point, I was looking at 10 lines of credit equalling almost 24K. Personal loans, furniture, appliances, vet bills, Amazon and Paypal, Capital One and Discover cards, car loan and personal charge card....

I found myself at a point where I had NO extra money to speak of and it was a very slow process in the beginning. All of the debts we accumulated together were on my spreadsheet to pay monthly (I've declared myself the accountant of the household so basically I get to figure out HOW to pay for everything). Jeremy really wanted nothing to do with the finances so let me take control with the money he gives me every paycheck combined with my income.

Seems we'd have a lot of extra money if I was putting it in savings rather than throwing at the debt....but that's what I'm doing this for, to be ABLE to save. That's definitely the one thing I'm following from Ramsey, 1K in savings while you pay off all consumer debt. And Jeremy admits to knowing nothing about how credit card bills work and finding himself in trouble. It really is better if I just deal with it and he pays me a little extra to make sure his stuff is paid on time.

So here I am, down to car loan, and my credit union card. A total of $11,336.08 remains of my lowest interest debts. I've paid off $12,346.20 of that $23682.26. I would probably be way closer had we not needed emergency vet care and wisdom teeth removal....but it was easy enough to take care of by halting the snowball and cash flowing those bills, jumping back into the snowball fight when paid.

It's so easy to get tired of sacrificing, and being frustrated at the long haul though. Seems I'm OVER HALFWAY THERE, financially and time wise. I know I wouldn't be able to do this without my premium pay from my work through COVID. I took advantage of that bitch and used it!! So, here we go....snowball is rolling downhill now and my payments now that I'm on the car are (at least) $587. When you're using the snowball method, you attack your lowest balance, paying minimums on everything else. When that lowest is gone, you use THAT minimum and combine it with the next, so that 587 is a combination of my car payment + the minimums on all paid off before it (plus more if you can). The snowball gets bigger as your debt gets smaller.

Some things I've learned:

1. Not everyone believes in you and your goals, and many will have "friendly" know-it-all advice telling you "You'll always have debt". Even those closest to you who can't manage money OR bills, and don't really care to. It all comes from envy, even if it's masked as a lesson.

2. You're only proving your own goals and life TO YOURSELF. Everyone else can either shut up, or fuck right off. That's the mentality you'll need to find.

3. Setting goals and following them is one of the most difficult, and empowering lessons learned. And sacrifice can come easier and easier the closer goals become.

4. People will start to notice your ongoing success, and find inspiration in it. I have had no less than 5 friends here message me privately for info on how to get started, or how I'm doing my budget. I love having friends on their own debt free journeys supporting my goals and sharing/celebrating their own. It's like it's own little community!

5. Even though my goals are what they are does not mean husbands' are the same. There ARE people who believe money is meant to be spent ("you can't take it with you").....I've discovered that I would rather "spend" toward my future and get to the point of having a fully funded emergency fund (3-6 mths in savings) and be able to invest more into my 401K so I CAN retire. Maybe without toys, but whatever. Not too much to ask :)

Biggest thing I've learned, there isn't much of anything that I NEED but security in my future.

6. Ramsey Solutions: I've discovered that I'm not a die hard Dave follower, you may even call me "Dave-ish". There are things that I do not agree with, his bible influence on the plan at hand. While there are some "common sense" Bible influences, I am not Christian and would NEVER give regular budgeted money to a tax exempt institution like a church. I'm also not a Conservative. Also, his verbal and anger based "support", calling people STUPID etc. That's not cool with me. BUT, I have found that the basic plan is working for me....

7. I've heard that I only care about money. This is absolutely NOT TRUE. I care about intention. Every single penny I spend has a home....and every dollar has a path to follow. I spend intentionally, I save intentionally, I stuff cash envelopes every pay period with intention. This really has nothing to do with the money portion....it's the intention on a debt free journey. I will never again mindlessly swipe a debit card. I will never take money from savings that I'm not paying back (unless it's planned). I will never think I have "extra money" after bills are paid, if I have debt to pay. That mentality is how I ended up here attempting to pay it all off. NEVER AGAIN.

8. and finally, I'm thinking MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL: starting and continuing on a debt free journey is definitely behavior modification. Learning how and holding yourself accountable. The only thing keeping you away from your goals is YOURSELF. Point blank, full stop.

I do not know if I'll ever get to the point of paying off the mortgage since we're starting so late (and husband isn't totally on board), but at least I'll personally be in a way better place when I'm putting more into my future retirement. Husband is perfectly fine owing money right now.....So I'm letting him not care about his own future money, while I actually WORK with and hopefully enhance mine :)

Two very different people having two completely different results. And it's ok by me :). I DO know, you cannot do any of this without a budget!!!


All in all, I made it to my first personal financial goal!!!! Car loan, you're next!!
patchworkorange: (Default)
2014-01-04 07:29 pm

2014 Meme

1. What did you do in 2013 that you'd never done before?

I experienced an Orthodox liturgy. Maybe it was something an asshole thought to give BEFORE he revealed his asshole but it was worth it!

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next this year?

I don't typically do resolutions but I have for 2014. Financial goals, surrounding myself with those who bring light to my life and being more healthy all around.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Cousin Donnamae had her baby Hazel.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

As far as I can remember, no.

5. What countries did you visit?

None :(

6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?

A higher credit score, more independence.

7. What was your favorite new recipe this year?

Crab dip!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Working hard toward snagging my dream job.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I haven't failed. Even if I had, I wouldn't consider it as such.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Trigger thumb getting used to my new job, ear problems. Sinus issues.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My daughter's pink iPhone 5c. I haven't bought much for myself.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Nothing really stands out....but my friends friggin ROCK.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I'm pretty ashamed of our state AND government as a whole.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Living, staying in my home and make sure we're warm and fed.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

I got both really excited AND terrified seeing my ex husband during the summer.

16. What are you looking forward to in 2014?

More independence, that new sewing machine...and special people.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

I'm such an introvert this is hard to imagine, but I need to get out more. I also need to focus on finding my muse.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Listening to other people's drama and bullshit.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With my babies.

21. How did you spend New Year's?

Singing and dancing.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I watch a lot of Chopped, just because it's always on as white noise.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

I hate those people who tell me what I want to hear until they've gotten what they wanted from me only to drop me when done. No more.

24. What was the best book you read?

Unfortunately I don't read much!

25. What did you want and get?

To get out of my old job and into a new creative job that actually not only utilizes, but appreciates my skills.

26. What did you want and not get?

A new roof.

27. What was your favorite film of this year?

Did I even go to the movies?

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 43, and I spent it with ex boyfriend. I think we broke up less than a month later ha.

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?

What fashion? Oh wait....CLEAVAGE!!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

More art and creativity. Cleaning fairies. A hired penis.

31. Who did you miss?

Nobody really but I always miss my kids!

32. Who was the best new person you met?

I met Maxim on the last day of 2013!!

33. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.

How much of my life am I wasting listening to other people's problems? Time to live my life loving, filling it with positivity and letting everyone else deal with their shit. Time to grow, and love, no holds barred with no fear of pain. Time to fill my life with color and creation from the heart!
patchworkorange: (Default)
2011-03-31 07:51 pm

It's Me......

 Still working on moving more friends over...but it's me,  jagnightwalker.  Someone hacked my account, I have no idea who...but decided to send Jeremy's sister multiple strategic entries, or at least pointed the dates out within the entire thing.  It led to much hurt for the both of us....two days before he is moving here.

I don't even know who to trust on my friends list anymore.  Who even knows my username besides those I've been close to?  I still don't know...but judging by how it's happening this time of yr (anniversary of him leaving and divorcing the next yr), the only thing I can imagine is it's Jeffrey having some fun with some payback now that I'm really REALLY happy.  We all know how skilled he was at getting into my journal...and I witnessed him creating multiple bogus accounts specifically to fuck with people.

Bear with me.  I don't care that the last 9 yrs of my life will be down the tubes....to me it's all heartache anyway. Time to start fresh.