work

I feel SO much better after budgeting and hearing from my friends about the job market, environment, and what I can expect in terms of "benefits."

If you know me, you know that I like work. That almost sounds sick, but in general, I am happier when I am working.

So far, things are encouraging here. As I said yesterday, I applied for 20+ jobs yesterday. I got a few responses, and a call today. For Sweden this is exceptional, as they are very cautious about hiring people. This is because when someone is hired it is much harder to let them go than it is in the U.S. - you must give 3 months notice as I understand it. So no wonder they are cautious! If you hire someone and they turn out to be terrible, you have to have them around for 3 more months before you can see them out the door.

Similarly, if you are leaving a position, you must give notice for 3 months (can't recall and Micke is picking up Linnea from school right now).

I can't really wrap my mind around that right now. It's just so much time.

I can see it working very well for both employer and employee if the right match is found.

So, that is bringing my spirits up a bit, and I have been invited to join a group of Americans in Sweden that meets monthly. They meet tonight, but I won't be able to attend as I am going to Helena's friend Pernilla's bachelorette party. I'm relieved there will be no strippers involved, although we all joked that Micke could deliver the pizza we are ordering in a police uniform and take this role.

I am so tired of going to the store when I don't have hardly a cent to spend right now. Tyler doesn't understand, and keeps asking for things. I get tired of saying no, and I get tired of feeling awful when I buy things we need because we hardly have any money left, and I worry we will run out any minute.

I know that I'm going to get a job, it's just getting there. I am impatient and worried.

And I really, really want a bike. I'm thinking about charging it. It would be nice if the kids and I could all go biking to places we need to go together once Micke is back at work (he's on vacation) and I haven't found a job.

Last night I had dinner with the original crew from my first programming job. They all remember me when I was wild and crazy and 18. I stood on my head in the office. I hid under my desk. I pretended to be someone's coat when I was in a cubicle and didn't want to be found.

We all had such good senses of humor during that job that I have never let go of the friendships formed.

Some of my favorite memories are of Jenny balancing a pencil on her nose during a particularly long and pointless meeting. Jenny slinking down in her chair until she was under the table and finally crawling out of the meeting we were in. I remember how much I wanted to follow her. She has guts. She has brains. She always has the perfect thing to say in stressful situations.

Cathi is another really close friend who I admire. She's compassionate, and funny, and embodies a lot of what I wish I could be: wise, friendly, and giggly. She sat next to the twins and helped them actually get along while dinner was served, and I talked with all of my friends from the good ole days. Really I've never found a work place with so many wonderful people after that one. It was never the same as NRC.

I was sad to say goodbye, but glad that email will keep us close.

Yesterday, the kids called me at work.

"Mom, I don't know if this is an emergency, but Tayler and I smell gas."

I did all the wrong things. I told her I'd call her back and was going to call Columbia Gas. Then once I had reached Columbia Gas they told me I couldn't call back with out significant risk of igniting the natural gas in the house.

I called my father in law and asked him to drive over and get the kids out of the house.

I drove home as fast as I could, feeling extremely anxious.

When I got home, everyone seemed very calm and they were all in the house. But so was the Columbia gas technician so I figured it was safe. There was indeed a gas leak. With all of the gas valves off, there was still a leak so they shut off our gas.

Crap. No hot water, no stove, no dryer.

I stayed home today to have the gas repair men come and fix everything. They were down in the basement 2 and a 1/2 hours making a lot of noise.

Now we wait for the Columbia gas technician to come back and check again for leaks, and put the gas on.

As my shampoo was not in the shower this morning (the kids took it up to the bathtub upstairs), and I quickly thought I would use Scott's but must have forgotten, I realized with much disappointment that I didn't wash my hair at all today. I guess it's better than that time I forgot to take the keys out of the van and left it running while I went in to Target.

So, I'm passing this first "academic readiness" class at the University of Phoenix by a nose. Me and this teacher, we don't jive. Scott says not to let it upset me, but usually stuff like this does.

Job is good. I like the people, the work seems challenging, and I get to wear jeans. On the down side, I do have to walk through a revolving door every day. I remember when I interviewed I thought that would be a problem. I don't like revolving doors.

That's really ok. I think I've managed to find enough to keep myself busy while I wait for responses on interviews.

I don't really know what I will do with all of this stuff once I am gainfully employed again!

On the way to my interview today, I totaled the Civic.

I feel compelled to post something publicly, as I haven't for a while.

This week is a rough week, but I'm feeling better than I did an hour ago. It's touch and go.

Aside from that here are my goals for today:

1. Go to the gym
2. 1 hour spent on paper work and old mail.
3. 1/2 hour calling recruiters back.
4. 1/2 hour on laundry- washing it, folding it, putting it away.
5. Prepare for interview tomorrow.
6. Make dinner

I'd add more but I think this is all I can reasonably expect from myself today.