On October 26, my bosses called me into the conference room and told me that they needed to cut my hours. In half. Effective November 1. While I wasn't totally surprised that they were cutting my hours, I was surprised by the size of the cut and by the short notice. I had been reading about the crummy job market for months, and now it's my turn to see for myself. I've applied for a few full-time jobs, but so far nothing has come of them. Luckily, my church was in need of a part-time custodian. That means I'm now working 3 part-time jobs. Not fun. At all. But it's what needs to happen for now. Please keep your eyes and ears open for any opportunities you think would be good for me.
I put together a video slideshow for my father-in-law, and he wanted his kids to see it. So I'm posting it here for them and for you. I hope you enjoy it!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Good heavens!!
"Forevermore. . ." That's what my co-worker Donovan says whenever I say, "Good heavens!" at the office. He thinks it makes me sound like an old lady. Whatever. At least I'm not cussing!
I said "Good heavens!" though, because it's been almost a month since I've blogged. I guess I'm not very good at this. I have, however, written two blog entries for work. You can find them here and here.
A couple of weeks ago, Einar and I got in touch with Tempur-Pedic because we've been feeling like our mattress (purchased last December) wasn't living up to the description given and promises made. Last Monday, we submitted a relatively simple claim - which required us to take some pictures of the mattress to show a sag - and then began to wait. We were told we'd hear from them in 2-3 weeks. I'm happy to report that we got an email from the warranty department yesterday, stating that our claim had been approved. We will be getting a new mattress and foundation in the next 7-21 days!! Hooray. Now hopefully this new one won't have the problems our current one has, and we'll be sleeping better than ever!
I decided last week that I really need to be getting up and taking Bella for a good walk or jog before work. She has been destroying some of her toys when we've been at work, and I think it's because she's bored. So, I think if I can get her a little tired before work, she'll sleep more and destroy less. All this dawned on me last week when we had gotten her a new sleeping pad for her bed. The website said it was really good, and in the customer reviews, people commented that it was quite durable. Well, Bella chewed through the corner of it the day after she got it! Luckily, the company agreed to exchange it for a new one. We're still waiting for it to arrive, but my hope is that the early morning exercise will deter Bella from eating her new bed. I'll keep you posted. The picture below is after she had destroyed the bed pillow we had in her kennel for her, which prompted us to order the sleeping pad.
I said "Good heavens!" though, because it's been almost a month since I've blogged. I guess I'm not very good at this. I have, however, written two blog entries for work. You can find them here and here.
A couple of weeks ago, Einar and I got in touch with Tempur-Pedic because we've been feeling like our mattress (purchased last December) wasn't living up to the description given and promises made. Last Monday, we submitted a relatively simple claim - which required us to take some pictures of the mattress to show a sag - and then began to wait. We were told we'd hear from them in 2-3 weeks. I'm happy to report that we got an email from the warranty department yesterday, stating that our claim had been approved. We will be getting a new mattress and foundation in the next 7-21 days!! Hooray. Now hopefully this new one won't have the problems our current one has, and we'll be sleeping better than ever!
I decided last week that I really need to be getting up and taking Bella for a good walk or jog before work. She has been destroying some of her toys when we've been at work, and I think it's because she's bored. So, I think if I can get her a little tired before work, she'll sleep more and destroy less. All this dawned on me last week when we had gotten her a new sleeping pad for her bed. The website said it was really good, and in the customer reviews, people commented that it was quite durable. Well, Bella chewed through the corner of it the day after she got it! Luckily, the company agreed to exchange it for a new one. We're still waiting for it to arrive, but my hope is that the early morning exercise will deter Bella from eating her new bed. I'll keep you posted. The picture below is after she had destroyed the bed pillow we had in her kennel for her, which prompted us to order the sleeping pad.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Birds of the Air
I've always liked this Bible passage:
‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” - Matthew 6:25-31
I find it comforting and calming, and I often think of it when I start to feel financially stressed. And when I manage to stop worrying, when I've put my trust in God to provide for me, I have always been taken care of. Case in point: last Wednesday. I had to waitress, and in the morning, I took a few minutes to figure out how much I would need to make to keep Einar and I on track financially. I told Einar, "I need to make $120 tonight." He looked at me and, knowing that Wednesday nights are not typically reliable for making $120 in tips, told me, "Good luck!" I nodded, sharing his doubt. But I told myself that it would work out and offered up a prayer. When I arrived at the restaurant, it wasn't looking like my goal - my need, actually - would be met. There was only 1 reservation, and guests weren't exactly knocking down the door. One of the servers went home early. Slowly but surely I started getting tables. And slowly but surely my tips followed. I wasn't feeling optimistic, though. I reminded myself to just trust that it would happen. At the end of the night, when I did my check out, I had made $119.57! Amazing. God does provide. . .
‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” - Matthew 6:25-31
I find it comforting and calming, and I often think of it when I start to feel financially stressed. And when I manage to stop worrying, when I've put my trust in God to provide for me, I have always been taken care of. Case in point: last Wednesday. I had to waitress, and in the morning, I took a few minutes to figure out how much I would need to make to keep Einar and I on track financially. I told Einar, "I need to make $120 tonight." He looked at me and, knowing that Wednesday nights are not typically reliable for making $120 in tips, told me, "Good luck!" I nodded, sharing his doubt. But I told myself that it would work out and offered up a prayer. When I arrived at the restaurant, it wasn't looking like my goal - my need, actually - would be met. There was only 1 reservation, and guests weren't exactly knocking down the door. One of the servers went home early. Slowly but surely I started getting tables. And slowly but surely my tips followed. I wasn't feeling optimistic, though. I reminded myself to just trust that it would happen. At the end of the night, when I did my check out, I had made $119.57! Amazing. God does provide. . .
Friday, September 18, 2009
War
I was listening to NPR this morning while I exercised, and I heard a couple stories back-to-back about war and violence in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran. It makes me so sad to think about these places where violence is so common. I think about the children, especially, who live in fear. And I feel so helpless to do anything, knowing that I don't really know or understand the conflicts. But then I think of the book Three Cups of Tea about Greg Mortenson, who is doing great things in Pakistan to work toward peace. One person really can make a difference, but how do you begin?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Annual Review
Yesterday I had my annual review at Tweedee. My official start date was September 6, 2005, so I just celebrated my 4th anniversary at Tweedee. This is the longest I've worked at the same place. My review went well, and I still have a job. *whew* I've learned a lot about video production since I started working here 4 years ago, and I still have a lot to learn. My bosses are great, and they continue to provide me with new responsibilities and positive feedback. I am ready to take on more tasks and projects, and they are slowly but surely giving me opportunities to grow professionally. I honestly couldn't ask for a better place to work or better people for whom to work. And now it's time for our weekly Brown Bag Theater - a good time to socialize with co-workers, watch some TV or a movie (today is The Beatles' "Let It Be"), and have lunch. You should join us sometime!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
It's September!
I know that people are always saying things like, "Where did August go?" when it seems like time is flying. But really, where did August go? It is September 1st today, and the Madison public schools are back in session. I guess August went by so quickly for me because Einar and I spent 1/3 of it on vacation in the Northwest.
We had a great time visiting our brothers and brother-in-law in Seattle and Vancouver. We saw a lot of sights, sampled some local beer and ice cream, and genuinely enjoyed our time. I've posted some pictures below.
Unrelated to our vacation, since Einar and I now have health care coverage (thanks, GHC!), we went in for physicals last week. Nothing too exciting - just wanted to meet our doctor and get a check-up. We both got Tdap boosters (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), which resulted in each of us having a sore shoulder for a few days. Other than that, we are healthy. I, of course, got a referral for a colonoscopy. Fun times. I'm waiting to hear from the clinic about scheduling that. It feels good to have health insurance!!
View of Seattle from West Seattle (Alki)
It's the Space Needle!
View from the Space Needle.
Snoqualmie Falls
This was taken on the way to Whister, at Shannon Falls.
This was taken near the base of Shannon Falls.
Erik and I are imitating Dad's reaction to cold mountain creeks!
Einar contemplates his next step as he crosses the creek.
Lost Lake at Whistler
Lost Lake again.
By the suspension bridge in North Vancouver.
On the suspension bridge.
Lions Gate Bridge is behind us.
At Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver - mountains in background
We had a great time visiting our brothers and brother-in-law in Seattle and Vancouver. We saw a lot of sights, sampled some local beer and ice cream, and genuinely enjoyed our time. I've posted some pictures below.
Unrelated to our vacation, since Einar and I now have health care coverage (thanks, GHC!), we went in for physicals last week. Nothing too exciting - just wanted to meet our doctor and get a check-up. We both got Tdap boosters (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), which resulted in each of us having a sore shoulder for a few days. Other than that, we are healthy. I, of course, got a referral for a colonoscopy. Fun times. I'm waiting to hear from the clinic about scheduling that. It feels good to have health insurance!!
View of Seattle from West Seattle (Alki)
It's the Space Needle!
View from the Space Needle.
Snoqualmie Falls
This was taken on the way to Whister, at Shannon Falls.
This was taken near the base of Shannon Falls.
Erik and I are imitating Dad's reaction to cold mountain creeks!
Einar contemplates his next step as he crosses the creek.
Lost Lake at Whistler
Lost Lake again.
By the suspension bridge in North Vancouver.
On the suspension bridge.
Look, it's a tiny door!
Lions Gate Bridge is behind us.
At Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver - mountains in backgroundTuesday, August 25, 2009
ELCA video contest
I haven't written anything on here for over a month, and I will try to get some photos of our trip to Seattle and Vancouver posted soon. In the meantime, go on over to the Tweedee blog to see what I wrote about the ELCA video contest.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Health Insurance Update
Einar and I will have "regular" (that is, not limited to major medical issues) health insurance coverage beginning August 1. We are relieved to have found a plan that fits our budget, and we are really happy that coverage will begin before our trip to the Northwest. We applied and were approved for an individual plan with Group Health Cooperative (GHC), a nonprofit health insurance company. We haven't received our packet of full benefit information yet, but we do know that they emphasize preventive care and complementary medicine. I believe I read that they will pay 50% of the first $750 spent on massages, which basically means half-price massages. I need to check into that. I'm also wondering if they offer reimbursements for things like Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, as that's something I'd like to do next summer. All in all, I'm really excited to have health insurance again.
Now, I can call and get my annual exam(s) scheduled. . .
Now, I can call and get my annual exam(s) scheduled. . .
Monday, July 13, 2009
Uninsured
Einar and I no longer have health insurance. We had a short-term, major medical plan that expired on June 30. We figured that was no big deal, as we are eligible to get on Dean Health Care's REALTOR group plan (since Einar works full-time for a realtor). So, we looked up all the information about the options, including coverage, deductibles, and monthly premiums. It looked okay - group coverage, with prescription coverage, for under $500/month for the two of us. Not as good as employer-offered coverage, but better than most individual plans we've found. We applied, confident we'd be approved. And we were approved! The letter of approval also included new rates. The plan we'd wanted - the only one that covers maternity - would cost $731.92/month for the two of us!! That is out of our budget. So now we're back to square one in a lot of ways. We're looking into GHC, and we'll probably forego prescription drug coverage. What a nightmare! I truly hope Congress is able to pass some sort of health care reform bill in the next couple of months.
As part of our investigation into health insurance, I looked into BadgetCarePlus, Wisconsin's health coverage for low income people. We make too much money to qualify for that, and if one of us quits our job or reduces hours, we'll qualify, but we won't be able to cover all of our bills. I'm sure we're not the only people in this situation. I suppose we could just skip health insurance altogether and do what a lot of people do - let the taxpayers pay when we show up at the ER and don't have health insurance and can't pay. Or maybe we should just move to a country with socialized health care, like Canada, England, or France.
As part of our investigation into health insurance, I looked into BadgetCarePlus, Wisconsin's health coverage for low income people. We make too much money to qualify for that, and if one of us quits our job or reduces hours, we'll qualify, but we won't be able to cover all of our bills. I'm sure we're not the only people in this situation. I suppose we could just skip health insurance altogether and do what a lot of people do - let the taxpayers pay when we show up at the ER and don't have health insurance and can't pay. Or maybe we should just move to a country with socialized health care, like Canada, England, or France.
Friday, July 10, 2009
About time
I don't know how this keeps happening. I think of blogging nearly every day, and yet it has been almost 2 weeks since I've taken the time to post. Argh.
Anyway, a couple weeks ago, I decided to try to donate blood again. If you've talked with me this spring, I'm sure I've told you about my difficulties donating recently. First, it was low iron. Then, it was small, rolling veins. But I thought, it's been quite a while since I've tried, so I'm going to give it another shot. My iron was great! And the phlebotomist said my veins were no problem - just kinda deep. Hooray!! A pint of blood given to someone who needs it.
I really don't understand mean people. You know, people who are mean either because they take some sort of joy from making other people miserable or because no one ever taught them differently. It seems like life is just so much easier if you're nice. People are more willing to help you and interact with you. It has always seemed to me that being mean takes a lot of work. Why not just be nice? Forgiving? Accommodating? I think a lot of my mindset comes from my faith and my attempt to be Christ-like. I know I often fail at this, hurting family and friends when I lose my intentionality. I guess, then, when I encounter a mean person, I should just see it as a reminder of my own desire to be nice.
Anyway, a couple weeks ago, I decided to try to donate blood again. If you've talked with me this spring, I'm sure I've told you about my difficulties donating recently. First, it was low iron. Then, it was small, rolling veins. But I thought, it's been quite a while since I've tried, so I'm going to give it another shot. My iron was great! And the phlebotomist said my veins were no problem - just kinda deep. Hooray!! A pint of blood given to someone who needs it.
I really don't understand mean people. You know, people who are mean either because they take some sort of joy from making other people miserable or because no one ever taught them differently. It seems like life is just so much easier if you're nice. People are more willing to help you and interact with you. It has always seemed to me that being mean takes a lot of work. Why not just be nice? Forgiving? Accommodating? I think a lot of my mindset comes from my faith and my attempt to be Christ-like. I know I often fail at this, hurting family and friends when I lose my intentionality. I guess, then, when I encounter a mean person, I should just see it as a reminder of my own desire to be nice.
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