I realized that in all my posts of the kids, I never post any life updates.
Corey and I have been looking for part time work to supplement his income. I had applied for a Census Bureau job and finally got a call and was hired for 4 weeks. I was so excited to have something...anything! Actually, I'm at my job right now as I type this - yeah, it's real difficult!:) This is the first year that the Census Bureau has set up Questionnaire Answer Centers in areas where they've had a low return rate so people can come in and get help filling out their form. My center has not gone over so well...I think I've seen about 3 people. I work two, eight hour days a week, and as boring as it is to sit in a room all day by myself, I'm getting paid and right now that matters! Plus, I'm getting lots of blogging and reading done!:)
Shortly after I was hired for this job, I saw a sign in our local coffee shop's window saying they were hiring, so I applied. I was hired 15 min after I turned in my application! I start training in a couple weeks.
I'm so thankful that my job will be right in town, flexible, and I know the owners and people that work there. I'm thankful that Corey's work is flexible so one of us can be with the kids - if not for that, an extra job wouldn't be feasible 'cause it'd cost more for childcare, and I wouldn't want to go that route anyway. And I'm very grateful for the extra income!:)
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Working Again
I mentioned working in one of my posts and I've been meaning to post about that.
Shortly after we moved up here, I started calling surrounding area school districts to find out if there were programs for the deaf in any of the schools and offer my assistance in subbing. I found the area ISD that has a program and hires the interpreters and they were absolutely thrilled that I was available to sub. I'm their only sub! I had originally left a message and when they called me back, they asked me if I could come in asap to do the paperwork 'cause they had an interpreter out all week the next week! So I was off and running! Not sure I was ready for it yet, but jumped right in. I'd gotten used to being at home and I've actually kept pretty busy since we moved. But it was good to get into the school system again and work with kids and interpret! I like being able to say "no" if it won't work out, to get out of the house every so often, and to use my skills! It's been great to network with other interpreters in the area - they've all been wonderful and welcoming!
I've been working for four weeks now and I've been called every week so far! I've enjoyed it and it's great extra money! And Corey's schedule is flexible, so he watches Caedmon while I'm working and then he gets his work done when I get home. We're so thankful to be able to work it out like this!
Shortly after we moved up here, I started calling surrounding area school districts to find out if there were programs for the deaf in any of the schools and offer my assistance in subbing. I found the area ISD that has a program and hires the interpreters and they were absolutely thrilled that I was available to sub. I'm their only sub! I had originally left a message and when they called me back, they asked me if I could come in asap to do the paperwork 'cause they had an interpreter out all week the next week! So I was off and running! Not sure I was ready for it yet, but jumped right in. I'd gotten used to being at home and I've actually kept pretty busy since we moved. But it was good to get into the school system again and work with kids and interpret! I like being able to say "no" if it won't work out, to get out of the house every so often, and to use my skills! It's been great to network with other interpreters in the area - they've all been wonderful and welcoming!
I've been working for four weeks now and I've been called every week so far! I've enjoyed it and it's great extra money! And Corey's schedule is flexible, so he watches Caedmon while I'm working and then he gets his work done when I get home. We're so thankful to be able to work it out like this!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Hard at Work!
I made a list at the beginning of my spring break of things we need to get done in order to put the house on the market. No, not exactly my idea of a fun, relaxing spring break, but you gotta do whatchya gotta do.
It's actually been quite a productive week thus far! We've accomplished a lot, especially considering we have a six month old!
We raked the front yard and Caedmon watched.:) He doesn't sleep long enough during the day to get a whole lot done , so we just have to do things with him, or take turns watching him.
It's actually been quite a productive week thus far! We've accomplished a lot, especially considering we have a six month old!
We raked the front yard and Caedmon watched.:) He doesn't sleep long enough during the day to get a whole lot done , so we just have to do things with him, or take turns watching him.
He looks thrilled with his plight, doesn't he!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Extra Day
I am now working an extra day a week; that equals 4 days a week now - Monday - Thursday.
And as a friend commented on my last post, yes, this may mean more time lapsing in between posts. I'll do my best to keep up, but life is going to be very busy, between work, house work, spending time with Caedmon, trying to sell a house, and going up north.
I told Corey the other day that I really like our set up. It's only logical that I work considering Corey would probably have to work double the time to make the same amount of money (sorry Babe). He's bringing in money through a Bible class he's teaching this semester and refereeing soccer games. And he does a wonderful job as a "male mom," in his words.:)
Our current situation is not what I grew up with or what I thought would ever be the case for me, but I've learned that there's not just one way to do things. Every family should go with what works best for them! And it's working for us!
And as a friend commented on my last post, yes, this may mean more time lapsing in between posts. I'll do my best to keep up, but life is going to be very busy, between work, house work, spending time with Caedmon, trying to sell a house, and going up north.
I told Corey the other day that I really like our set up. It's only logical that I work considering Corey would probably have to work double the time to make the same amount of money (sorry Babe). He's bringing in money through a Bible class he's teaching this semester and refereeing soccer games. And he does a wonderful job as a "male mom," in his words.:)
Our current situation is not what I grew up with or what I thought would ever be the case for me, but I've learned that there's not just one way to do things. Every family should go with what works best for them! And it's working for us!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Snow Days
There are many reasons I love working in the school system. One of them is snow days!:) What other job out there pays you to stay at home because of inclement weather?! Whenever anyone gives me a hard time about this ("must be nice..." blah,blah,blah) I just tell them that they chose the wrong profession.:)
This is only my third week of work and I've already had two snow days! I'm told this is very rare for the Ottawa ISD to close - they have to have a certain percentage of the county's schools close before they can. We've had some pretty bad weather these last two weeks!
But now that I'm only working part time, I don't actually wish for snow days - I enjoy work. But I'm also driving 30-45 minutes and I'd rather not drive on bad roads. So although I don't necessarily wish for a day off, I'm relieved not to have to drive in bad weather!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Boys
Corey is wonderful with Caedmon! I once thought there was no way I could leave my little baby at home with Corey - I was sure he wouldn't have a clue how to take care of an infant! He has completely proved me wrong! He is a born natural at this dad thing, and they have a great time at home together while I'm at work! Corey took a picture the other day of meal time with Daddy.:)
I'm a Working Mom Now
Wow! It's been over two weeks since I last blogged! Where does time go?! Well, part of my week is now filled with working.
I started last Monday. It was not difficult like I thought it might be, going back to work and leaving Caedmon at home. I was feeling guilty that I didn't cry and terribly miss him while I was gone all day. I miss him some and look forward to getting home to him, but I really do enjoy being out and doing a job I love. I think it would have been a lot worse leaving Caedmon if I'd had to do it sooner, and if I had to leave him with someone other than Corey.
I always pictured myself being a stay-at-home mom. First of all, I didn't always see the financial implications of only one of us working, and second, I never thought I'd want to work after having children. But, being that my job is specialized, I make really good money, and I guess I just need an outlet.
Working part time is wonderful! I work three days a week and have four days at home to play with Caedmon and catch up on house work! It would be tough working full time and only having Saturday and Sunday to catch up on the house and spend time with Caedmon - one or the other would probably suffer, and I wouldn't want it to be my son, but a dirty, cluttered house drives me crazy!
So, all that to say, work is great! I'm so thankful God opened this door for us!
I started last Monday. It was not difficult like I thought it might be, going back to work and leaving Caedmon at home. I was feeling guilty that I didn't cry and terribly miss him while I was gone all day. I miss him some and look forward to getting home to him, but I really do enjoy being out and doing a job I love. I think it would have been a lot worse leaving Caedmon if I'd had to do it sooner, and if I had to leave him with someone other than Corey.
I always pictured myself being a stay-at-home mom. First of all, I didn't always see the financial implications of only one of us working, and second, I never thought I'd want to work after having children. But, being that my job is specialized, I make really good money, and I guess I just need an outlet.
Working part time is wonderful! I work three days a week and have four days at home to play with Caedmon and catch up on house work! It would be tough working full time and only having Saturday and Sunday to catch up on the house and spend time with Caedmon - one or the other would probably suffer, and I wouldn't want it to be my son, but a dirty, cluttered house drives me crazy!
So, all that to say, work is great! I'm so thankful God opened this door for us!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Back to Work
I finally got some details about my job. I begin on Jan.14th, a week from today. My schedule will be Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 - 3:30. I will be in Zeeland all three days and in Holland on Tuesday afternoon. Sounds like there will be a nice variety. And I know the students I'll be working with from summer camp.
So this is my last week as a full time stay at home mom. I think it may be difficult to go back into the work force since my priorities have changed, but I also think that it may be good for me. Especially with my lack of a social life right now!
So this is my last week as a full time stay at home mom. I think it may be difficult to go back into the work force since my priorities have changed, but I also think that it may be good for me. Especially with my lack of a social life right now!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Job!!!
Friday, Ottawa Area ISD called me and asked if I would still be interested in the job! I interviewed for an interpreting/parapro job right before Thanksgiving, and they got back to me letting me know they'd filled the position full time. So, I've continued to job hunt within school systems. I interviewed in Muskegon for a classroom assistant one-on-one position and didn't get that either. But, the full time person didn't work out for Ottawa, so they're offering me part time and I'll be job sharing with another person! I'm sooo excited! 1) it's in my field, 2) the pay is good, 3) it'll get me out of the house a little, 4) we'll finally have some income we can count on!
The job is working with special needs adults, 18 - 26, working in the community and teaching life skills. I'm really excited!
I'm sure, at some point it'll hit me that I have to leave Caedmon and go back into the work force - I really have enjoyed being at home with him full time! But, my unemployment runs out in February, and Corey hasn't found anything yet, though I've never known a better job hunter!
I start some time after the first of the year - don't know the exact date yet; and I don't know what my schedule will be. I pretty much just said "YES!" and forgot to ask questions.:) Human resources is supposed to get back to me.
God never makes a whole lot of sense right away. I'm not sure why he couldn't have given me the job back when I interviewed for it - it wasn't supposed to start till the first of the year anyway. I suppose he's teaching me patience and trust - wonder if I've learned the lesson...?
In the end, I got exactly what I had hoped for (other than just not working at all) - I had three months at home with Mr. Caedmon. And it's been a wonderful three months! And like Corey said, now when I'm done working for the day, my time with Caedmon will be even more precious!
The job is working with special needs adults, 18 - 26, working in the community and teaching life skills. I'm really excited!
I'm sure, at some point it'll hit me that I have to leave Caedmon and go back into the work force - I really have enjoyed being at home with him full time! But, my unemployment runs out in February, and Corey hasn't found anything yet, though I've never known a better job hunter!
I start some time after the first of the year - don't know the exact date yet; and I don't know what my schedule will be. I pretty much just said "YES!" and forgot to ask questions.:) Human resources is supposed to get back to me.
God never makes a whole lot of sense right away. I'm not sure why he couldn't have given me the job back when I interviewed for it - it wasn't supposed to start till the first of the year anyway. I suppose he's teaching me patience and trust - wonder if I've learned the lesson...?
In the end, I got exactly what I had hoped for (other than just not working at all) - I had three months at home with Mr. Caedmon. And it's been a wonderful three months! And like Corey said, now when I'm done working for the day, my time with Caedmon will be even more precious!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Job
I had my job interview for the interpreter/parapro position in Holland last Wednesday. I think the interview went well. I answer questions very honestly, meaning I don't do any b.s.ing. They asked me why I was interesting in the job... My answer: "Well, to be perfectly honest, it's the only job out there with the title interpreter." After I said the first part, they cut in with "it's a job" and laughed. So anyway, regardless, I think it went well. But they told me at the end that they really want someone full time and they had people interested in taking it as a full time job. So, I'm not really expecting I'll get it.:( We'll see. Still haven't heard back from them.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Change of Heart
A friend told me that it seemed better for the family as a whole to have a mother working part time rather than dad working more than one job to make ends meet. This friend had observed his brother's family and his brother was working multiple jobs, and therefore, was never able to spend time with his wife and kids. This strategy of sharing the responsibility made sense to me.
Corey worked 3 nights of his new job and realized it just wasn't going to work out. He worked Monday night, 8p.m. - 6a.m. and came home to get a couple hours of sleep before he was off to G.R. for his internship and class and then he would have been back to work...without any sleep. It was an impossible schedule!
We talked about the job opportunity in my field and decided that I could at least apply and offer only part time. This I am o.k. with. Not that it won't be difficult, but I can make the same kind of money interpreting part time that Corey would make working full time. It makes sense for me to try and help out.
Corey is a wonderful dad and should be able to spend time with his son! I watched him as he held Caedmon after having worked a couple days at his second job and listened as he said to him "I haven't seen you in a couple days." It breaks my heart to think that I might be like a single parent just so we can pay the bills.
But it would only be justifiable for me to work part time if I'm able to get a job interpreting. Working at Hallmark part time would not bring in enough money to be worth it. Then again, when we get down to just the basics, we can live on a lot less money than we realize!
All this to say, I sent in my resume and I'm truly hoping it'll work out! I think we'd be able to work it so that Corey and I can take care of Caedmon while the other is working; which is the only way I'd want it to work! I've always said I didn't spend 9 months with a child growing inside me and 12 hours in labor trying to get it out just to ship him off to daycare.
Corey worked 3 nights of his new job and realized it just wasn't going to work out. He worked Monday night, 8p.m. - 6a.m. and came home to get a couple hours of sleep before he was off to G.R. for his internship and class and then he would have been back to work...without any sleep. It was an impossible schedule!
We talked about the job opportunity in my field and decided that I could at least apply and offer only part time. This I am o.k. with. Not that it won't be difficult, but I can make the same kind of money interpreting part time that Corey would make working full time. It makes sense for me to try and help out.
Corey is a wonderful dad and should be able to spend time with his son! I watched him as he held Caedmon after having worked a couple days at his second job and listened as he said to him "I haven't seen you in a couple days." It breaks my heart to think that I might be like a single parent just so we can pay the bills.
But it would only be justifiable for me to work part time if I'm able to get a job interpreting. Working at Hallmark part time would not bring in enough money to be worth it. Then again, when we get down to just the basics, we can live on a lot less money than we realize!
All this to say, I sent in my resume and I'm truly hoping it'll work out! I think we'd be able to work it so that Corey and I can take care of Caedmon while the other is working; which is the only way I'd want it to work! I've always said I didn't spend 9 months with a child growing inside me and 12 hours in labor trying to get it out just to ship him off to daycare.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Being a Mom
I think I'm finally settling into motherhood.
After my last post about wanting a job, I had a couple people call me about an interpreting job opportunity in the school system. I got online and checked it out, and then completely stressed out. I laid Caedmon down and went to bed myself and about 10 minutes later got up and found Corey and started crying...again!
I cannot even imagine going back to work right now, especially full time. How could I possibly leave my little guy all day, five days a week??!! I wouldn't be able to breast feed, and he's still getting up every 3 hours or so through the night - I can't imagine working on so little sleep!
At first, Corey had told me to go for it, we could make it work. After he realized I was stressed out about it, he told me I should do what I want, and just enjoy Caedmon right now.
But, the other side of this job thing is survival. Do I need to get a job so we can continue to pay the bills? Well, within a day, that question was answered. Corey got a job yesterday. He'll be working full-time, third shift.
Even though I have come to the solid conclusion that I want to stay at home and take care of Caedmon right now, I'm feeling like I'm not doing my part. Corey will be working at the church (which is supposedly part-time, but ends up being more like full-time), going to class, doing his internship, and now working a full-time job third shift. I have no idea when he's going to get any sleep. And then there's the issue of spending time with Caedmon, and me as well. I know he enjoys being a dad and hanging out with Caedmon, and I feel like he's being robbed of that.
It strikes me that God seemed to make it so that mom and baby must be attached at the hip; of course, until formula and breast pumps were invented. So, I guess until Caedmon is slightly less dependent on me, this will be our plight. Why does everything have to revolve around money?! Such a bummer!
Corey starts his new job tonight. He's not thrilled and I'm hating it, but in his words, "You gotta do whatcha gotta do." And as bad as I feel about it, he's allowing me to stay home for now by doing this.
After my last post about wanting a job, I had a couple people call me about an interpreting job opportunity in the school system. I got online and checked it out, and then completely stressed out. I laid Caedmon down and went to bed myself and about 10 minutes later got up and found Corey and started crying...again!
I cannot even imagine going back to work right now, especially full time. How could I possibly leave my little guy all day, five days a week??!! I wouldn't be able to breast feed, and he's still getting up every 3 hours or so through the night - I can't imagine working on so little sleep!
At first, Corey had told me to go for it, we could make it work. After he realized I was stressed out about it, he told me I should do what I want, and just enjoy Caedmon right now.
But, the other side of this job thing is survival. Do I need to get a job so we can continue to pay the bills? Well, within a day, that question was answered. Corey got a job yesterday. He'll be working full-time, third shift.
Even though I have come to the solid conclusion that I want to stay at home and take care of Caedmon right now, I'm feeling like I'm not doing my part. Corey will be working at the church (which is supposedly part-time, but ends up being more like full-time), going to class, doing his internship, and now working a full-time job third shift. I have no idea when he's going to get any sleep. And then there's the issue of spending time with Caedmon, and me as well. I know he enjoys being a dad and hanging out with Caedmon, and I feel like he's being robbed of that.
It strikes me that God seemed to make it so that mom and baby must be attached at the hip; of course, until formula and breast pumps were invented. So, I guess until Caedmon is slightly less dependent on me, this will be our plight. Why does everything have to revolve around money?! Such a bummer!
Corey starts his new job tonight. He's not thrilled and I'm hating it, but in his words, "You gotta do whatcha gotta do." And as bad as I feel about it, he's allowing me to stay home for now by doing this.
Monday, September 3, 2007
School Starts Tomorrow
School starts tomorrow. Typically, I'd be dreading going back, dreading my alarm clock going off at 6a.m. It's always been hard for me to go back. I love my 3 months of summer! Corey says I'm one of those people who's too busy to have a job.:) I never run out of things to do around the house.
At the same time, I truly do love my job! I get to work with kids, and I especially enjoy the elementary age group! I love interpreting. I love feeling like I'm making a difference.
But tomorrow, I will not be getting up at 6a.m. I will not be going back to school. For the first time since I graduated 6 1/2 years ago, I do not have a job. And instead of feeling the dread of going back, I'm feeling left out and saddened!
True, I'm pregnant and could have this baby just about anytime now. But it wasn't my choice to not be working right now, and that's what's really tough!
I might shed a tear or two. I definitely won't be able to step foot in the school building tomorrow just to say "hi" and let everyone see the 9 month pregnant lady.
Maybe I'll get over these feelings and frustrations. I don't know. I do know my body needs this time to rest up before my life changes forever! So, I guess I should accept the situation as it is and enjoy this time of rest and relaxation. And I'm sure once baby is born, I won't be missing the school scene too much.:)
At the same time, I truly do love my job! I get to work with kids, and I especially enjoy the elementary age group! I love interpreting. I love feeling like I'm making a difference.
But tomorrow, I will not be getting up at 6a.m. I will not be going back to school. For the first time since I graduated 6 1/2 years ago, I do not have a job. And instead of feeling the dread of going back, I'm feeling left out and saddened!
True, I'm pregnant and could have this baby just about anytime now. But it wasn't my choice to not be working right now, and that's what's really tough!
I might shed a tear or two. I definitely won't be able to step foot in the school building tomorrow just to say "hi" and let everyone see the 9 month pregnant lady.
Maybe I'll get over these feelings and frustrations. I don't know. I do know my body needs this time to rest up before my life changes forever! So, I guess I should accept the situation as it is and enjoy this time of rest and relaxation. And I'm sure once baby is born, I won't be missing the school scene too much.:)
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