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1. Yesterday, I applied for a job at Wal-Mart. I think this was the most difficult thing I’ve done in the entire past year, and not because it was a job at Wal-Mart but because it is so difficult to actually apply for a job at Wal-Mart. You can only apply using this computer program they have in the store (NO paper option!) and it doesn’t work very well. I had to get a manager and then try a second machine before I could even get past the part where you have to put in a password. (It kept kicking me off.) Approximately one hour later, after answering a series of questions like, “Do you think it’s okay to steal from your employer?” (I’m thinking NO is the right answer. I mean, do people answer, “Yes, I love to steal!” What kind of question is that?) then it got to the part about your work history. The computer program didn’t include options in the menu for self-employment. In other words, I don’t think they’ll be calling me since I appear to have no work history at all. And if they did, I’d probably be out of luck anyway. It’s very difficult for me to get a job. Interviewers always say, “You write romance novels?” Then that’s pretty much the end of the conversation since they are either, 1) impressed, but not in the way that makes them want to give me a job, or 2) not impressed yet still disbelieving that I want their job. To completely butcher the line, it is easier for a romance writer to pass through the eye of a needle than to get a real job. I asked 17 if he could get me a job at McDonald’s. After he picked his chin off the floor, he said, “WHAT?” And not in a good way. His girlfriend’s mother works at McDonald’s. Then his girlfriend starting working at McDonald’s. Then 17 started working at McDonald’s. Do we not see a pattern here? Can I not jump on this bandwagon? Apparently, working with his girlfriend and his girlfriend’s mother is just about all 17 can handle at this point. If I got a job there, I might as well bring Clover, Coco, his 12-year-old sister and a few chickens with me. That would be just as palatable in his view.
So I went home and started working on another book proposal.
2. The other day, I was just walking out the door to pick up Princess from practice and to swing by the old farmhouse to pick up 15, who gets off the school bus there, when 15 walked in the door and said, “You don’t need to pick me up.” I usually let him cool his heels for an hour or so at the old farmhouse after school so I can pick him up at the same time I pick up his sister at school after basketball practice. He does not like cooling his heels. It is nearly three miles from here to the old farmhouse. He walked. I said, “That is so cool. Do you know that your grandfather walked every day that same way when he was in high school?” I’m pretty sure not half of that sentence was out of my mouth before he had walked away. I don’t think he was in the mood for family history hour. Have I mentioned that walking the three miles from the old farmhouse to our house is, honestly, uphill both ways? And it was snowing.
3. I asked my 12-year-old for advice about my personal life last night. She told me to do what would make me happy. Man, she is SMART.
4. I ate some potato chips last night. Potato chips, where have you been? I love you, potato chips. I almost never buy potato chips. And actually someone else bought these potato chips. Wow, they were so awesome! That’s what happens when you almost never have potato chips. They taste so good when you do have them. I rarely eat out or buy junk food (for myself anyway–I do buy some for the kids, but I let them have it). It was so exciting, I wanted to eat the entire bag. But I controlled myself. Barely.
5. We were without water for three days this week. The electricity to the well was out. My dear 52 fixed it, in the snow. For me. Did you know that running water is a MIRACLE? It is. Go, right now, turn on a faucet and watch the water run. It is amazing, I’m telling you, amazing.
6. I figured out how to make Christmas presents for 10 people for under $100. I almost feel festive now. (Further details coming in some future posts.)
7. How do you stop a cat from pooping in the bathroom sink? Just wondering. No real reason. I’m lying. MAKE IT STOP, MAKE IT STOP.
8. Enough about me. I’ll post pictures of Clover eating cookies tomorrow. Promise.
Clover: “Cookies? I’m down with that.”
1:17
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2 Book idea…. a childs picture book on clover and the kids?
Hugs
Ruth
1:33
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I hope your personal life question ends up with a happy ending!
… and totally unrelated.. really.. can you clone 52 and send me a copy??
I’m glad your water is back! I got the tweets about that and worried about you.
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Regarding cat poop in the sink – be thankful – at least it’s easy to remove and clean up. If you stop the cat doing it there, who knows where you’ll find the offending matter next? Could be worse, believe me, it could be a lot worse. :fan:
Rooth’s idea is great,
“Picture book on clover and the kids.”
Oh yes!
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It is but a short ride through some of God’s most beautiful work to come see you and help out whenever you need it. As you’ve blogged, “that’s just what folks here do for their friends and neighbors” Please call next time, I’ll even bring a bag of chips or maybe a bag of my personal favorite, Frito’s. As for the cat, I say banish it to the spartan realm of Spartacus.
6:32
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Good luck with the job search.
I agree with the potato chip thing. I don’t eat them often, but when I do, I have to make myself STOP!
6:47
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I want a Clover!
6:58
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Cat pooping in the sink?? uggg yuck. ewww. He might need to take a trip to the vet or be kicked out side to live with the goats and chickens and Coco.
Hang in there. You will find where you need to be. Have faith in your talents.
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But I know how it goes. I worked there. And I know a couple of managers there still, if you need any reference/advice that sorta thing.
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I suspect a lot of these interviewers think that being a published author means you actually make a lot of money! I know from Aunt Pat that this is really NOT the case. I can’t imagine doing it with 3 kids and a farm. I hope you find something soon.
I also love the idea of a picture book.
Good luck.
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I have never, thankfully, been without water for three days, but last month we were without electricity for three days…not fun.
Christmas presents for 10 people for about $100. I definitely want to hear more about that.
9:07
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And I agree about the children’s book.
And being from Jonesborough TN, I highly recommend checking out storytelling.
Betty
9:08
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My husband & I have always been able to find jobs through temp agencies. Once you get to working somewhere, you’ll wow them and they’ll hire you on. And I found my current job on Craigslist…not kidding!!
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It stinks that you’d have to go to Wal-Mart to work. I mean nothing against Wal-Mart, but you’re a great writer. It’s too bad you couldn’t pick up some freelance work. My mom just got a second part-time job as a Wal-Mart greeter. We’ve wondered if it’s a reflection on her age.
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OH….I just thought of something. My better job was moving to a position at the local newspaper. I know that newspapers are cutting back but maybe you can write as a stringer. Just a thought.
- Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife
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Judy
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Jo
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You’ve discovered the reason I’m so jealous of you and your home. Hubby and I each had to drive into Charleston for our jobs and we couldn’t car pool because of the shifts and the kids. It was 65 miles each way.
You have to have a teachers certificate for the public schools, but not for the private ones, Suzanne. I know thats probably a drive into Charleston for you.
Ok another story line for you, I thought that Stringtown would be a cool center for a series of books. You could develop a whole new group of ppl.
Talk about cat poo..my kitten is having issues with poo atttaching to his fur and scaring him and then he runs to me to help him and this morning i was all asleep when i start smelling something not nice and there the little fella was crying help me help me getting my quilt all messed up so after i bathed the cat i showered and threw the quilt in the washer and then found the pee where the little dog couldn’t wait any longer because in all of the cat poo, i forgot about her tiny bladder…all before 8.
huggs
margiesbooboo
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You must do a children’s novel. The comings and goings of your animals would be a hit with the K- 5th graders. My son loves books about animals – his favorite is “Marley – A Dog Like No Other”.
What fun.
Also I know it is different in every state but I think all you need for a sub license is a college degree – not necessarily in teaching. Or teacher’s aides usually do not require any degree or licensing.
Best of luck to you – I know looking for a job is already difficult, not to mention being in a more rural area.
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Susan
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However, I was hoping for “Suzanne’s Stringtown store” of goat products, food items…or a coffee table book of photos of the animals, farm life…(my friend just made a coffee table book of her family pics, for her mother in law’s 80th birthday).
Potato chips…oh how I love them. I am not a chip person, but when I have some about twice a year…I Love them with HOMEMADE garlic dip. I get a pkg. of cream cheese, beat it, add milk and a tsp. (or to your liking) of garlic POWDER (not garlic salt)…chill and enjoy…LOVE IT. :mrgreen: :rockon:
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Hard times are hitting everywhere and it is a sad thing for us all. I never thought i’d see the day but its here.
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and wanted some with lunch. Of course, none in the house! I
have a driveway that is uphill both ways, regardless of the weather. (sorta describes my life most of the time! HA!)
I’ve walked it once to get the mail since moving here. If you are over, say 16 – 19ish yrs.old, and not applying for a six figure salary, you’ll be considered over qualified for most jobs. Ask me how I know.
How about doing one of those do-it-yourself published cookbooks to start with. I know all who visit the blog would purchase one, and you could sell them at events in Walton and surrounding areas. After that I see Oprah calling you for a guest spot on her show and cooking demos!
Also, don’t forget the large coffee table book with beautiful photos of the farm, critters and countryside! I’ll
put my order in now for that one too! It’s OK, you don’t have to have the books for sale before Christmas, but how about January 1st 2009! Just remember, those who follow your blog and appreciate it, are kindred souls and we are
always sending our love and encouragement. YOU can do anything! Hugs to the cat. The feline sounds stressed.
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As for working for WM, I worked there as a teen and young married person. It was awful, but I understand where you’re coming from. Hugs and Prayers you find something.
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I’m wishing you all the best with the job hunt/bringing in money and keeping up with the festive front for the kids, my hubby just joined the ranks of the unemployed with a layoff so we are doing the same. But you have such great writing and cooking skills so I hope you can keep going with the blog thing!
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As for the kitty…one of my “kids” just totally gave up the litter box. Sure enough, a couple of months ago, his anal gland ruptured. Apparently, he had been having a problem for a while. Now that he’s healed, he’s back in the box. Maybe your kitty does have some sort of problem going on. OR…she just likes doing it in the sink. At least it’s easy to clean!
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Wallyworld might not be so bad–you’d be able to pick up stuff you need on the way home. Consider it a means to an end, and a temporary one. I’m thankful there is a place to get things we need, cheaply.
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On another note, I think all your readers, me included, know you’re very gifted and very resourceful and you will get through this. Remember how many different approaches it took before Clover gave you more than a teaspoon of slightly stepped-in milk?
(Also – you deserve TWO pieces of pie today.)
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You could start a writers retreat on your farm for Romance or writers . Let your farm become as beloved a destination as your Blog is :cattail:
8:59
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I agree with a children’s book idea but that’s something to work on and will bring you money in the future. You need income now. As much as people rag on Walmart, thank God for their low prices — and if I needed money to pay bills and to buy food, you’d bet I fill out an application. After all, it’s a temporary income and not a career (yes, I know some people have chosen that and that’s fine!).
Good luck! I LOVE your blog! You are a great writer with a terrific sense of humor! :rockon:
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This is what I have done for 10 years in addition to running our farm….might be an option.
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But now I’m craving potato chips…
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Looks like a classic case of cabin fever to me. Better get off the farm for a while…
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Blessings from Ohio…
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More money: I know in my part of the world home health aides are SOOOOO needed..The agencies often will train you.. sometimes it’s just household help the elderly or the infirm need.. just a thought– after you know the ropes sometimes you can just work what shifts you want..
And, of course you’re working on a book proposal..
Blessings and hugs that you find exactly the right avenue for some added income..after all you have to keep Clover in cookies!!!!!
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LOL on 15 walking the three miles instead of cooling his heels. It’s just such a teenager thing to do. My 14 would do the same thing. In the snow. With shorts on.
WTG on the gifts. I used your vodka/rum recipe for vanilla extract (with some, uh modifications in the amounts) and managed to get gifts for 16 for <$50. So, thanks!
Good luck with the job hunt.
7:12
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Somewhere I think there is a lesson in that for me. I don’t want to think about it….
By the way, I saw that Magdalena Scott had great things to say about your last book on her blog a week or so ago. I’ve now got to go get it!
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Hope the pooping is medically related. If you’re inclined to tolerate a litter box, put a small box of litter in the sink. Let them use it for a few weeks, then move it to the counter and fill the sink. After another 4-5 days start moving the box where you WANT them to go, but veeeeeerrrrry slowly. A few feet each day.
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I’m in somewhat the same situation as you (self-employed/low income) and am working hard to figure something out. Problem is I don’t cook very well and sure know nothing about creating and modifying recipes. But I would be glad to give a testimonial about some of your recipes. Easy to make and delicious!
Best Wishes!
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Keep up the great work, I love your website and upbeat outlook.