Job Hunting

Hello Friends! How are you all doing on this Friday the 13th?? It's kind of chilly and dreary here in Nebraska. A bit afraid this is a sign of weather to come -- it is fall after all. We did have some lovely fall days and hoping for more.

My Jenny Craig job ended mid-August. In case you didn't know, Jenny Craig was in the middle of a big re-do and sale that ultimately failed and the company filed for bankruptcy in June! The Jenny C I worked at was a franchise and was able to continue seeing clients and selling food until the end of August. Nutrisystem bought Jenny C and then bought up all the food so there was none to sell. If you never tried it, let me tell you, that it was very good frozen food. In fact, I gave Maddie her favorites so she had a lot in her dorm. That way, she didn't have to cook or run out to get lunch or dinner. Anyway, that was the end of my job. I hated to say goodbye to my clients, who were so kind and sweet. I've been working since I was about 15 years old, so long that it just doesn't feel normal to not work somewhere!

Sooooo, I started a job hunt! I really only wanted a part-time job, so applied for clerical jobs at our local community college, some retail jobs and so on. I had lots of interviews and even second interviews, but ultimately did not receive offers. I guess I have an inflated sense of how well I did as I thought I'd be offered every single one! Nope - didn't happen. I'm guessing that once they saw how old I am, they put a big black X through my application. :( Yes, I am having a bit of a crisis of confidence. I was definitely hoping for one of the openings at Nothing Bundt Cake, a fancy chocolate shop and cookie stores, no such luck.

But, I am working as a substitute para at one of the local Catholic elementary schools. When one of the paras needs a day off, they text me to see if I can sub for them. It's a fine job, but I have not been called on much and I really wanted something with more set weekly hours. I think I worked all of 8 hours in September. However, next week, I am subbing 3 days in a row for 4 hours each time. My responsibilities include taking the first graders out for recess, walking them to the lunchroom and grading papers for the middle school grades. Happily, there is an Answer Key, as it has been a LONG time since I've been in school.

Also looking forward to my and Maddie's seasonal jobs at Von Maur doing gift wrap. It generally starts after Thanksgiving and we both love that job and our coworkers! The 20% discount is pretty nice too! So, that's the story on my job hunt. I need to think of decluttering my house as a job so I will do more of that! Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Fall and Happy Foxes!

Happy Fall Y'all!! But seriously, how can it be time for fall to be here??? We do love fall around here - but dread what follows -- W I N T E R! But for now, we will put that season out of our minds! A few trees are just beginning to turn color here. The bigger sign of fall is all the acorns falling and the squirrels everywhere! Frannie wants to catch a squirrel, but she is not quick enough. Our sweet Scottie, Muffy, did catch one, but it screamed so loud, she let it go. Totally fine with me as I wouldn't have wanted to have to dispose of it! Ewww!

Anyway, I wanted to show you the foxes that reside in our neighborhood! I see them on walks all the time. We don't live out in the country. We are in the middle of the city. Earlier this year, Maddie and I saw the baby foxes (called kits I think) running and jumping and playing tag. Foxes don't seem to be scared of humans - they don't want you to get too close, but will engage in a staredown and then saunter away. Why is it that foxes are so adorable when so many other critters are scary and disgusting - opossums I'm talking about you! One of the neighborhood foxes did catch a little dinner last year just down the street from us!

Husker football has started around here and tomorrow is the second home game. Hoping for another win for the new coach. Go Big Red! I don't really follow football very much, but so many in Nebraska are obsessed with it. For me - home football games provide the best time to go shopping - not much traffic! :)

Did I tell you my Jenny Craig job ended?? Sad day as I loved the clients and the food, but the corporate company filed bankruptcy earlier this year. The franchise I worked at continued through August, but then Nutrisystem (who bought JC in bankruptcy) took away the ability of the franchise to continue to sell food and clients dropped off. Anyway, I've had a ton of interviews looking for a new part-time job. I am one of those optimistic people and believed I would be offered jobs after each interview I had! Silly me - no such luck. Except that I am a substitute para at a local Catholic elementary school taking over for paras who take a day off or are sick. So far, I've worked 2 mornings. I miss working. Not that I want to go back to full-time, but I like part-time and getting out of the house and chatting with coworkers!

Until next time, Happy Fall!!