Hi, Tracy, cloudy greetings to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang from Noah and me on this late Thursday afternoon. I hope this is finding each of you doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

Hopefully by now you have been able to pay your utilities with a peaceful mind that the payment will not "bounce". This is always helpful - - been there done that many times.

I hope you will hear something positive on the job front soon, Tracy. How often will you be keeping in touch with the new recruiter? Please let us know how things go.

So glad to be home with my little Noah. Did the "checkbook balance tango" and got receipts entered into my financial log. Next week will be the monthly bill-a-thon and checking in with my tax preparer to see what progress is being made in getting them ready to be submitted. This is going to be a very interesting year financially-wise.

It is always a blessing logging in and sharing your and your precious furkids' news, Tracy. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, and of your precious furkids. I hope you, your precious Theresa and little Tang will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

Been rainy here too. I still can't belive I didn't think about how checks (even electronic) have to go through the ACH process and always take a few days - especially when I spewed "1-4 business days" to angry tax payers every day for 3 months. That's what panic and stress will do to the mind I guess. It will, indeed, be an "interesting" year financially for all of us (sigh) No word on any jobs. I will follow up with both agencies tomorrow - and will at least once or twice a week - squeeky wheel gets the oil, and all that. Been a pretty lazy day here for us all. No big developemements to report. Hope all is well with you and Noah

TTT

Hi, Tracy, stopping by to offer you, your precious Theresa and little Tang Friday evening greetings from Noah and me. I hope this finds each of you doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

It is wise to keep in close touch with the employment agencies, and I hope and pray that you will soon have referrals to follow up with which will lead you to a good job with a decent salary that will offer you and your precious fur family financial stability.

Just three Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and two Thursdays and Fridays to get through. This coming week I will have Thursday and Friday off, and I will submit my resignation on Wednesday before I leave work. I will be in compliance with the mandatory 2 week notification. The down side is that I will have a solid two weeks to work in the pit before I can leave it for the last time. Not looking forward to that too much. The good news is that I'm home with my little Noah for the weekend, and all is right with the world.

I hope today is being kind to you and your precious furkids, Tracy, and that each of you will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious Theresa and little Tang. Please know each of you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

I'm not putting much hope in the second agency. I sent an email to the rep earlier this week that was never replied to. And today I called there. The receptionist put me on hold and I went straight to the rep's voice mail. I'm pretty sure she's ducking me. I guess I must have said or did something in the interview that sent up a red flag. On the other hand she seemed very young and very much on the sheltered side of life. Perhaps she was just mad that I wasn't willing to put Today's in a bind by walking off my current assignment when she had first called. If so, I hardly consider that mature or professional. But that does not really help me in the end

Tang's ear is about the same. No better or worse. He does not show any signs of distress, for which I'm grateful. But then they say animals instinctively hide thier pain. I'm hoping that is not the case for him as I'm no closer to finding a job, and UE will barely cover rent, etc. Theresa is also fine - my little rock. I hope you enjoy your time away from your own "pit" and that you and Noah are well. TTFN

TTT

Hi, Tracy, good Caturday greetings to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang from Noah and me. I hope this finds each of you doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

You know, Tracy, the rep you're dealing with has a supervisor, and if this rep does not want to assist you then you have the right to request a different rep at the agency to take your job search seriously. Whatever she needs to "learn" in her job, Tracy, should not be done at your expense.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Theresa and little Tang kindly, and that each of you will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious furkids. Please know each of you are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

Honestly, I don't feel like asking for that person's supervisor is going to help me at all. It's not like I'm an angry customer in the traditional sense. If I had to guess judging by her age and general demeanor, she took one look at my birthday on the app and decided I was just "too old" to be placed in any entry level jobs. Technically not legal, but even harder to prove. It makes me feel like all those unwanted senior pets we read about all too often. Funny thing about those seniors, though. They end up being the best pet and friend one could ever hope for. People her age think we are unplaceable. people my age in authority don't want the (perceived) competition. A mean cycle indeed. I guess all I can do is continue to hope, pray, and of course post (sigh) It's hard to have hope though. Speaking of which, the only reasons for me to even try (Theresa and Tang) are both doing as well as can be expected this Catuirday. Hope you and Noah are both well. TTFN

TTT

Hi, Tracy, cloudy Sunday greetings to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang from Noah and me. I hope this finds each of you doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

I'm sorry the present view is looking bleak to you, my friend. You are too young to be considered "unemployable." You are by all definition of eligibility at your "peak" in your skills and should be high on the "wanted" list as an employee. Have you thought about contacting some of the companies in your region directly for potential jobs? It seems like each employer has their own website now with job postings and online application for vacancies. In other words - - don't put all your eggs in one basket - - such as totally relying on Todays or the new placement agency to help you find another job. This world is truly turning into a "self service" society. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers that you will find suitable employment quickly with a salary that provides financial stability for you and your precious furkids.

By now you have your laundry done, and hopefully are enjoying this special time with your precious Theresa and little Tang. I am so very thrilled that they are doing well. Noah is curled up next to me taking a nap as I'm writing to you.

I hope today is treating you and your precious furkids kindly, Tracy, and that you and your precious fur family will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, and of your precious Theresa and little Tang. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Tracy....I hope today is treating you, Tang, and Theresa well....I "ditto" what moon_bean said about your employment. I hope and pray you will find employment soon and I believe you will.

Blackie is doing well. For the last few nights after he has dinner, he goes to sleep on his rug in a cozy corner by the door. Night before last I looked out the window and saw Harry, the possum, eating some dry cat food just inches from where Blackie was sound asleep. (unless Blackie was playing possum.) ....Last night I saw Bandit, the raccoon, doing the same thing. He was staring at Blackie while eating. They never did like each other, but everything turned out okay. Either Blackie was sleeping sound or he is getting more confidence since he is getting bigger.

Well, Tracy, I hope next week things will turn around for you. You and furbabies are in my thoughts and prayers always....God Bless..

LoveMyMickey

Thank you moon_beam and LoveMyMickey (glad to hear Blackie is doing OK and more or less getting along with his "neighbors")

I appreciate the thoughts and prayers. moon_beam. I am posting to anythhing and everything I can find. Be it the various job search sites, the emails I get from them, to the direct web sites of the companies themselves. I average about 5-6 a day at least. It just seems to be getting harder and harder as time goes by It just feels like nobody wants me....

Tang has me a bit worried as he goes off to lay in the tub these days. I don't know if it's because it's cool in there with us being on the second floor and it getting warmer in here, or what. I'm trying to remember if he did it last summer, and I'm thinking he did. But with his issues it still makes me worry - if something is wrong, it's not like I can do anything about it right now except pray, which I do A LOT.

All I can do is keep trying, hoping and praying. Of course I did that when Tom was with us and we all know how THAT turned out Anyway, enough doom and gloom. I hope you and your loved ones are doing well this Sunday. Peace and TTFN

TTT

Hi, Tracy, very pleasant Monday evening greetings to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang from Noah and me. I hope this finds each of you doing well and in reasonably good spirits. It is always a blessing logging in to get caught up on your news.

Tracy, you are doing EVERYTHING in your power to obtain employment, and that's all you can do. I do so understand how you can feel that your efforts appear to be futile - - but the key words here are "appear to be." Since you don't know the "future" it is important to just keep doing what you're doing to the best of your ability - - even and especially when you do not see the purpose. Eventually you will make the possible, you might want to go to them (one or two perhaps) and see what turns up there. Of course this is just a thought I had - - I know you are doing EVERYTHING you know is appropriate in your job search. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, my friend. Please let us know how things go.

I am so chuckling at your little Tang's choice of "privacy" - - retreating to the bathtub. This is more common than what you might think, Tracy, so unless you see him doing something REALLY strange - - like asking for pickles with his cat food - - just keep your eye on him. I used to have a cat who would only bathe herself in the bathroom sink. Just keep an observant eye on him.

Today one of the nurses asked me how much longer I have in the pit and I told her. She then asked me if I was going to join them in a dinner on my behalf and I told her emphatically absolutely not. I told her they could all get together if they wanted to but I would not be there. I am in no mood for phony baloney. The closer it gets to me getting out of there the happier I am!!!

The best part of the day is being home with my little Noah. It is a very pretty evening so I have the big door open and gated so that we can enjoy the songs and conversations of the woodland critters.

I hope you, your precious Theresa and little Tang are having a decent day, and will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious furkids. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, and always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

I think Tang just likes how cool the tub feels; same as he likes the kitchen tile. I'm keeping my eye on him. He climbed up on the couch as I was getting up to go to the bathroom and I didn't have the heart to move him. He laid there for about 1.5 hours and Thersa took the chair. So, I got on the computer and posted on some more jobs. Like you said, all I can do is keep trying. I just hope there is something out there for me. I let them both out this morning for balcony time while it was still cool, and I imagine Noah likes his similar time in the set up you have provided him. Hope you arew both well. TTFN

TTT

Hi Tom's Dad

I am sure you'll find a job soon and I said my luck. Sending my love to you and all your fur babies too.

xxForeverxx

Hi, Tracy, good evening greetings to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang. I hope this finds each of you doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

I know your precious Theresa and little Tang enjoyed balcony time today, and hopefully your little "circus boy" behaved. A couple of weeks ago Noah tried to get on top of the refrig -- as he has countless times before - - but he misjudged his leap and fell to the floor in a very rude belly flop. He had shown no interest in attempting this feat, so over the weekend I lifted him up to the top of the fridge and he was able to get down okay. Yesterday evening he got brave and successfully completed his leap onto the top of the fridge and with much pride laid down on the top with much satisfaction in his face and eyes. I, too, was beaming with pride for my little boy.

I hope today is treating you and your precious furkids kindly, Tracy, and that you and your fur family will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious Theresa and little Tang. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, and always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you xxForeverxx and Moon_beam (chuckling at Noah's acrobatics)

Applied to many more jobs today one of which required a brief phone conversation to complete the site profile (weird) The kittles enjoyed a little more balcony time this morning as well. Not much more going on right now - just trying to stave off feelings of depression and inadequacy. Hope all is going well on your end. TTFN

TTT

Hi, Tracy, sunny late afternoon Wednesday greetings to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang from Noah and me. I hope this finds each of you doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

I know what you mean about applying for jobs and how some application procedures are just really weird. I do hope and pray you will reap the benefit of your efforts very soon, my friend. Please let us know how things go.

Well, the deed is done. I submitted my letter of resignation today. I waited until I had logged out for the day, then clicked the "send" button on the e-mail to the managers. I was having a hard time thinking of an appropriate e-mail message to go with the attached resignation letter, and then on the way into the pit this morning I got a truly "Divine Inspiration". I remembered the constant friction between Kirk and Spock about human emotions and logic, and this is what I came up with: "Hi, Elaine, Donna, Viki, and Mary, attached is my Voluntary Separation of Employment Notification. This is a case of where the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many. I ask that you graciously respect my desire for a peaceful and unceremonious departure: no lunches, no dinners, no gifts, no cards, no donations, no group gatherings, no group wishes. I take with me 12 years of memories and, for me, this is all I need." I guess I'll find out Monday when I go back into the pit how much "flack hit the fan".

It is soooo nice being home with my precious little Noah now and for an extended weekend. Yesterday after I had sent you my post we got a bona fide hail storm here over the homestead. The size of the first wave of hail was no smaller than nickle sized, and then the heavens opened up and poured out pea sized hail for a good 20 minutes. I'm glad I have a garage for the car because if it had been sitting outside it would have sustained some damage.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Theresa and little Tang kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious fur family will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious furkids. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hello moon_beam

Loving the &%^ogy. So did you give 2 weeks - or more? I would not count on them respecting your wishes about no fanfare though. From what you have told me, I think they will do it to salve their own egos. I do hope things work out for you in manner you wish.

I have some good news I was sitting on until I saw the pending deposit in my bank account this morning. I guess I'm not in default at the moment for student loan, because I got my tax return for 470.00. The web site had first said expect release by 04/03 - then a few days later it said DD by 03/21 - amazing how quickly it shows up when one is careful enough to double check the routing and account number (a reference to the tax refund customers) So, that was a bit of good news I had really needed. I spoke with the lady at Office Teams today (yeah, she actually took the call) she said she'd been on a differnt rotation and someone else had my file (if she's lying, at least that's better than ducking me) and they they were working on something for later this week. So, I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I hope the hail didn't damage your car too much. I know you probably feel a great deal of relief after putting in your resignation after all the years of nonsense you went through there. Personally, I'm ready to start working again; I much prefer structure and being able to look forward to getting home each evening. I hope this finds you and Noah doing well. Theresa and Tang are both well as can be. TTFN

TTT

Hi, Tracy, sending you, your precious Theresa and little Tang our warmest greetings from Noah and me. I hope this finds you and your precious furkids doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

I am soooooo thrilled for you about your financials, Tracy. I know this takes a heavy load off your mind. I am soooo very glad this worked out for you. It truly is an answer to prayer on your behalf. The young lady at Office Teams may be telling you the truth about her "rotation". I'm sure the supervisory agents use (and abuse) the office workers as any other employer - - without thinking how it affects the people they are supposed to be helping. I am sooo glad you were able to speak with her, finally, and that she has given you HOPE that the current agent assigned to you is working on a job for you. Please let us know how this goes, my friend, and I am lifting this up in prayer that it is a job you will enjoy AND get paid a decent wage so that you and your fur family can have better financial security.

I thank you for your most kind and welcome thoughts about my departure from this particular employer. It is actually a required 2-week notice that I handed in early since I am off today and tomorrow for use or lose paid time off. I have already told the folks that they can plan whatever they want but that I would not join them. It's up to them to choose not to believe me - - which is what they have done for the last 12 years. The only sadness here is "what could have been" - - but I am not shedding anymore tears over that.

Fortunately I have a garage and I was home when the storm hit so the car was parked inside, which thankfully spared it from any damage from the hail.

Have been working on the monthly "bill-a-thon" today, and have everything lined up and ready to be paid when needed. I am so thankful that I pay all of my bills online now, even the two that still need checks. The bank sends the checks to them now instead of my having to use my checks.

Tracy, once again I am soooo thrilled for you that the DD was earlier than anticipated. That is ALWAYS good news. And once again, I am sending you every good thought and lifting prayer on your behalf that you will have GOOD employment quickly. I hope today is treating you, your precious Theresa and little Tang kindly, and that you and your precious fur tribe will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious furkids. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

I hope you and Noah are enjoying your extra time together. I have some more news. Not sure how hopeful, as I hate to get my hopes up over nothing. But, I got a call from a recruiter and made an appointment tomorrow with an agency that happens to be in the same building as Today's. He has a tier 1 help desk position available at Kindred Healthcare. They used to be Vencor, the company I worked for as a contractor from 1999-2001 for the mainfrain to NOC transition. He says it pays between 18.00-20.00/hour - I would really like to get it as getting into that range again would solve all my (and Tang's) problems. It's funny sometimes how life comes full circle - well that is only if I actually get the job. But it's funny coming on the heels of a tax refund I never expected to get. But, perhaps "the powers that be" feel I have leaned my lessons ovr the past 2 years. I sure hope so; we'll see.

I'm glad your car did not sustain any damage and hope that you have smooth sailing ahead. I'm grateful for the thoughts and prayers. Peace and TTFN

TTT

Hi, Tracy, how EXCITING about this job potential. It's a good thing that you have an interview with the job agency tomorrow - - the fact that it is happening when the "iron is hot" so to speak is very hopeful. I do understand your feelings about not wanting to get your hopes up, so I'll keep my hopes raised for you. I hope this tuns out to be a GOOD THING for you, my friend. Please let us know how things go, and that you and your precious furkids are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

It's all that I could have hoped for - I just hope it's not a waste of time and a let down. I'll let you know, Thanks for the prayers.

Hi Tracy,

Just stopping by to wish you the best of luck for tomorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers always.

I feel like there is something good heading your way for you and precious furbabies....God Bless..

LoveMyMickey

Thank you LoveMyMickey

The interview with the recruiter went well, I think. I got the impression he will do his best to get me the job. I guess it's up to the client now...

Well, it seems the client is not taking any new apps at this time. I knew it was too good to be true

Hi, Tracy, sounds like you have good news / bad news. I am very glad your interview with the recruiter went well. That's important as it will bode well for any other job openings that may be presented to you. The bad news is, of course, that the company you interviewed for apparently is not accepting new applicants and / or does not have any openings at this time. This is a standard HR response - - you don't know what's lurking behind the scenes. So, keep your chin up, my friend. You did GOOD today. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that today's event has not been a "lost" cause for you.

It's a beautiful day here - - another door open day for Noah and me to enjoy the sounds of the woodland critters and fresh air in the house. I hope the weather is as pleasant for you and your furkids, my friend, in the hopes that this will bring some cheer to your hearts.

I do understand how much of a let down today's turn of events is for you, my friend. Please do not misunderstand my intentions to try to encourage you. I hope and pray with all my heart that you will soon be called for an interview for a true and bona fide position that will be a blessing to you and your furkids.

I hope the rest of today is being kind to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang, and that you will have a peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious furkids. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

It really is a let down after all the "good signs" like the tax refund erc. I even found 2 shiny new pennies heads up in my travels; the seond of which was right there in the office building. One of them I tossed into the wishing well/fountain at the mall across the street waiting for my bus home. The recruiter seems very passionate about placing me there (email exerpt: " I feel that your experience is something that could benefit Mark and his team.") He'd also said that my experience at Sykes and LG&E (high call volume exp) alone was enough to get me the job, everything else was just "extra" He even coached me on the "right" answers to a few questions that would come up in the interview. I suppose it's also a good sign that he's sent 4 people to this manager and all have been hired. It sounds like he has incentive to "work on" this person; we'll see. For al I know he could just be feeding me a line. It's hard not to feel like it was a waste of time (sigh)

The weather is also good here- now. We had a few tornadoes touch down, but they were on the other side of town. Now it's 75 and sunny. Tang's new hiding place has moved from the tub to behind the toilet. He's not showing any signs of distress otherwise, but it still worries me. One of the reasons I really was hopeful for this job. It's benn almost 2 years exactly since losing the last job that paid that well. I was hoping my "pennance" was over. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Hope you and Noah are both well. TTFN

TTT

Hi Tracy....I'm sorry you had a bit of a let down today. But I don't think today was a lost cause. There is still hope there will be a job opening and I pray that will be so.

I hope little Tang is okay. The tub and the bathroom probably does feel cooler in the warmer weather. Blackie has been laying on top of my car after it cools down in the evening. I guess the metal feels cool. He was comical last night. He sat up real straight just a few inches from the food and watched as Bandit and Harry ate. Blackie hasn't been eating as much, maybe he is catching his own food.

That tornado today in Fern Creek sure was a surprise. After my nap, I turned on the TV and the county right next to us had a tornado warning. The storm went north instead of west where we live.

Tracy, give the furbabies a special pat for me and always remember you all are in my thoughts and prayers...God Bless..

LoveMyMickey

Thank you LoveMyMickey

Tang did another number on his ear scratching last night. I cleaned it up and does not look too bad. The mass does not appear to be any bigger. And he's not showing any other signs of distress. I'm glad Blackie seems to be doing well and more or less coexisting with the "neighbors"

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers on the job. I have to believe the recruiter went into this thinking he could place me. I can't imagine what his motive would be or what he'd hope to gain by lying. We will have to see. Peace and TTFN

TTT

Hi, Tracy, good evening greetings to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang from Noah and me. I hope this finds you and your precious furkids doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

I'm glad your little Tang is doing okay. I know your concern for his ear, my friend. Just keep doing what you're doing - - continuing the excellent care you are giving him and enjoying being his Forever Dad. That's all he asks, my friend.

Today has been a quiet one here working on quiet projects. We're under a severe storm warning until 8 tonight. So far just a bit of thundering outside and clouds.

I hope today has been kind to you and your precious furkids, my friend, and will have a very peaceful and cozy evening together. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious Theresa and little Tang. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

Today has been sunny and cool. So I let Theresa and Tang have balcony time throughout the day; he has been very well behaved out there. Yes, all I can do for him now is keep it clean and use the drops. This recent let down has not helped. It feels like a carrot I can never have was waved in front of my face as a cosmic joke forever on me. The depressiom has been making me sleep more and have troubling dreams. Today, on its own, has not been too bad. Hope you and Noah are well. TTFN

TTT

Hi Tracy....I hope you had a pleasant "Caturday". One of these days you are going to grab that carrot. (Just wanted to make you smile.) Seriously though, I believe everything will work out for the best.....I hope little Tang's ear keeps improving. You are doing all you can for him. I bet he and little Theresa had a good play time on the balcony....The temps are nice today, but around midnight last night we had a mean thunderstorm. I thought the hail was going to break the front windows, but all is okay.

Tracy, I hope you and furbabies have a pleasant and cozy evening. I always think of your angel Sir Tom too....God Bless...

LoveMyMickey

P.S. Blackie is having his dinner right now. I think when he stares at the other animals after dark, he is letting them know this is MY territory, but "I will let you all eat".....

Thank you LoveMyMickey

Even as I write this Tang forcefully head butts my legs as if to say "I love you daddy" Not sure I deserve that. I'm glad Blackie is doing well.

Hi, Tracy, sending you, your precious Theresa and little Tang our cloudy, rainy, cool Sunday greetings from Noah and me. I hope this finds you and your furkids doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

I'm so glad your precious furkids had good balcony time yesterday, and that your "circus boy" behaved himself. By now you have your laundry done and are hopefully enjoying a relaxing day with your precious Theresa and little Tang, and will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious furkids. Please know you and your precious fur family are in my thoughts and prayers, and always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

It's been a pretty "blah" day for us all. Coudy skies and cool temps. I let them have some more time out this morning. They both appeard to be "stalking" a bird and a squirel. Now they are both napping in chairs. Not much else going on here. Hope you and Noah are well. TTFN

TTT

Hi, Tracy, greetings to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang from Noah and me. I hope this finds you and your furkids doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

Today at the pit was a quiet one for me in terms of no fanfare about my departure - - for which I am very thankful. As I opened up the e-mails from the Roanoke supervisor they were notifications that the HR procedures had been activated for processing my resignation. So, that is good news. I had a ton of new patient charts to set up and a ton of discharge charts to process so I was busy from the time I logged in for work to the time I logged out to come home. Just one more Monday, two Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays to get through.

The good news is that I am home with my precious Noah, and we are enjoying having the big door opened and gated off to enjoy the songs and conversations of the woodland critters. I hope today is treating you, your precious Theresa and little Tang kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious furkids will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious fur tribe. Please know you and your precious furkids are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

I'm sure you are looking forward to your final days in the "pit" and I'm glad they left you in relative peace. Nothing new here on the job front. I did receive a couple emails in form of "The position has been filled" and "We went with a better candidate" translation: We gave the jobs to our much younger than you buddies who already work here. That job at Kindred would have been the answer to all my prayers, (and Tang's mass isn't getting any smaller) which is probably exactly why I will not get it or any other like it. However, it was as close to a perfect spring day as possible here today. I decided to take a stroll to Save-a-Lot for a couple items and enjoy the weather. At least I can say I got out today. So did the kittles at various times. I hope Noah has enjoyed catching up with his neighbors today and that you are doing well. TTFN


TTT

Hi, Tracy, coolish sunny greetings to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang from Noah and me. I hope this finds each of you doing well and in reasonably good spirits. I know very well how disappointing those "rejection" letters are. For me, though, it has been the deafening sound of silence - - no reply at all - - that has contributed to my peril at the pit. So, at least you are receiving a response, although not the response that you would like, and need.

So glad you were able to get out yesterday to do your errand and enjoy the pleasant spring weather, and that your precious furkids also had a chance to get some balcony time. This is precious time for you and your furkids, Tracy.

The "curiosity questions" are beginning now at the pit. Today the clinical team leader was telling me that she was not surprised by my letter, and I dropped the bomb that I was already planning on leaving in June. She was totally "shocked" that I would have withheld this information for so long!! Oh shameful me!!! (not)

It's good to be home with my precious Noah and enjoying the pleasure of his company. I hope today is treating you, your precious Theresa and little Tang kindly, my friend, and will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious furkids. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, and always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

At least you are on your final journey to exit the place that made you so misterable. What people say or do is really of no consequnce to you now. I admire your courage and tenacity in making your plan to go forward happen.

Yes, it was nice to get out yesterday. Today didn't start out so well as I came barreling out of the bed fussing at them both for too much competitive early morning litter box scraping. I thought since I was up, I'd give Tang his drops. But, he was hiding and I had to grab him by the scruff of the neck which made him growl and hiss at me. He's never done that before! I hope it was just because he was scared and not in pain (he's beel cleaning that ear a little more today) Each day that I do not have a reliable source of income to fix this is another day of guilt that eats away at me wondering just how much time we really have Tomorrow I call in my first UE check; I was hoping I'd have a plan for returning to work by now.

I applied to a couple more jobs online today, said my informal prayers to the big guy for a decent paying job to come along, etc. Feels like another useless day in Loserville (sigh) I hope you and Noah are doing well. Thanks for the thoughts. Peace and TTFN

TTT

Hi, Tracy, greetings to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang from Noah and me. I hope this finds each of you doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and good wishes on my pending unemployment. 27 years ago people thought I was crazy -- literally - - for quitting my job to focus on healing both physically and emotionally from the injuries and trauma from the automobile collision. Had no other source of income, and had to take my retirement lump sum to pay the very basic bills which lasted a year. I am finding myself in a similar situation now - - needing to quit my current job so that I can once again heal from the trauma of working for this employer for 12 years - - both physically and emotionally.

I hope today started on a positive foot for you and your precious furkids, my friend, and that your little Tang's ear is holding its own okay. I do understand how discouraging it is to need / want a decent job and not have it with what appears to be no hope in sight. This is not a situation of your making, Tracy - - nor by your choice. You are doing everything in your power to obtain employment - - that is all you can do. You and your precious furkids are in my thoughts and prayers frequently every day asking the Good Lord to provide for you and your furkids.

It has been busy since I left the pit. Went to pick up my taxes after work and now have them signed and ready to mail tomorrow. The refunds will help go to pay the taxes this year but won't cover them as they have in the past. I have saved previous year's refunds so that will help cover the taxes this year. Once I get the home equity loan and snaggle tooth expenses paid in full next year should be okay.

Soon it will be time to get my little Noah his dinner and do the evening chores. I hope you, your precious Theresa and little Tang will have a very peaceful and cozy evening, my friend. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious furkids. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

I do hope everything works out well for you going forward. Today started a little better, but Tang's ear is about the same (sigh) Theresa is doing well, but shedding like crazy; have to brush her about every night. The days are starting to all run together and seem no different than the last. I spend hours on the PC (and a little on the phone) posting for jobs, following up on old posts/inquiries. Even all of those are starting to look the same. I called in my first UE check today and it was processed by the system. Have to make arrangements again for Insight and at least pay last months LG&E (since they no longer have that under 75.00 per individule bill/no cut off policy) Between what's left of the tax refund and the UE check should be able to do that, pay rent and have about 250.00 (give or take) left until next UE. I'm really hoping I will be working by then. The last few times that's how it's gone; working by the call in of the second two week check. I can only pray the pattern holds. I thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. I hope that you and Noah are both doing well. Peace and TTFN

TTT

Hi, Tracy, very pleasant evening greetings to you, your precious Theresa and little Tang from Noah and me. I hope this finds each of you doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

I am adding my hopes and prayers to yours that you will have solid employment before your next UE check. This is spring and usually employers are looking to expand their work force this time of year. There is a job with your name on it, Tracy - - I firmly believe that.

Today has been very pretty here with low humidity and temps hanging around 80. A wonderful spring day.

I hope today is being kind to you and your precious furkids, my friend, and that each of you will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious Theresa and little Tang. Please know each of you are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

We appreciate the thoughts and prayers. It was a nice typical spring day here too. Today I registered with yet another job search site and submitted a few applications. I think the HR people are getting lazy these days as it seems part of the "interview" is an interactive part of the application process. I even had one come back and say it could not accept my application because it didn't lile the words I clicked to describe myself verus what I think the public in general wants. What the heck?! It just seems like they are putting up a lot more fire hoops to jump through just on the application process. I guess when it's an employer as opposed to an employee market they can get away with just about anything. I even read a story in the paper about an HR person asking the interviewee for his Facebook password to get around his privacy settings to see what he "really" has out there. OMG. Sorry for the rant but it just seems more and more hopeless. But, as I said, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated and I hope you are right.

Theresa and Tang are both fine as can be expected; even let them have some outside time today. Hope you and Noah are well. TTFN

TTT

Hi Tracy,

I don't have much time to post on here lately, but I've just been catching up with posts. Just wanted to write a quick note to wish you the best of luck in finding employment. I know it's so difficult thesedays; but just keep trying, and try to stay positive, that's all you can do.

I hope little Tang's ear gets better really soon, too!

Take care, Cheryl

Thank you Cheryl

I think some of my prayers may have been answered. A little over three weeks ago I got a letter in the mail that said I may qualify for a 10,000.00 grant. I was skepticle, but I went to the web site and registered (no personal info like SS #) When it was done I got a message that they would contact me within 2-3 weeks. Well, today (3weeks to the day) In my mail box was a check for 956.00 and instructions on how to pay the 5% commision (500.00) and detailed instructions on how to to pay that and get the remaining 9,044.00. So far it's been legitimate. Tomorrow I will go to the bank to deposit the check and keep out 500.00 to get the Greendot money pack to pay the fee. Even if it's scam, I figure I get to keep 450.00 if it's not, I get 9k. I think that's more than enough to pay the current bills and get Tang his needed surgery. I hope it's for real and not a joke on me ( and him)

Hi Tom's Dad,

I know you are having trouble with employment, and money is tight for you, but be extremely cautious about this "grant" that you just got. Take the check to the bank and deposit it, or have the bank run a check on it to verify it's authenticity, but do not keep any funds out or mail the "fee" or give out ANY of your personal information. I highly suspect that the check is bogus, and if it is no good, you will be liable to pay back any funds you take out and keep. You should not have to pay any commissions on grant money. Please read this article:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt134.shtm

Please be very careful, you can't afford any financial losses right now. I hate to be a nay sayer, but there are just so many scams out there right now.

Blessings to you,

Cat Mom

Tom's Dad,
Please read this article to on Green Dot scams...

http://www.scambusters.org/greendot.html

Cat Mom

Cat mom

Well, I did take the first step in depositing part and putting rest on the money card. I read the web sites, spoke with FTC and BBB whom refered me to my bank. I called my bank and told them what was going on. After going over all the details, the rep put me on hold to spek with his supervisor. At this point they cannot say if it's a fraudulent check or not. They advised me to wait a few days and see if it goes through. In the mean time I was advised to do nothing with the card until the check is verifed. So if it is fradulent, I can at least give that money to the bank. I was skepticle and probably should have remained so. But when that check showed up and being as desperate as I havew been....Oh well, hopefully I have contained most of the damage. On the other hand it may be legitimate. After having gotten back my tax refund when I thought I was not going to, I thought my prayers had been answered

Hi, Tracy, it is Friday evening and my precious Noah and I are sending you, your precious Theresa and little Tang our warmest greetings. I hope this finds you and your precious furkids doing well and in good spirits.

Tracy, thank you so much for following cat mom's advice. I am hoping that this is a wonderful windfall for you and will enable you to have some financial relief until you are able to obtain employment again. Please let us know what the bank determines about the check.

One week down, one more week to go in the pit. It's going to be a l o n g week next week. Yesterday when I went to the post office to mail my taxes, the road close to the post office was "under construction" - - the farmer was having some utility work done and the 2-lane road was a one-lane only for a stretch. It made me ever so thankful for the decision I have made so that I will not have to be dealing with that stress driving into Roanoke every work day. If there were public transportation available out here in the country I would probably have seriously considered it, but I'm just not up to the stress of white knuckle driving anymore.

Tracy, more and more what I read on the internet about HR recruiting for new employees is that they do a "personality profile" to determine if the applicant is a "suitable match" for their organization. My current soon to be ex- employer is doing this - - which is why I have been labeled a "misfit" with the company's "goals". Believe me, - - I'm not sorry I'm a "misfit". And which is one of the reasons why at my senior age I am not considered a "prime candidate" for the job vacancies that are still available in the soon to be extinct clerical jobs. And since I don't have a FB or Twitter account - - and do not want one - - that puts me at an even greater disadvantage. I do not believe that "technology" is the be all and end all of life as we know it now or in the future - - it is merely a tool - - one of many - - to help get the job done. So, please take heart, my friend: If a company determines you to be "unsuitable" because you do not "measure up" to their "personality profile" -- believe me - - you do NOT want to work for the company regardless of the paycheck. Instead consider it a COMPLIMENT to you!!!

I do hope the word you get back from the bank is positive, my friend, and that you will find a PERFECT MATCH for employment very soon. I hope today is treating you and your precious furkids kindly, and that each of you will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious Theresa and little Tang. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

Sorry to hear about your trafic problems. I hope they get it cleared up soon. Thanks for your hopes and prayers that I'm not the victim of a scam. I never really expected to hear back from them when I applied. And was relieved that I was asked for no personal information. As I said in my last post I went to the web sites posted by cat mom and talked to both the FTC and BBB. Both of whom were skepticle but not 100%. I looked on both web sites for any complaints or known issues with the company and found none. I found a couple just by Google, but even those web sites were rife with OBVIOUS scams, so who knows? With my getting my tax refund out of the blue (unexpected) I was really hoping this was part of an up cycle for me. Right now I don't really know. Even the bank isn't really sure either way. Have to wait and see (sigh) I hope that your last week in the "pit" is not too stressfull. I'm sure you are looking forward to being free from there. Hope you and Noah are doing well. TTFN

TTT

*UPDATE* After looking on the web and seeing many complaints against this company, the supposed issuing bank and speaking with Greendot rep (who stated she has heard many complaints of this nature) I transfered the money to my Paypal acct and then directly back to my bank. At least this way, if the check is no good I should be OK. There is a "threat" in the letter that if I do not remit the comission within 5 days, I will be responsible for the entire amount and be sent to collections. But if it really is a scam? I somehow doubt that's going to happen....Thanks for looking out for me Cat mom. Here I thought the Lord was smiling on me for change (sigh)

Hi Tracy,

I know how disappointed you are that the grant check that you received is probably a scam, but I'm glad that you did some research and found out some additional information. At least you haven't done anything with the funds yet. At this point, you can just let that check sit in your account for a few weeks and see what happens. I wouldn't worry about the threats from the people who sent you the check. I'm sure you will never hear from them again. Like you have found out, for legitimate grants, there are no fees or commissions associated with it.
About two years ago, my husband received a cashier's check for a vehicle that we had for sale on Craigslist. We knew it was a scam, and Gary was playing with the scammers ( and having such fun toying with them!). No one ever came to look at the vehicle, the whole deal was done by email. It was the old ploy of issuing the check for more than the amount that we wanted for the vehicle, and we were suppose wire back the overpayment by Western Union. The scammer sent the check by Fed Ex, and I have to say, the check looked legitimate, even the bank looked at it and they said they would have cashed it. We turned it over to the police. We never heard anything more about it.
It's sad that these scum bags prey on good decent people who are going through hard times in this economy. I'm sure that there are plenty of people who fall for these scams, willing to grasp at any bit of hope that they can find, and make their hardships even worse.
I truly do hope that you do find that "ray of sunshine" soon - a good paying stable job that will ease your stress and give you and your fur kids a comfortable life. I've been having a taste of the job market discrimination myself. It seems like if you are over 50, they don't even want to talk to you. They would rather hire that 20-something gum-snapping airhead that thinks they are doing their employer a favor by just showing up, and has no concept of what a work ethic is. Oh, well, I have to stay positive and think that for every "no" that I get, I'm one step closer to a "yes".
Take care, Tracy, and I'm glad that I was able to help.
Cat Mom

Thanks cat mom

I'm just going to let the funds sit and see what happens. According to my online bank info, they're showing as available. Perhaps if I'm lucky the scammers will leave the check as "good" long enough for a stop payment to do them no good (probably wishful thinking, I know) But even if it's not 10,000.00 950.00 still helps (who knows) From my research, I did discover there is such a thing as legitimate grant brokers, but they can, and often do, deduct their fees from the entire grant amount before sending the funds to the recpient. I'm thinking if I do get to somehow hang on to the original funds, then perhaps that's God's way of scoring one for the good guys (more wishful thinking) but that would be enough to get Tang's surgery and keep things going a bit.

You don't have to be over 50 to experience what you have. I'm in my mid 40s, been told I look a lot younger, and I still have many of those same doors slammed in my face. You are correct about the attitudes toward the 20 something slackers from the "managers" my age or older. It's gone from tolerating slacking to actually encouraging it. My thinking is that these managers my age seem to feel that in the long run the 20 somethings will be easier to manipulate and control. They may be right. But that does not help us hard working ethical folks (sigh) Thanks again for giving me a heads up before I did something stupid like sending the 500.00 (and being out that anount) thereby speeding up the stop payment on the check. This was probably more divine intervention as I have not heard from you in ages. I do hope that you faring well in these difficult times. Peace.

TTT