Keep on Trying

Well, roommate suggested I take a customer service job where I can work from home. No, the last thing I want is a job where I have to deal with people's complaints for 8 hours a day. He is nervous that my Pilates Instructor path won't work out, and I won't find a job. Yes, well, that is the risk I take in changing careers. I have no guarantee that everything will work out. I can't get interviews for office jobs, so what am I supposed to do? I can't retire or go on disability, so I need to find something I am good at. I was forced to close my online shop. I am good at training people. An Indian intern at a hotel job was sad I was leaving cause I was her favorite trainer cause I was patient and repeated things until she got it. I always enjoyed exercising and went for an hour and a half yesterday. 1 hour moving my equipment and a half hour of stretching. Don't know anything about Pilates, but I will learn. It resembles Yoga with movement. I have to try new things to find ways to make money. I can always take the self-employment route if necessary, trying to find clients for personalized training if I have to. What else am I supposed to do? I have to keep trying.

Who should be hired? Workshop

Today's workshop consisted of mock interviews, and the audience provided comments on which candidate they thought should be hired. Clearly, one was how not to act in an interview, and the other was the professional who gave all the right answers. The professional one was explained to be the correct choice and why. I didn't pay attention to it and played on my phone while the workshop ran on my laptop. I did make a comment about how you should always ask a question at the end of an interview to display your interest. They gave us examples of questions to ask. BTW, my camera and microphone are turned off by the presenters for the webinar, and we speak through chat.

Once a former manager hired someone cause they loved their energy. They fired them after 3 weeks when they realized this Wonderful Energy couldn't do the job and was working off the clock to get their work done on time. They were from another country and didn't know it was illegal to work off the clock. The manager and supervisor repeatedly told them to finish the work the next workday, but they couldn't handle that concept. Oh, if you wondered, they did speak English very well, so no language barrier.

President came to town

President graced us with his presence today. News had a photo of about 700 people in the event room where he spoke with a few politicians. He stopped at a nearby restaurant too. News also interviewed protesters that numbered about 2000 outside. Special section for protesters was roped off by event center. Protesters were peaceful.

I took my roommate to take his driver's license written exam. 4th time is a charm, he passed this time. He has to go back to get the permit to practice driving before taking driving test with my car. Which means I have to fix my front bumper cause car has to be in working order to take the test.

Bad Dog

Cat Rosie leaped off the end table and knocked a bunch on items off in her acrobatic performance. Picked up coasters, papers, and remotes. Soon after, heard my dog Anna chewing something on the floor. I check to see what she is chewing on. It was a plastic coaster with cork in the center. Bad dog. Tossed in the trash.

The unemployment office never answered my email about my missing checks, but my bank account finally showed the deposits. Hooray.

Bad news for roommate

Well, roommate is devastated again. The Mary Jane he orders online from California is now adding fees to verify the signatures of delivery to prove the recipient is over 21. So, no more Mary Jane for him. I told him he has to be sober like me. Then again, there are CBD gummies he loves so he can still buy those.

More Workshops

Wow, I have 2 meetings with Career Counselors in 1 week. And I have to attend or I will be denied benefits. 1 is on the phone, and 1 is in person. In person, I have to present my job application list, which I have to type in their system every week, my resume that is required in their system, and my ID, which I uploaded to prove I am a citizen. I feel like a poodle jumping through hoops at a circus to receive my treat. The 1st career counselor actually asked me if I was interested in nursing cause they have a program to train me. No, not interested in nursing. If I were interested in nursing or any medical-related job, I would have studied it the 1st time I went to college. I am studying to be a Pilates instructor.

Well, my unemployment checks were direct deposited days ago, but they are not in my bank account. I go into my profile, and I can't find the direct deposit information to verify where they sent the money. Have to send them an email asking for help. I hate the unemployment office.

I did a Site Map check and found the place to change my payment method. It said the bank name, but the account number was blocked, so I don't know which account received the money. I called the bank, and they don't have a record of my checks being deposited into my account. Hopefully, the unemployment office will answer my email.

Today's workshops include Essential Job Seeking Tools, which was a tour of all their programs from workshops, apprenticeships (paid to learn), job training programs (there is a semi-truck driving program we could do), and receive a certificate from a community college (free education). There is a job training program for people on food stamps.

The next required workshop was How to File the Weekly Claim and requirements, which I already know how to do, so I played on my phone while the virtual call ran on my laptop.

Last workshop today was Develop a Career Plan. They spoke about all the assessments and tests, like a typing test to figure out words per minute, that we can do. They spoke about changing careers, and they have programs for career counselors to help with the transition. If we are living on disability, they have a program to help disabled people re-enter the job force and be self-sufficient again. I'm like: Do you know how hard it is to get approved for disability in the first place? Why would anyone living off of disability be putting in the effort to be self-sufficient again? Do they understand what disability is? Yes, I know they can have part-time jobs without affecting benefits, but anyone who can handle a full-time self-sufficient job is not going on disability in the first place.

Snow and Ice

To the South, Ice Storms. To the East, Snow storms. Us, dusting of snow about an inch plu below 0 temperatures. Skipping the food delivery, my roommates refuse to weae coats I gave them and were sweatshirts. Then complain it is freezing outside. I reply, That's why I am wear a winter coat and gloves. Snow about an inch was on the pavement, but very little on the grass. Getting work done on the computer and drinking hot cocoa.

Career Counselor Appointment

Wake to find Rufus and Rosie in my bed. Start petting them and soon Goldie and Anna needed pets too. I only have 2 hands.

Took pets outside for their fresh air and Rosie refused to go outside. She sat at the threshold and turned around.

Call with career counselor finished. Next month have another one. They just ask your progress on finding a job and sign me up for required workshops. Workshop she signed me up for was "How to complete your weekly claim". This is my 5th time dealing with the unemployment office and I filed 2 weeks already and 3rd will be Sunday. Workshop is Monday and it's required cause part of career counseling program. Whatever.

Interesting. After my career counselor phone call, I received an email with 5 PDFs of requirements to continue receiving benefits. PDF 1 was that I am now required by the Federal Government to prove I am a citizen or legal permanent resident to receive benefits. Good thing I have a passport, or I would have to go to the county clerk's office to get a copy of my birth certificate (which I do have a copy of to obtain the passport). I guess social security cards prove work authorization, but non-citizens can get those too so they don't prove citizenship. For unemployment benefits, social security numbers can be used. PDF 2 was job search requirements (3 job applications plus 1 job app or 1 reemployment activity like talking to my career counselor). PDF 3 is Reemployment Activities that count, such as an interview, taking a civil service exam, registering for an education program, attending a job fair, or a mock interview. PDF 4 is how to file your weekly claim (and I am required to take a workshop on this process, too). PDF 5 was my next career counselor appointment, which happens to be around the same time as my dentist appointment. I guess I will reschedule the dentist.

Received an email from Pilates people. There are 12 students in this training. Better get working on anatomy course today. No food delivery in this -12 weather.

Neverending workshops

Today's workshops were on interviewing and applying for state jobs. Interviewing was a cookie-cutter presentation of the same things that internet articles say: Dress Up (Hygiene), No Strong Perfume, No Spicy Lunch Before Interview, If Dropped Off Then Driver Needs to Stay in the Parking Lot, Firm Handshake, Bring a Copy of your Resume, Be Positive, Watch Your Body Language (more important that what you actually say), No Badmouthing Former Employers, and Common Questions. Then they included a PDF of what to say if you were fired or laid off. Learned nothing new.

State Jobs was pretty much navigating the website, making a profile, job search, paygrades, etc. I felt tired, so I listened more than watched. It was boring anyway.

White as Paper

Interesting. I dislike something for being too spicy, and I get called "White as Paper". What the hell does that mean? I had to ask them if that was meant to be an insult. They said no, I just can't handle anything spicier than salt.

Today's Workshops

Today's workshop is Job Search. Make sure you spell everything correctly, have reasonable pay expectations, and don't forget the cover letter. Plus, keep track of who you apply to and copy job descriptions for future interviews. Dress well at career fairs. Absolutely nothing that I haven't heard before.

Did my hour-long exercise routine this morning between workshops. OMG, my bad knee feels so much more flexible from those dry needles yesterday. I could bend so much more and worked on gaining strength in my legs with squats, while holding a 12 lbs. kettlebell, and stretchy bands.

Next up was a Business Panel where company representatives answered questions about interviewing and resumes. Their advice was superficial like reading an article off the internet (Oh yes, please research the company before the interview, but we don't expect you to know everything about our company).

I inquired about a barrier to employment, which was employer bias, and asked if they would consider hiring a homeless person if they were qualified for the job. Of course, they said yes, that would be illegal discrimination. They said they wouldn't know if someone was homeless unless they volunteered the information. (Darling, companies have the word "Address" in their application form, so yes, you would know. Plus, their attire would reveal someone in poverty, like black jeans and black sneakers with a polo shirt.) One went on to say you could use the phone number of the shelter, and you just need an email/phone number to contact to be hired.

BTW, the homeless can get free smartphones from the government, and many homeless don't live in shelters (they live in cars, hotels, tents, couch surf with practical strangers, or under a bridge). Many hang around the public library for internet access and keep warm. In the end, I wouldn't want to work for either of these people, once their snobbery and being out of touch with prospective employees was revealed. And they would never hire me because I have too much compassion for them to handle.

Call to Determine Unemployment Benefits

The call to determine unemployment benefits is done.

Conversation was awkward. In the past, it was just me and the unemployment office, former employer gets separate phone calls. The former employer joined in the conversation after 5 minutes. I told the unemployment office person my frustrations of being set up to fail, I tried to do my job well, lack of training, 2 out of 3 advisors were often gone, lack of direction, and that I have never worked a job where I had to figure out my own job description. Concluded that it was a stressful work environment. Former employer got on and complained about my mistakes after a great interview and clients were losing confidence from my mistakes. Then former employer complained how I commented about doing food delivery and being a pilates instructor so why do I would I need unemployment. (Because food delivery doesn't pay the bills, it buys groceries, and I am not a pilates instructor yet).

PS. Response received several hours later. I get benefits. X fingers this Pilates instructor certification works out. I get 45 free classes as part of my training. I want to wait a couple of weeks and build my strength up before taking on hour-long classes in a group. Next, off to my physical therapy.

PSS. Did the dry needles thing on my knee with the hope of loosening the tendons, making my knee hurt when I bend it. The other knee is fine. He asked what I wanted to accomplish in our last 4 sessions of the current plan. We can stop or continue. I definitely need to work on balance and build strength cause I need to be physically fit to be a Pilates instructor. I'm still working on that. Coming home, I noticed my dry needles knee twitching a lot.

Sneaky Roommates

Funny, roommates thought they could change the thermostat to run the fan nonstop. I break a sweat and forced to turn the ceiling fan on to cool down, that fan went back to auto.

Yoga and Pilates

Did some yoga and then Mat Pilates today to stretch out. Pilates is very similar to Yoga. Yoga holds a pose while Pilates moves with similar poses. I got called to start my 45 free Pilates lessons at the gym. Not quite ready for hour long classes. I want to increase my strength and flexibility first. Eventually I did make my first pilates class reservation for the 1stweek of February. I have time to build up endurance and stamina.

Roommate Devastated

Roommate is devastated. His beloved shroom vape cartridge that is an incense he can huff that simulates the high of magic mushrooms are now illegal and he can't buy at smoke shops anymore.

Hey, Squirrel!

Today's adventure was watching Rosie chasing a squirrel in a tree. Squirrel climbed higher and Rosie had to concede defeat.

Hissy Cat

Interesting. Roommate said my cat Rosy has been hissing at him when he picks her up, which is not normal. Google says she might be in pain or hormonal since she is 8 months old. But she was fixed as a kitten and never hit puberty. She also went to the vet last week for tapeworm follow up and was in perfect health. Her poop test has no sign of parasites. Don't know she has copped at attitude. Maybe stop picking her up. She rarely hisses at me. Later, he tells me he sprayed the shower on her. Funny, I didn't hear the shower and her fur is not wet. Don't test me punk. He put her in his room for a time out. I heard him telling her to leave and her meow.

Roommate Request

Roommate was shouting at his girlfriend all day to the point he asked me to bless the house cause he thinks an evil spirit is making him angry. Yeah okay, I contacted my brother's church for a house blessing. I've blessed the house twice and apparently they don't work.

Today was Fun

Today was fun. Went to the Computer Literacy Workshop at the unemployment office to complete my 4 required weekly workshops. 90% of the lessons are things I already know how to do. Microsoft Suite, email, social media aka Facebook, how a computer works, digital footprint, how to use the internet, cyber safety, and Google Docs. Not familiar with Google Docs, though people talk about how they store documents there. Ok, it is more about document sharing than storage on cloud. But whatever. After the lesson and passing the quiz, I left. Went grocery shopping and back home.

Conspiracy Theory Nuts

Roommate and girlfriend's conversations are getting interesting. Tonight, he goes off about how evil the world is and streaks in the sky poisoning the earth and water, and he can't wait for the apocalypse to happen (the signs are there, it's about to start, and I'll be the first to die cause I won't believe them). I casually asked if they believe birds are real. Girlfriend defends that it's all over YouTube that people are making drones in the shape of birds to spy on people. But yes, some birds are real. I swear, they are like living with brainwashed cult members.

Today's Workshops

Took the workshop for resume writing. I commented on the suggestion to have your resume reviewed with "I had my resume reviewed and they told me that I was unemployable because my resume was passive and I am too old to work". Someone inquired if it was an unemployment office employee who said that. I replied, No, it was from an Job Board Website Review. I received an email from the Program Coordinator who was at the Workshop, asking who said that to me and offering to review my resume, though they normally don't do that for people. I emailed back my resume, and they gave a long list of suggestions. Thank you. That was what I needed. I did once have an unemployment office person reviewing my job application list and resume. They said my resume was impressive. I assumed that meant good.

Took the workshop "Bring Your A Game". Let's just say I spent time improving my resume while listening to it. It was okay. Mostly it was: Be Positive, Learn from Others, Different Generations Communicate and Need to be Managed Differently, Never Be Afraid to Take Risks, and most importantly: Play Well with Others.

Argument with Roommate

Well, Roommate is miffed today. They get up at noon ready to go deliver food. Problem. I have a workshop at 2 PM and need to walk the dogs before sunset. I overslept so missed the 9 AM so have to register for another on Friday. Then, at this moment I grabbed an Amazon box off the stoop. He is upset I am spending money and don't have much time to deliver food. I got 2 exercise equipment pieces to help with exercise routines I do. Plus I am going to learn to be a pilates instructor, I need equipment. He comments that I'm gung ho for being a pilates instructor. Yeah, that is how changing careers work. I can't get office job interviews so what am I supposed to do, sit here and deliver food 15 years until retirement.

Online classes

Started my Pilates Instructor online lessons. First up, Anatomy of Muscles (at least I don't have to learn all the bones and organs, just moving muscles). Wish me luck.

Forced Unemployment Workshops

Overslept so missed the 1st available unemployment workshop. Now I can't get into the 2nd workshop cause their website is so slow. Seriously, I have waited 45 minutes to open the calendar so I can click the link to access the virtual workshop happening right now. They demand 4 workshops and 4 employer contacts every week to receive benefits. How do they expect us to take these required virtual work shops if we can't access them.

Finally made it in to view the last 15 minutes of the workshop. They were discussing a personality test to tell you what job you should do. Yeah, if you work a job where you have an interest, then you are much happier. Sure, until you are fired for no reason. Then, oh, got to pay the bills and take whatever job you can get. That's my reality. Dreams don't pay the bills.

Physical Therapist Appointment

Well, my physical therapist said he noticed a HUGE difference in my back and shoulder muscles this week. No stress, so muscles are no longer tight. I said it was almost a relief from stress getting fired. He wants to try dry needles on my painful knee. He says the muscles around my knee cap are tight and dry needles should loosen them up. I'm willing to try anything for relief.

Finally the dog eats

Yes, after 7 attempts Rufus has finally eaten his canned dog food this morning. It was chicken. I cleaned out the litter box last night and cleaned it this morning. Now have to buy more can pet food. I usually buy a week's worth at a time.

Getting ready for classes

Paid my first installment of tuition to learn to be a pilates instructor. 6 months to a year to get certified. Wish me luck.

Bad Dog

Aargh! Saw Rufus come into the living room with a toy in his mouth that he began to gnaw on it. It didn't look like a familiar toy, so I checked to see what it was. It was cat pee from the litter box. Cleaned up the litter box. Bad Rufus. Is this why he won't eat food because he is full of cat shit?

Unemployment Weekly Claim

Applied for Unemployment Benefits for the 5th time in my life, only this time their website is a freaking nightmare to navigate. Took 2 hours to figure out how to file my claim for unemployment benefits. Today, I filed my weekly claim today as commanded (4 employer contacts) and told I have to do 4 workshops every week or be denied benefits. I was not informed of weekly workshops when I applied. This time around, you have to type all your employer contacts into their website with a ton of information about them (before I wrote them down on paper). Please, God, let me sell eBooks so I don't have to go through this worthless, stupid garbage again. The state unemployment office doesn't help people get jobs; it just looks for ways to deny benefits by making people jump through hoops like a circus poodle, and their workshops are worthless garbage. I should know, this being my 5th time dealing with them. 15 years until retirement.

Donation even though I'm poor

Well, I have never donated to PBS before, but I have signed up to contribute monthly due to the sudden hold on Federal funds (at least during this presidential term). Got into their Passport website for access to more PBS shows. Nice.

Cat locked in the bathroom

Interesting morning. Heard a noise and figured cats knocked over something. Then heard meowing that didn't stop. Got up to investigate. Goldie was trapped in the bathroom. Rosie was in hallway so wonder how the door got closed. Probably grabbing at the tie on my robe hanging on the door. Let the dogs outside and fed everyone.

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!! Took Rosie to the vet for tapeworm follow up. Vet cleared out some ear wax and checked for ear mites. She has ear mites which means all other pets need treatment too.

Dog refuses to eat

Had a fun with the dog who refuses to eat breakfast. Went outside where his muddy paws were wiped on my pants. Refused the chicken can food I gave him. And he Loves Chicken. Tried a can tuna which he also loves. Refused that too. OK. Pick up the bowl and arm gets bumped by an animal wanting attention and spill the tuna and water on my pants. Let Anna lick my pants after I changed them.

Freaked out on Rufus today. Cleaning the litter box and caught him eating cat poop. Rosie had a tapeworm and now scared he ate any of her poop when she was infected. He got some tapeworm meds. Have to take it 3 days.

Got Fired

Well, it finally happened. I'm fired. Told them I expected this since they fired the other secretary last March. Arrived at chiropractor office, 1 and half hour early. Insurance is through the government so won't lose that. But now I have to do food delivery until I can start taking classes to be a pilates instructor in February. Maybe apply to volunteer again at a museum. I need to meet people. Not kicking out roommates. I told them I need them to help me. I instructed roommate to take the driver's written test again to get his permit so he can get his license and get a job he wants to bring in income. He cancelled his last appointment to take the test after an argument over the thermostat. If he had a job, nobody would be complaining about him being here. I will be mean mommy to push him to get his driver's license. They can help me with food delivery.

Oh No

I'm toast. Another grievous mistake today at work and I know I will be fired soon. But I have a plan. Saw an ad for training for pilates instructors to potentially work at their gym. People have said I'm a good teacher. Classes start Feb 20. Trying to hang on. I have applied for jobs since November when received my bad review. Not one interview. I don't know what else to do. Could do the food delivery route, but doesn't pay enough. I said to roommates I will kick them out if I lose my job. I can't support dead weights who don't help me out. Sure they clean, mow the lawn and run snow blower. No income and no hope of income either.

Thermostat Argument

Well that was fun. Roommate got upset I turned down the heat when he set it at 75.

Then he complains about all the money on space heaters that turn off at a certain point, my decorations I waste money on cause I don't use them, and food they don't like. I explained 75 makes me sweat and since I pay for heat I will handle 73 max. I have flannel sheets and a comforter I can't use on my bed cause the house is too hot for them. His girlfriend turned it 75 and changed it 73. Then he goes off how a rotten roommate I am chasing his friends away by refusing to help him clean. I replied that if I am so terrible then he can call friends up and find a new home. He asked why I'm being stubborn.

I said I don't want him here anymore. He exploded into a rage and went downstairs slamming things. Then I heard him crying. Just now he tells me I don't need to drive him to the driving test tomorrow. He probably canceled the appointment to take the written test. Well I gotta go take dogs to their groomer appointment.

As I got harnesses and leashes on the dogs, he explains he grew up in a large suburb house where 1 house could take up this whole block. Yeah, and I grew up in a small town in a middle class house with 4 bedrooms upstairs and my yard was 3 town lots. So what is his point. Point is he doesn't want to live here. Well, being here almost 3 years says differently. He is not a prisoner, he can walk out the door anytime. I won't beg him to stay. PS. I did offer an electric blanket so they aren't so cold. He rather have a weighted blanket so canceled ordered electric blanket and ordered a weighten blanket. Have to tell him I have read articles about pets suffocating under weighted blankets when they could not escape from them.

Dogs to the Groomers

Took the dogs to the groomer today. They are so well behaved and come home smelling fresh. To which, I take them for a walk as we return home and they roll in the grassy dirt.

New Year's Resolution

My resolution this year is to learn Yoga. My knees and back keep giving me problems so maybe Yoga will help.