Two Blog Entries In One Day ...

Wow, Call CNN ... Lisa's blogging again, and real soon after her last blog entry. What gives?

I tell ya what gives ...

I'm sitting here minding my own business, when my phone rings ...

It's one of the companies I submitted and application to, calling back already!!

Just the first phase of the interviewing procedure, but dammit ... it's a start!

It's for a seasonal job, but the lady on the other end of the phone said that normally, a full 50% of the seasonal hires are kept on as year-round employees.

This could be my chance to prove to them what a wonderful cashier I am ... and work my way up to customer service ... something else I do well.

I love working with the customer ... I always have. Help them, solve their problems, take their money for my employers goods and services.

And IF I can deal with the difficulties I am experiencing at home on a daily basis ... you know I can handle just about anything a customer could throw at me.

Keep good thoughts for me ... this is sounding somewhat promising already!!

Back to submitting job apps online ... one can never have too many job apps floating around out there, you know?

Today's Forecast ... SNOW

And I've pretty much blown off today. Can't go out, not in my mom's van. I am responsible for it, and it's safety. Taking it out in a snow storm is irresponsible. So, I wait, hoping the roads will be cleared by tomorrow so I can turn in the few paper apps I have. Mom doesn't want the van back until Thursday ... so that gives me at least two days (hopefully) to hand in bunches more apps. BUT, it seems that almost every last company now has online apps. It's frustrating to go to a place to find out that I need to go online to fill out their company's application.

*****

I finally have a locking door knob on the office door. And I've had to resort to locking doors behind me. Someone started to feel entitled to barge into a room (any room, regardless of who occupies the room) at her pleasure a few weeks ago when all this started.Well, not started, but blew up. It started really just after she moved in back in December 2011.

I had to laugh, at about midnight last night, when she face planted the bathroom door ... after the thud I said out loud "occupied" ... not sure what she mumbled under her breath, and I don't think I want to know. But I have to admit, I did chuckle to myself "that'll teach you to knock".

I'm just wondering if, once they're gone, I can break the locking the doors behind me (and when I'm not in one of my rooms) habit.At least, so far, I haven't locked myself out of any of my rooms.

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Well, I think I've taken a long enough break from online applications ... back to the grind ...

Long, Busy Day

And I'm so going to enjoy being out of the house!!

Mom will be here in about an hour so that I may use her van for the next few days. Yay!!!

I have a few errands, then it's off to apply in person to some of those places that have not yet gone to online applications. 

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I've also decided I'm leaving STARFLEET. I haven't said anything yet, and will probably wait until they've moved or I can see him having a fit and withholding the bills he's responsible for right now.

I only got into STARFLEET because of him. It was a good family activity. I didn't know anything about Star Trek back 11 years ago when I joined other than the episodes of The Original Series (Kirk and Spock) that I'd seen on tv as a kid. I grew to love it. I still do, but to stay in the club he started with all the hostility there is between Gadget and I ... well, I just can't see it would be a good experience for the other members. Yeah, I can play nice ... but for the last four months I've really just not felt this whole Star Trek thing. Not like I used to.

Besides, the "crew" deserves a captain that'll keep them motivated, planning and organizing all sorts of fun events - Klingon Bowling, Movie events, picnics, etc.  I'm just not feeling it any more.

Time to move on. Time to concentrate on myself. There's other Star Trek groups around (not affiliated with STARFLEET) should I decide in the future that I miss it.

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Or maybe I'll find (or start) a Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Boo-kay) fan club? I do have every episode of the show, and even have an unpublished copy of Hyacinth's cookery book. OMG!! Think of all the candle-light suppers and seaside picnics I could plan with that book!!

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K ... off for the day!! So much to get done while I have use of my mother's vehicle.

Hoping your day goes well!! 

Brighter Days ...

I did want, DO want, that empty nest ... that I'm getting it with a huge heartbreak wasn't what I had expected.

But I'm getting over that, too.

They're adults, they're responsible for their actions. Not me ... and I'm done being their victim. I'm done with the verbal abuse, the immaturity, the whole drama someone thrives on.

Done. Finished. Not gonna cry no more (horrible English, I apologize!).

You should see the list of things I want or need to do around here. Things that I haven't been able to do in forever because of one wrecking crew or the other.

Odd thing about all the events lately ... one of Gizmo's ex-girl friends has been in touch with me. I always did like her, never did figure out why they broke up. Anyway, she's been a huge support. It's nice having someone who actually knows Gadget personally and has witnessed the behaviors I have experienced with her living here. Oh, this gal lived with Gadget and her husband for over a year.

Yes, husband. She's still married to KW. Living with Gizmo, and using KW for his insurance. 

And Gizmo enables her.

He's an adult, there's nothing I can do about that. But I refuse to be a part of it. Even if it costs me my son. Which it will. He has already said that if I can't accept her he's out of my life as soon as they move. I'm coping with that for the most part. I pray he gets smart, but something tells me that won't happen anytime soon (if ever ... ex GF reminded me how many times in the last 15 years they've gotten back together ... four that she's aware of, three that I knew of).

I am not a puppet on a string. I will not allow another to manipulate me. Been there, done that ... I have two different sets of divorce on file to prove it. And I refuse to be a victim of the verbal abuse!!

*****

So ... I've been busy with job hunting online. Tomorrow Mom will let me borrow her van for a few days so I can do in-person job hunting.

Then there's all the activity (at least mental activity at this point) with planning for that long sought after Empty Nest.

You should see the lists I have going for what needs to be done and where.

There won't be a room that won't been touched. New flooring, new paint ... in every room!! It needs it, it's been seven years since any of the walls have been repainted.

Each room, as it's vacated, will be turned into MY space ... the bedroom Grandson occupied is already my office room ... where I'm comfortably sitting at this moment.

The Wrecking Crew's room will be my craft room. That room needs extensive remodeling. It literally needs to be gutted down to the wall studs and rebuilt. Brother Deere will be doing that work, it's a little over my abilities.

And on and on ... master bedroom, bathroom, living room, dining room, and family room. The kitchen only needs the walls and cabinets to be washed down and the cupboards reorganized.

I'll be taking before photos the day they move out ... but I'll warn you, these pictures won't be for the faint of heart. I'll keep updating as progress is made.

 *****

The sun is shining ... it's a beautiful day!! 

Oh Really?

Seriously? I use them? Where the hell are THEY going to get off living as cheaply as they do ... who's using WHO here?

I'm so pissed, I'm shaking ...

I asked Gadget if she was ready to be a positive member of this family ... we were in the kitchen ... she runs to the top of the basement stairs screaming "Gizmo, Gizmo, Gizmo" I don't know how many times. He rushes up the stairs as she's yelling "She's talking to me".

Then Boss Man rushes up the stairs, too ...

I figure, good, they're all here, they can all hear what I have to say about the immature games only to be verbally attacked by all three of them.

I'm the one with the attitude. I'm the immature one. I'm using THEM for my survival.

Okay, I do need their financial contributions, I admit ... BUT it's only for a grand total of $309 a month. I ask nothing more of them, except for them to be responsible, mature adults.

I know, laughable, right?

But, that situation is about to change, even if I have to take a job in a stable shoveling horse shit. 

And, get this ... thanks to Gizmo we're two months behind in the gas and electric bills ... he puts them off saying "I'll catch them next month, I have expenses I have to tend to this month". Three months behind and they shut off the services (I know this from experience).

HELLO? Heat and electric are the priority ... not your girlfriends daily trips to whatever doctors she deems necessary. 

So ... back to today's fight ... Gizmo is screaming in my face again ... saying how I needn't worry, that they'll be gone as soon as possible (GOOD!) and BossMan says to not worry about him, either, that he's moving out the same day as they do ... he's tired of my using him.

WTF? He pays NOT A DAMNED DIME to stay here ... how as I "using" him? Oh, he does provide my cell phone, but supposedly that's a work benefit - after all he does provide the phones for drivers, too ...

They keep bringing up that this isn't my house, that it's Grandma's house .. wrong answer!! I live here, I am the head of household. What are they not understanding?

And again, I called my mom tonight ... told her about the b.s. with "it's not your house, it's Grandma's house" ... she was so pissed off that she said she's calling him and going to ream him a new one. She's also calling her lawyer on Monday and having him revise their will ... she's taking Gizmo and Boss Man's names off (she had Gizmo and I both for the house) ... and instead giving them only a small check so they understand that they weren't overlooked. To say she's disappointed is an understatement.

*****

One of my cousins is a job placement counselor in Tennessee. Granted, it's not Michigan, but she only recently left Michigan. Her Michigan connections are great ... she's been such an asset with helping me locate places that are hiring.

Still haven't figured out HOW I'll get to job interviews. Mom's talking leasing a car short term for me so that I can get where I need to be. She'll help me purchase a car once I land a job. 

*****

I don't know how much more of this I can take!

Sorry, nothing positive today to blog about ...

The Straw That Broke The Camel's Back ...

Tonight has been stressful to say the least.

I needed to borrow the van only to be told once again "there's no gas in it", so I asked her "what are you doing putting five dollars in it at a time?" "Yes, I am. You need to pay for the gas you use" she says.

How about I drive the freaking thing less than fifteen miles a week? Or that that van is the vehicle I rely on since Gizmo killed my car?

Forget getting a replacement ... he's been listening to her shit and now believes he does not need to replace my vehicle.

Of course, we fought ... fought like Gizmo and I have never fought. I honestly thought that he was going to take a swing at me! Then again, go ahead, I wouldn't hesitate to call the police for domestic abuse ... I've done it before. I'll do it again.

I reminded her that where else could they live for $300 a month? She has the audacity to tell me I need to get a job if I expect to have a say in this house ... that it's Gizmo's house since he pays for TWO of the bills (only two) ... HELLO? Really.

Gizmo is now saying he's not going to pay for any of the bills that he had been paying. If that's the case he's out tomorrow. I'm not going to let them live here for free.

Then just to "show me" one last thing, he takes the spare van key off of my keyring. And that's supposed to upset me how? I mean, grow up dammit.

I'm so done ... fed up beyond belief.

So much so that I actually called my mom, in tears, to talk to her. I usually try to keep her away from my stresses, she doesn't do stress well ... but there's a time when a gal just needs her mom!! She was a great help calming me down, but to say she's disappointed with Gizmo's behavior is an understatement.

The way he treated me tonight should have been a warning to Gadget. If a man treats his mother THAT way, he's capable of treating his girlfriend that way!! And he was ugly. She may be his girlfriend for now, but I will always be his mother. To be treated with the disrespect I have witnessed from him lately hurts to say the least.

But I'll get over it. Maybe not soon, but in time (and distance) I will.

In the meantime, I'm job hunting like I've never job hunted before.

Whatever happened to treating others as you would want them to treat you?? Respect is earned ... don't expect it yet treat someone like crap. It seems to be too much to ask of some people.

*****

Oh, I was supposed to blog something positive, too, wasn't I? Let's see ... positive ... nope, can't think of a thing ... other than the walk I took around the block in 28 degree weather, in the dark ... to clear my head tonight. It helped ... I think.

What the ????

I DO try to find positive ... I really do. Seriously.

I guess I should laugh, or at least be grateful she's finally doing their dishes ... but it's how she's doing them that have my head shaking in total disbelief.

Boss Man had his notebook computer at the kitchen table. He was video conferencing with someone (he ended up hitting record just so I could SEE what was going on in the background) ...

Gadget comes into the kitchen with a stack of dishes. She puts the dishes down and removes the three items I had put in the sink to soak (soup bowl, soup spoon and sandwich plate). This is where Boss Man hit record ... We see her removing MY dishes ... then proceeds to wash, hand dry and put away the dishes she'd brought up stairs. What has my head shaking is she then puts MY stuff back in the sink! Didn't even bother to replace the water I had them soaking in.

How's that for not doing jacksquat more than she needs to. She made MORE work by doing it the way she did ... we normally leave the dishes to dry on the rack and put them away later. But no ... she's hand drying them so that she doesn't accidentally put something I used away.

And to make matters worse, when I pull out a dish from the cupboard, I have to inspect it! She only wipes them off ... I've found dried bits of gawd knows what caked on the so-called clean plates.

*****

On a brighter note ... DIL is playing nice. She's letting Grandson come over here to visit his daddy. She still won't bring him over when BossMan isn't here, but hey it's a start that Grandson's "allowed" to come over to visit.

*****

Butterball finally got his glasses earlier this week. He looks so smart in them. He doesn't fight wearing them, in fact he fights when he has to take them off. He's also insisting that Alien wears hers, too!! Something I'd always had to fight with her about, and here he's got her actually wearing them. Good boy!!!! He did manage to mangle them up a bit already. Seems the boy didn't want to take them off to go to bed his first night wearing them, and managed to bend them up a bit when he put his head on his pillow. Back to the eye doctor to have them adjusted!!

Alien reports, too, that now JR wants his own glasses. Poor kid ... but with a family of glasses wearers, I guess it's only natural, eh?

*****

I survived another Valentine's Day. It would have been my brother's 45th birthday.

He was only a few months from graduating with his bachelor's in Engineering when he died. He'd been offered - and accepted - a job designing office furniture for a big name furniture maker. He absolutely loved to "bash" furniture, take parts from a few different pieces of furniture and mash them up to make an entirely new piece of furniture. It's funny, on Pinterest I'm finding a lot of "re-purposed" furniture ideas, and I can't help but to smile to myself as I think "he'd love this stuff". Then again, I'm pretty sure he'd long ago thought about things like bashing a desk with a dresser to come up with a kitchen island.

And thanks to Pinterest, I now have that bug ... I'm looking at most of my furniture with a suspicious eye. Well, not suspicious, but certainly looking at what I own with a fresh eye ... how can I make that piece serve me better? Give it a new "life"? That sort of thing.


But don't worry, my white vintage bedroom set is safe, I want to leave that as it is. After all, that bedroom set IS my childhood (and still in great condition).

*****

Not a lot else going on here today. Gonna snuggle under my blanket and watch some Netflix tonight. Tomorrow is gonna be a busy day re-organizing my new and improved office room. I finally have my own office chair and file cabinets that are just begging to hold three years worth of office files. Oh, and Boss Man has to install a phone line for his (our) new Fax Machine. Yeah, I know .... a fax machine. Welcome to the world of big business, eh? LOL.