Where does the time go?
Amazing how quickly the days go by. I need to update things to the present (today) and then work on posting regularly. I really need the outlet.
Item 1: Still out of work. It was pretty dead for about three months – had maybe a dozen submittals and three interviews during that time. Things started picking up in mid-March, and a couple weeks ago I had two really good interviews for full-time jobs at companies I really wanted to work for. In both cases I came in second; nothing against me – just another candidate with an extra skill they thought would be nice. One company even said they anticipated another position opening in a few weeks and would check to see if I would be available for that (chances are I will!). This past week I was submitted for two contract jobs that I will hear about next week. So we’ll see.
Item 2: MLM had her right shoulder replacement surgery the first week in December and it went very well. Needless to say it was pretty handy that I was out of work during her recovery as for the first couple of months she needed constant care and assistance to do just about anything. She’s doing much better now. No arthritic pain in her shoulder at all which is a real miracle! She still needs help getting around because, hey, this was just one joint; she still has another six or eight atrocious joints and a back full of degenerative discs so there is still much to be done and she is still in constant pain. At least now we’re moving forward after over two years of waiting. Next she needs another tooth looked at, a visit to her gastroenterologist for her increasing gerd, then arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow. After that, her left shoulder will get the replacement treatment.
Item 3: I’ve been selling my stuff on eBay for the last two months which has really helped us money-wise. I’ve been able to pay for food, prescriptions, and utilities without relying on the church for much beyond our rent. (The church and MLM’s folks are our only source of assistance at this time.) I have sold all my Lionel except for the Polar Express, some pieces of HO trains I had, and most of my Cars collection (from the movie, Cars, y’know? I had plans of including a Radiator Springs on my O scale layout. More on that if I ever finish and post my Still Plays With Trains essay.) I am selling my Negima Pactio Cards now with much regret and they are not moving very well, surprisingly. I acquired these when I was working at UIC and they were pretty popular then. I also tried selling some lovely C & O passenger cars I have but they aren’t moving either – I guess Walthers sold a real pantload of them when they were released. I also have a few anime-related cards and figures I can sell.
Item 3a: The eBay sales at first were pretty exciting – this was all the train stuff I was listing. I can see how I could create an eBay store with this stuff. I even sent inquiries to some of the train manufacturers to see if they would wholesale to an online store – almost all said they had no problem with that. Only Lionel still insists on a brick-and-mortar establishment for all their dealers. Anyway, I created a new seller account, and once I have a regular bank account I can link to PayPal I can open my store. I even have cornered the name Still Plays With Trains. All I need now is some seed money – like any start-up. I figure if I can get a job with a living wage that lasts more than a few weeks, I can start a small presence there in six or eight months. Meanwhile, I’m running out of stuff to sell so I don’t know what will happen next.
Item 4: Just need to say that it sucks the straights we’re in makes us pariahs to our families. MLM talks to her mother pretty regularly, but that’s because she was up front stating they just can’t help anymore like they did last year, but they still chip in when they can. And since she cares, she talks to MLM every week or two, so that’s good. Everyone else has their own problems I guess, but no one ever calls us or returns our calls – I think they’re afraid we’ll ask for help and then they’ll feel bad when they turn us down. Almost everyone on both sides of the family has helped in some way in the past two years; but since I haven't been able to pay anyone back I think it is greatly resented. Oh, well. I’ve just given up on them and don’t let it bother me, but MLM is really hurt by it. Especially since she just went through this surgery and has many more to go through, she feels very alone and unsupported when facing this. She talks more with friends she’s met online; and gets more emotional support from them too. There’s one in AZ and one in WA that she speaks with on the phone regularly – ten times more regularly than her sisters or daughter. Kinda sad, but nothing we can do about it. Once I’m working again and have regular income and don’t need to bother anyone with our sad, sad story I’m sure all will be well again. Except for the bad taste in my mouth of course. Oh, well, I’m no great shakes as an extended family man myself.
Item 5: Getting an advanced degree is another option – sort of. Problem is paying for such. I no longer qualify for student loans since the private loans I took out are defaulted – also, my first Stafford was in ’97 and you can only take them for ten years. So I am applying for a retraining grant through the state unemployment system – there are several skills and applications I can get certified for that may help me get hired. Trouble is picking which one to go for. I am studying SQL on my own ‘cause lots of employers ask for it. Anyway, much to examine and decide on there.
Item 6: Well, lots more going on, but I’m tired now. It’s almost 11:00 pm and the chicken soup I made is ready. MLM has been sleeping all evening (did not sleep last night at all) so I probably should wake her up to have some. This has been cathartic. I will post more when I can.
