Well, today is, for the most part, over and I have not received a call from the Humane Society, where I interviewed last week. They said the would not call unless I was chosen. So, here I am. The interview I had yesterday was for Head Start, which is funded by government money, so has to go through a 3 week process to make any sort of decision.
I know several of you were wondering about all of that, so there it is.
Today was the worst one for job leads. Not much posted that I could remotely qualify for, unless I'm big and burley, and can lift 50+ lbs on a regular basis, or have prior experience doing, which I didn't have for any of them. Another thing that's frustrating here is the "must be bilingual" criteria that is with about a third of all the job openings. I wish I could learn languages easily, but they just don't stick!
Well, in the meantime, I've got 7chapters under my belt and many still to go. Speaking of which, I do need to get back to that business at hand.
Have a good evening!
Patti
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Understanding More as I Go
Well, my interview seemed to go well, yesterday. The position is made for me, except for the hours. It's 3 8-hour days: Sat, Sun, Mon. Not bad, except Cameron's "weekend" is Sun/Mon. It could make for some drastic schedule changes at home. At this point, though, anything is good.
After the interview, I went to the mall to see some of the friends I left behind, especially the others still at the Pagoda. Unfortunately, the manager was there, and since I didn't give her any notice, I really didn't want to see her. Luckily, she disappeared from the kiosk for quite some time, as usual, so I was able to go into the Zales, which is next door, to chat with one of my friends in there. While I was talking with her, one of my other friends, he had been a regular customer at the kiosk, saw me and stopped to talk. He was in a hurry, so I told him I'd stop by the salon he works at in a little while.
Both of my friends want to place an order with me. We'll see if they follow through. The one at Zales gets paid next week and said she'd call me then. The other, is interested in more products than I have on my website so wants me to bring him a catalog next week. All it takes is word of mouth in this town. If I can get a handful of happy customers, they'll tell their friends, etc. Viral marketing is what I was told it takes to make a business, here. Several good experiences can create a success, but a bad one can destroy it. That's Santa Fe.
I've made progress on several other fronts. I'm slowly filling in my podcast guest schedule. I'm booked through November. I'm slowly making my way through the book for October's show. The publisher I frequently work with, is sending me about 6 books to choose from, that are by the author I'll be interviewing in November. She's fairly prolific and has a couple coming out then. I'm not sure about the others she's sending me, but free books are always welcome!
Then, speaking of books, I'm managing to get about a chapter written each day. Though I took yesterday off to just regenerate. I have 5 chapters and a prologue in final stages. Cameron is encouraging me to keep working on it, not wanting me to loose my momentum. He says it's riveting writing and the story line very intense. He's sure it will be a good book once I finish. I'm handling it one chapter at a time, with an outline to keep me on track. I don't know how many chapters there will be. Each one begins and ends on its own terms. Most prompt tears at some point in them. That makes them all the more tiring to write. I think this will turn out to be good therapy for me, once it's all done and all the memories are packed into a file outside of my brain.
With the thoughts from chapter 5 neatly tucked away in my laptop, I should be able to get some sleep. I have another interview on, I think Tuesday, so I'll let you know how that one goes. Good night!
After the interview, I went to the mall to see some of the friends I left behind, especially the others still at the Pagoda. Unfortunately, the manager was there, and since I didn't give her any notice, I really didn't want to see her. Luckily, she disappeared from the kiosk for quite some time, as usual, so I was able to go into the Zales, which is next door, to chat with one of my friends in there. While I was talking with her, one of my other friends, he had been a regular customer at the kiosk, saw me and stopped to talk. He was in a hurry, so I told him I'd stop by the salon he works at in a little while.
Both of my friends want to place an order with me. We'll see if they follow through. The one at Zales gets paid next week and said she'd call me then. The other, is interested in more products than I have on my website so wants me to bring him a catalog next week. All it takes is word of mouth in this town. If I can get a handful of happy customers, they'll tell their friends, etc. Viral marketing is what I was told it takes to make a business, here. Several good experiences can create a success, but a bad one can destroy it. That's Santa Fe.
I've made progress on several other fronts. I'm slowly filling in my podcast guest schedule. I'm booked through November. I'm slowly making my way through the book for October's show. The publisher I frequently work with, is sending me about 6 books to choose from, that are by the author I'll be interviewing in November. She's fairly prolific and has a couple coming out then. I'm not sure about the others she's sending me, but free books are always welcome!
Then, speaking of books, I'm managing to get about a chapter written each day. Though I took yesterday off to just regenerate. I have 5 chapters and a prologue in final stages. Cameron is encouraging me to keep working on it, not wanting me to loose my momentum. He says it's riveting writing and the story line very intense. He's sure it will be a good book once I finish. I'm handling it one chapter at a time, with an outline to keep me on track. I don't know how many chapters there will be. Each one begins and ends on its own terms. Most prompt tears at some point in them. That makes them all the more tiring to write. I think this will turn out to be good therapy for me, once it's all done and all the memories are packed into a file outside of my brain.
With the thoughts from chapter 5 neatly tucked away in my laptop, I should be able to get some sleep. I have another interview on, I think Tuesday, so I'll let you know how that one goes. Good night!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Fatigued, yet productive
There's still no new interviews or even potential interview contact. I've applied at several locations, both large and small companies. Since most of these applications were submitted on Friday or over the weekend, I don't anticipate hearing from any of them for another day or so.
Some good out of this? I'm getting a good amount of writing done. This is extremely difficult for me as it is dredging up memories that I had pushed down 3 years ago. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Eventually, they start oozing back up and popping into your head. I've suffered from PTSD from Cameron's accident, but never dealt with it with a professional. Now I am, especially now that those memories aren't cooperating like they had for the past few years.
The writing is for a book. It's written from my perspective and begins the day I receive notice of the accident. I don't exactly know where it will stop, but I'm getting it all down on paper. Like throwing up that poisoned food that is only making you miserable while in your stomach, I'm regurgitating the minutes, hours, days , and weeks of a time that I felt more fear and helplessness than anyone should ever experience.
My therapist says it will be a healthy undertaking. I'm not sure I'm 100% with him on this, now that I'm into it. My anxiety levels have increased and I tear-up frequently, especially when I'm writing. I feel moodier and more exhausted than usual. I'm only 50 pages into it, with many more to go. One thing is good. Cameron is glad that I'm doing this. It might be because it helps him to understand what was going on while he was not himself or just happy that I am writing. He's always loved my writing and encouraged me to write. It was always hard to find the time, since I tend to get engulfed in my subject.
I may post some of it here and there, or may send hard copies to those who are interested. I don't know what I'll do with it when it's finished, so would rather not make it available to just anyone who happens upon my blog. That's to be worked out later, I guess. For now, it's been a long day. My allergies have made it difficult to sleep some nights. Last night was one of those, hopefully, tonight will bring me deep, restful, sleep.
Some good out of this? I'm getting a good amount of writing done. This is extremely difficult for me as it is dredging up memories that I had pushed down 3 years ago. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Eventually, they start oozing back up and popping into your head. I've suffered from PTSD from Cameron's accident, but never dealt with it with a professional. Now I am, especially now that those memories aren't cooperating like they had for the past few years.
The writing is for a book. It's written from my perspective and begins the day I receive notice of the accident. I don't exactly know where it will stop, but I'm getting it all down on paper. Like throwing up that poisoned food that is only making you miserable while in your stomach, I'm regurgitating the minutes, hours, days , and weeks of a time that I felt more fear and helplessness than anyone should ever experience.
My therapist says it will be a healthy undertaking. I'm not sure I'm 100% with him on this, now that I'm into it. My anxiety levels have increased and I tear-up frequently, especially when I'm writing. I feel moodier and more exhausted than usual. I'm only 50 pages into it, with many more to go. One thing is good. Cameron is glad that I'm doing this. It might be because it helps him to understand what was going on while he was not himself or just happy that I am writing. He's always loved my writing and encouraged me to write. It was always hard to find the time, since I tend to get engulfed in my subject.
I may post some of it here and there, or may send hard copies to those who are interested. I don't know what I'll do with it when it's finished, so would rather not make it available to just anyone who happens upon my blog. That's to be worked out later, I guess. For now, it's been a long day. My allergies have made it difficult to sleep some nights. Last night was one of those, hopefully, tonight will bring me deep, restful, sleep.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Zozobra opens Fiestas de Santa Fe
The following is from the local paper. This is an annual tradition here and very popular. Unfortunately, they increased the cost to attend, and we really don't like crowds, so we were not present for the festivities. I thought you might be interested in the cultural aspect of it.
[Photo Gallery] Old Man Gloom meets fiery doom - The Santa Fe New Mexican
http://www.zozobra.com/history.html This link will take you to information on the history of Zozobra.
[Photo Gallery] Old Man Gloom meets fiery doom - The Santa Fe New Mexican
http://www.zozobra.com/history.html This link will take you to information on the history of Zozobra.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
It Just Keeps Going and Going
The first of September was both wrenching and mind-boggling.
That great job I got a few weeks ago, ended. It was decided that I just wasn't right for the position.
Our lease on our apartment is up at the end of the month and the great move-in special we got last year, ends then, as well. This means our rent will go up $200 on October first. If one month's notice is required to move, I had to decide whether we would be staying here or moving somewhere cheaper. Since I couldn't get a hold of Cameron, I gave notice, with the understanding that I could cancel it. This would be the only opportunity to do so.
I spent the next day checking out potential future homes, but the costs involved in moving would be hard to come by if I have difficulty finding employment. So, after discussing it, we decided to cancel our notice and take the lesser of the two evils. The management company is offering one month of free rent that can be credited to our account and used as needed. That helps a little since, if necessary, we can take what we can't afford to pay next month out of the credit allowance.
OK, so here I am, again, searching for a job.
Wednesday, I applied for a job with an organization that works with at-risk youth and their families. It's similar to another position I had several years ago and I had planned to apply there the same day I was hired for my former position.
Thursday, I got a phone call from that organization, requesting that I come in for an interview on Tuesday. That was fast! I've continued to apply for other jobs, but don't expect to hear from anyone until after the holiday.
This "break" is giving me the opportunity to take care of long-overdue cleaning projects. I also, have an hour long podcast interview to edit down to 20-25 minutes by the 15th, so am working on that as well. The interview is with Paul Krassner, the satirist. He's a very interesting person. I enjoyed talking with him, as is evident from the length of the discussion/interview. If you're interested in listening to it, it will be posted on iTunes sometime on the 15th of September, under the podcast name of "The WildO Network".
Cameron is doing well and getting a better handle on the stress of his job. There's been some personnel changes there, so that shakes up the "norm". I'm not sure how the winter will be handled this year as everyone on the service side of the dealership's pay is dependent on a constant influx of customers. That's something we saw greatly lacking our first winter here.
It's looking like we may have some rough months ahead, but we could, also, be pleasantly surprised. I'm feeling a little more positive at the moment and anticipate a surprise or two. Paul (Krassner) is going to be using part of the unused interview to glean some quotes from me, and will be calling me in the coming weeks for more information. It seems that he is working on an article that may put my business in a very visible position.
Like I said, there may be some surprises ahead.
That great job I got a few weeks ago, ended. It was decided that I just wasn't right for the position.
Our lease on our apartment is up at the end of the month and the great move-in special we got last year, ends then, as well. This means our rent will go up $200 on October first. If one month's notice is required to move, I had to decide whether we would be staying here or moving somewhere cheaper. Since I couldn't get a hold of Cameron, I gave notice, with the understanding that I could cancel it. This would be the only opportunity to do so.
I spent the next day checking out potential future homes, but the costs involved in moving would be hard to come by if I have difficulty finding employment. So, after discussing it, we decided to cancel our notice and take the lesser of the two evils. The management company is offering one month of free rent that can be credited to our account and used as needed. That helps a little since, if necessary, we can take what we can't afford to pay next month out of the credit allowance.
OK, so here I am, again, searching for a job.
Wednesday, I applied for a job with an organization that works with at-risk youth and their families. It's similar to another position I had several years ago and I had planned to apply there the same day I was hired for my former position.
Thursday, I got a phone call from that organization, requesting that I come in for an interview on Tuesday. That was fast! I've continued to apply for other jobs, but don't expect to hear from anyone until after the holiday.
This "break" is giving me the opportunity to take care of long-overdue cleaning projects. I also, have an hour long podcast interview to edit down to 20-25 minutes by the 15th, so am working on that as well. The interview is with Paul Krassner, the satirist. He's a very interesting person. I enjoyed talking with him, as is evident from the length of the discussion/interview. If you're interested in listening to it, it will be posted on iTunes sometime on the 15th of September, under the podcast name of "The WildO Network".
Cameron is doing well and getting a better handle on the stress of his job. There's been some personnel changes there, so that shakes up the "norm". I'm not sure how the winter will be handled this year as everyone on the service side of the dealership's pay is dependent on a constant influx of customers. That's something we saw greatly lacking our first winter here.
It's looking like we may have some rough months ahead, but we could, also, be pleasantly surprised. I'm feeling a little more positive at the moment and anticipate a surprise or two. Paul (Krassner) is going to be using part of the unused interview to glean some quotes from me, and will be calling me in the coming weeks for more information. It seems that he is working on an article that may put my business in a very visible position.
Like I said, there may be some surprises ahead.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Talk About a Steep Learning Curve!
Wow! Today was my second day at my new job and it was exhausting! There is soooo much to learn-names of instruments, cleaning methods for exam rooms, organization of all supply cabinets and drawers (there's lots!), the doctor's preferences in instrument arrangement, the color-coding of the schedule that is displayed on a monitor that tells everything about each exam and, thus, what items will be needed for it...
I'm so burned out at the end of the day, but still have "homework" to do-as in studying supply catalogs to get to know all the instruments, their uses and names, and all the other stuff that is used in exams and restorative procedures.
There's a big rush because the other person who works this position is going back to school on Tuesday. So that means I will be flying solo for 3-4 hours a day, while she's in class. Talk about a crash course in dental office work! I was supposed to have another day to learn, Monday, but a prior employee's funeral was then so they closed the office.
I only wish the person who is training me knew how to teach. The office manager keeps trying to offer suggestions to her, but she is so nervous about me learning everything in time that she is just throwing it all at me. (She really needs a lesson plan!) So all day I'm told to do this, then do another thing, before I've completed the first, then she complains that I do it too slow. This was day 2, I only got my feet wet yesterday. (Oh, she's terribly OCD, too)
So, I'll probably be spending the weekend studying photos I've taken of all the drawers and cabinets so I can memorize where everything is and how it's supposed to go. Thank goodness for digital cameras! I'm going to take some more tomorrow of the instrument cases and their layouts so I make sure I know where each one goes for the different exams.
As for other happenings in our lives, Cameron went to a jam session tonight. Apparently, there's some guys that heard some of his music and are wanting to get a new band together. So, they asked him to play with them tonight. I wish I could have gone with him, but this chaos of a job isn't going to kick my butt for too long. I know I'll get to know everything, then it will be like any other job and I'll have more energy when I get home.
A little later...
Tuesday and I just came back from a little walk. It's very nice out tonight and lots of other tenants were out, too. Unfortunately, so were the mosquitoes! They seem to find me quite tasty and they are rather small here, so it's hard to see them coming. Dastardly little blood-suckers!
I was just looking for the photos we took of our little prairie dog colony and realized I don't think I ever posted the pictures from our Las Vegas (NM) trip. So, here they are: Overnighter in Las Vegas
I need to get some studying done, then off to bed!
I'm so burned out at the end of the day, but still have "homework" to do-as in studying supply catalogs to get to know all the instruments, their uses and names, and all the other stuff that is used in exams and restorative procedures.
There's a big rush because the other person who works this position is going back to school on Tuesday. So that means I will be flying solo for 3-4 hours a day, while she's in class. Talk about a crash course in dental office work! I was supposed to have another day to learn, Monday, but a prior employee's funeral was then so they closed the office.
I only wish the person who is training me knew how to teach. The office manager keeps trying to offer suggestions to her, but she is so nervous about me learning everything in time that she is just throwing it all at me. (She really needs a lesson plan!) So all day I'm told to do this, then do another thing, before I've completed the first, then she complains that I do it too slow. This was day 2, I only got my feet wet yesterday. (Oh, she's terribly OCD, too)
So, I'll probably be spending the weekend studying photos I've taken of all the drawers and cabinets so I can memorize where everything is and how it's supposed to go. Thank goodness for digital cameras! I'm going to take some more tomorrow of the instrument cases and their layouts so I make sure I know where each one goes for the different exams.
As for other happenings in our lives, Cameron went to a jam session tonight. Apparently, there's some guys that heard some of his music and are wanting to get a new band together. So, they asked him to play with them tonight. I wish I could have gone with him, but this chaos of a job isn't going to kick my butt for too long. I know I'll get to know everything, then it will be like any other job and I'll have more energy when I get home.
A little later...
Tuesday and I just came back from a little walk. It's very nice out tonight and lots of other tenants were out, too. Unfortunately, so were the mosquitoes! They seem to find me quite tasty and they are rather small here, so it's hard to see them coming. Dastardly little blood-suckers!
I was just looking for the photos we took of our little prairie dog colony and realized I don't think I ever posted the pictures from our Las Vegas (NM) trip. So, here they are: Overnighter in Las Vegas
I need to get some studying done, then off to bed!
Friday, July 16, 2010
What a last couple of weeks!
We've been going through a lot of just plain stuff. A large part of that has been being sick, both of us.
When I finally got to my first psych. appt. (took 3 months for an opening), the doctor prescribed me a new medication and started my doses low and gradually, over 1 month's time, I got to the maintenance dose. Nothing like being a guinea pig! I didn't really realize that the crazy things that were happening with me were due to the meds. until I took my first full dose. I had noticed things like my memory getting worse, disorientation that worsened, and my typing got weird. I usually can type 50wpm-corrected as I go along, but I began typing very phonetically, then just random letters would show up in words. By the time I was at the full dose, I was seeing at least 2 letters randomly in each word, without my noticing until I looked up at my typing. My final awakening to this happening came when my manager (yes, the same manager) showed me some paperwork that I had completed during the previous week. All I can say is that it looked totally different when I was filling it out. I was getting alternate realities. That scared me ALOT! I called the dr. office and was told my doctor was on vacation for 3 weeks, but I could see the one on call next week. So I cut my dose in half and waited the 3 days to see him. Now I'm on a different medication, but was told it would take a week for the other to be out of my system. I guess I have another day or two, but don't feel anything near 100%. I guess time will tell. Too bad they don't have some sort of blood test that can determine what chemicals are off in your brain so they can concoct an appropriate medication and be done with it. For now, they try different ones until they find the one that does the trick. UGH! Also, during all that I came down with some sort of sinus bug that's been going around.
Now on to Cameron. He really needs to get a new office chair-while working at his desk, he reached back to get something behind him and when the chair tipped back, it didn't stop-it just kept going over. So, he landed on his back, hitting his head on his amplifier. He immediately got up and threw up. Like most guys, he refused to go to the doctor. He ended up being very ill for a few days, and then got my bug, which went into his chest and gave him bronchitis. He then got a stomach bug that's also going around. Finally giving in, he went to the doctor a couple of days ago and got some medication and is now doing much better.
Last Sunday/Monday we rode to historic Las Vegas, New Mexico. Yes, we were both sick, but I had made the reservations in advance and they weren't refundable. We got a little exploring done both days, but spent the majority of the time enjoying cable TV in our hotel room and trying to feel better. We took lots of pictures-I'll try to put them up soon.
I'm still job hunting. I have sent out far more resumes than I care to add up and gone on close to a dozen interviews. Competition is fierce and they are telling me that as soon as the ad goes up they get upwards of 60+ applicants. It's an insane process of elimination. I feel that I need the job even more, now as I think my mental condition over the past few weeks has strained my situation at my present job. I made far too many mistakes, and now I'm feeling unsure of my abilities and don't trust myself. I double check everything, which takes more time. It feels as if it's only a matter of days before they let me go, but I could, also, be a little paranoid after the weird things that happened before.
My business has been laying there, flopping on the floor like a dying fish, so to speak. Santa Fe is a weird place and none of the marketing techniques that would work in CA, work here. So, I'm crossing my fingers that the 5 people I've spoken to, that asked if I do parties, will host some. I figure, why not try that? I haven't had much luck any other way. So I've been in contact with my wonderful person at my distributors about what products would be good sellers. I have a list, now I just have to purchase sample items. (I'm having flashbacks to long ago Tupperware selling.) My timeline for getting that going is the end of August. I think I should be able to spread out my purchases and have them by then. I've purchase some of my own items in bulk and put together combinations that will carry a 400% mark-up and still be below other companies' retail prices for similar items.
My podcast is going really well. I find alot of my authors on Facebook and have gotten to know several of them pretty well. I just posted my 4th one and the interview for the 5th will be done in a couple of weeks. I have the following one already lined up, as well. It's interesting talking with these authors. They are writers of various genres. I enjoy conversing with them, both on Facebook and while I'm interviewing them. It's great fun to talk with them. I've learned to do my own editing, so Cameron doesn't have to do it for me. If interested, the podcasts are on iTunes under The WildO Network, or on my website http://www.thewildo.com/twn.html
Business has picked up considerably at the dealership Cameron works at. As soon as the warm weather stabilized, the bikers came out of the woodwork. This is good for the business as the winter was especially severe this year and kept most of them off the road the entire season. They cut back on personnel to survive winter and now are working with a skeleton crew. It gets stressful trying to get all the customers' bikes fixed within their time frame and the mechanics' without upsetting either side in the process. Cameron is getting better at dealing with this "dance" between service and customers, without getting himself pinched in the middle. Everyone wants it done NOW, but doesn't want to pay for the service. It's a terrible contradiction that he faces daily.
Santa Fe is gorgeous. Even when it's hot, it doesn't compare to the heat in Phoenix or Bakersfield. Hot, here, means upper 80's. Usually there's a breeze, though we have had a couple of days without it and it seems much hotter then. I guess it's because we're so high up that the sun's intensity is more pronounced. I keep the 90-100 spf sunscreen on as the UV ratings here are very high. It's 7000ft. higher here than where we lived before. You can definitely feel the difference. I found out (not from experience) that alcohol has twice the effect here. I was speaking with a promoter and he said he tries to warn bands, that come here to play, but they don't listen. They go out to have a couple of drinks and find themselves barely able to walk. Then he gets the job of trying to sober them up for the concert. It's amazing what happens to you once you go over 5500ft.
Well, I have a full day's work tomorrow, that I'm not looking forward to, so I'd better be off to bed. Cameron is still fighting all his ails so went to bed shortly after supper. I think I've been trying to stall the inevitable arrival of Saturday morning. I usually only work for a few hours in the afternoon so an 8 hour shift on a busy Saturday is not exactly my favorite thing to do. So, Good Night, until next time.
When I finally got to my first psych. appt. (took 3 months for an opening), the doctor prescribed me a new medication and started my doses low and gradually, over 1 month's time, I got to the maintenance dose. Nothing like being a guinea pig! I didn't really realize that the crazy things that were happening with me were due to the meds. until I took my first full dose. I had noticed things like my memory getting worse, disorientation that worsened, and my typing got weird. I usually can type 50wpm-corrected as I go along, but I began typing very phonetically, then just random letters would show up in words. By the time I was at the full dose, I was seeing at least 2 letters randomly in each word, without my noticing until I looked up at my typing. My final awakening to this happening came when my manager (yes, the same manager) showed me some paperwork that I had completed during the previous week. All I can say is that it looked totally different when I was filling it out. I was getting alternate realities. That scared me ALOT! I called the dr. office and was told my doctor was on vacation for 3 weeks, but I could see the one on call next week. So I cut my dose in half and waited the 3 days to see him. Now I'm on a different medication, but was told it would take a week for the other to be out of my system. I guess I have another day or two, but don't feel anything near 100%. I guess time will tell. Too bad they don't have some sort of blood test that can determine what chemicals are off in your brain so they can concoct an appropriate medication and be done with it. For now, they try different ones until they find the one that does the trick. UGH! Also, during all that I came down with some sort of sinus bug that's been going around.
Now on to Cameron. He really needs to get a new office chair-while working at his desk, he reached back to get something behind him and when the chair tipped back, it didn't stop-it just kept going over. So, he landed on his back, hitting his head on his amplifier. He immediately got up and threw up. Like most guys, he refused to go to the doctor. He ended up being very ill for a few days, and then got my bug, which went into his chest and gave him bronchitis. He then got a stomach bug that's also going around. Finally giving in, he went to the doctor a couple of days ago and got some medication and is now doing much better.
Last Sunday/Monday we rode to historic Las Vegas, New Mexico. Yes, we were both sick, but I had made the reservations in advance and they weren't refundable. We got a little exploring done both days, but spent the majority of the time enjoying cable TV in our hotel room and trying to feel better. We took lots of pictures-I'll try to put them up soon.
I'm still job hunting. I have sent out far more resumes than I care to add up and gone on close to a dozen interviews. Competition is fierce and they are telling me that as soon as the ad goes up they get upwards of 60+ applicants. It's an insane process of elimination. I feel that I need the job even more, now as I think my mental condition over the past few weeks has strained my situation at my present job. I made far too many mistakes, and now I'm feeling unsure of my abilities and don't trust myself. I double check everything, which takes more time. It feels as if it's only a matter of days before they let me go, but I could, also, be a little paranoid after the weird things that happened before.
My business has been laying there, flopping on the floor like a dying fish, so to speak. Santa Fe is a weird place and none of the marketing techniques that would work in CA, work here. So, I'm crossing my fingers that the 5 people I've spoken to, that asked if I do parties, will host some. I figure, why not try that? I haven't had much luck any other way. So I've been in contact with my wonderful person at my distributors about what products would be good sellers. I have a list, now I just have to purchase sample items. (I'm having flashbacks to long ago Tupperware selling.) My timeline for getting that going is the end of August. I think I should be able to spread out my purchases and have them by then. I've purchase some of my own items in bulk and put together combinations that will carry a 400% mark-up and still be below other companies' retail prices for similar items.
My podcast is going really well. I find alot of my authors on Facebook and have gotten to know several of them pretty well. I just posted my 4th one and the interview for the 5th will be done in a couple of weeks. I have the following one already lined up, as well. It's interesting talking with these authors. They are writers of various genres. I enjoy conversing with them, both on Facebook and while I'm interviewing them. It's great fun to talk with them. I've learned to do my own editing, so Cameron doesn't have to do it for me. If interested, the podcasts are on iTunes under The WildO Network, or on my website http://www.thewildo.com/twn.html
Business has picked up considerably at the dealership Cameron works at. As soon as the warm weather stabilized, the bikers came out of the woodwork. This is good for the business as the winter was especially severe this year and kept most of them off the road the entire season. They cut back on personnel to survive winter and now are working with a skeleton crew. It gets stressful trying to get all the customers' bikes fixed within their time frame and the mechanics' without upsetting either side in the process. Cameron is getting better at dealing with this "dance" between service and customers, without getting himself pinched in the middle. Everyone wants it done NOW, but doesn't want to pay for the service. It's a terrible contradiction that he faces daily.
Santa Fe is gorgeous. Even when it's hot, it doesn't compare to the heat in Phoenix or Bakersfield. Hot, here, means upper 80's. Usually there's a breeze, though we have had a couple of days without it and it seems much hotter then. I guess it's because we're so high up that the sun's intensity is more pronounced. I keep the 90-100 spf sunscreen on as the UV ratings here are very high. It's 7000ft. higher here than where we lived before. You can definitely feel the difference. I found out (not from experience) that alcohol has twice the effect here. I was speaking with a promoter and he said he tries to warn bands, that come here to play, but they don't listen. They go out to have a couple of drinks and find themselves barely able to walk. Then he gets the job of trying to sober them up for the concert. It's amazing what happens to you once you go over 5500ft.
Well, I have a full day's work tomorrow, that I'm not looking forward to, so I'd better be off to bed. Cameron is still fighting all his ails so went to bed shortly after supper. I think I've been trying to stall the inevitable arrival of Saturday morning. I usually only work for a few hours in the afternoon so an 8 hour shift on a busy Saturday is not exactly my favorite thing to do. So, Good Night, until next time.
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