Interesting Changes

School has been going well. It is busy though with the two jobs as well as a family. But we are managing, I try to stay on top of things and keep ahead so if something comes up I am ok to slack a bit.

Last week we found out that my husbands work sold to a new owner. He had his meeting with this new owner yesterday and basically told him they would rehire him in a lesser capacity making a fraction of what he used to. He told them, no thanks and left. So now he is going to get three weeks severance from the old owners (as they still operate the building that has his work within it) and then we have nothing. We are searching like mad for a job for him and taking a hard look at our finances. This is a mixed blessing, my husband hated where he worked but we both agreed I would hurry through school and get a better job so he could leave his and seek something else. He never planned to stay there but we just didn't expect it this soon.

I think I am in a bit of shock right now.

School has started

So I officially started school today. I am totally excited to get started. I just received all my textbooks in the mail today too and am busy cracking them open.

It looks like a lot of reading and about 36 hours a week between online discussions, reading and assignments. Its going to be a challenge because I understand better by seeing and doing and am slower at comprehending written instructions. I am taking three courses, Intro to Sociology, Intro to Women's Studies and English; creative writing and analysis.

I always get a little worked up when I look at my work schedule, the kids schedules and now school. It is especially busy with work because of the harvest season and the big harvest festival we have here in the last two weeks of September. But I found out yesterday from the other job that I am unable to work until my police clearance comes in and that takes about 6 weeks....a blessing in disguise I guess. As much as we need the money the job brings in, it will give me time to figure out and work on school.

Another new job!

I have been really busy lately, registering for school and orientating for a new job.

The new job is difficult, one of the hardest things I have ever done. Not difficult physically because its not, it is difficult emotionally and mentally. I am working in a home that provides 24 hour support for adults with developmental disabilities. The home I am working in provides a lot of personal care for a few of the residents which is something I have never done before. It is a job that will look good on my resume and will help me with my future schooling. Already the company I am working for has offered me a apprenticeship for a disability support worker certificate which will definitely go towards my education.

The residents of the house are so sweet. They remind me of my children. I am just trying to see them as children because when I look at them as adults it makes me uncomfortable when I have to change or bathe them. This is something I am working on.

The job pays well but the hours aren't regular because I am only an on call relief support. That works out really well for me though with the kids and my school. I can choose to take shifts if I wish and if I don't have something already booked. I have kept my job at Malivoire as a steady pay check as well. Although, from what I have seen so far I probably will get a lot of hours with the other job so I am not worried right now.

I am glad to be working so much and I hope that I can manage it all long enough for us to get ahead a bit. Its been hard with the lack of money me working full time brings in. We have been really struggling and our debt has started to build up again even though we have worked hard to keep it down.

All ready for school

I was really excited this week, I registered for my courses this fall. I got my textbook lists and have sourced them out from Amazon because they are cheaper. I can't wait to get started! It still seems so far away, but with so much going on in August its going to fly by.

I also got another job, which is nice after so many months of being unemployed. I am going to be working as support for adults with developmental disabilities. This is something I have never done before but I am excited to start. It will be good experience for my future schooling in Social Work.

The job will work well with school since I will only be support relief which means that I will only be called on if one of the full time staff is sick or away. Also I will be keeping my other job at the winery as it means a steady paycheck.

Acceptance

I got my acceptance into Memorial University in Newfoundland. Its through distance learning that I will be earning my degree. I am majoring in Sociology and minoring in Women's studies. I am excited to start, I can sign up for my classes next month!

Also my cousin told me about a job in which I would be earning $5/hour more then what I earn now and it would be experience towards the Social Work degree which is next after this one. I have commited to the winery so I don't want to leave them in the lurch through their busiest season. Come fall I will talk to my cousin again about the job.

I did our budget with what I am earning now. We only have $5oo left over a month for groceries and other expenses...yuck. So far I have already spent that for this month since I bought $266 worth of groceries, bought the kids cleats and shin pads for soccer and then we ordered dinner in a few nights. blech.....

First week of work behind me and orientation with the Cancer Society

So my first week of work is behind me and I have to say I am loving how organized this place is. It seems to meet all my requirements for a job. While in counselling we took a serious look at what makes me comfortable in a job setting. I found that I get stressed out when things get changed around on a whim as often found with working for a small family business. I like policy and procedure manuals and I like clear cut expectations. But I also like the diversity of working in retail and being able to talk to so very many different people.

I also had my interview and orientation with the Cancer Society. I am volunteering with them now on days when my husband is home. I decided to donate my time to the Cancer Society because I didn't realise how much they do in the community until my father in law's cancer came back and he required radiation. We dint have a radiation facility in any of our local hospitals so he has to go to a city that is 50km away. The Cancer Society has drivers that take the patients to their appointments, which is such a huge help when you are fatigued from radiation treatments. The Cancer Society in our area drove over 1,000,000 kms last year taking patients to their appointments and has donated over $2,000,000 to our new hospitals cancer facility and new radiation suite. Also I lost my Grandfather to prostate cancer and my Grandmother is battling with colon cancer. We have had cancer affect so much of our lives.

Another job!

So I got another job at a different winery. The one that I interviewed twice at. They called yesterday and my first day is tomorrow. I already have a may schedule!

I still haven't heard from the other place I was supposedly hired at. I was going to email them but I figure I am going to wait until they email me, just to see how long it (if ever) it takes for them to reply to me.

I am disappointed about the other place. Being that it was a lot smaller there were definitely more opportunities for me for growth. Not that there isn't at this place as well but I am the lowest seniority now and will have to work my way up.

They provide uniform which is nice and I will get a wine allotment which is also fun.

The schooling is just waiting until I can get more information and until I hear from the last university I applied to. I figure that will be about another week or two anyways. So still waiting to get started with the schooling but am starting a job this week!