The stork delivered.

No, I'm not pregnant.

We did however wake up to some mew mew'ing this morning and low and behold we were left with a little angel of a kitten on our doorstep. We don't know if momma cat hatched us a kitten present under our house or whether she dropped it off. Could have been some asshole of human that just didn't want to deal with itty bitty kitty. The poor little guy is probably only about 4 weeks old, as his eyes are barely open. I made an immediate run for the pet store where he was indulged with a bottle (he bit off the nipple) and kitty formula, as well as Friskies Deluxe Gourmet cat food.

Darla doesn't quite know what to make of him yet as she is pretty bitchy about the whole scene at the moment and poor Connor just wants to lick the poor feline to death.

After some debate over names, and a strict "ZOMG NO WAI" about the neighbor kids suggesting "Frappucino", it came down to "Doyle" and "Liam". Greg and the girls voted for "Doyle" and I was overruled. R.D.H. was also a close choice, as his name would officially be "Rogue Demon Hunter." But, we'll settle for Doyle for now.

Pictures coming soon.

On the verge of Friday...

...coming in with a bang! I am the new Legal Secretary for the Employment Security Department, Commissioner's Review office. I will be starting work on September 2nd, 2008. I don't want to hear any jokes about state workers...

Taking what comes...

I think I mentioned last week that I didn't get the job for the Attorney General's Office (AGO) that was answering the phones, which I was semi-thankful for, and I just got notified that I didn't get the Department of Ecology Legal Assistant job, which is okay, I can deal with that. The AGO isn't really a place that I want to work for, but as the denials start coming in, it's getting me a little stressed out.

I think my chances are pretty high that I may be working for the Employment Security Department (ESD) with the Commissioner's Review Office, but found out from my interview on Thursday that with the state hiring freeze, they had to turn in paperwork asking for pardon to hire. This may or may not be approved, and I was told that I would not hear back on an answer from them for another 2 weeks, which is really stressful! The other down side of me coming in Thursday was that I had to explain my reasons for leaving one of my law firms because my most recent boss decided to go "mental" and told them I was fired. Yeah, thanks. So, I'm assuming they felt I was dishonest on my application for employment because I didn't advertise my position was terminated. I hate that they might think I was dishonest because I'm normally a very highly dependable and honest person, so I had to think fast and cover my ass. Oh well, if it's meant to be, it will be. The waiting is killing me to get an answer.

The other down side for this whole job hunt thing is that the end of the month is quickly approaching, unemployment benefits are not fun to live on, school shopping must be done, and I'm ready to go back to work. I have decided not to count on anything, basically to expect the unexpected, and apply for more jobs. I've got to find something to get the money flowing back in our household, and may just have to take a job that I don't like for now.

Damn the state hiring freeze, damn this being an election year because that is the reason state jobs are frozen, and god damn me not testing as well as I could have with the AGO. I'm feeling pretty down in the dumps lately and starting to really feel the pressure of not having a job. Greg has been really supportive and that has helped, but I'm pretty frustrated with myself for not picking up a job quickly. I've worked since I was in high school, never having more than 2 weeks off in between jobs, and being on the 5th week of not working, I'm starting to panic.

Thursdays make me grin.

Especially because I have no kids for the weekend! Greg and I are free to roam about the house naked, play leap frog, or strip poker, without the watchful eyes of our little impressionables. Such a nice feeling to walk into a house and it's all quiet.

Not much to report on the job front. I didn't get one of the jobs I interviewed for because I was "overqualified" and the person they chose had more front-desk, reception experience. THANK GOD. There is no way I want to take a step back to 11 years ago when I was the office grunt. So, I'm a little relieved that I didn't have to take that job for the sake of getting through the door with the State.

I did hear back from my top choice, and they want me to come in this afternoon for a third, and hopefully final interview. I'm trying to keep my hopes up that they will give me an answer today or tomorrow, and that I won't have to wait another week for a final decision. I'll be extremely disappointed if I don't get this job, so I'm just trying to be mellow about it, which is why I'm having a glass of wine before my interview. Don't worry, I know I'll need to brush my teeth and chew some breathmints before I head in there. Can't let them know I'm a lush until after I'm getting my paychecks. Haven't heard from any of the other jobs yet, but as things are winding down this week, I'm hoping my prospects will look brighter after my interview today. The Judge that interviewed me twice in the last two weeks is an extremely funny, laid back and nice guy. I'm crossing my fingers he'll just say, "fuck it, hire her."

The weekend is upon us, and Greg and I have no plans other than to do absolutely nothing. Our house is clean, the lawn is mowed, and we have no kids! What more could we ask for?

The stress is almost over...

Another Monday, another week. I've been off work now for almost one month. It's been nice to spend quality time with my kids this summer before Katie goes back to school and Candice starts. Being able to enjoy our house without being gone for eight hours a day has also been nice. But, I'm feeling the pressure to get back to work, and I honestly don't feel complete unless I'm bringing in a paycheck to contribute.

The stresses of moving, of the "damage assessment" from our apartment, and the interviews are all done, but I think the hardest part of it all is what I have to do now, and that is wait. I was told that I'd be hearing back this week from all the jobs I interviewed for last week. I have high hopes for the Employment Security Department (ESD), and that is my top choice. The Attorney General's office was way too emotionally stuffy and stoic, and I have my fears about accepting a job there. Fortunately, ESD told me that they were "leaning towards me" as their final candidate, which is a good sign since they aren't supposed to give any kind of indication before they make a decision. They've been checking all my references as well, and my old employers have told me that they've given great recommendations. So, all I can do is cross my fingers and hope for the best.

The waiting is killing me.

Danger Will Robinson!

I think I'm going to hit overload! Actually, it's kind of a good thing. Maybe Governor Gregoire set something into motion by closing down employment proceedings for state agencies, because man oh man did I get a ton of calls today for interviews. I think it's because the jobs are closing and they are trying to fill positions quickly. I'm kind of excited because now I have a lot of interview prospects, but also a lot of research to do to get myself ready for interviews.... I got three more phone calls from the Attorney General's office, from different divisions, to interview for positions open. Mind you, it's all a secret conspiracy because they aren't supposed to be hiring, but said they were "referred my name" to contact.

Here are the divisions I'm interviewing for:

Department of Transportation and Public Construction, Highway Licensing Division.
This is an office assistant position, pay is not very appealing, but it's also a whole lot when you have nothing but rice and beans in your cupboard. Greg and I pretend we're in Tijuana most nights.

Department of Ecology, Solid Waste Division. Legal Secretary 2 position. I would get this job only for the fact that Matt Ford could have a "hay-day" with poop jokes, literally.

Department of Labor and Personnel, Legal Secretary 3 position. I would actually be a boss in this position to other newbie secretaries. I could pretend I'm Kenny and make my employee's go untangle chords when I'm frustrated.

Busy, busy week. Where's my rum?!

I'm only happy when it rains.

Another hot, humid Washington August day. I'm not amused. I would much rather be sipping my coffee, watching my deck get soaked by a wet, cold and peaceful rainstorm, but alas, not going to happen for at least another 5 days.

It's been a pretty busy week for me so far. I had to take another test at the Attorney General's office yesterday, which I fortunately passed. My finger is still numb with no feeling from being pinched, but at least it didn't effect my typing skills. The test I took was for a Legal Assistant, which was different and more difficult than the one I previously took. However, the good news is since I've now taken both sets of tests, I don't have to take anymore, and now just have to worry about interviews. Which in itself, is a good thing, had not our governor frozen all the state jobs as of August 4th. All state agencies are freezing all the positions that are open and won't be interviewing or hiring new applicants for the time being. Thanks America, for screwing the public because our power/energy and economy is about to hit the hypothetical "fan" and no one can afford to pay employees, unless your working for Exxon.

Anywho, this leaves me with only the applications and positions that I applied for and have closed since yesterday. Fortunately for me, I applied for about 20 jobs that were currently open, and none of my interviewers have canceled yet. So, I've got an interview Thursday for the AG's office, and 2 interviews on Friday. One for the Employment Security Department that I've been crossing my fingers for (this will be my 2nd interview), and another interview with the Attorney General's office again, but for a different division.

Now that the apartment is done, I can focus and concentrate on finding a job. I have my unemployment insurance coming in each week, which definitely eases the financial strain for the time being, but doesn't furnish an empty house or pay off impending debt. Hopefully something will come along soon.

On a happy note, Congratulations to Claire and Heath McGinnis on their new arrival! I'm glad you are all safe and healthy. Can't wait to see some pics!

Which of these things is not like the other?

I caught my cat napping today, and walked by my daughter's room, and had to do a double-take.

New Hobbies

So as most of you know, Greg and I have a fish pond at our new house. We've been researching Koi fish, and stocked some in our pond. They've been living here with us for about a month and have already grown over an inch. We love them!

Settling In...

We're finally settling into our new house and can relax a whole lot better since we're finished with our apartment, besides awaiting the damage report that's surely to come. Not much we can do about it, but wait and see what it'll be. I'm assuming since we've lived there for 5 years, it shouldn't be too bad since they can't charge us for carpet/paint. Ah well...hopefully Greg won't have a heart attack when we do get it.

Now that that's over with, it's time to hit the pavement hard for a job. Can't be sitting at home everyday. As much as it's nice to be home and just enjoy being here, the work ethic in me is starting to come out and wants to make money. Honestly, I don't think I could ever be "Susie Homemaker". I love being home with my kids, but I also want to work, and it makes me feel more fulfilled when I'm earning an income.

So, here's the update on the employment front. I went to my interview yesterday with the Employment Security Department Commissioner's Review Office. It was pretty intimidating, especially since I walked into a room of 5 people waiting to interview me together. But, they made me feel right at home and I went chameleon on their ass and turned on the "Eriu Charm." It went pretty well as far as I could tell, but you never really know until you get that 2nd phone call. Well, I didn't have to wait long, because about 15 minutes after I got home from the interview, they called right back and scheduled me for a 2nd interview this next Friday. Which means, I passed the "bozo screening." At least I know they liked me at least enough to call me back again.

So, this next Friday is my big 2nd interview, probably more direct intimidating questions, maybe some hands on testing, or just sitting in front of the Judge panel. Eeeek! I think I'll do okay. Hey, I am Alpha Eriu!

I got called back from the Attorney General's Office to retest for another position, this time as a Legal Secretary. Which means, one more god damn test and they will never have to test me again, but also means I can't flub it up because those scores will be on my profile when I apply to any more positions within their office. Still haven't heard back on the Office Assistant job I tested for, but they said it would take 1-2 weeks.

Some more jobs I applied for closed this week, including a couple really cool positions I'm qualified for with the Washington State Patrol. Watch your criminal records people, because "I'm in your reportz, making yoo a secks offenderz." We'll see if they give me an interview.

That's about it as far as updates go. I'm crossing my fingers for the ESD Department, because it makes big money, you can wear jeans, and they said the phone never rings and they play cards during down time. Hahahah....I love the state.

No plans for the weekend except to drink beer, watch some movie, maybe play WoW with some nubs that I know, and chill. Hey, does anyone know when we can play DnD online yet? Cuz zomgijustcrituwithmahlightninbolt! LARP!