"And as my mind begins to spread its wings, there's no stopping curiosity."

Things recently have become sort of bland. I'm still working at the local Olive Garden, and trying to gain more money, as to make plans work out quicker. I've begun to do some research on how to make things more cost effective, but with the holiday coming upon us quickly, it might take more time than initially expected. I really need to get back out west, where my heart belongs.

I was working a temp job this past week, and I had a brief reality check. People are weirdos. I worked with several people who appeared to be content working at temp jobs making $8/hour without benefits. Said people also appear not to care how they look when they go to work, as they wear sweat pants, and scrubby looking shirts. Please don't misunderstand me- I don't dress up when I go to work at a factory, but I wear jeans, and decent looking tee shirt. My clothes don't have rips, tears, or stains. No bleach marks, no deodorant marks. I look clean, and I don't have body odor. I keep myself clean, and it's clear I run a comb through my hair. Someone I worked with appeared as though they had not combed their hair, or showered in several days. I thought to myself, "How weird." It later became more obvious that they had no ambition to go further with their life. They were content with popping out babies and working minimum wage jobs. I thought to myself, after they reported having their first kid when they were 19, that I was selfish. I noted to them that there are way too many things I feel I need to accomplish before I even think about having kids. I also reported that I am 25. They proceeded to look at me like I was crazy. Wow. One of my aunties suggested that I don't worry about it, and attempt to focus solely on myself, do a great job, and move forward. I like this plan. 

While it's been a while since I've written here, I've got nothing too new to report. The beagle is doing quite well. She's got a lump on her chest, but it's not cancerous. She is up-to-date on her shots, and appears quite well.


I'm still working at the local Olive Garden, as well as a factory. The OG is pretty cool, but the factory sucks.

Thanksgiving was fun. Well, that's a bit of a stretch. There was a lot of running around and what not, but no real connections made just yet. I need to apply for more  "better" jobs, but my current lack of transportation is sort of key. Hopefully, things will pick up sometime in the near future.

This is really all I've got today.

New experiences...

So, for the last three days, I've been working at a hotel as a housekeeper. This has opened my eyes to a lot of different people. I had the opportunity to work with a gang member, someone who does not want to go further than housekeeping and doesn't encourage her kids to go to college, and a guy who lives in a homeless shelter. After going to college, I've learned that there's more than working at hotel. I have a brain, and there are loads of opportunities. Lots of people to meet. The gang member had been raped and had a kid as a result when she was 16. She had a stalker, and a father who taught her to use a knife and clean guns by the time she was seven. She became a "drug mule" by the time she was 12. The homeless guy seems to be down on his luck. He seems to be trying to make a difference for his kids, but lives in a homeless shelter and is making minimum wage. It seems impossible to change that situation, let alone save anything for a security deposit. I often forget that I come from a position of "privilege." I had a family that was able to support me while I was going to college, and is still able/willing to help Bailey and I. I'm not a convicted felon, and my dad wasn't gang affiliated. I don't forsee myself kiddos, but if/ when I do, they will go to college, and probably end up better than me. In the mean time, I'll contently not forget this lesson- I have something valuable- an education, and a piece of paper that says I can do things.

Things appear to be picking up, somewhat. I've got two interviews and a "tour" of the library as part of their application process. Things look good. Ish. I look good on paper, but then people meet me, and it seems to go downhill from there. Beyond that, I've been applying for jobs like a crazy woman. There hasn't been much else...

Passin the Time

So, over the last week, several things have had the chance to change. I'm hoping things continue to change for the better, quickly. I've hopefully landed a new job with Lutheran Social Services as a night counselor. I hope it's exciting. It will be good expedience, for sure. I hope to pick up a second job to make ends meet quicker.

I'm also learning to follow Grandma's sage advice, even if it means that her own advice... Well, nevermind this rant.

The beagle continues to love Wisconsin, save the massive storms we've been getting. I've been trying to take her running while I rollerblade, and it seems to keep her only slightly more calm. She gets all shaky and pants like a crazy beagle. I understand that she might not have had the greatest past... but... I'm worried that her little heart might explode if she doesn't learn to calm herself!

I've found some people here to spend time with... but I keep getting lectured that I apparently don't have enough female friends, and that I'm apparently lacking in the motivation department... which isn't true. I'm totally motivated and have been trying to find my way out of what is a bad situation... Jobs aren't coming to me easily, but I've at least got the Lutheran Social Services thing...

So, the last few weeks haven't been the greatest. Bailey the beagle appears to have adapted to Wisconsin quite well. She seems to enjoy the added attention that comes with living with my mom. She does, however, appear to be struggling with learning to remain in the yard, and seems to hate the changing weather. Bailey doesn't eat when it's too humid or too hot... nor when it changes so fast to the chilly. Grandma has been giving us meat scraps- she seems to be enjoying those. Bailey found a dead fish by the Fox river today, then proceeded to roll in it. The, she jumped in the Fox. I'm quite surprised she's still beagle-colored and not glowing funny shades of green. (The Fox has been polluted with toxins from years gone by, when the paper industry was Appleton's main source of fundage...)

My mom has noted that she's getting tired of having me home, but the beagle is wearing on her. Bailey is very hard to love, in fact, and it is very hard to dislike her. She's so freaking cute.

Moving on, the work front hasn't been as awesome as I've been hoping. I worked as a temp. for a short while at JanSport, the backpack place. It didn't last long, but that's ok. I'm working on the remaining optimistic thing. Also, I have a second interview with Lutheran Social Services this week- I'm crazy excited. Will post later with updates as they arrive.

We have landed

So, the beagle and I have landed in Wisco., and it's not a great feeling. It's been raining a lot. And the beagle has been hating the weather. She's been shaking and sticking out her tongue.

...we've landed

The beagle and I have made some life changes... including moving back to Wisconsin. So far, I spent one day resting and spending time with people. I have spent the last two days applying for jobs and dog walking when I need a break. I've also managed to find time to plant some beans, peas and sunflowers. My beagle has already managed to learn to open the fridge here, and learn how to open the cupboards, only to discover the garbage can. My beagle is intelligent. But, unfortunately for my mom, the dog is lovable. And she's growing on people. My grandma's husband has fallen for her- which is the opposite of what I expected, but it works. So, it's good. Plus the beagle is cute. So, I've applied at the Fleet Farm, several coffee shops, a temp agency, and the Jansport place. Hopefully, something will come through quickly. I've also applied at a few stores. Hopefully, all will work out....

On the Road Again...

So, since it's been a while since I've described my adventuras, I feel there might be a lot to cover. Conviently, I've lots of time. But, I've a certian lack of energy to accompany this. Oh well, wherever we get to, we get to.

By now, I'm sure you've all heard about the restraining order and my move. So, lets start at the new place. I met the cool neighbor, she brought me to the 'Bow. Despite the fact that she's moved back to Nort Dakota, I still go there, and occasionally have a few too many "soda pops." I live in Billings, Montana. Seriously, can you blame me?

The work is getting old, and draining, relativly quickly. I've spoken to people who have been here for a while, and I've got no clue how they do it. Sure, it's cool to see kids come and change then get discharged to whatever their future might have in store for them... but then you never hear back from the ones you want to suceed, and then there are the others, who have been discharged into the families and expierences that have landed them here to begin with. What does the second group have to look forward to? Sure, they have gained stuff. But will they be able to take it with 'em? Who knows. But, I know one thing for sure. It's hard to support myself when I'm not making bank and I get bitten/scratched/sworn at/hasseled on a daily basis.

So, Bailey Beagle and I are packin' up and moving back to the state of beer, cheese and the Packers. Be prepared. I then plan to get a job asap, as I have, as my grandma so kindly puts it, "financial responsibilities."

Sure, I'll miss the Miles City hippies, the Rainbow Bar regulars, and the Ranch family up in Terry, but we have a magical device called the internet.

So, don't pick 'em up and try to find me, I'm much happier to be on my own... Oh, that's not true, that's why I'm headed home.

another day out... with a beagle.

So, as I continue to spend time in the land of Big Sky, I continue to try to learn about myself and my beliefs about God, and my beagle. Bailey beagle is usually the most helpful as far as learning about every thing goes. Clearly, she's a work of God given everything she's survived since I've had her-- there have been a series of mis-adventures, usually out door type things including a wolf attak and a hike...

Montana-rama continues

So, now that the joys of the holidays have passed us, I haven't had any more pressing issues with creepy neighbors. I have, however, fallen in love with the idea of getting my masters in Social Work, and eventually returning to Montana. I aspire to live in a small, rual town near the mountians. Or, maybe Missoula. I could settle there, and get some land. Then, raise beagles. Or coonhounds. Or both! Brilliant! This is my goal. I will be the crazy old dog lady.
I've finally gotten around to submitting my grad application in it's entirety to UW GB. I hope to get in and return home soon.