Yes, it's a whiny thread

[lizziegrace]

It's been a rotten weekend. I'm missing Lelapin (yes, empty nest every time she goes back to school), the baking I've tried to do has been a disaster, I broke the cookie press, my computer can't find a dll file needed to get some contract work done for a client, I can't find the original software disks, the laundry needs done, Gracie still has ear troubles, the automatic car wash didn't completely rinse or dry my car, I have a headache, I hate my job (he didn't come through with anything we negotiated) and I'm tired of being alone.

Carry on.

[Ptah]

1. .

[lizziegrace]

3. Thank you

I know these are really small things, but even one victory would be nice for a change.

[thefool_wa]

2. I would chime in

But there is no sense in both of us going on and on about how much this weekend has sucked.

Rest assured that I have had the same type of weekend, and if I were a person of lesser moral character someone would have paid the price for it this morning :grr:

:hug: here's hoping both of us have a better week...

[lizziegrace]

5. Back at you

:hug:

Feel free to vent. I listen well.

[thefool_wa]

9. Alright

Vent I shall.

My problem is my job. I work in a support dept of a call center (run by a customer service outsourcing company, beef #1) and all they ever do for my department is take stuff away. I haven't had a pay raise in 3.5 years and will never get one, there are no opportunities for more money even "up" the corporate ladder here and now my boss says that because the agents on the production floor are destroying their computers we can't eat at our desks anymore. (even though we are off the floor in our own area and have been allowed to do this for 5 years, never once damaging a single piece of equipment)

Add to that the fact that I am told the supervisors in this building are my "superiors" when 80% of them are blithering idiots who only got the job because they were the cheapest people in the building who met the minimum requirements.

I support a family of 4 on only my income and my rent is going up $50 next month. That adds up to a $90 increase in my rent over the 2 years we have lived there. It also adds up to a $300 increase in my housing costs since I started this job 5 years ago. Combined with the increases in gas and food costs and this represents an almost 25% rise in cost of living for me and my pay has gone up about 12%, and will go no higher.

I'm constantly broke, my wife and I can never go out because we only ever have the money for a babysitter or dinner, not both. And more weeks than not last year we had to do some severe finagling (or borrow from the 'rents) to make sure we had food for the kids.

I'm fed up and tired of being nice about these things, but I feel like I have no recourse.

:grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr:

(thanks, I needed that)

[lizziegrace]

13. Nothing like being squeezed to death in the middle class

I'm making $4000 less than I made in 2004. I have no health insurance. My rent has also gone up, as has everything else.

I truly, truly understand your anger and feelings about it all. We are stuck and being stuck is a hell of a way to exist.

:hug:

[thefool_wa]

19. Amen!

If there was something better out there I would snatch it up - but I have been looking for over a year and NOTHING!

I know the answer to my dilemma - getting my book published - but I have no idea how to get in touch with people who can make it happen and, even though I have a ton of local fans - I can't find anyone who has experience in getting published to help me make it happen.

Self sufficiency is where I need to get - but unless the weight of the world lessens I may not have the time or strength to get there

Thanks for the shoulder lizzie - it really does help.

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

23. Try the writer's forum

for publication suggestions.

It's scary putting your heart and soul out there on paper.

[thefool_wa]

25. Yes it is

And you would think with close to 100 fans already and a deep seated belief that I have written the next, great Martian Invasion story would overcome that fear, but...

I will check the forum - I usually don't venture out in the DU to more than the research forums and GD (other than the lounge obviously) but we shall see...

[lizziegrace]

28. Good luck

and courage. You can do this. :applause:

[wildhorses]

4. ---

:hug:


and on a lighter note--may i offer you some cheese?

[lizziegrace]

6. But of course!

I haven't had breakfast either. :hug:

[GOPisEvil]

7. I don't have as much to whine about, but...

...I really miss someone.

Laundry you say? At least you have that. ;)}(

[lizziegrace]

8. Laundry

just doesn't have the same appeal today.

:hug:

Hope your "missing time" is short and you'll be together soon.

[GOPisEvil]

10. I hear ya...I'm doing some as well.

A tad more than a month. I have to go freeze my patootie off. :scared: But, I'm way more :bounce: about it!

[crim son]

11. You don't deserve any of that nonsense

although it's a good thing you raised an independent daughter. If I could wave my magic wand I'd send the Publisher's Clearinghouse Prize Patrol to your door. Money can't buy love, but it can buy a maid, a new cookie press, some acetaminophen and freedom from a crappy job. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

14. I agree!

Money can't buy happiness, but it can ease the misery.

Thank you. :hug:

[idgiehkt]

12. I'm very sorry that you are having such a hard day, Lizzie Grace

It's especially disturbing to hear about the job problems. I hope it gets better soon; you know you are well loved by everyone here.

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

15. Thanks

It's tax season. I'm going to be just on the edge of sanity until April 15th. There's got to be an easier way to kill yourself. ;)

:hug:

[Haole Girl]

16. I'm so sorry, lizziegrace...

...I wish I could say something to make it all go away.

Could you take time for a nice bubble bath, soothing music, and a funny movie...maybe? Though, it sounds like you have a lot of work to do. And...I hate, hate, hate employers who lie during the interview just to hire people. It's happened to me several times. There should be laws to protect employees against such hiring practices....it's enough to make me want to record my next job interview (when/if I need to look for another job).

Anyway, surprisingly, I am doing well. Did you see my dream thread? You were probably thinking *I* was a HUGE baby for worrying about something so insignificant, with everything you have going on. At least I dreamed last night. It was a sad dream...about breaking my favorite coffee pot....and I know it was really about a friend I lost....but, at least it was a dream.

My God, I didn't mean to turn this into a rambling mess...sorry.

Hope your day gets better...soon! And, somehow, things turn around in your job. Hugs for you... :hug: :hug: :hug:

[lizziegrace]

17. Don't worry

when something in your life suddenly disapears, it makes you wonder.

I wish I had time to go for a walk or see a movie, but I've got at least 6 hours of work to get done this afternoon for a client. I HATE being an accountant. I just hate it.

:hug:

[LadyoftheRabbits]

18. ...

:(

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

21. Hi sweetie!

These cookies are edible. Just don't expect much.

Oh, and now you have an idea for a birthday present for me right?

Love you sweetie. :hug:

[LadyoftheRabbits]

24. Yeah, I do now...

:P And I'm sure the cookies are fine. College students = not picky. :P

Love you, too. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

27. I feel like Charlie Brown

"Oh! Everything I touch gets ruined."

[LadyoftheRabbits]

29. ...

:(

[BarenakedLady]

20. Oh I'm sorry lizzie

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

22. ...

:hug:

[Guava Jelly]

26. I'm sorry lizziegrace

:hug: :loveya:
When it rains it just pours sometimes.
I hope things improve :hug:

[lizziegrace]

30. Hey!

:loveya:

It's been 10 years of this. I don't know *why* I think it will be any different. :shrug:

[Guava Jelly]

39. Well i hope it is different

You are a nice woman who deserves to be happy :hug:

[SPKrazy]

31. Sorry lizzie grace!

sounds like a sucky weekend and I'm sorry your job sucks

being alone... I'm sure you will not be alone, in fact you have lots of friends who love you here, but I know what you mean.

We can still take your Dad's car and take off when the weather gets better and just forget about it all!

:hug: :yourock:

you are loved!

:loveya:

[lizziegrace]

52. The corvette would be fun, wouldn't it?

:sigh:

[SPKrazy]

62. Yeah, Just Take Off!

into the great wild west

You said you want to go to Colorado, we could swing by and get Reid Reyd Reed and go all over the place!

:hug:

[Madrone]

32. I'll insert my whine here ---

After it snowed it's ass off for the last couple of days I woke up to RAIN. Lots and lots of slushy, crappy rain. Oh, and I woke up in the first place because my drunk stalker freak called and woke me up. He started calling again Friday night. Cell phone, then the home phone, back and forth until I turn off the cell and unplug the landline. GO AWAY ASSHOLE!!!!!

And I want to whine because I miss the most perfect (for me) man in my life terribly.


x(

[GOPisEvil]

34. Want for me to take out the garbage?

;)

:hug:

[Madrone]

35. Yes, please.

Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?

Shotgun would work - you could pretend you're Cheney on a rampage.

:*

[GOPisEvil]

36. Heh...

:*

[Starbucks Anarchist]

33. ...

:hug: :hug:

[lizziegrace]

51. That 1000 watt smile

:hug:

I love thinking about it.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

59. Whatever makes you feel better.

:hug:

[CTyankee]

37. Sounds to me like your biggest problem is your job. Here's what

I did when I was in your predicament. I read everything I could on finding the right job for me, including "What Color is YOur Parachute?" I also started the visualization process and I wrote down where I wanted to be in 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and so on. I wrote down what I thought would be the best "fit" for me. I wrote down how much money I would be making at each milestone. I envisioned myself in a workplace, what I was doing, the kind of environment I wanted.

Amazingly, a lot of things I visualized came into being. Not all and not perfectly. But the process clarified my sight. I made more money and 20 years after going through this process I started visualizing myself retired. And I did semi retire (I have a part time job).

Back then, one thing I didn't face is that I needed to finish my college degree. I thought it was too overwhelming, that I couldn't afford it and it would be too difficult and I would fail. One day I got a harsh reminder and snapped to. The next day I looked for, and found, an Accelerated Degree Program at a local college. I finished my degree at age 55 and went on for a Master's. It was a great, if unexepected, experience.

Just one person's story. I wish you the very best. Please remember: it's NEVER too late. You'll feel better if you are in a positive action and it WILL work for you!

[lizziegrace]

46. It *is* my job

you're absolutely right. I became an accountant because I'm actually good at it and my ex was a musician. One of us had to earn a living right? If anyone was not meant to do what they're good at, it's me.

Now the rent, Lelapin in college, a car that assumes because we go to the bank we must have money, no insurance and on and on.

You and Speedoo have recommended very good books and possible ways to get out of a vocation I hate. In the meantime, since changing careers is almost impossible in the current economy, I must find something that pays the bills, has benefits and allows me an opportunity to find out what I'd really like to do.

(I know what I want to do - start a nonprofit targeted at specific needs at PineRidge Reservation...)

[CTyankee]

58. My life's work was in nonprofit organizations. You could look into

development as a new job opportunity. I cautiously recommend it because it has its pitfalls; however, with your background in accounting, it could fit.

Development in nonprofits is fundraising. Fundraising has different faces. In my very last job, I was a Major Gifts Officer. Before I was a Development Director, meaning I wrote grants, oversaw all fundraising events, did the direct mail drive and phone-a-thon, and anything else related to RAISING MONEY. Here is why I did it: I wanted to be able to find a job in causes that I believed in. If you have such a cause, learn about fundraising. They will need you and hire you. The down side is that you simply MUST raise the money and sometimes the organization is just not able to do this. It is too bad, but that happens. Pick your organizations very carefully. Shy away from organizations that have "pie in the sky" expectations: you will be held accountable for their unrealistic expectations.

Just food for thought...

[SPKrazy]

68. I Bet If There Is A Need

there's a way to start a non-profit

may have to go the "faith based" route, maybe the church of lizzie, or it seems like you mentioned a church that you attend, maybe they could back you in the writing of a grant. There seem to be lots of places that popped up to help people get that money (I disagree with the premise of faith based money coming from the government, but if it's going to go somewhere why not to liberal people of faith?)

Just a thought

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

38. My dear lizziegrace.......

This is for you, sweetie......:loveya: :hug: :loveya:

And this is for your awful boss, who hasn't fulfilled his promises::nuke: :nuke: :nuke:

Wish I could do more.......

Remember you are in my thoughts......

[lizziegrace]

55. Thank you

for blowing up my boss. :D I LOVE that emoticon.

[billyskank]

40. Ok

time for a :hug:

[u4ic]

41. You're right, it is

:hug: :loveya: (this is for you, billy. Lizzie's is below)

[billyskank]

44. Yes, you too

:hug:

:loveya:

[lizziegrace]

47. Thanks

y'all are just too cute. :)

[u4ic]

42. Awww...sweetie

I'm sorry it's been a lousy weekend. Is there any comfort in knowing it's almost over? :hug: :hug: :hug:

[lizziegrace]

49. ...

I wish there was comfort in that, but my boss was on a tear Friday and it's not likely he'll be done tomorrow.

:hug:

[buddhamama]

43. i disagree,

your post is not whiny. i have not known you to be whiny. you're frustrated and in need of support,

i hope things improve for you lizziegrace, and soon.
:hug: :hug: :hug:

[lizziegrace]

53. Being a perfectionist

doesn't help.

Thanks for the hugs. Things just get to be overwhelming at times. :(

[ForrestGump]

45. Tonight will be better...

http://www.sendspace.com/file/520a2k

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[lizziegrace]

48. Thank you so much.

:pals:





Check you PM. :)

[NewWaveChick1981]

50. You need a big hug...

:hug: :hug: :hug: :pals: Take two or three... :D Sorry it's been so pissy. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

54. Awww!

OSU still hasn't made any adjustments to Lelapin's financial aid. Another reason to be pissy. :D

[NewWaveChick1981]

56. Lemme at 'em!

:grr: Did they give you any indication WTF their problem is???? :mad: There's no excuse for that!

[lizziegrace]

57. They claim to have ALL the required documentation

but Lelapin's online account isn't showing any change.

I'll call sometime this week but they're phone bank is closed when I'm at lunch and can call. They make it oh so easy.

[CTyankee]

60. Lizzy, please take care and keep in touch! I hope you are

well and things work out well for you.

Hugs all around for you and your loved ones. Please be well.:hug: :grouphug:

[lizziegrace]

61. I'll be okay

too tenacious and stubborn for my own good.

Thank you for your concern. :grouphug:

[SPKrazy]

63. You're A Good Person

a good Mom
a good friend
a good cook from what I gather

you are just a good egg!

I'm sending good vibes your way, all these things you describe sound like they will work themselves out but in the meantime they suck!

I'm sorry that you are having a time of it all!

take care!

SPK

:hug: :loveya:

[NewWaveChick1981]

67. Those rat bastards!

:grr: :mad: Are you sure Lelapin doesn't want to transfer to my school? :)

[lizziegrace]

69. PM the name of your school

We have family down there in G-boro, Winston and Wilmington.

;)

[SPKrazy]

64. Go Get 'Em NWC!

I bet you could kick their collective asses and you know what you are talking about too!

:grr: :nuke:


:yourock: :loveya:

[NewWaveChick1981]

65. Yes, indeed!

:grr: If Lelapin had been going to my school, everything would have been processed and updated in no time flat. :D It makes me mad when I hear of other schools dicking students and parents around. :nuke: :mad:

[SPKrazy]

66. That's Because You Are Competent

and some places I guess don't want competent people running their financial aid office, although since that is their bread and butter it makes no sense to have incompetents running it!

You are the best! Maybe you can give them some :nuke: and radiate their asses!

Good to get to talk to ya today on DU!

Hope things are well for you, and stay cool my sexy friend!

:loveya: :hug: :yourock:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

70. No whine is complete without

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

71. oooh!

Now we're talking. :hug:

[RetroLounge]

72. Hello Beautiful...

:hug:

:hi:

RL

[lizziegrace]

73. Hi ya handsome

:hug:

You survived the weekend. :pals:

[RetroLounge]

74. Yes, turned out to be okay...

Kept busy with the bookstore...

...and chasing the puppy around. :D

:pals:

RL

[lizziegrace]

75. Cute puppy

animals force you to be in the moment. To them, that's all there is. Here and now and all the fun they can stand. :)

:pals:

[RetroLounge]

76. So very true...

RL

[asthmaticeog]

77. Oof.

Sorry. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

78. Hey stranger!!

I should have gone to Cleveland this weekend. None of this would have happened. ;)


How've you been?

[asthmaticeog]

79. I've been OK.

Going back to work after that couple of weeks off suuuuuuuuhuhuhucked, but waah waah, right?

And yeah, you SHOULD have come up, I've been putzing around all weekend with nothing to do. Whichever one of us owes the other a drink (I've totally forgotten who was who on that postponed transaction) could have ponied up. Which right there would have been something to do.

[lizziegrace]

80. You're absolutely right

;)

I'll see what the next few weeks look like schedule-wise.

:toast: