Update, Finally

I know I haven't posted for almost a month. There really hasn't been a lot to update but here's the latest anyway.

1. The mice are gone. It would appear everything worked. Finally.
2. There is some movement on the job search. I have applied at the local hospital but heard nothing which isn't surprising. Some of the jobs have been vacant for months. This indicates to me that the "DOE" salary designation means Dependent On Economy, not Experience, which means minimum wage.
3. This week I took a written exam for a typist job that was tougher than the test for a much more complicated job. If I do not get invited to the oral exam that wouldn't surprise me. There were at least 35 people taking the test for 25 oral exam slots.
4. This coming Friday I have an interview with the Sheriff's Department for a Correctional Technician job. This is a lot more than just a clerical job. I read the description again and there's a lot of interaction with the public, prisoners etc. which leads me to believe this is a uniformed job that is more correctional than technician. Still it is nearby and would be a good job and I think the fact I am willing to work any shift might help. I just need to make sure I am very serious and professional in the interview.
5. Wednesday of this week I will be taking a test for the welfare worker jobs the county has open. They have 33 slots. So here's hoping I do well on that. I would take that job, too. It's in Oroville just like the Sheriff's job.
6. Attitude adjustment.

OK here's what #6 is all about. I have been doing nothing but worrying about the lack of a job or extension for my unemployment. I decided I couldn't keep living in a constant state of stress. God will provide. Somehow. Hopefully with a job but in any case something will happen. So I am going along day to day acting as if something positive will happen and believing, praying, hoping and so I am not as stressed out and I am managing better. I still have periods of panic but a lot less.

The electric company has a program for the poor and low income that reduces the rates they are charged (I believe it's a 20% discount). Well there is an agency here which provides energy efficiency upgrades for people on that program. They came and added energy efficient lightbulbs everywhere and a few next fixtures. They will be replacing my kitchen door, weatherproofing the front door better (they don't like how it is now even though I paid to have that fixed in January). They will probably put foam behind the outlets and light switches like they did at Alma's house. Anyway, whenever they schedule (which I hope is soon) it will be good.

So far I have no plans for Thanksgiving. Usually I go to Susan's parents' house in Gridley but I won't go without an invitation and I haven't gotten one yet. I know that usually it's implied but I've not been invited to a lot of stuff by them over the past year so I don't want to intrude. I will mention something to Susan next week but I don't want her to feel she has to invite me if she doesn't want to. I expect to be alone on Christmas. Just like my birthday. And every other holiday. Just me. My friends have family and plans. I don't expect them to include me. And I don't want an invitation out of pity. I choose to be alone, for the most part. Well circumstances make it that way, too.

I see friends fairly often. That helps keep me going. Emotionally it's hard to not work, to not make a contribution, to not feel necessary to anyone. But at some point I will get a job or I will move in with my mother and either the job or Mom will need me. I am not worrying about it. Somehow I will get through all this, right God?

I'm a lot luckier than a lot of people. I remember that and count my blessings daily. Life could always be worse (and has been in the past).