Kid President!

Happy Sunday! Hope this makes your week a little brighter.

Dear Employers - I Want a Job!

That's right. I WANT a job. A full-time job. A job where I get up every single day and go do something I like. (No retail. No food service. No sales.) A job where I feel like I am making a difference. A job where I earn my paycheck. Is that too much to ask?

Apparently, yes.

How is it that I am not qualified to do 100's of things that I perfectly capable of doing? What's that, I don't have the appropriate degree? Here's some food for thought: I have spent approximately 7 years in higher education courses. 7 years! That means if I had been taking the appropriate coursework I would be 1 year and an exam away from being a doctor. But here's the thing...I'm not applying for jobs that require me to perform surgery, rocket science, or repair computers. I am NOT qualified to perform those tasks. However, I would be perfectly capable of performing the duties of a bank teller, a bookkeeper, an office assistant, I could supervise, manage, or direct. I was a teacher for Pete's sake...a MUSIC teacher! Oh, and did I mention that I managed to run my own business WHILE I was working full-time? I'm like Wonder Woman and Supergirl all wrapped up in one! 

I'm amazing and you can't get past the fact that I majored in music.

I worked for a government program when I finished my undergrad - nothing to do with music. I went back to school because I was asked to implement a general music program in a school where one didn't exist. I didn't possess all of the skills I felt were needed. I found a way to learn. After 6 years, the school district cut the program. I took that job because I felt as though I could make a difference - and I DID. When they cut the program I knew I would never teach in a public school again. I married and we moved to Ohio. It isn't worth the hassle for me to switch all of my certifications only to once again struggle to find employment and always wonder if that will be the next thing on the chopping block. That season of my life is over and my heart isn't in it.

I am an intelligent woman. I am very organized and detail-oriented. I have many strengths that would serve employers well. So, why have I been unemployed for almost 18 months? That's right...I don't have the degree you seek. Here's a thought: Hire me and teach me how to do the things I can't figure out. You're going to do that anyways - even with the person who has the appropriate degree. Higher education is over-rated. Hire people and train them to do the work you require of them. Hire ME. I want a job!

PS- Why do you call something entry level if you're going to require an MBA and 4 other certifications?

Loose

This week. Well, it has been better than last week. Today wasn't super productive, but there's always tomorrow, right?

I have actually started a food journal this week. A friend offered to be my "accountability partner". So far. So good. Writing down that cherry cordial milkshake was a little more painful than drinking it. :-)

Today I successfully found a "mom and pop's" jewelry store and I am already in love with them. While at the mall yesterday, I was going to have a lady at one of the jewelry stores clean my wedding rings. When she inspected them, she said I had 2 loose stones. Well, I'm not exactly excited about chain jewelry stores (spoiled by Lang's in Cape Girardeau), so I put a message on Facebook and I received a lot of responses (FB rocks for things like that!). I did a little research, made my choice and I have 3 loose stones - not 2 (EEK!) - but I will have the rings back in a week and they will look lovely! I found a beautiful pair of earrings, an awesome ring, and a pearl necklace, that I would happily wear, while I was there (about 15 minutes).

I'm still job hunting...and considering school (bluh) - like medical transcription or something else that's more of a 1 year program. I honestly don't know what God would have me do. I feel like I have many gifts and I could use them in many places, but I just feel so uncertain about the job thing. Thoughts?

Chicken Florentine Soup with Tortellini

Chicken Florentine Soup with Tortellini

(Note: This is a recipe I found all Allrecipies.com and adapted.)

Ingredients

• 1/2 package of frozen cheese tortellini (about 9.5oz) - or 9 oz. refrigerated package
• 14 oz. chicken broth
• 1-2 pods - Knorr Homestyle Chicken Stock (I used 2)
• 10 oz. Classico Light Creamy Alfredo Sauce
• 2C - Tyson Frozen Grilled and Ready Oven Roasted Diced Chicken Breast
• 1/2C oil-packed dried tomato strips, drained (I used 3/4 of a 7.5oz jar with a julienne cut.)
• 3C lightly packed fresh baby spinach (I use pre-packaged from the produce section.)
• Shredded Parmesan for garnish

Directions

1. In a stock pot, cook tortellini according to package directions, drain and set aside.

2. In the same stock pot, add chicken broth and Knorr Homestyle Chicken Stock and bring to a boil. Once Chicken Stock pods have melted into chicken broth, add diced chicken. Boil for 5-8 minutes (or until no longer frozen).

3.Stir in alfredo sauce and tomato strips. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Add tortellini and spinach to pot. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes, or until spinach is wilted.

5. Serve with shredded parmesan on top.