Wife, Mother, Sister, Friend

Sorry Followers....

2009-09-07T08:13:00.002-04:00

I know it has been a very long time since I have posted anything. A lot has changed in my life in such a short amount of time. We have changed for the good.

The prison has since closed and I now hold a position as Personnel Analyst at Central Office in Atlanta. This has been a very wonderful change...The only issue is the drive...I drive 2 hours to work each morning and two hours to work home. It seems pretty surreal because I leave the house at 4:45 a.m. and don't get home until 7:30 p.m. I'm home long enough to help prepare dinner (which Thomas has been doing.....which makes me very happy) and to get Sidney to bed....then it's up again the next day to do it all over again....

I am in no way complaining...because I know that in less than a year Central Office/Headquarters will be located in Forsyth and that is only a 40 minute drive on back-roads...so no freeway! wahoo!

I figure sacrificing now would be better than sacrificing later :)

Anyway....so that is one of the reasons I have not posted in such a long time...and since I now have internet at home, I will be able to post more often!

Have a wonderful Labor Day!

One Step Closer to Being 'The Man'..

2009-08-13T09:10:00.002-04:00

..er, well that's what my husband thinks anyway...hehehe....although he's not complaining at all about the pay increase :)

Beginning Monday morning I will be a Personnel Analyst working at Central Office in downtown Atlanta. Although I am pretty nervous about my first day, I am so excited to be starting something brand new and beginning a new life in Central Office. It will be so nice to be out from behind the bars of a prison....

Believe it or not, one of the biggest excitements for me will be the ability to carry a real purse (not an icky clear bag), my cellphone, and even a cigarette lighter :) which is much nicer than having to use the same wall-type sucky lighter as the inmates do.....These are definite perks of working outside of the prison walls....

My first day will consist of orientations, walk-arounds, and just getting to know everyone in the HR Compliance & Audits Unit. I have no qualms about meeting new people, in fact I love meeting new people, so this is going to be a fun day, although the drive in itself will not be fun. That will definitely take some getting used to...which I have a feeling won't take long. The rest of my day will be a 'crash course' on Human Resource Compliance....which I am actually very excited to learn..

I am a paper pusher, well at least that's what I've been told. I LOVE paperwork and spreadsheets, and data (okay, laugh now, but you may need me one day :) )...in all honesty, I only like paperwork if it makes things more efficient...but if it is done only as busywork, well then you can have it.....but I have a feeling this will definitely be a computer/paperwork kind of job, which makes me happy. I also get to do a bit of travelling....audits and such...and sometimes I will have to stay in a hotel, which sounds very exciting to me!!! wahoo!!

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks to all of you who have kept me in your thoughts and prayers...and all i can see from here is much more goodness :)

What a crazy week....

2009-08-10T10:06:00.003-04:00

The past few weeks have been a bit hectic yet cathartic. I took last week off to get things organized before I have to change jobs and I sure am glad I did. I spent half of the week in Barnesville preparing for the yard sale we had this weekend. Let's just say I'm sure I lost some weight (due to the fact that there is no air/power on at the house in Barnesville and am sure I lost all the water weight I had :) ) and got the dirtiest I've been in a long time. Eight years worth of items is a lot to go through. (this does not include all the 'hand-me-down' furniture, clothing, etc. given to us by family. there's no telling how many generations worth of items we had).

Anywho, the yard sale was fantastic! We sold many items, big and small, and we donated what was left that had no value to a local charity. We still have plenty of stuff left for at least 2 more yard sales, which I will be glad to have since I now have yard sale experience. This was my first yard sale ever!

It was nice to have money to pay some bills and to have a nice meal out, oh and getting to buy groceries wasn't bad either. :)

On a more negative note, today I found out that instead of placing me in a position at Central Office in Forsyth out of the prison system, I am being placed in yet another prison as a Clerk II. Yes, the position is in Forsyth and yes the position is in close proximity to headquarters, but I will still be surrounded by inmates. I am NOT happy about this. I was told one thing and they are doing something totally different with me. This irks me to no end. Yes, I understand that I should be happy I have a job, but I am not happy about being lied to and then having to do what I totally did not want to do. Now, not only do I have to drive a gazillion miles a day but I also have to go back to 5 days a week (so no more having Friday off) and I have to work in a job I do not want. How great is that? Grrrr!!!

Anyway, just thought I'd share what was going on with me lately. I'm hoping to have another yard sale before it gets too cold and hopefully once everything is out of the house we can do a few repairs and sell it as is. Then this huge anchor of a house will be off of our shoulders, my mother-in-law will have some money, and hopefully we too will have a little extra padding in the bank account.

Hope you all have had a pretty decent week and I sure hope your current job situation is what you would like it to be, because mine surely is not. I will pray about this and maybe something better will come along.

Freebies/Coupons I Have Received Recently....

2009-08-05T12:57:00.004-04:00

1. Free Appetizer or Desert from TGI Fridays (sign up w/ their 'Give Me Stripes' Program)

2. Nexcare Coupons and Bandaid Samples (emailed company)

3. Bar-S - 5.00 voucher for any product and (4) 0.25/1 coupons (contact them through: http://www.bar-s.com/bar-s-coupons-form.html)

4. Jack Daniels BBQ sauce sample and 1.00/1 coupon - (www.walmart.com - samples section)

5. Boston Market BzzAgent Kit (become an agent through www.BzzAgent.com - become an agent)

6. Aveeno Nourish+ samples and 1.00/1 coupon

7. 2 coupons for Free 20oz Coca Cola products (used caps on www.mycokerewards.com)

8. Ruby Tuesday - B1G1 Entree

9. Playtex tampon samples (www.walmart.com - samples section)

10. Free Box of Rice Krispies coupon (www.vocalpoint.com - become a member, they send you similar items from time to time...)

Coupons for Free Items do Exist!

2009-08-05T12:37:00.004-04:00

I am a firm believer that flattery gets you everywhere in life. One example in my life includes writing companies that make products I like and letting them know how much I appreciate what they do and offer. Many times not only do I get a response back from them letting me know how much they appreciate my continued loyalty, but they also tend to send coupons for their items, including coupons for free items. I have a list of all products I use and love and I contact the companies every three months, and so about every three months I receive new coupons for my favorite items.

I'm always asked in the grocery line how I got such wonderful coupons and I happily tell them that if you contact a specific company and let them know how their product is better than other similar products they will probably send you high value or free coupons. These coupons are great because we all have times of financial trouble and when you are in need of a particular item and the cash flow has waned a little extra here and there does the job.

So don't feel weird about sending an email full of compliments. You may get something worthwhile in return!

Wendy's Twisted Frosty Contest - Daily Contest

2009-08-03T14:06:00.003-04:00

Log on and play daily - a chance to win $10,000...who couldn't use $10,000???? I know I could :) - Found on Vickysdeals.com :)

http://www.wendys.com/ - you also get a chance to print off a dollar coupon :)

Updates....Yard Sale, New Business, etc.....

2009-08-03T11:06:00.005-04:00

The yard sale was cancelled due to stormy weather and we are going to try to have it this weekend. I am excited because I love to purge and if you can make money while purging, why not? I have taken the rest of this week off to finish up all things yard sale related and to do a bit more cleaning of the Barnesville house as well as the house we are living in currently.

I figured that since we are closing, why not take a week off to do the things that need to get done? I would think the department would find it rude for me to take a 'vacation' the moment I start my new position, so I'm basically getting it out of the way. It really won't be a 'vacation' vacation, but it will give me time to do things that I need to do.

Also, I am starting a new personal shopping business called 'At Hand Personal Shopping Services' so let's hope it all goes according to plan, which as we all know, it won't, but hopefully I will have a few clients that will become regulars.

I am currently working on the website and it will be up and running a.s.a.p. As soon as it's up, I will post a link.

The email address for my company is: athandpersonalshopping@yahoo.com

If you are in the vicinity and this looks like something you'd be in to, let me know and maybe you can be my first client!!! I am so excited about this!!! Why not make money doing something I love to do?? :) I've got business cards on the way and I'm currently prepping the contract forms, etc....

The family reunion this weekend was wonderful. Although we weren't able to make it to the fish fry, we were able to make it to the actual reunion. We got to see many who we haven't seen since last year's reunion and we go to spend quality time with those we see rarely, but love! And oh, such cute little babies were there....only weeks old!! Makes me want another one even more, but that will have to wait awhile....it's not completely off the table, just on hold :)

Anyway, just a little on the updates in my life right now....feel free to check out my new website when it is posted and if you have any pointers, let me know :)

xoxo

My Prayer Has Been Answered! (again!!!)

2009-07-30T08:56:00.003-04:00

So, Central Office has come back to Scott to talk about our job positions or lack thereof, and all I can say is, I am EXTATIC!!! I was originially offered a Clerk I Position at the Care & Custody Warehouse here in town, but I knew it would monotonous work and definitely not $40,000/year education worthy.....I feel that if I worked my rear-end off at school, I should at least have a position that uses my brain to its fullest potential.....and so,

I have now been offered a position of Clerk II at Tift Campus (the future Headquarters/Central Office of the Georgia Department of Corrections)....I was wanting a job in Central Office and although dreaded the drive to Atlanta every day (90 miles both ways), I knew it would be a sacrifice worth making. I know I can move up more easily in the Department if I am surrounded by those who have the capacity to see how hard I work and put in a good word for me.

God has blessed me with such good news! I can not wait to start working in Forsyth and am hoping for my quick removal from a prison setting!!!! :)

In the Works....

2009-07-29T10:35:00.003-04:00

I am in the process of working on a business/marketing idea and I really hope it is able to come off the ground. I am very excited about this new venture and think it would be great for me and my family.

I am currently looking into advertising locally as well as making a new business website, so keep your eyes open for something new, which will be linked to this blog.

I will still be working my day job, but hopefully, even with a few clients, the money earned could help out a lot.....

So please, keep me in your prayers, and keep your fingers crossed that this works out. Once I have everything carved in stone, I will post more information.....I just want you to know that I am very happy right now with the prospects of a new beginning....

Thanks for 'listening' :)

Always,
~Melanie

Contests - Will be Updated Regularly...

2009-07-29T07:13:00.003-04:00

Enter for a chance to win a trip to L.A. and an Aveeno hair Makeover! Expires 8/24/09 (one time entry)

https://secure.condenastdigital.com/promo/aveeno/sweeps/hairwithlife/entry/birthday/

Make Money Blogging....

2009-07-28T09:00:00.002-04:00

We live in a time where every little bit counts, right? I currently work a full-time job, do surveys/trials for money, have ebay listings, write articles for a bit of cash, and now get paid to blog!!! what could be better than getting paid to do what you love, right? So if you are interested, click on the link below and you'll be on your way to blogging for money :)

https://lm.logicalmedia.com/signup/CD7191

Time is Looming.....

2009-07-27T07:23:00.000-04:00

Although I've only been in my job for 2 years, these people have become my family away from home. It is sad to know that in a few weeks we will all be parting for new positions across the state and I will have to get to know my new co-workers as I did when I was first hired by Scott State Prison. I love meeting new people, but I hate losing the ones that have become so close.

The closing is hitting closer to home and the signs of the closure are all around. People from Atlanta came this weekend and marked all furniture for removal using masking tape and sharpies. It makes you feel like they want to hurry and get the furniture out as well as wanting to hurry up and get us out of here. It makes you feel less appreciated and more like a number, a worker bee if you will. The quicker they can kick us all to the curb the quicker the state can spend their money (that they supposedly don't have) elsewhere.

Although I'm 30 years old I am scared to start a new job. There will be new procedures and new people. I became accustomed to the way things were done around here and I have no idea how it will be where I'm going next. All in all, I will be the new kid, and nobody wants to be the new kid in town. Will they like me? Will I be able to do my job properly? Will I be appreciated? Will I have to earn the respect I earned here all over again? These are the things going on in my mind right now.

Hopefully I will get the job I want (Central Office - Human Resources/PR) instead of being a Clerk at a warehouse here in town. I feel that my brain will get much better use at Central Office and I will also be able to learn the workings of the Department where I've put all my blood, sweat, and tears for the past 2 years.

I know, I know.....yes, at least I have a job.....but that's like telling a doctor that yes, they are losing their job, but at least McDonald's was willing to hire them. At least he/she has a job, right? Okay, so I'm not comparing an Operations Analyst Tech position to that of a doctor, but where they sent me is about 3 steps down. The position I was given does not require a degree or any experience, so I am fearful that it will be mundane, brain-boring work and that all I have learned will be for nothing.

Okay, so I will stop being negative and will continue to hope that the Commissioner and all the higher-ups will realize how much of an assett I am and will give me the chance to prove myself in Atlanta. I want to show them that I am not someone they can just throw aside to some warehouse and forget about. I will prove to them that they need me more than I need them and that they are lucky to have me around.

But yes, as the days go by the closing time looms. August 15th will be the last day that Scott State Prison will be open and will be the beginning of a new life for me.......

Yard Sale Prep......

2009-07-23T07:53:00.001-04:00

I have never felt so happy to work my rear-end off!!!! I will be driving to the Barnesville house tomorrow to prepare for my first yard sale, ever! We have 8+ years worth of stuff (good stuff and crap :) ) that we need to get rid of.....and if I can make money purging years worth of rat-packing then that will make me the happiest person in the world.

The yard sale will be held the morning of August 1st (8 am - Noon) and will include all sorts of items, including clothing, toys, books, furniture, maybe some jewelry, basically an 'everything must go' sale.....seeing as we moved to Milledgeville almost 2 years ago and brought what we needed, and we have realized that we can survive without the contents of the Barnesville house, and so it would do us some good to get rid of it and make a little money while we're at it.

I will post an ad in the Harold Gazette and we will be posting signs all over town. So if you are local, come on by!!!

We will already be in Barnesville that weekend since it is the Thomas-Goddard Family Reunion, so why not get this done while we're in town? Friday night will be the Annual Catfish Fry, then Saturday morning we will head to the house to begin the sale. After the sale we will enjoy the Reunion and then go to the city pool to swim, seeing as that is our new family tradition.....Whatever is left over will probably be given to goodwill or sold on Ebay....

Anyway, so if you are in the area around 8 am, August 1st, please come by, have a look....and be prepared to spend some money :)

Currently Reading (will be updated often..)

2009-07-22T17:06:00.001-04:00

As of last night I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - my second time reading it...

So, I am back to reading:

A book of D.H. Lawrence's Literary Criticism (a pretty interesting read...first published in 1928, yet I am reading the 1970(?) publication)
- so far, I've noticed he has a wonderful outlook on censorship and the media, and his take on what makes a poem poetry is pretty interesting as well......

Being my first post and all......

2009-07-22T16:45:00.000-04:00

Since this is my first post, I guess I should tell you a little about myself. I am the mother of a very spirited (yes, I know but this is the nice word :) ) 9 year old red-headed little boy named Sidney. He will begin the 4th grade in August and is a very bright boy. (he got more than his red hair from his father...)

I graduated from Mercer University in 2003 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications & Theater Arts and I currently am not using my degree for anything. :) - I work for the GA Deptartment of Corrections, first starting as the Media Resource Specialist (Librarian) at a prison, then on to the Institutional Fileroom Secretary, and now I currently hold the position of Operations Analyst Tech (that is until the prison shuts down August 15th...bleh)....

On August 7th, my husband and I will celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary. I was hoping for a grand ol' party, but seeing as the economy likes to bite me in the rear, that will not be happening.

Speaking of my husband, his name is Thomas and he is the owner of Wayne Street Tattoo Company, in Milledgeville, Georgia. In September of this year the shop will have been opened for 3 years. His shop is more artsy in design than your stereotypical tattoo shops.

My family attends St. Stephen's Episcopal Church here in Milledgeville and we love it!

My dream in life is to be a writer and be able to survive monetarily on what I write. I am only 30, so hopefully there is still time for such desires.

I hope you enjoy my blog, my rants, my raves (because I always have plenty of both).....and I am so excited to have finally started my own blog!!!