Ultimate Blog Part 2010 - Yes, We're Enjoying Our Lives!

I think this is my third year participating in the Ultimate Blog Party. Wow! And what a year it has been!

Our lives are very different for our family of three.


My husband and I last year, bowling at the New Orleans Hotel and Casino

After six months of unemployed I finally found a full time work at home for a national telecommunication company. I was also fortunate that the position offered full benefits. Dentist here we come!

My husband, who I used to work with, is currently waiting for word from CVS on a part time job. He also plans on returning to community college in the fall for his pharmacy technician certificate.


Our teen, enjoying his favorite past times, in our former apartment

We have an 18 year old son, Marcus, who is graduating in June from his distance learning high school. He's our Little One! And we're extremely proud of our son.

In February, he started working part time as a counselor for one of the recreation centers he was volunteering at. He's plans are to join the military but in the meantime, he's offered to help me support the household while my husband returns to school.

The current states of a rough and declining economy in Las Vegas, dealing with unemployment, underemployment, social services, being part of the working poor, faith, humor, and my severe chronic pain while still finding those bright moments that we call "enjoying your life"! are common topics in my blog.

If you're new, please feel free to look around! Yes, you can still enjoy your life even when life punches you in the face, you get up and see that all the stuff is gone and you have to start over again.

For those of you haven't stopped by for a visit in awhile, the jobs, the car, Toby, the Wonder Dog, lots of furniture, the wedding rings are all gone but we're still here and a family!

Items I would love to win are US12,US20,US37,US38,US49,US74-75,and US 91!

The Good Wife

The Good Wife

I guess Alicia told Will that they would never had made it as a couple on this episode. He still seems determined though. And what did you think of the insight that we had a jury deliberating over the evidence of a case? Not so easy of a job.

I look forward to the next new episode.

Our Prayers Go Out to The West Virginia Coal Miners

This billboard sign says it all.

Another Job Interview for Charles - Part Time at CVS

My husband applied for a part time job at CVS on The Strip. It's actually on of the most busiest CVS stores in Las Vegas.

He had an interview on Monday and received a phone call on Friday. They'll be running a background check. After it comes back clear they'll phone him with an official job offer.

This part time job by no means is going to get our family out of the economic downward swirl but my husband will be able to leave Kmart. A work experience that hasn't been positive for him.

He also discussed his future career plans, pharmacy technician. The managers informed him that he could do his internship at the store.

Good luck Charles!

Still Seeing The Therapist - What I've Learned So Far

Stress Reliever Balls courtesy of Office Playground

I'm not a super hero with a cape and who can fight off the world.

I'm actually dangerously depressed. I've now have two medical doctors advising me to go on anti-depression medication and continue therapy.

It can be rough experience working for a very large company.

Sometimes it's worth the fight, don't be afraid, be strong, use your resources and remember the Heavenly Father is always with you.

My pain is overwhelming, I'm become exhausted fighting it 24 hours a day.

This new health care bill is not a good idea for someone like me. I cannot afford to maintain my health insurance. I cannot afford to use it.

I Didn't Get The Part Time Job

My home office work space


No, I couldn't make it work with my existing job. Bummer.

I will continue looking for another full or part time job. In the meantime, I continue to pray for our existence because that's what we've been doing lately.

Angel Food Ministries April Online Coupons!

The new Online Coupon Codes for April are here!

The Online Coupon Codes are good until 04/30/10 and are valid for the first 2000 individual uses.

The first coupon code for April is "Aprilsig10", which gives 10% off a Signature Box of Angel Food.

The second coupon code for April is "Seafood5" this is valid... for 5% off a Seafood Box of Angel Food.

Marcus' Favorite Meatloaf Recipe - It's a Secret It's Not My Recipe

It's actually Mrs. Kostyra's Meatloaf recipe, Martha Stewart's dear mother. She may have left us from earth but she left us with some delicious recipes.

These days, I usually cook with Marcus. It's one of my favorite times to spend with our teen. We have fun, talk and share something we enjoy...cooking from scratch!

The secret, I use two different ground meats, beef and pork. And I include the carrots and celery. As her mother used to say, it makes great meatloaf sandwiches the next day!

Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10.

4 slices white bread, torn into pieces
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into eighths
2 cloves garlic
2 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 large egg
1 cup ketchup
3 teaspoons dry mustard
1 tablespoon coarse salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions
1.Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place bread in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade; pulse until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a medium bowl, and add ground beef.
2.Place onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and parsley in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade; pulse until fine. Add to meat mixture, using hands to mix well. Add egg, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, salt, and pepper; use hands to combine thoroughly. Place in an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-by-2 1/2-inch loaf pan.
3.Combine remaining 1/2 cup ketchup, remaining teaspoon dry mustard, and brown sugar in a bowl; stir until smooth.
4.Brush mixture over meatloaf; place in the oven with a baking pan set on the rack below to catch drippings. Cook until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 160 degrees, about 90 minutes. If top gets too dark, cover with foil, and continue baking.

Yes, It Looks Like I Might Have a Part Time Job

As I mentioned before Charles' work hours have been severly reduced. This and so other financial issues have caused us to get behind on rent and other bills. I decided to add a part time work at home job to my busy day.

I am looking for an Independent Contractor position because it will allow me to work a minimum amount of hours at my choice.

Another reason I've been wanting a part time work at home job is because of our termination in August and the work at home community. From my experience no one should feel secure in their job. I do not want to be in a position where I'm being let go and do not have another egg in the basket!

I just got the word that I'm in the final stage of a part time job that I've been working towards for months. I'll definitely keep you posted.

So Should I Pick Knitting or Crocheting? Volunteer Opportunity

I shared this volunteer oppotunity in February and am honored that I will be participated.

Do you know how to crochet or knit? Would you like to learn how to so your creations can help those in need?

Share your talents or develop a new hobby by crocheting or knitting lap blankets for clients. Men and women of all ages and abilities are welcome to join and all items created will be donated to those who would benefit from the warmth and beauty of these handmade items.

All levels of knitting and crochet enthusiasts are welcome. Sign up at the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada.

Menu Plan Monday - April 5, 2009

I hope everyone had a terrific Easter. Ours was quiet. We enjoyed New York Strips, mixed green salad and baked beans.

I've been in limbo as I look for a local church located close by and that I feel is home. My journey has been harder than I thought. In the meantime, I do listen to online church service and inspirational TV shows.

Also other updates have been that I've signed up for a couple of volunteer opportunities next month and a Microsoft elearn class. I think my therapist will be thrilled that I'm getting myself involved in outside activities.

Did you know that classic Martha Stewart episodes can now be found on the Hallmark Channel? Today, she's making some quick easy meals. I actually enjoy her old TV onlineshows without the live audience. It's like I'm at a class and she's talking right to me.

Now onto this week's menu. Thanks to Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Mondays. *Thanks to Betty Crocker's Cookbook The Big Red Cookbook!

Chili with Brown Rice

Chicken and Vegetable Pot stickers (we buy these premade)

Roasted Whole Chicken, Lima Beans, Mixed Green Salad

Turkey Meatballs with Whole Wheat Spaghetti Noodles

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Brown Rice

*Chicken Salad Sandwiches made from the Roasted Whole Chicken

Happy Easter from BerryMorins Bits and Tips

Marcus, Charles and I wish you and your family a very Happy Easter.

Nevada Elevate America Program - Technical Training Voucher Program

I guess Nevada finally decided to use some of that job stimulus money for a job training program.

Per the Nevada Unemployment Website here's a brief description on the Microsoft training program.

The Microsoft Corporation launched the "Microsoft® Elevate America" initiative in February 2009. The State of Nevada is working with Microsoft to provide free vouchers for computer e-learning through Elevate America. This major public-private partnership is designed to provide thousands of Nevadans with the technology knowledge and skills or certification necessary to succeed in the 21st Century economy. Vouchers are available to Nevadans through the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR).

If you want more information or to fill out the online application click on the link.

Emergency Unemployment Compensation and FAC Programs

Per the Nevada Unemployment website here is their recommendation to those filing unemployment.

Congress has not yet passed a bill that will extend the expiration date for the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and extra $25 per week (FAC) programs due to expire on April 5, 2010. Continue to file your weekly claims either by telephone, on-line, or by mail each week and there will be no delay in receiving your benefits. The agency will update this message as further information is received.