My Week in W's- Venturing Out

      Changes this week in the house. My daughter had her first night at the very part time job and two events this week. After accepting the first job that got back to her, it was like a waterfall. Two more called her to offer employment. We figured that's what would happen with school getting out. 

What’s top of my mind: 

Hiring Games; I'll add to last week in that I don't understand employers begging for people, but no communication with prospective employees. I guess it's chicken and egg. They're too busy because they're short handed, but then too busy to finalize hiring. I'm really annoyed for my older daughter who was left hanging for weeks and only learned status because she checked in. Then the hiring person had the pluck to suggest she should be interested in a different position! I'm not giving the story the full details, but short to say it was the rudest handling of a prospective employee.  

     She doesn't need a new job- this was more exploratory on her part anyway, but I think my daughter dodged what could have been a horrible work experience if the hiring process was such a cluster. When people lament they can't get good people, this is why. People have figured out belt tightening, even in inflation, and the workforce does have a tiny bit of clout in picking and choosing where they work.  The college kid went with the job that actually followed up timely from their application process, so she feels it has at least proper store management behind it. I still don't have my position posted and made the request in May 12th!

Where I've been: 

     So many places this week. I joined my daughter's to look at another, not the house. More creative photography, misleading details, and more work than my daughter wants or financially would be worth taking on. She'll find something, but it needs to be right. DH went to a concert by the river, trio covering women performers through the decades. Our city is hosting free Thursday night concerts throughout summer. 

     Last night, after my big trip to a full day work meeting in Minneapolis, DH and I went for dinner at a bar and grill restaurant. They had Bingo, video bingo and we played along, both winning a prize, me a t-shirt and him a hat. Oh, exciting! I think we'll definitely go again. We rarely go out here but the food was as good as our normal place, but that tends to be so crowded on Friday and Saturdays. This was the B&G that hosts Tuesday night trivia. 

   

Where I’m going:

     I think I'm going to stop at the Farmer's market and I need to get cash out. I've a double grad party today and no cash for the cards. It's supposed to be off and on rainy and steamy, so not sure plans for Sunday. I'll review contents of the kitchen, then make a list before heading for groceries. As so many, I don't want to buy things without purpose, but will stick up if a better deal. 

What I’m watching:

     With being out and about more, a bit less TV, but I've watched a few episodes of Call the I'm very behind on some YouTube channel posts. Maybe with the rain, I'll stream while getting stuff done inside.

What I’m reading:

      A Theatre for Dreamers it's been a slow read for me, but not because it's not being enjoyed- I've just had interrupted reading time. I need to read my book club book by next Monday too.

      I thought this was funny. What am I not reading? The obituaries at a concert. Through the whole performance a women was reading the newspaper. I looked up and she had the paper on this section through two songs.

What I’m listening to:

     I listened to an MPR story on podcast's. It was interesting and made me think I should really find some I like as alternatives in the car. Of course, I listened to the video bingo songs. Funny to hear the change up from the Beebee's to Def Leopard to Vanilla Ice then Garth Brooks.

What I’m eating:

     I maximized the chicken drumsticks into two meals with leftovers. The chicken tortellini was a major hit this week. I just used the drippings from the chicken, carrots, celery and more water to make a broth before adding the frozen cheese tortellini and diced chicken to the crockpot. I stirred in a can of cream of chicken soup to make it creamier. It wasn't thick though, so was sort of a cross between a super thick soup and creamy sauce. 

Who needs a good slap:

      Besides the hiring people mentioned earlier, I'm going to give just a small slap to my neighbors at the end of the Cul-de-sac. Both of the last houses have young kids. They tend to bring out camp chairs and sit at the end of the street, basically creating a barrier for kids in bikes, scooter's etc. to ride in the cul-de-sac. That's not the issue in itself, but several of us in the neighborhood have a lot of comings and goings with several adults with jobs at different schedules, or need to come and go because we have a different lifestyle since no young kids at home . I get anxious both with my own family making sure to be super cautious when someone leaves or comes home, or just thinking about how easy a tragedy could occur. They also seem a bit bothered having to move chairs aside multiple times for people coming and going. They could set up their camp at the park and let the kids ride on the bike/ walking path, but I do get the gathering spot is convenient. I don't want to be "that" neighbor so won't say anything, but a little slap for inconvenience and risk is in order.

What I’m planning:

     We'll go to the lake father's day weekend. I'll help my MIK prepare for her brother, niece, and her daughters the following weekend. We will be in Chicago so just DH will see them unless I drive up late. Still no confirmation if my son will come or not. At home, we're still purging and organizing. The hammock arrived so we need to get that put together. I'm sure that will be DD2's new hangout.

What’s making me smile:

     It was a good meeting in person yesterday. I've only met my one colleague once despite working together two years. I already knew my boss, but hadn't yet seen her in person in her new role. These are all good women- we all have our quirks and foibles, but we seem to mesh. Our boss insisted no one bring anything and she treated us to a delicious lunch. I don't expect work and personal lives to intertwine, but sometimes seeing the personal with professional is a way to help each other maintain that balance.

   That's the week in my life in W's. Play along if you'd like or comment on any of my W's.