Random Tid Bits

It's been a few weeks, since I've done one of these. I haven't forgotten. Just busy filling out job applications. They take so long to do.

1. Mica's been a cheerleader for me lately. He said, "Mom you'll find a job. You're a hard worker and smart." Then he said, "Mom I know you're having a frustrating day, but for every bad day two good days are to follow."
   
2. I hardly get photos of the kids now a days. When I do, they are like this:
   
   
   
   
   

   That's why I take more photos of our gecko Sunny, than the kids.
3. On Monday I start working at Fresh Thyme as a front end supervisor. I'm still open for where life takes me. I have tons of applications floating around out there. They offered me the position the same day as I interviewed with them. The schedule is so different from what I'm used to. The pay is less, but they have benefits that I didn't have before. I had two other interviews I'm super excited about, so I hope one of those comes through. In the middle of a pandemic I felt the need to take what I can, within reason. Fresh Thyme is super clean, and the people are nice. Retail it is, for now. I don't know how much I'll post about jobs. One never knows who reads what.
   
4. One application I took the longest on, I knew I'd be a great fit for. Deep questions, with equally deep answers. They sent my references long forms to fill out about me. They said to keep checking my spam folder for updates, which I have. I've been looking, since 6/11. Growing tired of checking, I called. It seems like so many places don't want you to call now a days. I left 2 messages, only to find out the decision person was on vacation. I looked her up on LinkedIn, and she looked 12. I got the denial email yesterday. It sucks that they didn't even call me in for an interview. Oh well. I guess I should be happy I got the automated rejection email. That's more than other companies deliver.
   
5. Travis and I talked about rules. The boys at school, and at their leadership camp had silly rules put in place. One, or a few children would get in trouble, they would discipline them all. Isaak had a really rough year in 5th grade! They never got recess because a few select kids. The boys grew tired of that. Sure sometimes Isaak's chatty, but overall our boys are good. My last place of employment said we couldn't listen to music, while we worked. It was all because the owner's brother listened to Rush Limbaugh really loud. Later a rule was made that no family member(s) could come in the office. Why? Because the same brother was letting his family in to use the school's equipment on Saturdays, and would have them there to socialize all day on work days. Instead of talking to the one that's the problem, they made rules. It put employee against employee. I liked my job overall. I think jobs are very similar to family members, you can't like them 100% of the time. What's a rule you dislike?

WW: Upper Geck {Linky}

What yoga position would this be called? I think I'd call it the Upper Geck.

Birthday Berries

On the 21st I turned 44, for the second time. I say that because I was 44 all last year. On those grocery receipts and anywhere else I have to mark in my age, I was 44. Really I was 43. At least I'm used to writing 44 down.

I spent the day not searching for jobs. Instead I watched movies, shows and picked berries. I picked to have doughnuts for breakfast, because it was my birthday. Travis picked to have Indian food for dinner, because it was Father's day.

A quick note on Father's Day: Retail sucks with it! When Mother's Day is a thing, there's so much to buy and restaurants that give deals for it. When Father's Day is a thing there's nothing! Even the card selection sucks.

Explain this: Why do single moms claim Father's Day as their day? Single dads don't claim Mother's Day as their day. When did this become a thing? I'm not trying to judge. I'm just trying to understand.

Back to birthday and Father's Day shenanigans:

I made the boys watch the chick flick Uptown Girls. I rarely watch chick flicks. Many man flicks are what is played in this house. I consider beat them up, high action movies man flicks. They seemed to enjoy the movie. It's too bad Dakota Fanning doesn't act as much as she used to. She was such a great little actress.

After that I said, "Let's go pick berries!" If you remember this was something I did at work during lunch breaks all the time. Well I texted the boss' wife and asked if I could still pick them. I said, "Otherwise they will just drop to the ground." She said, "Sure we could come pick berries." 

Mica started out holding the bowl, and grabbing high branches for me. That was a help. Isaak's in one of those, "I'm too good to work." stages. So he walked off flinging sticks onto a tree stump. Eventually both boys ended up like this:

I think the boys' behavior drove Travis more nuts than me. I was just happy to get berries.

When we got home Travis picked up dinner, and we watched Nobody's Fool. I told Travis how Paul Newman used to be quite the sexy guy. He didn't believe me.

Here's some sexy pictures of Paul Newman:

What is an older actress or actor that you found to be good looking?

Job Searching

I swear I've been working over full time looking for jobs.

I had two interviews that were not my thing. When one says they are interested in marketing with the job posting sites, they don't always send you marketing as in design related jobs. Some of the time it is marketing as in selling insurance. Companies are really sneaky about it too. They call them "Marketing Managers", and use their company initials instead of their name.

I showed up to a "marketing interview" that was to sell life insurance. They had no social distancing, no masks, and one interview went right into another. I was stuck in an hour meeting on something I didn't want to do. They wanted me to use my car, my laptop and my phone to make sales. In the middle of a pandemic no one should be going into people's homes, period. I got a call wanting to move on to the next step. I said I wasn't interested.

I also had a job interview with a place that only used PCs, had tons of math questions, and lots of questions on how to fix PCs. Well I've used MACs for I don't know how long. I haven't had a math class for a long, long time. For each how to fix a PC question I wanted to say, "The answer is use a MAC."

If I were to critique the job posting sites:

Be transparent about what the job is and what the employee would be doing there. They'd have more legit matches.

There's a lot of this:

I can 100% guarantee that I'm not an excellent match, for all those places. That's ok that I'm not. Find someone that is.

There are some positive opportunities that I am excited about. 

If you picked another career path, and a degree didn't matter what would you be?

Whipper Snapper

Mondays are the most popular day around here. That's the day our boys get to play with their cousins on PS4. Apparently they get to play games a whole lot more than our boys do. 

I was sitting on my bed trying to fill out applications. That's my 24/7 job, that isn't really a job that makes money now a days. The boys were in the living room playing PS4, with their cousins. 

They talk so loud! Of course I can hear everything they're saying. Isaak called his cousin, "A young whipper snapper". He said it more than once. 

Later I asked Isaak where he got, "A young whipper snapper" from? He said that his other cousin calls him that. Apparently it's a thing they do while they play PS4. Goofs! I haven't heard that term, since my Grandpa said it, I think. 

Mondays

WW: 50th {Linky}

My parents just had their 50th wedding anniversary.

A day before they we thought we'd meet up in the afternoon. Then my aunts and cousins were going to drive by to tell them, "Happy Anniversary!" My sister called them to ask what they were going to do on their special day. They we going to go on an all day drive. So much for the drive by.

They knew my sister Angie was coming in the morning to give them a card. Me, my 2 sisters, their 3 son-in-laws, their 7 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, and 1 granddaughter on the way all came to visit, with signs. 

The first grader went up to ring their bell. My mom was a bit teary eyed. She hasn't seen us all together, since Christmas. 

It was hard to tell if we were smiling, or not. We all wore masks. Most of us hardly leave the house. Terra, my sister is very pregnant, and her son Emerson has a genetic condition called Trisomy 18. I have Asthma. We're home most of the time.

Here's Isaak with the 1st grader Edison. Isaak's really excited for the new baby Margaret to be born. Edison's don't think Isaak's all that anymore. Ha!

I thought the boys were doing cat's in the cradle. Nope Elijah the one that's Isaak's age (7th grade) was teaching Mica how to do a magic trick.

All the sudden swings and sidewalk chalk were cool. It's about the only things there were to do, for a few hours. 

I know my parents didn't get a big party. But I think they were happy with this. 

Quench Your Thirst With #LinkitAdventure

Ever since the pandemic hit the U.S. I've been trying to up my intake of water, and lower my sweet tooth. There is less temptation at home. I don't have a candy bowl sitting right by the front door.


When I drink more water, I’m less hungry for snacks. I like the 10 color options for #LinkitAdventure + its vacuum sealed. Mica’s free to take this to high school next year. #sp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082TLS8K7?ref=myi_title_dp

The Tale of Mica's Water Bottle:

I've gotten Mica, so many water bottles. It's not always his fault that they've been damaged, or missing. The first nice one I got him a boy in his class decided he was going to pick it up, and throw it at another student he was mad at. The boy was punished, but Mica's water bottle wasn't ok.

I got him another stylish water bottle, that he left in a class. He went back, and the water bottle was awol. 

After that they made a rule that no one could carry a water bottle. I'm assuming some were trying to sneak alcohol into school. Maybe I'm naive, but I could not see Mica drinking at all. He's such a rule follower, he won't even jaywalk.

Mica most certainly needs a water bottle. Even if he can't carry one in high school (a new school), he can have one for Quiz Bowl, Cross Country and Track.

Now he has a new one!

It’s essential to stay hydrated. Since the pandemic stated I’ve been trying to walk once or twice a day, and up my drinking. I drag Mica along. If anything he needs to start training for Cross Country. 

Vacuum Sealed: 

This water bottle is rated A+ because it's vacuum sealed. Water stays cold inside it. 

Bottoms Up:

This is the bottom. I do wish it was a bit more grip like. A full metal bottom makes it kind of slippery, and prone to fall over.

The Perfect Amount:

It holds a lot of water. 

Colors:

They have 10 colors to choose from, which is more than most water bottles come in. We happened to get black to review. I like many of their colors.

1. Black
2. Frost 
3. Lava
4. Mint
5. Orange
6. Pink
7. Rose
8. Seafoam
9. Stainless
10. Violet 

What color would you choose?

Where to Get Link it Adventure Water Bottle:

You can get it on Amazon Prime for $15.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082TLS8K7?ref=myi_title_dp.

Disclaimer: I got this product for free in exchange, for an honest review. The company did not tell me what to write. All opinions are my own.

Wiley's Finest® CatchFree™ Full Spectrum Omega-3 Softgels Review

Wiley's Finest Full Spectrum Omega-3 Softgels are great to take. It helps with the heart and brain. 

Catch-Free:

Since it’s catch-free, there’s no fishy taste or burps. I've heard of people having a fishy taste with these supplements, but I never have. I still like that it's vegan. We're not meat free, but trying to do with less meat.

Packaging:

It came in a box, with bubble wrap over it. The cap was sealed with plastic. The inside of the cap had foam sealed inside it.

I love the look of their packaging, but the text on the bottle is hard to read.

I think it's so wonderful they filled the bottle up!

One daily dose of two easy-to-swallow vegan omega-3 capsules deliver:

• 725mg of total omega-3s
• 500mg DHA fatty acids
• 5mg EPA fatty acids
• Vitamins D3 and K2

Omega-3s, EPA and DHA are well known to support a wide range of health benefits, including*:

• A healthy heart and strong vitality for men and women of any age
• Long-term vision care
• Softer, wrinkle-free skin
• Enhanced memory, better concentration and sharper focus
• Flexible joints and better mobility
• A stronger immune system so you can look and feel your best

Where to Get it:

Check out their coupon on Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084YSGVF6 $34.85 with a $2.00 coupon - Prime

Do you take any daily supplements? 

Disclaimer: I got this product for free, in exchange for an honest review. This company did not tell me what to write. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Wiley's Finest® CatchFree™ Vegan Omega-3 Liquid Supplement Review

Wiley’s Finest makes a vegan non-GMO Omega 3 Liquid Supplement. 

Why is it important that it's vegan even to those that are meat eaters? Because some of the Omega 3 supplements are not, and they leave a fish flavor in your mouth.

This Omega 3 supplement actually has a mango flavor. It can be mixed with water. 

Packaging:

It came inside a box, wrapped up in bubble wrap, and the lid had plastic on it.

I love that they fill the bottle up! So much waited packaging, but not with Wiley's Finest.

The packaging looks great, but is a bit hard to read. It's hard to determine how much to give. I wish it came with a dropper that said how many drops = a dose.

Smoothie Time:

We usually have a smoothie each morning. Since I've lost my job, for the time being we're laying low and having a big tall glass of water most mornings.

Guess what? It's berry season. So we have free strawberries and free June berries. We also have lots of kale. Smoothie time renewed. Our smoothie this morning had drops of Wiley's Finest® CatchFree™ Vegan Omega-3 Liquid Supplement, berries, banana, kale, ice and milk.

Where to buy Wiley's Finest® CatchFree™ Vegan Omega-3 Liquid Supplement:

Check them out on Amazon, there’s a coupon right now http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084Z6ZSKW it is on Prime, for $34.85 save $2.00 with the coupon they have.

One daily dose of 1 teaspoon of vegan omega-3 delivers:

• 2,300mg of total omega-3s
• 500mg DHA fatty acids
• 5mg EPA fatty acids
• 1,300mg ALA fatty acids
• Vitamin D3

Omega-3s, EPA and DHA are well known to support a wide range of health benefits, including*:

• A healthy heart and strong life for women and men for men 
• Long-term vision care 
• Softer, wrinkle-free skin
• Enhanced memory, better concentration and sharper focus
• Flexible joints and better mobility
• A stronger immune system so you can look and feel your best

Would you add Wiley's Finest® CatchFree™ Vegan Omega-3 Liquid Supplement to water, or put it in a smoothie?

Disclaimer: I got this product for free, in exchange for an honest review. This company did not tell me what to write. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

@JetGiftBaskets Review

I got the cutest Mini Burt's Bees Relaxation basket in the mail today! It was wrapped up, and packaged all pretty like.

Stocked full of Burt's Bee products:

• Burt's Bee Foot Cream - Coconut
• Burt's Bee Two Hand Creams - Almond Milk | Honey and Grapeseed
• Burt's Bee Hand Salve
• Burt's Bee Cuticle Cream - Lime
• Burt's Bee Chapstick - Pomegranate 
• Target Washcloth - Neutral in color
• A Wooden Tray

They hand pick their items, so things like the washcloth color could change from order to order. I actually like mine. I have grey towels, and the washcloth is a brownish grey color. On their website it's green.

I'm most excited for the hand creams, salve, and cuticle cream. I was already washing my hands a lot before COVID-19 hit. I wash them before and after holding Sunny our gecko. Now I wash them even more. Plus I do dishes. My hands feel dry. I hope all the Burt's Bee products help. 

The main topics on what they sell:

• Gift Baskets and Flowers
• Thank You
• Birthday
• Sympathy
• Corporate

They have a drop down menu, that has many other topics!

I think a box like this would be a great Mother's Day gift, new Mom gift, get better gift, or lost your job? gift.

I do like the wooden tray. It can be reused, by making your own basket.

Pretend money didn't matter - what would put in a basket? Who would you give it to? What special day would it be for?

My basket would be a special cookie cutter, some sprinkles, espresso powder, a mitt, and a few recipe cards. I'd give it to my sister that's due in August.

I've used Burt's Bees products before, and do like all these. As for a package I do think it would be helpful to have more variety. There's two hand creams, and one hand salve. Possibly add in a lip tint, or a bar of soap. 

Where to get this set:

You can pick it up at jetgiftbaskets.com, for $37.95. They have a lot of other gift baskets to choose from.

Disclaimer: I got this Mini Burts Bees Relaxation basket for free in exchange, for an honest review.