I have so much to share with you all!! LOVE my job!! Been busy with the house...and oh yeah a little thing like Christmas too!!
Totally trying to navigate life again working full time. Thanks for all your well wishes on the job. It's even better than I imagined. I am hoping tonight I can put together a quick post.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We sure did here!!
Showing posts with label Career. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Career. Show all posts
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I got the job!
Well, I should restate this- I was told I had the job a few weeks ago but they weren't sure when I would start. Late last night I got a call saying that there were some changes in the department and when can I start?
So starting tomorrow, I am beginning my new job. I will probably only work at my current job till next week and work the new job full time the week of December 19th. Now I just have to tell my boss. I was going to let him know this week that I would probably be leaving after the first of the year, just wasn't expecting to give such a short notice.
But I am so excited. Wish I had more time before I started to get things done around the house before the holidays, but I AM NOT COMPLAINING. This is a government job with the county that is highly sought after and I just happened to get lucky. I didn't tell anyone about it even after I was told I would be hired for fear of losing it. So I am finally comfortable to tell people. Jobs are hard to come by and I am more than grateful. Hoping this is the start of a good 2012 for me!
So starting tomorrow, I am beginning my new job. I will probably only work at my current job till next week and work the new job full time the week of December 19th. Now I just have to tell my boss. I was going to let him know this week that I would probably be leaving after the first of the year, just wasn't expecting to give such a short notice.
But I am so excited. Wish I had more time before I started to get things done around the house before the holidays, but I AM NOT COMPLAINING. This is a government job with the county that is highly sought after and I just happened to get lucky. I didn't tell anyone about it even after I was told I would be hired for fear of losing it. So I am finally comfortable to tell people. Jobs are hard to come by and I am more than grateful. Hoping this is the start of a good 2012 for me!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Busy Bee
Getting my days cut down to 2 a week is a God send. I don't know how I did everything (or could have done everything this week) working full time. I have been busier than ever with end of school activities and ball games. I work today and then I'm off till next tuesday. I am praying that I can download photos and post some of the fun we have been having so far.
It's only been one week since I started my shorter work week and I feel overwhelmed with all that I am doing and trying to do. No wonder I was a miserable mess! Now I am just a miserable mess with more time at home!
It's only been one week since I started my shorter work week and I feel overwhelmed with all that I am doing and trying to do. No wonder I was a miserable mess! Now I am just a miserable mess with more time at home!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
What's the Plan?
If you read my post yesterday, you would have heard the news that I am going from full time to part time at work. Starting today!
It's not a big deal. I don't make much at this job and I have been sending resumes out this past month. Financially, we've been seeing this coming at work. Our office is slowing down, but the boss's spending hasn't!
I am going to save $100 right off the bat from gas. I work 30 minutes away and the drive is very hilly so I use a tank of gas a week in my sunfire. It's been costing me almost $45 -50 to fill up this small 13 gallon tank (depending on gas prices). Now if I am only going in to work 2 days a week, my tank should last almost 2 weeks. And I will save on lunch - though minimally since I try not to eat out much any way. But even if just $5- 10 a week that's $40 a month. That's a small bill payment!
Personal finances will be tough for a little while. Jeff and I have been working on eliminating our debt and this will definitely slow us down. But I am eligible for partial unemployment and though it is very small, it will help. I am responsible for paying the utility bills and with summer coming, I won't have a huge gas bill. The electric bill will go up some, but I will be home more to control that thermostat!
The kids are thrilled to have me home more. They understand that we will be eating home again more. This past month we have been really bad about eating out since I don't get home until right before we have to leave for baseball or softball games. Not anymore. I would rather eat at home anyway and save eating out for special occasions. The kids like eating fast food and so this will be tougher on them. But it's not up for negotiation.
The best part of this for me is that I will be home with my family. I really liked being home after my surgery. And working just two days a week will be a good break. Plus I will be able to do so much more than after my surgery.
My son already asked me what the plan was for today. I told him that I had to work but that tomorrow I would clean his room as his 3rd grade graduation gift. He was very pleased!
It's not a big deal. I don't make much at this job and I have been sending resumes out this past month. Financially, we've been seeing this coming at work. Our office is slowing down, but the boss's spending hasn't!
I am going to save $100 right off the bat from gas. I work 30 minutes away and the drive is very hilly so I use a tank of gas a week in my sunfire. It's been costing me almost $45 -50 to fill up this small 13 gallon tank (depending on gas prices). Now if I am only going in to work 2 days a week, my tank should last almost 2 weeks. And I will save on lunch - though minimally since I try not to eat out much any way. But even if just $5- 10 a week that's $40 a month. That's a small bill payment!
Personal finances will be tough for a little while. Jeff and I have been working on eliminating our debt and this will definitely slow us down. But I am eligible for partial unemployment and though it is very small, it will help. I am responsible for paying the utility bills and with summer coming, I won't have a huge gas bill. The electric bill will go up some, but I will be home more to control that thermostat!
The kids are thrilled to have me home more. They understand that we will be eating home again more. This past month we have been really bad about eating out since I don't get home until right before we have to leave for baseball or softball games. Not anymore. I would rather eat at home anyway and save eating out for special occasions. The kids like eating fast food and so this will be tougher on them. But it's not up for negotiation.
The best part of this for me is that I will be home with my family. I really liked being home after my surgery. And working just two days a week will be a good break. Plus I will be able to do so much more than after my surgery.
My son already asked me what the plan was for today. I told him that I had to work but that tomorrow I would clean his room as his 3rd grade graduation gift. He was very pleased!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Good Cooking
It' 5:33pm and dinner has been eaten. Dishes are washed. Jeff has left to substitute at the Academy. And I feel like I accomplished some things today. I woke up this morning feeling terrible. I figured I wouldn't get much done, but after Jeffrey Michael went to school I began feeling better.
I took a ton of pictures of items to put on eBay. Sad thing is, my computer is so old that it was taking me hours -literally- to get my items posted. Luckily, Jeff left the netbook at home so I put the pictures on a jump drive and then got to work much faster. Not everything is posted yet, but should be by tomorrow if I can use the netbook.
I did get last nights left over chicken in the pot to make stock for wedding soup. I also put on a fresh pot of sauce for today's dinner, made meatballs, and cooked a pound of ground meat for stuffed peppers that we will have Saturday. I'm making meatloaf tomorrow and mashed potatoes tomorrow. Not sure if the kids will eat it but I'm hungry for it.
Jeff started filling in at the Academy tonight. The Academy is an after-school school for kids who have behavioral issues that prevent them from attending school during regular session. This program has been going on for a couple years but this is the first time Jeff is teaching. He is only subbing and only for the second half of the school period 5:30 to 8 pm. It pays really well and a lot of the regular teachers also teach full time at the Academy. Since Jeff is done with cross-country and I'm not working, he thought it would be good to pick up extra money. Plus his assistant coach's wife is the scheduler for the substitutes and he is given first pick- that way he can turn down or accept depending on what's going on with us. And he really only wants the 5:30 half so he can come home and relax and when I do go back to work, I would be getting home shortly after he leaves. It kinda sucks, but we need the extra cash to start getting back on track.
My son wants the netbook, so I am being asked quite frequently if I'm done. So I guess I'll be done for now!!
I took a ton of pictures of items to put on eBay. Sad thing is, my computer is so old that it was taking me hours -literally- to get my items posted. Luckily, Jeff left the netbook at home so I put the pictures on a jump drive and then got to work much faster. Not everything is posted yet, but should be by tomorrow if I can use the netbook.
I did get last nights left over chicken in the pot to make stock for wedding soup. I also put on a fresh pot of sauce for today's dinner, made meatballs, and cooked a pound of ground meat for stuffed peppers that we will have Saturday. I'm making meatloaf tomorrow and mashed potatoes tomorrow. Not sure if the kids will eat it but I'm hungry for it.
Jeff started filling in at the Academy tonight. The Academy is an after-school school for kids who have behavioral issues that prevent them from attending school during regular session. This program has been going on for a couple years but this is the first time Jeff is teaching. He is only subbing and only for the second half of the school period 5:30 to 8 pm. It pays really well and a lot of the regular teachers also teach full time at the Academy. Since Jeff is done with cross-country and I'm not working, he thought it would be good to pick up extra money. Plus his assistant coach's wife is the scheduler for the substitutes and he is given first pick- that way he can turn down or accept depending on what's going on with us. And he really only wants the 5:30 half so he can come home and relax and when I do go back to work, I would be getting home shortly after he leaves. It kinda sucks, but we need the extra cash to start getting back on track.
My son wants the netbook, so I am being asked quite frequently if I'm done. So I guess I'll be done for now!!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Lazy days and job hunting
This morning my son woke up with a bad cough. Nothing unusual since he gets bronchitis every year around this time. Probably due to his allergies to every known species of trees and plants. We hadn't started him on his allergy med and I am definitely going to start tonight. Poor thing hasn't had a Halloween in years where he isn't hacking and sneezing. I wanted to keep him home so we could both lay in bed and cuddle but he really isn't that sick (no fever, etc) and hopefully the cough medicine took care of him. I told him to have the nurse call me at work if he did start feeling bad and so far no calls.
So I am here at work being lazy and actually looking at job postings. I've been here three years and really find no motivation here. My boss hasn't given the other staff members raises since he took over the office 10 years ago and all I get are excuses about why he's short on my bonuses and why no raises. His lack of interest in the office has trickled down to the other staff members as they do as little work as possible during the day. Which then makes me not want to put in any effort if no one else is. I only make $20k plus what little bonuses I get for selling policies. I work a 1/2 hour away which is better than when I worked an hour away. But for what little I make I could find a job in my city making the same amount with no commute. I would really like to just work part time and/or work for myself. Who knows......
I am trying to sell more things on eBay again. I have a bunch of household items that I was going to take to Goodwill, but I think I am going to try selling some of the smaller items and just donate the bigger things. Plus I have a ton of toys and clothes that I think will sell for Christmas. I told the kids to gather up unused items so we can have a yard sale on eBay. They aren't exactly on board with this but if I give them some of the proceeds then they will be more receptive! Time to start cleaning up that poor office. I dump everything in there which is not good. Once I post my items- you will have to stop by and check them out!!
So I am here at work being lazy and actually looking at job postings. I've been here three years and really find no motivation here. My boss hasn't given the other staff members raises since he took over the office 10 years ago and all I get are excuses about why he's short on my bonuses and why no raises. His lack of interest in the office has trickled down to the other staff members as they do as little work as possible during the day. Which then makes me not want to put in any effort if no one else is. I only make $20k plus what little bonuses I get for selling policies. I work a 1/2 hour away which is better than when I worked an hour away. But for what little I make I could find a job in my city making the same amount with no commute. I would really like to just work part time and/or work for myself. Who knows......
I am trying to sell more things on eBay again. I have a bunch of household items that I was going to take to Goodwill, but I think I am going to try selling some of the smaller items and just donate the bigger things. Plus I have a ton of toys and clothes that I think will sell for Christmas. I told the kids to gather up unused items so we can have a yard sale on eBay. They aren't exactly on board with this but if I give them some of the proceeds then they will be more receptive! Time to start cleaning up that poor office. I dump everything in there which is not good. Once I post my items- you will have to stop by and check them out!!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Yep, I've decided
to get my certification. Last night, the kids went to stay overnight at my girlfriends (they had a half day of school today and we let them miss---I KNOW not exactly what you expect from my husband the teacher!!) Jeff and I sat down at the laptop and looked into different certification programs. He wants me to get my certification but is not sure if he wants me to teach at his school. Before you get mad like I did, his reasoning is out of safety. The school is just becoming more unsafe as the years have gone by. Drugs and guns are constantly being confiscated and a lot of the male students have been harassing female teachers.
The neat thing we found on the PA Dept of Education website is a Teacher Certification Intern Program that allows individuals with degrees to earn their certification while they teach. There are certain college courses that must be taken prior to being hired along with the Praxis I test, but it would allow me to teach and take night courses/Saturday courses. As long as I finish all the courses and pass the Praxis II tests, I would receive my Title I certification. My old university participates in the program (there are only about 20 colleges/univer in PA that participate in this program) and if I am working at the same time I can pay as I go. I requested some information as I still have a bunch of questions. Either way, I am hoping that this fall I will be able to start taking courses regardless how I proceed.
Jeff also wants to put the house on the market. One of the reasons why I didn't want to move was due to my mother. Long story short, she suffered from bi-polar disease her whole life and the past 3 yrs had isolated herself from me and her sister/brothers. Because I didn't have a valid phone number or knew where she was living, I didn't want to move for fear that she would come back (as she had done so many times before) and not be able to find me. Or worse, think I moved because I didn't want her to find me.
Since that is no longer an issue, Jeff has approached me again about moving. I don't care. I love my house, but am also aware of his concerns regarding the school district. We are going to finish up a few more projects and then put our house on the market just to see what would happen. You never know.
More snow today. The wind is the worse part of it all- it's blowing the snow around making it like a white out. Can't wait to drive home from work today!!
The neat thing we found on the PA Dept of Education website is a Teacher Certification Intern Program that allows individuals with degrees to earn their certification while they teach. There are certain college courses that must be taken prior to being hired along with the Praxis I test, but it would allow me to teach and take night courses/Saturday courses. As long as I finish all the courses and pass the Praxis II tests, I would receive my Title I certification. My old university participates in the program (there are only about 20 colleges/univer in PA that participate in this program) and if I am working at the same time I can pay as I go. I requested some information as I still have a bunch of questions. Either way, I am hoping that this fall I will be able to start taking courses regardless how I proceed.
Jeff also wants to put the house on the market. One of the reasons why I didn't want to move was due to my mother. Long story short, she suffered from bi-polar disease her whole life and the past 3 yrs had isolated herself from me and her sister/brothers. Because I didn't have a valid phone number or knew where she was living, I didn't want to move for fear that she would come back (as she had done so many times before) and not be able to find me. Or worse, think I moved because I didn't want her to find me.
Since that is no longer an issue, Jeff has approached me again about moving. I don't care. I love my house, but am also aware of his concerns regarding the school district. We are going to finish up a few more projects and then put our house on the market just to see what would happen. You never know.
More snow today. The wind is the worse part of it all- it's blowing the snow around making it like a white out. Can't wait to drive home from work today!!
Friday, January 1, 2010
2010
The last week of the year is always so busy at my house. It starts with my brother in law's family staying with us Christmas night and leaving a few days later. His wife and I go shopping the day after and usually that's my one shopping trip for myself. This year I found a new winter jacket, scarf, gloves, pillows for our bed, a Bialetti coffee pot for Jeff, a purse, and various other small items.
Work was super busy as it's the end of the year and numbers had to be met. My boss waits to the last week to try and get policies so he can meet his numbers while the rest of us work hard all year getting policies. Next year I am saving some days and taking off the last week. Jeff and the kids are home and it would be nice to be home together.
Jeff went yesterday to get the electrical supplies to run wires for our bedroom. I still need to pick out paint colors. I know how I want the bedroom to look and achieving it will probably not happen! We're hoping to get the electric done tomorrow and then priming the walls tomorrow night. I also have to pick a floor so we can order it. I can't wait to have an actual bedroom.
I still haven't put together any resolutions. I want to work on improving myself as well as the lives of my family but not sure what that means or how to achieve it. But I love reading every one's goals. Maybe I'll just live vicariously through all you!! Best wishes for everyone this new 2010 year!
Work was super busy as it's the end of the year and numbers had to be met. My boss waits to the last week to try and get policies so he can meet his numbers while the rest of us work hard all year getting policies. Next year I am saving some days and taking off the last week. Jeff and the kids are home and it would be nice to be home together.
Jeff went yesterday to get the electrical supplies to run wires for our bedroom. I still need to pick out paint colors. I know how I want the bedroom to look and achieving it will probably not happen! We're hoping to get the electric done tomorrow and then priming the walls tomorrow night. I also have to pick a floor so we can order it. I can't wait to have an actual bedroom.
I still haven't put together any resolutions. I want to work on improving myself as well as the lives of my family but not sure what that means or how to achieve it. But I love reading every one's goals. Maybe I'll just live vicariously through all you!! Best wishes for everyone this new 2010 year!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Was yesterday Monday??
Yesterday afternoon just spiralled down to a black hole of craziness at work. It ended up with me being left in the office at 12pm on by myself. In my office, my main job is to prospect new business and review our current clients to make sure they are insured properly. I go through policies and meet with the clients to make sure they aren't over insured or under insured. I really like this because I find that many people do not know much about the insurance they own. I also am the financial person of the office and help people with auto and home loans and do a little with investing although I have to get my series 6 and 63 to be licensed.
I had scheduled appointments yesterday, but since I ended up alone, I had to quickly try to reschedule. Some people couldn't be reached and it's frustrating to be going over important information and have to stop to help others. Plus, I didn't get lunch as the girl that was there left for her lunch at noon and then didn't come back. I had some snacks to tied me over, but had planned on going out for lunch as a treat. Wrong day to decide that!
By the time I got home, I had only enough time to grab a bowl of cereal. When we got to the golf course, I asked my husband to see if he could get me something quick to eat while we waited. He and my neighbor's husband went in to get beer/coolers and of course he came out with no food. Ugg! There was no time to go back to see about food as we were ready to start the scramble. Let me tell you, I drank half of a cooler and was buzzing big time!!
Golfing was fun and I didn't do bad despite not knowing which club to use or how to aim the shots. God must have felt sorry for me and the day I had because I did drive a few shots that we used and chipped a couple close to the hole. We ended up coming in 4th place and they were all happy. My husband said he wants to go every Friday. We'll see. It's just hard getting a sitter and I missed seeing the kids all day. I can't wait to go pick them up. Two minutes in the car and they'll start fighting and it'll be back to normal!
My husband had another golf outing this morning and we're going over to my friends house to hang out. Tomorrow we have a picnic fundraiser for Jeff's school and then back to the grind on Monday.
OH- I just remembered. Last night I had a dream about my blog. I went online to post Friday's wonderful events and my blog said I earned $200. I had earned it for some post I wrote previously. But of course my inability to figure out the computer prevented me from getting the funds transferred and the redemption time limit expired. It was fun while it lasted!
I had scheduled appointments yesterday, but since I ended up alone, I had to quickly try to reschedule. Some people couldn't be reached and it's frustrating to be going over important information and have to stop to help others. Plus, I didn't get lunch as the girl that was there left for her lunch at noon and then didn't come back. I had some snacks to tied me over, but had planned on going out for lunch as a treat. Wrong day to decide that!
By the time I got home, I had only enough time to grab a bowl of cereal. When we got to the golf course, I asked my husband to see if he could get me something quick to eat while we waited. He and my neighbor's husband went in to get beer/coolers and of course he came out with no food. Ugg! There was no time to go back to see about food as we were ready to start the scramble. Let me tell you, I drank half of a cooler and was buzzing big time!!
Golfing was fun and I didn't do bad despite not knowing which club to use or how to aim the shots. God must have felt sorry for me and the day I had because I did drive a few shots that we used and chipped a couple close to the hole. We ended up coming in 4th place and they were all happy. My husband said he wants to go every Friday. We'll see. It's just hard getting a sitter and I missed seeing the kids all day. I can't wait to go pick them up. Two minutes in the car and they'll start fighting and it'll be back to normal!
My husband had another golf outing this morning and we're going over to my friends house to hang out. Tomorrow we have a picnic fundraiser for Jeff's school and then back to the grind on Monday.
OH- I just remembered. Last night I had a dream about my blog. I went online to post Friday's wonderful events and my blog said I earned $200. I had earned it for some post I wrote previously. But of course my inability to figure out the computer prevented me from getting the funds transferred and the redemption time limit expired. It was fun while it lasted!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Blogging is crossing over to real life
Yesterday I shared some of my embarrassing OCD problems and quirks with you all. Just now as I was working with a client, I shared my issue with not being able to wash the dishes when there are floaties in the dish water. Once it came out of my mouth I thought I was going to die! The office got a good laugh at it and he even asked me if I have OCD issues and I replied if you only knew. Yah here's my blog and you can read all about them! Seriously, what was I thinking? Anyway, I guess it was funny. He probably thinks I am a nut, but then he wanted to talk to me about life insurance so at least he felt comfortable with me. People aren't going to buy life insurance when they don't trust you.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Half Days and Rain
Today I had a half day at work. THANK YOU JESUS! Not only do I not want to go into work anymore, I also have a house that could be quarantined by the CDC. Seriously, the kitchen hasn't been touched in two days. And when you don't own a dishwasher- yes I know it's the year 2009- dishes pile in the sink. I would lose all readers if they actually saw the state of my kitchen! Yup all 2 people would run screaming in disgust!
We've talked about doing some minimal remodelling in the kitchen that would include new counter tops and fitting in a dishwasher. Right now we are at a stalemate with the whole slum house fiasco. So today when I got home I started on the kitchen and put some ribs in the crock pot for my husband and daughter. I can't stand bbq ribs. My son is hit or miss about eating them, but I am definitely a no eater. I'm not real fond of meat but not a true vegetarian either. Every so often I do desire a nice piece of steak, but if given a choice I'm out!
Lately, I feel as though I am on the verge of having a major 38 yr old temper tantrum meltdown. Not sure if it's a hormonal thing or what. But I can't stomach getting up for work and just want to be home. It could be the fact that we are so busy with softball and baseball. I usually meet them at the ball field and then get home around 8:30pm. By then the only time I have is getting their homework and baths. Plus I am not a night person, I am out by 9-9:30am and up around 7 am and on the road by 8:30 am. Thus the horrendous state of my house!
I am getting really down. I read one of my favorite blogs today and she spoke about her blog friends knowing more about what's going on in her life than her neighbors. I think it's the same with me. I really don't talk to my friends about certain things. I secretly want them to think that I am a great wife, mother, housekeeper, etc. I would have definitely been one of those 50's housewives trying to live like June Cleaver! That stems back to my childhood and all the turmoil that was going on. I basically lived two lives- my home life and school life. No one in school had a clue about my home life and I was the cheerleader, straight A student. Then I would go home and basically run a household at age 13. Never the two intertwined. I would have been mortified if people knew what was going on in my house. Every one thought I was the good student with friends enjoying life. Not so!
Anyway, it's been raining for days here in Western PA which also puts me in the mood to curl up in bed and nap. Which I did for a few hours after everyone got home! It wasn't a wasted day after all.
Now if I could find a way to sleep and exercise at the same time! These few pounds just won't go away. It's like when you have a tooth ache and you just can't stop touching it with your tongue. You know it's going to hurt but you just can't help yourself. I just can't get moving although I know it's what I need to do! Where did my metabolism go!!!! Come back!!!
We've talked about doing some minimal remodelling in the kitchen that would include new counter tops and fitting in a dishwasher. Right now we are at a stalemate with the whole slum house fiasco. So today when I got home I started on the kitchen and put some ribs in the crock pot for my husband and daughter. I can't stand bbq ribs. My son is hit or miss about eating them, but I am definitely a no eater. I'm not real fond of meat but not a true vegetarian either. Every so often I do desire a nice piece of steak, but if given a choice I'm out!
Lately, I feel as though I am on the verge of having a major 38 yr old temper tantrum meltdown. Not sure if it's a hormonal thing or what. But I can't stomach getting up for work and just want to be home. It could be the fact that we are so busy with softball and baseball. I usually meet them at the ball field and then get home around 8:30pm. By then the only time I have is getting their homework and baths. Plus I am not a night person, I am out by 9-9:30am and up around 7 am and on the road by 8:30 am. Thus the horrendous state of my house!
I am getting really down. I read one of my favorite blogs today and she spoke about her blog friends knowing more about what's going on in her life than her neighbors. I think it's the same with me. I really don't talk to my friends about certain things. I secretly want them to think that I am a great wife, mother, housekeeper, etc. I would have definitely been one of those 50's housewives trying to live like June Cleaver! That stems back to my childhood and all the turmoil that was going on. I basically lived two lives- my home life and school life. No one in school had a clue about my home life and I was the cheerleader, straight A student. Then I would go home and basically run a household at age 13. Never the two intertwined. I would have been mortified if people knew what was going on in my house. Every one thought I was the good student with friends enjoying life. Not so!
Anyway, it's been raining for days here in Western PA which also puts me in the mood to curl up in bed and nap. Which I did for a few hours after everyone got home! It wasn't a wasted day after all.
Now if I could find a way to sleep and exercise at the same time! These few pounds just won't go away. It's like when you have a tooth ache and you just can't stop touching it with your tongue. You know it's going to hurt but you just can't help yourself. I just can't get moving although I know it's what I need to do! Where did my metabolism go!!!! Come back!!!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Lunch time
I work out of town in an insurance office. The office I work in does not have a break room, heck, I'm lucky it has running water. No, all kidding aside. It's not a bad office, just stuck in a 70's motif. It's bad enough to come to work some days let alone face an office that sports cheap panelling and 20 year old carpeting. It can be real depressing.
Anyway, it's a tiny office that I share with 3 others including the agent. So we have a very close working relationship. The bad thing is for me is that I like to take my lunch to work but eating at my desk isn't an option as people still come over to my desk. I've resorted to eating my lunches in my car in the parking lot. But because our parking lot is so small, I've had customers come up to my car and hand me things. Thus, I will drive elsewhere to park and eat. I have found a local park that I go to and it's been ok. It's usually closed in the winter but now that the weather's turned, I can park in a shaded parking area and hang out.
But it's really weird. I feel self conscious. People are walking by with their strollers and dogs and they stare at me. I want to put up a sign that says "I am not a stalker, pedophile, or weirdo. I am just on lunch break." I don't blame people for checking me over. It's a small town- less than 5000 population- and I would do the same thing.
I have been thinking of bringing a blanket and relaxing on the grass on nice days. As you know, I have plenty of magazines to read and keep me busy. Heck if I was really brave I would lay out in my bathing suit.
Not sure if this town's ready for the sight of me in my suit. I'm not even sure I'm ready to see me in a suit. Damn gremlins!
Anyway, it's a tiny office that I share with 3 others including the agent. So we have a very close working relationship. The bad thing is for me is that I like to take my lunch to work but eating at my desk isn't an option as people still come over to my desk. I've resorted to eating my lunches in my car in the parking lot. But because our parking lot is so small, I've had customers come up to my car and hand me things. Thus, I will drive elsewhere to park and eat. I have found a local park that I go to and it's been ok. It's usually closed in the winter but now that the weather's turned, I can park in a shaded parking area and hang out.
But it's really weird. I feel self conscious. People are walking by with their strollers and dogs and they stare at me. I want to put up a sign that says "I am not a stalker, pedophile, or weirdo. I am just on lunch break." I don't blame people for checking me over. It's a small town- less than 5000 population- and I would do the same thing.
I have been thinking of bringing a blanket and relaxing on the grass on nice days. As you know, I have plenty of magazines to read and keep me busy. Heck if I was really brave I would lay out in my bathing suit.
Not sure if this town's ready for the sight of me in my suit. I'm not even sure I'm ready to see me in a suit. Damn gremlins!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Auto Insurance 101
The past few months have been rather busy at our insurance agency as our policyholders are trying to find ways to save money. I thought I might share some information that could possible help you save on auto insurance. Each state is different in what coverages are called and/or offered so I am going to be as general as possible. I was licensed in all 50 states years ago and with the exception of New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and California, insurance policies are fairly the same. As always, talk to your agent about reviewing your policy. This should be done on a consistent basis -usually every 2-3 years to make sure the information is correct. It is amazing how many people set up their policies and then only call when they need to change vehicles or sell their homes. I have been trying to go through our book of business to proactively look for unnecessary coverage that could save our insureds money, but not all agents do this.
When it comes to your auto policy, there are certain coverages that are mandatory based on your state. Usually this is called your liability. It is broken down into 3 numbers and will look like this AA/BB/CC (ie 100,000/300,000/100,000). The liability portion of your policy are the limits you selected to payout in the event you cause an accident. The first number AA is the maximum dollar amount the insurance will payout to any 1 individual injured in an accident. The second number BB is the total dollar amount paid out to all individuals injured in an accident. What that means is when there are more than 1 persons injured in an accident, the insurance company will not pay out more than the limit selected for all their injuries. So if your limit is 300,000 and 4 people are injured in an accident with medical costs of 450,000, the insurance will only pay 300,000 (more on that later). The last number CC is the property damage limit. Property damage includes hitting another vehicle or object such as telephone pole, guard rail, house, etc.
Another item on your policy that is usually mandatory varies in name based on your state. Most states will call it First Party Coverages but other states call it Personal Injury Protection, Tort, etc. This coverage determines your ability to seek financial compensations for injuries caused by others. Basically it is your right to sue and you can choose to have the ability to sue for all injuries and pain and suffering or you can limit your right to sue for only death, permanent disfiguration, drunk drivers, out of state drives. What you can sue for varies from state to state so the previous may not be valid for your state. Medical payments also falls under this coverage and this pays for for your injury arising out of the maintenance or use of a motor vehicle.
The following coverages may be mandatory in your state, but for many these are elective. They include the following:
Funeral benefits
Loss of income
Death,Dismemberment,Loss of sight
Uninsured motorists (pays medical expenses to you if injured by driver without insurance)
Underinsured motorists (pays medical expenses to you if injured by driver who carries insurance but their limits do not cover your costs)
Comprehensive (also called Other than Collision)
Collision
Roadside service
Rental Reimbursement
So how do you determine how much insurance you need? Well, that's hard. When it comes to your liability limits, if you cause an accident and the damages are above your limit, you can be sued for the difference. With courts awarding higher pain and injury claims it is wise to select liability limits as high as you can afford or supplement with Personal Umbrella Policies. Insurance companies consider anyone over the age 25 as an adult driver and if you have a clean driving record it is not highly expensive to carry higher liability limits. Just ask your agent for a quote.
When it comes to your First Party Benefits- medical payments, right to sue, etc there are several things to consider. First, with medical payments, do you carry private medical insurance? If so, does your private health insurer cover auto accident injuries? If you have good medical insurance that does cover accident injuries then you may only need to carry the minimum mandatory coverage or in some states opt out of it. BUT first find out if your medical insurance will cover auto accidents before electing to opt out of it! As far as your right to sue, it is a personal decision. You do save money by electing to limit your right to sue versus being able to sue for all medical damages and pain and suffering, but again it is something you have to ask yourself. It is hard especially if you have never been in an accident to know how you would react or if you would want to sue.
Many states offer uninsured and underinsured as optional benefits while others have it mandatory. It is not very expensive and many states allow you to stack the coverage if you have more than one vehicle. So if your limits are 50,000/100,000 and you have two cars with the stacking option it then gives each vehicle medical coverages of 100,000/200,000. There are a couple of states that include property damage to this coverage as well. I always suggest to my policyholders that carry this coverage to select limits equal to your limits of liability. You should insure yourself with the same limits as you insure for others.
Funeral benefits, loss of income, and death coverage are usually the most inexpensive coverages over all, sometimes only a few dollars a year in premium. But when you are trying to save money every penny counts!
Collision pays for damages to your car when you cause an accident and comprehensive covers damage to your car caused by lightening, wind, animals (deer,etc) and others. It also covers damage to your windshield. Comprehensive and collision may be mandatory coverages if you carry a loan on your vehicle. If so, look to see what deductibles you carry. The higher your deductible the lower your premium. But make sure you can afford the deductible -have in emergency fund- and also many finance companies may not allow you to have deductible over $500 for the very reason mentioned. If you cannot afford the deductible you may not get the damage fixed and the value of the car goes down. If your vehicle is paid in full then you may not want to keep comprehensive and collision. The best way to determine this is to find out how much the vehicle is worth. Then compare that to what your deductible is and what you are paying for that coverage. For example, lets say you have a 2000 Pontiac worth $1500. You carry a $500 deductible for collision and pay $500 a year for the coverage. If you have a total loss of the vehicle you will only get $1000 after you pay your deductible. Although that sounds good as it could be used as a down payment for another car, if you think about it you could take the $500 deductible and $500 premium you pay and put that away in a savings account. Plus each year your paying $500 which could be put in a savings account. As usual, it does come down to being a personal decision. Comprehensive is not too expensive even when you carry a small deductible or no deductible. Most people will still carry comprehensive even when they take off collision especially if you live in area like me with a lot of deer and roads that need snow and ice plowing in the winter.
Whew... only a couple more coverages. Rental reimbursement and towing may also be offered. Rental reimbursement will only cover rental vehicles for you when you have a comprehensive or collision claim. It does not cover maintenance issues or breakdowns. Also if you do not carry comprehensive or collision coverage then you may not even be eligible to have the coverage. Same if your state offers towing. This is similar to having AAA coverages but you may see limitations regarding how much your insurance will pay for a service or if you have a tow - how far they will tow as it does not cost you much to carry.
Another important thing to look over when it comes to your policy is discounts. Each state varies in what they will offer or age limitations but the common ones include the following:
Multicar discounts
Multipolicy discounts
Defensive Driver Course (usually anyone over age 50/60)
Accident Free/Forgiveness
Driver Training (usually from age 16-25)
Good Grade (again 16-25)
Anti-theft (if your car has one- and no The Club does not count!)
Air Bags (if your car has them)
Low Mileage (usually less than 7500 miles driven per year)
Plus insurance companies may have different policies depending on your driving record and other factors. Usually they will have a standard rate policy (higher premium) and a preferred rate policy (lower premium). Ask what policy you have and if you are in the higher premium policy review why and when you may be eligible for preferred. Many times it may be due to driving record, lapse of insurance or other factors. Some insurance companies will write the policy at the higher rate and after some time it may be eligible to be put in the better policy.
Also review each driver and car they are listed on to make sure the information is correct.
Again, this information is meant to be a general review of what to look for in your policy and to ask your agent. This is not by any means meant to be used for any claims nor am I endorsing any specific coverage or insurance agency. Just general information to help you better understand your auto policy.
Hope this helps!
When it comes to your auto policy, there are certain coverages that are mandatory based on your state. Usually this is called your liability. It is broken down into 3 numbers and will look like this AA/BB/CC (ie 100,000/300,000/100,000). The liability portion of your policy are the limits you selected to payout in the event you cause an accident. The first number AA is the maximum dollar amount the insurance will payout to any 1 individual injured in an accident. The second number BB is the total dollar amount paid out to all individuals injured in an accident. What that means is when there are more than 1 persons injured in an accident, the insurance company will not pay out more than the limit selected for all their injuries. So if your limit is 300,000 and 4 people are injured in an accident with medical costs of 450,000, the insurance will only pay 300,000 (more on that later). The last number CC is the property damage limit. Property damage includes hitting another vehicle or object such as telephone pole, guard rail, house, etc.
Another item on your policy that is usually mandatory varies in name based on your state. Most states will call it First Party Coverages but other states call it Personal Injury Protection, Tort, etc. This coverage determines your ability to seek financial compensations for injuries caused by others. Basically it is your right to sue and you can choose to have the ability to sue for all injuries and pain and suffering or you can limit your right to sue for only death, permanent disfiguration, drunk drivers, out of state drives. What you can sue for varies from state to state so the previous may not be valid for your state. Medical payments also falls under this coverage and this pays for for your injury arising out of the maintenance or use of a motor vehicle.
The following coverages may be mandatory in your state, but for many these are elective. They include the following:
Funeral benefits
Loss of income
Death,Dismemberment,Loss of sight
Uninsured motorists (pays medical expenses to you if injured by driver without insurance)
Underinsured motorists (pays medical expenses to you if injured by driver who carries insurance but their limits do not cover your costs)
Comprehensive (also called Other than Collision)
Collision
Roadside service
Rental Reimbursement
So how do you determine how much insurance you need? Well, that's hard. When it comes to your liability limits, if you cause an accident and the damages are above your limit, you can be sued for the difference. With courts awarding higher pain and injury claims it is wise to select liability limits as high as you can afford or supplement with Personal Umbrella Policies. Insurance companies consider anyone over the age 25 as an adult driver and if you have a clean driving record it is not highly expensive to carry higher liability limits. Just ask your agent for a quote.
When it comes to your First Party Benefits- medical payments, right to sue, etc there are several things to consider. First, with medical payments, do you carry private medical insurance? If so, does your private health insurer cover auto accident injuries? If you have good medical insurance that does cover accident injuries then you may only need to carry the minimum mandatory coverage or in some states opt out of it. BUT first find out if your medical insurance will cover auto accidents before electing to opt out of it! As far as your right to sue, it is a personal decision. You do save money by electing to limit your right to sue versus being able to sue for all medical damages and pain and suffering, but again it is something you have to ask yourself. It is hard especially if you have never been in an accident to know how you would react or if you would want to sue.
Many states offer uninsured and underinsured as optional benefits while others have it mandatory. It is not very expensive and many states allow you to stack the coverage if you have more than one vehicle. So if your limits are 50,000/100,000 and you have two cars with the stacking option it then gives each vehicle medical coverages of 100,000/200,000. There are a couple of states that include property damage to this coverage as well. I always suggest to my policyholders that carry this coverage to select limits equal to your limits of liability. You should insure yourself with the same limits as you insure for others.
Funeral benefits, loss of income, and death coverage are usually the most inexpensive coverages over all, sometimes only a few dollars a year in premium. But when you are trying to save money every penny counts!
Collision pays for damages to your car when you cause an accident and comprehensive covers damage to your car caused by lightening, wind, animals (deer,etc) and others. It also covers damage to your windshield. Comprehensive and collision may be mandatory coverages if you carry a loan on your vehicle. If so, look to see what deductibles you carry. The higher your deductible the lower your premium. But make sure you can afford the deductible -have in emergency fund- and also many finance companies may not allow you to have deductible over $500 for the very reason mentioned. If you cannot afford the deductible you may not get the damage fixed and the value of the car goes down. If your vehicle is paid in full then you may not want to keep comprehensive and collision. The best way to determine this is to find out how much the vehicle is worth. Then compare that to what your deductible is and what you are paying for that coverage. For example, lets say you have a 2000 Pontiac worth $1500. You carry a $500 deductible for collision and pay $500 a year for the coverage. If you have a total loss of the vehicle you will only get $1000 after you pay your deductible. Although that sounds good as it could be used as a down payment for another car, if you think about it you could take the $500 deductible and $500 premium you pay and put that away in a savings account. Plus each year your paying $500 which could be put in a savings account. As usual, it does come down to being a personal decision. Comprehensive is not too expensive even when you carry a small deductible or no deductible. Most people will still carry comprehensive even when they take off collision especially if you live in area like me with a lot of deer and roads that need snow and ice plowing in the winter.
Whew... only a couple more coverages. Rental reimbursement and towing may also be offered. Rental reimbursement will only cover rental vehicles for you when you have a comprehensive or collision claim. It does not cover maintenance issues or breakdowns. Also if you do not carry comprehensive or collision coverage then you may not even be eligible to have the coverage. Same if your state offers towing. This is similar to having AAA coverages but you may see limitations regarding how much your insurance will pay for a service or if you have a tow - how far they will tow as it does not cost you much to carry.
Another important thing to look over when it comes to your policy is discounts. Each state varies in what they will offer or age limitations but the common ones include the following:
Multicar discounts
Multipolicy discounts
Defensive Driver Course (usually anyone over age 50/60)
Accident Free/Forgiveness
Driver Training (usually from age 16-25)
Good Grade (again 16-25)
Anti-theft (if your car has one- and no The Club does not count!)
Air Bags (if your car has them)
Low Mileage (usually less than 7500 miles driven per year)
Plus insurance companies may have different policies depending on your driving record and other factors. Usually they will have a standard rate policy (higher premium) and a preferred rate policy (lower premium). Ask what policy you have and if you are in the higher premium policy review why and when you may be eligible for preferred. Many times it may be due to driving record, lapse of insurance or other factors. Some insurance companies will write the policy at the higher rate and after some time it may be eligible to be put in the better policy.
Also review each driver and car they are listed on to make sure the information is correct.
Again, this information is meant to be a general review of what to look for in your policy and to ask your agent. This is not by any means meant to be used for any claims nor am I endorsing any specific coverage or insurance agency. Just general information to help you better understand your auto policy.
Hope this helps!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Fat Tuesday
Happy Fat Tuesday! Tomorrow starts the Lenten Season and I thought I would share a little of my background. As you read from my profile, I have changed careers. My degree is in molecular biology. I attended the University of Pittsburgh (Go Panthers Basketball!) and worked in a recombinant genetics laboratory for the University. I married my high school sweetheart Jeff and after the birth of my second child I started working part time for an insurance company in the evenings so that my husband and I could split taking care of the kids. Jeff is a teacher so I took care of the kids all day and then when he came home I got ready for work and worked till around 10pm. Although it allowed us to keep the kids out of daycare, it was very difficult for Jeff and me. We hardly saw each other during the week. Plus I really did not like my job. It was in a call center and you were tied to the phone. It was stressful and after a while I had to get out.
I decided to go back into science and was lucky to be hired in a molecular genetics laboratory despite being away from lab work for sometime. I loved the job, but it was an hour away. Where I live there are few good jobs, especially in science and many people do commute to Pittsburgh for work. But then gas prices started to rise and the lab was moving even further away so the decision was made to leave. Too much money was spent on gas and maintenance on the car. Then there was the time with commuting.
This time I really thought about what I wanted to do and also how it would affect my family. So when a local insurance agent was looking for a full-time sales position I hesitated based on my previous position. Yet after talking to the agent and seeing the office in action, it was really easy to accept the offer. And I really love it. I am even thinking of becoming an agent myself.
So that is where I am today. Although my pay is a lot less, my expenses are too. Plus there is a lot of flexibility for me to attend school functions that I didn't have before. Now that I think about it, it was a drastic move in saving money! I was spending almost $500 a month in gas alone! Now I spend around $100 a month. Plus less miles on the car/tires, less frequent oil changes. Hmm, I probably don't make that much less than before with all the savings!
Tomorrow, I will have my list of Lenten obligations. I have been putting this off because it's hard for me to admit the changes I need to make in myself. But it needs done! Pray for me!
I decided to go back into science and was lucky to be hired in a molecular genetics laboratory despite being away from lab work for sometime. I loved the job, but it was an hour away. Where I live there are few good jobs, especially in science and many people do commute to Pittsburgh for work. But then gas prices started to rise and the lab was moving even further away so the decision was made to leave. Too much money was spent on gas and maintenance on the car. Then there was the time with commuting.
This time I really thought about what I wanted to do and also how it would affect my family. So when a local insurance agent was looking for a full-time sales position I hesitated based on my previous position. Yet after talking to the agent and seeing the office in action, it was really easy to accept the offer. And I really love it. I am even thinking of becoming an agent myself.
So that is where I am today. Although my pay is a lot less, my expenses are too. Plus there is a lot of flexibility for me to attend school functions that I didn't have before. Now that I think about it, it was a drastic move in saving money! I was spending almost $500 a month in gas alone! Now I spend around $100 a month. Plus less miles on the car/tires, less frequent oil changes. Hmm, I probably don't make that much less than before with all the savings!
Tomorrow, I will have my list of Lenten obligations. I have been putting this off because it's hard for me to admit the changes I need to make in myself. But it needs done! Pray for me!
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