I went to one of the agencies today, to see if I could get some temping. They were not terribly helpful as they didn't know of too many workplaces that would be modified for a temp. I am really not at all confident, as I did have good admin skills, but feel very rusty. I keep thinking I will only get minimum wage positions. My health is still not 100% so I can't manage the long hours the top positions demand.
On the plus side, I have a lot of volunteer experience with people from all sorts of backgrounds and good communication skills. The broker from Work and Income told me of a scheme called Straight 2 Work, which places people in work situations for short periods so they can gain experience and confidence. It seems to be more geared to school leavers, but I was told I will probably qualify.

When everyone seems to be demanding my money. I bought a few tools and some curtain material for the house, which I thought I could afford, then i got hit with this glasses bill, plus my dentist just sent me an appointment for the 22nd. I need to pay a $100 subscription for the choir and I have to have some spare cash for going to National Conference on the 25th. Next month I need to put aside $80 for Toastmasters and I was hoping to go visit a friend in another city. Okay, so they're not all necessities; I could just sit at home and count my money instead. However, the work broker just told me about a 6 month project I might be put to work on - data entry. Shall I spend the extra money doing the house up, or should I save for a new car? Ah the pain when there's not enough money to do everything I want. At times like these I am almost tempted to buy a lottery ticket so I can have a few pleasurable days of dreaming.

First, the bad news., because I'm the sort of person who likes to get it out of the way quickly. I decided to do some work on my house while sis was here to help me. Got some bright material and made new drape for the living room. The plan was to pull up the hideous carpet which I have hated since i moved in, polish up the floorboards, and have a nice colorful rug on it. Unfortunately, we found one corner of the room was very damp, and found the basement underneath that spot was also quite wet. What to do? I haven't got an estimate for fixing it yet, but I imagine it will be considerable. I don't know if I should use my Bond money, or take out a home equity loan. I'd rather owe $3000 and have $3000 than have no money at all.
I'm also debating whether it's worth my fixing it up at all, or whether I should sell it in its current condition and move to a more disability friendly house, as I will eventually have to do anyway. I love my little house, and I'm very proud of the fact I bought and paid off the mortgage all by myself, but maybe the time has come to let it go.

The good news is that 3 months ago I found a camera and handed in in to the police. Well, I just got a letter saying it hasn't been claimed so it is now mine. Honesty pays.

Because of all the close work I've been doing lately, on the computer and my knitting, I've been prescribed glasses. $NZ355 for eye exam, lenses and frames. Ouch. Just when I'd planned to do a little home decorating. (Sis offered to paint the walls while she's here)

I did ask about hobby glasses, but I have astigmatism too so need corrective lenses. Oh well, if I am going back into the work force and be spending my time at a computer, I'd better have them now. I have already received many compliments on my new haircut, there will be even more comment on my changed appearance with glasses. Must be either the new moon or the onset of midlife that brings about such dramatic change.

My doctor has okayed me for parttime work!! I lolloped down to Work and Income pronto and took a gander at the jobs notice board. There is a nice little job as receptionist which I think would suit me fine. But I had to make an appointment with a work broker who specialises in placing people with disabilities, so will be busy touching up my CV tomorrow. Also have to ring previous employers to update my references. Happy happy me.

I decided recently I spent a lot of time on my own and am becoming a boring person, too prone to talk about my ailments. So I decided to put more interests in my life.

I became the organizer of a support group, and have now been asked to attend a National Conference. Airfare paid.

I joined Toastmasters and have been recently inspired to start entering contests. This year a girl from our area won the New Zealand finals, so on Friday I am helping in her fundraiser to get her to the International finals in Washington DC. $nz20 to hear some great speeches and supper.

And last night I auditioned for the City choir and won a place in the first altos!
So when my dr tells me I am okay to get back to work (I am hoping he will ok me for parttime soon), I will have lots of interesting things to put on my CV.