Warm Snuggles On A Cold Day

Well now I have plenty of time to snuggle up with loved ones on cold days now I don't have to go to work anymore. I am enjoying the down time but I know it can't last so right now i'm enjoying sleeping in snuggling up on the sofa with my furry friends or playing games on the computer. Christmas shopping when I can and trying to decide what to fix for Christmas dinner next week. I must admit I don't miss the hustle and bustle of working every day and I sure don't miss all the driving I was doing. So now I am just chilling and relaxing at home I'm working on fixing all the drafts in the house and there are plenty. 

A $500 utility bill made me realize my house needed some serious work so I am putting plastic on windows and covering them up to cut down on the drafts. I also made sure all the vents weren't covered up by something kind of hard tho when I have a cat who believes the vent in the kitchen was made specially for her and I have a dog who thinks the other vent in the bedroom is hers but nonetheless I have made the attempt of clearing the vents so the hot air can come up. I also get to yell at kids who like to leave doors open or open garage doors after I get them all shut tight. You would think teenagers would have enough sense not to open windows in the winter time or shut a door behind them when they come in but um I think my kids were born in a barn or something because i'm constantly yelling "SHUT THE DOOR!!" or I go in a bedroom and find a window open because they say " I was hot" Hello it's winter time you do not open the window! The one I loved is I go in my daughters room and find window open and heater on and her smoking a cigarette and blowing the smoke outside. First of all I know she smokes so she isn't hiding anything second why open a window? " I didn't want to fill the room with smoke"  I roll my eyes " Shut the __ __ Window!!!!!" Got to love kids at least they say you have to. A well placed screw fixed the opening windows I will worry about getting it out come spring time. I also covered the window with plastic to further detere the hot little girl from opening the window in 7 degree weather. I thought of electrifying it but thought that might be a bit much. I am also considering putting a padlock on the thermostat so nobody can touch it. Anyway I was delighted to say that I did get the utility bill completely paid off which was a nice Christmas present to myself and my mother now we just need to keep it that way. 

Merry Christmas everyone I hope you all stay warm :)

The End of an Era

Today is the last day of AmeriCorps VISTA for me. After serving for 3 years it is finally time for me to move on to bigger and better things. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working to fight poverty in America and I will continue in my own way just not as an AmeriCorps VISTA. The past three years have truly changed my life and I will never forget it.

Today is boxing up stuff and driving to Columbus to drop things off but I wanted to update this posting so it's going to be short. I will post again soon :)

Happy Holidays!

Tis the season

Tax season is here along with the holidays so this means it is a very busy time for the Ohio Benefit Bank. For those of you who may not know what The Ohio Benefit Bank is, The Ohio Benefit Bank is an Internet service that is available for Ohioans who are in need of help. Through no fault of their own, many Ohioans are being forced to make tough decisions each and every day, such as choosing between paying rent or buying food. In an effort to eliminate such choices from having to be made and to help Ohioans gain access to programs that are available for those in need, The Ohio Benefit Bank is now available at your fingertips!
From the comfort of your home, from a local library that has internet access, from the computer of a trained Ohio Benefit Bank counselor or any other computer with internet access, Ohioans can complete applications for programs such as Food Assistance (formerly Food Stamps), the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Child care subsidies, and even file their Federal and State taxes for FREE!

This is a great program and I have been working with it for 3 years now but for the last year I have not been as connected with it as I once was.  Being a VISTA Leader meant I had to be more hands off with this program but one of my VISTA members has had to take a medical leave and we are unable to fill the position quick enough so I have had to step up and step in and help with the trainings and things for the Ohio Benefit Bank. I have been calling various locations that we use for these trainings and reserving rooms and signing people up for the trainings. So my calendar for the next couple of months is getting filled up with traveling and trainings. I do mean filling up every day for the next 2 weeks I am going somewhere. I don't mind the presentations or the traveling but it does get kind of tedious after a while. But the whole time I'm thinking this extra expense check will sure come in handy at Christmas time so this is what will get me through it. I'm just hoping my car makes it and the weather does not become a problem.

Over the last 3 years I have not had too much luck with cars and have gone through  4 or 5 cars which is ridiculous either they die or I kill them. So St. Christopher watch over me while I spread the good news of the Ohio Benefit Bank.

Until later keep safe :)