A sad day at Park Place Farm

Today, my dad had to put down our first baby born on our farm, TT.

Let me give you some history.

TT was a bull calf born on an extremely cold night/morning- February 16th or 17th, 2007. We found him early in the morning lying on the cement in the barnyard. We immediately moved him and mama (Grand Champion at Eastern States) inside the barn to get warm. We rubbed and warmed TT for hours. I even lay with/on him to keep him warm. Finally, the vet came, gave him something, and the next day he was up and eating from mama. Our first born was a bit of a miracle.

my dad feeding TT February 17, 2007



TT looking alert the next day




February 23, 2007- out and about with mama



TT! (Named after Tiki Barber)

He grew bigger and bigger and would always look up when you called his name. He was a great bull and helped give us lots of beautiful babies. He was borrowed for about a year to breed at another farm and he had just come home in August. In October, a neighbor had noticed that he was having difficulty walking, so we called the vet. The vet diagnosed that he had a respiratory infection and pumped him with fluids and antibiotics. (Our land is organic, but we take care of our animals conventionally if needed.) He got better for a few days- possibly even a week. Then he became lame in his back end and was not able to get up. The vet came again, took some blood and other samples and guessed that TT had dislocated his hip/pelvis and created an abscess or there was an abscess on his spine. At any rate, he gave him some fluids and told us to make him comfortable until we got the blood work back. He was getting worse and worse the past couple of days. When the vet was here, I had made the comment that TT was born on the concrete and he's dying on the concrete. That got to my dad. He just wants to do what's right and doesn't want to see any of his animals in pain and suffering. Luckily I wasn't here when he "got rid" of TT today. I know you're not supposed to get attached to your animals- they aren't pets. TT was different. I kept him alive when he was born. He was a beautiful bull- great coloring and had a nice temperament.

Rest in Peace, TT. I will miss you. And so will your ladies.

TT, lying in the sun, April 13, 2010

yes, snow in October

Today was officially my last day of flagging. And no, I didn't get run over. God is good! Wednesday I was sent home early and Thursday I didn't get a call to work because it was really cold and raining. Oh well. I went to Burlington (aka "the big city") for the first time in a few months (June I think). So after listening to my mother try to explain why I'm screwed up and friendless, I decided to head to Burlington to walk around for a while and drink some coffee.

While in my favorite coffee shop, Muddy Waters, I picked up a paper and was looking at jobs and found a couple that I could possibly apply for- behavior interventionist for the counseling service, vet tech, administrative assistant for Vermont Housing Finance Agency, entry level position and final assemblers for a manufacturing firm, and I think that's it. A couple of days ago, a friend of mine that I work with at Pico Ski Area told me of a meeting in Rutland about starting an alternative school, so I went to that. I missed a bit trying to find a headlight for my car (in a snowstorm... yeah, real fun). I found a couple of people to talk to after and got some good information. After explaining my plight (briefly, I didn't want to scare her) to a mom at the meeting, she told me that I should start my own school. That has started my wheels turning. I don't have the money to start my own school or the space, but it would be a fun challenge.

Today was my last day flagging. Last night it snowed, so the VTrans boys (and girls) were busy in southern Vermont. We were supposed to paint lines today on a newly paved road, but couldn't because salt was put down and the paint wouldn't adhere to the road with the salt on it. I was then given to a different group to flag for them while they drilled holes in Route 7 (a major road here in Vermont). That was fun and it got warmer throughout the day and was sunny. All in all, a pretty good way to end flagging. I now embark back to my substitute journey starting Monday. I already have a bunch of days lined up in November, so that's good. Help pay the bills. I was also sent an email by my Pico boss today asking if I'd like to work full time as the Training Leader (I think that's what TL stands for...) I've been thinking about that all afternoon too. So many things to think about.

Tomorrow I get my car inspected and hopefully my thermostat installed. Just in time for another snowstorm. Here's a preview of what's to come:

there's a car under there... somewhere...

the end is near...

This flagging job is coming to a close. I have work for a few days more- possibly this whole week, but then we're done. I'll miss the steady work and pretty good pay, and even some of the guys, but I won't miss the riffraff. AT ALL. Though, I have noticed (if I've said this before, it's a good reminder...) that there is riffraff everywhere. I just want to see less of it for a bit. Deal?

Changing the subject, my car inspection is due (hey, I'm a procrastinator and somewhat proud of it... not sure why...) and my car is falling apart. I have to replace my windshield Tuesday. 2 years ago, I got a good crack (circle ding) and this past winter/spring it spread and I knew my inspection wouldn't pass unless I had it replaced. Also, my brakes are in need of a change, but when I tried to take a wheel off, I couldn't because the nuts are hermetically sealed onto my car. I'm not sure when I'll get to check them... hopefully before snow flies. And (yes there's more) my thermostat is not working properly. When I broke my fan belt, I let my engine overheat too much (obviously) and messed that up. I wish I could afford a new(er) car. One more thing on my wish list. Here's what I have so far:

1. A full time job
2. my own place to live
3. a newer car that has a radio (no, I don't have one in my car- that broke 2 or 3 years ago, too)
4. a ski rack for my car
5. a new ski coat that is waterproof
6. the U2 album October (the only one I don't have on CD)
7. A boyfriend I guess- though I don't really want the hassle (and they don't want my hassle, I'm sure)

On the job front, here's the update:
I have 3 teaching applications out there including a 5th grade teaching job in Massachusetts for the rest of the school year (though I don't have my Mass license... oh well). I also applied for a job at L.L. Bean in New York, Maine, and 2 jobs for Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. There are other jobs I'm going to apply for, but it's hard knowing what I can and should apply for since I've been applying for teaching jobs for so long. What else am I qualified to do? Retail. Administrative? What else??? It's something to think about. I'll take suggestions, just be nice. And yes, I can scrub toilets well.

Ok, off to sew a tote bag for my friend's birthday... Not sure who to root for in the World Series- two great teams! Have a great week! Be nice to construction workers!!

The job search and emotional roller coaster!

Wow, October is going by fast! And yes, I'm still an employed flagger extraordinaire. Apparently I'm both loved and hated at my job, (not just the drivers I impede by making them stop or slow down) but I guess you'll have that. Can't please everyone. Believe me. I've tried.

I think I wrote about how I didn't get the long term substitute job at Essex Elementary school, but if I didn't, there you go. Not really a place I wanted to work at, though I do need a steadier job than flagging. The rumour mill is still churning there- I might be done flagging Oct. 31st or sometime in November. Either way, I am still subbing (did so twice last week). I'm not sure how much longer I'll be doing that either, since schools aren't hiring next year and/or they aren't hiring me. Yes, I've been wallowing in self pity yet again. Been thinking (darn brain) about what a failure I am- that I can't get a teaching job for the past 6 years and there must be something wrong with me because I'm a college graduate flagging and living with her parents. What a Wicked Major Loser! (I love saying wicked- it's wicked fun)

After crying (what an ab workout!) and kicking myself many times in the arse, I bought 2 papers to look through the classifieds. Not sure what I'm qualified to do- I've done customer service, data entry, teaching, training (not weight lifting training, but customer service training), manufacturing, product testing... I think that's it. My resume is a bit daunting and hopefully that isn't a turn off. I looked at a bunch of jobs online and in the paper and applied to a Customer Service Trainer job at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. Sound like fun anyways. I'm thinking about applying to LLBean as a sales rep either in Freeport, ME or in Fayetteville, NY where my friend Christine lives. I've always wanted to work for LLBean in their main store that is open 24 hours. There's also a receptionist job in Middlebury, too. Lots of choices I think and hope. So we'll see! I'm willing (and need to) move, though I don't have a lot of $$ right now. Whatever happens, it's all good. I have to be positive, because I have no where else to look but up.

On to other news... I haven't really watched the news in what seems to be a month or so. What's this Wall Street thing? Why aren't people in Washington protesting why all the stupid politicians can't get it together and pass some budget cuts that would provide jobs for a couple million or so people? Some people need to overdose on common sense... many of whom are flaggers, but I won't get into that mess...

Tomorrow I get to hang out with 3rd graders! I hope I get to color with crayons again or something fun and kid like. Have a great day and week wherever you are and doing whatever you do!

interviews are sucky...

I had my interview today and I don't think it went well. This spring (like February) I went to a career counselor at St. Mike's who helped me revamp my resume and cover letter and give me pointers on interviewing. When I talk about myself (my FAVORITE thing to do), I look down instead of looking up and being all confident and not intimidated by the people staring at me and taking notes.

So I did that, looked down a bit. They also asked me obscure questions (most all I have forgotten they were that important). Grr.. I just hate interviews because I hate talking about myself and hate being quizzed on the spot. Just let me in there and teach and then they'll see what I can do! At the end of the questioning, they thanked me (after asking 4 times if I had any more questions- is that a trick question?? I asked 2.. that isn't enough? I didn't ask the right ones??) and I left and almost started to cry as I walked out to my car. I didn't, but I was close. For whatever reason, I felt crappy about it and feel it was one of my worst interviews ever. My worst was driving to the Canadian border in the pouring rain, being questioned by literally 20 people and then told "thanks for coming", and driving back home. That time I did cry. What a horrible thing to put someone through!

 Anyways, the principal told me either way he'd get in touch with me this week and let me know. They need someone right away since the teacher is already on bed rest with twins due Thanksgiving. But, they have someone filling in (obviously) and I was thinking that she probably will stay on for the long term unless she isn't a certified teacher. (not that it means much these days) At any rate, I now know that I need to work more on my interviews or totally give up. Giving up is looking better and better everyday...

This afternoon, I went to bring my VTrans crew some cookies (I looked for some homemade donuts; none to be found) since today was their last day of working in Plymouth/Tyson on Irene clean up. When I get there, they all of course are happy to see me (who doesn't like food?!) and tell me that I haven't gotten rid of them- they requested both Kyle and I to flag for them on their own projects in their area starting Monday. I was also told that my Riffraff "supervisor" attempted to move me to another crew (without Kyle) but the VTrans supervisor told him no way- he was going to have both of us and that's that. Ah, drama in the VTrans world... I told them all (not the Riffraffer... he was stuck on route 7 in Brandon...) that my VTrans boss Dave Trombley wants me not because I'm a girl (apparently that was implied by the Riffraffer... schmuck...) but that I'm actually a good worker- both Kyle and I are and that Adam (the Riffraffer/"supervisor") was jealous that we did a good job and were liked. Everyone agrees. It will be interesting to see what will happen to Riffraffer... he'll get his due. I just want him to stay as far away from me as possible.

It's pretty ironic that I'm wanted at a job like flagging, but not as a trained teacher. I just want to not think about it all this weekend and enjoy the sunshine.

Enjoy your weekend wherever you are!

ch-ch-ch-changes...

The leaves are changing. Season's are changing. Weather's changing (rain-cold-warm-sunny- must be Vermont). And job prospects and current job is changing. And I think for the better...

So for the past week or more, I've been wondering when they'll cut us loose from flagging since the work (and daylight) are dwindling. We've been told we have work this week, and not sure after that. At least not with the crew we've been working with. We (Kyle the guy I flag with and I) have also been told that we will be the last of about 6 or so that will flag until the bitter end- November is what was said. I'm taking it all in with a grain of salt. And maybe some curry powder.

With the job prospects... I've been called for subbing and have told many schools that I'm already working. I've subbed once- 2 weeks ago and I said I'll sub next Monday and the Monday after that. Not sure about anything else. Need to get some more info from someone who knows more about the Irene cleanup/flagging situation. But then... I check my email tonight and I read that I have an interview! I had applied for 2 long term sub jobs (hey, why not, right?). One is in Essex (near our big city of Burlington) and the other is near St. Johnsbury (closer to the New Hampshire border actually) and got an email that Essex wants me to come in for an interview THIS FRIDAY! woah! After I stop hyperventilating... I have chosen the 10am interview slot and will dress up in my teacher clothes and head north Friday morning!!

I'm trying to think of where I'd stay, if I'd work back at Smuggs like I did in college. But I can't jump to all of that until I have the job. One thing at a time. Breathe.... It's just so nice to be thought of to interview!!! Oh how I hate interviews... pray for me!

Wow, life changes so fast! Just like the seasons- they change in what seems like a blink of an eye! Here's a photo of the season I took a couple of years ago. Enjoy!

Riffraff

My new favorite word is riffraff. It sums up so much of what my life has been like dealing with the riffraff that is the people I work with. Not the VTrans people, mind you. Just the people in the same company I work for. It's a bad soap opera of young guys who whine and complain about this pretty easy job, making pretty good money. There's a lot of lies, too. One day, we were all going to loose our jobs because basically one kid ruined it all for the rest of us by riding around and doing nothing. The next day, he (the kid) says he's had a heart-to-heart with the head VTrans guy and we have our jobs back if we straighten up and stop fooling around. Pretty interesting coming from the head riffraffer. Ah, the drama that is being a traffic flagger.

Besides getting my new favorite word, this week I saw leaves change before my eyes as well as the weather drop 20-30 degrees in a day or two. Ah, weather in Vermont. Got to love it!

I found out (finally- rumors aren't fun) that our hours are changing next week. We'll be starting at 8 am and working until 5:30 and I think that they'll be taking a half hour out for lunch. I can't complain- it's a steady job with a good paycheck!

This week, I started to worry about what I will do after this job (whenever it will end- they keep changing the end time... it could be any day or it could be until November. Who knows) I'm not sure if I'll get the calls to substitute like I did last year. I'm not even sure if I should stay in Vermont. This guy I work with- Kyle- told me that I should look into being a dental hygienist. Someone else told me I should look into being a surgical technician. So many possibilities. I still wonder why I spent so much time and effort becoming a teacher when I won't or can't even get a job. I know not everyone uses their education in their job, but I really don't want to be a flagger for the rest of my life. I just wish I knew what I was supposed to do- wouldn't that be so much easier?? gosh. Then I wouldn't have to deal with riffraff.

And what would I write about then, right??