Oh What a Week (Late late August back in '24)

Hey, gang! Welcome to my life – where anything is possible and nothing is as it seems. I’m Freedom and I’ll be your host, coming at you from within the depths of Geistopia. 

DOC: Velcum To My Life ees a prochect, un experiment in Life unt ART. A living storyboard, if you will. Its premise ees zat life ees experiential, unt zat you can, unt do, experience ze life you choose. It ees based on Ze Veel of Life unt Ze ARTs for Ze New Millennium as life building tools. Ja, it’s true! 

WALT: Welcome to my Life is a Geist…House Players Production, in association with the Center for Creative Inspirationalism. JustUs Productions, the parent company, would like to give a ‘Shout-Out’ to the following for their ongoing, and oft-times unknowing, inspiration and support:

Princess Cuddlebug

Princess Sunshine

Company

The Shaman

The Pillar

F’n Bob

The Entire Putt-Putt-Putter Clan

The Warden

FaeriePrincess

Professor Siggy Chong

Sparky Wentz-eclaus

The VanMan and General Ralph Glossop, and Craze (may they R.I.P.)

The Messengers of The Galactic Federation

 Looch

BJ & The Bull

Ace

Bert-On

The Baker of the Cornbread

Andy Pandy

The Mudder

Wilson

Zason

St. Diane & You (5)

Brother John & Sister Jen

The Bee Man

Spooky Queen

Boom-Boom Snuffbox

The Nameless One

Tim-Bo

The Mayor & The Turkey Man

The Rox

PDT

Sir Richard Slouch

The Wix-ians

The Socialite

The Village of Idiots

Piz-Niffer

Dancing Queen

Downtown Encyclopedia Brown

Chicken Witch

Dick Pointer

Soup, the Son

The Legendary Pink Elephants

Baby-Mama Rabbit

Wisconsin Belle

The Babes

Aaaand, of course, a very generous sponsor who (not-so-much) wishes to remain anonymous.

It is…Sunday, August 25, Two-Thousand and Twenty-More. Time...Remarkable

Theme – Maybe

Lesson – Keep On Keeping On

Observation – Question...But Do Not Answer

The Post

 [It is currently Thursday, August 22]

I needed to stop and write while everything is current and flooding my mind. I don't want to wait until it clears or settles. [It sort of feels like that defeats the purpose of it all.]

I said this week was going to challenge me...and it is.

Last week, I wrote about Trust in G-d with All Your Might. I took a strong stand that I could do that. Then I commented that the coming week would challenge my resolve. The week has been chaotic and difficult and today I may have seen a whole lot come crashing in.

[Side Note: I mentioned to Cuddlebug a day or two ago that I felt like a shift was coming.]

[I had to wait for all the elements to come together properly.]

As I said, I want to write while it is fresh in my mind and in the moment. This is the crisis, the crux.

When I wrote on Monday, I mentioned that this was a tough week financially. I have a lot that absolutely has to go out - rent, car insurance, child support, and two new tires for The Rocket so it can pass inspection next week.

I set off into my week as usual. Of course, Monday was Monday and I had Cuddlebug's tire fiasco to deal with. That put a hit on Monday because it took up dinner rush. I shrugged it off. Mondays have been poor lately anyway. I figured I would just have to work harder the rest of the week. What I didn't consider were all the challenges that laid ahead.

First, I had The Baker's cats to tend to - twice a day; once on Monday and today. They did pay me for this but that money was supposed to be extra and go directly to the tires [which were not in my original budget, because I had them covered with this and metal money.]

Then there was Tuesday - Sunshine's first day of school. She's still riding the bus. I have missed maybe three first days since the girls started school. none of them were by choice. So, I made the venture down early on Tuesday morning. I was hopeful that I might get some work on my way back since DoorDash covers more of that area. I did not.

Then there was the part I had not considered because it wasn't a thing until Monday - transporting Cuddlebug around. For instance, Tuesday she went along in the morning and stayed with her mom. Then I had to get her and bring her home. Not a big deal. It was timed right at the end of lunch and my normal break time.

I also had to get her to work that night. Plus, I had to get over and feed the cats.

Yesterday I had to feed the cats in the morning and then have Cuddlebug to work by 1130.

On top of it all, I feel as though I may be a little sick this week. I have been overly tired - always, and my restroom activities are different. These are both usually tell-tale signs for me. Especially when they come together.

None of this was major, but it all messed with my schedule and flow. NOt one single day this week has gone well. All have come up very short financially. My time throughout the days as askew. Still, I tried to make the most of it. For instance, I finished crushing the cans so I could take the metal yesterday morning.

I have kept the faith through it all. Do not misunderstand. I have had to remind myself each and every day - Trust in the Lord G-d with All Your Might.

Now, before I get to the Whammy, let's take a moment to look at just what kind of week I have had.

So, on Tuesday morning, we noticed that Cuddlebug's donut tire was low on air. I wasn't surprised but we were going to have to fill it before we drove it to The Mechanic. I decided I was going to go to Harbor Frieght and get an inflator to use with my compressor. I had looked at them last year but just couldn't squeeze that [very low] amount into my budget. I still couldn't. But I had $18 budgeted to go to Goodwill and get a pair of jeans. I figured I would just let that go and get this instead. After all, I fill my tires almost every day. It wasn't a useless purchase.

I went to the store and looked and looked. They didn't have exactly what I wanted. They were out of stock. But there was a kit available. I didn't actually need the whole kit but there was plenty of it I could use. It had an inflator. It also had a blow gun which I want for the workshop to clean surfaces of sawdust. It also had tape. We needed this for another project in the house as well. The kit was $13.

I contemplated and thought it over. It wasn't really what i came in for. But, I could make use of enough of it and I had come in expecting to spend $12-15. So I got it.

The next morning, i got it all hooked up and ready to go only to learn that my compressor no longer works. I know when it happened and I'm not surprised really. But what a way to find out. My issue here is that the compressor is really a big part of all my workshop work and now I don't have one. A replacement is about $60.

I saw all of this as a Maybe. I didn't get frustrated nor angry. I just simply thought, "Maybe I had to buy the kit to learn that the compressor doesnt work before I reach a point when I really need it and am taken by surprise."

Ok, so lets get back to the fun.

I wanted to get a strong start to today. That did not happen. I was slower to get out the door than I originally wanted but on time with my decision after I realized just how long I was hitting the snooze button. I still had to get gas and go feed the cats for the last time. When I was finished with those things, I looked at the time and decided I was just as good to head to The Mechanic and talk about skipping this week's payment and doubling up next week.

This worked out perfectly. Cuddlebug was taking her car in this morning to have the tire changed. She got there five minutes after I did, so I was able ot get her situated before I headed out.

The day wasn't strong over all but I kept trying. Then it happened.

I had to renew my license this year. The apps have all been requesting documentation of the new license. I have been struggling with GrubHub to get it done. They updated the app and added a self-service center for such things and, from what I'm told, the license must be scanned through the app.

The only problem is...it's not recognizing the barcode on my license.

GrubHub has been notifying me that i need to update my license or be restricted from driving until I do. I have been going back and forth with driver support, but to no avail. I have tried multiple times to scan them on my own.

Tonight it happened. I had been logged in then paused while I did a DoorDash and when I went to log back in it wouldn't let me.

GrubHub was not only the [I dont want to say bulk] bas e of my income. It was generally the steadiest and most reliable and it is where most of the bigger paying orders came from, but it was also the foundation of my schjedule and routine. Without it, I don't know aht I'm going to do.

First and foremost, I don't know if I can make the same kind of money without it. But, I also don't know how to function in my day or when. Even where I parked was based on my success rate of getting GrbHub orders from there.

I refuse to give up hope. Everything Happens for a Reason - Precise & Perfectly Placed. I just have to roll with this the same I have rolled with everything so far.

Anything is Possible and Nothing is as it Seems.

At this point, I am kind of at a loss. [And I haven't even told you what the Latest Challenge is.] All i can do is flow with it. My resolution is to go to bed as soon as I finish this up. I am not setting an alarm. I am just going to let myself sleep. I am all but ready to leave for work in the morning. However, I have been wanting to soak all week because of the Full Moon and I have not been able to. So,i think tomorrow before I leave, that is something I am going to do. I need it.

Hopefully, I have time to check in for Sunday. And hopefully, I have something positive to report.

• - - - - - - - - - - -

Here it is - Saturday with an update.

I had a rough day yesterday. As I said, I think I've been sick this week and that kind of showed through last night. I had seen Lil boss for a moment and she asked why I sounded so rough. And, when I did eventually get home, I unpacked my day and headed straight for bed. I slept solid for 9-10 hours and that is very unlike me.

I woke yesterday not really knowing how the day was going to go without having GrubHub. I decided that I wasn't going to rush out the door. I wanted to just work at an even pace and have myself together. I even decided to finally take that soak (at 0645.) I needed that. I've been wanting one since Monday.

However, I was not able to fully complete the process. This happens depending on how tense I am, how much is on my mind, and what lies ahead in my day. This is why I usually prefer to do it at night. So, when I was done I did feel better, but not complete. I ended up laying on the bed with Amethyst on my third eye to round things out. I must really get into a state when I do that. Cuddlebug said she wasn't sure I was breathing that's how still I was. This is the second time she has said that to me when I've lais with the crystal on my head.

That put my body and my spirit into better spaces.

At one point on Thursday night, I opened Facebook and the first post on my feed was SpookyQueen announcing that she still needs all the positions for one of her locations for The Seasonal Store - including manager. I do miss The Seasonal Store. I enjoyed every season I put in. It just hasn't been feasible these past few years. Without GrubHub I was going to have to do something. So, I reached out to her yesterday morning and we discussed things. I am currently "thinking it over." [Her choice, not mine.]

But wait...before i left for the day yesterday, I decided to try to fix my AGrubHub situation one more time. I got it fixed. It took me like 20 times (and Im not exxagerating) and all sorts of angles, but I finally got it to accept my license.

So my day would be business as usual, but with a late start.

I ran to get gas and put air in the ires and started my day. I had a couple of small orders and wasn't feeling real confident. Then I got a better one - one I still probably wouldn't have taken on a normal day - and that shifted my day.

The order brought me up north of The Homestead and my day kept me up there through lunch. Around noon I got a text from The Professor. He was at Putter's for a Safety Meeting. I told him where I was and that I wouldn't be down any time soon.

The truth is, I hadn't planned on going. By the end of lunch I was feeling ready for a rest and I just wanted to head home for a bit. And I was headed home. But, as always, I left the apps on. I let them dictate my day. I was 5 minutes from home when I got an order that would take me closer to The Putter's. So I did that order and then headed over.

I decided I would stop in for like an hour and then come home and rest for an hour. That did not happen. The Safety Meeting took up all of that time plus just a little. I left there and felt so rough. Between not resting at all and the party favors, i was rough. I wanted to just go home.

Instead, I turned the apps on and let them guide my night. I kept heading towards home but I would always get orders. I was fine with this but it was rough. I was rough. I just couldn't wait to get home.

As dinner shift wound down I decided I would get gas instead of waiting for the morning and that is what took my by to visit Lil Boss as well.

So, now it is morning. I slept in quite a bit later than usual and I have just been taking it at an easy pace since. I put dishes away and kinda straightened up and I took time to just sit. I am about ready to head out for the day.

Financially, I am not where I would like to be (or "should" be) but Right this Moment I am not as bad off as I thought I would be.

--------------------------------------------

And, finally....it is Sunday.

*deep sigh*

 I made it through my week. I was definitely tested.

Overall, things aren't terrible. I still came up short for the week. That was going to happen no matter what. But I came up less short than I was originally planning. It will be a challenge, but it is workable. I managed to buy myself a few extra days to take care of it.

Tomorrow, I have an interview with White Castle. They were advertising managers for up to $24.50 an hour. I don't really want to do it. I like my life and my work and how things go. I really do. However, the finances are getting too challenging. This could make the difference.

It will all depend on just how much per hour they offer me, first of all. The $24.50 is ideal but I can work with a little less. As it is I will still have to work 7 days between the Castle and deliveries. Depending on the schedule, I may even have to work both some days.

However, there are other hurdles to jump. For instance, I will need shoes and at least 2 pair of pants before i can start. This I already know. I won't wear my shoes there. I only have one pair and they don't need to be pushed to ruin. I also have no acceptable pants. I have one pair of black dress pants. Won't wear those, even if they're acceptable. I have one pair of khakis that have seen better days, but I could pull off if needed. Then I have two pair of jeans. Honestly, I shouldn't even be wearing them for deliveries. Nonetheless, I would have to get these things and it is at least 2 weeks until I can do so. Like, there will not be that kind of extra money in the budget this coming week. Not with the shortage.

The other hurdle is initial scheduling and finances. I have no money. Like literally. There's money in the bank right this Moment, but it - and more - is already spent. I will be working the better part of the next 2 days just put myself on track. That's how every day of every week goes for me. Usually, I am working for the day and sometimes a little bit for the next. Often, I am working to still pay yesterday. What this means is, though I would be working and technically earning the money, I wouldn't have it in my hands.

I don't know if I can go 2-3 weeks like that. I mean, sure, I can probably make arrangements with The Mechanic and also Brother John until checks are rolling in and I have balanced out. However, that leaves me with a lot of money to catch up on afterwards. But, there is still all the other expenses - gas, groceries, bills. I can do some of that on 2 days of driving - depending on the week.

Of course, I would also have to make sure that i do not begin my starting week behind in finances. The week before would have to be absolutely solid.

I'm not sure how to get around this. One thought i had was if they would allow me to start as P/T for like 3-4 weeks. I could be making that money and driving more to keep up with my bills better. After the first pay comes and I am nearing the second, I could expand to FT more comfortably. The only other thought I had was if I worked mostly overnights. It is a 24 hour location. I could start FT (though because of transitioning sleep habits PT might still be wise at first,) and still have those two days plus some other time to drive and make the money I need.

We will see.

The interview is at 1400.

This week flip flopped all around. It did not end "perfectly." It has left me with some challenges for the week ahead. Still, I look at how it ended, then at how it wend, and then at how it could have ended. I look at how many moments were so Precise & Perfectly Placed. So, I will say with full conviction -

Trust in the Lord your G-d with All Your Might.

Now I must sleep.

If you’re not already there, go to the Welcome to my Life Facebook page – WTML. Or the YouTube channel – WelcomeToMyLife08. You can also find me on Facebook under Rev. Matt.

Wherever you are and whenever you are – Like, Comment, and Share – we’re on a Journey and it takes you to get there.

So, without hesitation, for now and for always, from here in Geistopia, this is your beloved Rev…

WALT: And Walt…

DOC:  Unt Doc…

JOHNNY: Aaaaand Johnny…

And those guys, saying, “Stay Tuned-In, Fellow Travelers,” and wishing you Peace, Love, Light…

WALT: And Freakishness, Baby.

The Totems & Archetypes

from Ted Andrews’ Animal Speak

Cricket

Deer

Owl