Today GamerDude and I signed the final paperwork involved in refinancing a rental property that we own as a means to get out from under the load of too much debt. This is one of those things that I was holding back from talking about here until I was sure that everything went through.

I cannot describe the relief of no longer having to live paycheck to paycheck (and even then only barely making it as year by year we fell into mroe and more debt).

And while we are still in the same amount of debt as we were before, at least the repayment structure will allow us to start building savings (toward college and toward retirement), it will allow me to be able to afford days off from work (in illness and for pleasure) from time to time. It will allow me to keep my kids in Taekwondo and to get myself to Dr. appointments I’ve been putting off for far too long.

But, we know that this is our last chance to start over.

From here forward we both have to make the commitment to buy less, to create a simpler life, to actually save the money we need to save and to make the extra payments toward this mortgage that we need to so that when one day we have the opportunity to move we will actually have some equity to put toward the purchase of a new home (in a much more rural setting).

Mr Grumpy does not approve of our choice, in his defense he’s been down this road himself and knows that the temptation is high to simply start cahrging again once the debts are paid off. He knows that we could wind up with a mortgage around our neck until we are his age. He wants an easier future for us.

But, I know that it was the right thing to do. I couldn’t find the light at the end of the tunnel and could only see a future of ever increasing poverty ahead of us unless we did something. Maybe it wasn’t the best choice – but it was the best one we could see and now we simply have to be mature and responsible about creating and sticking to a plan that will allow us to create the future we want.

I am hoping that having this weight off my back will allow me to get my stress levels under control and allow me to once again hear the whispers of creativity and of Spirit so that I can both work more on the blog, and maybe even start really working on the book I dream of.

Wish us well!

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama KellyTags:life, money

Just a brief update ….

I was moved to another department at work and, frankly, I am loathing it.  While my previous position involved maybe 50% of my time each week doing cold-calling and the remainder on confirming and rescheduling appointments, my new position is 100% cold-calling.  Additionally it is more sales oriented which requires me to be more pushy – not something I am particularly good at despite my ability in telemarketing.  And then there’s the aspect of having a touch of moral ambiguity about what we are pushing to begin with.

There are positives, or more accurately the potential for them.  The main one being that if this works out that I can be looking at bonuses and comission on top of my current hourly wage.  My husband insists that as they will be looking for a supervisor for this department as time goes on that I’d be “perfect” in that capacity.  But, right now things are very disorganized and I feel as if I lack the tools to do the job.  If I worked for a “real company” I wouldn’t be so stressed about it.  Unfortunately, my company has a history of having unrealistic expectations, giving no support, and then punishing the worker for failing to excel.  One shining example of this is that most mornings you will see people hunting to find a phone … again we are a telemarketing company, doesn’t logic dictate that every desk should have a phone?

Right now, the stress involved in all of this is frankly robbing me of any kind of inspiration to do anything at all.  I’ve spent both evenings so far this week mindlessly surfing the internet while half-watching television, that is when I’m not researching said new project to try and give myself the tools my employer has failed to.  Needless to say, I feel another blogging slump coming on; but, I shall try very hard to keep your regularly schedule programming fresh and up to date.

Anyway, enough about me.

Lady Rose is continuing to do well.  The side effects from the complications she suffered are fading and she has finally gotten rid of the fluid she was initially retaining.  She was even feeling well enough to plan a trip out to her local health food store to pick up some items for the weeks ahead.  I encourage you to go over to her other blog and leave words of encouragement.

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama KellyTags:job, telemarketing, work

Our recent outing to the County Fair (and the loss of $100 to do so) made me think that this might be a useful topic as we head into the second half of summer vacation for many kids, a time of year associated with epidemic levels of the cries of “I’m bored!”.

Make Silly Putty and play with an old Newspaper (Sunday comics are best)

Rent $1 Redbox Movies and pop popcorn

Head out to your local park and go on a nature walk

Head out to your local playground and play

Sit outside after dark with cold drinks (watch the stars and lightening bugs)

Make S’mores in the microwave

Make a layered Jello dessert (make it a day ahead)

Teach the kids to make granny squares (piece them into scarves, doll blankets, or afghans as holiday gifts)

Hit the local library (borrow books or movies or see if they are hosting any events)

Play in the sprinkler

Blow bubbles

Have a Soda Fountain night (a night of Sundaes or fancy drinks)

Make Rice Krispie Treats (like these Oreo enhanced ones)

Have a Harry Potter night (read the books aloud, pick a movie to watch, and make appropriate snacks)

Dust off the board games in the closet and have a tournament

Play card games

Check out a local museum

Most importantly focus ons pending time together rather than spending money.  Think back on your own childhood and think about what good memories have stuck with you the longest and use those as your inspiration.

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama Kelly

It has been a stressful week.  Work has been most of the cause of my increased anxiety, restless nights and the moments of bursting into tears without any provocation.

A couple of days ago I posted a tarot reading I did in answer to the question of what was standing in the way of my dreams.  If you asked me that question today I would tell you that among all the hindrances and stumbling blocks on my path, my job is probably foremost among them.

Telemarketing is a rough job if you work for the best of companies.  It is stressful, and mind-numbingly boring.  However, if you also work for my company it is belittleing and soul-sucking as well.

The last few weeks have been the worst of my entire time there (more than 7 years).  While last year saw the death of overtime and earlier this year saw the end of a side project that nicely took its place financially, while paycuts have been happening for almost a year (some people have lost $4 an hour), now they are sending people home right and left for “low production.”  Last week I lost 2 hours pay and this week I only made my whole 40 hours by “making up” my hours by staying late on Friday.

And even when I get all my hours, the stress of the job and the environment leads me to come home from work with no energy to do anything.  I am spent!  I can’t seem to motivate myself to do ritual, to work on article and book ideas that are simmering, to clean, to cook, to even play with my girls.  It is probably, aside from the weight of debt we carry, the biggest cause for the bone-crushing depression (and anxiety.. and fatigue) that has led to much of the stagnation I am coping with.

While I still intend to finish obtaining a 2 year degree, before returning to school I need to find a better job.  One that provides luxuries such as a living wage, paid time off, and insurance premiums that don’t make we wonder how much I can get for the gold jewelry I no longer wear.  While I still dream of making my living as a Witch (by writing, by having more time to work on this blog, by making items I can sell via places such as zazzle and etsy) first I need to have a job that I do not spend eight hours a day wondering when and if I am going to be sent home early and if so how the heck I’m going to make up the time.

So that is my current goal.  Find a better job in an economy that doesn’t have a lot of jobs to go around.  It will take luck, it will take energy, it will take a really kick ass resume (that luckily I have multiple friends offering to help me with) and it will take courage to go out of my comfort zone and take a risk.

Because, as my tarot reading reminded me … just because there is a level of comfort in “the hell I know” it is still time, long past it in fact, to take risks and try my luck again and trust that I can find something better out there.

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama KellyTags:job hunting, work

So with Thanksgiving behind me I am back to working every day. My next day off is planned for 12/20 which means that I am working the next 18 days straight at a job I can’t stand for a company that regularly treats its employees like sweatshop workers.

Monday the managers had a big meeting. Of course it is all hush hush but the writing is on the wall – things are going to get worse before they get better. That same evening I overheard some people getting “reviewed” and having their pay rate cut.  As of Tuesday it was official – 28 people got their pay cut by $1 per hour.  Some are full time, some part time, some are newer hires, and some have been there even longer than I have.  S0 far I have not been approached, but that can change at any time.

So far the only change for me is that my seat has been moved.  Yesterday was my first day in my “new seat” and I do not like it.  I am much more exposed.  I am much closer to the manager I have the most conflict with (though yesterday was without incident).  There is more come and go traffic around me and frankly I cannot relax there.  The only plus side is I cannot do cold-calling from that seat but that only means that now, when they do put me on that task, I have to sit whereever they put me on that given day/shift/hour and lose the “relative comfort” of my photos, kids drawings, and other knickknacks.

On the bright side the commission based project I’ve been working on has treated me fairly well. I made $85 Monday night, and another $45 on Tuesday.  I will go in on Saturday. If the Gods and fates are kind I can make an extra $200 total (or more) this week which goes a long way on clearance rack shopping. However, I am not sure how, short of giving up on sleep entirely, that I am going to be able to get everything I need to get done by Yule. My shopping is nowhere near done – I don’t even really know what I’m buying yet. I have yet to write out one holiday card or wrap one present. I am hoping this weekend to get a handle on exactly what I have already purchased and fugure out what’s left to buy.

Well that’s life in a nutshell. Hopefully today will not be entirely hateful.

Color me quite afeared.

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama Kelly

We here at 2Witches are in no way affiliated with these offers. We just thought they might be of use to our readers as Mama Kelly sends away for these kinds of things and finds they are a good way to get that little bit extra every month.

The theme this week seems to be coupons and magazines.  But if you are a magazine junkie getting them for free can be a blessing.  If you are a parent having a stack of magazines for use in school assignments and art projects can be equally helpful.

Emergen-C – powder supplement to add to water

Home Made Simple coupon book, with $27 in savings for Cascade, Dawn, Febreze, Iams, Mr. Clean, and Swiffer products

Free subscription to Lego Magazine – available in multiple countries, look in the blue sidebar on the right

Kleen-2-Go sample packet – 1 Hard Surface Disinfectant Towelette, 1 Standard Paper Toilet Seat Cover, 1 Personal Wipe Towelette, 1 Hand Disinfectant Towelette, 3 Facial Quality 2 Ply Tissues

$10 in coupons from Pillsbury

Free 1-year subscription to Plenty Magazine – wait for the screen with all the critters to appear click on the lime green guy on the right hand side

free sample of FANCY, the new fragrance from Jessica Simpson – odds are these are already gone – only 1000 are being given away, but it doesn’t hurt to try

Send your name and mailing address to littlescholastic@scholastic.com and they will send you a FREE Little
Scholastic book (while supplies last)

Free 1 year subscription to Self magaine

Free subscription to Elle Accessories magazine

Generally, free offers are only available to US residents.

Expect 4-8 (can be up to 12) weeks for delivery and understand that supplies can and do run out. But, these can help stuff a Winter Holiday stocking or fill a hole or two in your pantries and cleaning closets.

However, sample requests generally require an email address. I suggest creating a secondary email on a free service like yahoo, hotmail, or aol in order to avoid filling you primary inbox with unwanted emails.

Additionally keep in mind that free samples are generally good for 1 per household (1 per mailing address). But, you can place your “orders” and then run back through the list ordering for a friend or relative who lacks the time or the internet access to allow them to do so simply by plugging in their info instead.

Enjoy!

Blessings

Mama Kelly

PS  I compiled this list Tuesday morning and evening.  If an offer has since expired please accept my apologies.

Written by Mama KellyTags:freebies

Not much is new here in Mama Kelly’s household.  I haven’t had any free time to manage any exciting news.

I am working approximately 48 hours a week and I do not get a day completely off.  Today was my 16th day in a row at work and it is not good for me.  Telemarketing on a good day is a rough, high stress job.  The fact that overtime has still not returned and my only hope at extra money is working a commission based project is not helping.  Unfortunately I have anxiety issues even when life is running smoothly, and right now I am pretty stressed about being able to financially pull off a Happy Holiday, keep paying for Tae Kwon Do, and pay my monthly bills.

It will be ok.  It always is.  Its just going to take a few more sacrifices. 

The big one is going to be taking yet another semester off from school.  I cannot see myself coming up with the extra $500-600 right now, especially on the heels of Yule.  However, I am not closing the door completely as if some things work in my favor I may be able to afford it “last minute” and register for something in January right before the official start of the semester.

The other thing is going to be simply buying less this year and doing everything I can with sales, etc. to make it seem like more.  I’ve been picking up a few things here and there, both via Amazon and from some small online vendors.  I am hoping that I will have enough items with “WOW factor” that the overall smaller haul will be less noticable.  Unfortunately this is also going to mean that I will not be buying anything else toward Toys for Tots this year.  I already have a small stack of items to donate but I cannot see my way clear to buy anything else.

Finally, it is going to mean cutting back as much as possible on all of our other expenses.  Food shopping, utilities, and all sorts of unnecessary “extras” that wind up coming home with me from my errand running.  And some of the creature comforts as well, like the cans of soda and seltzer I bring with me from home, the snacks that I take to work and eat during TV time.  I am certainly well padded enough that I can cut back significantly on my food intake before I do any harm LOL.

In the meantime all I can do is work as much as much as possible, cut coupons, send away for freebies, and utter prayers to all the Gods and Goddesses that this too shall pass and maybe one day GamerDude and I can get out from under the black cloud of impending financial doom that we tend to live under.

In the meantime all I can do is focus on the positive.  That, for the most part, we are all happy and healthy.  That I have friends who love me.  That I get to see 2 of my closest friends right around the holidays … my friend “E” over the solstice weekend and my friend “M” at Christmas.  That, in spite of my worries and fears, I know I will manage to make a holiday that will make my girls happy, even the younger who is holding on desperately to the belief in the Old Fat Man.

In the meantime I hope to get some more on topic Pagan content up soon.  In the meantime:

Don’t forget to check out our giveaway

and

Our Thanksgiving Coloring Pages to Print Out

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama KellyTags:anxiety

We here at 2Witches are in no way affiliated with these offers. We just thought they might be of use to our readers as Mama Kelly sends away for these kinds of things and finds they are a good way to get that little bit extra every month.

Want a free Obama sticker? It’s designed by Shepard Fairey, the artist who created the iconic HOPE poster. And MoveOn’s giving them away totally free–even the shipping’s free.

Click this link to get your free Obama sticker *

Free “Sleep Better Kit” from Tylenol PM (sleep mask, ear plugs, bookmark, and $2 coupon) – NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Free knife – looks good for various arts and crafts type of projects. (No purchase necessary. Offer is limited to two per household. No shipping & handling fee.)

Free 2-day sample of Hyland’s Calms Forté (sleep aid)

Pernod Ricard USA is pleased to bring you our Customized Label Program. This is an exciting opportunity for US residents to order personalized labels for our most popular spirits-FREE. We will print your personal message on an authentic label for Chivas Regal®, The Glenlivet®, Jacob’s Creek®, Kahlua®, Mumm Napa® and Wild Turkey® Russell’s Reserve bottles. Delivery time is normally 15 business days from the time you place your order. Labels are delivered via USPS First Class mail. There is a limit of 5 labels per email address. **

Free sample of Pedigree Good Bites – dog treat

Free personalized mug – intended for business owners

Free tote bag OR water bottle (you will get an e-mail that will explain how to verify your request a week before the shipment date; verification by email will be required)

Free food storage bag from Glad

Free sample of For Goodness Shakes – a health beverage

Free sample of Goody Ouchless Elastics

Free Kickbutt Energy Ballz – some kind of “health supplement” in candy form

Free sample of a “mystery” shampoo and conditioner – comes from startsampling.com so this is a legit offer

Free sample of chocolate covered pomegranate seeds – requires birthdate to enter site, distributed by Pama Liqueur

Free sample of Monavie Acai Berry supplement beverage – requires you confirm email they send you

Free pass to a screening of The Boy in Striped Pajamas – only available in select US cities

Free DelMonte coupons to print - just sign up for the DelMonte Dish newsletter ***

FREE Sample Pack of Uberloo Sticky Notes – all say “Here is my opinion” and are available internationally

Free sample of Snappy Tom cat food – fish flavor

Free sample of Lights Out sleep aid

Free sample of breath-a-licious dog treats

Free sample of biofreeze – topical pain reliever

Free sample of ORIGINAL PHO – a new integration of traditional Vietnamese rice noodle soup and typical instant noodle soup cups.

Free 2009 calendar (had coupons in it) from Oriental Trading company

Generally, free offers are only available to US residents.

Expect 4-8 (can be up to 12) weeks for delivery and understand that supplies can and do run out. But, these can help stuff a Winter Holiday stocking or fill a hole or two in your pantries and cleaning closets.

However, sample requests generally require an email address. I suggest creating a secondary email on a free service like yahoo, hotmail, or aol in order to avoid filling you primary inbox with unwanted emails.

Additionally keep in mind that free samples are generally good for 1 per household (1 per mailing address). But, you can place your “orders” and then run back through the list ordering for a friend or relative who lacks the time or the internet access to allow them to do so simply by plugging in their info instead.

Enjoy!

Blessings

Mama Kelly

* Thanks to Fae for the tip
** If you are planning on buying one of these bottles anyway as a gift this is a great way to make it a little extra special absolutely free.
*** Requires the installation of a small piece of software

Written by Mama KellyTags:freebies

In September we enrolled Princess Nibbles in a “free month” of Tae Kwon Do.  For $55 she got a uniform and was able to take 8 classes to see if she liked it.  Well not only did she like it, she loved it.  We hemmed and hawed about the cost but in the end the joy in her eyes was enough for me to figure out what I could cut in our budget to afford it.  At the beginning of December she will be testing for her first belt.

In the later half of October, Miss Artistic asked about trying it too.  She had originally poo-pooed our suggestion of doing just that but I think her sister’s excitement was contagious.  So we put out another $55 for her to also get the same “free trial” that her sister did.  While her eyes do not exactly shine with joy she also enjoys it.  Enough that she wants to enroll for a year, even though it is going to count as most of her birthday this year (just like it did for her sister).

When it was just Princess Nibbles going I would sit with the other mommies and make small talk.  But, with both girls going and being in seperate back-to-back classes now I drop them off and pick them up a little less than 2 hours later.  Each of them sits and acts as the other’s moral support and oddly enough my warring children – 5 years apart and completely different personalities – are finally beginning to bond.

It occurred to me today at work (or perhaps I should say that the Divine dropped the idea in my head because I can assure you that it hadn’t occured to me once) that I do not have to come all the way home after dropping them off.  I can bring materials with me and use that window of time (probably an hour and a half of “working time” when all is said and done) to perhaps go instead to the local eatery, order a cup of tea or something and try and write the book(s) I’ve been claiming to want to write for the past several years.

The flaw with this entire grand plan is of course continuing to be able to afford the Tae Kwon Do itself.  Not including the inital “trial fees” and the new student registration it will cost me over $200 a month for both girls to go.  Now I never really had an extra $200 lying around, so now the challenge is to cut enough corners and pinch enough pennies consistently to be able to afford it.

To begin I have eliminated my once daily trip to WaWa for almost 2 months now.  I am spending less each week on food by adding the farmer’s market and dollar store into my routine.  I am working more even though overtime has yet to be restored, specifically on a seperate commission only project.  So far this week I made an extra $70 and tomorrow I’m going in for 4 hours* to hope to at least make another $50 more.

Unfortunately, its not enough, especially with the Winter Holidays approaching.  So you will see a lot more on the blog as we go forward focused on ways to do just that.  With the economy in the state it is in I figure I’m not the only one who needs the extra help.

Blessings

Mama Kelly

*  This means the official return to working 7 days a week.  If all goes according to plan my next day completely off won’t be until Thanksgiving.  And then if I am lucky (and I can hold on the little I’ve managed to save) I plan to take off Xmas Eve, Xmas Day, and Miss Artistic’s bday.

Written by Mama KellyTags:saving money, TaeKwonDo

We here at 2Witches are in no way affiliated with these offers.  We just thought they might be of use to our readers as Mama Kelly sends away for these kinds of things and finds they are a good way to get that little bit extra every month.

a water bottle – for filling out a 1 min survey (assumes you’ve used Canon’s customer service)*

Walgreen’s coupons – to print and use in store

Secret – clinical strength deoderant

Alterna Hair Care – unidentified samples

free tote bag – must leave a blog comment and fill out a form

free Obama-Biden bumper sticker

Airborne – “on the go” zesty orange

Free pistaschios - 12 oz. worth

Free (after rebate) Carrot Cake - print out the rebate form and send it in with your receipt to receive up to $3.99 back. Offer expires 1-31-09

Free Halloween masks – print out Obama, Biden, McCain, or Palin

Aquafresh – free sample of “extreme clean” as well as coupons  (coupon must be printed)

Reach flosser – you get the plastic base and (most likely) one flossing head – refills must be purchased

“Win” a Tshirt or Apron – from oops wine, only a total of 20 prizes will be given away so even if you “qualify” you may not receive a prize

Sundance tea

VInegar & Olive Oil – sample packet (try daily in am until you succeed)

Honey Bunches of Oats (try daily in am until you succeed)

Generally, free offers are only available to US residents.

Expect 4-8 (can be up to 12) weeks for delivery and understand that supplies can and do run out.  But, these can help stuff a Winter Holiday stocking or fill a hole or two in your pantries and cleaning closets.

However, sample requests generally require an email address.  I suggest creating a secondary email on a free service like yahoo, hotmail, or aol in order to avoid filling you primary inbox with unwanted emails.

Additionally keep in mind that free samples are generally good for 1 per household (1 per mailing address).  But, you can place your “orders” and then run back through the list ordering for a friend or relative who lacks the time or the internet access to allow them to do so simply by plugging in their info instead.

Enjoy!

Blessings

Mama Kelly

* I didn’t do this one as I’ve never used their customer service

Written by Mama KellyTags:freebies