Survival of the fittest

Being a reporter is something a person must want to do. You are not doing it for the money. I do it because I want people to be informed about what is going on their community. When I came to RR, I took a pay cut because I wanted to work at a daily newspaper. I don’t regret it. I have to admit the last few months have been rough. My expenses have increased while my pay has stayed the same. I used my savings to get by. It has been frustrating but I am surviving--barely. Each time, I get paid I make sure child support is paid and I have medication. If those two are covered, then the rest will fall in place.

I am writing this because writing my feelings has always made me feel better. It was the reason I started this blog when I was unemployed. I needed a voice. 

I am tired of struggling. I have been told maybe I need to find a new line of work. But what would I do. Writing is my talent. I have worked in restaurants as a server but I suck at basic customer service. I try really hard but I not the outgoing girl. But give me a pad and a pen, I can tell a person’s life story.

Thank God for my meds because I don’t think I could make it. I don’t want to move home without a job. So I have made some plans.

Plan A involves getting another job closer to home. With the price of gas, I have cut down on the number of trips home to see JJ. 

But it looks like maybe Plan A won’t happen so I have a Plan B.

This involves getting a part-time job during the weekends. I applied at a Subway convenience store but didn’t get it.

I have been careful about what jobs and where I apply because as a reporter I am little noticeable in the community. So I am looking in Virginia.

Sometimes we do what we have to do to survive. I have given up the extras like cable and internet. I cook more and eat out less. I have cut every corner I can think of. I have sold my DVDs and eaten Ramen noodles. I had to make a choice between electricity or having air conditioning. Electricity won so I have been using fans to keep cool. Thank God I am a work-a-holic so I stay cool for the hottest part of the day. 

On the days I don't work, I usually visit the library or work as a cooling station. This weekend, I am participating in a yard sale to make some extra cash.

I am not looking for pity. I just needed to say all of this because deep down inside I am scared. It is getting harder and harder to make ends meet. I just don't know what to do.

And during all of this, ED has tried to come calling but I  have shown her the door. I don't have time for it.

DAILY DOSE

1. Lounging around the house in a bikini.

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

3. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger!