I will just lay it on the line here, folks.
I went to university for approximately 15 years. Within that time I acquired 2 Bachelor's of Art degrees and a certificate of study. Supposedly, I know enough to be a socio-cultural anthropologist, an aficionado of Chicano/Latino culture, and a digital artist. The thing is, with all that schooling, I work at a fitness club/video store.
I am by no means "fit", nor do I represent the image that a fitness club probably prefers to sell to its potential clients. I'm a bit tomboyish in appearance. I prefer skate sneaks, ironic t-shirts, and pigtails, to sweats, running shoes, and sculpted muscles. Over the past 6 months, I have visited the inside of the ice-cream cooler more frequently than the inside of the gym. My prior job, teaching kids to waveboard (http://www.thewave.com/) kept me without the need of a spare tire, but with an aching back and sore, dominate foot. It was a rock star job that I had to forfeit but, it didn't pertain to my degrees either. Just my hobbies.
I digress. I love the video store side of my job. Mainly because I look forward to seeing regulars, gossiping about Battlestar and Big Brother UK, and asserting my non-managerial self on a somewhat passive-aggressive staff. All the while pining for a job as a production assistant turn director of photography at a local film production company.
The economy sucks. My as-of-today domestic partner (paperwork and courthouse approved) Holly and I are thinking about second jobs. I am so tired from working evenings, I can't imagine having to get up and work in the mornings. On top of that, there's no way I want Holly to have to work another job on top of her 7 to 4 job. We barely see each other as it is.
My job pays s**t. The only redeeming qualities are the above said traits and my benefits.
You see, I have this nasty little disorder called Fibromyalgia. It was at the root of why I had to abandon my rock star job. Rock stars should be able to afford insurance, but I didn't work often enough to be able to. Plus, I was an independent contractor. They didn't take taxes out and that hurts at the beginning of the year when you are living paycheck to paycheck. And by you, I mean me.
Holly was informed last week that her job was cutting salary pay by 10% or some foolish amount. Enough to where I see the worry in her eyes and disappointment in herself for past spending. She is afraid we may end up losing our house, which is actually her house when it comes down to it. All I can do is try and comfort her with empty words and warm embraces.
Both hold a lot of truth, but the reality of the outcome is a bit terrifying. I want to do so much more. I want to solve all the financial woes and worries. I want to make her smile like sunshine.
But all I can do is sell gym memberships, rent movies, and hope somebody out there may want to buy an occasional photograph at the right moment.
All that said, the dogs and kitty are fed, the roof is still above our heads, and I have the best friends ever. Life really isn't so bad. Things could be much worse.
I just need to remember that. Cheers.
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2 comments:
sheesh. this economy sure is making us all its bitch. I don't know what to do about it any more than most people, just hope things will get better and trust in that greater good. Oh and try not to be afraid, even when things are looking their scariest. It's how we avoid being controlled by those in power. Congratulations on the legalization! Was it a hassle? You know you can always come to California....... :)
Yes, it was a hassle. We had to get notarized, not once, but 3 different times. They wouldn't except our print out from their website after the fact. By the time all this had been done, it was too late to actually get it in the system until yesterday (Monday). So, we went in yesterday. Got through it just fine and walked out certifiably hitched...er, or as close as two gals can get in 2008 (sheesh).
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