Reality Check

So it's the end of April. I'm still jobless, and the money I have saved is slowly trickling away, much like my heater in the basement.

We made it back to VT with only a few casualities (my sister's patience, my sanity, and leftover quesadillas from Taco Bell that I held onto for an afternoon and couldn't bear the thought of eating later. Oddly, this incident led to some quality sister bonding, as my sis made an attempt to understand why I would throw them away.)

It was a good trip, overall. We got through book 2 and 3 of Harry Potter on tape, and had some hilarity along the way.

But now, reality. I've been pulling boxes of soggy books, paper, and photos from my basement the past week and a half. I've also been desperately cleaning and organizing.

Most of all, I'm extremely happy to be back in VT. Even if I am poor.

must get the small one to bed now!

Laramie, Wyoming--Home of wicked good vegetarian food?

So, I'm in Laramie, Wyoming. The 3rd part of our journey back to VT, otherwise known as a "marketing trip" for all of my websites. Additionally known as the "Going Broke Trip." Or was that "Going for Broke"? I forget.

Only 6 hrs in the car today, since we got a late start. I dumped another box of stuff with my sister's partner to be shipped. Sigh. Really, it's not my fault. I'm a stuff magnet. Stuff seeks me out. People give me stuff. Stuff sneaks in my window at night and settles under my bed.

Wyoming is foolishly cold. They have big freeway warning signs that say simply "snowfall." We saw a jillion deer on the roadside, behind snow fences. My theory is that it's actually warmer by the freeway, what with all the toxic car fumes.

So the small one is bouncing off the walls, literally, so this is the end of the day's post.

To sum up: snow, cold, dislocated knee (thanks, icy sidewalk by the hotel exit!), muddy dog paws, a cool vegetarian cafe--Melissa's or something like that, if I remember correctly--bouncing child. And God bless Harry Potter, each and every word on tape.

Peeps, love, and light,

Kat

I'm Ba-a-a-ck!

So, the bitter ex-wives' club is undergoing a complete overhaul. I took a break from the site by necessity (translation, I taught four english classes last fall, nearly went insane grading papers, and moved to Tucson to live with my dad for three months.)

Now I'm almost broke, still getting divorced, and ready to take charge of my life.

I'm really giving this internet thing a go. No, really. I've spent the last year separated from my ex and realizing just how much of myself I lost in my marriage. There's nothing like moving back in with your Dad to make you think about where you came from and where you're going.

I've learned a lot in the past year. And who knew? I'm creative, outgoing, and a risk-taker. So this is my risk. I can survive without a "real" full-time job for maybe a month once I get back to VT (yep, we're going back. I missed winter altogether--what a drag for me!) In that month, I am going to work on running my own business(es) online. So keep an eye out for pinkcatjewels.com and quillworksvt.com.

In the past few months I've taught myself more advanced Photoshop techniques, web marketing, small business operation, and a lot about the jewelry industry. And button making. As in, pins. In fact, I've learned so many new things I'm starting to feel invincible as well as broke.

So now, if you want a bitter ex-wives club button (or magnet, coming soon!) I can make it myself. That gives me a variety of designs and a lot more control and a bit more profit.

Not to mention it's damn fun!

Now, I'm not trying to get rich with my online sites or anything. Realistically, I'm trying to use my talents, help people out, and make $24,000 a year. And in case anyone out there is wondering why I don't shut up and get a job already, it's a juggling act between my ex and I trying to pay for childcare for the next two years and finding the time to split up our daughter's free time. I have nothing against getting a job, but if I make minimum wage and work full time, I won't be able to pay for preschool. It sucks, but it's true.

So welcome to the new and improved bitter ex-wives' club. Look for opportunities to get involved in the coming weeks. I'm going on a marketing trip across country (i.e. driving back to VT) so the club is coming to a town near you. And staying in a hotel, then leaving the town near you. But I'll be giving out buttons for all the sites, and telling ex-husband jokes.

So keep your eyes a'coming, as my Aunt loves to remind me I used to say when I was 4. You might just see me in the Katmobile aka the purple murple, aka the purple saturn in search of a name.

Here's to a great weekend!