Applying for Unemployment

Today I applied for unemployment benefits. I've never done this before, or even thought I would. I graduated from college 10 years ago, and I've gone to work every day since until yesterday. So today I apply for the benefit.

The actual application took about 20 minutes online. For Minnesota, the site is http://www.uimn.org/uimn/. And I'll have to fill out what I assume is a condensed version of that form every week until I get a job. My weekly benefit will be direct deposited into my bank account (there's also an option to receive a debit card). I was able to estimate my benefits a few weeks ago by submitting my Social Security Number online, and the benefit estimate I got today is the same amount (the final amount will be mailed to me once everything is analyzed). The actual amount won't be disclosed here, but it's based on 2/3 of my income over the past 18 months. And although no one will be jealous of my income, it's enough for us to get by.

How does the application make me feel? The form itself was pretty direct. It was eye-opening how much the system already knew about me - although it did list a company I've never worked for as a former employer. There's no reason I should feel guilty about receiving these benefits, and I don't. I've looked for a job since I knew I would be laid off, and I will continue to do so, along with finding little ways to make extra money in the meantime. When I took the job at DealChicken, I intended to work there for a period of several years. This is a blip. Hopefully I will be employed again soon.

Of course, there's not benefits outside of money - we've had temporary insurance since I left Tastefully Simple, and we will continue to have that until I find a job (but that's a story for another day). If TV is accurate, at one point you had to actually go to an office and meet with a caseworker to collect your benefit. I'm glad I don't have to do that.

Stay tuned for more adventures in unemployment. 

Park It There

I've been living in the country for about a year and a half. This is the first time I've ever lived in the country. It's a permanent situation or me, and it has its charms.

But the other day, I was killing some time in town and I went to the park. And I realized how much I miss parks and public spaces. It was a Minnesota spring day, when everyone's face turns toward the sun. When kids run almost faster than they can. When couples hold hands and put aside their petty arguments. When people with guitars and drums sit outside and play. And some guy with a big kite thing was doing some activity I can only describe as grass-skiing behind the kite.

And I realized how much I miss public spaces. You just don't get that energy in your yard. I love my yard, but it will never be the same.

Scene It

It's cold. And windy. And otherwise sucks outsite. So plans are now accommodating inside time. But fortunately, Coyote Ugly is on TV. And if there's one thing I need, it's to see this movie for the upteenth time. And while I do that, I intend to make naan bread and soup, clean the kitchen and finish the laundry. That's the great thing about movies I have already seen - I can enjoy them without actually watching them, since I know exactly what will happen at any time. Same thing with familiar TV reruns (Friends is the show I know best and the one I'll never flip past, but there are others that will do in a pinch).

So, if you ever want to entertain me, here's how you do it:
Coyote Ugly
Dirty Dancing (I've seeen this movie more than any other)
Pretty Woman (really, most anything Julia Roberts)
10 Things I Hate About You (I will always miss Heath)
Center Stage

This is only a partial list. But if presented with any of these flicks, I can promise the channel won't change.

Dark. And Cold.

And I persist in living in Minnesota. It's not even 5:30 and it's totally dark. Here in St. Cloud we are on the border of the accumulating snow to the west and the wintery mix to the east. Should make for fun driving/walking/opening the door/existing over the next few days.

But I do have rather a long Netflix queue. And some popcorn kernels. It's nice to have an excuse to stay home. Not that I need an excuse, but this way no one will expect anything more.

I recently got a new winter coat. It's not wool or down, and it covers to about md-tush. But being born and bred in this area, I feel totally prepared for whatever the weather can throw at me. I saw two deer drinking from the semi-frozen "pond" in the backyard today. If they can live through this, so can I. Bring it on, winter!

Community

Today in church the lesson was the good Samaritan and a sermon about being neighborly. Serving neighbors, who is your neighbor, etc.

And I was thinking similar thoughts last night. I haven't started volunteering regularly again since I moved. I'm sure there's a need, and that's something I should/want to do. And I will. But the question of neighbors and community is interesting to me right now. We live in the country, about equidistant from a number of towns. We church and do most of our business in St. Cloud. I work in Alexandria. Hubby works in Palmer (which is rather a small town with few services, etc.). Our kids (who are still theoretical) will likely go to school in Foley. Hubby's fam is around this area. Mine is scattered, though sister will be nearby in yet another town. So where is my community? Where do I set down roots? Making friends, establishing relationships, being a part of a community is an intentional decision. Where do I decide? How do I decide? I don't see geographic change in my future, so this is something that will take some thought.

Alexandria, Minnesota Recommendations

So it's almost tourist season here in Alex (hint: pronounce it "Alec"). And because I've been thinking about local businesses lately and where I should spend my money, here's a list of my favorite local places in town. Note that I'm sure I left something off, so feel free to remind me.

• Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale. Order the Juliet.
• Butler's Pantry. I love sandwiches. This is the best place for sandwich supplies.
• The DATA trail. Ride it, walk it, whatever.
• InStyle Salon. They do a great job, not too spendy.
• City Park. I don't really get why this place isn't constantly crowded.
• Deck Bar at Arrowwood. Great view. Food isn't great, but the atmosphere is nice.
• The Corral. Technically this is in Nelson, but good food and it's an easy ride or drive. And you can shoot a minnow.
• Neighborhood National Bank. My checking account there earns way more interest than my supposedly high-interest online account.

What am I missing? Honorable mention to Raaper's, Time Square and Jan's Place. And of course, a special shout-out to Mike's Lunchbox - gone but never forgotten.

Does Everyone Do This?

The weather here has been sporadic ... nice and sunny, crappy and wet, windy, cold, cloudy and still, you name it.

And on the nice and/or sunny days, everyone - yours truly included - gets all excited. People are in a better mood, the trail near my house is full, work clears out early.

Is this just a Minnesota thing, or do people around the world have moods and activities so closely tied to weather?

Flooding

I live in the land of 10,000 lakes, and a number of rivers. And today I was able to do something I've never actually done before: I went to Fargo and sandbagged.

And it made me happy (some would say grateful). Happy that I am physically fit enough to help. Happy that my home has never been threatened by floodwaters. Happy to see so many people helping. To see the people who weren't able to help for whatever reason supporting the efforts with sandwiches and bottled water. Happy that I got a paid day off to help. And happy to be home and warm (and I'm hoping not too sore tomorrow).

Happy.





PS: For more reading fun, check this out. Food for thought, anyway.

Will It Really Be Easier?

It is now March. Early March. And I live in Minnesota, which means we got a blizzard last week and may or may not get another one soon.

The thing about blizzards is that they come with cold and slipperiness and bitter cold winds. So I've been inside a lot. And I don't care for workout videos or inside workout equipment I have at my apartment. Fortunately I have access to a free gym, otherwise I would just sit around and become a blimp all winter.

And I tell myself that I will naturally lose weight in the summer and I will be outside exercising. Too easy an excuse? I love my bike (I miss it now), but I tend to peter off on riding it as the cold starts to come. I frequent the farmers' market, which fortunately is near my casa.

So will I lose weight in the summer? Time will tell ... but I suspect I will have to work at it. Which is a bummer, but I can do it! I ran on the treadmill today -- maybe I will get over my hateration of running and start doing that this summer.

But there's no reason I can't start now!

Just Outside of Your Front Door

So lately I've been unexplainably tired and generally down. Not sad necessarily, but certainly not happy. And I was thinking about how it was about a year ago that I briefly went back on antidepressants. And how I generally lose it at my review, which occurs in January or February. Generally I tend to lose it pretty easily, especially around now.

And then it occurred to me: I live in Minnesota. Outside time right now occurs to brief spurts between my car and a building, and when I absolutely must take the garbage out. General malaise probably at least somewhat attributable to lack of sunshine and fresh air and overall outsideness. I wouldn't describe myself as outdoorsy, but during the summer I generally walk and bike and read and hang out outside. Minnesota is great in the summer.

So tonight I made it a point to come home before dark, put on my boots and my hat, and go for a walk. My regular aerobics class got cancelled, and it turns out that walkin through snow is great exercise. It's a small step, but an important one. And one I will make it a point to repeat as the weather allows.