Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Extra cash

Yesterday I got a text from the secretary of the school where I work. It seems that our superintendent has done away with "comp time" this year. Basically "comp time" was when you worked extra hours off the clock that could be used later as needed. I guess it was too easily abused. So instead of a bunch of people getting in comp time next week during registration, anyone who works will be clocking in and getting an extra paycheck for the time worked. The secretary asked me if I wanted to work any or all of the 3 days of registration, and when I found out that I could make some extra money, I decided to work all three! So on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week I'll be working from 8am-3pm and earning a small extra paycheck. And after that I'll still have Thursday through Sunday off before I start back for real. I'm happy for the chance to make some extra cash.

Speaking of extra cash, Gregg is getting ready to sell almost 200 pounds of old dried coral skeleton we've had sitting around in buckets in the garage. One of the nursing homes where he maintains the aquariums is switching their 180 gallon tank over to African cichlids and they're totally redoing the aquascape, and coral skeleton will be perfect for it. Gregg has offered them a deal on the coral: $1.50 a pound, when it normally sells for at least double that (if you can find it at all). So that will be another extra check for us. We decided yesterday (when I was considering whether or not to sacrifice three days of my summer vacation) that we could combine the extra money we'll be earning to buy a piece or two or furniture we still want for the house. We still need a desk, two barstools, and a new chair for the living room. This will give us the chance to knock an item or two off that list.

I don't really mind giving up the three days. Last year during registration my job was to sit at a table and sell school t-shirts. For part of that time the band teacher hung out with me and we had a good time trash talking Donald Trump and exchanging funny student/parent/school stories. It wasn't really like work at all. I was already planning to work a day or two for comp time, so getting paid is a nice surprise! The last few days off will fly by no matter what I do, anyway.

Today I'll be hosing off the coral Gregg's about to sell and letting it dry in the sun. It's been in the garage for so long it's a little dusty. I'll have the house to myself until 7 or 8pm because Gregg has two aquarium jobs to go take care of after he finishes his shift at the pet store. I'm trying to decide if I want to meet up with some friends this afternoon for coffee and conversation. It's something I do fairly often on Wednesdays since that's his day to work late. I haven't spent nearly as much time with friends this summer as I'd planned to; somehow with one thing or another I've been busy with other things. The new house has been the focus of almost all my energy this time around. I imagine that by next summer we'll be more settled in and I can turn my attention to other things. Not that I mind pouring time and energy into our new home! I love it and want to make it as nice as possible.

16 comments:

  1. How nice you and Gregg are each earning unexpected money so you can buy a few pieces for your home. Meeting up with friends is always my choice when offered. Enjoy your day.

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    1. Thank you sweet Terra! We've been disappointed that this summer has been an expensive one and we haven't been able to buy any new furniture....so the extra cash feels like a real windfall! :)

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  2. I'd have done the same regarding the extra work; going back for the three days before actually going back, and doing work that is not stressful sounds like it will help getting used to being back "properly" at work again.
    Your house is your home and deserves all the attention and energy - and your friends understand, I am sure!

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    1. That's what I thought too....easing back into the routine is probably a good idea! And my friends are busy, too. Marla and her husband just bought a new house in April and they're still getting the old one ready to sell and settling in. With all that and the baby (who's now walking!) she's had her hands full. Martina got a great new job, but is still working a few hours at the old job as a side income this summer. She has to make plans well in advance to request time off. I've actually seen all my book club friends a few times, including the two I plan to have coffee with this afternoon!

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  3. As long as you had nothing planned, picking up some easy days and getting paid is a bonus. I hope you find some nice furniture with your new-found cash.

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    1. Me too! It's not really a great town for furniture shopping.

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  4. I need bar stools for my new kitchen but I can't decide on the style. What style are you hoping to get?

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    1. I'm not entirely sure what we want! What styles are you considering?

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    2. Can't decide on a plush upholstered (think comfort)or an edgy, industrial (metal and wood) look.

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  5. I refuse to say anything in case someone accuses me of being a smartass! As for bar stools, there are far too many bar stools in existence today. The biggest bar stool in the world is in The White House

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    1. I LOVE YOU, YP! and the dump is just a stool.

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    2. Neil, you're a loveable smartass. In fact, you're one of my favorite smartasses! mmmMWAH! xx

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  6. Extra cash is always nice... and an investment in furniture is always well spent.

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  7. I worked places that had comp time and it was often notoriously abused. Careful oversight for extra pay is much more fair to all. And you get to buy new things!

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  8. Yay for extra cash! I'd have taken those three work days too -- especially if they're not that hard.

    The first thing that popped into my head when you mentioned the coral is that you must have had to MOVE 200 pounds of coral when you relocated not too long ago! Ugh!

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    1. Yes we did! Along with all kinds of other aquarium stuff, too. It was rough!

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