March 12, 2009
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Frumpy Grumpy Dumpy and Lumpy

The many faces of Cassi. I know you are asking yourself, Where’s Humpy?
I am feeling punk today. I should be working but instead I am on the computer trying to get stuff done.
So listen, Cubby, you want to hook up at lunch time? I’ll buy ya a Fresca
I am thinking about continuing my education. I kind of thought that being a student (even Grandma Student) would be better than being homeless. I say that in jest but it got me to thinking. My therapist brought this up in one of our first meetings. I poo pooed it because that is how I am. No no no…hey wait a minute…that may not be such a bad idea after all…hmmm…
For what ever reason…poverty, unemployment, deep unmitigated sadness, wine, who knows what it was, but the thought of returning to school seemed to make more sense to me last week. A friend of mine who I have not seen for almost two years popped into Davis on Saturday. Kim is my Placerville pal. Her son went to school with my daughter. She and I became buddies the last two years I volunteered at the bike races. She became one of my good times posse. My group of friends that I would gather together for what ever reason to go play (Ground Hogs Day, Talk Like a Pirate Day, my birthday). This past year or so she has been busy with a boyfriend and then they broke up and her job of nineteen years ended in December. We have a lot to commiserate about.We went out for dinner Saturday eve, then to an art opening at the gallery that I use to work at. We had a blast. She supported the idea of returning to school. We were full of wine and bright ideas! We even rode bikes to Davis for breakfast the next morning. Poor Kim has not been on a bike in years. I pedaled slowly. What a wonderful night.

I kept hoping it said Gin…The moving job continues, it may go into next week too. I may have a job interview in Placerville next week. Unconfirmed but definite interest in my resume. I feel cruddy today. I feel scared. I feel completely unsure of my future. Do I start selling my furniture on craigslist and finding a home for the bunny (FOUR calls within half an hour of posting on craigslist tonite! Shit!)?
I finally saw the film, Milk. Just fantastic. How are yo doing xanga-neighbors? I hope you are all well. Some of you are worried or working too damn hard or feeling a little better about things or have too much going on, are on the mend, playing with their gorgeous new grandkids, it is always good in this hood. Tell me what is up, my xanga-pals!
Comments (26)
I went back to school when I was 40. I didn’t want to go. Best move I ever made. Judi
I’m retired from college teaching but I must say my best students were older than average students. What will you study. Anything medical is in demand. X-ray tech. for example
@vexations - I was thinking art history. But, I should probably talk to a counselor. I emailed someone at the jr. college here for info.
@jassmine - geeeeze, if only I was forty…back when I was a kid…thank you Judi, xo!
I think school is an excellent idea and I was thinking of the exact same thing !
@Orlando - what would you study? Do you think that art history is stupid? I thought it might get me another job with a gallery or museum in the future. Some place I really enjoy.
i think vexations has a good idea there..
Don’t be discouraged. It’s just about changes, and changes are sometimes dim and vague and unknown. But with the right kind of adventurous spirit, (which I truly believe you have), I feel confident that your synapses will travel to the right places and the concepts will plant themselves in your brain.
Are you going to apply for a grant? Art History can be tough. I’ve never taken it, but I’ve known a few who have. You better be ready to dedicate yourself to lots of study.
It’s funny, but I see tourism and travel in your future. Yes, find bunny some new digs. Sell everything. Get a job and see London or Paris or Rome while your leading tour groups around, filling them in on the history and culture and art of the place and feed them in the cool eateries and go to concerts, etc . Free travel. See the world. Meet new peeps. I think you’d dig it.
I’m feeling for you hun. You will figure something out. When I went back to school I was thinking seriously about Motel/Hotel Management. However, I got a degree in Electronic Technology. Funny thing is, after I did this, I realized I didn’t think I would be happy working most jobs in this field, However, I did enjoy studying and learning the theories.
I work security at a huge hospital. Even though hospitals are cutting back like everyone else, there are many, many, different types of jobs at a hospital. They need people from all fields to operate. You can start out in a basic job and when better jobs open up you can apply. They like to hire from within. Once you get in it’s like a big campus. Plus, decent pay with great benefits.
I’m glad you’ve got some good friends for support. Hang in there darling.
It’s funny, you and I are in a similar position re work – I’m having trouble getting even shortlisted for jobs that I would be guaranteed an interview in England. I too have thought about going back to school – I’m considering re-training (again) as a nurse perhaps! I will see how my holistics business goes but if nothing is happening by the Autumn then I’m going back to learning.
Go back to school! Why not? Nothing to lose, right? Don’t know about art history. That certainly wouldn’t do you a damn bit of good if you lived here… no museums. (This is the land of cows & corn, after all… what we need damned old museums for?!?!?) But… over there on the left coast? I suspect you’d have more opportunity. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
It’s funny that you talk about going back to school because I am also considering the same thing. I have been at my job for 19 years myself, and a lot of the people who had been around here with me over that time have since been laid off, or have moved on. I see nothing wrong with returning to school and upgrading the skills just in case something bad happens, you know? Should you decide to return, I wish you all the best of success!
I haven’t seen Milk yet but I have heard good things about it. Glad to hear you had fun at the art gallery, too!
Have a great weekend, my friend!
good luck x infinity! love you!
p.s. i loved Milk. so good.
I saw MILK last night and thought it was one of the best films I’ve seen in a very long time.
I think Cassi studies in themselves are useful if we have a project for the future . Art history can help for holding a gallery . I read also Piqued ‘ c omment above . . Finally your tastes go to art and adventure ( biking in the mountains ) . In mixing those two tastes you can orient yourself .
Medical ; I read too above . Why not ? But is this would please you ?
Thanks for your kind birthday wishes .
Love
Michel
My good friend Cassi, First off. If you look like you do in your profile picture as you wrote at the computer. I doubt you look frumpy. On of the men around me said…who is that she looks hot! Grumpy is something that coes and goes with me as well.
FYI your comments ALWAYS bring a smile to my face, warmth to my heart and I just love that you are my friend.
Well, my youngest (the 21 year old daughter) will fly in tomorrow. Oldest child and I will drive two hours to Asheville to pick her up at the airport. I’m eager to see her and eager for her to spend the week here with us.
Cassi, What would you take in school. Not that you have to know what you want to do with the rest of your life. Judi
@jassmine - I was thinking about art history. I loved working at an art gallery and this might enhance my chances of doing that kind of work in the future. But, I am up in the air. I am going to make an appointment with a school counselor in the next week or two. I am open to ideas and a counselor probably has some good ideas. Thank you for all your kind words, wisdom and support. You are a terrific xanga-neighbor.
Well, if nobody is going to pay you for your good looks I guess you might as well go to school. Can you get some sort of subsidy to do that? While art history doesn’t sound very lucrative it sounds far more interesting than health care.
@judyrutrider - Judy, I already found out that I am eligible for some kind of financial aid. I need to to speak to a school counselor to find out what that means. I realize that choosing a useless degree seems flippant but I kind of think that my nearly fifty years of life experience and raising kids and working counts for something too. But, hey, I don’t know shit about anything. A girl can dream can’t she?
WELL I JUST HAD TWO BRANDYS AND I AM TWISTED. THE FIREPLACE IS GOING AND I AM LISTINING TO CLASSIC DISCO REMINISCING ABOUT LIVE IN THE HOLLYWOOD HILLS, JUMPING IN POOLS AND STUMBLING THROUGH THE FLORA WITH MY PINKIES OUT. YOU WILL BE FINE, I KNOW THAT, BUT I AM TOO DRUNKE TO READ THE WHOLE ENTRY. I WILL TOMORROW.
SOMETMES, FEW THINGS HIT THE SPOT LIKE CHEAP BRANDY. I FEEL LIKE GOING TO ONE OF THE LOCAL SCARY BARS BUT AM AFRAID I MAY WAKE UP DEAD, OR ENGAGED TO A LONELY LOGGER. THEY’RE ALWAYS SUCH LADIES IN BED.
glad u had a nice productive time. That comment you left was hilarious! LOL!
I’ve thought about going to school but the cost is what keeps me away. I still may take courses in the local community college. Huh…if I find time, that is.
BTW, you can come clean my house and I promise to keep my shirt on.
School sounds fantastic for you. Seems to be a couple of options with school these days. One take a course that pays and usually has openings and have enough money to follow your passions or take a course in your passion and hope the economy doesn’t freeze you out. Queenies are most special.