Goin' to work

D got her first paying job as an "actress". She was called to be "background talent" for a taping of a show that is on USA Network. Five hours of hanging out, cheering for the contestants and then getting cash at the end! Worked for her...

She hadn't done any live work before, so she got to see how they set up shots and how multiple angle takes had to be filmed so that they match up in editing. She also learned that there is a lot of "sitting around" time where they all just have to stay in place and wait for things to be set up for the next shot.

I think the best part for her was the swag and the cash. They had a boatload of freebies to hand out (t-shirts, backpacks, hats, CD cases, etc.), so she got her share--with my help, of course. Then there was the pay! For five hours, she earned $54, handed to her in an envelope after filming was done. I had always promised her that her first job like that, she was going to get to spend it on whatever she wanted so we had to immediately go to the dreaded WallyWorld to seek out the Nintendo DS game of her dreams: Pokemon Rescue Rangers! She was so pleased with herself that SHE was handing over the money for HER game. The change is safely put away in the Kitty Bank because she just couldn't figure out how to best spend the rest of her loot. It will probably go for Pokemon cards or something. Hey, I DID promise she could blow it anyway she wants...

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! I was supposed to be totally today off, but I have to go into work tonight to install some equipment that came in at the last frickin' minute and "Lil Man" wants it in before midnight. Since D is spending the night with her friend, I am only hoping that I get done in time to hit at least one sale as there is a chance of scoring 1GB SD cards for $9.99 (and NO limit!).

Just one of those long breaks from reality

You ever just want to scream in the middle of the street like they do in the movies? I mean the kind of scream that is supposed to echo off every wall in the city!

I am deep in the throes of 5th grader angst and there are days that I wish I had opted for the pony. Not that I don't adore my daughter, but I look back at what I was expected to do at her age and what she is getting away with and it just doesn't seem right. I had to cook dinner and look after my brothers. SHE is crying "Abuse!" if I ask her to make her bed.

Yes, children have it easier now, but--DAMN!!!! I can't see how that is fair. Now, I admit that she is terribly spoiled, but that is just about inevitable with an only child. I am trying to instill in her the notion that nothing is free in life, but she thinks that I am a never-empty ATM. We have had several arguments over her losing a toy and expecting me to just buy another one. Little diva even went on eBay to see if there was another one out there. Then she started looking at other, similar toys and telling me about how they are "only $35.00" and "I really NEED it!"--each demand accompanied with crocodile tears and much eye-batting, of course.

Now, I am looking in my closet and eyeing all the Savers bargains and wondering what part of "budget" she is failing to understand...

Christmas is coming up, as is her birthday. Luckily FOR HER, the first will be financed by my union rebate and the second by the tax refund. My Christmas will be getting my car tags renewed... Sad, isn't it?