Holiday 2009 Message
Jean Barto
Jean Barto here from Norfolk, VA. Some of you may remember me. I used to
post here more regularly some years ago, but have mostly lurked the last
2 1/2 years. In any case, I thought I would pass on my holiday message for
2009:
Holiday 2009�Month-to-Month
Don�t worry! I won�t be giving you a chronological listing of my 2009.
Instead, I think �month-to-month� is a good title for this year�s narrative,
as I feel as if I�ve had to take my plans, livelihood, and life on a
�month-to-month� basis, if not �day-to-day� this year.
After graduating with my medical technology degree in May�a semester late
because of academic reasons out of my control, I�ve mostly been unemployed.
I only had three temporary administrative jobs that ended before they were
supposed to, and have been unable to find even a part-time position here or
elsewhere as a medical technologist. I�ve stayed afloat by selling a good
deal of my clothing and personal possessions, and getting some financial
help in the spring from some of my friends who I told about my plight. I
moved to a smaller apartment the end of June, so at least my housing
expenses are less than before. My landlord has been very understanding
about my predicament and has allowed me to pay him late and by installments.
For example, I just paid my December rent on the 9th! I�ll be continuing to
sell what I have as time goes on, either through craigslist Hampton Roads,
or my eBay store, �Jeano�s Stimulus Plan.�
I also have health issues. I�ve had to forego some dental work due to lack
of funds, and have had to reschedule some medical appointments at the VA
(including one next week) due to work and school conflicts. I have no other
health insurance, so I cannot afford to go to the emergency room, a private
physician, or even one of the Patient First �Doc-in-a-Box� clinics to get
checked out. So, I simply deal with my cognitive, orthopedic, hematologic,
and gynecologic symptoms on my own, and pray I�m not developing dementia,
rheumatoid arthritis, myeloid leukemia, or ovarian cancer!
My one ray of hope for 2010 involves my decision back in January to start
taking paralegal classes in the evening at the TCC Norfolk campus. I�m
nearly done with those courses, and as a result of my paralegal studies and
an earlier temporary job this summer, I�ve been taken on through one of the
top temporary agencies in the area. Although my first position as a legal
clerk at a large real estate creditor law firm only lasted four days, I�m
confident that the agency will be able to find me additional temporary or
�temp-to-hire� positions going forward. I�ve applied for positions with
this firm previously without success, but for whatever reason, the right
person noticed my resume, called me for an interview, and started working
with me on December 3rd. This particular recruiter has also given me tips
on improving my resume, and has suggested ways and means by which I can
further improve my clerical skillset. In any case, you can be assured I�ll
do all I can legally and morally to work again in 2010!
I�ve also seriously considered going to China or Korea to teach English to
children and adults. There are plenty of positions, and the Chinese
recruiters in particular seem interested in hiring me. If I�m unable to
find steady work soon, there�s a decent chance I�ll be leaving the country
by February to teach overseas. I�ll keep you posted. I would much prefer
staying in the U.S. and finishing my paralegal certificate, but if I have to
take a position overseas where housing is provided, vice becoming homeless
in this country, I�ll do it. In closing, as I�m not in the holiday spirit
this year, I�ll sign off now in a secular way.
Sincerely,
Jean Barto
jsba...@cox.net or jsba...@gmail.com
P.S.: About my house in Newport News. I�ve likely lost it to foreclosure.
I could not make the regular payments starting in January, could not get
approved for a bailout, and was only able to make one of my six �forbearance
agreement� payments that started back in October. I haven�t gotten the
notice yet, but I would think the house has been sold in a foreclosure sale
by now.
Debbie
"Jean Barto" <jsba...@cox.net> wrote in message
news:C7492500.41188%jsba...@cox.net...
> Hello folks,
>
> Jean Barto here from Norfolk, VA. Some of you may remember me. I used to
> post here more regularly some years ago, but have mostly lurked the last
> 2 1/2 years. In any case, I thought I would pass on my holiday message
> for
> 2009:
>
Hi Jean,
I remember you. I remember you posting a similar message in the spring
which included a plea for help. I was hoping that things would have
improved much faster for you. There has been some improvement however and I
hope it continues for you. Merry Christmas and the best in 2010.
Debbie
Stormmmee
--
Have a great day
"Jean Barto" <jsba...@cox.net> wrote in message
news:C7492500.41188%jsba...@cox.net...
> Hello folks,
>
> Jean Barto here from Norfolk, VA. Some of you may remember me. I used to
> post here more regularly some years ago, but have mostly lurked the last
> 2 1/2 years. In any case, I thought I would pass on my holiday message
> for
> 2009:
>
> Holiday 2009 >
> Don�t worry! I won�t be giving you a chronological listing of my 2009.
> Instead, I think �month-to-month� is a good title for this year�s
> narrative,
> as I feel as if I�ve had to take my plans, livelihood, and life on a
> �month-to-month� basis, if not �day-to-day� this year.
>
> After graduating with my medical technology degree in May > because of