Job Centre Plus

I have a story to share with you.  I wasn't sure whether to share it or not, because I don't want this blog to get emo or anything, but I think it's worthwhile and I hope maybe someone will benefit from it.  I try not to talk about it much on here because it is such a debbie downer topic, but being unemployed is playing a huge role in my life right now.  I'm writing this for those of you who are in the same boat, I know you're out there.  I know you are lonely.  I know you're trying your best.  I know that no matter what people say, "staying positive" becomes harder with each failed job application.  Not giving up becomes more and more difficult.  I don't have advice, but I wanted to share this because being unemployed is quite possibly the loneliest experience ever.  Not only do you most likely not interact with many people during the day, because you are at home applying for jobs, but you don't have the spare cash to really get involved, to go out, and to enjoy life.  They say the best things in life are free, but lets face it, at least the second best things in life cost money.  Don't get me wrong here, Nick makes enough money to support us, and we're not doing horribly, but if I could find work we would really be living the good life.

Nick has been telling me to go to Job Centre Plus, for a couple weeks now.  Job Centre Plus is a government run organization that helps you find work and gives people "benefits" which I think is just a British term for welfare.  Nick insisted that there would be jobs there that I couldn't find online, and after much kicking and screaming, we made a bargain and I finally went.

I haven't felt so embarrassed since junior year of high school when I ripped the loudest fart during a test in math class.  I was there, me and my little white girl suburban raised American self, with the derelicts of society.  The Job Centre was really busy, and I waited in line and when I got to the front desk I told the woman I just wanted help finding a job, someone to reread my resume.  She looked at me confused, "You don't want benefits?"  No.  I just want help finding a job.  She didn't know what to do.  Could they even help me if I didn't want to make a claim?  She sent me to a job kiosk, which are basically crappy computers which direct you to the same jobs they post on their website, while I was instructed to wait for a man named James who may or may not be able to help me.

I pretended to look for jobs but I was pretty distracted by the crowd.  One man cussing at security and making loud, rude jokes, people smelling like cigarettes and BO, small children crying, most people had tattoos on their necks and many had piercings, almost all of them were in really crappy clothes.  Then there were a few who reminding me of myself, they were well presented and had this look of "What the fuck has my life come to" smeared across their face.  I saw one guy I knew from walking the dog, he told me he moved to Sheffield for work last time I spoke to him.  I wondered whether he was lying when he told me about his job before, or whether he just got fired.  I avoided him to spare us both the humiliation.

Finally I was able to meet with this James character.  He was really nice, told me my resume was perfect and I shouldn't have trouble finding a job.  He didn't really know what to do with me because I have a degree and most the people he helps don't.  He stuttered a little and couldn't spell a lot of words, but he tried his best to help me and told me he may know of a position opening up at a dog groomers because the last derelict they hired was probably going to get himself fired.  Cool.  Anyways I think he liked me because I was polite and well educated.  So I hope he remembers me if something comes up.  I think he will.

I left feeling better than when I arrived.  At least I know that I'm trying, that I'm taking advantage of the resources available to me, even if they don't seem very useful.  And I knew that I wasn't alone.  The recession is hitting hard, and this place was crowded, and even if it was mostly crowded with people looking for a free handout, there were still a few of us who just wanted a little help finding a job.  And sometimes just knowing that you're not alone is enough to get you through the day.

Quinoa Pesto and Asparagus Salad

I adapted this recipe from one posted on Closet Cooking, an amazing food blog which I stalk regularly.  This guy seems to whip up more food posts than there are meals in a day, everything always looks delicious and he often features veggie friendly recipes.  Score!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 bunch of asparagus
• 1 can of artichoke hearts
• 1/2 cup of pesto, I used store bought 
• a little olive oil

Cook quinoa according to instructions.  We used one cup uncooked quinoa, and simmered it in about 2 cups of water for 15-20 minutes until it was fully cooked.  Meanwhile, in a grill pan, heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil over medium high heat and place artichoke hearts in the pan, so they get nice grill marks on both sides.  Blanche your asparagus until tender.  When quinoa is finished, mix in half a cup of pesto and your asparagus and artichoke hearts.  Serve with a little fresh lemon juice on the side.

I wish the photo of this did it a little justice because this dish was seriously delicious!  Unfortunately we were hungry so I didn't bother fiddling around with it and making it tastespotting/foodgawker worthy.  But even Nick was loving it (which is a HUGE accomplishment when the dish doesn't have copious amounts of dairy).  You should have seen his face when I told him it was actually VEGAN!!  OH the HORROR!  But after he got over the shock he managed to scarf the whole thing down.  Perfect week night meal.  This one is a keeper!

Welcome to Our Neighborhood : Part 2

Just wanted to share some more pretty photos with you from this weekend.  Sheffield is SO beautiful sometimes it just takes your breath away.  We love our neighborhood, and we've started looking for houses to buy here when our lease is up - but we can't find anything for sale!  Seems like everyone who lives here never wants to leave!

Could these pictures make our life seem any more perfect?

I just love both of them so very much and going on walks is our favorite.  Especially when the flowers are blooming like crazy!!

Eeek there I am in my dog walking uniform.  Must go shopping this week and buy all your recommendations...

Don't get jealous, it's not really as perfect as it looks.  It actually rained A LOT this weekend, and Monday was a holiday here so Nick had work off.  We kept wanting to go explore, and every time it looked sunny we'd say "Oh, it's cleared up lets go!" and then it would start hailing.  One thing about the weather in England - it's not horrible, but it is SO unpredictable.

So mostly all we actually did this weekend was watch the World Snooker Championships which were being held in the city center.  This might possibly be the most boring sport EVER.  When we went to bed last night the final match had been going on for 10 hours!  And it continued on to the morning!  I have to admit it got a lot more interesting at the end because these poor guys looked like they were going to lose their minds any minute.

Oh and I made Nick work on HIS bucket list.  He doesn't like bucket lists at all.  He thinks they're depressing because we can't afford to do half the things on my bucket list at the moment, plus he is just a happy go lucky kinda guy and barely wants anything.  But he has decided that he wants to learn to play Snooker and go to the Championships next year.  I'm supposed to accompany him.

Shoot. Me. Now.

Welcome to Our Neighborhood : Part 1

Hi Friends,

I've had a few requests to show you around the neighborhood so I took some pictures this morning while we were walking Heidi.  I want to show you the cute little stereotypical British cottages around here, but the weather just isn't cooperating.  Hope you enjoy these for now.

The local primary school

Our humble abode

Pinch, Punch

Pinch, Punch

First of the month.

And NO returns.

Via

People in England like to say this while they pinch and punch you.

Nick gets me every month....

but today...

I GOT HIM!!!

Looks like I'm getting good at this being English thing.

ps.  Hope you're having a good weekend!