However, that didn't last long, but there was a job opening at my work that allowed us to both work part-time at different hours, so Frank became a courier for 9 months when he was ready to go back to working with his hands. He started working for Stepp Bros Lincoln/Mercury, but left 3 years later when the work was too slow. Somehow he knew someone at Lady's Auto and started work on March 22nd, which was the day Jessie was admitted to the hospital for what would be bronchiolitis!
The work at Lady's was not real busy, and Frank was working on all kinds of vehicles, which was not enjoyable. However, the prospect of us buying the shop AND the house on the lot was brought up. We needed $100k down, though. It put a thought in our heads about someday buying a shop.
When Chuck decided he might be closing because of overhead costs, Frank went back to Stepp Bros, who was now owned by Nye Lincoln/Mercury. This is April 2005. Two years pass and Frank is still not busy, but his buddy Jeremy from JTS is working at a busy shop: L&M Motors. Frank works there for a year and a half before moving along after not being treated fairly and yet again: lack of work.
Frank is back a dealership, which is where he feels comfortable. Lincoln/Mercury was bought by Kendall of Oregon, but after 8 months, they closed L/M and Frank becomes an employee of Toyota in their "options" department, installing post-factory add ons. It's fairly simple work for a guy with his experience. One plus, since he's also working on traded in vehicles, they have to be stripped of post-factory add ons (ironic, huh) and he keeps what he wants. He was one course away from being a master mechanic, a course that was scheduled within 2 weeks after L/M was closed.
When I moved to Anchorage, I was going to go to UAA, majoring in Accounting. After I got pregnant with the baby that was not to be, I decided I wasn't interested in college. I found a job at a credit union where my parents had been account holders and I still had an account that was set up when I was about 6 months old: Frontier Alaska State Credit Union, a teachers CU. I started as a part-time teller in August 1993. I became full time, did many other jobs from answering the phone, to member services, quasi teller trainer. I landed a job in the accounting department, handling member phone calls, ATM cards, running checks, ACH postings, Fedline activity. I really enjoyed this position. In Sept 95, FASCU merged with FedAlaska Federal CU and became Credit Union 1. I was lucky enough to keep my job in the member accounting department. I eventually became the Asst Manager of the Member Service/Automated Services Dept.
Then I got pregnant with Jessie. I was able to take 3 months off of paid leave, but I had no idea what was going to happen after that. My mom was working and I hadn't researched daycares, but didn't really want to go with a daycare. When January 2000 came around, Frank had decided to stay home and I went back to work, but as Financial Analyst!! This was probably my dream job, mainly because it took me away from member problems, lol. I was still a resource, though, for the auto serv guys. While I was gone, my dept had 3 people taking over my seat, which was pretty cool because it allowed three people to see what it took :) (each took one month), but gave them a chance to see from the other side.
Frank was eager to go back to work after two short months, but by that time, I was not feeling as useful as before. A part-time courier job opened (3-8PM), and I asked if my job could be part time, which they generously allowed. So, I worked 8-2, Frank worked 3-8 (mine was a higher paid job). Jessie wasn't in daycare! Frank was ready to go back to working with his hands. He is not a desk person anyway. So, I reluctantly resigned gave notice and my last day was December 29, 2000. I let CU1 know that if I ever wanted to go back to work, they'd be the first place I looked.
That same month, I attended a PartyLite party for a co-worker, with another co-working being the consultant. Knowing I was leaving, she asked about my financial prospects, which were none. I held my own party, which was successful, but my starter party was not. PartyLite received my agreement on February 14, 2001!
I was not a very good consultant, because I wanted easy money and had no friends. It took probably 3 years before I really found a comfort in doing sales. I became a leader, earned $500+ a month, but eventually I became lazy.
Joey started preschool at Anchorage Coop in the fall of 2005. I was led to this preschool because of it's volunteer obligations. I was the Fundraising Chair. He "graduated" in 2006 and I chose to stay on as their volunteer Bookkeeper because their Treasurer/Bookkeeper was moving on.
When I got pregnant with Wyatt, I really had not been doing PartyLite actively and it was an easy excuse to put it on the back burner. I was nauseous and tired. I done one home show in probably 2 years! But, I still have a website (online ordering is available) and the newsletter is sent to my list.
Now, other than during the summer, I don't know when I could have parties. I am on the board of the PTSA, APC and ACP, positions I don't always enjoy, but am proud to serve on.
Once Wyatt is in school, I may look for something that I can fill the day with partially, but I will probably spend a good chunk of time at school! I have thought about going back to school myself, but haven't looked into it.
Because of the preschool and PartyLite, I have ventured into web design, but nothing special. I have my own family website and have assisted with the preschool website.
Jamie introduced me to scrapbooking, which has become a hobby.
When Wyatt was born, we chose to use cloth diapers, and I found out how to make covers from recycled wool sweaters and bought my first sewing machine, having never used one. I have made about a dozen kuspuks as well :)
PS - I actually had to look up my dates for all of Frank's jobs. I kept a log because creditors always ask for employment history and the memory just wasn't keep track!
