My Blog

Conflict resolution? part 2

Kay — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:05:48 GMT

Guess I should have added that I NEED about $1100.00 a month to come in to keep the lifestyle we are used to, mainly to keep the house and car we needed.

Conflict resolution?

Kay — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:58:00 GMT

What do you do, or what happens when you are thankful for what you have, but are trying to achieve a dream and that seems to conflict? I mean, I have a great husband (usual couple ups and downs), fairly good kids (one is almost 14 and knows it all), a nice house, food on the table, meeting the bills, going out now and again (WANTED is a good movie). I have it pretty good! But I have the dream of a rockin' tattoo shop. One that more than meets the bills. One that will get the windows, siding, deck repairs and roof on the house. One that will get my hubby a really nice lawn mower (we have 2 acres). If / when I achieve this, my house would always look the way I am comfortable with, the gardens would be fabulous, I'd have quilts and costumes finished. I would dance every day! Plus, I'd be here / there for the family when they needed me. How do you solve the conflict?

What to do

Kay — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:48:42 GMT

I am so hating the daycare / preschool job. Not only have I lost my patience and passion, but I haven't heard that I'm doing a good job from anyone "above" me. I had a woman come in, wanted to just be unannounced and observe. Okay, but my co-worker and I are too loud, not sensitive enough. Friday I had another woman come in and basically say the boys should be allowed to do whatever, that "they are disruptive, they are boys." Let's count the 'mental health' professionals that told my that I should make sure every feeling is acknowledged and labeled, but the children don't care about my feelings or life. How about the "school stays at school, don't punish for school misdeeds at home." WHAT?!? The real world does NOT work that way. Are they serious? No wonder there are so many kids that grow up waiting for the world to give them 'props.' They are to good to flip burgers, bag groceries, wait tables, 'cause people expect things from them, they aren't the center of the universe. Then, I find a tattoo shop, not that far away doing work that is just plain scary. I wonder, what have I done that Karma will allow them to be financially successful and I can't make enough to quit. I know I'm good at tattooing. Am I Kat Von D? Paul Boothe? No. Am I better than some of the other locals? Hell yeah! What to do?

Spring

Kay — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:58:54 GMT

I think Spring is finally here. The first day my legs are exposed to light, outside. The house open. And look at the dirt we have tilled up. The garden is going to be better, after we mend the soil.

Can you believe it?

Kay — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:55:18 GMT

Look what one can find at a school book fair, flash.

This week sucks

Kay — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:46:16 GMT

Up today at 3:00am, (CST) I have to open the center. We open at 6:00am. But I have to go in and unlock doors, turn stuff on, etc. I live 30 minutes or so away. I'll be there until 6:30pm due to some meeting that's going to be held for an hour after work. This is NUTS! I'm missing my dance class on Wed. because we have first aid from 6:00 - 10:00pm. Once again, let's not think about employees, let's just get the state required things done. No one questions why I hate my job. Please don't think I get paid lots of money. I don't make even $9.00 an hour. Please don't think all I do is 'play with kids all day.' If it was only that simple. Now, there's all kinds of 'tracking,' paper work, curriculum requirements, NAYCE standards, environmental standards, state standards, DCFS standards to be met. NONE of these agencies communicate with each other so there are tons of contradictions. Then, we have this mental health 'professional,' who isn't a psychologist or psychitrist, not sure if even a psychotherapist, tell me how to deal with children. Tells me the "Golden Rule" is dead. YET this person has a bi-polar child who is an adult that won't take their medication unless 'mommy' give it to them. You would think I am dealing with kids that are in middle school, nope this is Illinois idea of preschool. I oh so wish K-INKS would make a mere $700 a month. But in this crappy economy, the luxury of tattoos is going to suffer. Just like other not 'needed' items. Once again, the state of IL may make it too difficult for them to collect taxes on such an item. Their proposed regulations and fees are so high most small, safe, and decent shops will have to close or go underground. How safe is that going to be? I wrote the Health Dept. before we ever started my shop in order meet the upcoming regulations. Now, they have changed their minds. They are proposing a $500 registration fee. Yet I only have to ask you, verbally if you have diabetes, HIV, or hepititis. Crazy.

Pass the popcorn

Kay — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:23:12 GMT

It's finally Friday, the second day of Spring, Good Friday or the full moon before Ostara. I'm adding a mindless blog to vent. I'm so sick of my job. The mental health 'professional' basically told me that there's no such thing as The Golden Rule any more. That I should ignore 19 other children in order to make sure 1 knows his feelings, but he doesn't / won't care about mine. What a crock of shit! If more parents would make their kids accountable, make sure they know how to handle disappointments, face the not so nice side of life we wouldn't have such whiners thinking they are owed the high paying jobs. Work for it, struggle. I am struggling. I am now 40 years old *gulp* and decent at my art. I'm scared to death to loose the always there check and just be at home, doing costumes, pony falls, read, sleep.... okay substitute to be out once in awhile. In one week the state of IL proposed a ton of new 'rules' for tattooing. I understand they just want it to be safe and not spread disease. YET, they want a $500 registration fee. Sounds like a state that doesn't want the tattoo "element" and are using them to try and fix a broken budget. I have asked and asked, before we ever set a single wall stud. Now there are huge cost changes. I also got some good news, IF there' s a way to pull off tattooing at an opening in the area. It would sky rocket me to one of the top in the area. Ta-da, the dream happens. And as anyone knows - When Mama's happy EVERYONE is happy!

Helluva week, and it's not over

Kay — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 02:59:45 GMT

I was off Monday to do things like get dog, laundry, clean house, etc since we went to a beautiful out of town wedding. Of course the laundry and cleaning didn't get completely done. Tuesday, power went out where I work. It was out long enough that we started calling parents to come get the kids. I actually got a tiny bit of over time, everyone else was mainly gone earlier. Yesterday started with me wondering if I was going to be able to afford to continue dancing due to funds. Good news, yeah. I stayed an hour late with a child who was sooooo sick. I just couldn't leave him until his mom got there. I missed picking up artwork for a tattoo, but woman so cool about it when I called today. Today, co-worker calls in ill about 15 min. before their return. I stay an additional 2 1/2 hours. I arrive home to find IL Proposed Rules for tattooing. I begged for info before building my shop. NOW they want a hand sink with either of the ways the faucet turns off and on as in a hospital. Things such as anatomy education, OSHA approved pathogen education, no listing of minimum age, and such. The literal killer for me at this point is the possible $500.00 registration fee. It's gonna take me forever to make that! I barter things, that's gonna have to stop. Well, I did get an email that may change everything and my dream of making a living at permanent skin art and still substituting as a preschool teacher come true. Can't say what it is.... don't wanna jinx it! Can't post any of the pics of family from wedding. Tribe can't handle their size. *sigh*

What do you think?

Kay — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:54:00 GMT

Got a call in the shop last night while were sitting down to dinner. No one left a message, but I checked the caller i.d. and phoned back the number. A male answered and asked if I had a shop and if he could see my work. I directed him to my Photobucket albums, told him of the times I would be willing to meet with him. Then he said he was on his way to another local shop. I responded with, "Okay." He stammered a bit and said he'd call back. I said, "Okay." I'm not going to slam anyone, it's not my style. Now, if I KNOW there's a health threat I'd say something. Do you think someone was calling for another shop / artist? It felt like they were 'fishing.'

I DON'T WANNA GO!

Kay — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:22:27 GMT

I don't wanna go to my 40 hour a week job any more! I work in child care and my center is nothing but greedy. They are part of DCFS licensing, food program, Preschool for All, NACEY, and now want to be the first 4 star center in the state. All great programs. But none of them talk to each other and each want / require something different. For instance, Preschool For All want a cooking center in the room, with snack being a free choice and something a child can make on their own. BUT it's either DCFS or the food program requires that children are sat down, served family style every so many hours. Then add ERS (something about environment), which requires that if more than one child uses an area to eat the area is to be sanatized with bleach water in between each child. How is this going to happen "correctly" in an hour period? No, where I work does not give extra staff, won't even use funds for education to help staff finish college. Yet, we now have to bleach door handles every 2 hours. I've been so ill this year since using so much bleach on EVERYTHING. I've been there almost 5 years, 4 full time and have only twice been told I do well, that I am a valued member. The administrating staff kept us at a training during an ice storm, lying, saying, "It's not that bad," it was. The new 'handbook' was put out with a tattoo / piercing clause. We were threatened if we didn't sign off, we didn't have a job. I was hired with a gold ball in my nose. I'm now either going to have to cover it or get written up. Wait until they see what I'll cover it up with. *evil laugh* I'm sick of being treated badly, but can't just quit. I live where the tattoo field is saturated. I won't move because my kids are here from my first marriage. (shared time) My husband wants to go back to school and better himself, and I'm proud of him for that. We need a new car. So, I need to bring in $1000 - $1200 a month. My dream would be to tattoo for that cash and be only a substitute where I work now. That way I can still be a help, positive influence in a kid's world. I could deal with the crap in tiny doses. Any ideas?

Newest baby (all healed)

Kay — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:47:58 GMT

Anyone who knows me, knows I think of each and every single tattoo I do as a part of me. So, here's one of my newest 'babies.' She started out with one that was more like a butterfly, then changed to this dragonfly. She had a tiny picture, I took a skin marker and drew it on. Because of it's location her husband wanted his initial added. It's there, but does not stand out. Everyone is happy. Even me.... kinda.

December 25th

Kay — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 23:35:16 GMT

The kids are with their dad, so it's just hubby and I. We are doing a gift exchange on Friday night. Part of hubby's gift is a new tattoo. The bugger took me over an hour to pattern out, then had to re-do it, only half. Now I have the other half to pattern. It's only the outline, but it's about half a sleeve. He's making homemade chicken pot pie and for dessert: peppermint pie - YUM!

First Yule

Kay — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:44:02 GMT

Many thanks to Many Hands House for an absolutely WONDERFUL first Yule, including our first visit from Mother Bertcha. The awful weather held many home, but that's okay. It made the atmosphere more homey, family feeling. The company was outstanding, the food delicious! Those of us who dared to travel the iced roads with 20 - 30mph winds truly appreciate you opening your home. Another brave soul and I ventured back out to travel home. But the offer to sleep near your fireplace was sweet. Looking forward to the up coming year and more opportunities to celebrate with you! As Mother Bertcha said, "Happy New Year, you a - holes!"

Southern Thanksgiving

Kay — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:33:25 GMT

We rented a little SUV and headed south for Thanksgiving. The first 16 hour drive wasn't too bad, staying at Bear's brother's trailer wasn't bad either. We went to the Poarch Creek Tribe's annual Pow Wow. Got some nice black leather hair wraps. Got some nice pictures of dancers as well. But it was chilly, even for me. We took off and went to dinner at my mother - in - laws. I'm going to leave that as an experience in itself. The real story is 'black Friday.' No, I didn't go shopping we took the boys to the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach area. (Saw a place called The Happy Shack, it's "all things hippie" and henna tattoos - so guess who I thought of? LOL) The boys got in the water even though it was kinda cold. We had sent Caleb back for the cell phone. He put the keys in his jacket pocket. He wore his jacket for a bit in the Gulf. Can anyone guess where the keys ended up? Yep. So, we spent most of the day yesterday getting keys to get home. Instead of arriving home at 2 - 3 Sunday morning, arrival was 11:00. The 'trama' is over and it's now a joke. ONLY give the boy your keys if he's going swimming.... Missed being home, wish a beach like this was closer. Have some beautiful sunset pictures that are too big to include here.

Resting more

Kay — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:51:23 GMT

First, let's start with the last day of the tattoo convention. We took the kids, and felt comfortable doing so. I've been to conventions where there was NO WAY any of my kids would be there. They asked for feedback and I gave it honestly. I've already set out a call for next year entrants. I'm hoping to work more on the ones that went this year so they look awesome. I've gotten some new colors. Unfortunately the convention starts on Halloween. I went to work on Monday and then to another worthless training. *sigh* I spent 2 weeks running. Last Saturday was the first evening I'd been at home for 2 weeks. So, this week and weekend I've 'caved up' and slept in. Now I'm getting antsy to get out though. Why can't I afford to just get new clothes instead of wade through laundry?! I do want to apologize to those who wonder what happened, if I was upset. Nope, just over tired. Another whirlwind is approaching with attending Pow Wow on Thanksgiving and seasonal shopping and (hopefully) treat basket making. I am alive and reading...

Muddy Water Tattoo Convention - Day 2

Kay — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 14:56:57 GMT

Seems most folks are really disappointed in the convention. The fact only first is given out, that all the color are lumped together, all the larges are lumped together, there isn't the usual catagories like wildlife and Native American. Who knows. We actually talked to a waitress who helped set this up. Small world, huh. She said it's because the sponsoring shop owner is just greedy. Well, in my belief system greed will eventually destroy you, making you poor in the areas that matter most. We are off again for one more day, well evening. Who knows....

Muddy Water Tattoo Convention - Day 1

Kay — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:40:28 GMT

Well, it was small compared to what I remember from years past. The wonderful part was there were so many that remember ME! I'd start with, "I know you...." and soon they would be like, "KAY!" Poor Bear got to see the social butterfly side of my personality. One where when I guy I don't even know (a vendor) says something about being excited and I want to blurt out something about orgasims. LOL I kept my mouth shut, replied, "Mmmm, I'm not gonna say anything. You opened that door WAY big." We didn't get any awards, but they only gave out firsts. Wish the would have done ribbons for second and third, something. I was suprized that only a few turned out last night. The winners of the evening was Viking. And they way deserved it. Not sure if doing touch ups just before judging helped or not. We'll be back there tonight. But I think my best chance now is Sunday. I was / am so nervous.

Nervous already

Kay — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 00:54:21 GMT

I have a week to go and I'm already starting to freak out about competing. I wish I knew how it was going to play out. I am experiencing lots of self doubt. I know I'm not as good as Lyle Tuttle, but better than lots of stuff I've seen. *sigh*

Cloudy day

Kay — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:16:42 GMT

Here I sit still in jammies, hubby still in bed. I will soon go in and dress to pull the clothes off the line which are now rain fresh. Not sure where they will all go. The driver of the garbage truck broke my garbage toter lid, so I'll haul it into the garage. At least it will be close as a shovel out the van. I'll be lucky if my hair gets colored today. Hunny pie seems to be in one of his moods lately. Worked yesterday, just haven't uploaded the picture of the purple dragonfly. When the client arrived I had to totally redraw it, and that's okay. Hey, I'm not the one who has to have it forever. Hate these days because I get as blah as the weather. Love this season due to the cooler weather and the wonderful, vibrant colors of nature.

Me first time...

Kay — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 03:00:29 GMT

This is the first time I've ever written a blog. Wow, where to begin. Do I complain about work? Thank Karma for giving me a wonderful husband and good kids? Let all my friends know that their vibes are what often put me at peace? Wish I had all the improvements done to the house? Wish for the new vehicles? How about just having the ironing done? LOL Maybe I'll start by apologizing for all the following rants.