Somethings to Be Grateful For

As I posted a couple weeks ago, I had a reduction in my hours at my full time job. I was not happy about it. I was able to pick up a couple shifts at my second job, but was facing December with extremely limited options for additional income.

I also did not fret (too much) or panic (too much) or let it get to me (too much) for about 10 days. I used the time to do some much needed re-organization of my home,to think about my next steps, and my needs and wants. One of my needs was to get the new to me dogs current on their vaccinations, my elderly friend does not have records on her dogs medical history, other than rabies.

A few months ago I signed up as a mystery shopper. Assignments in my area have been far and few, but one that did crop up was a mystery shop for a vet clinic. I have a dog that needed a vet examination. I took the assignment. The clinic is not in my area, and to make the situation even more interesting, the vet I had lives one town over from me (small world!) and wanted to know why I came to this particular office (did he think MYSTERY SHOPPER?!). I told the practice that this dog had a prospective new family in the area close to the clinic and I wanted to make the transition from my home to their home as smooth as possible. (OK, so it was a little white lie, I don't have a home for Poochie 2, but I AM looking for one!). The cost of the visit will be reimbursed to me and I'll get paid enough to more than cover my gas to and from the clinic. Poochie 2 is now current on her vacciantions and I did not have to pay for it. One need off my list. If my shop is accepted, I can take one of my other pets to vet facility for her annual exam and vaccinations. That particular facility is a practice I used to use and I could go under the guise I was thinking about transefering back to that practice.

I also was asked this AM if I would be available now through the end of December to "barn sit" for a trainer I know via my groom job. He needs someone to live in the caretakers apartment and be on site for the animals, the work is minimal, he just needs someone on site at night. I told him I had already booked out a few weekends for other work, but could happily help him out. This works for him, it works for me and the pay will be a big help for the month of December. Plus the caretakers apartment has a washer and dryer, I can do all my dog and personal laundry! Whoo Hoo!

I am not sitting on my heels, I am still pursuing alternative income streams, but I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way these past couple days.