Danskin Now workout wear in the women's section at Wal Mart. Look for a display with folded items. Also bike shorts might be a wardrobe expander. My dd's also like the Victoria Secret Pink line of leggings, American Eagle leggings, and sometimes Target. These places seem to have leggings on a regular basis.

Yep! Going to Dollywood tomorrow. Thoroughly enjoyed the Lumberjack Feud tonight! :leaving:

In our city, there are a number of federally funded programs targeted at the 18-24 age group that will provide training for at risk young adults. Because they are grant funded, tuition is paid, but there are no living stipends. Some target areas of training have been logistics industry (including forklift), hvac, green industry, etc. Google your city name with "training 18-24". I have tremendous respect for AmeriCorps and the work that it's volunteers do. The living stipend for AmeriCorps VISTA is 105% of the federal poverty level, so while it is difficult to live on it, a person in a low cost of living area can do it. VISTAs are not allowed to have any other paid employment during their year of service. The AmeriCorps State and National program members can have a second job. The main difference between the two programs is that VISTA is indirect service--they help non-profits increase capacity typically by recruiting volunteers and increasing donations. They do not actually serve clients. State and National members provide direct service to an agency's clients An example would be providing after school programming at a homeless shelter. I was a VISTA from 2011-2012. The young people who were part of the program were impressive, and all of us had tremendous opportunities to work in a professional setting fighting poverty. Most people came away from the year with new job skills and found work. My only caution about AmeriCorps right now is that if you don't love the work, the one year commitment is very long. The program leadership does not take kindly to people who leave prior to their end of service year (at least in the program I was in). The other drawback is that the program is currently at risk of additional funding cuts from the federal gov't. One other training option is Over the Road trucking--CDL. A number of trucking companies will do the training in exchange for a one year (or so) commitment to work for them. It's a hard job and a different sort of life, but it might suit someone who isn't tied down. You have to be 21. Once a person has a Class A CDL, there are often local delivery jobs available of the OTR life doesn't appeal. One final thing to consider are apprenticeships in the trades. Make some contacts with different associations of tradesmen and see how it works in your state. Good luck!

Are you interested in the type of vocational training job corps offers or the publicly funded nature of the program?

I just want to give you some :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: . I am also at a "life is too short" stage, and I feel you. Hang in there. Beth

There was some delicious celebration injera at the office yesterday......

Spotify has replaced itunes for my family. Free streaming, but my dc all have the subscription that allows them to download to devices. It's a great way to explore new music without commitment. You can also follow your FB friends' playlists.

I think the most important training you can do having been out of the paid workforce for a time is in all of the Microsoft Office programs--especially Excel. Employers worry about the technological savvy of their "mature" new workers, and Excel and Word are foundational to much of what goes on in the workplace today. When I went back to work a couple of years ago, I generally knew how to use Excel, but I was surprised at how slow I was for awhile. You will feel better not having to do that training on the job. :001_smile: As you can see from my signature, I also wanted to work in a non-profit. You are right about non-profits like mine--no money, and no job security (grants and contracts come and go). There are other non-profits that are much better funded. Those large organizations that raise money for health concerns, such as The American Cancer Society, are more solid and could probably provide you with a liveable salary. Given your time out of the workforce, you will have to work your way up. (Firsthand experience with this!) One career that pays well and serves non-profits is Development (fund-raising). Since you are an educator, you are in a great position to teach potential donors about a cause you believe in and to bring them into the fold. Management jobs in development pay very well. I don't know about entry level, but there are a lot of organizations looking for experienced Development professionals. If you can invest one year without much pay (around $12,000), look at the AmeriCorps VISTA website for resource developer positions. VISTA does provide basic health benefits, and it will let you have a paid position to learn how to put "the ask" on people. I was a VISTA for a year, and all of the VISTAs I knew landed jobs easily when their year of service was over. I highly recommend the program both for recent graduates and parents returning to the workforce. One other company to add to the Starbucks line of thinking is The Container Store. Great employee support. I'll keep thinking!

I work with employers all the time and am constantly looking at job openings on behalf of our clients. Would you mind answering a few more questions? Do you want FT or PT (benefits will probably require at least 32 hrs. per week). Do you need the job immediately or do you have flexibility to acquire some new skills? Is your main concern access to health insurance or do you also need to make a lot of money? Are you looking to create a new career or do you simply need a job that provides benefits? What is your shift availability? What size community do you live in? What industries are the major employers? Answers to these questions will help us think out of the box, but within your range of possibility.

Definitely a jean jacket with a fitted T: Like these Pinterest looks....Maxi skirt with jean jacket

Please don't be lulled into a false sense of security regarding background checks. They will only pick up convictions, and perps can go a long time without being caught. Background checking might deter some of the most obvious offenders, but they primarily protect the organization from liability if a volunteer should do something wrong. The organization performed reasonable due diligence through the check.

Peanut butter toast is one of my cravings, too. For me, though, both the sugar in PB plus the carbs in any kind of bread, seem to be a trigger. I feel good at the moment, but it fuels my hunger. I have found plain Greek yogurt (sweetened with Stevia) plus berries to be an amazing combination for me to stave off hunger. Also, an omelette made from egg whites, 1/4 cup cheese, and sauteed veggies. I'm beginning to think the fat/carb thing is true for me.

I'm on WW, and when I read this it sounds like you are not just craving fat, but the combination of fat and carbs. Dr. Peter Attia suggests that this combination is one of the worst for health. (He is a researcher who has studied the impact of nutrition on metabolic syndrome). Could you possibly up your fat content through protein? Steak? Full fat Greek yogurt? You might not lose weight so fast, but perhaps it would make you feel better.

Amen! Hey fashion industry, plus size women will buy nice looking clothes and rock them proudly! And look great in them!

I don't know that particular program, but my youngest is about to begin a dual program at Columbia/Juilliard. Columbia's curriculum really lends itself to dual opportunities, but the second school may be less flexible. You'll want to check it out from the Sciences Po perspective. One other thing to know about Columbia is that it doesn't offer any merit aid, and it uses the more extensive form (not FAFSA, but I forget the name) to determine need. The other form considers many things that the FAFSA doesn't, and that can help or hurt you depending on your situation. For us, we come out better on the FAFSA. :glare:

Here's the link: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/man-says-one-day-p90x-sent-him-emergency-170839781.html It has to do with high levels of toxins caused by muscle breakdown.

My Weight Watchers leader recommends it as a way to enjoy some fast food without over-indulging.

I wish someone would write a script for this life stage--Launching. All three of mine are going to be very different.

Plain Greek yogurt mixed with Truvia sweetener and berries (lower carb superfood). This is my go to breakfast, and the protein keeps me full until lunch.

I am an outgoing introvert, and I would react exactly like you. In fact, you put my entire thought process into words beautifully. I don't know how that helps you reach a conclusion about social anxiety, but I guess I fall in whatever definition you choose. ;)

I am a firm believer in part time being the ticket to something bigger and better! I have seen that scenario play out many, many times. Congratulations to your DH! What a wonderful affirmation! :hurray:

I'm sorry the style isn't what you hoped for (it's darling, though :thumbup: ). It's also a really well done cut. It is shaped really well, and the layers are nice and textured. Even if it's not a cut you will ever do again, at least you can rest assured that strangers won't be judging you because of an awful haircut!

There's also a difference between credits that transfer because of an articulation agreement and those that must be evaluated individually. Articulation agreements are great because you know in advance exactly how the transfer will work and what credit you will receive. The major state universities in OH have articulation agreements with a number of community colleges, which provides a cost effective way to earn gen ed credits. If a course must be evaluated individually, you take the course at the first school and then hope for the best. Some transfer schools may award credit, but it will only count as an elective and won't replace a required course. My dd's have such credits from Hillsdale and Boston College. The credits would have ultimately been accepted, but it wouldn't have been worth the time and trouble to go through the process, because they would not have lightened their courseload. The benefit to those courses was the experience of having taken them. Try to find out as much as you can in advance. Cedarville's online program may have articulation agreements in place!

I take generic Synthroid ($10.00 for 90 days). It took awhile for my levels to be right, but my Dr. (an MD) checks both my tsh and T3/T4 levels. My tsh is borderline to reduce my Synthroid, but because my T3/T4 levels are right, my Dr. leaves it where it is. No side effects.

Perfect! There's a Talbots down the street from me......I may go buy one for myself!