Sometimes You Just Have to Ask for It

Shortly after we became a single-income family, my renewal notice came for my favorite magazine. I planned to cancel my subscription, then I thought, "You know what, mother-in-law will probably appreciate having this on my Christmas list." She did and my favorite magazine will continue, uninterrupted.
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Before I worked in my current job, I basically worked in my current job. It's confusing, but I was a consultant for a consultant. An independent contractor working on a team of consultants for a company that was quarterbacking the gig. Obvs, this led to my current, non-consultant job. Not only was the pay shit, but I also didn't get paid for all my work. A few months after the gig was over, I resorted to a guilt-trip and got most of what I was due. But not all--so the third thing I did on the Monday after my husband was handed his walking papers (after health insurance and flexing) was e-beg for my money. I didn't get an e-response and expected the e-worst...but a week and a half later, I got a check for about half of what I'm owed.

Sidebar: If you ever run a company, don't make people beg for what they are owed. Oh, and in case you're wondering, no one really cares when employers screw their employees. If you're owed something, no one will stick it to the man for you. If you've exhausted all your other efforts and it will cost more to get a lawyer than you're owed, just resort to flaming poo on their doorstep. 

Same story different dance for a travel stipend I was owed for a workshop I went to. I'm cashing (and saving) checks left and right.
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So the moral of the story is don't work for a company that won't pay you. The second moral is don't count your travel stipends before they hatched. And finally, mothers-in-law like it when you make Christmas easy for them. Oh, yeah, and the title of this blog post.

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Breakfast: Oatmeal and 1/2 banana and milk 25 cents
Lunch: Ravioli Casserole 75 cents?
Dinner: Cookies. What? It's Friday.30 cents

Total:   $1.30