JZ, insent.

sj, is the holiday money for presents? If that is the case, perhaps a re-evaluation of that might take care of the issue on the other side? Like, perhaps do crazy cookie baking- I know one person who does INSANE holiday cookie stuff- these cookies are so amazing... different kinds, etc... and you could package them relatively inexpensively and give them as gifts?

My personal thing is, I would hate to think of someone I care about suffering to get me a freaking Christmas present. I'm pretty anti-Christmas present. The whole obligation aspect of it, that is.

Take it with a grain of salt, I'm pretty stupid with the Occasion gift giving thing- I am pretty much not a fan, either giving or recieving. This is only one of many reasons of why I suck. For me, food, beverage, and time spent together trumps pretty much any other thing that someone could buy for me, and this is why I have trouble getting stuff for other people who aren't wired freaky like me.

sj, is the holiday money for presents? If that is the case, perhaps a re-evaluation of that might take care of the issue on the other side? Like, perhaps do crazy cookie baking- I know one person who does INSANE holiday cookie stuff- these cookies are so amazing... different kinds, etc... and you could package them relatively inexpensively and give them as gifts?

It's partly presents, partly because I want extra money to pay down debt and add to savings, and partly because I really feel like I need to be doing something right now. Teacup Guy and I made a plan for presents and I am cutting way back by making gift baskets, which I can do cheaply and still make them look pretty. I don't feel I can/want to cut out presents entirely. Giving gifts is important to me, which I know is kind of crazy.

Some sort of clerical or receptionist work might be good. Maybe somewhere with puppies or interesting people or in a field you might like to work in one day.

Some sort of clerical or receptionist work might be good. Maybe somewhere with puppies or interesting people or in a field you might like to work in one day.

I have looked into this, but sadly most of them want too many hours and pay too much per hour for me to take them.

sj - have you tried checking with a temp agency about doing short term clerical assignments?

sj - have you tried checking with a temp agency about doing short term clerical assignments?

That's a good idea. I checked the temp agencies in RI a while back, but only wanted full time people. I haven't checked any temp agencies here yet.

You know, I once got a short part-time gig doing research for an author. That kinda just fell in my lap, but is there anything you do really well that you could offer at a bargain?

I guessing there's more of a demand for P/T temps around the holidays. Or at least it stands to reason there would be.

If it's important to you, it's not crazy. Just don't get too rigid about what and how much and for who.

If it's important to you, it's not crazy.

This!