July 2009 Horoscopes

by Vikki Anderson

THE NEXT SOLAR ECLIPSE will be on July 21, 2009 at 10:35 PM in 29º Cancer 27’. This will be a great year for negative signs: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio and Pisces.  I left out Capricorn because it is an opposition to Cancer, but will probably bring more positive changes or get you out of negative situations.  This is an important six months for you so make sure you do everything that you feel is important and that you want to start or complete. The energies are with you so don’t waste it!

Even though the eclipse is in Cancer, all signs will benefit from whatever they do for that whole day! Pretend as if a video has been taken of you and will be played over and over again until the next eclipse. All the happy times, goof ups, the problems, the miscommunication, the issues….everything will continually be repeated. If you get a speeding ticket on the eclipse, give up driving!

This is a good time to be with family and friends, go out, have fun, go to breakfast, lunch or dinner with someone special and let them pay so you’ll be keeping some of your money during this time period, be with your significant other and/or children more. Deal with all of your procrastination issues.

Go to the movies, a museum, an art gallery or the theater, go on a first date – good or bad, you’ll know on that day and won’t have to waste time in the future, check through the personals if looking for someone new. Be with your loved one if you wish to have him or her a more important part of your life.  Have a romantic evening at home.

Buy a little something for your significant other so that he or she will feel special for the next six months. Make it a peaceful, harmonious and perfectly optimistic day. Do go for a manicure or pedicure. Get a hair cut or your hair colored. You will always look your best during the next six months. Spend a peaceful day at a local spa for royal treatment, which you deserve. Use discount coupons for extra savings for the next six months.

For those trying for a baby, this is the ideal opportunity to get moving in the right direction!

Start a diet or new exercise regiment. Eat more healthy foods. I think we can all do this and should watch what we are putting into our bodies.

Send out a resume if you are looking for a new job. Great opportunities will then come to you during this period for new opportunities or positions.

If you happen to be on a pre-planned vacation during the eclipse, you will have more money and time to vacation, but don’t take the day off just because you think you will be having fun.  If you are not working on the eclipse, you most probably will be laid off, downsized or fired and will be having fun on the unemployment line!

Do not pay bills, go to the doctor or vet, have any medical procedures, go shopping sprees and do not clean the house. Do not argue, be late or skip work or that will be “your story” for the next six months.

MOON PHASES	DATE	DEGREE, SIGN & MINUTES	TIME
Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse	07	15 Capricorn 24	05:21 AM
Last Quarter	15	23 Aries 03	05:53 AM
New Moon/Solar Eclipse	21	29 Cancer 27	10:35 PM
First Quarter	28	05 Scorpio 57	06:00 PM

Planets in the morning sky:     Mercury thru the 6^th, Venus, Mars and Jupiter.

Planets in the night sky:          Mercury from the 22^nd, and Saturn.

Retrogrades:                            Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto all month.

Change of Sun Sign:               Sun enters Leo on July 22.

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ARIES – March 20 – April 18

You are handling your life in a much better fashion even though your mundane tasks and chores are taking over your life!  You are so busy that you just don’t know which end is up.  So many changes seem to be coming your way and it would be in your best interest to plan for the ones you want.  Home life dramas may get you down a bit, but if you turn the challenges around by looking at them from a different perspective, you will be successful in everything you do. Thinking about and taking positive steps towards your future will help you make productive choices as well as get you on the right road.

TAURUS – April 19 – May 19

Partnerships are hot, hot, hot!  Things are changing and you are feeling as if you deserve better. If arguments and constant compromise are getting you down, perhaps you should see what can be done to save your relationship or look elsewhere for happiness.  Emotionally, you are very sensitive so be careful about making demands of others and trying to get your way all of the time.  Travel plans should be made during the month so that you will have the best vacation ever. This is a wonderful time to start thinking about higher education (including lectures or training) of any kind.   Think about your opportunities and act upon them.

GEMINI – May 20 – June 20

Thinking about your financial future and how you can make it more stable is very important now.  This is a good time to settle all debts and to request payment from people who owe you money.  Getting your important documents in order would be a good idea.  New opportunities in home life start shining through whether you are looking for a new home, a partner or friend to move in or out of your residence. Friendships can get a bit hairy at times, so just let your friends be who they are and deal with them when they are not upsetting you.  Use your quick wit to overcome any obstacles.

CANCER – June 21 – July 21

Foreign vacations or a short getaway with the family is in the air. This is a great time summer camps for the kids.  You may also wish to book a romantic holiday away with your partner or at the very least, a really good friend.  You need a break from life’s responsibilities. What a wonderful time to sit back and read about different philosophies of life and foreign cultures. Summer courses or training may also be looked into.  Family issues may be upsetting from time to time, but if you handle each one as a small bump in the road, you will get to your destination happier and quicker than you ever thought possible.

LEO – July 22 – August 21

So many lessons are being learned through your career.  Perhaps you need to learn what is important in life now since it feels as if your life is unbalanced.  You may need to just let go of things you think are so important; however, you will be surprised at how little you need to be happy.  There will be outstanding opportunities for happiness, reconnecting with friends and family members who may have been out of touch for some time.  Plan a reunion, have a party and enjoy the great summer weather.  Networking is very important now, so do what you can to make it happen.

VIRGO – August 22 – September 21

Friends just aren’t giving you the support you need at this time and it’s causing you concern.  After all you have done for your loved ones and cherished friends, they are not giving you anything in return. They take and you give and it’s getting to be a vicious cycle.  Friends may also be depending upon you more than usual, so you would be wise to limit the negativity that filters into your auric field.  You must be strong and stand up for yourself. This is a good time to network, meet new people, (especially romantic partners) and travel.  Take a break from reality and use your imagination to escape to a more optimistic world.

LIBRA – September 22 – October 22

Making a new and different path for yourself is important.  Trying new philosophies or belief systems will help you discover the true path that lies before you.  So much is going on behind the scenes that you may not be sure whom to trust.  Rehashing your life too much may make you more confused in the long run, so deal with the things you have to and let other things go. Make decisions and stick with them instead of making yourself crazy and trying to see all sides to every issue.  There is a very good potential for home life to improve on a personal level.  This also includes lots of decorative tips, fun projects and family involvement.

SCORPIO – October 23 – November 20

Emotions are high now, so try to be more rational and logical, rather than sensitive and upset.  You don’t want to see the big picture ahead of you and you want to be in control of everything which can be very stressful.  Your ideas and actions are really positive now; however, other peoples’ opinions and points of view can work out in your best interest if your pride isn’t hurt.  You are looking forward to a relaxing summer with little or no important responsibilities – maybe just some yard or garden work and a few good books or movies.  You deserve to relax now, so take your time in doing what you want to and you will feel calmer and more in control.

SAGITTARIUS – November 21 – December 20

It is easy to spend money without thinking, but it would be wise to start budgeting and buy things that you really need and not just what you want.  Family issues are upsetting and you must deal with them as soon as possible for the good of the family.  New circumstances will be dealt with and old wounds need to be healed.  Being very careful about what you say to those you love will be important now.  Love life may hold some surprises, so be positive about everything that is important to you and only good will come into your life.

CAPRICORN – December 21 – January 18

Communication is the key this month.  Watch what you say and say what you mean.  Short distance travel looks good as you plan getaways and vacations for the summer.  Balancing time between family and work seems positive and you will have many more wonderful talks and helpful outcomes with those you love.  You are harmonizing the energy in your home and with those you love.  Emotions seem in check and everything you do this month will bring about a real sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.  Be open to seeing things in completely new ways and you will amaze yourself at the result.

AQUARIUS – January 19 – February 17

Your home life and family are very important now.  You must take care of unusual or seemingly strange circumstances so that they do not escalate into something unmanageable.  Living in reality would also be a good thing so that you can handle the things that you must and not be sidetracked by fears, doubts and worries that are unfounded.  Men in your life may be in their own world and dealing with their own issues to offer you any type of constructive assistance, so open up discussions about what you need from them now.  Good luck seems to follow you around, so no matter what happens this month, you will come out ahead of the game.

PISCES – February 18 – March 19

Love life seems a bit bizarre.  There are too many changes and unexpected happenings that you really don’t seem to be able to plan anything for the immediate future.  Romance may be changing or in a state of flux.  You will be trying to rid yourself of the daily stress in your life by trying to find more fun and romance.  Be careful not to over-indulge; it also seems that you are in a particularly confused state about what you really want out of life.  Responsibilities need to be handled and once accomplished, things will settle down with much better results.

Contact www.VikkiAnderson.net or 973-492-3110 for confidential astrology and tarot consultations. Vikki is converting www.Vikkianderson.com to www.Vikkianderson.net so that she can personally update her website.  Please visit www.Fengshuimoon.com for Feng Shui consultations and appointments.  “As always, thank you so much for supporting my work!”

Solar Eclipses (as per NASA information on line)

Solar Eclipses: 2007 – 2017
Date	Type	% Eclipsed	Duration	Area
		(if partial)	(if total or annular)
Mar 19, 2007	Partial	87	-	Asia, Alaska
Sep 11, 2007	Partial	75	-	South America, Antarctica
Feb 7, 2008	Annular	-	02m 12s	Antarctica
Aug 1, 2008	Total	-	02m 27s	N. Canada, Greenland, Siberia, China
Jan 26, 2009	Annular	-	07m 54s	S. Indian, Sumatra, Borneo
Jul 22, 2009	Total	-	06m 39s	India, Nepal, China, Central Pacific
Jan 15, 2010	Annular	-	11m 08s	Central Africa, India, China
Jul 11, 2010	Total	-	05m 20s	S. Pacific, Easter Is., Chile, Argentina
Jan 4, 2011	Partial	85	-	Europe, Africa, Central Asia
Jun 1, 2011	Partial	60	-	E. Asia, N. North America, Iceland
Jul 1, 2011	Partial	1	-	S. Indian
Nov 25, 2011	Partial	90	-	S. Africa, Antarctica, New Zealand
May 20, 2012	Annular	-	05m 46s	China, Japan, Pacific, W. U.S.
Nov 13, 2012	Total	-	04m 02s	N. Australia, S. Pacific
May 10, 2013	Annular	-	06m 03s	N. Australia, Solomon Is., Central Pacific
Nov 3, 2013	Total	-	01m 40s	Atlantic, Central Africa
Apr 29, 2014	Annular	-	00m 00s	Antarctica
Oct 23, 2014	Partial	81	-	N. Pacific, North America
Mar 20, 2015	Total	-	02m 47s	N. Atlantic, Faeroe Is.
Sep 13, 2015	Partial	78	-	S. Africa, S. Indian, Antarctica
Mar 9, 2016	Total	-	04m 09s	Sumatra, Borneo, Pacific
Sep 1, 2016	Annular	-	03m 06s	Atlantic, Central Africa, Indian
Feb 26, 2017	Annular	-	00m 44s	Pacific, Chile, Argentina, Atlantic, Africa
Aug 21, 2017	Total	-	02m 40s	N. Pacific, U.S., S. Atlantic

What Are Baby Animals Called?

Try to figure out what these baby animals are called.  The answers are below, but come on, let’s not cheat.  See how well you do.

1.   Alligator

2.   Bear

3.   Beaver

4.   Cow

5.   Deer

6.   Dog

7.   Donkey

8.   Duck

9.   Eagle

10. Eel

11. Elephant

12.  Fish

23.  Frog

14.  Giraffe

15.  Goat

16.  Horse

17.  Hummingbird

18.  Kangaroo

19.  Lion

20.  Llama

21.  Monkey

22.  Owl

23.  Sheep

24.  Skunk

25.  Swan

The only reason I put this in my blog is because this was one of the games we had to play at a baby shower and I only got about a dozen of them and thought I’d share with everyone.  The things we forget in old age!

ANSWERS:

1.    Hatchling

2.    Cub

3.    Kitten

4.    Calf

5.    Fawn

6.    Puppy (come on, you had to know this one!)

7.    Foal

8.    Duckling

9.    Eaglette

10.  Elber

11.  Calf

12.  Fry

13.  Tadpole or polywogs

14.  Calf

15.  Kid

16.  Colt

17.  Chick

18.  Joey

19.  Cub

20.  Cria

21.  Infant

22.  Owlette

23.  Sheep

24.  Kit

25.  Signet

How many did you get?

Feng Shui Lectures

FREE Feng Shui Library Lectures with Vikki Anderson in Northern NJ

June 11 – Feng Shui Your Space with Vikki Anderson at the Butler Library, One Ace Road, Butler, NJ 07405* 973-838-3262 or www.butlerlibrary.org. This is a continuation of previous FS workshops.  Please bring a large white poster board drawing or 25 copies of your drawing so the class to follow along.  A random drawing will be done for 6-8 participants’ spaces to be given specific suggestions for improvement.  Free lecture but registration is required.

August 19

Feng Shui for Health, Wealth and Happiness with Vikki Anderson 7-9 PM at the East Brunswick Public Library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 * 732-390-6777.  Free lecture.

June 2009 Horoscopes

June Horoscopes 2009
by Vikki Anderson

MOON PHASES	DATE	DEGREE, SIGN & MINUTES	TIME
Full Moon	09	17 Sagittarius 07	2:12 PM
Last Quarter	15	24 Pisces 56	6:15 PM
New Moon	22	01 Cancer 30	3:35 PM
First Quarter	29	07 Libra 52	7:28 AM

Planets in the morning sky:  Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter.

Planets in the night sky: Saturn.

Retrogrades:  Jupiter from the 15^th, Neptune and Pluto all month.

Change of Sun Sign:   Sun enters Cancer on June 21.

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ARIES – March 20 – April 18

What a great time to look into classes, workshops and lectures as well as applying for or continuing any formal education you may need for your dream job.  Is there something in your future that you want to do which may need further education or certifications?  If so, this is the time to do it. It is also a good time to plan vacations and special outings with those you love.  You would prefer to entertain your favorite friends and relatives now because you feel as if the world is slowing down for you so why not catch up on everyone’s lives.  You will also have some time to relax, have fun and finish all of those uncompleted projects.  Allot yourself some time each day or weekend to complete your chores and they will get done in no time. Even if there is not a lot of extra time, it’s a great goal – make time for yourself in a relaxing and supportive environment. You seem to be super sensitive at the moment so don’t let things bother you and just pretend you didn’t hear ridiculous comments!

TAURUS – April 19 – May 19

You are getting re-energized and ready for so many projects, events, get-togethers and things to do that you won’t know which end is up.  It seems to be a very productive and fun time; however, give yourself ample time to rest so that there are no health complications in the near future.  If any should appear, a quick trip to your healthcare professional would immediately resolve any issues that you may have.  Taureans are thinking too much now about the upcoming summer and if they should go for another part time job or if they should have fun, go abroad or get additional education.  Choose what you feel is appropriate for you in this stage of your life.  If you have to work, then that is what you’ll have to do for the moment.  The energies are with you to make some positive changes, so think about what it is you really need and then start moving towards it a little each day.  Before you know it, you will have accomplished yet another goal or desire as easily as you have in the past.

GEMINI – May 20 – June 20

Trying to figure out your next steps towards your career is always a tricky thing.  You know what you don’t want to do for a living, but do you know what you should be doing that would be acceptable to you and still bring in the salary you need to live?  Because you are multi-talented and can do so many things as a possible job, it seems as if concentrating on only a few options would be best at this time. Creativity and good fortune are coming your way.  Romance is in the air so keep an eye out for that special someone who may appear at any time.  If in a romantic relationship, your hearts are bound together as if they were one and things will continue to go as smoothly as they have been.  Health is improving and if you would just get a little more rest, you can handle anything put before you.  Hard work, responsibilities and obligations do take up a good deal of your time, but in the end, your dedication and hard work will pay off and you will be happy that you had taken the time to painstakingly handle your business.

CANCER – June 21 – July 21

Your friends are good listeners so let them help you deal with some of your issues and give you their opinion on various topics.  It is your time to stop being a giver and learn how to receive instead.  Each time you pass up an opportunity for someone to help you, you are telling the universe that you don’t need any help from anyone and that you will do whatever you have to alone.  This will be a radical new way of thinking for you, but a very important lesson as you need to get reciprocal energy for all the energy you are expending.  You need to be more adamant, positive, assertive and passionate about everything in your life and not just wind up doing something because someone yet again cornered you into doing it for him or her.  Work improves although your workload may increase as well.  You will continue to have a steady job, but probably with much more responsibilities.

LEO – July 22 – August 21

Miscommunication with loved ones will be difficult if you don’t deal with issues as they occur.  You can’t be the one helping everyone any longer as it is taking its toll on you.  Many things in your life now seem to be interestingly different than ever before. You are thinking things through with much better clarity and are trying to figure out what’s next for you.  Do you want to rev up your love life, your income potential or your creative talents? Do all three if you wish.  You have the stamina and positive energy surrounding you now, so go for it! Leos seem to have much to do and if they stop procrastinating and thinking things to death, they will be very successful and have many accomplishments.  Philosophy and metaphysics seem important now.  Secrets and hidden truths can hurt your chances for good friendships – are the secrets from you or others?  Try to be forthright and candid about your feelings and desires so that others will be equally up front with you.

VIRGO – August 22 – September 21

This is the time you should get out of your comfort zone and shine.  Do things you would have never dreamed of before.  Even though you seem to take things a little more seriously than usual, you are also becoming more grounded and practical. You feel empowered to accomplish anything you need to do now so get the ball rolling while you are in this type of a mood — as it won’t last long.  Procrastination needs to be dealt with quickly so that more positive energy can help make the right opportunities appear in your life.  You are feeling a bit more insecure and nervous about so many choices in your life; just know that once you make important decisions, they will propel you into so many new beginnings with wonderful conclusions.  It is an easy pass for you this month.  Enjoy the flow.

LIBRA – September 22 – October 22

Your sensitivity is at its zenith now so try not to take everything too personally.  You have many amazing opportunities coming to you through financial abundance, but you must be very sharp not to push those chances away.  Look into all possibilities with a sense of wonder and delight.  Family matters seem to improve as you deal with issues that hurt you in the past.  You must be strong enough to let some things go and try hard not to bring up the past unless someone else does the honors.  Intellect and emotions blend beautifully so that you are ready and able to accomplish anything you set your mind out to do.  Creativity and original thought help push you into another phase of life which brings much good luck and help from spirit to finally get you on the right road.

SCORPIO – October 23 – November 20

Family issues may be strained as you deal with many issues from the past.  Handle one issue at a time and if you do, you will be able to start anew in so many areas.  You are being refreshed and renewed now and are getting ready for bigger and better things.  Siblings and how you deal with them will be of great importance.  Some jealousies may be uncovered, but all in all, not a bad month to communicate and assist your family and loved ones with major issues.  Their resolutions have been long overdue.  It would be in your best interest to see challenges as opportunities to help you grow spiritually and philosophically.  Everything happens for a reason so figure out what you have learned and then move on and try not to repeat the lesson.

SAGITTARIUS – November 21 – December 20

Home life and family play an important role for you even though there are many opposing views and opinions about your career vs. home life – and some of them are from you!  You must try to balance both areas quickly to suppress any bizarre circumstances in the future.  You are also becoming very critical of yourself, so just remember that there is no such thing as perfection here on Earth.  Perfection will not happen!  You may feel as if you are on a merry-go-round and just can’t get off.  Try to slow down a bit and balance your tasks and responsibilities. Too many confusing issues make you restless and anxious, but if you take them one at a time, you will be surprised at how easily you can handle anything that comes your way.  Keep up with art work or creative hobbies or businesses.  These will sustain you through trying times and help you express yourself in a constructive way.

CAPRICORN – December 21 – January 18

There is a deeper understanding of many things around you including your love life, children, speculation and issues dealing with yourself and your spiritual growth.  You are trying to make the best of a bad situation until you can figure everything out for yourself.  You may find yourself getting irritated easily or trying to overcompensate by being so pleasant and attentive that others notice the change and wonder what’s going on. Travel, higher education or philosophy can come into your life for short bursts of time as you get motivated to do so many things; however, strike while the iron is hot since your interest is transitory and you don’t accomplish as much as you would have liked.  Changes and opportunities come and go now so be sure you know what you would like to materialize in your life so you can just make it happen.

AQUARIUS – January 19 – February 17

There seems to be an interest in the health matters – the health of your loved ones and yourself. Volunteering your time and energy to help those in need is a precious gift; however, make sure that you have the time to spare.  Unusual circumstances may keep doctors or health care practitioners from discovering what your true issue is.  Hospital visits or tests in the hospital are very likely.  Taking care of those you love is still a priority and you are doing such a good job of it.  Love life continues to be extraordinarily wonderful as you enjoy the total intimacy with your partner.  Don’t look for fault in your relationship as there just isn’t a problem – it is all good!  Being much more connected with your romantic partner is just like the icing on the cake since you two are so similar and happy already.

PISCES – February 18 – March 19

Many changes are in the air for your personal and/or business relationships so why not do what you must to make them positive changes.  If someone is annoying you, let them know and just don’t let things fester.  Handling many responsibilities right now is also weighing on your mind, so don’t let other things interfere with people who mean the world to you.  You seem to be looking for more positive friends and partners now so keep looking as they seem to be right around the corner.  Hard work and determination gets you what you truly want although it may take a little longer than anticipated.  Your persistence keeps you focused on your goals and makes it easy for you to achieve anything you want to at this time.

Contact Vikki Anderson at  www.VikkiAnderson.net or 973-492-3110 for confidential astrology and tarot consultations. Vikki is converting www.Vikkianderson.com to www.Vikkianderson.net so that she can personally update her website.  Please be patient while the transition occurs.  There are many blogs and links to her updated class schedules, articles and information. Of course, please visit www.Fengshuimoon.com for Feng Shui consultations and appointments.  As always, thank you so much for supporting my work!

Saving Money on the Small Things

by Vikki Anderson

Like most of us, I too need to watch my pennies.  I have been a single parent for most of my life (and when I was married, it was to the cheapest man in the world so that was no help financially) and have learned a few tricks how to save money or stretch products for a few extra uses.

The best trick that I had learned is that Glass Plus or Windex is very expensive.  Fill up empty spray bottles with windshield wiper fluid.  It is cheaper and works better.  Think about it — it is made for the outdoors and cleans your windshield pretty well, doesn’t it?  I’ve been using it for about 15 years now and have spend this tidbit to everyone (except Glass Plus and Windex, of course!).

When cosmetic face creams or moisturizers in tubes seem to be empty, cut the tube with a scissor and you will find cream or lotion enough for two or three more applications.  Some smaller amounts of product just can’t squeeze through the tube without enough pressure or product pushing it through.  I also do this with toothpaste.

Nail polish sometimes gets clumpy, so I always add a few drops of acetone or nail polish remover in it to thin it out and it’s as good as new.

Same is true for White Out or similar products, although when they get clumpy, just add a few drops of water and shake the bottle well.

If anyone still uses Comet or a scouring powder like I do, do not remove the sticky label and just let half of the holes show through.  When you turn over the carton, a lot of product spills into the sink or onto your dishes and pots.  Much of the time, you don’t need that much.

Instead of Netflix, which I loved, I now order DVDs through the library.  Ask at your local library when the new movies are coming in.  I was told they are ordered to arrive three months after they are in theaters.

Of course, shop at big box stores like BJ’s or Sam’s Club.  Yes, many things are too big for one person or one family, but share or split the cost with another family or friend.  You can’t beat their prices.

Order things on line  at Amazon.com.  There is no sales tax (so far) and I have Prime Shipping which is a fee paid once a year so that you don’t have to pay for shipping ever throughout the year.  I buy everything on Amazon so it is worth it for me.  Otherwise, postage is usually $3.99.   The prices of merchandise can’t be beat.  Old or out of print books can be found, even if they are used, at a fraction of the cost.

Have a garage sale of all the clutter items in your home or apartment.  You can use the money to get something that you really need or want and declutter your home at the same time.

Add water to shampoo.  You can add a half of a cup of water and still have the shampoo be effective and it will last longer.  I also do this for hair conditioners as mine are so thick that it seems to be a waste.  Also, I learned that 1 oz. of Vodka in your shampoo, helps your hair grow!  That’s a useful tip.

2010 Census

I was one of those census people who took the test, passed and then was hired by the government to go door to door to verify addresses and the status of your home (single family, multi-unit, etc.).  I always wanted to know what the census did so this was a wonderful opportunity to find out.

We had an orientation for a full day in Sussex County, NJ at the old Playboy Club.  It was interesting at how many people were there.  I got there a few minutes late because the venue was hard to find in the woods of Sussex County, but to my relief, the line for registration was very long.  I had to wait almost a half of an hour to get registered.  We filled out forms after forms and were finger printed. We were told we would work for 8 weeks and then most likely be reassigned for another 8 weeks.  We were being paid for our time, so it was an exciting adventure.

Then two weeks later, we were trained in Dover, NJ.  We learned how to use our HHC’s (hand held computers) and how to input data from each home, etc.  We read manuals and had experienced supervisors help us.  Our supervisor was on loan from Sussex because we didn’t have one at the time.  So, Morris County was run by a very able supervisor assistant (like a secretary) and we got everything done in a timely fashion.

The ranks were filled with many ex-corporate employees, all raring to go because it was a decent paying job and we wanted to do our part for the census.  There were engineers, graphic designers, secretaries, loan officers, housewives, retirees, teachers, etc.  Many fields were represented in our Morris County group – quite diversified.

We had to wait a week before starting our work.  We were given AA’s (assignment areas) and had to ring the bell at each home, give them an explanation notice and map spot their home in the computer.  It was easy work, but I never realized how out of shape I was because we were walking around 7-8 hours each day.  After our first day which thankfully was a Friday, I thought I was going to die and had to take a pain killer because my whole body ached.  It was really pitiful, but walking for that amount of time played havoc with my body.  It took all weekend for my body to recover and then I was out again on Monday and doing better as the days went on.

Most people were not home, so those jobs were easy and we all got our assignments done quickly and then received another one and another.  We met regularly in case there were issues to resolve, but on the whole, we were efficient and fast.

Then three weeks into our assignment, we learned that the AA’s were scarce now and that we were to slow up our efforts and not work quickly at all.  We were told to go over our manuals to make sure we understood each situation and we were told to double and triple check our work.  Basically, they wanted us to work longer so that the supervisors had more work.  In fact, we finally got a supervisor for our area, and his total job only lasted two weeks.

Apparently, we were too efficient.  The government never counted on our efficiency and over hired, was the explanation for the short stint of work.  It was a good job; however, someone who kept writing us emails on our HHC’s thanked us for our work and explained that with the over abundance of unemployed people, they had hired many professionals who were used to getting the job done and getting it done right.  We even had one of the lowest rejection rates from Quality Control who checked our work.  I believe our county was the fourth highest in the state for accuracy.

So, basically, being the funny one in the group, I said, “So we basically screwed ourselves out of a job.”  The answer was, “Not as I would have said it, but yes, basically you did.”

What is the morale of this story if there is one?  Not to be too efficient?  Try to do your best but at a slower pace?  The government never thought we’d be that efficient?  I’m not sure, but I am sure that I had a good job for a few weeks which continued to let me do my own home based business work and consultations and because I was too efficient, I am back home again.

I am continuing to write, do Feng Shui consultations as well as tarot and astrology readings, and am wondering if I could have slowed up to have kept my job alive for a few more weeks.  The answer is no.  I did what I set out to do – and I am proud that NJ finished in a timely manner and showed the government that we are efficient here in NJ and can do a job right the first time.

We may be getting more work before the census forms are mailed in April 2010, but for now, I’m back in business, back at home and ready and able to continue my work.

PS:  Please send back your census form as NJ may be losing a representative or two this year as everyone doesn’t send them back and our representatives are selected based on our population.

Retrograde Planets 2009

RETROGRADE PLANETS 2009
Start Date	End Date	Planet	Sign	Direct
January 1	May 16	Saturn	Virgo	May 17
Janaury 12	January 31	Mercury	Aquarius/Cap	February 1
March 7	April 17	Venus	Aries/Pisces	April 18
April 5	September 11	Pluto	Capricorn	September 12
May 7	May 30	Mercury	Gemini/Taurus	May 31
May 29	November 4	Neptune	Aquarius	November 5
June 15	October 12	Jupiter	Aquarius	October 13
July 1	December 1	Uranus	Pisces	December 2
September 7	September 29	Mercury	Virgo	September 30
December 21	March 9, 2010	Mars	Leo	March 10, 2010
December 27	January 14, 2010	Mercury	Capricorn	January 15, 2010

Raccoon Ridge Bird Observatory

My daughter is an ornithologist and lives to help our feathered friends.  If at all possible, could you help out with any donation?  They are in desperate need of funding at the moment.  Thank you to all.  See Below:

Hi, everyone. My non-profit bird banding station, Raccoon Ridge Bird Observatory in Sandyston, New Jersey, is in desperate need of new nets for the new season starting very soon. At $127 a pop (Avinet US-made polyester 30mm 12-m nets), we have a really difficult time buying them ourselves. Our current spread includes nets with deer-sized holes through them or trammels held up with strings, etc. It’s a sad lot! We don’t get any funding from anything other than people being generous, and I just set up a PayPal fund as times are particularly tough for us right now. If anyone has even the smallest amount to spare, it’s appreciated infinitely!

http://www.raccoonridgebirdobservatory.com – Donation button is on the bottom right-hand side of main page.  Thank you!

Saving Money is Easy

by Vikki Anderson

Like everyone else, I too like to find ways of saving money.  These are some of the easy ways I save money and wanted to share these tricks with you.  I hope you find them useful.

Do you always seem to be replacing Glass Plus or Windex?  Why not refill these spray bottles with car windshield wiper fluid?  It’s cheaper and cleans so much better.  Remember, it’s made for outdoor dirt and is very strong, but is usually around $1.90 a gallon.

For hand lotion or face moisturizers in a tube, if nothing is coming out, cut the tube in half with a scissor and you will find that there is enough product left for at least two or three more applications.  I sometimes do this with toothpaste as well.

Do you still use Comet or some scouring powder?  You can peel back only half of the sticky label covering the holes on the top of the can so that you are not pouring out more than you need to wash the sink or pots.

I canceled Netflix and now use my local library who is networked with many libraries in the county.  Ask at your local library if you can join their DVD lending library.  When you find a title, you type it into the website and they will notify you when it arrives at your library for pickup.  This is a free library service. The titles may not always be up to date, but I have seen many movies I would have missed otherwise.

If shampoo or conditioner is getting near the bottom of the bottle, add a few capfuls of water.  It really does not dilute the product that much and is usable.  I have never had a problem with the product’s strength.

White Out gets clumpy.  When it does, just add a few drops of water and shake the bottle and you are ready to resume correcting mistakes!

The same is true for nail polish.  As it gets thick, just add a few drops of acetone or nail polish remover, shake the bottle and you are on your way to finishing up that color you adored.

If you bring a bottle of water to work or anywhere for that matter, after finishing the bottle, fill it up with water from the water cooler at work or your own filtered water at home.  You can use the same bottle a few times a day and save on recycling and the cost of water.  I did this when I was at the Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas this summer when a 16 oz. bottle of water was $4.00.  There were many water stations within the convention hall and everyone else had the same idea I did – we filled up our water several times during the day to save money.

Swap books, DVDs or CDs with friends and relatives so you don’t have to purchase them.  In this way, you can always purchase the ones you truly like and be thankful that you you didn’t buy one you didn’t like at all.

Have a garage sale to get rid of things you no longer need, want or like and with that money buy something you have been saving up for or wished you had.

Donate unwanted items to a local charity and get a tax sales receipt for your income taxes.  Every little bit helps, doesn’t it?

Sign up for all the store rewards cards.  I particularly like my Staples card since I usually get back from $10-15 per month that can be used for purchases.  I frequently buy paper for my printer at Staples and it is much more affordable with the discounts.  Plus, you get unsolicited money to spend at various times during the year.

Check to see if you are in a rewards program with your credit card.  I just found out one of my cards had a rewards program and when I checked into it, I realized I could order a $50 Visa card which I will use as my son-in-law’s birthday present in November and it didn’t cost me anything extra.

Of couse, check Craigslist or Ebay for items that you can get below cost.  I bought a year old kitchen table for $100 and many times items are negotiable.  I had seen this table for $627 in the store, but could not afford it.  And it was in a town five minutes from my home.  Very easy transaction and I love having something I wanted for months — my daughter got my oak dining room table and I had a little bistro table in a huge kitchen which made me feel as if I was in a cafe and I was the last table left!

These are just a few of my savings ideas that I thought I would share with you and if you have any YOU would like to share, please forward them to me.

I will also continue to add to this list as time allows.

Happy Savings!

www.Fengshuimoon.com and www.vikkianderson.com