Monday, May 25, 2009

Happy Memorial Day

Thank you to the men and women that give their lives so that we can live in freedom.
Mason and I had a treat celebrating this past weekend with all of his Uncles. He soaked up the attention and I think he's already missing the crew!

Although we did miss our Grand-dadder, Gigi, Aunt BeeBee and Aunt Mary =( We need to see them soon too!

On another note, tomorrow I'll leave Mason for 27 hours straight...it'll be the first time apart overnight. I have to admit that because I feel so comfortable leaving Mason with Nanny C, that I'm actually looking forward to the trip because I'll also have a night of uninterrupted sleep (it'll be the 1st in almost 4 months!).

Friday, May 22, 2009

Lucky 13

I have to fit back in my suits for these interviews, so I went running twice last week and twice this week (usually I only run on Saturdays). 13 more...slowly but surely it's steady as she goes.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I Followed the Recipe

But for some reason my Salisbury Steak patties fell apart. Thankfully when I was packaging the meals for the freezer, I compacted the meat in the containers and then poured the sauce on top so it didn't make much of a difference.

I highly recommend Sandra Lee's Salisbury Steak recipe...even if your patties don't stick!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Decisions, Decisions

Do you ever think that there are just decisions to be made between multiple options and there are no real differentiators that would cause one option to stand out over another?

Maybe that question doesn't make much sense, but it pertains to the current job search.

I've learned a lot from my industry tenure (almost 10 years) and know that I must seek to continually learn in this fluid market. Additionally, it's imperative that I find the best fit for both me and my career (which will allow me to further my skills, expertise, and broaden my experience AND provide a stable growing income) and for my future employer (one who will be able to provide the service lines/products that I present as solutions for my/our clients; and a company who will recognize and appreciate my accomplishments).

So decisions, decisions...

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Sitting Duck

This past weekend I made:
The last 3 recipes were out of the new Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Magazine that Betty got me for my BDay. I'll be making Salisbury Steak either tonight or tomorrow too.

My freezer has the gnarly stash of food for Baby Mason and now I have somewhere around 17 dinner servings left to be eaten and it's already Wednesday. I likely won't be cooking this weekend. Which will be nice...I might bring the sewing machine back out and figure out some project to start.
___________________________
Today on the Job...

Today has been slow. I know it's only been 12 days since my Layoff (8 work-week days), but those first few days were a fast-paced scurry to get everything organized, make a plan of action, update my resume (with thorough editing!), communicate my layout through key networking channels, calls back and forth with recruiters and companies.

But today I feel like a sitting duck. It's been the first day of "quietness."

I know something will come of this search. God has already provided me with 3 phone interviews and I'll have 3 in-person interviews through the end of May so far. I'm just ancy I suppose...

Monday, May 11, 2009

Highs & Lows - Ebb & Flow

"Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress."
~Bruce Barton


It's been a wild May so far. And I debated whether to share all of what's going on in my life (now, "our lives"), but I also don't want to pretend like every day is always a happy day. Sometimes there is pain, confusion, and struggles. That's just another part of life.I have to say that since Baby Mason's birth, I have definitely reprioritized and reassessed what is truly important; this prepared me to handle adversities I now face. I suppose the way you handle a challenge reflects your outlook on life. Thankfully God is perfect and He equipped me for this month of May so far.

Friday, May 1st I received difficult news that I was being laid-off. Having been back from Maternity Leave not even a full month, needless to say I was in shock. After a 45 minute phone conversation from the company sharing this news, I was loaded with my many questions. But with some still unanswered, I realized I needed to put together a plan of action for finding new employment. God has always provided. He has always given me the strength to overcome. Today is no different.

On Tuesday, May 5th, my downstairs air compressor went out and I had to have the entire unit replaced. Thank you God that I'd invested in a home warranty. For only a $60 trade service fee, I was able to "cover" for the labor and materials. I'm not sure what would have been done otherwise.

Tuesday was also my 28th Birthday. I was still down in the dumps from the last week's news, but thankfully I had plenty of family and friends loving on me and wishing me sweet birthday wishes. The day had been a little rough as I hadn't felt I'd accomplished much in my 'new job': the job of finding a new job; however, I was able to end the day topping off with a wonderful Birthday dinner with my closest chickies, Jamie and Bethany.

On Wednesday, May 6th I had to take Mason into the Pediatrician's office because for the past few days and one day the week prior, he had been sleeping excessively. My child went from an average of 10 hrs of sleeping to 18 hrs. And he had shown signs of lethargy which scared me and caused the nurse to urge me to see Dr. C. Thankfully we found that Mason is perfectly healthy, is remaining in the 50th percentile weight-wise (13lbs) and all the tests came out "clear." It gave me peace of mind and I am so thankful he's not sick.

At the end of the week, I still feel at peace. God has some great adventure in store for Mason and I. And He will show us how He continues to provide and bless us.
Praises:
  • Mason is fully healthy...and growing like a weed. I love this little guy!
  • My downstairs air conditioning is replaced and thus runs much more efficiently (saving me $) now. AND my home warranty covered this service.
  • Mason's birth father is finally beginning to help with a portion of Mason's expenses.
  • I love my family, friends, church community, and neighbors. My family checks in every day to make sure they encourage and support me through this job search. My tight circle of closest friends have gifted me with the most thoughtful and encouraging gifts, e-mails, calls, and offers of support. My church community has done the same and prays for me along with connecting me to members who offer career assistance and entree into companies. My neighbors have helped me update and revise my resume as well as counsel me through this process. All of this has been invaluable.
  • God is opening doors through friends' connections, recruiters, and my business network.
  • There were 2 phone interviews last week with continuing dialogue for in-person interviews to be scheduled today-tomorrow.
  • I'm strategically disseminating my resume to key contacts who will personally place my resume in the hands of key hiring managers and executives {a growing list of 11 companies within the relo industry and 3 outside through friends' connections}

There is an ebb and flow to life, change is inevitable. That's life. But God is constant.

His goodness and love is constant...

PRAISE HIM!

_____________________

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

I love you Momma and hope you have another beautiful Mother's Day!

I still think back on my spiteful, rebellious years and the one Mother's Day weekend my sophomore year of college where I stormed out of the house to return to my campus rental for the weekend. You went to church the next morning devastated; I was a selfish child who didn't think of the consequences and mean-spirited pains I brought you on the day that was supposed to be a celebration of you and motherhood.

But you loved me unconditionally.

You've always loved me unconditionally...

We've laughed and talked about those things, those wicked, hurtful things I did growing up and I still feel remorse when I think of my actions, but one thing that hasn't changed is your love for me. How you pray for me every day, often multiple times in a day. You've prayed for me before my birth and God blessed you with your first Mother's Day 28 years ago.

I love you Momma. And this Mother's Day is my first one to celebrate, realizing now the joys of being a mother and also knowing that there will be future pains that will intersperse with the happiness. But for all that motherhood brings me, I am so fortunate to have had such a wonderful example in you. So fortunate to have had a loving Mom whose wisdom, compassion, and inner joy has been passed on to me.

It is amazing to me how life changes when you have a child and I only have a glimpse of what being a mother is and is to be.

Momma, may you have a wonderful celebration today- I love you deeply and forever.
Thank You!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

I Love Flowers

So along with my beautiful birthday roses (displayed inside another BDay gift-a white pottery pitcher), my sweet girls Jamie (aka Buckeye Belle) and Bethany (aka Betty) sent me this gorgeous Heather Plant for Mother's Day!
The cute card reads:
"Mason asked us to order this for you. He thinks you're an amazing mom and we agree!
Happy Mother's Day!
We love you,
Mason (Jamie and Bethany)"

I seriously have the bestest best friends eva!


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
to all you fabulous mothers and mothers-to-be!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Chocolate Cake

I had all sorts of presents, roses, a balloon, and a baby...it was the best birthday eva!
Here we are- the three Supper Club Chickies (plus Mason) and in the center is the best chocolate cake in town. The first time we ate of this monstrosity, it took 7 of us to finish it off. This time we barely made a dent; however that meant I got to take it home and I devoured the scrumptious leftovers the next day.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Another Very Merry Birthday to Me!

There are many things to celebrate in the midst of an uncertain adventure. And it is absolutely amazing and exciting thinking about what God has provided and blessed me with over the last year. He gives me peace and hope for the future. Thank you God!

Here's the crew last year at Bottega's for my 27th Birthday Celebration
Last night my sweet neighbor Mrs. B delievered a scrumptious chocolate bundt cake (please excuse my PJs).

And then tonight, is a dinner celebration at one of my favorite restuarants with my Supper Club Chickies...and Baby Mason!

Friday, May 1, 2009

No Woman No Cry

As Bob Marley's 1st hit, I've heard some who think the song means "if you don't have a woman, then you won't cry." But that's the furthest from Marley's lyrical intent. It's a political story with the core of the chorus comforting:

So, woman, no cry

No - no, woman - woman, no cry

Woman, little sister, dont shed no tears

No, woman, no cry.

Everything's gonna be alright.
dazeychic on etsy

And I know it to be true. But right now in the valley, it's time to climb back up the mountain.