Thursday, January 30, 2014

When Life Doesn't Go Your Way!

YEAH!!! 2 posts in 1 DAY!!
Shortly after I posted my previous post I received a phone call.
I answer and the lady on the other end is from the company I interviewed with.  My heart sank. I was still not ready to feel the rejection.  I am just no good at taking rejection.

We talked for a minuet or two, as I tried to keep back the tears I could feel in my heart and on the tips of my eyes.  I put my head down, so no one would see.  She talked, and I had a hard time listening.  She stated "the managers thought I had done a great job.  They could see my passion and devotion for the position"  In my head, I keep saying over and over and over the BUT.    However it didn't come.  She finally said "They would like to offer you the position, and they were so impressed they would like you to start ASAP, our training starts March 3"
 

---WHAT??????

Wait a second.  you want to what?

That was my mind.  She kept talking, and she asked me a question.  I apologized, because I had no idea what she had just said.  I was still in shock, and WHAT.  She told me I would receive a phone call the following day with the full offer details, but for now to just relax and know, I've got the job.
say what!!!!


WHAT!!!!!????

I im'ed my hub and and mother in law while I was still on the phone.
The first call I made was to my husband.  I was now holding back tears of joy.  HOW DID this happen.
He was so supportive  I got to spend the rest of the day, telling friends and family, that in a few short weeks, my degree had paid off and I would finally have a REAL CAREER!!!!

It was also nice that almost every one of my employees was sad to hear the news.  They were happy for me, but sad for them.

Hopefully now I will have even more financial knowledge to stare!!!!!!!!!
I am so excited to transfer to a university this spring! New life , new people, and I get to leave all the bad memories behind!

When preparation still isn't enough!

I think you would have to be a little out of the loop to not get, that I REALLY WANT this job i'm going for.  Well my interview was yesterday.  I returned home, feeling completely and totally deflated.
It made me think of the office episode when Michael talks about his weaknesses and he is "TOO MOTIVATED"  well, that was me.  I want this job so much that I think I even scared myself.  I was so driven that I drove off the cliff.  After a 1.5 hr orientation we went to the interview.  I interviewed with 2 managers, one male and one female.  It was way cool.  I got started talking.... and it was like BLAH.... I just kept talking and talking and I swear all they could do was not stick a sock in my mouth.  I feel like the "perfect" candiate, however... I think I was portrayed as fake.  However that was my true emotion, it wasn't fake, it was the real me.  After the 1 hr + interview, it was time for the test.
After the interview, the thought in my head was... whats the point.  I KNOW that after the interview, they wont want me.. However I prepped this much, i might as well try.  It wasn't a difficult test, however it was an annoying one.. which made my head hurt.  If you know what im talking about.  I was so happy when I was done, and was so ready to go home.
I get to my car, ready to call my hubby, cry and lament about my heartbreak.. HOWEVER my phone is dead.  REALLY how, I had like 40% batt when I went in..  I then had to spend the WHOLE drive home thinking over it... over and over and over again.  Trying to figure out what I had even said.  Honestly, I couldn't even put that hour interview back into my head to break it down.

All of my employees at work, knew I had the interview, I was trying to figure out how I was gonna tell EVERYONE that I SUCK.. That is how I felt.  I didn't want to have to explain myself, but I told everyone I was going in, so I was stuck.  I didn't know what to do.

On the drive home, I did one of those things you NEVER should do.  I asked My Liam (6yr old) "Mommy went for a job interview do you think I got the job? Yes or No"  Response.  "YES"  I wasn't sure how to process that, more then anything it just made my heart hurt more.

After picking up my boys i FINALLY got home.  First thing I did was plug in my phone and used the house phone to call my honey... NO ANSWER.... ARG.  I was feeling so crummy I just wanted to hear my sweeties voice.  I had to sit and think through it even more. I started to think of other firms I should prepare to apply for.  I was not sure I would be willing to go back to the same place again, and even show my face.
I finally got to talk to my sweetheart.  He was so sweet and supportive. I told him about the process and he kept saying "you totally have the job" "don't doubt yourself, you have this"  It was sweet, however I knew that he was just trying to be the wonderful and supportive husband he is.

Not sure how, but I did get some sleep.  Walking into work the next day was rough.  It felt like the walk of shame.  I told many that I felt I did really bad.  I had a few that were quite happy, because they don't want me to leave.  So that was nice knowing that people still wanted me around.
what else could I do?
desire ... trouble in our hands, safe in the Lord's hands -- Psalm 37:4


I spent alot of the evening before praying and trying to cope.  The Lord is always there, and has a plan for us, even if we REALLY hate the consequences!



Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Interview Preperation!

I spent most of the day yesterday planning and researching for my pending interview.  Tomorrow will decide my next few months and ON TO YEARS.  I'm hoping God will provide and that what I think is right for me is, however only God knows what I am ready for.  However, that doesn't mean I don't have to prepare.

Ask & it will be given to you; seek & you will find; knock & the door will be opened to you.  Matthew 7:7
We all want it to be simple and easy, however God is not capable of giving us blessings, gifts, or guidance if we are not ready to receive them.

I still feel that there is still so much more I need to learn, however, I'm willing to do all that I need to, to be ready.

Thanks to the wonderful world of Pintrest I found some great helpful topics.  I read though a bunch of tips and wrote down alot of the common questions asked.  I filled about half a notebook with notes to prepare me, and I feel like I am about ready for this challenge.  I also wrote answers to each one of the questions. 
1: I feel that my resume and cover letter were perfected a few weeks ago. (about 2 days after I received the notification of interview #2) then
2: I spent about a week or two preparing for the Critical Thinking assessment.  I was silly and Googled "critical thinking assessment" I received MANY brain teaser questions like...

"You have only an 8-liter jug and a 3-liter jug. Both containers are unmarked. You need exactly 4 liters of water. 

How can you get it, if a water faucet is handy?"
  
Really, you have GOT TO ME KIDDING ME!!
These types of questions are NOT good for me.  My mind doesn't think that way, however I worked and worked and practiced and practiced.  Then I downloaded an app on my phone.  That way no matter were I am, I can prepare.   The app was WAY better then the silly brain teasers.  They were thought out real questions.  TOUGH non the less, they really make you think, but I loved it!
3: I spent the weekend and yesterday preparing for the interview. I have my clothes laid out, I have my answers ready, and I spent a few years researching the company.  On almost every site I read I needed to know about the company.  I knew alot, however I didnt realize how LITTLE I really did know.  Actually made me sad to realize I know so little about my current job. However, im looking forward and working foward!!
I want to end with a quote.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. [Motivational Quote] [Motivational Poster] 

I swear one day I will go back to budgeting... However, I think all enjoy a good real life from time to time. 

Friday, January 24, 2014

Quitter

The time has come!! :) I finished my January book.  As hard as it is now.  I cant read ANYTHING (other then the epilogue) until February.  I do however have lots of Series 7 and website stuff to research before my interview.

HOWEVER, I just finished quitter.  Needless to say, I liked it alot.  I wouldn't say it is the best book, I wouldn't say I'm totally in love with it.  However I WOULD say, I enjoyed it.
 
It was a simple read, and had some really fun humor.  I loved the message and it was enjoyable. 

It made me think alot about what I really want as my dream job.  I am thinking ill be reading "48 days to the work you love" next, so it was a good starting point.

I am ready to figure out what I want to be, however, I would love to write.  Obviously, I love to write, which is why I blog, and for as long as I can remember, I have kept a journal.  Not one of those "I want to share with my family" journals, just get my emotions and feelings out of my head and down on paper so I dont explode (for both good and bad reasons)  I a little too passionate at times,  but does make me want to write more, blog more, and more then anything else  HELP more!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Moving Home

If you don't read this blog really close, you may have missed the fact that my hubby and I (well and the kids and dog too).  I came across this article.
It talks about how a lot of kids are moving home, and have since the change in the economy. We have followed this trend.  However I really LOVE this last line of the post and wanted to share.
"Note to companies: Loosen the purse strings, and spend, hire, and invest a little. It's good for our economy, and a generation of young adults -- and their parents -- will thank you."
Now lets all hope and pray this will help repair the economy.   

I do also have to say... We are BLESSED.  My wonderful inlaws are willing to let us live with them, and hopefully it will get MUCH better once I know whats going on with my job.. and even more.  When we know for sure where we will live!

Just Keep Swimming!

Back to work after a wonderful 3 day weekend. In Utah, our air quality is about to kill me! :) I wish I was kidding... However I am NOT!!
This is a wonderful pic that they New York Times published... And however much I wish it was doctored... it is NOT!  Ok so the reason for my little tantrum. is I am sick. AGAIN.   This time I'm blaming it on the air, because I don't want to admit to myself that I'm not at 100%

OFF THE SOAP BOX!!!
This is my thought for today.  I have had an absolutely AMAZING weekend.I spent a lot of my time, sitting on my butt reading my book, and Relaxing and preparing for my interview.  It felt incredible.
Yesterday, my son and I had an interesting conversation about work. I was driving home from being out with hubby and thought "agh I don't want to go to work tomorrow" after that thought of how grumpy that made me. I am still reading Quitter and loving it, and I read a passage sometime last week about being grateful for the jobs we have. The privilege to have a job.  I cant find the quote right now, but it made me think. There are many things in life that we dont love to do, but I love that I do HAVE a job!! and that I get paid good money to help support my family!

I am getting really nervous about my interview.  I have just over a week.  I'm researching the company and trying to give it my all.  I hope that it will show through!

Now if I could just kick the yuck in my lungs then I'd be REALLY GOOD!!!!!


Friday, January 17, 2014

Moving up and PAY DAY!

I finally after a LONG time, wishing and hoping and trying to get motivation.... that falls short! HOWEVER last night, before my Thursday night Parenthood episode I did yoga for 20 min.  OMG I have missed yoga.  I am the first to admit I am NOT a flexible person, but I love how yoga makes me feel.  I was in my bedroom with alittle lamp and the TV on, with the heater (it is cold in our basement bedroom).  I set an alarm because I needed some plan ol relax TV after this week at work.. so I did.  But the Yoga was AMAZING.  Because it is more stretching, it is NOT by any way aerobic, but it is something.  I have decided to try to add this to my nightly routine.  Try to get used to getting my body moving. Something is better then noting.. RIGHT?

Well back onto the budget bandwagon.  We have been doing our $2,000 for the last month or so.  So far it is working really well.  The categories are still not as well monitored as I would like.  However I am the one to blame, my shopping has come out! :(Today is payday, so my hubby will be transferring again! :) Im really hoping this next 2 weeks will be a good one, and we can finish our 5% we need for the house.

I have been good about cooking meals at home. We normally have 2 big dinners a week, and the other ones are quick, simple, mac and cheese or soup.  lol
VS
The house is getting exciting.  We should have some prices soon, then I can start sharing house stuff.. Cause as much fun as money is.  We need SOME variety in our lives! :)

Thursday, January 16, 2014

FLAT

I keep trying to exercise and... it doesn't happen.  I got home form work early last night, and I cleaned our whole house.  ALL OF IT!! I normally clean each sat morning, but it is feeling out of control.  Only having 1/16 of our stuff.  A 1/3 of a kitchen and 2 bedrooms and one great room.. I feel OVERWHELMED sometimes.  Nothing has a place, and the table and counter become DUMPING places. 
I will admit that I have a UNHEALTHY relationship with Command strips (no I am not compensated for this, I just LOVE THEM)


I have them all over my home (downstairs apartment, whatever you want to call it)
 I love them!  However.. I have FAILED on exersise and cleaning house doesnt count! :( im on a mission to find a better solution.. but for the record one resoultion im putting ont he back burner for right now.

Monday, January 13, 2014

TV and Resolutions

 TV: Needless to say.  For my idea on TV.. I HAVE A BIG HUGE F!!!
The only positive that has come from it, is I am aware.  I am -3 hr behind.  My plan tonight is to get on it.  My goal is only 30 min,  but that only puts me 2.5 hr behind and I will catch up.   So, I'm gonna try it for another week, in hopes that by the end of next week.  I will be EVEN!

After my post a few weeks ago about new years reslutions.
I have been thinking about them, and I am slow.... but I have a few that I have thought about.
  1. Weight! WELCOME TO STEREOTYPE!! Yes I would like to loose some weight.  I have a few reason, but none of them are very good, other then... Well I want to.  I want to eat MUCH better (currently I live on hot pockets and coffee.. NOT GOOD).  I also want to exercise, at least a little.  I don't... like EVER.  The closest I come to exercise, is cleaning house, and carrying 3-5 loads of laundry up and down 1 flight of stairs weekly. NOT enough for my very sedentary job.  So my wonderful husband is willing to HUMOR me and help me out.  Im not so sure about the exercise side of things... that's between me and my TV.  (you now understand the help of my TV watching exercise regalement!)
  2. Budget! Obviously, I need to budget.  I will admit, that I've got alittle nutty over the past 2 weeks.  I swear other then Christmas this is the most Ive spent on myself for a LONG LONG time.   Because of my new possible job, My sweetie took me shopping.  I got 2 dress coats 1 shirt and 2 skirts.  Im so excited.. Now i just need the job.  I also purchased myself a new swimming suit for less then $20, but still... not exactly what I should be doing. --- So hand in had with #1.  By eating at home, I can save money on groceries.  Seriously healthy food is pretty cheap.  I just need to buy it and Eat it! Also one more element to this is my financial peace class!
  3. Reading!  I love to read.  Since the beginning of the year I have been reading a bunch of Jon Acuff's books, and am LOVING THEM.  The 3 of my goals is to read 1 book a month. I am also going to try to limit myself to 1 book per month.  That dose not include Books on Tape that I listen to while driving too and from work... But otherwise I'll spend too much time reading and I need to be focused on my Family!
 

So there we have it!  3 goals for the next little while.  I have a MILLION other ones around in my head, but these are the top priority of TODAY!!! 

Friday, January 10, 2014

Financial Peace

Yesterday, like many days.. I listened to the Dave Ramsey Podcast! He was talking about since it is the first of a new year lot of places are staring up their financial peace class.
I have always waneted to take it, however... it just didnt seem to work out. I spent a few min, went to their website and found a location less then 1 mile from my house(in-laws).  The class is later then most have been offered, but considering my husband works late some nights, it means we can make it to every class, even if he does have to close his office.
I messaged him, and told him, I would really like to go to that class for my birthday. He agreed! :)
I AM ECSTATIC!!!!!!!!!!

Then last night I spent the evening with my sister and her friend.  I told them about my class.  My sister has listened to his book, and has thought about the process, and her friend however is NOT a dave fan.  They (my sister and her friend) have their master degrees.  When they were going to school it was a FULL TIME PROGRAM! My sis worked about 4-6 hr a week, and that was hard with all of her school stuff.  Because of that, they both have their fair share of student loans.  Dave is NOT a fan of student loans... which I understand (knowing that we are currently paying my husbands off. and he doesn't have his Bachelors) but I was quiet sad that they wouldn't learn from him because of it. Dave is also coming to utah and I got tickets for my sister and I to see him in May, and I don't think she is on board as much anymore.

HOWEVER!!! Over the last 12 hr or so, I have spent alot of time thinking about peoples opinions.  Jon Acuff's book Start, talks alot about hate, and he also has gone on many podcasts talking about hate and how people hate.
I am NOT saying that my wonderful sis Hates this plan.  It is jus not her cup of tea. and that is OK.  Everyone has their own path to financial freedom, and I hope that this class will help me find mine.

And also, the purpose of this blog is to hopefully get my ideas out there, and help others on their path to become who they want to be with the help of others.

And I thought I will leave for you WHAT IS YOUR FINANCIAL FREEDOM?