Not Really A Rat Race

After being unemployed for 8 months, I recently went back to work. After many months of searching and what seemed like hundreds of resumes being sent out, I went to work for a company called Varsity Contractors, Inc. I must say I feel right at home here. It’s a large company but has a small company feel. I am the Executive Assistant for the CEO, VP of Sales and VP of Marketing. You couldn't ask for a more diverse group of personalities. I love it.

The first in-person interview I had was with the two VP’s. One of the guys reminds me so much of my dad, his mannerisms in particular. He’s older like my dad and I know this sounds so weird, but his arms look a lot like my dads. The age spots on his face resemble those on my dad. The way he leaned way back in his chair and rocked, peering through his glasses as if he wore bifocals or something. It’s my dad to a “T”. I felt quite comfortable when I interviewed as you could imagine. I told my sister I was so tempted just to go up and hug him. One big hug for my dad! “Hi, I would love to work for your company. Now can I have a hug? You remind me of my dad.”

The funny thing about this job is that when I first read the ad, I passed on it. I thought it sounded like they were asking for someone who had no family obligations, could work 60 hours a week and knew everything about anything. That was on Monday. On Tuesday I was surfing employment sites again and ran across the listing once more. This time, I listened to that tiny voice in my head that said “go ahead, just apply”. About 3 days later I was called for a phone interview. Then a few more in-person interviews followed. The whole process took about a month and at times the delay in not hearing/knowing silently crushed me. How could I get through FOUR (yes FOUR; 1 phone, 2 in person and one “hey come back and let’s test your skills and then ask you a few more questions) interviews. By the 4th interview I felt like I should have just brought my desk plant with me!

I work with an amazing group of people. Dedicated, smart, and just genuinely nice. I’m so grateful that I found this job and that it found me! To have to leave my girls after being home with them for 8 months, well you couldn't go to a nicer company. And the girls went back to "our Nina", so I felt so much more comfortable with the idea of working again.

As for Mary Kay, I still sale it and I’m always offering new products and tips to women, but I just didn't fall in love with doing all the bookings and holding constant parties like I thought I would. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE the products and if asked to hold a skin care party I totally would, but I just don’t feel like that’s the direction my life is suppose to take at this time. It’s amazing the answers you get when you ask for guidance and direction from God. Not everyone will understand that decision. And you know what? That’s okay, because at the end of the day my choice is between me and Heavenly Father.

Would I rather be at home with my girls? You betcha! But Chris and I have big goals and dreams for our family and for the time being I need to be working. And I'm actually okay with that. It’s a sacrifice I’m totally willing to make to provide a better, more stable life for my girls. And I’m really enjoying my new position. I feel like when you really enjoy what you do, it’s totally worth it.

Oh and did I mention I have my own office? Yes after years and years of being part of a cubicle farm I have an actual office with a HUGE window and 2 glass French doors. What’s not to love about that?

Jodi

I was 13 when my first niece Jodi was born. I took her as the little sister I never had. My sister Steph was a teenage mom and still living at home when she got pregnant. Shortly after she broke it off with the dad and was on her own. So we as a family all helped to raise Jodi. I couldn't be more proud of my sister actually. Pregnant at 17 but she still managed to attend school regularly and graduate on time, she even held a part time job to help support her daughter. I don't ever remember a time when Steph wasn't 100% responsible for this little person. Sure my parents were there to help out, but my sister was always the mom first and took that role very serious. Even at just 17.

I don't think I could be more proud of my niece Jodi. She is currently attending college at SLCC and has a huge interest in the psychology field. She's smart. Super smart. And so darn organized. Seriously, ask her about her colored pens she carries around so she can record things in her little notebook. Okay, maybe that's a little more OCD than organized, but this kid is on top of things! She's crazy smart with her money. I've never met a more responsible 20-something. She's been with her boyfriend Larry for something like 5 years now. They met in high school and have been attached at the hip ever since.

I'm proud of this kid. In reality she might be just my niece, but in my heart I'll always think of her as my little sister.

Love ya kiddo!!

A little visit from Oregon

My friend Shea came into town to visit from Oregon. I have to say that even though we hadn't seen each other in about 4 1/2 years, we just connect as if it were yesterday.

Shea and I first met in Kindergarten, but it wasn't until 5/6 grade that we really became friends. She is just one of those friends that is just always there for you. No judgement, no hesitations. Just 100% there for you. I always admired her for her strength. I don't ever remember a time where she let someone ever make her feel less that who she really was. She was smart in school. Oh my gosh I remember her just being so good at school. She moved away for college and ended up falling in love with Oregon and meeting her husband there.

Oh but what fun times we had! The first time I went on the Moab Jeep Safari was with Shea. We used to dance to INXS on my dad's video camera (totally still have the tapes for blackmail purposes!), we'd watch Stand By Me over and over again. She loved River Phoenix and Madonna and always had strong faith in God. I admired that because she never let anything compromise her faith.

Anna meeting Sami for the first time. She had her giggling so hard.

Such a cute little girl. Happy just like her mama!Anna and Braedon quickly became pals. In fact Shea and I have already arranged for them to go to Oregon State together and date through college. No pressure kids!

Sami Jean

At first I thought "how did Anna get Braedon to play dolls?" Then it hit me. They are playing dinosaurs who attack the doll house! Thank you Shea for coming up and visiting us. I had a great afternoon with you.

And thanks for 25 fabulous years of friendship, and many, many more to come!