Christmas is around the corner!

Wow - I've gotten really lazy, haven't I?

Life is great at the new job and this week has been slooooow mostly due to the fact that it's a holiday week and #2, I'm here by myself. We'll be heading to visit the inlaws for Christmas - I can't wait! This means we will FINALLY get to load up on some homemade, authentic tamales and squeeze in some family time.

Everything else is pretty much the same, no complaints and hubby is happy & healthy. Cheers to 2010!

Time Flies

I can't believe it. J and I are almost at the 1 year mark of marriage. It went by so fast and it's hard to believe we were stressing about last minute details this time last year. Our first year has been so good and for those who say your first year is the most difficult, I hope it's true! If it were up to me, I would think the most difficult year of marriage would be when I carry my first child. I can't imagine myself being the happiest camper.

I'm not sure what we're doing to celebrate yet, but I know I can't work from home Friday and he will be at work Sunday... so that leaves us Friday night and Saturday to be creative. Thank you to all of our friends and family who have been supportive of us and thank you for your love!

Stacy's Surprise B-Day Party!

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Barktoberfest 2009

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Happily Employed

I landed a GREAT job! The past week or 2, I have been busy with my 2nd interview with a non-profit organization, completing my application and waiting for the formal offer, attending our first panel interviews and our quarterly networking reception. My official start date isn't until July 13, but boy have I learned a lot. I can't wait! I will be the HR Generalist for the organization and am looking forward to studying and obtaining my PHR certification by the end of the year.

Last night, Scooter ate a bar of dark chocolate. I panicked... and called the animal hospital where I learned that it may not be fatal because he would have to eat at least 2 bags of chocolate candy for it to be toxic. Thankfully, he had a case of diahrrea, and extreme excitability this morning (I was so close to losing it) and is back to his old self.

I am so thankful for the way things have turned around for John and I. We are now benefitting from Obama's Home Affordable Plan and have reduced our mortgage which is also a great help. John tested for a company promotion, so we will see how he does. I am so proud of him and what he has done in the past year with his company... This weekend, I will be caring for my grandparents this weekend - which will be interesting...

For now, good night and thank you for your prayers.

The past few days have been different without spending much time with John. I see him for approximately an hour each day (while getting ready for work and when he gets home to get ready for bed). I'm excited that today is the last day he is working OT so that we can get some quality time together this weekend!

We've had really bad storms the past few days, causing flooding and damage to many parts of the DFW area. They have yet to confirm if a tornado touched down, although people are reporting it. Anyways, I thought we were going to get away free from damage, but boy were we wrong! Hubby got home last night and let me know that the ceiling tile that leads to our attic (strategically placed in our garage, don't ask me why) fell down and left a huge dent on his hood. He thinks it's not that bad, but it's enough for me to have a panic attack. Yet again, something that has been "given" to us...

On to happier news, Wednesday, I was scheduled to head to the Rangers game with sis, but we got rained out. She wanted to go to our local taco joint, but their electricity was out and resorted to Los Lupes. 3 of their servers called out and so the service was spotty and slow, but the food is always good! I was glad she was there with her boyfriend so that I wouldn't have to sit through the intense storms alone. The internet wasn't working and the TV was cutting in and out... so I would've been a tad bit scared with the lights flickering!

Tuesday, I drove up to my parents house and spent some time with sis and my grandparents. I got their new computers set up for them upstairs, because I know my dad wouldn't ever get around to it! Sis and I found great deals shopping and she took me to Raising Canes for the first time. YUM!

Hubby and I have been tossing around the idea of renting out our guest bedroom for additional income, so we think it may happen sooner than later. Someone from his work has expressed interest, so it's time for me to do some research and clean up the space. We'll definitely have to weigh all the pros and cons before we move forward with having someone join our family.

A few more days until I hear about the job I interviewed on Monday. I can't stop thinking about it and praying... BTW, today would have been my 3 year anniversary at the old job. Bittersweet...

Office with a View

Today, I interviewed at a great non-profit in Fort Worth and thought it went really well! My fingers and toes are crossed for this one... If I were to be offered a position, I would have my own huge office with a window (and a pond view)! I should hear something back next week, so we will see. The only downside thus far is that the position is not anticipated to start until mid-July and I am ready to get back to work!

We had a great low-key weekend because John had to work Sunday afternoon. I spent Friday at my parents' house with Scooter and after picking up John from work, we headed to the Granada Theatre for Quick's Big Thing. We were able to listen to local music and enjoyed doing something different from our routine. Saturday, we got hubby's car detailed and we were so glad we did! It's as good as new again and they were able to get rid of the pet odors that Scooter left behind in his early days. Sunday, Tiff and Khanh came down to visit us and we went and had tacos for lunch. YUM! Hopefully, we'll be able to head to the lake with them next weekend and fish!

Pray for me!

Postponed

I had an interview with a non-profit agency that I was SUPER excited about because it's my dream job... Well, it's postponed. The assistant contacted me to let me know that the hiring manager was visiting her mother at the hospital and could not return to the office as anticipated. I am definitely bummed, but I can't be too upset. I hope her mom is ok! This will give me time to better prepare, but it'll be hard to manage all of my pent up nervous energy.

Hubby also let me know that he has good news to share! He recently was reviewed for his annual performance and was ranked with "exceeding expectations!" I am so proud of him. This determines his level of compensation for the company bonus and let's just say it's a nice chunk of change that we desperately need! He will be working OT starting Sunday evening for a week, so I won't see much of him. It'll definitely be lonely, but I'm lucky to have such a good man to work so hard to support us.

Here's a picture of Scooter's summer hair cut. Tiff says he looks very distinguished.


(June 2009)

Hoping & Praying

Things financially are difficult, but we have been very lucky and blessed. I pray that He will help us through this as He has done many times in the past. It's definitely a test of our will, but we will persevere... we always do no matter how difficult the journey.

I have an interview tomorrow with a non-profit agency that promotes diversity in the workplace. I am so excited! It is in human resources (which I am wanting so very badly) and would lead me down my desired path for my career. I ordered some PHR books to prepare me for certification in the future, which should be arriving sometime this week. I can't wait! It has been a long 2 months waiting for what is intended and can only hope that I am destined for this job!

We visited Austin over Memorial Day weekend to visit the inlaws and were able to spend some quality time with J's friends as well. Prior to Memorial Day, hubby won free tickets to our first Byron Nelson experience and were treated to luxury villas complete with free food and drinks. Score!

Scooter has been a part of our family for a year (May 31 was his anniversary) and we are so glad he is a happy and healthy boy! We took him for his annual exam recently and was doing well and heart worm free! He did have a pesky case of fleas, but hope that we have gotten rid of that problem.


(Scooter and Eva after leaving Bull Creek and meeting up with Holly & Avery)

Wow, it's been an incredibly long time. Almost a month later and I've forgotten to update my blog.

I'm 2 days from my 27th birthday, which is unbelievable. I am old. I didn't think I'd actually say this to myself while still in my 20s but there is so much more I hope to do before I hit 30.

The job search has continued slowly, but the wonderful thing is that the unemployment pay has finally kicked in and helps out a little with our bills. John has been wonderful in helping me through this transitional period and has been working OT every chance he has. I need to keep reminding myself that I am not in a rush to find a position, but rather should find the right position for myself. I want to be content with what I decide to do... It's hard when I like to stay busy and want to contribute so badly! John was able to add me to his medical insurance and that is a huge help. Being married definitely has it's benefits. *wink*

It's definitely a blow to the ego each time I get a rejection email/letter stating that there are better qualified people for the positions I am interested in and that they selected a different candidate that was more closely aligned with yada yada. I get it. My day will come soon enough, but the waiting is definitely a test of patience.

I took Scooter to the vet last week for his annual exam and he is a healthy boy! I can't believe we've had him for almost a year now. So much has happened since then! He received his rabies shot (now good for 3 years!) and is heartworm negative. Phew! He definitely has become a huge part of our family.

More good news - because we need it! We received our partial refund from our insurance from January and are expecting a complete reimbursement from our deductible from the accident in January! Our insurance company was able to collect the full amount from the guilty party's insurance. Thank goodness! God is definitely watching over us...

Case of the Mondays

Today started out as a real bummer. I learned that I was not shorted any pay from my previous job. I was paid out for it 2 weeks ago and indeed, all I earned was approximately $100. Incredible strike to the ego. It's incredibly difficult when you go from a two income household to one and on top of that you have your bills. They never go away. Ever.

The job I interviewed last week will more than likely drag out for a bit now that I've completed my assessment. I'm waiting on the hiring manager to connect with the HR manager to determine when my second interview will be. I received 2 calls today. One was from a mom and pop staffing agency regarding a recruiter position paying $10-13/hour (that should be ILLEGAL) and the other was for a Sr. Recruitment Lead opportunity with a security company. The HR manager called me closer to 7 PM, so when I called back, I missed the opportunity to speak with her. I'll have to try back tomorrow and have my fingers crossed!

Time Flies

Whoa, I lost track of time pretty quickly. Last week, we celebrated Easter with my family and attended mass. The strangest thing happened though. We had a lost dog on my parent's porch and he would not leave! We came across many animals (lost dogs and ducks crossing the street!) on Easter, almost like Noah's Ark. Anyways, the lost dog on our porch was a Golden Retriever and had to be around 80 lbs. or so. I think he spent a total of 12 hours on our porch and the poor guy was soaked from the rain the night before. I couldn't have been happier when animal control rolled around to pick him up so that he would have a nice dry place to sleep. The good news is that the owner posted flyers in my parents neighborhood and there was a safe return for Dexter!

I had a few job conversations and ultimately landed an in-person interview this past Thursday at a healthcare search firm. My fingers are crossed for a second interview/job shadow. I felt things went really well, but it was my first interview in a very long time. I also went to a job fair for CareerBuilder that ended up being a total bust. I am now out $10 for valet parking and wasted my time standing in line for 10-12 mediocre companies. My hopes are still high to find some work soon so that I can help pay the bills and keep my mind and hands busy. Meanwhile, I am enjoying my time off and trying to relax as much as I can.

My grandparents are coming back to the States and should be arriving next Saturday morning. I can't wait!

Insomniac

Oh boy, I can't sleep again. My eating habits are thrown way off.

Unemployment. Please leave. Now.

Catch and Release

My grandma is doing better. She was released from the hospital this morning and is ok. I am so relieved. I'm not ready to let her go although I know it's beyond my control. Thank you God.

Today, my husband worked overtime in attempt to avoid traffic, but mostly, I know it's because we need the extra money. I have such a good man by my side.

The job search was horrendous today. My resume needs a revamp (something I've been avoiding for some reason) and little to no jobs were posted online. My ability to network hasn't netted me much thus far. I'm being too hard on myself and I know this. My sister's boyfriend told me that I will find something in 13 days. I really hope he's right... for the sake of my sanity.

New Chapter

This week has definitely been "unexpected." I lost my job and have joined the unemployment statistics. I've already filed for unemployment and am hopeful that I will find something soon enough, although I'm not likely to settle.

It's been emotional, but definitely know it is for the best. I know God has something better in store for me because the past few months have been emotionally draining and stressful for me. John has been incredibly supportive and I am thankful for that. I've shed my tears and now it's time to move on.

My family has been incredible as well. I know their love and support will get me through this part of my life. It's a tough pill to swallow when I have to wake up and realize daily that I don't have anywhere to go... at least not yet. Tiff and Khanh came down to visit us and Scooter for the weekend. John finally got to break in his Xbox with Khanh and they stayed up late playing Tetris.

Tonight, we went out with my family for dinner after learning that my grandma was rushed to the hospital in Vietnam. I'm not quite sure what happened, but think that it was heat related. She's stable and has been transported to another hospital that is better equipped to care for her. On our way back from dinner, we were stopped by police. Thankfully, it was a warning (I think it was because my parents were in the back seat) and we were able to go on our way.

I'm hopeful and look forward to the future. For now, I'll have to keep myself busy and enjoy my time off.

Welcome

John and I were married on November 1, 2008 and we are now enjoying life as newlyweds. In the past year, we have weathered our first unemployment spell as "responsible" adults, celebrated our relationship with our loved ones, become closer to God, promoted ourselves within our careers, and moved beyond our first home break-in/theft and accidents.

Life has definitely changed since our wedding. We are now officially in a "recession" in what is being called one of the most difficult times in history since the Great Depression. Boy are we in for the ride of our lives! We are approaching our 5 month mark since tying the knot.

We were gifted our honeymoon to fabulous San Francisco by my sister and parents. I only wish we could have stayed longer - because we would have! There was so much to do, eat and see! We look forward to returning again in the future to do the things we missed the first time around. While in San Francisco, we were able to stay in a historic hotel, meet up with my college friends, tour the city in GoCars, eat at the #1 restaurant in the city - Gary Danko, taste test some of the finest tequilas in the world, eat fantastic seafood, experience the trolley together for the first time, visit some of the best museums and the list goes on!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures to share from our trip. Enjoy!