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.