Countdowns & Enough

The countdowns are in full force...my phone looks like a crazy person's calendar. haha

In 24 days, I think the reality of the wedding will hit me full force as we have the first official wedding celebration - the bridal shower! :) My wonderful MOH (who also happens to be my sis) has been working hard on the plans. Everyone has loved the shower invites & recipe cards that were mailed out. I am so very ready for it to be here! Now if I could just find a dress that fits. I have ordered this dress 3 times from the Dressbarn and I truly love it, even though I have to keep going down a size! Who would have thought? However, the size I think it will really take to fit me, they didn't carry in this dress. Ugh. So the newest order is at home right now and I will try it on again tonight. *fingers crossed* If it doesn't fit, I am gonna be majorly hurried to find a dress and I HATE shopping.

.......and of course, that means that we are 86 days away from becoming husband & wife!! :) Woohoo! Definitely ready for that moment. Some of the recent things we've taken care of or are currently working on:
- Met with the cake lady. Plans are in place, need to find 2 items for her to use.
- Eric has started working on his projects for the wedding: table numbers, cake stand, and now possibly a cupcake tower. So glad I have a handy man!
- Wedding invitations are in the final design stage!! We'll be ordering them very soon thanks to the wonderful Jenn! She has been absolutely fantastic through decision making. We have 2 pieces to still design, but I am confident we'll get that wrapped up soon.
- We finally have an officiant! Up until about a week ago, we did not have anyone to marry us. Talk about a problem!?! With Eric having been married before, none of the local clergy would perform the ceremony. Luckily, a family friend who is a judge is going to do the honors. :)
- Hairstyles have for the most part been chosen. I think I find the appropriate style for each of us girls as we celebrate the big day! (and my cousin/hairdresser agrees on mine, so that is the most important part! ha)
- And since our mothers don't read the blog, I can say that I also have gifts for each of the moms from myself. I really love that it is something different. Now we just have to focus on a gift for Eric's dad and for our bridal party. Any good, unique ideas out there? My sister works for a custom design company, so no embroidered or rhinestoned apparel for her! ha
- I started the list for the photographer, not that she really needs a list. She takes unbelievable pictures in all areas of life! Plus, she is getting married in August, so she's definitely in the wedding state of mind. ;) If you didn't catch my tweet the other week, you simply MUST go read L's blog - she's a talented writer as well and really knows how to tell a story. And it's a bridal story!
- We need to start finalizing our music selections for the DJ. We already know the most important song - our first dance. :) The rest will just fall into place...I hope!
- Both moms need to find their wedding day outfits. Eric's mom wants to match my mom in color, so of course there is a stalemate until my momma finds her outfit. I think she has started browsing online and plans to go shopping with my sis next weekend. Praying they find what she's looking for!
- Instead of suits for the little boys, we opted for our "ushers" (aka Eric's nephews and my cousin) to wear black dress pants and white shirts. Talked to the moms of those kiddos the other day and they are on board for that.

And finally - saw these on Pinterest early today, but then saw friends reposting it on Facebook and it continues to strike a chord with me.

Been struggling for the past few weeks...or probably months...with so many things. Do you ever have days when you wonder if you do enough, make enough, pray enough, believe enough, work out enough? If you are pretty enough, thin enough, dedicated enough? Do you show enough love? This little poem/saying was posted on Facebook the other day as part of a long story. It resonated with all those questions I'd been asking of myself...

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.

My friends, I wish you enough...

My Life [in Pictures & Song]

If you follow along on Twitter & Instagram (@emenchho1), then you probably know that lately...my life...well, it's been hectic. There's so much to tell you, but I'm a little overwhelmed with where to start. So, I'll give a brief update (as brief as I can be...ya'll know I'm long winded!) and then throw some pictures and a song at ya! Deal? Okay, good.

For starters, AxMan and I are great. Beyond great. This weekend is the 2 month mark...and while this next statement is gonna blow some people's minds (like those who have known me a long time and know how slow & cautious I tend to be), I don't really care because sometimes you JUST KNOW. Ya know? haha Anyway....AxMan is moving in. Yep, you read that right. On Sunday, he will officially be a resident of my home. Er, mom's home...but whatever. Financially and emotionally, it is a good move for both of us. Not really going to explain anything else about that, but suffice it to say that we're excited and if I had to guess, I think even mom is kinda looking forward to it. She's been helping me make space for the boy and his girls (who we'll have 1 more full week this summer and then every other weekend). We have a "guest bedroom" upstairs that was really being used for storage and now it is the home of Katniss & Lorraine. They checked it out last night and were pretty excited about it. It's going to be a huge adjustment for me as I've never lived with a man (I've had male roomies, but no one that I was in a relationship with) and it's not truly our own private space, but we'll make it work.

So the moral of the story is that the rest of my time has been spent helping AxMan pack up the apartment (that he just moved into last month), while at the same time cleaning out our house to make room for his stuff. I'm E-X-H-A-U-S-T-E-D. Seriously. Monday my knee hurt so bad, I'm surprised it wasn't bruised or swollen. I could barely walk. Monday night I took it easier than the previous few days, but Tuesday it felt tons better. Today I only notice a small twinge in my hip (for overcompensating on the knee for 2-3 days). All year mom has had it on her To Do list to clean the storage (aka think attic) room upstairs and get rid of a bunch of old stuff and reorganize. Did we do that? Nope. Instead, with the clock ticking...we did it all...in ONE day. Craziness. I don't have any clue how many trips up and down the stairs I made, how many times I climbed up in the back of the truck, how many times I handled each bag or item as I lugged it down said stairs, packed it on the truck or threw it in the dumpster. Oh and not just 1 dumpster. We filled 3 dumpsters (of varying sizes, but still).

I just want a break. From everything. ha It seems my own To Do list is a mile long (and growing daily), plus assisting with everyone else's stuff. I can't wait until everything is settled and we can just sit on the couch, watch a movie with the girls, and relax. :) I know that time is coming, but it seems kinda far away. haha Maybe I'll get some rest when I go to Vegas in 2 weeks...or NOT. :p

storage room BEFORE (good thing you can't see everything to the left of the door!)

storage room AFTER (although now has more piled up due to the boy's stuff)

we wore Toby out from cleaning and moving! haha

piles are everywhere at the apartment

AxMan made me dinner one night & we watched a movie (the last night we had any of the furniture in this pic...he sold everything the next day!)

and when you're left with no real furniture, you eat off your kids' princess table, while sitting on the floor #truestory

We were driving home last night & the boy randomly asks if I want to listen to a song that always makes him think of me...so of course, I want to. This is the song - Nothing Like This by Rascal Flatts ;)

My Happy List

I've been noticing several of my bloggy friends posting their happy lists on a weekly basis. I've not done this yet, so I thought I would give a general update of my life the past 2 weeks via a list and since I've been so happy, I think it would qualify as a Happy List! haha ;)

1. AxMan - Seriously, things could not be better with him. I see him every single day. The week we spent apart while I was in Punta Cana nearly killed us (not really, but ya know we felt like it did! ha). We stayed in touch via technology thanks to the resort's wifi! I cannot ever remember being this content before. I am happy no matter what we're doing...sleeping, watching a movie, making dinner together, riding in the car to get his daughters, fixing his vehicle, or talking to our parents. I have met quite a few of his relatives (parents, sis, nephews, cousins, grandmas, uncles, aunts, etc). The girls and I treated him to some special surprises for Father's Day. He got a goody bag with his favorite treats (dunkin sticks, chex mix, dried apricots, movie passes) as well as breakfast in bed! We made him homemade waffles...and he LOVED it. :) We have had lots of serious discussions and there isn't much we haven't openly talked about. Love that he is a communicator!! Anyway, things are good. Keeping my fingers crossed that he's around for quite awhile...and funny thing is, he is the same way hoping I'll stay around!

2. Katniss & Lorraine - If you've been following me for any length of time, you know how much I was hoping and praying to find a single man who had no kids...well, sometimes God has different plans for your life! The truth of the matter is that I love kids (it's no secret I want my own one day), but I really didn't think I wanted to deal with another person's drama. It's been surprisingly easy. No, it's not always a walk in the park. His ex is crazy and is a scream-it-out/slam-the-door-in-your-face type and we've been privy to this already (this week actually). The girls; however, are awesome. I adore them to pieces! I enjoy spending time with them and see them quite often. They ask me to spend the night on their nights and I sometimes do...they think it's a big ol' slumber party! They hug me now. They ask to ride with me and do things with me (without their dad). Apparently, they have even told AxMan that they love me. That's pretty awesome because I love them too...all 3 of them!

 The girls doing a face peel & mask the first night in dad's new apartment!

3. Mom - My mom is awesome. If you haven't met her in real life, you're missing out. Just ask Jen or AxMan, she's the "cool mom." No joke! ha She's been great about this important relationship in my life and is so good to AxMan and the girls. Despite having dealt with her own heartbreak in the past (my parents' divorce), she is still the one who is showing me how to be generous and understanding.

4. Weather - I am not normally a fan of the HOT weather. I do enjoy the sunshine, just viewing it from the indoors on these 90-100 degree days! Whew. That is a little too hot for me to be outside. haha

5. Scentsy/Velata - How could I not include the company that just sent me on a FREE All Expenses Paid trip to the Dominican Republic for one week?!? I'm so excited to find out where next year's trip will be and start earning it on August 1st! Not to mention that July's warmer and scent are so awesome. Did my mailing last night with AxMan and the girls (they were super duper help!)...and they love it as much as I do. Plus, everyone at work has been enjoying the new scent today - Lemons & Berries! Yum!

 July warmer - Ohana

6. Toby - My sweet lil pup has been missing me lately...until I get home that is! I feel so guilty not spending time with him, playing, but then when I get home - the little turkey ignores me. haha The one day I was unpacking my trip suitcase and packing for a slumber party night with the girls and my little fur baby was watching my EVERY move. He is pretty darn cute! Rotten, but cute.

And I think that's it for now....haha Life has been crazy busy, but I do love it. I'm happy and healthy. Isn't that what really counts? :) Hope you are holding onto the things that make you happy!!

A Quiet Morning

I know most people are not morning people...that is not me. I LOVE mornings. L-O-V-E. Sitting alone on a quiet morning does something to restore my soul. Weird? Maybe.

This morning I woke up a half hour before my alarm was set to go off...heck, it still hasn't gone off! ha I let Toby in my room and he's currently snuggled beside me on the couch, but he's a pretty quiet partner when he's sleepy. ;) As I sit here listening to a few birds' chirps cutting through the peacefulness, watching the sun filter through my curtains...I'm struck by how "right" things feel at this moment in time.

I don't even think I can begin to explain why or how things feel right. Yesterday a former co-worker called in to talk to the boss man, but he was out, so he ended up talking to me....he laughed because he said he was surprised I still worked there. It's kind of sad that so many people feel like my job is beneath me. No, I don't even come close to using my arsenal of skills and I do enjoy being challenged on the job, but I also enjoy surprising people with my abilities from time to time. I've never shunned work. I grew up having to work and work HARD. Sure, I complain about my job, but it's not because I don't feel it's worthy work, it's because I disagree with how the corporate office thinks they should manage things. The thing is...at this job, I'm probably about the happiest I've ever been. I am finally to a pay level where I make as much as I did at my former fave job (working for the federal gov't), but the people definitely make it a good one. Plus, if you haven't noticed...I'm a homebody. I prefer to be close to my family and friends. Sure, I still miss city living and the conveniences, but in the end - I'm just a small town girl who loves her fresh country air, the wide open spaces, and the slower pace of life.

I need my daily exercise to energize myself (although it's a pretty great bonus to be consistently losing weight - I've now officially lost over 60 pounds!). I live for weekend trips to Indy to see Jenna (& Noelle) or to Lexington to see Zach. I love that my uncle, aunt, and cousins include mom and I on their endless ranger riding trips over the backroads of the area. I enjoy being able to work towards paying off my debt. I get so excited that everyone around here knows I sell Scentsy and comes to me for last minute gifts or to re-stock their supply...and I truly get a thrill from watching my team members achieve big things!

And on top of all those things....right now, I enjoy spending time with AxMan and being part of each other's lives. Later today I hope to have something new (and good) to tell you about this as well (and yes, Missy, pictures). As I was typing this post, I realized how appropriate "his song" to me is for my life in general at this moment in time. Definitely going to try hard to be HERE in everything I do. To appreciate everything that's gotten me to this point in life, good and bad.



Thank you God for an amazing day to be cognizant for all that I have and do! Enjoy your weekend, friends! :)

Finding Joy

Yesterday I posted about needing to find the things that bring me joy and make me happy. Well, I am happy to report that I am moving full-steam ahead with this idea! :)

This weekend is going to be a much needed sister's weekend. Jen and I already had some plans, but I just added to them (with her ardent approval). Stay tuned for a recap of our weekend adventures! haha It involves several things that bring me joy - family, craft beer, travel, Purdue, music, and friends. What more could a girl ask for??

Also....a big THANK YOU shout-out to the lovely Sarah Kate! She had commented on my post yesterday about how often times good things happen when we least expect them. This weekend is a good thing (parts of it were unexpected when I got a wild hair this morning to do something spontaneous & fun like I sometimes am apt to do) and last night I came home to some awesome Scentsy news that my team grew again (and will likely grow by yet another before the weekend is over)! I have the best ladies rockin' the Scentsy spirit on my team and love that they are sharing the opportunity with other women who want to add extra income to their monthly budget. :)

Hope you are all finding moments of JOY today as well!

Today's Lesson

Don't give more of yourself than you're willing to live without.

The past few months have really been draining my spirit. I know that sounds stupid. This post has probably been a long time coming and none of the words are quite right (and as I type this on my lunch at work, I'm trying not to cry like a big baby).

I'm kind of fed up with a lot of different areas of my life right now, but there aren't any quick fixes. The one thing that I thought was improving was the biggest chunk of what I felt was missing - someone special. This morning I learned that it might not be the case. Well, really last night set my wheels in motion (again), but this morning it all came crashing down on me. I can't really go into it right now and I'm not sure I want to; however, part of me needs to scream at the top of my lungs that I'm so frustrated with the boy. I knew a lot of things going into this and I kept telling myself to not get attached, but I am an idiot and did it anyway. I think I have to back away from this situation a little. I'm not completely giving up hope (because to be honest, my feelings are far to strong to dismiss as being wrong), I just need a breather and he most definitely needs to figure out what the hell he wants before I get crushed.

I've come to the realization today that I need crave communication. It's funny because one of my exes always said that was his love language and I never really got it. I do now. I deserve to be first in someone's life and maybe that's the part of me that creates doubt about the current situation...could I ever really be first to him with his son in the picture? Most likely not. I thought I could deal with that, but a part of me still holds out that "little girl Cinderella hope" for the one good guy who has never been married, who doesn't have kids but wants them, and who adores his family but doesn't need their input to make every little decision. I'm not sure that guy exists. I don't feel like I'd be settling to end up with someone else (like dad with a son and an ex), but part of me still wants to be someone's first and last.

I've also learned that I give a lot of myself. So much so that I often times don't have much of myself left. In all relationships. I've always been the one all my friends turn to when they need a shoulder to cry on or someone to celebrate a joy with. I'm the one my family comes to for any and everything. I'm the one at work everyone feels they can talk to about life and work. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy being someone of character and having trust placed in me to keep everyone's secrets. There are just so few that I feel I could go to in return and have the same confidence that my secrets would never be leaked. Make sense??

I am feeling uneasy about all the changes the company I work for is making...they are just not sound decisions. It makes me feel like I should pack up and get the hell outta dodge before it all comes tumbling down! (It's really not THAT bad, but I don't think there will be room left to grow here.) This was never my dream job. I kinda know what my dream job(s) would be, but I'm not really anywhere close to making one part of it happen. The other part (the Scentsy part) is getting closer to being a reality, but it will take some time.

Sorry for the woe is me post. I hate feeling this way. None of this still really encompasses the entirety of what I'm feeling right now, but it'll have to do I guess.

I need to find more of my joy again....the things that make me happy. Earlier this week I was working on a design project for a longtime customer and it hit me that I didn't enjoy it anymore. It used to make me smile and I used to get such a rush from my customers gushing over the work I'd done for them. I don't feel that way anymore. It's a chore. A chore that I've decided I'm no longer going to do after this month. I'm just down to a few customers left anymore, so it's the right time to put that to bed, even if I will miss the few extra dollars a month. I'm not sure what else I can add to my life because the one thing I enjoy most (traveling) is far too expensive to add in, although I may attempt some small trips in the near future. So for anyone who lives in driving distance - watch out - I may be coming to a town near you! ha

Thanks for listening....um, reading along with my drama. I think I'm done learning lessons today. Well, one can hope. There's still a lot of day left. *sigh*

Bamboo Pink

Bamboopink is a new fashionable, yet affordable jewelry line made and designed by a famous, high-end designer whose current line is sold in upscale department stores, is all over the red carpet and worn by Oprah! This company is the first of its kind, an Internet launched company with virtual trunk shows.there are no parties to host and no phone calls to make.

Analysts speculate that Bamboopink will be the largest women's Internet start-up company in history. The company has a cutting-edge business model, and the jewelry will be sold through consultants on our personal websites and through "virtual" jewelry parties.

This company is the first of its kind, an Internet launched company with virtual trunk shows...there are no parties to host and no phone calls to make.




Sign-ups are free, with no risks or obligations. The free signing period is only for 30 days (through March 15), after that you will have to pay to be a consultant. You can sign up here and take part in this AMAZING opportunity:
https://www.bamboopink.net/emenchhofer

What sets this company apart from other direct sales companies:

* GROUND FLOOR opportunity (probably won't ever happen to you again!) * Strongest comp plan in the industry

* Very successful "designer" multi-million dollar jeweler making/backing this jewelry, so sure to be successful

* Instead of growing one sales rep at a time, this business model using the free sign-up period - we can grow fifty sales reps at a time - but the time to do that is NOW!

This company is going to explode in a few weeks with a national press release and official launch. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So be one of the first to sign up!

Then you can do the same as me and get credit for signing up your friends, which is what we are compensated for with jewelry, cash and/or an ipad. It is not about selling the jewelry at this point, but networking and creating interest. If you decide not to sell, you have lost nothing and your name is dropped from the list.

I joined and thought I'd pass the information along. I'm excited to see what unfolds. You can join in too by using my link. Remember to join before March 15th to be in the free signing period!

Happy New Year!

I'm sitting at home, in my pajamas...preparing to ring the new year in while the rest of the house sleeps and I'm watching tv. The year is definitely going out in a most undesired way. I still cannot eat anything more than soft foods/liquids, plus I'm on antibiotics which means no alcohol. I actually thought I might be out tonight...but since I'm in this sad state, it was a no go.

I started to think about New Year's Resolutions and how I rarely tend to stick to any! Here's a list of things I'm hoping to accomplish in 2011...

1. Be Healthy - Not just lose weight, but exercise because I enjoy it. Make better food choices. Drink more water. Pick up a dust rag more often and plug in the vacuum.

2. Simplify - It's time to downsize some of the chaos in my life (aka STUFF). I am an organizational nut and lately, my stuff has been completely out of order and it's driving me crazy. On top of needing to clear out my personal space, mom and I are going to attempt to reorganize the storage room upstairs again since we can no longer walk in the door.

3. Get More Sleep - I know it kind of goes along with being healthy, but whenever I start to skip sleep...I end up getting sick. Case in point, this past week. I should have known it was coming because my body tried to tell me by taking naps (which I never do), always being sleepy, but I ignored it and bam! I've been dealing with a cold on top of healing from wisdom teeth surgery.

4. Learn Something New - Not sure what this will be yet! haha Whether it's learning to knit or picking up some other useful skill or maybe honing my cooking skills. Suggestions appreciated.

5. Take More Pictures - Most people would say I already take too many pictures, but there are so many times that I regret not having pulled the camera out of my purse and snapped a photo! There are moments in life I just don't want to miss out on.

6. Look For Love - Or at least find some likes! ;) Since moving back to my hometown, I have not done a very good job of putting myself out there or being open to new possibilities. If someone invites me out to dinner, I'll go...who knows what will happen. Maybe nothing. But if a spark does occur, it wouldn't be a bad thing!

7. Travel - After getting my tax papers together (yes, I know...how sad is it that I'm already prepared for this?) I noticed how much money I spent on stuff that I didn't 100% enjoy. This year my goal is to spend more money on experiences I'll remember, whether it's traveling by myself again or finding others to go along. We're already looking at a family vacation to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico or the Bahamas in early July...and I'm thinking another big trip (maybe one of the European countries?) may be in order next Christmas.

8. Enjoy Life - I'm a stresser. Naturally, I freak out about things I cannot control. This does not bode well for a stress-free life. I'm going to do my best not to let the little things bother me.

9. Continue to Build Financial Freedom - Being debt free was a huge step in 2009, continued into 2010. I want to continue doing what I can to save money and build a nest egg for the future. And in this mode, I will continue to work hard in everything that I do...whether it's at one of my professional jobs or one of the side jobs.

Happy New Year! Hope you hold firm in your resolutions for 2011! May it be your best year yet!

My car is here!

Is it bad that I just wanna get in the car and drive, drive, drive? haha After many incidents and changes in what I was supposed to be getting (as far as color, etc)....I now have a car I am VERY happy with! I love it!

I went to Florence, left my Mountaineer with them, and drove my beautiful new 2011 Chevy Cruze 1LT home! After I got home, mom and I took a spin. She went with me when I test drove the car, but had to sit in the backseat so the salesman could ride along. When we got home from our drive, my cousin Monica was at my neighbor's so she stopped in to see it as well. :) It's pretty exciting stuff! ha

So without further ado....here's a few pics!

it's Imperial Blue Metallic exterior

Titanium interior

back seat might not look roomy, but it is plenty of space! don't totally have seats situated yet...ha

the magic panel!
OnStar, XM Radio, Remote Start, Rear Parking Assist, Automatic with Manual Option (it's got tons of awesome features I am already LOVING!)

it's even got a big trunk! I just put 3 rubbermaid totes back there so I can go help my cousin move into his new home

Frustration

Sorry for the lack of blogging...I've been waiting ALL week to update this thing with some exciting news (for me anyway!), but I'm still WAITING. Argh. Did I mention my patience is running low this week? ha

Last Sunday I bought a BRAND NEW CAR! Woohoo! It is my first NEW car. Only problem is...it's on a truck somewhere in the United States...and that means it is not parked in my driveway. !!?!?!

They told me it would be in at the first of the week...... and yet here I am still waiting! I'm hoping that I hear some news today. If not, they are gonna hear from me...and I will not be as nice as I've been the past few calls. I am past the point of understanding.

You'll have to wait to hear all about the car and all the options (which is one of the reasons I'm STILL waiting)! I love it and can't wait to have it to drive!!! I traded in the Mountaineer, which has been a fabulous vehicle the past 7 years. It was just time to get something more fuel efficient and something that doesn't need repaired every other week. Seriously.

So, stay tuned for pictures! I'm so excited...it's like a new toy at Christmas with no batteries! I need it now! hahaha

It's Official...New Job!

Well, now that I've told my boss, I can tell the rest of the world. haha Good thing I told him this morning because word was on the street by afternoon. Guess that's how it goes in a small town!

I have accepted a position in the office at Best Metal Finishing in Osgood. It's a fairly small plant. You can look 'em up on the web if you're interested. The sister company is Ohio Rod in Versailles. Both are owned by Elgin Fasteners.

I'm excited about the new job opportunity. I love the hours, just wish I had 5 days and not 4! I'm going to keep working at the golf course on Fridays for now (and still do payroll/billing/work scheduling) to help make up the small pay difference. The good news is that I also have insurance now! And 2 weeks paid vacation! :) I think I'm going to like working at Best Metal. I know a few people who work there in the shop and I know the general manager's family pretty well (just not him). haha

And so another journey begins!

From Good to Bad to Worst

The day started off with so much promise.....

The weather has been absolutely perfect. Sun is shining. Cooler temps with a nice breeze.

Then I see status updates from 2 of my cousins and my heart sinks as I already know what I'll hear when I pick up the phone...but I dial mom at work. She tells me the news I feared. My great-uncle, Cletus, passed away this morning. That takes me to sad face #1. Mom tells me to text Jenna and let her know. I know Jen is out enjoying a leisurely breakfast this morning due to later work time and her apartment being renovated. She of course calls and that's when the reality hits me a little more and I have a good cry. Ugh.

I was really hoping to hear from the interview lady at a job I had applied for....I interviewed Sunday night (yes, that's how badly she wanted to meet me!). Went to the hospital and did a pee test on Monday night after work for their pre-employment drug screening. Not 20 minutes after I had tweeted about waiting to hear from her with great anticipation....I got the ding email. It was so impersonal. Sad face #2. Another call to mom. More tears.

This day really sucks.

Praying for an Answer

The last few months have been quite stressful for me. I have been fighting with the feeling that I am not where I am supposed to be. I'm not sure if you've ever felt that way before, but everyone who has, can relate to the stuck feeling. I have applied for multiple positions in the last year and after making it a round or two into the process, I get bumped. It's frustrating. I am either highly overqualified for a job or just need someone to give me a chance to gain the "experience" they think I lack.

Why has it been stressful? Well......maybe because nothing I do seems to be right in the eyes of the man who signs my paycheck. I am either doing too much or not enough. Now I'm supposed to cut my hours, but still do everything I've been doing (plus cleaning up the messes made while I'm not at the course). The real problem is that the weather has been crappy until this point and somehow I'm responsible for the weather and everything that results from that. :(

So at this point, please pray that I find an opportunity that is right for me. I am applying to every open job I can find that even sounds like I have a hint of being hired. I'm willing to work for just about any pay if benefits are involved. (currently I have no insurance or other benefits) I have mostly been looking in the Indy area and around home. If I find something in Indy, I can crash at Jen's for awhile until we can find a bigger place to share or I can find something reasonably priced on my own.

I'm tired of going home and feeling like someone let all the air out of my personality. I dread coming to work...fearing that the boss man will show up and find something else to berate me for. My blood pressure has been on the rise lately, I can feel my blood boiling inside of me.

I'm sending up hourly prayers to make it through each day.

C25K

C25K = Couch to 5K Running Plan

Now before you start to laugh (really, it's okay, I've been laughing the past few days)...let me just say that I have a number of reasons for giving this a try.

Reason #1 - I have been overweight for some time and am really, truly, honestly committed to losing weight this time! (We all know I've been on this kick before, but here we go again!)

Reason #2 - Some of my Mary Kay friends have decided that we're going to attempt weight loss together, in somewhat of a Weight Watchers fashion (I'm taking my digital scale each week and at the end of our MK meeting, we're going to weigh in). I think this will be really good for me because if I know people will see in NUMBERS whether or not I've lost weight...I'm gonna try that much harder! ha

Reason #3 - I love to exercise. I really do. I know it doesn't look like it, but seriously I enjoy it. My work schedule makes it difficult to have a work-out partner, so I find myself slacking off with the routine after a few weeks.

Reason #4 - Our National Sales Director Linda Toupin has been talking about the C25K program for awhile now (it's what she's been doing) and I feel like it's a pretty standard program that even a novice runner like myself can follow. I installed the app on my iTouch today and was going to go ahead and do it (and half way through it the battery died!). I do like how the app is set up to work and think that I'm going to die doing it, but if I lose any weight at all because of it, I'll be a happy camper! :)

So here we go....tomorrow I will be starting Week 1 Day 1 of the Couch to 5K program. No, I don't intend to run a 5K and be a superstar like Angie; however, I would like to at least not die at the end of the 9 weeks.

Stay tuned for more updates....er, that is if I don't keel over tomorrow! haha :p

Stay Tuned...

Thursday an important update will be posted!!!

Are you in suspense? hahaha ;)

Stay tuned!

What a Difference a Day Makes

...or 2 years! ha

A few years ago I was working my Mary Kay business the best that I knew how (which was lackluster at best). I thought I had all the answers and truly wasn't following Mary Kay Ash's plan. Fail.

After much success, I had a few setbacks and got discouraged. I took what we jokingly call a "Mary Kay vacation." I only bought product when I absolutely had to in order to remain in the company and was only selling to my mom, my sister, and a few close friends. Not only had I had disappointment, but I was working for the Federal Government and in a terrible work environment. I loved the people I worked with and the pay, but disliked the negativity, long mandatory hours, and the job itself.

Fast forward to November 2009. Vonda (my Director and good friend) asked me how I was feeling about coming back into Mary Kay and really doing the work. Out of the blue, I found myself saying, "Sure, when I get back from Australia." After I said those words, I realized how much I had missed it....the positivity, my friends, and the extra cash. While I was on my Australian adventure, I caught myself wondering if I could really do IT. You know...could I be a success? I started to doubt if I would truly return to MK, but I have only ever used the MK products and I truly believe that through this business, God has bigger plans for me. (I've always believed that...it's been in my dreams since day 1 of becoming a consultant. And for you who don't know, I dream a lot, and my dreams typically come true. It's a little freaky.) When I got back from Oz, I had lunch with Vonda and we talked about the trip and all the crazy moments! :) Once again, before I had time to think, I found myself telling Vonda that I would attend a training coming up in January. Whew, my mouth is really getting me into trouble! I seem to be spewing information before I know what I've done! ha

That brings us to January 2010. WHIRLWIND month. I knew all the mistakes I'd made the first time around. I knew I had to be ready to get to work. So that's what I've been doing...working. I don't know how or when things will happen, I just know they will if I do everything I've been taught to do. So each day I do the "possible"...knowing that at the end of the year, something "impossible" will come to fruition.

I've been holding skin care parties and sharing the opportunity with everyone I know. [If I haven't badgered you...and you don't have a Mary Kay consultant...PLEASE contact me! I still have far too many open dates!! I promise we'll have fun! Right, Kayla & Angie? ;) ] It all started because ONE person said YES to me. Thank you Kayla! Because Kayla held a party, others started booking. Because Kayla said yes to the opportunity, others are following suit.

My theme for the year is commitment. When you are committed, providence moves.

I spent last weekend at a special Mary Kay training. It was a small group that got to spend personal time with our National Sales Director Linda Toupin. If you've never heard her speak, you are missing out! My first thought of her was..."how can I not love everything about a girl from southeastern KY that grew up on a dairy farm and in 4-H?" Being in Linda's space last weekend really changed how I think. Think Abundantly. Dream Big. Work Hard. Pray A LOT. It was eye opening because as mature as I've always been, it was pretty apparent (even to Linda who's known me since 2003 when I became a consultant) that I have truly grown up the past 2 years, more than I thought I had! haha There are no words to explain all that happened in the 9 hours or our group spent together, but trust me when I say it was life changing. Success.

You don't get motivated by sitting around waiting to be inspired. Action breeds motivation.


And if I have completely bored you to tears...thanks for reading along today! Good things are happening. No, strike that...GREAT things are happening. I love my Mary Kay business!

Have a wonderful day everyone!! :)

I don't wanna spend my whole life asking...

...what if I had given everything instead of going through the motions?

Today I attended a Mary Kay Training and this song was the closing of the program. Wow. So powerful. I am totally in love with this song and it has been on repeat for the past hour! Makes you think. Definitely is in line with how I've been feeling this year and why I've been grabbing up every opportunity presented to me, and why I'm charging ahead with the things I want to accomplish!

Watch the video...read the lyrics below as you listen to the song. (The video is only important for the song, not the montage.)




The Motions by Matthew West
This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love
Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something

Take me all the way
Take me all the way
Take me all the way

Crying?

Ever just need a good cry? I'm sure all you ladies out there can relate! Last night I had one of those, felt better almost immediately. Today is gonna be a good day!! :)

Freedom...my way

Some of you know I've been experiencing some "blues" recently. If you didn't, you surely noticed my pension for griping and being cranky!?! Suffice it to say that it's just been a really hectic summer. I cut back on my hours at the golf course and still somehow manage to put in nearly (or more) 50 hours a week. Then add in working at the office for Matt a few hours a week (Jesse's office work is included in my golf course hours), doing some design work for a few Mary Kay Sales Directors each month (I've gotten back into designing newsletters, etc.), and then coming home just in time to play with Toby for a few minutes before bedtime. I can't believe it's July 5th already! 2009 is flying by and has left me mostly wondering...huh? how? why? where? when?

Tonight I came home from work and the sun was still in the sky...that NEVER happens! It was a beautiful night considering it rained all day yesterday. It was so nice and I decided I was going to take a walk. Grandma and I used to do that all the time when I was growing up...never realized how much I missed it until tonight! So, I walked up past our old house and back...twice. That is a little over 1 mile. There were only a few cars out and about, so it was a pretty peaceful walk. Gave me lots of time to think. Actually most people I know will say that I think too much as it is, and that's probably true, but tonight was different. Yesterday and today a situation that has been bugging me finally blew over....it's a long story and one I'd love to share (do you know how frustrating it is to need a girl's day with some friends just to talk stuff over and share a few laughs/hugs and not be able to find ANY ONE to go???? yep, no one would do anything with me this week and I offered to pay for everything on our day out!) but I'm not gonna spill all that on here, so if you wanna know more, email me or text me and I'll share the scoop. Essentially, I ended up quite disappointed with the results...and hurt. Felt like a slap in the face. But it was kinda like the straw that broke the camel's back. It's not the right reason for recommitting myself to my New Year's goals, but it's definitely given me the motivation to get started! I'm already looking forward to walking again in the morning and in the evening tomorrow! :) And after my walk...I decided, I really am doing it for myself. So this 4th of July was a freedom day alright, just in a different way.

Mary Kay National Sales Director Linda Toupin (a big encourager of mine) is famous for saying, "You are where you are by the choices you have made or allowed others to make for you." She is a smart lady. I have allowed others to make my choices for me too many times in life. Time to take the bull by the horns! :p

Here's to a new day...a renewed sense of purpose...and hopefully many more memories and happy moments!

the view down the road towards home on the last leg of my walk!

All in a Day's Work

I am the multi-tasking queen. Seriously.

It's truly a wonder I don't have ADD, but it's no surprise I'm a bit OCD with all my multi-tasking skills! ha I have friends who are always asking how I manage all that seems to constantly be on my plate and I am baffled at their inability to organize & prioritize their schedule. I guess I've always been BUSY, so I don't know anything else!

I took a look at all I did in just 30 minutes today and had to laugh. Especially since I've been reading a book, a memoir, by a Purdue grad. If you haven't read Jen Lancaster's book series, I suggest it for some chuckles!
-call employees to work out weekly schedule
-call boss to discuss weather and carts on the course
-text Jenny (an employee) about change for the cash register
-text my cousin about cell phones
-send email to golf course members about postponing an event
-call mom at work to tell her my schedule for the day
-entertain Toby while on the phone so he doesn't bark
-check my Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Blogspot, Linked In
-search flights and hotels for my Australia trip
-type an itinerary for aforementioned "once in a lifetime" trip
-doing all those things while watching The Fairly Oddparents on Nick...love that show! ha

Really. How does the world function without internet, cell phones, and television? My life is consumed with the internet and my Blackberry (aka the "crackberry"). Is there a point when one multi-tasks TOO much? Bah! Surely not. Well probably.

I'm just doomed to be an internet junky with a texting affliction.

Maybe if this country town weren't full of immature boys I grew up with, watching them eat paste and try to gross us out.....I'd have a social life. Hmph. (and yes, I am missing the big city life. and no, I do not anticipate moving back there for another year or two...job security is my main concern at this point in time.)

Many thoughts to ponder! :p