I am SUCH a blogging slacker!!! I haven't kept up at all!! It has been a crazy time for us, though, so it makes sense why this has fallen low on the priority list. Not much has changed for us, we're just both working and trying to get by while taking care of the little crisis' that pop up.
We are looking to move. We have had enough of our sketchy landlord and we want a little bit bigger apartment with a bigger washer and dryer and more storage space. Hopefully we can find one in our price range that will be a good place for us for a few years. The main goal is to get out of debt and save up to buy a house within the next two or three years so we don't want to be in a place that will be hard to live in for that amount of time. We need to upgrade without skipping ahead too much.
Jonathan is looking for a new career...I think he's had enough of the food services industry. It's incredibly hard because he loves it but the hours are all over the place and there's absolutely no structure which is what he needs to help ease his disorder. He also wants a job with potential to make more money. We'll see what happens but hopefully he'll find something that will be good for him.
This month we had a few setbacks as far as our goal to start the Dave Ramsey plan. I had a hospital bill mix-up and they sent me to collections because of a mistake on their side. They did pull it out of collections and we're working on trying to get that all cleared up. We also had a LOT of repairs we've had to shell out money for on Jonathan's car...his registration is due this month and it was not going to pass until all of these repairs were done. Tomorrow we'll finish the last of them and then we'll be able to register it on the next paycheck. We're thinking February will be a good month for us to get a bit ahead on our bills and save for our emergency savings a bit. February will have our tax returns and we're hoping I get a bonus this year...we'll see...cross your fingers!!!
This month started off pretty rocky but it looks like it's letting up a bit so hopefully this year will be good to us! We're just planning to pay off debt and give ourselves more room to breathe! Wish us luck!! We're super motivated this year to get as much accomplished as far as finances as we can! We think we can do it! We think we can! We think we can! Anyway...thanks for reading my posts. It helps me to know I have a support group here for us. We appreciate you!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Update & An Exciting Announcement!!
So sorry it's been a while. Many of you may have already heard that as soon as Jonathan's old burned out computer was trashed and the hard drives were destroyed my laptop completely crashed. When I say as soon as...I mean the exact same day. So we have been computerless for a few weeks but we finally saved up enough to get a new laptop last week and here we are again!
A few quick updates then we have a big announcement.
A few quick updates:
1-I have been at the new branch near my house for almost a month and I am LOVING it!! I save on gas and food because I live so close I can just drive home for lunch and I get to make my own lunch which saves on eating out. I also love my coworkers...they are all really awesome and they treat me like gold which is a HUGE thing in the workplace these days. I love feeling wanted and loved and appreciated!!!
2-Jonathan is still loving his job at the hospital and has had some difficulties with it recently but is still happy with it anyway which makes me happy.
3-We got this new beautiful laptop to replace the two that died and we are loving it!! I know I already said that but I wanted to reiterate the fact that we are making progress in getting the things we need to make life more simple/comfortable!!
4-We started making a family improvement plan to help us with our struggles with Jonathan's bipolar disorder and we're hoping that it will just help improve our relationship as a couple and bring us closer together. I always believe there is always something to work on in relationships and this is a tool that I think will help us build a strong marriage and family. It includes many various activities we can do together (i.e. read together, watch uplifting movies together, exercise together, go on dates together, work on spirituality together, etc.) and building a good stable routine to keep up on the house and hygiene and all that fun stuff! I'm excited about it! I love having routines...things just seem to flow smoother when we're in routines plus it's incredibly good for Jonathan's bipolar!
And here's the big announcement:
If you noticed above in the family plan we talked about working on our spirituality. Jonathan and I have decided to start going to our local LDS church to see if it is something we can both incorporate in our lives together. We had talked many times about having kids someday and desiring to raise them in a healthy, religious atmosphere so they can gain a good moral basis and be raised in a good environment with good friends and make them strong in their own convictions. I have researched many churches and maybe I'm a little biased because I was raised LDS and although I have made MANY mistakes throughout my life (as everyone does) I still feel that I turned out ok and that would be how I'd want to raise my children someday. Not to mention it would be really good to have the gospel in my own life again...the support it gives is phenomenal and I think that having so many good people who share my values in my life would be really healthy for me and Jonathan both.
I honestly didn't think that Jonathan would be up for even testing out the church. He was born and raised Catholic and he had gone a different direction with his life. He wasn't actively attending church and he was quite the party boy. He made some really bad decisions in his life that led him down a really bad path and he had to find his way back to normalcy. Part of the risky behaviors and bad decisions are chalked up to his bipolar and not really knowing about it or understanding it...they call it self-medicating. Most bipolars struggle with drugs and alcohol and other "risky behaviors" and Jonathan had his fair share of all of that. He surprised me when we were dating because I mentioned that maybe I would want to start going to church again to see if it's for me and he agreed to come with me to my oldest sister's ward. It surprised me that he liked it and even more that we were going regularly for about 8 months starting in January this year. We stopped going, however, because it was getting difficult for me to attend when I wasn't sure that Jonathan was really ok with it. I wasn't sure that it would be something we could do if he was unwilling to really apply the things we learned to our daily lives and if he wasn't planning on getting baptized to become a member of the church it must be because he wasn't ok with it fully and I really think it's important to be on the same page as far as religion is concerned. So I struggled with it for those reasons and others.
Today we went to our own home ward for the first time. I have never actually had my own ward so it was scary to say the least. We made my little sister come with us for moral support. In Sacrament meeting there was a speaker from someone in the stake or high council or something (I'm sorry...I forgot what his calling was) and he talked about the importance of tithing which was a really good talk and I learned a lot. After his talk, the bishop spoke about trials and their purpose in life and how we can learn and grow from them. Jonathan started tearing up a bit and pretended to be yawning (I thought it was a yawn..hahaha) and afterwards we met two members of the bishopric...one of which got all of our information and showed us to our Sunday School class. In Sunday School we were learning about Pure Religion and reading from the book of James. We learned a lot of good stuff and we got to James Chapter 1 Verse 5 that says: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." LDS members all know why that scripture has significance. That scripture is the one that inspired Joseph Smith to pray in the sacred grove where he saw a vision of God and Jesus Christ who revealed their plan for this church to be brought to earth. Joseph Smith is considered the first prophet of the LDS church. What a powerful scripture that is. Anyway, when we came across that scripture my little sister and I explained to Jonathan the significance of that scripture and how that is how the LDS church eventually came to be. Something struck a chord with Jonathan in Sacrament Meeting already and a bit in Sunday School. He leaned over to me and whispered that he wasn't sure he'd be able to make it through the next meeting (Priesthood for him/Relief Society for me). I thought it was because his stomach had been growling and he may be uncomfortable there and maybe just wanted to go home.
After the closing prayer was given in Sunday School, Jonathan bee-lined over to the bishop and told him we needed to sit down with him. The bishop said that we could set up an appointment and meet later after church but Jonathan told him it was necessary now. We headed into the bishop's office while Jonathan was explaining that he wasn't a member and that I was an inactive member. My sister took a seat in the foyer while we had our meeting. We sat down in his office and Jonathan said to the bishop, "I was listening to your talk in Sacrament and you moved me...I want to start down the path towards baptism." I was SHOCKED!!! I whirled my head around and looked at him with my jaw dropped and said, "WHAT?!!!" He went on about how he doesn't know what happened really but he was touched and wants to start down the road towards baptism. The bishop, obviously pleased and excited for us both, gave us the numbers to the area's missionaries and Jonathan has agreed to take the missionary discussions! I am still shocked now, as I'm writing this! I never expected this. I didn't even know if we were going to be coming back to church the next week because it was so complicated for us both to go when he felt so strongly about not being baptized. I don't know what changed but I feel that between the bishop's inspiring talk and the amazing Sunday School lesson something resonated with Jonathan and he made the choice entirely on his own. I am so proud of him for making such a difficult choice without any help from anyone at all. He felt inspired to do this on his own and that is something amazing to me. So tomorrow Jonathan is calling the missionaries and we'll set the first appointment with them.
I know that this may shock a lot of my friends because I haven't been religious for many years but I honestly have felt very deeply that I need to work on my spirituality. I feel that there is something missing in my life that could help me through all the trials in life. My goal is to get to a state of peace within myself and within the world. I feel that this is going to help. I am so nervous to go back for many reasons but it is something I feel will contribute immensely to my well-being and happiness and now I believe it will contribute to Jonathan's happiness and well-being too. I am not saying by any means that the LDS church is the ONLY way to go. I truly think there is good in almost every religion. I think that this is the one that works for me and I really believe this is the best path for us. I am overcome with emotion from all of this but mostly I am excited. I am excited to start this path with Jonathan and I'm excited to start doing something better with my life. I hope it will all work out for us and that it will be a good experience for us and help us lead a full life. Wish us luck!!
A few quick updates then we have a big announcement.
A few quick updates:
1-I have been at the new branch near my house for almost a month and I am LOVING it!! I save on gas and food because I live so close I can just drive home for lunch and I get to make my own lunch which saves on eating out. I also love my coworkers...they are all really awesome and they treat me like gold which is a HUGE thing in the workplace these days. I love feeling wanted and loved and appreciated!!!
2-Jonathan is still loving his job at the hospital and has had some difficulties with it recently but is still happy with it anyway which makes me happy.
3-We got this new beautiful laptop to replace the two that died and we are loving it!! I know I already said that but I wanted to reiterate the fact that we are making progress in getting the things we need to make life more simple/comfortable!!
4-We started making a family improvement plan to help us with our struggles with Jonathan's bipolar disorder and we're hoping that it will just help improve our relationship as a couple and bring us closer together. I always believe there is always something to work on in relationships and this is a tool that I think will help us build a strong marriage and family. It includes many various activities we can do together (i.e. read together, watch uplifting movies together, exercise together, go on dates together, work on spirituality together, etc.) and building a good stable routine to keep up on the house and hygiene and all that fun stuff! I'm excited about it! I love having routines...things just seem to flow smoother when we're in routines plus it's incredibly good for Jonathan's bipolar!
And here's the big announcement:
If you noticed above in the family plan we talked about working on our spirituality. Jonathan and I have decided to start going to our local LDS church to see if it is something we can both incorporate in our lives together. We had talked many times about having kids someday and desiring to raise them in a healthy, religious atmosphere so they can gain a good moral basis and be raised in a good environment with good friends and make them strong in their own convictions. I have researched many churches and maybe I'm a little biased because I was raised LDS and although I have made MANY mistakes throughout my life (as everyone does) I still feel that I turned out ok and that would be how I'd want to raise my children someday. Not to mention it would be really good to have the gospel in my own life again...the support it gives is phenomenal and I think that having so many good people who share my values in my life would be really healthy for me and Jonathan both.
I honestly didn't think that Jonathan would be up for even testing out the church. He was born and raised Catholic and he had gone a different direction with his life. He wasn't actively attending church and he was quite the party boy. He made some really bad decisions in his life that led him down a really bad path and he had to find his way back to normalcy. Part of the risky behaviors and bad decisions are chalked up to his bipolar and not really knowing about it or understanding it...they call it self-medicating. Most bipolars struggle with drugs and alcohol and other "risky behaviors" and Jonathan had his fair share of all of that. He surprised me when we were dating because I mentioned that maybe I would want to start going to church again to see if it's for me and he agreed to come with me to my oldest sister's ward. It surprised me that he liked it and even more that we were going regularly for about 8 months starting in January this year. We stopped going, however, because it was getting difficult for me to attend when I wasn't sure that Jonathan was really ok with it. I wasn't sure that it would be something we could do if he was unwilling to really apply the things we learned to our daily lives and if he wasn't planning on getting baptized to become a member of the church it must be because he wasn't ok with it fully and I really think it's important to be on the same page as far as religion is concerned. So I struggled with it for those reasons and others.
Today we went to our own home ward for the first time. I have never actually had my own ward so it was scary to say the least. We made my little sister come with us for moral support. In Sacrament meeting there was a speaker from someone in the stake or high council or something (I'm sorry...I forgot what his calling was) and he talked about the importance of tithing which was a really good talk and I learned a lot. After his talk, the bishop spoke about trials and their purpose in life and how we can learn and grow from them. Jonathan started tearing up a bit and pretended to be yawning (I thought it was a yawn..hahaha) and afterwards we met two members of the bishopric...one of which got all of our information and showed us to our Sunday School class. In Sunday School we were learning about Pure Religion and reading from the book of James. We learned a lot of good stuff and we got to James Chapter 1 Verse 5 that says: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." LDS members all know why that scripture has significance. That scripture is the one that inspired Joseph Smith to pray in the sacred grove where he saw a vision of God and Jesus Christ who revealed their plan for this church to be brought to earth. Joseph Smith is considered the first prophet of the LDS church. What a powerful scripture that is. Anyway, when we came across that scripture my little sister and I explained to Jonathan the significance of that scripture and how that is how the LDS church eventually came to be. Something struck a chord with Jonathan in Sacrament Meeting already and a bit in Sunday School. He leaned over to me and whispered that he wasn't sure he'd be able to make it through the next meeting (Priesthood for him/Relief Society for me). I thought it was because his stomach had been growling and he may be uncomfortable there and maybe just wanted to go home.
After the closing prayer was given in Sunday School, Jonathan bee-lined over to the bishop and told him we needed to sit down with him. The bishop said that we could set up an appointment and meet later after church but Jonathan told him it was necessary now. We headed into the bishop's office while Jonathan was explaining that he wasn't a member and that I was an inactive member. My sister took a seat in the foyer while we had our meeting. We sat down in his office and Jonathan said to the bishop, "I was listening to your talk in Sacrament and you moved me...I want to start down the path towards baptism." I was SHOCKED!!! I whirled my head around and looked at him with my jaw dropped and said, "WHAT?!!!" He went on about how he doesn't know what happened really but he was touched and wants to start down the road towards baptism. The bishop, obviously pleased and excited for us both, gave us the numbers to the area's missionaries and Jonathan has agreed to take the missionary discussions! I am still shocked now, as I'm writing this! I never expected this. I didn't even know if we were going to be coming back to church the next week because it was so complicated for us both to go when he felt so strongly about not being baptized. I don't know what changed but I feel that between the bishop's inspiring talk and the amazing Sunday School lesson something resonated with Jonathan and he made the choice entirely on his own. I am so proud of him for making such a difficult choice without any help from anyone at all. He felt inspired to do this on his own and that is something amazing to me. So tomorrow Jonathan is calling the missionaries and we'll set the first appointment with them.
I know that this may shock a lot of my friends because I haven't been religious for many years but I honestly have felt very deeply that I need to work on my spirituality. I feel that there is something missing in my life that could help me through all the trials in life. My goal is to get to a state of peace within myself and within the world. I feel that this is going to help. I am so nervous to go back for many reasons but it is something I feel will contribute immensely to my well-being and happiness and now I believe it will contribute to Jonathan's happiness and well-being too. I am not saying by any means that the LDS church is the ONLY way to go. I truly think there is good in almost every religion. I think that this is the one that works for me and I really believe this is the best path for us. I am overcome with emotion from all of this but mostly I am excited. I am excited to start this path with Jonathan and I'm excited to start doing something better with my life. I hope it will all work out for us and that it will be a good experience for us and help us lead a full life. Wish us luck!!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Good News and Fun Times!!!
I have some GREAT news!!! I am finally transferring out of my current branch and moving on to a better work environment!!! I have one week left at my current branch and on October 17th I start at the new branch!! I am so excited to be in a better place!!! I hope it works out well for me!! There's many reasons that it will inevitably be better for me...it's closer to my house making my commute easier and saving on gas, I'll be able to go home for lunch saving on eating out and being able to comply with my diet a little easier, and I'll be working with two of my favorite coworkers!! I am nervous to go back to this branch just because times have changed and things will be different there but I'm just hoping that I won't be in such a hostile work environment and that I will actually be appreciated there! Wish me luck!!!
Yesterday I had to work and I was trying to get out early so we could drive up to Logan for my niece's 4th birthday party! Everyone else was heading up earlier in the morning but I was scheduled til 3:15. I did have a half an hour of overtime that I needed to make up (we aren't allowed overtime pay unless it's absolutely necessary) so one of my bosses arranged for me to be off at 2:45! I got to work and the other boss remembered that I wanted to go up there to be with my family and she let me leave at 1:00 instead!!! I was SO excited for that!!! That RARELY happens for me so I was incredibly thankful!! We drove up to Logan and I changed out of my work clothes and almost immediately we headed off for a round of miniature golf!!! The course was all decked out in Halloween decor and was playing Halloween music so it was a really fun game of mini golf!!! Of course most of us were cheating but we weren't keeping score so it was fun just to get out and have fun with the family!!! When we finished our game we headed off to dinner at Old Grist Mill...kind of like a Subway but BETTER...MUCH MUCH better!!! I had a half turkey sandwich and a cup of their delicious cream of potato soup!! YUM!!! We enjoyed it!! After dinner we went back to my sister's house to relax and enjoy each other's company. We headed for home at about 8:30 and when we got there it was definitely bedtime!!! It was such a fun day and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to go spend time with my family!! I am so happy whenever I get to see my cute niece's!!! My sisters took some fun pictures so I will post those when I get them!! All in all it was such a fun day yesterday and today is dedicated to relaxing and cleaning up the house! I also plan to have a Doris Day marathon!!! :D Good times!!
Yesterday I had to work and I was trying to get out early so we could drive up to Logan for my niece's 4th birthday party! Everyone else was heading up earlier in the morning but I was scheduled til 3:15. I did have a half an hour of overtime that I needed to make up (we aren't allowed overtime pay unless it's absolutely necessary) so one of my bosses arranged for me to be off at 2:45! I got to work and the other boss remembered that I wanted to go up there to be with my family and she let me leave at 1:00 instead!!! I was SO excited for that!!! That RARELY happens for me so I was incredibly thankful!! We drove up to Logan and I changed out of my work clothes and almost immediately we headed off for a round of miniature golf!!! The course was all decked out in Halloween decor and was playing Halloween music so it was a really fun game of mini golf!!! Of course most of us were cheating but we weren't keeping score so it was fun just to get out and have fun with the family!!! When we finished our game we headed off to dinner at Old Grist Mill...kind of like a Subway but BETTER...MUCH MUCH better!!! I had a half turkey sandwich and a cup of their delicious cream of potato soup!! YUM!!! We enjoyed it!! After dinner we went back to my sister's house to relax and enjoy each other's company. We headed for home at about 8:30 and when we got there it was definitely bedtime!!! It was such a fun day and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to go spend time with my family!! I am so happy whenever I get to see my cute niece's!!! My sisters took some fun pictures so I will post those when I get them!! All in all it was such a fun day yesterday and today is dedicated to relaxing and cleaning up the house! I also plan to have a Doris Day marathon!!! :D Good times!!
Rip:60 Update Week 2
Ok...so Week 2:Hyper Burn was a COMPLETE BUST!!! Monday I was so stressed out because work was incredibly stressful and my legs were killing me so much so that when I got home and tried to do my workout I quit a quarter of the way through it and laid on the couch and watched the rest of the video play out...yeah...REAL productive, I know! Haha! Then it seemed every day after that I had kinda given up on working out for the rest of the week and blew it off every day. I am proud to say, however, I have been coca-cola free for one week!!! My last Coca-Cola was on Saturday, the 1st of October!! The headaches were bad at first but now they are not nearly as intense as they were those first few days! I think that mostly I'm getting headaches from stress now. Still...we need to exercise...so Jonathan and I have decided to commit to starting Week 2 over again this week and making sure we follow through with it!! I gotta be honest...it is incredibly hard to find the motivation to continue with the workout schedule after having such a bad week but in order for us to be healthy we MUST exercise! I'm glad we are sticking to it, though, instead of just throwing in the towel. Anyway...hopefully this week will be a success!!!
Week 1 Self-Assessment:
My 3 Biggest Successes This Week:
1. Sticking with the diet
2. Being conscious of the beverages I drink
3. Making healthier choices while eating out
My 3 Biggest Weaknesses This Week:
1. Blowing off exercising
2. Stressing out about missing the workouts
3. Being too hard on myself for cheating
3 Areas I Feel I Improved On This Week:
1. Focusing on what I put into my body
2. Continuing to eat breakfast in the mornings
3. Not completely giving up by committing to start Week 2 over again
3 Areas I Feel I Need To Improve On Next Week:
1. Making more of an effort to work out
2. Follow through with ALL days of exercise
3. Being more motivated
Week 1 Self-Assessment:
My 3 Biggest Successes This Week:
1. Sticking with the diet
2. Being conscious of the beverages I drink
3. Making healthier choices while eating out
My 3 Biggest Weaknesses This Week:
1. Blowing off exercising
2. Stressing out about missing the workouts
3. Being too hard on myself for cheating
3 Areas I Feel I Improved On This Week:
1. Focusing on what I put into my body
2. Continuing to eat breakfast in the mornings
3. Not completely giving up by committing to start Week 2 over again
3 Areas I Feel I Need To Improve On Next Week:
1. Making more of an effort to work out
2. Follow through with ALL days of exercise
3. Being more motivated
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Rip:60 Update Week 1
So today marks the last day of Week 1 of the Rip:60!! Week 1 was called Waking Up Your Body and I hope that my body is awake now and ready to work it out for the next 7 weeks!!! I have to say...for someone who HATES exercising and has problems with eating I did pretty dang good!!! I only missed one day of working out (Friday) but I did it the rest of the week!!! That is such a HUGE accomplishment for me!!! The week started out rough...eating some unhealthy items but trying to incorporate healthy foods into my routine little by little. I struggled to do some of the exercises that was required but by the end of the week I definitely felt like I was making progress learning them!! I thought that I'd be just so completely drained but I am actually feeling a tiny bit better than usual, which is a VERY good thing!!! :D I'm so proud of myself and I am so happy that I have stuck with it even when it was hard this week! Next week frightens me...I am giving up my biggest addiction...Coca-Cola....my favorite drink in the world!!! I have tried many times to quit drinking soda but it is incredibly hard when it is so cheap and so available everywhere you go!! It's going to be a rough week next week but I'm determined to stick to the diet and stick to the exercise routine! I'm so happy that we get Saturdays and Sundays to rest!!! I think if this was a 7 day workout routine I'd probably not do it! I work hard but I need time to relax and play! Hopefully I will get my body where I need it to be!!
Week 1 Self-Assessment:
My 3 Biggest Successes This Week:
1. Sticking to the workout schedule
2. Pushing myself to do better each day
3. Keeping a good attitude about it
My 3 Biggest Weaknesses This Week:
1. Drinking too much soda
2. Eating unhealthy food for lunches during the week
3. Missing Friday's workout
3 Areas I Feel I Improved On This Week:
1. Focusing on what I put into my body
2. Actually eating breakfast as often as possible
3. Working hard to do a little better on the exercises each day
3 Areas I Feel I Need To Improve On Next Week:
1. Drinking absolutely NO soda
2. Follow through with ALL days of exercise
3. Improve my form while doing the exercises
Week 1 Self-Assessment:
My 3 Biggest Successes This Week:
1. Sticking to the workout schedule
2. Pushing myself to do better each day
3. Keeping a good attitude about it
My 3 Biggest Weaknesses This Week:
1. Drinking too much soda
2. Eating unhealthy food for lunches during the week
3. Missing Friday's workout
3 Areas I Feel I Improved On This Week:
1. Focusing on what I put into my body
2. Actually eating breakfast as often as possible
3. Working hard to do a little better on the exercises each day
3 Areas I Feel I Need To Improve On Next Week:
1. Drinking absolutely NO soda
2. Follow through with ALL days of exercise
3. Improve my form while doing the exercises
Monday, September 26, 2011
I DID IT!!!!
We just finished Week 1: Day 1 of the rip:60!!!! I didn't do so great in the morning...cinnamon bears and a Coke for breakfast, Arby's Jr Roast Beef (x2) and a Coke for lunch. But at least I had my water bottle mixed with my fiber in there before lunch...and dinner was healthy...lemon dill swordfish steak, wilted spinach, and balsamic rice!!! Plus I've been snacking on healthy things like yogurt and fruit! :D YAY!!!! OH....AND I KICKED Jonathan's trash on the workout!!! WOOOHOOO!!! GO ME!!!! Honestly...the fact that I worked out at all is what I'm most proud of! The rip:60 is intense!! I'm scared to death!! Week 1 is called Waking Up Your Body. You do that workout for the first week then move up to the next so every week is a new workout for the next 8 weeks. Plus there's 4 additional workouts you can do but they are optional. It also has a great menu plan for a good diet! What an adventure this will be. I've hardly worked out ever and I've NEVER been on a diet...SCARY!!! Oh well...wish me luck!! :D
Sunday, September 11, 2011
We're Getting There
I am so excited!! I got the interview at the Utah State Tax Commission!! It was on Wednesday morning. It went pretty well...I think. The only thing is they told me what the starting pay was and it's .3o less an hour. Kinda a bummer seeing as money seems to be the bane of my existence lately. I hate money. It seems to control so much. NOT ANYMORE!!! I refuse to let myself become a slave to money. I hate money and I am going to learn how to make it work for me instead of working for it. Hence the reason we're starting the Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover again. I know that I have posted about it before. We actually were halfway to our goal of Baby Step 1 which is to save $1000 for an emergency savings. We had $500 of our $1000 and then....we got engaged. We spent all of our emergency savings...and then some...on the wedding. WELL worth it but still sad that we are here again...back where we started. But this time we are seriously making a huge commitment to stick to the plan. We are determined to be successful with this. Anyway...next paycheck it all starts!!
As for the job crisis...I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do. I mean...I REALLY want a job with a better work environment. Banking was never my final job goal. I actually have gone through MANY different job goals in my life. I even studied Barbering/Cosmetology in college. I quit in the 3rd semester even though I only had one semester left til I was 100% completely finished...it just was not for me. I haven't made it back to school yet but I fully intend to someday. Right now the vision is dietetics. I would love to be a clinical dietitian...at the moment...we'll have to see how that pans out. But as for now I'm stuck in banking losing my energy and drive for that job. It's a pretty rough environment to be in...especially these days with how the economy is...nobody has any money and EVERYBODY is on edge. On top of that...I'm REALLY not enjoying the branch I'm at. So I started applying for jobs. Mostly clerical/secretarial jobs. I think I've sent my application in to about a million places and I have had no success. Here's the thing...I am GREAT at interviews. Every job I've ever had an interview for...I've received a job offer. The problem is I have a limited resume. I am great at interviewing but getting the interview is a whole process in itself. I actually had given up on the tax commission job...just like the many other jobs I didn't hear back from. So I had written to one of my previous managers at another branch from earlier in my career before the divorce to see about possibly transferring and forcing a raise upon myself. The reason being I'm sick of my job...even though I'm great at it...and I'm sick of the dismal pay. So I figure if I can't get a job with a better environment I should start trying to pursue getting a raise to even out the bad environment. Basically I've been feeling like I've been working too hard for too little for far too long!
So...the day after I did that, doubting that I'll have a shot at a new job, I got the call to take the data entry test! Talk about bringing hope back into the picture!!! So I went and took the test...still awaiting to hear about the possibility of transfer but basically thinking there's a good chance that won't happen, either. So you may have read earlier that I did pass the test and get the chance to interview for that job. I went into the interview with an idea that the pay would be equal to or more than my current pay. I was wrong. VERY wrong. It's $50 less a month. So immediately I'm disappointed but then after speaking to some friends and family...I began to contemplate whether the move would be plausible...or worth it. I hadn't heard from my old manager in a few weeks so I kinda had a feeling that wasn't going to happen. Then...I randomly sent a text to one of my other friends who works at that branch and SHE brought up the transfer. She told me that all I have to do is request it from my manager and basically it's a done deal. So now I'm in a dilemma. Do I transfer to get out of the branch I'm miserable in to go to a branch that may be a tiny bit better...and I don't even know if I'll get the raise...or do I take the job with a better environment, better schedule, and better dress code but less pay? I've been talking to my family and friends about it. I have been trying to make the best decision for me and my husband. We could be ok with $50 less a month...it will be a little more difficult...but honestly...with everything that's going on with us...Jonathan's illness, my health, our debt, etc...it's really hard to decide. I have been weighing the options...pros and cons...as for now I am leaning towards the paycut for a better environment but we'll have to see. I haven't even been offered the job and I probably won't even hear about it for a week or so but I'm really hoping I get the offer so I have options. I'm nervous. I really hope I get the offer so that maybe I can make a better decision. I will have to keep you updated on it.
Honestly even though I feel as if my life is incredibly unsettled...I still feel that we're getting there. That pretty much sums it up...I feel as if we are getting there. That's what all of this fight is all about...finding our life together and settling into stability...and we're getting there. I finally feel like something good is coming for us. I feel that just around the corner is something good for us. We're getting there. I am so grateful for all the wonderful opportunities that have been presented to us. We are so lucky. We have worked hard for our life together and we still will. At least I'm finally feeling like we're getting there! I am so lucky and I am so excited to have this journey in my life. I can tell already that I am getting stronger and smarter from all of these experiences. Thank heaven for little victories!
As for the job crisis...I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do. I mean...I REALLY want a job with a better work environment. Banking was never my final job goal. I actually have gone through MANY different job goals in my life. I even studied Barbering/Cosmetology in college. I quit in the 3rd semester even though I only had one semester left til I was 100% completely finished...it just was not for me. I haven't made it back to school yet but I fully intend to someday. Right now the vision is dietetics. I would love to be a clinical dietitian...at the moment...we'll have to see how that pans out. But as for now I'm stuck in banking losing my energy and drive for that job. It's a pretty rough environment to be in...especially these days with how the economy is...nobody has any money and EVERYBODY is on edge. On top of that...I'm REALLY not enjoying the branch I'm at. So I started applying for jobs. Mostly clerical/secretarial jobs. I think I've sent my application in to about a million places and I have had no success. Here's the thing...I am GREAT at interviews. Every job I've ever had an interview for...I've received a job offer. The problem is I have a limited resume. I am great at interviewing but getting the interview is a whole process in itself. I actually had given up on the tax commission job...just like the many other jobs I didn't hear back from. So I had written to one of my previous managers at another branch from earlier in my career before the divorce to see about possibly transferring and forcing a raise upon myself. The reason being I'm sick of my job...even though I'm great at it...and I'm sick of the dismal pay. So I figure if I can't get a job with a better environment I should start trying to pursue getting a raise to even out the bad environment. Basically I've been feeling like I've been working too hard for too little for far too long!
So...the day after I did that, doubting that I'll have a shot at a new job, I got the call to take the data entry test! Talk about bringing hope back into the picture!!! So I went and took the test...still awaiting to hear about the possibility of transfer but basically thinking there's a good chance that won't happen, either. So you may have read earlier that I did pass the test and get the chance to interview for that job. I went into the interview with an idea that the pay would be equal to or more than my current pay. I was wrong. VERY wrong. It's $50 less a month. So immediately I'm disappointed but then after speaking to some friends and family...I began to contemplate whether the move would be plausible...or worth it. I hadn't heard from my old manager in a few weeks so I kinda had a feeling that wasn't going to happen. Then...I randomly sent a text to one of my other friends who works at that branch and SHE brought up the transfer. She told me that all I have to do is request it from my manager and basically it's a done deal. So now I'm in a dilemma. Do I transfer to get out of the branch I'm miserable in to go to a branch that may be a tiny bit better...and I don't even know if I'll get the raise...or do I take the job with a better environment, better schedule, and better dress code but less pay? I've been talking to my family and friends about it. I have been trying to make the best decision for me and my husband. We could be ok with $50 less a month...it will be a little more difficult...but honestly...with everything that's going on with us...Jonathan's illness, my health, our debt, etc...it's really hard to decide. I have been weighing the options...pros and cons...as for now I am leaning towards the paycut for a better environment but we'll have to see. I haven't even been offered the job and I probably won't even hear about it for a week or so but I'm really hoping I get the offer so I have options. I'm nervous. I really hope I get the offer so that maybe I can make a better decision. I will have to keep you updated on it.
Honestly even though I feel as if my life is incredibly unsettled...I still feel that we're getting there. That pretty much sums it up...I feel as if we are getting there. That's what all of this fight is all about...finding our life together and settling into stability...and we're getting there. I finally feel like something good is coming for us. I feel that just around the corner is something good for us. We're getting there. I am so grateful for all the wonderful opportunities that have been presented to us. We are so lucky. We have worked hard for our life together and we still will. At least I'm finally feeling like we're getting there! I am so lucky and I am so excited to have this journey in my life. I can tell already that I am getting stronger and smarter from all of these experiences. Thank heaven for little victories!
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