Self-less Promotions

I want to see less of myself in the U.S. and more of me in Paris. Thus my promotion of this contest.

 http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris

I'd recommend that you not enter. If you were to win this amazing trip, I might be responsible for your untimely demise. I'm selfish selfless like that. 

Employed

So the news is......I have a new job!

Through a bit of inopportune timing and surprise recommendations, I was offered a position at the LINK in our hometown. (Our town's chamber of commerce/economic development/education liaison/newcomer liaison organization. Very fitting for this Mac of all trades!)

I wasn't looking for a new job, and I'll miss my co-workers here at the W terribly, as they have shared in my first working years. I'll be forever grateful to this place for being a progressive (that's right people, I said progressive) place for me to find my voice. Ideas and inspriation were always welcome here, and I have been so very fortunate to work with, and not for, some amazing people.

My new adventure in the working world promises to be challenging and exciting, and I am both thrilled and terrified. It's a strange juxtaposition to deal with sad goodbyes and happy hellos in a very short amount of time. I cannot stop reflecting at how fortunate I am, that I was able to choose between two jobs when many are unable to find employment at all.

Tell me, how do y'all deal with new opportunities? Head on, or one toe in? I'd love to hear some fabulous words of wisdom. Keep the stupidity to yourselves.

Hiatus

I apologize to you, imaginary readers, for my unannounced hiatus. Big changes going on around here. Prepare yourself for news to start trickling in ssslllloooowwwlllyyy.

Change is good. Right? I myself both love and hate change, but isn't everyone that way. We love change that we want, hate change in the things we love as is. I hope that I'll always be open to change, as long as it's for the better.

Just think without change, we might still have these

(I had a hot pink pair of these at one point in my life. I rocked them with penny loafers and a side pony. 3rd grade was the shiz.)

 And instead of talking on this,

We'd have this,

It's often difficult to see changes as positive at their inception, but in the end, change gonna do us all good.

Good Karma

Logo for a fabulous store I'd like to visit one day.

You ever feel the need to put good karma out into the world, just to cover your ass?

I'm so grateful to have a job. Seriously folks. Working for the state has its perks, but it also means that cuts can come at anytime.

As a young, educated, employed (Amen) individual embarking on my career, I never really reflect on how fortunate I am. I've never feared a job loss, or felt obsolete. I've been lucky enough to have job offers while I'm employed.

Thank you universe, I truly appreciate it.

Time is Money

As I post more frequently, albeit sporadically, I'm attempting to bring some new topics to the web.

For all you workin' ladies out there (cue Melanie Griffith, shoulder pads and massive hair), how much is your time worth? After being offered a job lately, I've begun to attempt and evaluate exactly how much my time is worth. Is more money worth excessive after-hours work? Is a flexible schedule worth a lower salary?

For all of you 9-5er's out there, how do you equate your professional worth when weighing future options?

Stuck in the Middle

I've been stuck here for a little while.... hope to see y'all soon :)

One-Upper

 

So far most of my posts contain some sort of cathartic release, (i.e. bitchin' about somethin.) And I'm very grateful to y'all for listening. Everybody needs a place to vent, right?

I am very fortunate to work on a lovely college campus in North Mississippi. In my small office of four, we've got ourselves a one-upper. You know the type.

Me: I'm thinking of getting a dog.
Upper: I had 7 dogs at one time! 

Co-worker: I really felt bad this weekend.
Upper: I was so sick, I thought I was going to go to the hospital!

I've found that its hard not to let it but a damper on my day, and I'm disappointed in myself for letting someone else influence my day like that. Everyday, its a test for me to focus on the positive, and not worry with other people. I guess its really a blessing for me to remind myself to tune out all things annoying and have a good day regardless. But somedays, I seriously think I'm going to be on the news before its all said and done.

How do you deal with Negative Nellies?

Weekend Update

What a wonderfully productive weekend!

I did a little of this,

The hubs bought one of these and showed it who's boss,

 

I purchased some of this via inspiration from the Thrifty Decor Chick, 

to turn this, 

into this

And I wrapped it up with a home episode of extreme cleaning. You know that show. The one where a crazy woman uses a Dustbuster like it's an appendage. 

I made this

I love blog titles that validate me. Who gives a crap about what other people want to read. 

I'm the head cook around these parts and here's a look at the vittles I rustled up last night. I may have done this while viewing re-runs of Justified, thus the weird cowboy language. 

Oh Timothy Olyphant, you, much like the food I made last night, are yummy. 

Sweet lord I ramble incessantly, even in print. 

Food. Made a stuffed acorn squash version of this dish by Martha Stewart. 

 

Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash

I adapted mine to the contents of my kitchen, which were white rice, apples, onions and pecans. A little heavy for summer, but this will definitely make an appearance in our homestead 'round fall. I paired it with a roasted pork tenderloin (I use the Apple Bourbon one by Hormel because I never remember to marinate meat ahead of time) and some steamed green beans.

Cooking really is one of the best parts of my day. It's not just a nice time to zone out from the day, concerning yourself with only what's in front of you. I love the validation I get from preparing something that brings other people joy.

In the kitchen, where we women-folk belong ;) Well, at least two hours out of the day.

Thoughtful Thursday

While I don't have weekday specific categories on here, I do like rhymes and alliterations. Thus the titles.

As a 20-something I think about life (in general) a lot. I'm a worrier by nature, so I often over think things a tad.

I read something today written by the always hilarious Pioneer Woman, that really resonated. While speaking of her MIL, she said, "They’re here because my mother-in-law went where life and love–not her dreams–took her."

So the next time you're whining about the path you chose because the grass appears greener on the less traveled path, remember....

Someone is very glad you ended up where you did.

Thanks Ree!

Golden Rule

What the hell Arnold!

Seriously people. On my mind this morning? Kindergarten. You know, when you learned the whole "Do unto others," thing. Maybe it's because I'm married now, maybe I watched too much Disney as a child, but things like this, celebrity infused or not, bother me.

If you've got the cahones to cheat, then have the stones to tell your spouse you're not fulfilled. Ugh.

Thanks for listening. (I'm fully aware, that at this moment, no one is technically listening.)

The Name Game

I spent an embarrassing amount of time thinking about what to call this blog. I will likely spend an equally embarrassing amount of time thinking about what to post here in this daunting white space. Was that funny enough? Do I sound stupid? Is that a valid blog contribution? Do these pants make me look fat? Will they figure out that I ramble when nervous? Will I ever have enough followers to constitute a they?

Back to the name (see rambling.) Basically, it's my view of today's woman. Yes we all know that we have multiple roles in life, daughter, wife, professional, friend, etc. But it's not enough to just BE these things, we now master them. The best friend, caring daughter, uber-successful, nearly-chef, craft extraordinaire who reads on a 25th grade level. Women today take be all you can be to the next level. Not in a competitive or obligatory way, mind you. We thrive in this, will attempt all and be good at most approach to every element of our lives.

We're jack's of all trades, and masters of some.

So in this spirit, I'm diving into the blog world. Attempting to be great at sharing my thoughts, but knowing that if I fall just short of incredible here, the earth will continue to orbit.

Blog Signs

The day I decide to contribute to the blogosphere, Blogger goes down and erases my first blog.

A sign?