I thank God
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Remember that job that I was so eager to hear back from? Well, I didn't get it. And guess what, I thank God. Remember the job before that, that I was eager to hear back from? Well, you already know that I didn't get it (and turned the new offer down) and . . . yup, you guessed it, I thank God. I thank God because he has placed other people in those positions . . . people that He wants in those positions. I thank God because the girl (a girl I know) that got the first position I applied for loves it; looking back, I cannot see myself in that position. A woman that has been unemployed (and is much older than I am) got the second position. I am glad. I have a job right now and she doesn't. This all means that God has different plans for me; plans that I will love, enjoy, and be thankful for.
I was talking to my boss today and she told me that she has plans for me: stay at Omni, doing photography on the side, get married, and have a baby. Ha! Those plans sound great to me . . . that would be awesome if those are the plans that God has in mind, too. At this point in my life, I love where God has placed me. I love that God has placed a new passion in my heart (photography) and it would be amazing to be able to chase that passion wholeheartedly. Plus, I can't really complain about my boss, either.
A side note, I just finished editing my best friend, Errika's maternity photos. They are at leilaninicole.zenfolio.com/errikamaternity Check them out! And as always, if you know someone that needs photos done, share me with them! ;-]
Posted byAshley C. at 6:45 PM 0 Love Notes
Labels: God, photography, work
Interview and naked finger
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
I don't know which I feel more sick about: the interview I have today for the second most perfect job for me (at least, at this point in my life), or that I have to give my ring back to the jeweler until probably Monday.
I am just very nervous about this interview because I've only got one shot to prove myself to be the best candidate for a position that would be sooo perfect for me. Not only will I have a new job, but I'll be able to keep the old; I'll be working 60 hours a week, but hey, I am planning a wedding now! ;-] Actually, maybe that's why I am so nervous. Work is getting slow for Josh and I know that him being laid off is right around the corner and I am not the most patient person . . . we have a lot of planning to do in order to lock in our wedding more than a thousand miles away. We can really use the money.
Come to think of it, after the 3 interviews I had for that other position, back in May, you would think that I would be an interviewing pro. This should be a piece of cake, right?
Or, maybe I'm just sad that I have to give my ring back to the jeweler today since my diamond is loose. Before the proposal, Josh got the ring sized and it seems that they forgot to tighten the prongs. I noticed that it was kind of loose on Saturday; when I told Josh he told me, "It's not loose," but after he really looked at it, he agreed. We went to the mall and showed it to the jeweler and she was going to take it that day. It wasn't even going to ship out 'til today! No, ma'am! I would like to wear my ring for as long as I can . . . why would I want it to sit at the mall for 4 days, waiting for service?! So, we are going to drop it off tonight and they say that they will "rush" it, but I wouldn't bank on that. I am not happy about my soon-to-be naked finger. :-/ But, I suppose I'd rather have a naked finger than to lose my diamond. It's only 6 days. It's only 6 days. It's only 6 days.
Posted byAshley C. at 7:36 AM 0 Love Notes
Labels: engagement, work
It's all coming together
Thursday, September 2, 2010
A couple weeks ago, a friend of mine posted something on her Facebook that she was leaving her position at the high school and was eagerly looking for someone to replace (to refer to the principal) her because she wants to be a stay-at-home mommy. So, I asked her about the position, applied, and waited. Well, yesterday I got a call from the vice-principal asking if I was still interested in coming in for interview. The catch: I've known him since 7th grade! He was my gym teacher 7-8th grade and my dean 9-12th grade; so, he knows me pretty well. :-] Oh and *fogging nails, wiping them on my shirt* he said I was one of his favorite students. Hopefully this means something for me! haha I will be going in for my interview on Tuesday. Oh, I forgot to mention the best part: I will be able to keep the job I have now, too! BUT, as I've learned before, I will not be counting my eggs before they hatch. I will just be praying that God opens and shuts doors as He sees deemed . . . just as He's done before. I like it that way. ;-]
Also, I was thinking . . . If I get this job, I will have teacher's hours, which means no August 13th wedding. Not to mention, Josh's sister and dad both work for/in schools and for the construction business, August is the most difficult with turning projects over. What were we thinking for this to work out? We want to be able to take 2 weeks off of work to get married, go on our honeymoon, and settle into our new place of residence, so August just will not work out with ours or our family's work schedules. SO, this means that it is highly possible for us to have a July wedding! That means sooner! :-] I briefly mentioned all of this to Josh over the phone while he was on his way home from work, so he probably didn't really soak in all that I was saying so we'll definitely have to sit down together with our families and figure out what works best for all of our schedules. He reminded me to be open-minded for dates but I WILL NOT have a wedding later than August. I just won't. He needs to be my husband sooner than later. Plus, I can't take time off work, the vice told me so. ;-] It's either July or December and he must be crazy if he thinks I want to wait until December 2011!
Watching this whole thing come together (our engagement and possible job placement) is just a small reminder that God has us exactly where He wants us and nothing is more comfortable than that. ;-]
Posted byAshley C. at 6:02 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
Labels: engagement, Josh, work
I heard back . . .
Thursday, May 6, 2010
I heard back from the company that I applied to . . .
On Monday, they called back and apologized, but the position that I applied for was filled by another candidate, but they still want me to work with their company and want me to get my foot in the door while gaining some more experience (because I was lacking in that department). He told me that the position they had for me would be working with the clients at their homes and that there were 2 positions open: a 32-hour and a 40-hour, both with the same pay. I told him that I preferred the 40-hour because it was full-time. He said that he would let me know, but he couldn't promise anything because there is another person they are considering as well. So, he asked me to visit one of the homes with him and get a feel and look around. At this point, I didn't want to mention anything to anyone because I was unsure about it. I knew for a fact that I was not going to take the 32-hour position because the hours were Thursday-Sunday 2:30-10:20 p.m.; I didn't feel willing to give up my whole life for a part-time job that was not what I applied for in the first place. So I kept this hush-hush until I knew, knew.
Fast forward to Wednesday afternoon . . . I met him at the home. It was a duplex located just a town over and there was 8 residents total: 4 guys (on the "guy side") and 4 women (on the "girl side"). The clients seemed so happy, sweet, interested, and excited that there was a new person in their home. They were people that I could see myself getting used to. :-] I could see myself cooking their dinner, packing their lunches, decorating their home for holidays, planning birthdays, get-togethers, planning game nights. Then, when I began hearing about the day-to-day routine in the home, the mood changed completely. I would have to help them bathe, use the bathroom, clean up feces, urine, throw-up (if necessary), worry about the guys walking around without pants on (which does happen frequently), drive them around so they can take care of their errands, etc. All of which I felt completely uncomfortable with and in my opinion, this was not Social Work and I would not be able to complete my Social Work training under this position, so . . .
. . . I turned them down.
Krissy sure was happy to hear that I would be staying at Omni longer. Now, I am kind of in "job-searching limbo." I don't know what I want to do. I know that I need to complete the training for Social Work within 1 year or else all of the last 16 weeks was a waste of time, money, and gas. I want to start a career, working 9-5, getting paid salary rather than hourly. But, I want to know that I have worth even if I don't have those things. I went to school to begin a career and as of right now, I'm unsure of what that ideal career is.
You know, I could see myself being an Academic Advisor (at either the high school or college level) . . .
Posted byAshley C. at 8:45 AM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
Interview Number Three
Friday, April 30, 2010
As you know, I had my third interview today. It defintely was not what I thought it would be. I thought I would be sitting with my prospective boss and that she would ask me simple questions like "Why do you want to work here?" and "What are some challenges that you think you might face?" Nope. Of course not. I was in a conference room with two individuals that were asking me questions that were similar to that last interview that I had; "Tell me about a time when . . . ." How many different life experiences do they expect me to just bring to the surface at the drop of a hat?! On top of that, I had to write another essay. :-] It is definitely an experience in and of itself. I'm not complaining, though; I am certainly more than happy that I've been able to go through my third interview witht them. I must be doing something right. It seems as though they've been doing all of their calling and scheduling interviews with me on Wednesdays, so hopefully I will hear from them again next Wednesday and hopefully there will not be a fourth interview! I just want to start my career already! :-] In the mean time, I will leave it at His feet and pray that doors open and close according to His will.
Posted byAshley C. at 3:04 PM 0 Love Notes
Labels: work
Third times a charm, right?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Just as they promised, they called within a week and I have my third interview this Friday! This time, the woman who contacted me was the manager of the Case Management department which means that this will eventually be my boss (that's if I get the job!). She sounded very nice and eager about the interview. Now, hopefully I will find out this Friday if I got the job or not. I really hope that this all works out because this is the only game plan that I've got. Nothing else up my sleeves. :-]
Did I mention that if I get the job, I owe Josh "5 crisp $20 bills?" Yeah, it was kind of a (dumb, silly, nonsense) bet that we made. I guess it's our money, so it won't really be a loss to me haha!
Wish me luck (if you believe in that kind of thing). Otherwise, pray for me! :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 4:38 PM 2 Love Notes
Labels: work
Interview Number 2
Saturday, April 24, 2010
I suppose I could have written this a tad sooner for those that are wondering; my interview yesterday went very well. It was not what I thought it would be (but, what ever is?!). There were 2 individuals that interviewed me and asked me "Tell me about a time when . . ." questions that were kind of difficult to answer at times. I also had to write a short essay about the position that I was applying for and what I can contribute to the company. It was kind of cool that I was able to do this interview with the same guy that did the phone interview with me. I was able to be me but still pull off that whole "professional" thing. :-] The hardest part of the whole thing was going 3 hours without putting on my Chapstick!
Now, I have to play the waiting game for the next week. They had this cool scoring sheet that they will use to score my answers to all of their questions . . . I think that's what I am most nervous about. But, like I said in another post, this is all in God's hands and if it's meant to be, it will; if not, He will guide me elsewhere. But, I have to admit, I am a little eager to get my career started. :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 8:03 AM 0 Love Notes
Labels: work
Interview and Coupons
Thursday, April 15, 2010
After all of that worrying, I have to share that my phone interview was swell. :-] The guy was sooo nice and wasn't so authoritative where he didn't talk aside from the interview itself. Matter of fact, it went so well that I am set up for a second interview next week! This upcoming interview is called a "behavioral interview;" this is where they watch me interact with the clients and see how I am. They also interview me about past experiences and see how well I am able to manage situations. He says that I can expect for this to be a 3-hour interview. Eeek! I have to say that I am not worried about it at all because I would consider myself a friendly person and can have a conversation with anyone. Having a mental illness will not hinder me. :-] I just do not want to get too comfortable and walk in there and think I "own" the interview but never hear a thing from them again! That would not only be embarrassing but traumatic, too. Haha!
Anyway . . .
How do you know when you're a semi-"good" couponer? I'll tell ya. When it makes you cringe and you want to run out of the store screaming with your items still on the conveyor belt because you had to hand over $17 for 2 bags of groceries. Now, I know for 100% fact that I will not be going to Walmart for anything any time soon. They. Are. So. Expensive. People, if you think Walmart is cheap, come into the couponing world for just a month and take a look around. I cannot wait until I am married and buying all of the groceries so that I can really see what I can do. Since I started using coupons (January), I have saved sooo much money. Maybe one of these days I'll get around to adding my receipts and seeing my total savings . . . I bet it'll be over $400. :-] That's a really good amount when you're only buying some groceries.
Posted byAshley C. at 4:46 PM 0 Love Notes
My God . . .
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
I love reuniting with friends and knowing that you're really making a difference in this season of their life. Friendships definitely go through their seasons and this is by far one that I have been enjoying. By either lending an ear or by sharing some time, it has all been greatly appreciated.
An another note, I was debating about whether or not I wanted to even mention this at this point, but I got a call back today for a 45-minute phone interview (tomorrow) with the company that I applied to! The guy that called seems so happy and enthusiastic; I'm telling you, it's the job! The people there rub off on you and you cannot help but be cheerful. Well, I have given this whole thing up to God because I know that no matter what, everything is in His control, anyway; not the interviewer, not the other highly-qualified candidate, but in His control. It has been really easy to just sit back and know that I have done what I can do now I just have to let everything pan out, but now things are really getting down to the wire. I suppose that is when our faith is tested. It's easy to say what you'll do and muster up scenarios for when the time comes, but when things actually begin happening, you're true character is tested when you are tested. I just have to remind myself that God has brought me this far and He will bring me to the end . . . whether it is with this company or not. :-] When I begin to worry Oh, man I am unexperienced in Social Work and I will never get this job! I am telling God that my problem is bigger than He is and we know that is NOT the case!
Posted byAshley C. at 4:36 PM 0 Love Notes
I know He will provide for me
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Things are happening a little too fast. I like fast, but not this fast. Since I will be a Social Worker in May (so crazy!), I need to find some Social Work job openings. I have had my current job for 2 and a half years and I've never been happier. I love everything about my job. But, I am not in school to be a receptionist, so I need to get these gears grinding in my brain and put what I've learned to use in a different kind of setting.
I previously mentioned that my boss, Krissy talked to a woman named Lisa who works at a local business that provides jobs and residential assistance to mentally ill individuals. Lisa is a client at the salon, so she knew who I was. Ever since Krissy talked to Lisa, Lisa and I have been corresponding back and forth through e-mail, and when she comes in for her appointments, about the business she works for and about me working there.
I was checking their website multiple times a day for a Case Management position to open up, but nothing was posted. Lisa recommended that I just come in and apply for Case Management although there wasn't a listing posted. I told myself that I would go in and apply Wednesday and Tuesday night a Case Management position was listed! What a crazy coincidence, right? Well, I finally mustered up the courage and confidence and went in to apply. Lisa was such a sweetheart and set aside some time to give me a tour and introduce me to some people (including some head-honchos!). Since I worked there temporarily as a 14-15 year old, I was familiar with some of the people and things she showed me. She also re-introduced me to some of my old supervisors. She tried to introduce me to the CEO and the person in charge of hiring, but both were in a meeting; that would have been a huge bonus, huh?! Anyway, while walking around there, I totally remembered why it was that I loved working there. The clients are amazing and the employees are so loving and real. I really, really hope I get this job; it would be perfect for me at this time in my life!
The way things have been coming along so smoothly and things have fallen into place so perfectly, I would like to this it's God. I have been praying and asking God to bless me if this is for me or allow for other doors to open if it's not. I vowed not to worry about it and just to let God have His hands in it . . . I know He will provide for me if I trust in Him, so that's just what I am going to do.
Posted byAshley C. at 8:17 AM 0 Love Notes
Welcome, March!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Welcome, March! It sure is nice to know that we will be having some 50+ degree days soon! :-] Anyone else agree with that?! This means it's almost time for rollerblading! I couldn't be more excited! Well, except for when I'm actually rollerblading.
Remember my own little basic diet that I mentioned a few days ago? Well, I weighed myself today and I am down 3.2 pounds and .5% body fat . . . in one week! I must admit that it really isn't hard at all either. It's actually eye-opening for me to be writing down everything I eat and making sacrifices with food instead of splurging and just eating all I want, whenever I want. I have a long way to go since I want to lose 16 more pounds. We'll see how long it takes to do that! :-] Oh, and today has officially been 2 months without fast food for me and Josh! Huge!
Another exciting thing is that I am officially half done with those stinkin' classes! Haha, I can't believe I was so afraid to drive to Milwaukee. I have become a real trooper and done really well. This week is my last day of these 2 classes and then I start 2 new ones. Fortunately, one class is in Racine (a lot closer) but still have the other in Milwaukee. It will be a lot of fun because Josh and I will be riding together on Mondays to my class in Racine since he can drop me off and pick me up. My class is from 5:30-10 and his is from 6-9. Life is so much cooler when I can do those small things with him!
Oh, and another cool thing is that I saw (hopefully) my prospective employer a few days ago and she said "we are still keeping you in mind." And after me asking about not meeting one of their qualifications, she replied, "It really isn't necessary when we're hiring someone we want. We'll train you." I really, really, really hope that I get that job when the time is right. I would love to work with that company. I just really suck at interviews. :-/
Posted byAshley C. at 4:07 PM 0 Love Notes
Labels: class, Josh, random, Spring, work
