Well, It Finally Happened!

One of my goals of 2013 was to find a new job that was more in-line with my long term career goals.  I am a dedicated worker and want to make a difference in what I do for a company and I just didn't feel like I could do that at my current job.  I am so thankful to have had this job (thanks to a former co-worker), but it was a contract job that was up in January.  They renewed my contract, but never told me for how long or if it was ever going to be permanent.  If I wanted to take a day off I had to do it unpaid, never earning future days.  Thankfully we use Davids health insurance so that wasn't a big deal, but it's nice to be offered those.  I also had to fill out a time sheet and have it signed every week... not used to that (although they were very flexible with me).  

I have been looking for a new job aggressively since December/January, but honestly I have been looking for "the" job since May/June of last year.  I have done the unemployment thing, the waiting for weeks on end to see if I'll get a call back, the numerous rounds of interviews only to find out that "we've went with someone whose skills were more in line with the position," and not hearing back at all.  It can definitely take a toll on your confidence and your ego.  Although I have been a little picky as to location for the job (I didn't want to commute more than 30 mins) and the line of work. I probably applied to 2-3 jobs per week, every week that fit my criteria since I had a job I felt I could be a little more stringent. 

Well, my hard work and dedication has paid off! I finally heard the magic words, "We'd love for you to join our team as the marketing manager. You were the front runner and my top pick!"  As of April 2nd I will be a marketing manager for a real estate company's Atlanta offices. They have 8 offices and I will be in charge of implementing corporate marketing practices, training Realtors on marketing services we offer, helping Realtors one-on-one come up with tailored marketing plans to grow their business and much more.  There are over 100 plus agents that I will be working with.  I am looking forward to a new challenge and really making this position in to my own.  I am so thankful for my supportive family and husband who told me time and time again that I was good enough and I would find "the" job soon. 

Fun facts

- I have always loved houses/real estate and look every day at the market in my area, even before and after we sold and bought our current house. 

- I interviewed and did get offered a job as a real estate assistant back in August/September, but he offered me less than what I was getting paid at unemployment so I had to politely decline. 

- This new job and my other long term job I found via craigslist (don't worry I verified the listing on their corporate website).  

-It took my 5 months to find a job once I was laid off, and another 5 to find this one (which is the average time in this economy according to my HR friend). 

Live on the Web and in Print

I know you have heard about Max having photos taken for my last company's baby gifts.  I love all the photos, but it is very cool to see him on their website and in their catalog.  Lacey is still their graphic designer and did a fabulous job with the catalog and website design.

This is the homepage and you can see him a few times on there and in the rotating flash picture he is wearing the golf big dreamzzz outfit as well.

 I love the blend of the catalog and how Lacey put it together.  This is the cover, the bow is a raised in person and has a glossy finish to it.

Lion Hooded Spa Robe 

 Monster gift set

 Goft Layette Set

 He even got an intro spot as the starter to the section

 I love the little cowboy.  I thought the cowgirl was adorable so I kept her in to show you. 

And he's ending the baby section of the catalog.  I have a few copies that I will save to show him one day.    Even though I don't work there any more I'm glad we had these done. 

Max is a Little Model

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have Max model some baby clothes from the company I used to work for. He was a little hesitant and first and then he turned on the charm. Such a photogenic little boy.

 My little cowboy

 My little monster

 My little golfer

 My little lion

 Absolutely precious. My favorite one. 

Me and Max. Max turns 8 months old today! Thanks to Steve for getting one of the two of us. I miss everyone at work, thanks for having us! 

The Next Chapter

I bet some of you are wondering why I haven't posted about returning back to work. I fully intended to return the beginning of May right after my mom had moved down to take care of Max. Well, I received a phone call from my boss letting me know that my position had been terminated and they were trying to focus on other departments and had to cut costs (meaning me). I was definitely caught off guard to say the least. I had been with the company 5 years and just feel betrayed at the whole event.  I thought I was protected by FMLA, but turns out there is ways around it. I won't get in to all that, but I did consult a lawyer. If this is how they are going to treat someone then I don't want to work for someone like that.

As I try to figure out what my next chapter is I am going to enjoy being with Max and my mom and I know that all things happen for a reason.

Circus Themed Baby Shower

Last week we had my work baby shower and it was just unbelievable the details that Leah and Lacey put into it. They went with a circus theme and it was very fun and extraordinary. This decor could seriously be in a magazine. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. 

They set up the conference room and transformed it into the circus. 

The food and snacks were so creative, delicious and perfect. 

Max even had his name on debut as the center piece. 

We had a great turn out, here is some pics of people who attended. It was standing room only as the party even began. We did have 1 more guy attend, but he wasn't pictured (we don't discriminate).

We loved the Izze drinks and straws, they were so fun. 

Max got some great goodies and we are so lucky to work with great people. 

We played a baby animal trivia type game and guessing how big my stomach was. Check out all that ribbon!

It was very fun and I had a great time. 

No party is complete without favors and candy of course. 

We had cotton candy and chocolates in our animal themed favor boxes. 

Thank you SO much to Lacey and Leah for being the most wonderful hosts ever. I am so lucky to have them as such good friends.

Work Carnival!

On Friday afternoon as if my excitement could grow any more (we found out BW was a boy that day) we came back from our appointment to a carnival themed event at my work. The party was open to spouses and children.

They got a food truck from Tex's Tacos.

We were able to choose from Chicken, carne asada and vegetable tacos as well as quesadillas, chips, salsa and guacamole. They are known for their lime fries, but they didn't have any, but they did put their lime seasoning on the chips and it was very excellent!

Did I mention it was all you can eat! Mmmm. This is Lacey's food (she was our photographer) as you can tell by all her cheesy food.

Andrea and Lacey

The girls

Kyle and David. They don't get to see each other that often with their busy schedules so it was nice for them to catch up.

We had snocone machines and funnel cakes, too!

There was even bounce houses for the kids.

Little Miss. Emery came to the gathering and was just so content being passed around. She is such a good baby. She got to hang with her friend Madeline (Brooke's little one).

Before we headed out, they made me get on the mic (a reoccurring theme lately) and announce to the whole group that we were having a boy. So that is why they got to find out before some of you.

We didn't stay too long as we had cupcakes to make, but there was an entertainer that walked around doing magic tricks, juggling and all sorts of things. He even put on a show at the end. It was very fun and I really want tacos now after seeing this.