Good Changes

I've got good news to share! But first... here is the back story.

I've been wringing my hands with decisons concerning my job for... well... 2 years. I am a total chicken when it comes to asking for things from my boss. I just never know how he will react. I will be with this company for five years come November.

When I first started working with this family owned business, I was hired after my sister recommended me for the position of receptionist/clerk. I was twenty-one and very wet behind the ears. Not sure how to do much of anything in the office world since I had only worked for myself previously, owning a small business when I was nineteen. I thought I was a pretty good boss and didn't demand too much of myself. ;)

In the office, it was just me and my sister and the husband and wife boss team with a couple guys that were in and out. We had tons of benefits that come with small business; good relationships with our employers and we got to spend time together. Okay, so that wasn't always the best part since having your baby sister underfoot all the time was not easy and for me, having the big sister overhead all the time was not a thrill. But, we really enjoyed those days when we would eat lunch together in my sister's office and chat about nothing of importance.

As the months went on, the business began booming and we hired a receptionist. Things picked up more and more and now we have four girls in office besides me and several guys in and out of the office. All over the course of 4 1/2 years. Seriously, only due to the blessings of God. I am 100% sure of it.

Our office is split into three departments. My boss' handle one each and I handle the other. My department is 50% of the business and it's overflowing with work right now. God? I think so.

Anyway, I finally got up the nerve to discuss a much needed raise, and it was granted. Come to find out, my boss was already working on getting me one... God was already on the move while I was fretting over it.

Good changes!!!

Just Topics!

Happy Belated Memorial Day! I love Memorial Day and Labor Day. For some reason I look forward to having a Monday off... maybe I need a new job? Oh boy.

Life
My sister left on Saturday. Boohoo. I felt like my world fell apart on Saturday night. It snuck up on me and I wasn't prepared for the gut wrenching feelings of seeing her room empty and her things gone. All my life she's been there; being eight years older, she is like a second mom and my dearest friend, but now everything has changed. I'm sure it's for the better... just waiting for the "better" to reveal itself, which , of course, I know it will. But, today I am doing better. Much better.

Church
On Sunday we had our first service in our new building! If you've followed my blog for a while you'll remember that this has been a long journey... but it's over! Our building is in the heart of Southern California and it's an empty shell that is be worked on practically every minute of every day. So exciting to see it unfold.

Money
I am having my first yard sale this weekend. Very first. I have to buy a plane ticket for my sister's wedding. An expensive plane ticket. So, I am gathering everything for my first yard sale... hopefully it goes well because if it doesn't I may be hitchhiking my way across America.

Books
I am itching to read a good book! I'm even going so far as thinking, thinking, of reading a friends copy of the teeny bob book - Twi*light. Yep. I said it and I may just do it. I want to see what all the fuss is about. How can teens be so swept away with a love story that even mom's are gushing about?

Reality
You all know that I am a huge fan of the Goss*elins... I was so upset to hear the junk that's been said the past few months. I know it's TV and media, and I know I don't know them from Adam, but I really do enjoy, or enjoyed, watching this show. I loved the kids and the interaction between Ka*te, Jo*n and the kids. But it looks like it's all over. I am sad and wondering if I'll bother watching the rest of the season. Looks like it's going to be a tabloid mess.

Pictures
Last but not least, my camera is bulging with pictures that need to be uploaded. I have so many pictures to share from my weekend, bridal shower, and a new puppy (not mine)! So be on the lookout.

It's Expensive being a Teacher

It's that time of the year... School Fundraisers.

I teach the most incredible kids at SCWC. I love them and they know it... The whole "I just can't say no" applies here.

What do you do when you see this smiling up at you with a fundraiser book in one hand and a list of what prizes they will get if they sell the most in the other?

You buy whatever is cheapest... or at least I do. When there are 30 kids, you can't afford to buy what you really want.

This is what I got back over the last year.

Magazine Subscription: I think I read one issue and started handing them off to a family member - BAD CHOICE

Holiday Ribbon Organizer: I think this ended up in the trash - BAD CHOICE

Silicon Cupcake Holders: These are collecting dust on my nightstand... why on the nightstand? I have no idea - BAD CHOICE

Girl Scout Cookies: I got these last night. At church. In front of the youth and kids. These were the one thing that I was looking forward too. Obviously everyone else was too - BEST CHOICE

Let me elaborate on this Cookie Phenomenon.

I opened a box to try, mouth watering and ignoring how much fat they contained. Next thing I know, I have hungry teenage eyes staring and begging with their eyes. "Would you like one?" They didn't have to be asked twice. I turn around and there's a sweet little face staring at me, I say again "Would you like one?". Minutes later the little girl who sold them to me ask "Where'd you get those from?" (Really?) I say, "Would you like one?".

Those little cookies barely made it home. Too bad everyone else didn't have radar for a ribbon organizer and silicon cupcake holders.

That, Ladies & Gents, is the joy of being a Sunday School teacher... If you see me with a sign on the corner you know why.

Christmas Shopping

I have been so behind in my shopping this year. As of today, I've purchased one gift... Uno.一個.один.một. ONE GIFT.

Things just aren't going as planned. I know what I want to buy, It's just a matter of how to do it! I was telling someone last night that I will be doing most of my shopping the week of Christmas. Talk about a mad dash to the finish.

I've had my fair share of rushing to the stores and checking out the good sales, crowds, messes... BUT I have refrained from buying one single thing.

I was shopping at a local store and came across this.

An aisle full of pillows. Kids paradise. There was a Mom and her little girl on the other side and the mom was telling her daughter, "Go ahead". Tempting... When the mad rush of shopping gets too crazy, look for an aisle like this and jump!