Back to Work!

Well, the last couple of months have involved stressing about money. The stress and worry paralyzed me. I am certain the Winter weather and post-holiday blues didn't help. I did a lot of thinking and wishing and hoping. And, then one day I just decided to do something about it. I mean, I am responsible for two small children and two pets. I couldn't just worry and feel sorry for myself. I needed to take control of the situation.

I decided to very aggressively search for a new job. I used search engines, craigslist and contacted countless recruiters. I targeted local companies that I felt were strong and good work environments. I networked with everyone I knew. I wasn't ashamed to do so. I was actually proud of myself for keeping such strong contacts and having the reputation for a valuable and capable employee.

My belief in never burning bridges paid off! A position at ScanSource opened up and I emailed my contacts and people I had met/worked with while at IntelliTrack. (It is important to note that IntelliTrack sells its product through ScanSource so I had the opportunity to work with ScanSource employees for over 8 years.)

My former employer suggested I email at Director at ScanSource letting him know that I had applied for a position. Within 20 minutes he called me and the next day I had an interview scheduled for Tuesday. :)

Tuesday's interview went well. I actually interviewed with someone I had met in Baltimore at IntelliTrack. I was still nervous but the interview was easy and comfortable. (A good sign, in my opinion.)

By the time I got home and changed out of my suit, I was called/emailed to come back on Thursday for a 2nd interview. I was so excited! That had to be a good sign. I tried not to get my hopes up.

I went back Thursday wearing my power red blazer and black slacks. I felt good. I was excited. I was very nervous. However, the interview was great!!! Again, very easy and comfortable. I enjoyed every minute of it. Again, I left excited.

In the meantime, I had completed the personality test and signed a release for a background check. An offer had to come...right?

I left town that Friday for a long weekend. On Saturday, my husband called to let me know and offer had been written and mailed that Friday.  WOOHOO! I was wanted & needed again.

After clearing up a few questions, I accepted and started today! I felt confident albeit nervous going in. The new clothes I had purchased helped the confidence. At IntelliTrack, I wore mostly jeans. I hadn't really needed business casual clothes since before baby #1 and let's just say baby #2 made me a little wider. :)

It was so great to see the building and the people that I spent so much time talking to and working with during my time at IntelliTrack. And, the people there are all friendly and smile and say hello! How awesome is that?

It is a larger company (about 1100 people total) . I haven't worked for a large company since 2000/2001. The building is large yet very organized and clean. It doesn't feel like there are 500 people at this location. It feels more intimate. I like that.

The benefits are fantastic and they have an onsite cafe and a gym with a very reasonable personal trainer! WOOT! There are showers onsite so I can actually work out before work or during lunch. Now, I know at least one of my 'followers' that is excited for me. LOL

I was not happy about leaving my children but as one friend reminded me, "I am showing my children that woman can contribute to this world - and not just as a Mom". What an important lesson to teach them and I am happy to be doing it. Plus, they adapt so well and are so supportive of their Mom. I know they missed me. M, J and Morgan-Dog all stormed the garage as I parked the car. I am happy they miss me and so proud they let me go without too much drama. They never cease to amaze me. They are so strong and resilient.

Anyway, I am officially a Product Manager for ScanSource POS & Barcoding, Merchandising. YAY ME!

Back on Track

I would like to report that I appear to be back on track! Since February 1st, I have cut way, way back on my wine and am drinking a lot more water. I am making better decisions with my snacking and am keeping Larabars or Kind bars in my purse.

I've also started walking/running. Our new neighborhood is full of fantastic hills to help make it a real workout. I have finally figured out a way to get my workout and still include Morgan...she goes with me on my cool down lap. We get our time together and I get a walk/run without the guilt.

I hope soon to be typing run/walk as my stamina and knee & back adjust to this type of workout again. And, I cannot wait to start going out when the sun is rising...the most peaceful time of day.

Today, I did 1.5 miles in 25 minutes. 12 1/2 minute miles with half of it up hill isn't too bad.

Disappointing

I haven't blogged or exercised in a while. One word describes this: disappointing! I have been drinking a lot more water, less wine and eating better.

I am going to try setting my alarm clock this week to get up and work out. Starting tomorrow. Sunday is not a day of rest around here!

I will update you tomorrow. Excited?

So not exercising

I can't keep it from you any longer. I am so not exercising. Just haven't been doing it. I am pissed. "Here I go again," is all I can think about. I know working out needs to be for me, but I could sure use a kick in the ass. Any takers?

I know all the reasons I should be doing this. How do I "just do it"? How do I motivate myself?

Project C is floundering...

Crazy Dreams & Stress

I have been having crazy, crazy dreams lately. Now, I know what you are thinking and STOP THAT! They are not all like that!

What makes us dream these crazy dreams? For me, it is stress! I don't think I have that much stress. No more than most people these days. "Knock on Wood" - we are all pretty healthy. Morgan-Dog is recovering pretty well from her surgery, the kids are great and Cass and I are just getting older gracefully. What else is there?

You guessed it! M-O-N-E-Y!!! No so much not having it...right now. But more of where it is going to come from in the near future. I know. I know. It is only money. I should be thankful. I am thankful. I'm just pissed off!

However, these dreams have not been scary or bad in anyway. They have been FUN, kinky, hilarious and intriguing. I haven't wanted to wake up on some days. (wink, wink)

I feel like I am revisiting all the great moments of my life from high school all the way up to my fantasy! It's been a great way to deal with the stress. ;) My favorite so far...me & the SuperBowl champion Peyton Manning! No, it wasn't kinky. I was just the one he hugged and kissed and thanked after the big game! *sigh*

The nights I have nightmares or I am being chased are the nights I feel like I am looking for something to stress about. Does that make sense?

Well, my bedtime approaches and I wonder...what will I dream about tonight? I vote for...well, I'll let you ponder what I hope for.

What do you dream about when you are stressed?