Needing to Vent

So, a few months ago, I applied for a Director of Content Development position. I considered my qualifications strong enough for the position, had a networking contact, and the job paid fairly well. Several weeks went by after initial acknowledgment of my resume and I figured I was not, after all, a good fit for the position.

Then, I get a mysterious email from the CEO wanting to know where I was in the process. No word, I replied. After this correspondence, I got several emails from the hiring manager. Not phone calls, mind you, emails. We carried on an email conversation about my experience. Sound unprofessional to you? Yeah, me too. Ultimately, she concluded, I did not have the experience she was looking for, but wanted me to interview for a designer position. OK, fine, I'll bite.

I arrived at the interview, scheduled a couple more weeks after the email conversation. Hi, we're here to interview for the director position. (What??) Really? I said. I thought I was interviewing for an ID (instructional designer) position. Oh? (They sounded surprised.) So, an hour later, after what I thought was a great interview, I was told I was being considered for 3 different positions. Great! That's exciting, I'm thinking.

Fast forward 2 weeks...after being told I would hear something "shortly" which turned into 3 business days with a weekend in between. The email I received said my qualifications did not match what they wanted for the director. DUH! I was told that BEFORE I was scheduled for an interview for a DE-SI-GNER position. And, apparently, they don't have other positions opened. Um...OK...then, WHY did you call me for an interview at all. Do they not know how much gas and a sitter costs??? *deep aggravated sigh*

But wait there's more!

God is so good. I am so glad I serve a SOVEREIGN God who knows all and sees all. Before I got the final email, I received a call asking about my availability for a contract job. The people I worked with previously are starting a new company and they want ME to work with them! Of course, I said yes. It might not turn into more than one contract, such is the way with start-ups. That's OK. I would like more, but for now one contract will do a lot to get us ahead on home improvement projects and debt reduction. I'm thrilled.

So, despite my venting and obvious aggravation I am actually overjoyed and incredibly grateful. This little life-lesson reminds me, yet again, God is faithful, He loves us very much, and He is a good and generous Father. How great is that?

Spreading the Spark

I am very excited about a new web site I've discovered. I have been trying with a few successes, but nothing consistent, to lose weight. I would like to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and get in shape. Of course, I realize after 4 kids certain measurements may not return to where they were, but I want to be my best physically. I kid Nathan about entering a bikini contest at 40 just to prove to myself I can look good, really good. I'd like to be in the best shape of my life by then. (It WILL require a personal trainer, but that will just have to wait.)

Anyway, sorry for that tangent. I found this great web site called Spark people. Using the site, I can track all my food for the day, track exercise, etc. It provides meal plans, grocery lists, member forums, articles, tons of information and encouragement. To start, I entered my current weight, my goal weight, a deadline, my height, stuff like that. Then, it calculates a healthy calorie range, fat intake, protein goal, etc. for me to reach my goal weight within the given time line (assuming the time line is reasonable.) It also tells me how many calories to burn each week and I have the option to get strength training exercises generated by the site. It does so much! And it's FREE!

I lost 1.6 pounds my first week. I feel great. I don't feel at all like I'm dieting because I've had all kinds of foods, including pizza and some of my favorite treats. The site helps me because when I record the food I've eaten or plan to eat, I'm keenly aware of what I'm putting in my body. I am learning to make different choices. And, the healthier my choices the more frequently I crave healthy choices. I just love it!

I highly recommend checking it out!

Painting

I promised some cute pictures in my last entry. And, mind you, I adore my boys, but this little creature is SO different than they are. She steals my heart on a regular basis. (Yes, she is completely spoiled.)

I don't mean to mislead anyone with my painting title, either. Yes, I have lots of painting to do, but you can plainly see this painting takes precedence over my painting. Who could resist taking a picture of this little girl? Obviously not me.

I came in to the play room after doing who knows what (probably checking email...I'd rather do that than clean house.) Caroline had found a watercolor brush and acquired some water from an obliging "ocean" (a.k.a. bucket Nicolas had converted into an Arctic scene complete with polar bears, walrus, and an ice mountain.)

She filled this little cup with water (actually an upside down stacking block...she's resourceful and creative...need I tell you where she gets it from?) and is meticulously dipping her brush in it and painting each toe nail. She was very intent on her task. Usually, she is quite the ham or wants to take the camera away from me. But, no, not while applying her nail color.

Too cute!

Catching Up

So much has happened since the last blog entry. Sorry for being away so long. I'll hit the highlights and follow-up later with pictures and details.

1. Adam, our youngest boy, turned 4 on June 29. Time flies. (We haven't made a big deal out of his bday because his party won't be until July 19, combined with a party for Nicolas.)
2. We got the bathroom finished. Well, the floor is done. We still need to install shelving, clean up and redecorate. Nathan finished painting it, too. All other home improvement tasks are on hold until more money becomes available. (Although, I have a project or two to finish and the materials have already been purchased...hmmm, guess I'll be busy.)
3. I interviewed for 3 possible jobs, all with the same company. Now, I am waiting. I hate waiting.
4. We celebrated the 4th with friends. Watched (and created) a great display this year, all from the comfort of our front yard. Love it!
5. Peter left this morning for his first day of his first ever day camp. (His mother...whose name will go unmentioned...has been sad and nervous about it all day. Where did her baby go?)

*sigh* Oh... *ahem* Moving on...

Did I mention I am still waiting to hear about a job and all our hopes and dreams of a bigger house, financial well being, and peace of mind rest on whether this job comes through, pays well and starts soon? Oh, I did. Good. (Yes, I am being a little melodramatic. But, this job does play a big role in some of our imminent decision making.)

Well, only 1 hour and 44 minutes before I pick up the boy. But, whose counting? I am MUCH too busy to watch the clock, waiting (that thing again!) to get my baby. Oh, oops...his mother's baby...her name is being withheld to protect the innocent. Or something like that.

I will post pictures later. I have some really cute ones to share!