I AM EMPLOYED!!!!!

After much thought and prayer about the decision I needed to make regarding a new job, I took a leap of faith and turned down the job offer I received in the hopes of getting the position at the property management company owned by my friend. I was certain that the spirit was guiding me away from the first job, so even if the other one didn't pan out, that was the correct choice. Luckily, I interviewed Monday for the position, and was offered the job Tuesday. I start on Monday, September 27th. There are some definite advantages to this job, one of which allows me the opportunity, once I get trained, to work from home 3 days a week and in the office the other two. This is huge considering their office is a difficult commute for me. It's actually about the same distance from the house as the other one, it's just the route is heavily traveled and so it take more time to get there. They're hoping to change locations so that will be great if it happens. Another positive is the people who work in the office. From what I hear, the majority of the employees are LDS, but those who aren't are so nice you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. I'm sure that it will be a much more cordial situation than where I left.

I started this blog out of sheer boredom looking for ways to keep busy while off work. But, I do enjoy posting about my life and what's happening, so I think I'll continue with it even after going back to work. So, from this point on, you'll see more exciting, fun posts about my wonderful family including my adorable, exceptional grandsons, as well as pictures from trips and other fun happenings. I think it will be loads of fun!!! And, of course, I'll keep you posted on how the new job goes and what my future holds!! Whoo Hoo......I'm going back to work.

Here's some fun pictures for you to enjoy!!!

This is Porter in his "Sunday Dress" - Future Missionary!!!

Porter and Tyson together....loving brothers.

Tyson watching the world around him!! Cute.



This is what makes life worth living. Are they not the most adorable, lovable, wonderful grandsons you've ever seen in your life. No, I AM NOT prejudiced. I just call them like I see them!! Cute little kids.

It is NEVER easy........ugh!!!

So, last week, I had an interview that I felt went really well. I was intrigued with the position because it fell directly within my qualifications - it was for an accounts payable/receivable position at a property management company using Yardi!! The only drawback was the location - in Rocklin, a ways from home. But I felt like I totally nailed my interview and was disappointed when they didn't offer me the job right off the bat. The next day I was sure I'd get a call, but nothing happened. I got really bummed about it, but just moved on and continued to look for other options. A few days later I was advised to call and ask about the position, which I did and was told they were still interviewing. Obviously, they weren't as taken with me as I thought.
The next day (yesterday), they called and offered me the position!! I was thrilled and felt like I wanted to jump up and down to celebrate. The hourly rate was much less than what I was earning before I was laid off, but it was an average amount compared to what I've found while searching for a job. I hesitated to speak (allowing a moment of silence) and before I could respond to them, they said they'd give me a 90 day probationary period at which point I'd receive a performance review and increase. This sounded good to me, so they sent me a formal letter to offer employment outlining the job, rate, details etc. All I had to do was sign the letter agreeing to the terms of employment, and I'd be on my way!!!
I had been praying a lot that I'd find a job that I'd be happy with and love, so I didn't sign the job offer immediately feeling that I needed to pray for confirmation that this is the right job for me. But before I had the chance to put the time into praying for an answer about taking the job, I received a phone call regarding another job possibility. A good friend (a member and ex-coworker)who had left F.I.P.I. about 8 years ago, opened his own business in property management. Over the years, he would mention to me that if I ever left my job and wanted to work for him, he'd like to hire me. At the point when I lost my job, there weren't any openings at his company, but he was hoping a job would open up soon. I obviously couldn't wait for that to happen, but it was nice having that as a 'back-up option' if I didn't find work or if I didn't like the job I eventually found. So to get a call about a job opening with him on the very day I got a job offer (yet before I signed the agreement to work elsewhere), well, I don't think that was a mere coincidence.
I was asked to contact the controller at the company and set up an interview. In addition, I was asked to send my resume' and letters of recommendation as well. The controller was not available to meet with me until Monday (he was off work till then), and I had to give an answer to this other company by Friday. If I was guaranteed the second job and the interview and resume' were just formalities, I wouldn't hesitate to tell the other company that I'd accepted another position. I hate to turn down a "for sure" job, in the "hopes" I'd be offered the other one. But then I can't help but feel that the spirit is guiding me to do just that. Man, why can't these things be easy?? More to come......

Trying to stay positive!!

Life comes with so many ups and downs, sometimes it's hard to keep things in perspective. This past couple of weeks, I've been dealing with a lot of personal stuff that's been pretty difficult, emotionally. I am so glad to have my testimony to bolster me up during these trying times. Scott reminded me that we've had very little adversity to deal with over the years, so I guess my time has come. Again, I'm grateful that I have my Heavenly Father to turn to for comfort, to be able to hand off my troubles to, and to rely on for strength and clarity. I have worked diligently to improve my habits, and am proud of my accomplishments in that respect. It has helped me to feel the Spirit during these trying times, and has brought me comfort. I will continue to build on these improvements, and rely on my faith to get me through this and whatever future troubles are ahead. I can't imagine where I'd be without having my faith to fall back on. I took it for grated for so long.....never again.

The job search has been slow and steady. I had an interview last week that seemed to go pretty well, and I also went for testing at SMUD (Sacramento Municiple Utility District) on Saturday. The test was hard, but I think I did alright. I will get the results in a couple of weeks, and we'll go from there. I'm not sure I want to drive that far, but I am grateful for the experience of the testing. Of course, if I did do well enough to warrant an interview, by the time that happens, I may change my mind about the drive. The more time goes by, the less selective I may be (or so some of the ladies at the testing told me who had been out of a job longer)!! We'll see. I would like to stay in the property management field, since that's what I know, but the opportunities are limited. I know, deep down, that God has something in store for me, and I need to be patient. That helps. That, and the fact that I've been off work during such a beautiful time of the year. I can almost bet once I get back to work I'll start questioning myself as to why I was in such a hurry!