Firsts For The New Year

2012 is starting out well for yours truly. It's all about starting off fresh and new. I have a lot of firsts for the year that I am going to share.

First book I've read

First album I've listened to

First movie I've seen in theaters 

First purchase (I get comments on these bad boys all the time)

Favorite Snack

First crush of the year

First craft project of the year - making a tie blanket for Brandon. It looks a little sketchy, but it was made with love.

Thats all folks. Good times ahead! 

Life Lesson For The New Year

"It's not your job to like me - it's mine." 

- Byron Katie

So, I've been doing some soul searching of sorts. I was raised to believe that everything happens for a reason. This is something instilled by me from my sweet mother. It has helped me a lot as I have gotten older, especially about issues that come up in my life that I have no control over. Sometimes I try to find the reason, and sometimes you'll probably never know the reason until you get to the other side. 

Well I think I have a reason why the things with my last job went so horribly. I needed to learn things there. I for sure learned things there. I learned how to treat people, and to also never assume who people are. But, the biggest thing thing I learned was to stand up for yourself. Love yourself.

In the situation I was in, where the owner was treating me like crap, and no one was there to have my back (in fact most of them were part of the problem anyway) I had a choice that was brought to me after a huge blow out fight thrown my way. It was either shut up and deal with it, or get the hell outta there. 

While trying to figure out what I should do, I talked to my dad who gave me great advice. First, that at the end of the day, this was just a job, and if made you that miserable you need to leave, and second, he asked "Who is going to defend Rachel? Who is going to put her first?" I often think about those words over and over again. Well, no one is doing any of that these days. So... I guess... I have to put myself first and defend me? Strange concept for me to accept. I did end up quitting, and in the last week I have realized that I really need to learn to love myself more. I need to respect myself more. I need to cut out the toxic parts of my life that want to bring me down, and fill it in with things that will lift me up as a person. This is a lot harder to do then it sounds.

But, I am now on going to stand up and love Rachel. I am going to be there for her when she needs it. I will listen, and treat her with respect. When she needs me, I will always be there for her best interest no matter what the outcome is, or what people think.

I hope you put yourself on the top of your priorities, and stand up for yourself when being bullied. You know you are better then that - so be there for yourself. You are important. No better time to put yourself on your list then now in the new year. We gotta be kind to one another, including ourselves. Preach! Preach! Preach!

Out With The Old

Wow. I am horrible at updating anything in my life. Probably because I've been so busy dealing with all sorts of things that I am going to pretend never happened. Either way, I hope to blog more than I have been.

Remember that awesome job I took a few months ago? Turned out it was not so awesome at all.

In fact I really didn't like it there. Although, if you asked me I'd probably tell you it was fantastic. Actually, I really loved working with the dogs, but the owner and a few of her older staff members were out of control. I felt like I was constantly under a massive microscope, and it all came to a head last week when I was verbally abused by the owner. A lot of things were said that could never be taken back, and the next day I quit. I feel a lot lighter as a person, I just wish I knew where things went from here.

I'm starting the job search all over again, and trying to still have faith that I have better things ahead. I have great friends and family who support me in anything I do, I am lucky to have them.

Christmas was good, the holidays were great. I loved seeing family and friends. I'm also really loving the Utah weather! No snow as of yet, which is my kind of winter! I rang in the new year with my dad, Brandon, and friends. Every time a new year begins, I feel as though I have a clean slate and can do anything. I am looking forward to 2012, and the new adventures it will bring me. No matter what I am always moving forward in my life. I hope the new year brings you and yours joy as well!

Hubs & Lubs

I think UPS is stealing my husband.

They get to see him 12-14 hours a day

I get to see him for maybe an hour before it's time to meet Mr. Sandman

Isn't it ironic?

That around the holiday season we never see each other.

I look forward to seeing him on Christmas

Which is the last day we have together this year.

Gross.

UPS you suck.

I despise you.

But, I will defeat you.

Soon we will be back together. Like normal.

Like it should be.

When One Door Closes...

After much prayers, tears, worries, and faith I have a new job. Not just any new job, but the job (if you know what I mean).

Let me start by saying my goal in life is to one day own a rescue group to help homeless animals everywhere. I have always wanted to stand up and give a voice to such beautiful and soulful creatures who are in need and deserve help. So, although I have graduated with a Vet Tech degree, I knew my eyes were set on much bigger things then just working in a hospital. Don't get me wrong, working as a vet tech is really rewarding and we need a lot of great ones out there.

While doing my search I came across a doggy day care opening and applied. Really at that point in my mind I was searching for anything that will bring in money that is associated with animals, and if I wanted a vet tech job, I could keep searching. I went for my first interview last week, and when I walked in I just felt like I was home. The place is big and well kept. They even take care and board cats (whoda thunk?) So I took the second interview, and in the mean time had two other interviews lined up for vet tech jobs.

Yesterday was my second interview with the dog day care place, and although I had reservations they all melted away. They had so much to offer. They have a full spa, grooming, pet boutique, day care, boarding, and coming soon is a DVM practice, and also dog training to offer.

I got the call late last night negotiations all the details - but I took it! I am so excited to be a part of a great team, and work with my favorite - dogs! Also, walking into a company as a manager level is pretty damn awesome if you ask me. I am so lucky - and I know their are bigger things in store for me there. I also know I made the right choice for me and my family.

Here are some awesome pictures of the place

Here is the big dog play place. lots of room to run, and there is an outdoor area as well.

Here is the cat room of course. The cats who are more anti social stay in kitty condos. Others who want to play jump up and down and all around these awesome towers. It is kitty heaven! 

Last is the little dog room. Tons and tons of space, along with outdoor area as well. These guys are pampered to say the least! I enjoy cuddling my new friend coco who is a tiny dachshund. 

I feel like the luckiest kid on the block. When I was offered the job, the owner went out of her way to let me know all the staff I met in the second interview really liked me, and asked her to hire me. First impressions really do count right? It is a very humbling experience.

So I officially start this up coming Monday. I also get to bring Reggie and Frankie to work with me every day, and they seem pretty excited about that too.

I am so thankful, thankful, thankful!

Job Problems

Remember how I haven't had any job bites in a month? Well hold your tiny ponies, because this girl has gotten three interviews set up in the last week!

Whoa?!?

Everything coming in at once is nice to know that I am wanted out there. My first interview was at a dog daycare and I seriously rocked it! I have a second interview on Monday with them, and a Vet Tech interview on Tuesday. I also did an online interview today - who knew people did that? I am so out of the loop.

Anyway now I have the awesome problem of picking where I want to go with my life. As of right now, I am actually leaning into the daycare. They have a lot of potential to grow, and I like that idea. A ton. I am very lucky, and thankful.

Wish me luck!

Life Update & Thought Dump

I wish I could talk about Halloween, but I can't. I was a little bit impaired by jager, vodka, and crown. I suggest you never ever drink them together, don't even look at them the same time. If you do, then four days later just the thought of pumpkins makes your stomach turn.

So, it is November, and probably time for a life update. Or a thought dump.

I am out of a job, and have been for almost a month. I've been working since I was sixteen, and this is the first time I've ever been without a job since then. I feel upset and discouraged most days, but I figure if I keep up looking, something will come. Also, it is forcing me to rely on Brandon a lot more. I hate not being in control, so maybe this is someones way of telling me to chill out for a bit.

We currently have no heat at our place either. Although I like to sleep in almost sub zero temps, this house is starting to feel like the north pole. Luckily it is getting fixed this weekend, but in the mean time if you have any requests for Santa, you better tell me now.

This week I created an e-mail for my business one day I am going to run. It will be called Wilde Dogs. Cute right? I figured I better get an e-mail for it. Next step is to figure out what the hell I am going to do next. But I am going to make it happen, and I am going to make a career out of saving dogs lives. I know, I am a little crazy.

I miss my mom. The holidays are sneaking up on me, and I just want to go to her warm house and eat all the comfort foods she made. That would be the best part of not having a job, living off her warm house and warm food.

Speaking of food, all I want to eat is jerky. All day every day. I'm almost ready to go shoot a deer just so I can have more jerky. Someone make it stop.

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