There was an incident at work today involving one of my design assistants, who absolutely flipped out on me. I ended up staying late at work to go over the disciplinary paperwork with my boss.
When I got home, Aaron and I went to a Chinese restaurant. He had hoped it would be like Osakas back in Lynchburg. We didn't realize until we got there that it was take-out only. Bummer. We went in and ordered and ended up just eating in the waiting area. The employees must have thought we were crazy! :) As we were leaving, Aaron told them that we enjoyed it. I figure being a takeout place, they probably never hear how good the food was.
My fortune cookie said, "You will have much happiness in your love life." (In bed!) I hope so! ^.^
I love these moments of eating cheap Chinese food and having deep conversations with Aaron. We had a few "it" places in Lynchburg where we liked to relax and talk. Yogurt Yeti, LU, Osakas, Target, downtown. The adjustment up here has been difficult, but we realize now that we have to modify our set-in-stone lifestyle to accommodate for Baltimore life. I'm optimistic that we'll find a fun routine up here.
Do you have any of these fun routines with your spouse?
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Praying for our Kids
As everyone knows, Aaron and I cannot have kids of our own. We would love to. We tried for years. We saw fertility specialists. I had surgery. I used medicines that made me sick, fat, and moody. Nothing worked. When we moved to Maryland this summer, jobless, I admit we were both relieved that kids were not in the picture. Only briefly though.
I find that whenever I try to fill my life with other things-- work, vacations, hobbies, etc.-- I still feel empty. I know they're just placeholders. They might keep my thoughts occupied for the moment, but they'll never quench my desire to have a family.
This whole experience with infertility has been so up and down. I've changed as a person (sometimes in good ways, sometimes in hard ways) because of it. My priorities have changed. My views have changed. Five years ago, I was endlessly frustrated because I wanted a family and Aaron didn't. Four years ago, I was relieved that Aaron was finally excited to try, but I was so confused about why it wasn't happening. Then, I had the most confusing early miscarriage situation. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. In some ways, the diagnosis was a relief because at least I knew that there was a medical answer. Unfortunately, that disease has no cure and only gets worse. Two years ago, my heart was truly, absolutely aching. The pain felt unbearable. I wanted to so much to have a child, but as I wasn't getting pregnant, it seemed like all of my friends were. And I do mean all. The struggle seemed endless. Last year, Aaron and I had renewed hope as we sought answers and healing from fertility doctors. I can't even recall the number of times I drove to Charlottesville for blood tests, ultrasounds, consultations, and various procedures. I remember sitting in a doctor's office, being told that if that cycle didn't work, I would never get pregnant apart from IVF. Aaron wasn't even there with me that day, so receiving the news sucked.. And now, I'm just so over the whole trying-to-get-pregnant thing. It's never going to happen. I accept that.
A few years ago, one of my friends adopted and asked me if we had considered it. At the time, it didn't seem like the right move for us. And since I didn't want it for the right reasons, I would have been just another bitter infertile woman buying a baby. Like I said though, this has been a hilly road and we've grown so much.
Aaron and I have decided that once he's finished training and hired by the FAA (or wherever he is career-wise after school), we would like to adopt. That gives us roughly a year and a half to two years to get our finances back in line, for Aaron to get settled in to his job, for us to create a new home together. It's so exciting. There are so many kids in the world with no parents (or miserable parents). I can't wait to meet ours! I'm already wondering will it be a boy or a girl? what will he look like? what will his personality be like? what will it be like to tuck our child in every night? Bathtime, bedtime, hugs, kisses, playing, loving, teaching, growing...
It seems like so far away (especially when we've waited this long)! I can't meet him yet, but I can pray for him. So, that's what we're going to do. Every day. Maybe he isn't even born yet and we need to pray for his mom to keep him safe. Maybe he's being hurt or neglected by someone right now and we need to pray for God to protect him and restore his innocence. Maybe he's wondering when someone will finally love him and want him. I hate when people throw around the phrase, "All you can do is pray." Prayer isn't all I can do. That makes it sound like a pathetic attempt to grasp the last strand of control in a big situation. My God is bigger and more powerful than any other force in this world! I haven't met my child yet, but you'd better believe I'll be praying for him!
Will you pray for him too? Pray for Aaron and me while you're at it. We're not ready yet. Believe me when I say it would be irresponsible to apply for adoption right now. Aaron's in school, we're in a one-bedroom apartment, and I work 40 min away. But pray for us to make headway in the next year and to become really prepared to be parents. We both want this more than anything.
I find that whenever I try to fill my life with other things-- work, vacations, hobbies, etc.-- I still feel empty. I know they're just placeholders. They might keep my thoughts occupied for the moment, but they'll never quench my desire to have a family.
This whole experience with infertility has been so up and down. I've changed as a person (sometimes in good ways, sometimes in hard ways) because of it. My priorities have changed. My views have changed. Five years ago, I was endlessly frustrated because I wanted a family and Aaron didn't. Four years ago, I was relieved that Aaron was finally excited to try, but I was so confused about why it wasn't happening. Then, I had the most confusing early miscarriage situation. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. In some ways, the diagnosis was a relief because at least I knew that there was a medical answer. Unfortunately, that disease has no cure and only gets worse. Two years ago, my heart was truly, absolutely aching. The pain felt unbearable. I wanted to so much to have a child, but as I wasn't getting pregnant, it seemed like all of my friends were. And I do mean all. The struggle seemed endless. Last year, Aaron and I had renewed hope as we sought answers and healing from fertility doctors. I can't even recall the number of times I drove to Charlottesville for blood tests, ultrasounds, consultations, and various procedures. I remember sitting in a doctor's office, being told that if that cycle didn't work, I would never get pregnant apart from IVF. Aaron wasn't even there with me that day, so receiving the news sucked.. And now, I'm just so over the whole trying-to-get-pregnant thing. It's never going to happen. I accept that.
A few years ago, one of my friends adopted and asked me if we had considered it. At the time, it didn't seem like the right move for us. And since I didn't want it for the right reasons, I would have been just another bitter infertile woman buying a baby. Like I said though, this has been a hilly road and we've grown so much.
Aaron and I have decided that once he's finished training and hired by the FAA (or wherever he is career-wise after school), we would like to adopt. That gives us roughly a year and a half to two years to get our finances back in line, for Aaron to get settled in to his job, for us to create a new home together. It's so exciting. There are so many kids in the world with no parents (or miserable parents). I can't wait to meet ours! I'm already wondering will it be a boy or a girl? what will he look like? what will his personality be like? what will it be like to tuck our child in every night? Bathtime, bedtime, hugs, kisses, playing, loving, teaching, growing...
It seems like so far away (especially when we've waited this long)! I can't meet him yet, but I can pray for him. So, that's what we're going to do. Every day. Maybe he isn't even born yet and we need to pray for his mom to keep him safe. Maybe he's being hurt or neglected by someone right now and we need to pray for God to protect him and restore his innocence. Maybe he's wondering when someone will finally love him and want him. I hate when people throw around the phrase, "All you can do is pray." Prayer isn't all I can do. That makes it sound like a pathetic attempt to grasp the last strand of control in a big situation. My God is bigger and more powerful than any other force in this world! I haven't met my child yet, but you'd better believe I'll be praying for him!
Will you pray for him too? Pray for Aaron and me while you're at it. We're not ready yet. Believe me when I say it would be irresponsible to apply for adoption right now. Aaron's in school, we're in a one-bedroom apartment, and I work 40 min away. But pray for us to make headway in the next year and to become really prepared to be parents. We both want this more than anything.
Day Trip to DC
Aaron and I went to DC on Friday. I had off and it was his last weekend off before starting his new job tomorrow (!!!). The trip started with a really crappy metro stop and ended with his debit card being cancelled because Wells Fargo "detected fraud" on it. The actual trip was fun though! ;)
Here are some pictures:
Here are some pictures:
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| Starting off the day at the National Mall. |
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| America. |
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| The Capitol Building. We've been in there before, but this time they were going to make us throw away all of our snacks and juice boxes, so we didn't go in. |
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| Cool sculpture at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. |
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| Cupcake from Hello Cupcake at Dupont circle in DC. It was so-so. I've had better. (Sassafrost- formerly Taste Selects- in Lynchburg). This $3.25 purchase was considered "fraudulent" by Wells Fargo. LoL. By the way, Aaron's card still isn't working. |
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| This is a new furniture exibit at the National Gallery of Art. It didn't open until two days after we left. |
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| A Renaissance chalice. Check out the jewels and detailing. |
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Thanks for reading!
"The House at the End of the Street"
Today, my mom and I watched The House at the End of the Street. The weather was quite perfect for a scary movie: cold, rainy, dark. Oooooo spooky!
I'm not one for demonic, creepy movies. I never watched any of the Paranormal Activity movies. I'm not into exorcism type movies. I'm not into movies about creepy children or dolls. I do like good murder/suspense/thrill movies though. Overall, I enjoyed this movie. Without spoiling it for you, here is what I though of it:
-The characters were well played. I love that they didn't have any slutty teenage girls running around half naked (seriously, why is that in so many movies?). All of the actors were really convincing.
-The plot was deep and layered. It wasn't a predictable movie. Actually, I was really surprised with how things turned out.
-It was thought-provoking. My mom and I called each other probably 4 times on our ways home as we realized more and more about the movie.
Ok, now my lips are sealed! I don't want to give anything away. The previews were great to build interest but not give away the plot. If you're into scary movies that are not satanic and won't give you nightmares, check it out!
I'm not one for demonic, creepy movies. I never watched any of the Paranormal Activity movies. I'm not into exorcism type movies. I'm not into movies about creepy children or dolls. I do like good murder/suspense/thrill movies though. Overall, I enjoyed this movie. Without spoiling it for you, here is what I though of it:
-The characters were well played. I love that they didn't have any slutty teenage girls running around half naked (seriously, why is that in so many movies?). All of the actors were really convincing.
-The plot was deep and layered. It wasn't a predictable movie. Actually, I was really surprised with how things turned out.
-It was thought-provoking. My mom and I called each other probably 4 times on our ways home as we realized more and more about the movie.
Ok, now my lips are sealed! I don't want to give anything away. The previews were great to build interest but not give away the plot. If you're into scary movies that are not satanic and won't give you nightmares, check it out!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
What's Up?
It has been quite a while since my last post. Let's see....
I started working as a full-time interior designer at a furniture store. It is retail... so I have crappy hours and work every holiday. And it's like 45 minutes away, so I feel like I'm always there. But, I can't really complain. It is a job in my field and I think it will be a good stepping stone opportunity. I'm just praising God for providing. Guys, that's what I love so much about everything that has happened! Let me share:
On July 31st, I lost my job. Initially, Aaron was planning to stay with my mom during his time in ATC school and I was planning to stay at my job in Lynchburg. Then things happened and we were able to move to Maryland together. Bolster position for my career-- there is nothing and I mean NOTHING available in interior design back in Lynchburg. A few months before all of this happened, Aaron started doing our finances differently and was actually able to build up our saving's account. Between savings and my unemployment, we were able to make it through August & September on our own, without having to ask parents for money. Aaron had told me that he wasn't sure what we would do in October, but that we were fine for the time being. Then, in mid-September, I was offered a full-time job (in my field!!!!). Then, on the date of my first paycheck, Aaron was offered a job, too! So, God just continues to provide for us. I know it's God's doing, because look at all the people who are unemployed for 6+ months, trying to make it on their own, and my unemployment only lasted 6 weeks.
I've been training in Annapolis, which is an hour drive each way 5 days a week. It's weird because everyone in Maryland commutes. People from PA work in MD. People from Baltimore work in DC. I met two men who live near me and both work in Philadelphia-- two hours away. And generally, no one thinks anything of it. Driving 300 miles a week was making me nervous about the condition of my car. It was a 2000 with 149,000 miles and a lot of problems that just started over the summer (needed new struts, a new alternator, transmission was leaking and not shifting smoothly, etc.). I was finally able to get a new car. It's a 2010 Mazda3. That's just a pic I found online b/c it's raining and I can't take a pic right now. But it's a great little car! I'm thankful to have something reliable.
I'll post again probably tomorrow or over the weekend. There is a lot more going on, but this post is getting long and I need to get ready for work. Toodles!
I started working as a full-time interior designer at a furniture store. It is retail... so I have crappy hours and work every holiday. And it's like 45 minutes away, so I feel like I'm always there. But, I can't really complain. It is a job in my field and I think it will be a good stepping stone opportunity. I'm just praising God for providing. Guys, that's what I love so much about everything that has happened! Let me share:
On July 31st, I lost my job. Initially, Aaron was planning to stay with my mom during his time in ATC school and I was planning to stay at my job in Lynchburg. Then things happened and we were able to move to Maryland together. Bolster position for my career-- there is nothing and I mean NOTHING available in interior design back in Lynchburg. A few months before all of this happened, Aaron started doing our finances differently and was actually able to build up our saving's account. Between savings and my unemployment, we were able to make it through August & September on our own, without having to ask parents for money. Aaron had told me that he wasn't sure what we would do in October, but that we were fine for the time being. Then, in mid-September, I was offered a full-time job (in my field!!!!). Then, on the date of my first paycheck, Aaron was offered a job, too! So, God just continues to provide for us. I know it's God's doing, because look at all the people who are unemployed for 6+ months, trying to make it on their own, and my unemployment only lasted 6 weeks.
I've been training in Annapolis, which is an hour drive each way 5 days a week. It's weird because everyone in Maryland commutes. People from PA work in MD. People from Baltimore work in DC. I met two men who live near me and both work in Philadelphia-- two hours away. And generally, no one thinks anything of it. Driving 300 miles a week was making me nervous about the condition of my car. It was a 2000 with 149,000 miles and a lot of problems that just started over the summer (needed new struts, a new alternator, transmission was leaking and not shifting smoothly, etc.). I was finally able to get a new car. It's a 2010 Mazda3. That's just a pic I found online b/c it's raining and I can't take a pic right now. But it's a great little car! I'm thankful to have something reliable.
I'll post again probably tomorrow or over the weekend. There is a lot more going on, but this post is getting long and I need to get ready for work. Toodles!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
A Family Affair (R&S wedding)
My weekend was awesome because it incorporated three things I love: vacation, family, and a wedding.
Aaron's twin brother, Ryan, got married in Myrtle Beach on 09.09.12. It was so beautiful! The venue was incredible and the weather was perfect. Stacy looked stunning. Their photographer was uh-mazing. Seriously. Their pictures belong in a wedding magazine (and they recently were mentioned in Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine). The food (all weekend) was amazing. Proof of which: my pants don't fit. =/
Here are some of the pictures I took with my iPhone (so obviously not good quality):
Aaron's twin brother, Ryan, got married in Myrtle Beach on 09.09.12. It was so beautiful! The venue was incredible and the weather was perfect. Stacy looked stunning. Their photographer was uh-mazing. Seriously. Their pictures belong in a wedding magazine (and they recently were mentioned in Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine). The food (all weekend) was amazing. Proof of which: my pants don't fit. =/
Here are some of the pictures I took with my iPhone (so obviously not good quality):
Life in Baltimore
So, for those of you who don't know, Aaron and I moved to Baltimore recently. We're still Virginia residents, since neither of us had found a job yet and I wasn't really certain I'd stay up here. But here's what has happened in the past few weeks:
Aaron started Air Traffic Control school at the Community College of Baltimore County in August. He loves it! He's doing really well. He's taking classes in airport management, instrument pilot ground school, instrument flight, and of course, air traffic control. He will get to fly this semester and he's extremely excited about that! Basically, he's learning ATC from the perspective of what the pilots have to deal with (which he has personally experienced as a licensed pilot) this semester, and then next semester he'll learn the ATC side and do the FAA testing. He will graduate in May. ATC-ers are hired twice a year from CTI schools-- once in the spring and once in the fall. We're hoping he won't have to wait for the fall (Nov. 2013) term to apply, but it's a possibility. Please be in prayer about that.
I've been applying for oodles of jobs. In the last 6 weeks, I have interviewed with 6 companies. Applying so much and interviewing so much has been stressful and tiring. But it paid off. Yesterday, I was offered a full-time interior design job near BWI airport. I signed the papers today. I have to get a drug test tomorrow, and then I start Monday. It's interesting how it worked out. I was filing my unemployment claim (part of which includes applying for 2 jobs a week, but I apply for more than that) when I saw an ad on CareerBuilder.com. The ad was for a full-time interior design position with a well-known furniture company. I applied around noon that Sunday. Less than two hours later, the manager called and said he had just gotten my resume. I interviewed with him and the regional manager Wednesday, then with the HR manager Thursday. The following Tuesday (yesterday), they called to offer me the job. Yay! I'm so excited! It will be a lot of work in a (probably) stressful environment, but I am so excited to face this new challenge.
God is so amazing, and has once again proven His faithfulness as the Great Provider.
Now we'll need to replace one of our cars. For my job, I will be driving to clients' homes every day for in-home consultations and I can't very well pull up in a 12 year old car that makes strange noises and has huge spots of paint peeling. Yes, getting a car will be the next step, but I won't need it for a few weeks yet. I have never personally purchased a car before (mine was a gift from my grandparents in high school). We would also like to find a new apartment. Ours is a basement apartment in someone's home. It's not soundproofed at all, so we can hear them square dancing over our bed all night (at least that's what it sounds like) and they use all the hot water and we have to walk down a muddy, rocky hill to get into our entrance and we have to park under a pine tree that drips all over our cars. We're grateful for it and honestly, we might see if we can stay one more month just to build our bank account back up. It's fine for now. But we had to temporarily re-home our pets and we want them back very soon. Apartments are just so much more expensive up here than we're used to paying. Hopefully we'll be able to accomplish all this very soon.
In other news, we just got back from Myrtle Beach on Monday and then on Friday we'll be taking a day trip to Philly! Aaron's sister told us about MegaBus and we were able to get two round-trip tickets for a total of $36. It would cost more in gas, tolls, and parking to drive ourselves, plus this way we can sleep on the drive. =)
--> Do you have any tips for purchasing a new (well, new-to-us) car?
--> What advice do you have for starting a new job? I've done this many times, but never as a professional in my field.
--> Tips for our Philly trip?
--> What kind of crazy adventures have you had this summer?
God bless. Proverbs 12:15, "Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice."
Aaron started Air Traffic Control school at the Community College of Baltimore County in August. He loves it! He's doing really well. He's taking classes in airport management, instrument pilot ground school, instrument flight, and of course, air traffic control. He will get to fly this semester and he's extremely excited about that! Basically, he's learning ATC from the perspective of what the pilots have to deal with (which he has personally experienced as a licensed pilot) this semester, and then next semester he'll learn the ATC side and do the FAA testing. He will graduate in May. ATC-ers are hired twice a year from CTI schools-- once in the spring and once in the fall. We're hoping he won't have to wait for the fall (Nov. 2013) term to apply, but it's a possibility. Please be in prayer about that.
I've been applying for oodles of jobs. In the last 6 weeks, I have interviewed with 6 companies. Applying so much and interviewing so much has been stressful and tiring. But it paid off. Yesterday, I was offered a full-time interior design job near BWI airport. I signed the papers today. I have to get a drug test tomorrow, and then I start Monday. It's interesting how it worked out. I was filing my unemployment claim (part of which includes applying for 2 jobs a week, but I apply for more than that) when I saw an ad on CareerBuilder.com. The ad was for a full-time interior design position with a well-known furniture company. I applied around noon that Sunday. Less than two hours later, the manager called and said he had just gotten my resume. I interviewed with him and the regional manager Wednesday, then with the HR manager Thursday. The following Tuesday (yesterday), they called to offer me the job. Yay! I'm so excited! It will be a lot of work in a (probably) stressful environment, but I am so excited to face this new challenge.
God is so amazing, and has once again proven His faithfulness as the Great Provider.
Now we'll need to replace one of our cars. For my job, I will be driving to clients' homes every day for in-home consultations and I can't very well pull up in a 12 year old car that makes strange noises and has huge spots of paint peeling. Yes, getting a car will be the next step, but I won't need it for a few weeks yet. I have never personally purchased a car before (mine was a gift from my grandparents in high school). We would also like to find a new apartment. Ours is a basement apartment in someone's home. It's not soundproofed at all, so we can hear them square dancing over our bed all night (at least that's what it sounds like) and they use all the hot water and we have to walk down a muddy, rocky hill to get into our entrance and we have to park under a pine tree that drips all over our cars. We're grateful for it and honestly, we might see if we can stay one more month just to build our bank account back up. It's fine for now. But we had to temporarily re-home our pets and we want them back very soon. Apartments are just so much more expensive up here than we're used to paying. Hopefully we'll be able to accomplish all this very soon.
In other news, we just got back from Myrtle Beach on Monday and then on Friday we'll be taking a day trip to Philly! Aaron's sister told us about MegaBus and we were able to get two round-trip tickets for a total of $36. It would cost more in gas, tolls, and parking to drive ourselves, plus this way we can sleep on the drive. =)
--> Do you have any tips for purchasing a new (well, new-to-us) car?
--> What advice do you have for starting a new job? I've done this many times, but never as a professional in my field.
--> Tips for our Philly trip?
--> What kind of crazy adventures have you had this summer?
God bless. Proverbs 12:15, "Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice."
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Terminated.
So, it's been a while since my last post. There is a good (or rather, sucky) reason for it.
On July 31st, I lost my job. It was completely unexpected. I had done nothing wrong. In fact, I was told I was up for a "promotion".
I went into work that morning and then my boss called me into an empty office and said something along the lines of, "Effective today, your position here is being terminated. You don't want to be a receptionist; you want to be a showroom consultant but I just don't see you in a sales role." I was stunned and I kind of peeped out, "Did I do something wrong?" to which he continued, "No. I like you. You're a good worker. But you want to be a designer. It's not fair to you to pay you twelve bucks an hour indefinitely."Then I started getting upset and said, "Well what am I supposed to do when I look for jobs? Pretend I didn't work here? I can't very well say that I was fired after less than a year for the first job I had out of college." And he said, "You can still use me as a reference. I'll tell them you had a great attitude and that you were a good worker." Then he left the room and I left crying. That was it. A two minute conversation. No formal letter. No written warnings leading up to the termination. No conversation that led me to believe this was coming. Just a normal Tuesday morning that disrupted my plans. Later that day, after I went to the unemployment office, I emailed him and asked for a formal termination letter so that I could give it to the unemployment office. He told me that he'd get me one. Then later he emailed me back and said Ferguson never gives termination notices in writing. Only verbally.
I gave myself one day to cry and feel sorry for myself, then I didn't cry about it again. The next day, I drove to Baltimore and spent a week applying and interviewing for jobs. I've continued applying since I got home. Aaron and I are moving up there on August 25th. I've been remarkably positive and optimistic. I've been choosing to look at this like a huge blessing because now I can move to Maryland with Aaron. We have housing lined up. I have four interviews the week we get up there. Things seemed to be working out!
Today was my unemployment telephonic interview. This is where things got rough for me. Come to find out, my former boss lied to the VEC about me! He told them I was fired for misconduct!!!! WHAT?! Misconduct??? I had never done anything worthy of being fired. I'd never even been warned about my work performance. In fact, I was doing training and extra work and volunteered to work more Saturdays so that I could get that promotion! Misconduct my arse! He told them all kinds of lies about me including the following:
-That I was told during my initial interview that I would be promoted to a sales position within 3-4 months. Nope. There was no such conversation. In fact, my former boss very clearly told me that he needed someone who could work in a reception role for 2-3 years because (and I quote), "I feel like we go through receptionists so fast around here." Now, I had hoped to move into a sales position, but he never had that conversation with me. In fact, a month into my working there, my supervisor took me out to lunch and told me she saw me in more of an administrative role and that she did not want to move me into a sales role. The first time anyone approached me about moving into sales was in late June or early July 2012, when a position opened and they told me they'd "train [me] into it."
-That management had met with me several times to warn me about my work performance. NOT ONE SINGLE TIME!!!!! I stayed late often and did whatever demeaning, crappy tasks that were asked of me (cleaning everyone else's disgusting messes in the break room fridge even though I never put food in it, cleaning the copy room, changing lightbulbs, filing things for other departments, etc.). I constantly sought ways to help my coworkers by helping them with their load when mine got light.
-That I had a bad sales record. I didn't have a sales record at all. I was a receptionist, not a salesman! I never had a quota. I didn't even have a desk in the showroom. I was told from day one that from 8-11:30 am, I would assist the showroom staff, and that from 1:00 (or whenever I finished my lunch breaks) until 5, I would sit up front and be the receptionist. I worked one or two Saturdays a month in the showroom and it was only during that time that I was expected to work in a sales role. By the way-- I had volunteered to work extra Saturdays so that I could learn more! I had a medium size job going and a whole house job going. A certain lazy co-worker never gave me time to work on them because she was busy dumping her work on my desk so she could take smoke breaks. (I still got all of my work done in a timely fashion though).
This entire VEC situation has been infuriating! I can't believe my former boss did that and told those lies! What does he gain from that??? I'm going to report him to headquarters in a few minutes. Lying on official documents to the VEC is perjury. Lying about me in print is libel. I forgave when he fired me without just cause and then found out later that day he had already hired someone else for the open position. This went too far.
On July 31st, I lost my job. It was completely unexpected. I had done nothing wrong. In fact, I was told I was up for a "promotion".
I went into work that morning and then my boss called me into an empty office and said something along the lines of, "Effective today, your position here is being terminated. You don't want to be a receptionist; you want to be a showroom consultant but I just don't see you in a sales role." I was stunned and I kind of peeped out, "Did I do something wrong?" to which he continued, "No. I like you. You're a good worker. But you want to be a designer. It's not fair to you to pay you twelve bucks an hour indefinitely."Then I started getting upset and said, "Well what am I supposed to do when I look for jobs? Pretend I didn't work here? I can't very well say that I was fired after less than a year for the first job I had out of college." And he said, "You can still use me as a reference. I'll tell them you had a great attitude and that you were a good worker." Then he left the room and I left crying. That was it. A two minute conversation. No formal letter. No written warnings leading up to the termination. No conversation that led me to believe this was coming. Just a normal Tuesday morning that disrupted my plans. Later that day, after I went to the unemployment office, I emailed him and asked for a formal termination letter so that I could give it to the unemployment office. He told me that he'd get me one. Then later he emailed me back and said Ferguson never gives termination notices in writing. Only verbally.
I gave myself one day to cry and feel sorry for myself, then I didn't cry about it again. The next day, I drove to Baltimore and spent a week applying and interviewing for jobs. I've continued applying since I got home. Aaron and I are moving up there on August 25th. I've been remarkably positive and optimistic. I've been choosing to look at this like a huge blessing because now I can move to Maryland with Aaron. We have housing lined up. I have four interviews the week we get up there. Things seemed to be working out!
Today was my unemployment telephonic interview. This is where things got rough for me. Come to find out, my former boss lied to the VEC about me! He told them I was fired for misconduct!!!! WHAT?! Misconduct??? I had never done anything worthy of being fired. I'd never even been warned about my work performance. In fact, I was doing training and extra work and volunteered to work more Saturdays so that I could get that promotion! Misconduct my arse! He told them all kinds of lies about me including the following:
-That I was told during my initial interview that I would be promoted to a sales position within 3-4 months. Nope. There was no such conversation. In fact, my former boss very clearly told me that he needed someone who could work in a reception role for 2-3 years because (and I quote), "I feel like we go through receptionists so fast around here." Now, I had hoped to move into a sales position, but he never had that conversation with me. In fact, a month into my working there, my supervisor took me out to lunch and told me she saw me in more of an administrative role and that she did not want to move me into a sales role. The first time anyone approached me about moving into sales was in late June or early July 2012, when a position opened and they told me they'd "train [me] into it."
-That management had met with me several times to warn me about my work performance. NOT ONE SINGLE TIME!!!!! I stayed late often and did whatever demeaning, crappy tasks that were asked of me (cleaning everyone else's disgusting messes in the break room fridge even though I never put food in it, cleaning the copy room, changing lightbulbs, filing things for other departments, etc.). I constantly sought ways to help my coworkers by helping them with their load when mine got light.
-That I had a bad sales record. I didn't have a sales record at all. I was a receptionist, not a salesman! I never had a quota. I didn't even have a desk in the showroom. I was told from day one that from 8-11:30 am, I would assist the showroom staff, and that from 1:00 (or whenever I finished my lunch breaks) until 5, I would sit up front and be the receptionist. I worked one or two Saturdays a month in the showroom and it was only during that time that I was expected to work in a sales role. By the way-- I had volunteered to work extra Saturdays so that I could learn more! I had a medium size job going and a whole house job going. A certain lazy co-worker never gave me time to work on them because she was busy dumping her work on my desk so she could take smoke breaks. (I still got all of my work done in a timely fashion though).
This entire VEC situation has been infuriating! I can't believe my former boss did that and told those lies! What does he gain from that??? I'm going to report him to headquarters in a few minutes. Lying on official documents to the VEC is perjury. Lying about me in print is libel. I forgave when he fired me without just cause and then found out later that day he had already hired someone else for the open position. This went too far.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Batman Birthday
Two days until vacation! I have to work Tuesday and Wednesday, then Wednesday night we're heading to Myrtle Beach for our birthdays. So exciting!
My husband and my brother bought each other tickets to see the midnight premier newest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises" for their birthdays (early, they're July 26th and 27th respectively). I didn't go because I work a normal job... and I don't stay out until 3am ever... let alone on a worknight. They both had off the next day. They were really excited about it. Our theater had a saga showing of all three movies in a row (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises).
The next morning, I flipped to the news while I was getting ready for work. As they were watching the movie with little boy excitement in Virginia, some psycho massacred a theater full of people seeing the same movie in Colorado. I just stared at the TV for a few minutes. Why would anyone do that? How could anyone do that? Then I started thinking about the families-- the wives, mothers, sisters, girlfriends-- who woke up not knowing why their loved ones didn't come home last night. I went upstairs to find Aaron peacefully dozing away. I sat next to him on the bed and just thanked God that it didn't happen in Virginia. Please don't misunderstand! My heart completely goes out to those people! I wish that hadn't happened at all. But it made me grateful that it hadn't happened here, to my family.
The story that twisted me the most was that of Alex Sullivan, another birthday boy who was two days shy of his one year wedding anniversary. His last facebook post was, "This is going to be the best birthday EVER!" Poor guy.
I know things like this can happen anywhere, but we never think of them until they do. What annoys me is that now all of these left-wing politicians are using this as their "mockingjay" symbol of anti-gun America. Here's my problem with this: gun control will only control those responsible, non-murdering-psycho Americans who would never kill anyone anyway. It will just take away their right to responsibly own and use firearms. Thugs, psychos, criminals-- they will still get their hands on weapons, no matter how restrictive our government gets. Where there's a will, there's a way.
Are you going to see the movie at the theater? Has this scared you away from movie theaters at all? How do you feel about current gun control? What about movie theater security? I have mixed feelings about that last one... I don't want them finding my Coke & candy stash when I see a movie, but I don't want someone sneaking in bombs or something. Plus, it would only increase the price of movie tickets.
My husband and my brother bought each other tickets to see the midnight premier newest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises" for their birthdays (early, they're July 26th and 27th respectively). I didn't go because I work a normal job... and I don't stay out until 3am ever... let alone on a worknight. They both had off the next day. They were really excited about it. Our theater had a saga showing of all three movies in a row (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises).
The next morning, I flipped to the news while I was getting ready for work. As they were watching the movie with little boy excitement in Virginia, some psycho massacred a theater full of people seeing the same movie in Colorado. I just stared at the TV for a few minutes. Why would anyone do that? How could anyone do that? Then I started thinking about the families-- the wives, mothers, sisters, girlfriends-- who woke up not knowing why their loved ones didn't come home last night. I went upstairs to find Aaron peacefully dozing away. I sat next to him on the bed and just thanked God that it didn't happen in Virginia. Please don't misunderstand! My heart completely goes out to those people! I wish that hadn't happened at all. But it made me grateful that it hadn't happened here, to my family.
The story that twisted me the most was that of Alex Sullivan, another birthday boy who was two days shy of his one year wedding anniversary. His last facebook post was, "This is going to be the best birthday EVER!" Poor guy.
I know things like this can happen anywhere, but we never think of them until they do. What annoys me is that now all of these left-wing politicians are using this as their "mockingjay" symbol of anti-gun America. Here's my problem with this: gun control will only control those responsible, non-murdering-psycho Americans who would never kill anyone anyway. It will just take away their right to responsibly own and use firearms. Thugs, psychos, criminals-- they will still get their hands on weapons, no matter how restrictive our government gets. Where there's a will, there's a way.
Are you going to see the movie at the theater? Has this scared you away from movie theaters at all? How do you feel about current gun control? What about movie theater security? I have mixed feelings about that last one... I don't want them finding my Coke & candy stash when I see a movie, but I don't want someone sneaking in bombs or something. Plus, it would only increase the price of movie tickets.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Migraine. Movie. Baklava
I have been fighting off a migraine all afternoon. It feels like it's from tension. My head hurts, my eyes hurt, my stomach hurts. My back hurts. I'm just glad I finally had a day off today. Four days until vacation!
Yesterday, I made baklava:
So fattening.... Mostly from all the nuts (pistachios, walnuts, almonds-- fun fact: almonds aren't nuts). So good! =) So expensive =/ It cost like $20 to make one pan of baklava that is now almost devoured.
Went to breakfast with Aaron before church this morning. We tried a place downtown that we've never dined at before. I had Chesapeake Benedict, which was just Eggs Benedict with two crab cakes on it. Very yummy. Then I went to church and he went to work. Service was amazing.
Ok, and you all know how much I LOVE the Hunger Games series! And how much I LOVE the movie, because it was so accurate to the book! Well, I am not as hopeful about the second movie. They're doing a crappy job of casting the characters. They're just going with trendy actors who've been in one or two piddly movies recently.
In Book 2, we're introduced to Finnick Odair (who we learn more about in Book 3). Finnick, a 24 year old hunky victor from District 4 is described as being sexy, tan, beachy, flirty, very well built, muscular, gorgeous... And they're reportedly getting this putz:
Yuck! Aaron and I recently watched "Snow White and the Huntsman" and throughout the movie, I kept telling him that this actor was so ugly that I wanted to barf. He looks sickly and bony and.... something about him seems villainous and dishonest. Kind of reminds me of the evil brother from "Thor".
At the same time, we're introduced to the female victor from District 7, Johanna Mason. She is described as being almost butch-like. She's from a lumber cutting district, she's very strong, very mean/snide, not really feminine. Short spiky hair. And they picked her to play that role?
Why?????? On the flip side, she ends up being a good character.
Oh, and the 80-something volunteer tribute from District 4, Mags, is being played by 52 year old? I suppose they need someone fit enough to play the role?
I just don't get it. I'm just glad they didn't get Alex Pettyfer (sp?) to play Finnick.
Yesterday, I made baklava:
So fattening.... Mostly from all the nuts (pistachios, walnuts, almonds-- fun fact: almonds aren't nuts). So good! =) So expensive =/ It cost like $20 to make one pan of baklava that is now almost devoured.
Went to breakfast with Aaron before church this morning. We tried a place downtown that we've never dined at before. I had Chesapeake Benedict, which was just Eggs Benedict with two crab cakes on it. Very yummy. Then I went to church and he went to work. Service was amazing.
Ok, and you all know how much I LOVE the Hunger Games series! And how much I LOVE the movie, because it was so accurate to the book! Well, I am not as hopeful about the second movie. They're doing a crappy job of casting the characters. They're just going with trendy actors who've been in one or two piddly movies recently.
In Book 2, we're introduced to Finnick Odair (who we learn more about in Book 3). Finnick, a 24 year old hunky victor from District 4 is described as being sexy, tan, beachy, flirty, very well built, muscular, gorgeous... And they're reportedly getting this putz:
Yuck! Aaron and I recently watched "Snow White and the Huntsman" and throughout the movie, I kept telling him that this actor was so ugly that I wanted to barf. He looks sickly and bony and.... something about him seems villainous and dishonest. Kind of reminds me of the evil brother from "Thor".
At the same time, we're introduced to the female victor from District 7, Johanna Mason. She is described as being almost butch-like. She's from a lumber cutting district, she's very strong, very mean/snide, not really feminine. Short spiky hair. And they picked her to play that role?
Why?????? On the flip side, she ends up being a good character.
Oh, and the 80-something volunteer tribute from District 4, Mags, is being played by 52 year old? I suppose they need someone fit enough to play the role?
I just don't get it. I'm just glad they didn't get Alex Pettyfer (sp?) to play Finnick.
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