Deleting Facebook/Twitter, New Job, and Life Update

To put it simply: life has been crazy lately.

This week, I have been asking God to show me how I can spend more time with Him. Facebook and Twitter have been bringing me down lately. To be honest, I don't gain anything from them. I have deactivated my accounts before, but this time...I really mean it. I'm a day without them so far, and I honestly don't miss it. I've had more time to enjoy the little things today instead of mindlessly scrolling through posts that don't benefit me at all. I've spent today catching up on homework, but I'm hoping Monday I can start reading my Bible daily again.

I have been working at Panera Bread the past month, while still applying and interviewing for industry jobs. After interviewing, I accepted a part-time position at Westlund Concepts in Lapel. This week was my first week there, and honestly, I love it. I am working on graphic design and front-end web design as needed. I am still working at the university as a teacher's assistant. Panera left me on the roster to fill shifts if they need someone to come in - I loved it there and wasn't ready to completely leave.

We also got a new apartment (finally)! We are downsizing, but it is perfect for what we need. We're on the first floor, so Mia will have a yard she can pee in. They also have a bark park for her that is only a few minute walk away! They have a pool...which is closed for the season, but it will be nice next summer!! And, drum roll, the best part is a washer and dryer! We are moving in 3 weeks, so the crazy packing and organizing has begun!

Mia and the boys are doing well. The boys are growing so fast! Bo is about 9 lbs now, and Oscar is 8 lbs. Mia just turned 1 last week and is 19 lbs now! Everyone is nice and healthy (except for my allergies kicking in)...

Couldn't ask for better. <3

New Job!

I accepted a job at Panera Bread this week. I filled out the application on Monday, got a call on Tuesday, and interviewed/was hired on the spot Wednesday. What a crazy turn of events!

I'm happy to finally find a job because:
1. Bills need to be paid, and we are already behind.
2. Classes start in 2 weeks.
3. I CAN GET OUT OF THE APARTMENT!

I emailed my contact at IU Bloomington a few times during the past 2 weeks about the status of my application. After not hearing a peep since my interview, I decided I did not want to let Panera Bread go and went ahead and accepted the offer.

But Ashleigh, why Panera Bread? You are ridiculous for stooping down to such a low level.

Well...in a few weeks I will be working 60 hour work weeks (Panera + teacher assistant at school) as well as taking a full load of Graduate cla
sses...after taking a semester off. I really did not want to wait any longer for a job. It's already going to be stressful starting classes back up again. If we would have had to pick up, move, and have me start a new stressful job + classes and lots of commuting....

Yeah. That's why. So no, not ridiculous. Smart. It's time to focus on my Masters and finish that up.

I'm actually really excited about this opportunity. It's as a shift supervisor. The first 90 days will mainly be training (learning all of the positions and duties). Once I get 2 employees trained, I'll be making salary instead of hourly (+ benefits!). I've always had strong leadership skills and I haven't been able to put them to work in the last year. I'm way too excited. I'm also thrilled to be meeting new people. After being in Noblesville for a year now, I have yet to meet many people. I did join a women's Bible study group this summer and made some friends! Now working at Panera, I feel like more friends will be made. So incredibly happy about this.

What's another perk? Free food! I won't get free food until I'm "officially" a manager, but they still offer a hefty discount on meals! It sounds like any leftover bakery items at the end of the night can go home as well - we will see what happens on Monday!

I am also thrilled to get out of the apartment. I love my time with Mia and the boys, but I've been stir crazy. My first day at Panera is Monday! There is a bread baking seminar and then they want me to stay and help close so I can see closing procedures (since I will mainly a day worker).

This is exactly where God wanted me and I couldn't be happier.

Book Recommendation, My Weight, and Job Updates

Being unemployed this summer has made me really lonely and anxious to get out of the apartment. Once our church announced new connection groups, I signed up for a morning women's book club. I was a bit anxious about joining the group, not sure if I would fit in or not. Well, after a few weeks, I honestly love it. It's also great for me to get out of the apartment and actually talk to real people!

Becoming More Than Just A
Good Bible Study Girl by
Lysa Terkeurst

The book we are studying is Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. This is the first Bible study book I can say I honestly love. I've never been able to relate to a book so well! I found it at my local Barnes & Noble, but it can be found on Amazon as well. I also suggest picking up the study guide. It brings up a lot of questions that really make you think as well as making you write out certain verses. Two thumbs up from me on this book!

Speaking of that book, it really hit the nail on the head with me this week. As several of you know, my weight has been up and down since high school. I've gained weight, lost it, and gained it again. When I first went to Weight Watchers, I wanted nothing more than to weigh 135 pounds. It would make me the happiest person in the world...so I thought. After reaching my goal weight and maintaining it for several months, I really wasn't happy. I wanted to be thinner! Being thinner would make me happy!! No. No, it won't. After the wedding, I no longer had a dress I needed to fit into. I have gained back all of the weight I lost, and then some. Honestly...this is the happiest I've been in several years with my weight. I feel healthy and, well, better.

Mia also got microchipped last weekend!
Look at both of those smiles!!!

At last, God has given me the power to love me for me. Lysa Terkeurst has a chapter in that book called "I Want What She Has". I always wanted to be like my friends in high school - so thin and beautiful. She mentions that bad things also come with the good. When I lost all of that weight, my neurocardiogenic syncope got really bad. I often felt lightheaded (almost every day) and passed out more frequently. That was the bad. I also still didn't like myself. My syncope is mostly triggered by stress and lack of food. I have to eat frequent meals to keep my blood flowing. This has slowly increased my weight over the last 9 months. However, I haven't had dizzy spells as often...and I haven't passed out since April (when I lost my job, but that's understandable).

I'm a size 12/14 and so happy. I love myself and my body. This is how God made me. No, I'm not going to stop exercising or eating fruits and veggies - I don't think I could give that up anyway! I'm just so thankful I have finally loved myself and stop looking at others for guidance and acceptance. God has told me several times lately that this is me. This is how I was made. There is absolutely nothing wrong with me! Self love is so beautiful...

Now for a job update! Exciting news...I finally got an offer this week! I have talked with all of the companies I was waiting to hear back from and I should know about those positions by the end of next week. I have it narrowed down to 3 companies. I am still waiting on an offer or rejection from 2 of them. I'm so incredibly thankful that the company who sent me an offer this week is okay with waiting to hear back from me next Friday! I'm very grateful that they are so understanding and know they want me to make the right decision for myself and my family.

So....about this time next week, I should be able to let you know what position I took and when I'll start (it's looking like sometime in mid-july for either position)! We still aren't sure where we will be living in July (emergency funds are empty and rent is due in a week and a half), but having a job in hand is very reassuring. Thank you God for your unfailing love.

Update: The House & Job Searching

This week, we got paperwork we needed to sign from the mortgage company. It stated that nothing has changed and if it has, and we lie about it, we can face up to 5 years in jail for mortgage fraud.

Weeee.

So, I contacted the mortgage company and told them about our current situation. The builder called us yesterday and said we can still keep the house, this will just delay closing. I need 30 days of paystubs (at a new job) before we can close. So...

Good news: We haven't lost the house, yet. Thank God.
Bad news: We have to stay in these apartments a bit longer..

I went to the apartment office yesterday and they said our apartment was still available to extend the lease because it hasn't been rented out yet (Thank God again!). Our rent is going to be $100 more expensive, but it's still better than moving back to Kokomo, then back to Noblesville again.

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K-LOVE's encouraging word for today.

Job searching has been an endless task, it seems. I've had interview after interview, followed up with numerous people and have yet to hear back from several. No offers yet, but I have a feeling one is coming soon.

I interviewed at 2 places yesterday. One felt like a really, really good fit. The company is fantastic (with great benefits). I followed up and am waiting eagerly to hear back. I sent them over some additional portfolio pieces in hopes of winning them over.

Just trying to keep the faith has been hard. Satan is attacking us at every aspect of our lives, it seems. My God is greater. Sorry, Satan - I'm not going back to how I used to be. This depression and anxiety is awful, but I'm not letting it get worse like you want it to.

Hunting, Applying, Calling, Emailing . . .

Well, it's been a month since I was let go.

I have had a few dozen phone interviews, and 2 in person interviews.

Sorry the blog has been quiet, I've literally been using up all of my time with packing, job searching, and cleaning. Still no update on the house (we stopped by last weekend and the cabinets and countertops were in!). Fingers are crossed that an offer, or something promising comes through this week.

We turned in our intent to vacate at the beginning of the month - we have to give them 30 days notice. It's scary not knowing for sure where we will be living in June, but I know God will provide.

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13

Here We Go Again . .

Yesterday was my birthday.

I also lost my job yesterday.

There was a lot of panic and running around yesterday. I was trying to figure out what was going to happen since I would no longer be receiving paychecks. Since I am the breadwinner, it puts our whole family at risk. We also risk losing our house. I was let go because there wasn't enough work for me. It's not my fault - they just didn't have enough to keep me busy. I was happy we had about $1500+ in savings - so rent would be covered for at least a few months. Thank you, Dave Ramsey!

This morning, I woke up to find a low balance in our checking/savings account. Work took out $1400 because I was -80 something vacation hours. Ugh - thank you mandatory Christmas break. We had $300 left in our account.

Come to find out, when I was hired, I signed a paper saying when I left I would either be given the positive balance back, or have to pay the difference. This triggered a pretty bad panic attack, so I went and ran.

I ran 2.5 miles and spent about 40 minutes outside. It was nice - and really cleared my head.

After my shower, I stayed calm and tried to figure out where all of our extra money was. We had $2500 in our health savings account and are able to transfer that over to our checking account. Some of this needs to be used on prescriptions for this month as well as the crown for my tooth...but that's great! I also checked my wallet for birthday money - $340. We should be okay for rent for a few months..and also have enough to close on our house.

We aren't willing to give up our house just yet. We haven't signed the official mortgage agreement, and we haven't even locked in the interest rate yet. We aren't saying "no" to the house until we are absolutely sure it isn't affordable.

My old company is offering a week's pay..which is better than nothing. I also applied for unemployment, and hopefully that will be coming sooner rather than later.

Prayers would be much appreciated throughout the next few weeks.