Why I have been MIA from Blogging and what has been going on

Hello Blogging world! Did you notice that my blog has been "deleted" for almost 2 weeks? Well, shame on you if you didn't. Kidding.

Have you ever heard of the saying by Marilyn Monroe; sometimes GOOD things fall apart so better things come together? Or if you are of Christian faith like I am, "God has perfect timing". "It's all apart of God's plan"?

Perhaps you have heard the most famous saying:

Everything happens for a reason.

Can I please tell you that I am cold, hard, living proof that ALL of the above quotes are TRUE.

Let me explain what has been happening...

As a lot of my friends know, my current job was downsizing. This was the third "downsize" in nearly 2 1/2 years. I have been there since day one and I just felt that the time had come for me to move on and venture into a new career. However, the best way to do that is to have a new job lined up before I leave my current one. So, that's what I did. I obtained an Executive Assistant position for a blooming Real Estate company. My last day at my job was Friday, October 18th and my new job as the Executive Assistant was starting on Tuesday, October 22nd. I talked about that on a lot of my blog entries. The job was Uptown Charlotte and I found a brand new apartment ONE block from my new job. I could walk to work, walk to restaurants, bars, etc. Everything sounds great, right?

That Saturday, the 19th, to celebrate my new job, I went to Greensboro to stay with my grandma and grandpa, and my mom even came up to stay as well. We grilled steaks, looked through old pictures, drank wine, and it was just the best night. Sunday, my grandmother was going to take me shopping for gorgeous new office clothes. We wake up bright and early Sunday morning, get dressed and dolled up, then take off for a day of shopping. 

Once my grandmother and I set out for our fun day off shopping, my cell phone rings. It was the CEO of the real estate company. She told me my job offer was rescinded. And to be honest, I have no idea what happened. "Upon further review, we are not going to be a good fit". NC is an "at will" employment state, which means you can be hired, fired, and anything in between without reason at any time. When she told me that via telephone, my entire world fell apart. The apartment I was so damn excited about? Gone. My new career? Gone. I was going to have to file for unemployment which I probably would not even be approved for since I resigned from my last job, barely be able to pay my bills, and maybe lose everything. When you have no source of income and are not sure when you can obtain a new job - what can you do? 

I am the type of person who measures a lot of my confidence, self actualization, and self worth by my career. My grandmother is the same way, so is my dad. It runs in my family. Sure, it may not be politically correct, but it is what it is.

I felt humiliated. I was so excited and I had told everyone. I was making huge plans. And with a 3 minute phone call, everything was taken. I can't tell you the pain, anxiety attacks, and tears that followed that call. I could not drive home that Sunday because I was so distraught. So, last Monday the drive of shame back to Charlotte commenced. I called my prior boss, sister, Kelly, and the closest people of my life to let them know what happened.

Marquis took me out for pizza when I got back and I hit the ground. It was time to start over. The worst thing I could do was keep harping on what happened and beating myself up. Last week I worked out, did some deep cleaning, and researched company after company applying for jobs and sending my resume for them to keep on file for future openings. I probably contacted over 300 companies.

Sunday night when I was Googling different companies in the Ballantyne Corporate Park (aka the land of opportunity) I saw an investment firm that seemed VERY interesting. Since I previously worked for an investment firm, I thought I would email them. They did not have any job postings on their website, but I did not let that stop me.

The very next morning the President of the company emailed me and told me that he had been interviewing for an Executive Assistant/Office Manager, and he was close to making a decision, but if I could come in that day at 3 PM, he would interview me. So, I got my crap together and I was in his office at 3 PM sharp. The office was in the heart of the corporate park on the fourth floor, overlooking the lake, and was very modern and chic. It felt like "home" being there. I had a great interview. He told he liked my drive and my spunk. (LOL... spunk, huh?) Today, I got the call that he wants me to join his company. I graciously accepted, and I start FRIDAY! This has been some process; interview on Monday, offered the job on Wednesday, and I start Friday.

The President of this company is amazing. He has a stellar sense of humor and we got along great. I am also getting a significant pay raise. Plus, full benefits. Everything makes sense now. I am SO happy. The absolute happiest I have ever been. Now that I have come through the dark, I want to be back at my blog documenting this crazy, ever changing life.

Grandma and I finally had our shopping day today, and man was it successful.

Well guys that is it for now. I have missed you all so much. I can't wait to catch up and see what everyone has been up too!

Fall, Fireball, and Gidget the Cougar Pumpkin!

How was everyone's weekend? Mine has pretty fun! Friday I worked then hit the gym for cardio. Afterwards, it was time to get ready. One of my friends Jeana, her husband TJ, and I went to Comedy Zone. I LOVE live raunchy comedy, and the show did not disappoint. The opening man reminded me of Kevin Hart. He was too freaking funny. I sipped on my go-to drink for comedy show's; "Blue Motorcycle".

Blue Motorycle is a STRONG drink:

1 1/2 oz tequila
fill with sweet and sour mix
1 1/2 oz rum
1 splash 7-Up® soda
1 1/2 oz vodka
1 1/2 oz gin
1 1/2 oz Blue Curacao liqueur

Saturday I slept in and it was glorious. I have not been drinking much lately so after my two Blue Motorcycles I was feeling good. Sleeping in was essential. I woke up around 10, did my Saturday morning routine of getting meals planned for the week, then Marquis and I went to the dog park, a pumpkin patch, and ran a lot of errands. It was a busy, busy afternoon.

Marquis went to the gym around 4 but I stayed home I was exhausted. I thought Marquis would be to when he got home from the gym, after over 3 hours of training, but I was wrong. He brought me a "Sex On The Beach" and told me to get ready and that we were going out. You don't have to tell me twice!

I got ready in record time: shower, hair, and makeup - 20 minutes!

We went downtown Waxhaw to our favorite bar/public house; "Southsiders". There is a train track that goes through downtown and the town built a bridge over it. It's so beautiful, especially at night. 

We were so close to the train!

We had a blast listening to the band "Lipstick On A Pig" and drinking the official drink of fall: Fireball whiskey and apple ale. It was delicious! When you go your local bar tell them they must make it for you!

Today has been wonderful, fun, and relaxing. We slept in, made breakfast, laid around, and watched "After Earth". It was surprisingly a really good movie. I loved it - great story, acting, and action. The critics were way too hard on this movie!

After the movie, we watched my favorite show "Undercover Boss". It was the "Moe's Southwest Grill" episode and I could not get over how delicious the food looked. There is also one literally a mile from our house. So after the episode Marquis took me there for a late lunch. It was my first time eating there and it did not disappoint! Fast, friendly, and delicious. You can't beat that!

After a yummy lunch we finally had some energy and decided to run errands. Once we finished, we came back to the house for some fall fun! I painted and carved a pumpkin and Marquis carved one. 

Meet "Gidget the Cougar". She is my pumpkin creation. She enjoys copious amounts of wine, anything with glitter, and men in their early 20's.

Here are Gidget's lovers; Damien and BoBo.

They look adorable from the road, too!

Now it's time to eat dinner, settle in, and watch "The Walking Dead". The season premiere is at 9 PM. Then Bar Rescue. Sunday TV is the best! I hope you guys had a great weekend. Be sure to check out my "Link Up" page to check out all of the awesome link up's and blog hop's going on, on Monday's!

Wish me luck, this upcoming week is the last week at my current job. Bring it on...

America's Got Talent - The Live Show! + The Week!

Since I am a rebel, I feel like celebrating two of my favorite Friday link up's early. You know the ones where we write 5 things about our week - 5 on Friday and H54F. It has been a great week!

Monday, I worked until noon. When I got off of work, I rushed home to get glam then Marquis and I took the three hour drive to Raleigh, NC for "America's Got Talent". That is Marq's and I's favorite show. We have tons of shows that we always watch together but "America's Got Talent" is our number 1!

1) The l o o k

Since we were going downtown for dinner before the live show, I wanted to have a sexy look. I played in my new Urban Decay Vice 2 eye shadow kit and gave myself a grey/black smokey eye with hot pink lips and big blonde curls. It was a little on the 1980's nightclub look but I loved it!

2) A vegetarian/s p i n a c h burger

Before the show we had dinner at those most delicious place. It was called "The Hive". Oh my, it was too freaking good. They had the best salads and they made all of their vinaigrette dressings in house. I ordered a spinach and feta "burger" and had a spinach and berry salad on the side. The dressing was a honey champagne vinaigrette dressing - I want to learn how to create my own!

3) America's Got Talent - L I V E

The show was so much fun! The performers were all so good. We had the best seats in the house as well. We were in the center, in the second row. What makes it even better is that the two seats in front of us in the front row were empty the entire time. We lucked out!

After the show, we were able to meet everyone since we were VIP.

The first two acts we met were: the winner, Kenechi Ebina and second place, Taylor Williamson. They both were not were personable. Marquis tried to joke with Taylor and he was just awkward.

Next we met Jimmy Rose and Tone Tha Chiefrocka. They were both awesome. I love Jimmy. He waved to me in the crowd. And now I know why; Google his girlfriend. We have the exact same features, ha. I think meeting Jimmy was my favorite. You can tell he is so thankful and down to earth. He will go far in country music. I have no doubt.

After those two, it was time to meet my girl, my favorite, and wannabe BFF, Cami Bradley and the sexy underage; Collins Key. I cannot believe that kid is 16. He is so hot. I feel like a total molester saying that. I immediately ran up to Cami and told her how much I love her and how we should be BFF. 

Lastly we met the super talented, amazing, and super duper sexy KriStef brothers. OMG they are so freaking h o t. Stefan, the blonde one, makes me drool. I am not even kidding. They were fun.

4) F l o w e r s

Marquis surprised me with some gorgeous flowers and a card congratulating me on my new position in Real Estate and telling how I need and should believe in myself. I thought that was really nice. But I also deserved it because he has been in a completely rotten mood lately and is getting on my last nerve. I will be so damn glad when his bodybuilding competition is done so we can go back to normal.

5.) The official job o f f e r
I received my "official" job offer from the Real Estate company on Tuesday. Basically, I am the Director of Operations; I am over Human Resources, Office Management, and the Executive Assistant to my CEO. I am over the entire office ensuring attendance and accountability, hiring and finding new talent, continuing my education consistently by attending workshops and a lot of social events, being the "wing man" to my CEO - man this position is going to be the absolute biggest challenge of my life, but I could not be more excited and more ready for this!

The Hump Day Blog Hop! (4)

Hey guys! I am so excited you have come over. We are halfway through the week and the hump day camel is too freaking cool, so I decided to start a weekly blog hop to celebrate.

This is a little different than a link up. To participate, simply add your blog link. There is no required entry or anything like that. This is about networking, making new friends, and finding new blogs.

All I ask:

1) "The Hump Day" blog hop button button be displayed anywhere on your blog page or a specific entry with a link back to me or the weekly co-host.

2) You don't have to follow me, but in the words of Blake Shelton: it'd sure be cool if ya did.

3) But please follow the co-host. I love helping and promoting these amazing women in the blog world!

4) Mingle with your fellow Bloggers.

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Please help me welcome this weeks amazing co-host Rachael @ Pretty in Pink! I am so thankful to have a friend like her in Blog land. She is truly one of a kind. Rachael loves "Sex in the City", Disney, anything with cheese, and is studying to be a teacher. Make sure you pop over to her and say hi!

Weekend Shannies: I. Got. The. Job.

Well, well, well, lol. I got the job. Can you guys believe it? My nerves and my soul can finally rest... kind of.

I was a mess Friday afternoon. The CEO had still not called me. And for some reason, I thought she would for sure call. I just had this overwhelming feeling. So when I left work, I felt so drained. I skipped the gym, went home, and cried. I was just mentally exhausted from worrying about it so much. I got home around 5 PM from work since I left a little early. I was over life. I ended up leaving my home phone charger at my office so I decided to just leave my phone in the car and let it charge. I go inside and Marq and I sat in the living room and just talked. I needed to vent.

Around 5:45 I went out to my car to grab my phone. I noticed I had three emails, and wouldn't you believe one of them was from the CEO. She emailed me to ask a couple of questions and informally offer me the position. I replied and accepted, and she then called to let me know my formal offer would be emailed to me Monday. I'm really excited for this position. I'm a little bummed about the pay because she isn't starting me as high as I wanted, but it is still worth it because of how much I am going to learn from my CEO. Her company is the 12th fastest growing Real Estate firm in the US. She's has received tons of awards and she only started her company 7 years ago. Once I obtain my Real Estate license, things will be much different. I just need the patience and ensure being a hard worker is my foundation. Cheers to being a self efficient, self made woman!

After the realization set in that I did in fact get the job, Marq and I celebrated by planning my meals and work outs for the week, grocery shopping, picking up my favorite type of food - Greek (I ordered chicken kabobs, yum!) and catching up on "Impractical Jokers". Ha, how great right?

Saturday looked like this:

Up bright and early because our neighborhood community was having a big garage sale. Cars flooded our street! But before we could go to that, I needed to fuel up. I made this most delicious omelet; 3 egg whites, turkey sausage, fat free cottege cheese, and a hint of low fat mozzarella with a side of partially frozen peaches. Yum!

Around 1PM it was time to hit the gym. I had an awesome work out then lots of errands to run - as always. Do errands never end for anyone else or is it just me?

When I finally got back home, it was time to get ready for the evening. I played in my new Urban Decay Vice 2 eye shadow kit with a smokey blue eye. Since my eyes were dark, I paired it with a nude gloss. 

I made the most delicious Cobb style spinach salad for dinner then Marq and I saw "Gravity". And wow what a movie. It was really good! It made me a little motion sick but it was an awesome movie. Sandra Bullock defines amazing and the movie keeps you on edge. It's worth a see. I also finally earned enough points for a free ticket! Yay!

Today I was up bright and early at 8 AM. I slept like crap last night. I went to bed at 2 AM and could not fall back asleep when I accidentally woke up at 8. When Marquis does his cardio in the morning upstairs during show prep, I can hear it through the ceiling so it wakes me up most mornings, ugh. I love his body and I love that he bodybuild's, but going through show prep will him is hard.

At noon I hit the gym. I was going to go to spin class, but instead I decided to do the Elliptical and Lateral machine for an hour of cardio. Kevin Hart helped me get through all of that cardio. "Alright, alright, alriiight", ha! 

After the gym I was about to starve. I decided to pick up a sandwich from a restaurant I have always wanted to try; "Newks Express Cafe". I had the vegetarian sandwich - it was mushrooms, goat cheese, and pesto. Wow it was unbelievable! A little high in Weight Watcher points to be just a sandwich, but it was so delicious.

After I had lunch, it was time to get busy at the house: cleaning, prepping food for the week, and laundry. Below is this weeks meal plan:

1. Meal 1: 3 egg white omelet with a piece of turkey sausage and fat free cottage cheese and a side of partially frozen strawberries.
2. Meal 2: Quest Bar
3. Meal 3: 2 Morning Star vegetarian chicken patties with a side of mixed vegetables, and a Fiber One brownie
4. Meal 4: PB & J oatmeal (pre workout meal) 1/2 cup coats, 1 tablespoon of oatmeal, and blueberries
5. Meal 5: GardenIn bean based vegetarian "meat" (I use a variety) with a side of kidney beans, squash, and not pictured my clean potato salad.
6. Meal 6: Fiber One Protein Bar

Now I just got back from the for the grocery store and I'm about to start making a delicious Sunday dinner for Marq and I. He doesn't well this evening so I'm whipping up something extra delicious: 

Tonight Chef Liz is grilling garlic Parmesan crusted steak, fruit and spinach salad, and rosemary olive oil artisan bread. Complete with a bottle of vino!

Tomorrow I am working until noon then Marquis and I are off to Raleigh for dinner and "America's Got Talent" live! We have second row seats, I am so excited! 

That's about it for me. I realize all in all I have had a pretty boring weekend and my blog entry contains way too many pictures of food, ha! Have a great week everyone!

Friday's 5 and Faith

It's Friday; one of the best days of the week, and one of the funnest days of the week to blog. It is the 5 on Friday and H54F link up's. It's a time to reflect and write 5 things about the week that has been. I am writing this post on Thursday night while I clear my heads and thoughts. I looked forward to this post all week. I thought my Friday post would include how excited I was about landing my new position. Not so much though, I still have not heard anything. My faith is running low but I keep holding on. I know you guys are probably so sick of hearing about it, but this white screen and these black letters create an outlet for my over thinking mind.

1.) The crazy situation about this potential j o b.

I interviewed last Wednesday for the Executive Assistant position for a rapidly growing real firm. I would be the Executive Assistant to the CEO. The more I read and learn about this company, the more I yearn for this job. Who knows the opportunities that could come from this and I am praying relentlessly that I will get that call. The CEO of the company has won so many awards, she is so well known, and the firm is rated number 12 by the Wall Street Journal of top real estate company's in the US. What is so crazy about this whole damn thing is, I applied for this job nearly 2 months ago. They called for an interview in August and I accepted, but then a meeting came up and I had to cancel the interview. I called back a few days later to reschedule and from that point, it was a ping pong match of back and forth emails to find a convenient time for both myself and the company. I was tired of it, I did not think it would work out so I just gave up trying to interview with them. But they kept contacting me. So then two weeks ago when I came to the decision that I had to leave my current job, I decided that maybe I really do need to give this real estate company and chance and go interview with them. I was leaving my position and they were still trying to get me to come in for an interview. It made perfect sense and it also felt like fate working its way into my life. Last Wednesday the time had finally come. It was a killer had interview with that CEO and I felt kindred and connected with her. She is exactly how I want to be in 20 years. I have been obsessing and waiting by the phone for this job ever since. She called my references last Thursday (which were great) and that is all I know at this point. I have not been told either way. I sent a follow up email Wednesday evening and no reply thus far. I have been keeping up with the firm via Facebook and Twitter and they have had several events going on this week plus an awards ceremony for the CEO who has won yet another award. I am hoping that she has just been way too busy and will make a point to contact me either way soon. I promise to not write about it anymore, unless I get the job. Have you ever been offered a job, but it took them 1-3 weeks or maybe even longer to call you to offer it? You thought there was no way you landed the position but actually did get it?

2.) Training my r e p l a c e m e n t

Since I am leaving my current company as they are cutting costs and closing the office I work in and making everyone transition to our manufacturer an hour away (which I cannot do), I have been training my replacement. In addition to her current duties at our manufacturer, she will now be taking over my position. Again, another way the company can cut costs (it's that bad) and let me tell you all, that has been absolutely exhausting. By the end of the day I feel like I have ran a marathon, plus a sore throat. My job is really complicated so I am having to create training manuals to help the woman learn. The below picture is only half of them!

3.) Captain P h i l l i p s 

I am a member of GoFoBo, they send invites to advanced screenings of movies that are coming soon. I am not sure how you can become a member. I think you have to be invited. I joined through my Regal members card. If you know me, you know I spend way too much with Regal so I get to go to these screenings often. I am a junkie. This week we saw "Captain Phillips". All I can say is GO SEE THIS MOVIE! It is absolutely worth every penny! The movie is incredible and a true story. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The action, cast, and story line is impeccable. Tom Hanks never ceases to me amaze me with his acting skills. He was definitely born for this. 5 stars all of the way.

4.) China G l a z e

Every girl needs a little pampering once in a while. I recently bought some fun new China Glaze colors. I gave myself a homemade pedicure last night with this fun new color. 

5.) P i c t u r e s 

To celebrate true blog fashion, I have a bunch of a little random pictures from the week. The first one is Marty being adorable on his giant tower scratch post. The second picture, beside of Marty, is Charlie and Dottie watching their daddy talking on his phone on the deck. It was so cute. The third picture is Marty sleeping in one of my gym/laundry bags. Marquis texted me that picture when I was at work. Apparently he was missing his mommy - so cute! The fourth picture is Marty laid back, being as cute as ever. The bottom two pictures are some treats I have enjoyed this week. The "Orange Refresher" from Starbucks; I rarely ever go to Starbucks, but that Orange Refresher is the exception. It tastes natural and delicious, it's not sugary or filled with fake sugar crap. I love it. Lastly there is a Quest bar. It is hands down the healthiest and most nutritious protein bar on the market.They are a little pricy, but they are buy 3 get 1 free at GNC, I would go try one! 

Have a great weekend guys!

The Hump Day Blog Hop (3)

Hey guys! I am so excited you have come over. We are halfway through the week and the hump day camel is too freaking cool, so I decided to start a weekly blog hop to celebrate.

This week has been non-freaking-stop. I have been so behind on catching up with all of my girls on Blogger. I miss you guys. But I thank you all who are still coming by my little spot, so much. It means the world to me.

I am still searching and applying for jobs nonstop. It is very draining. I am still awaiting to hear from the job I interviewed for last week as well. If you all could say a prayer for me, I would really appreciate it. Since today marks one week since I interviewed, I am going to follow up with her via email this afternoon. I am also training my replacement who is taking over my current position. That is been absolutely exhausting! My job is so complex and it is going to take me the last 3 weeks of my job to get her settled in and learned.

Man, I am ready for things to calm down!

At least tonight Marquis and I are going to see "Captain Phillips". It is the new movie that is coming out October 11th with Tom Hanks. I am a member of GoFoBo so I scored free passes to a private screening.

Anyways - this is a little different than a link up. To participate, simply add your blog link. There is no required entry or anything like that. This is about networking, making new friends, and finding new blogs.

All I ask:

1) "The Hump Day" blog hop button button be displayed anywhere on your blog page or a specific entry with a link back to me or the weekly co-host.

2) You don't have to follow me, but in the words of Blake Shelton: it'd sure be cool if ya did.

3) But please follow the co-host. I love helping and promoting these amazing women in the blog world!

4) Mingle with your fellow Bloggers. 

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Please help me welcome this weeks co-host, Lindsay @ Domesticated Working Woman



She is one of my best Blogger friends and I am so happy she is joining me to co-host. They do not come more genuine, kind, and caring than her. As if she could not get better, she is addicted to housewives, into fitness, and has her first bundle of joy on the way -- congratulations on your baby boy, Linds!

Make sure you pop over and get to know her!