The era of the mustache....

Well it's definitely time for a blog update.  It's been almost two weeks exactly since my last blog post.  Two weeks ago tomorrow I found out that I lost my job.  (yes that stunk- you can read my last blog post to hear more sappy sentences about that)

Today I started my new job!  Yes...a new job!  The stars aligned JUST perfectly for this job to come my way. With the help of a few great people (you know who you are) and the cosmic powers just right....I landed a job this past week!  I think you could say that was record timing.  Unemployed on Tuesday...interview on Friday..job offer on Tuesday.  :)  Wow...I'm pretty lucky.

For those of you wondering about the title of this blog post, that was my first hint about my new job.  My second hint...you probably have this app on your smartphone.  My third hint...you've probably used this app to help you plan your weekend dining out plans or shopping trips.  Like 50% off...?  Yea, me too!  If you haven't guessed already (or if you live in a city that doesn't YET have this awesome app) I am now working for Scoutmob.  Scoutmob is quite simply the most awesome thing ever.  Check out the website, get the free app, and start cashing in the awesomeness.  Scoutmob features a different local business {mostly restaurants and boutiques} each day on their website and dedicated email blast to each city.  Not only do you get a great story about the history and the culture of this local business...but the business in return offers YOU a 50% off discount for their goods or services.  No upfront costs...no coupons to buy...no strings.  It's a great excuse to try new local restaurants and boutiques.  Jay and I have been planning our evenings around Scoutmob deals for a while now.  The age old conversation, "Where do you want to go eat?"  has been squashed.  Now it's, "What places around us are on Scoutmob?"  Check it out.  Download the free app.  It's awesome.

Scoutmob- check them out here

Anywhoo...enough about that.  I am happy to no longer have to report to the unemployment office {as pleasant as that was} and I am so grateful for the unconditional support and love from my husband, my family, and my friends.  I could not have gotten through this rough patch without you all.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, your kind words, and your networking help.  I certainly appreciate all of it.  

With the new job underway...I'm getting excited about Christmas and the time we'll get to spend with our families and friends this year.  Our first married Christmas....I have taken to some holiday baking and have tested out some awesome new recipes.  Next few blog posts will be about my baking experiments... =)   Drooling yet... hello, cranberry chocolate chunk cookies....

Recipe Courtesy of Giada de Laurentiis- Giada at Home

Funny what you wish for...

It's been less than one week from my last blog post and WOW have things changed!  Last time I was talking about how I was such a lucky girl and how I really wanted God to show me how to find my story.  Well...as the adage goes, "be careful what you wish for." 

The very next day I receieved the gut wrenching news that my company was shutting down.  The room started spinning, I got hot and sweaty, and didn't really hear everything that was said.  I kept hearing phrases like, "your last day is Friday" and "dissolving the business" and "we really regret having do make this decision."  If you have never been laid off from a job, consider yourself lucky.  This was certainly the first time that I had not chosen to leave a company.  You see...I'm quite the control freak. Yes..me...the control freak.  "Hi.  My name is Jessica and I'm a control freak."  It really sucked having all control yanked right out from under me.

Anyways...so after being asked to leave for the day and we had to come back the next day for a meeting.  I was still kind of in shock.  I didn't want to tell my husband over the phone, so I waited...and waited...for him to come home.  After a little liquid vino courage and a few hours, he was finally home.  I broke the news to him (without shedding a tear might I add)  I kind of felt like a puppy who had peed in the floor.  I had my tail between my legs and was just waiting for my owner's reaction to my mess.  Much to my surprise, my husband was so calm.  Supportive- yes.  Encouraging- of course.  Reassuring- absolutely.  His reaction really helped calm me down.  If he felt like we'd be okay, then we would.  Period.  I realized at that moment that our marriage (just two months in) was already being tested.  I know God will never give us more than we can handle.  Boy, I just didn't see this coming so soon.  "Happy 2 month wedding anniversary....I'm unemployed!" Yea...not what I was going for.  My husband's love and encouragement really calmed my nerves.  I immediately knew it was going to be okay. 

I am taking this time to really ask God for help and guidance.  Help me find my story...help me find my way.  God, what do you have planned for me?  I know that God has a greater plan for me...it just sometimes takes a little intervening.  I've been wanting to make a transition into a different career, so maybe this is my perfect opportunity.  The past several years, I've been really yearning for a more socially meaningful career.  I want to work with children.  I want to inspire children.  I want to do more than just sit at a desk and sell people stuff.  I want to make a DIFFERENCE.  How many people do you know that truly love what they do for a living?  How many times have you said to yourself, "I've got to make a change"?  Well...God is most definitely making a change in my life.  The hardest part is just letting go of that control and trusting that God will take care of my husband and me.  Let go and let God....

So I say all of this not to evoke sympathy from you {I truthfully didn't want to tell anyone about me being unemployed...but I dont think that many people read my blog lol}  I hope to come out on the other side of this valley with a new outlook on life.  I want to use this opportunity to make a change and make a difference.  Here's to the next chapter of my life....

Until next time,
xoxo