MANdatory Monday

So, once again here I am after a long stint away from ye ol' blog.  I do  miss it and despite my past months I am hoping to get back into the regular.  In the last few weeks I had more than a few "come to jesus moments with myself in trying to really pinpoint what I wanted in my career and what steps I'd need to lay down to get there.  I had so many feelers out in so many different paths that I finally realized... with Mr's wise and insightful help of course...that I really just need to hone down my true passions in life and go from their.  I really have always been so driven, but burn out before I see the fruits of my labor...or hit a wall like a crazy business owner that is stealing from his own business and making his staff insane.  So yeah...I really analyzed all of my past experiences...what I loved...what I hated...and then scratched out the stuff that I hated that is just part of normal work life, like putting on pants in the morning or having a salary that doesn't afford me all the luxuries I ever want when I want them.  So, when push came to shove I decided on a path...and the world heard my new focus and I got a new job!

I remember being so excited in January...about all the possibilities and creative outlet of my job now...and am hoping that this isn't round two.  But I was certain to cross some neccessary elements off this time...like will the schedule suck the living life out of me...and will I need to not only wake up before the sun, but actually already have half my day in by then.  Yeah, today was officially my last 3am wake up alarm.  I have 2 more days on the job and start my new gig next week.  Ironically it's the exact position I had before, just at a different site...with different owners...that are not emotionally tied to each other and a much better business model.  Lots more room for growth as well since they own a few practices. Already feeling the weight falling off my shoulders.  The last few months have been brutal.  Tomorrow is my first day off in 8 days and I am so looking forward to that never happening again.  I have already enlisted a team of friends to make sure I never say..."Hey, I miss retail".  And if I do, I am to be beaten and whipped.  Not in the good way.

So that's the job news.  Everything else is peachy.  Falling more in love ever day and really embracing all the possibilities of the future.  Dogs are crazy...which means they're well...and our little zen nest is truly home.  Of course we're wanting to buy a bigger place with a yard...but until then, we are cozy and enjoying our little den.  About to hit the kitchen and make some dinner...and I really am craving cake...so, I may just lose the battle to avoid it and throw one in the oven...like I even tried to avoid it.

Peace and Wine...more wine please! - Rin

Thirsty Thursday

Life is buzzing and summer is quickly setting in.  I'm just keeping my head up with work and maximizing every minute I'm not consumed by it in some way or the other.  I am not letting the year go by without taking full advantage of long weekends, PTO, and any chance I get to lay out and kick back.  Mr and I are headed to San Diego for a week in just four short weeks.  A weekend in Rehoboth Beach just to get in some last minute family time in and do a joint Mother's/Father's weekend.  Taking the dogs and planning to get plenty of R&R.

I've realized how much Mr. has helped me realize the importance of taking time for yourself and valuing that time.  I have never been good at just taking my down time to relax...always trying to get ahead on chores, projects, and what nots.  Always putting off what I would like to do for what needs done.  There is obviously a time and place where that just is what it is...but there is also a definite need to give yourself a break.  I realized that the less time you think you deserve to spend on taking care of your own mind and body, the more time you actually need to spend on it.  And the more you give yourself that time...the more free and grateful you are for all the rest of the time you have out in the world.

Anywho...that's my rambling.  After a 4am alarm and a long ass day at the sweat shop I am still going strong and trying to not freak out about my 9 straight days of work before my weekend.  I am still trying to squeeze out my Memorial Day off since it's been to crazy to take it since then...it'll get squeezed in somewhere I'm told, but I'm not holding my breath. :-)  I am squeezing in lots of baking...and working on an idea for another blog and eventual mini cookbook idea.  I'll have to test some pics on here and hide them in between hot men to see if anyone notices that they are yummy in a slightly different way.  

So...I must go, prep dinner for my man and maybe get a chore done here or there in between.  Breaking old habits takes at least 20 days.  lol.

Cheers - Rin

MANdatory Monday

And we're back to Monday.  Like a never ending cycle.  Wishing for the weekend the entire week...and then seeing it go by in a flash.  I remember loving the weekdays.  Blurgh, I'm too young to be feeling like this.  Something will give soon and doors will open.  Bummed I was not feeling the visit to the location they basically offered me...just felt like it wasn't the right fit and would be like going from one bad gig to another...just bad for different reasons.  I'm going to discuss with the woman who would bring me on and see what her thoughts are when I share mine.  Maybe another opportunity is around she'll be able to work me into.  I am grateful that the ball is rolling at least...and there is potential in the future.

So, walked the boys this morning in the frosty air and crispy leaves.  Definitely time to default to gloves and just carry them if I'm lucky enough not to need them.  This is my first winter in my condo...and while I have a patio I could check the temp on...I often wait til I get myself and my dogs down three flights of stairs and out to realize I was not dressed for a hike.  But I think I'm resigned to the fact that I need to just bundle, and carry what I don't need.  Yes, it's winter.

Good thing is I'm rolling along on everyone's gifts.  I always make a fair share of what I give to friends and family.  I'm going to do some granola starter kits and make some home made bath salts and fizzy bath balls.  Also doing something cool for the lesbos that I think they'll really like.  Excited to see how it comes out.  Mr. is done besides some odds and ends...but I can't share too much in case he pops on and checks in here. I like to keep things a surprise when I can.

Ok, coffee is calling and I need to have a bit of downtime before I trek in to the unknown that is my workplace atmosphere.  Good boss asked that I block him out for the day and reschedule all of his appointments, which is odd, so maybe there's an unknown court date that I can hope will be the end to the madness.  But I'm not going to count my chickens before that egg hatches!

Lots of warmth - Rin

MANdatory Monday

Tattoo Tuesdays

Gotta Love a Guy with Ink! 

MANdatory Mondays

These are some men's mens up in here!