4 Month Reflection

Yesterday marked four months of being at my new job- uhh, how did that happen?! Sometimes I feel like I've been here forever and other days, I feel like its my first day.

I can say, without question, that changing jobs was the best thing. My stress levels appreciate it, my checkbook loves it, my family and friends see a huge change in me. Granted, while I LOVED my old job and coworkers, I was burnt out. The reality is, that happens. Its no one's fault. It was just the nature of that job. 

I have learned so much at my new job. Its amazing to see the differences between a state nonprofit and a national nonprofit. I have all the good corporate benefits (my insurance is out of this world!, and I have support everywhere I look) yet still have the "we roll up our sleeves and get the job done" mentality. Since I have never worked corporate America, I can't accurately compare- just my assumptions. But my blog so I can assume away!

I've also been surprised how much knowledge I've been able to apply from my old job. I'm no longer in the MH/DD field and I'm no longer doing design work so I wasn't sure how many skills would transfer.

I've made it through 3/4 of our events, all were in June. We have one major event left for the year and that will be a breeze compared to June.

I'm thrilled where life is taking me and I haven't looked back once!

Cheers,
Southern Gal

IOU

I know I keep promising lots of great pictures, posts, stories, etc but I haven't delivered. I'm sorry!

Here is my IOU list-

1. S + P wedding part II
2. S + C wedding- I discovered my talent for setting up a candy bar!
3. New house tour
4. New job update (Tour de Cure is a semi-update)
5. My trip to DC

For now, here are some pictures of life

Yay peonies!

I received this beauty the other day in a text. That's Sara and I when we were like 4 years old- baby dolls and dress up!

I learned a new drinking game! Have you played Four Corner?

And of course, a sleeping princess!

Happy Hump Day,

S.O.S.



I Survied!

I survived my first Tour de Cure. 2 days, 500 riders, 200+ miles, countless volunteers, and one capri pants sunburn lines.

Here is the Start Line on Day 1 (my 3am wake up call)

From the Start Line, the riders either headed out on an 85 mile route or a 100 mile route to the overnight site.

Sunday was a day long event as well. We had the 25 mile route, 50 mile route, Family Fun Ride, bouncey houses, face painting, and cheering the riders as they crossed the finish line.

I got a killer sunburn on Sunday. My coworkers told me it looked like I had red knee-highs on yesterday because my shins/calves were sooooo red. They still hurt!

Thinking about training for next year's event???

xoxo,

Southern Gal

The Other Side of 3am

I failed my Memorial Day weekend goal. I didn't blog. Does life ever slow down?!

Tour de Cure started today! Its a two day bike event to raise funds to cure diabetes. AKA, supporting this event is my new job. Yes, I started 6 weeks before a 2-day, 200 mile, road bike event. I'm crazy. I've learned my job at the busiest time of the year. I left my old job at the tail end of a busy season, just to start a new job in the midst of busy season. Seriously, I'm ready for down time. My soul is yearning for sandy feet and salty air.

Anyways, today I realized that 3 am looks very different when you are on your way to work, versus on your way home from an evening of cocktails!! I had to be at the event site at 4am so I was on the road by 3:30am. I can't believe I'm awake and typing coherent sentences- at least I hope my writing is grammatically correct! The morning went smoothly and I happily sent everyone on their way. Once the bikers left, the crew broke everything down and I headed to the office to crunch numbers.

I got really lucky with my day-of job. All the other staff hit the road with the bikers and are coordinating the all the rest stops and the overnight event. I'm at home in bed AND I've had a nap this afternoon. Lord, thank you for this blessing.

Tomorrow is Day 2 and we will have a couple more local bike rides while we welcome back to town the 200 milers. I don't have to be at the event site until 6am so I get to sleep in! Yippie lol

I didn't sleep very well last night because I was so worried that my volunteers wouldn't show up, the thunderstorm wouldn't pass through by morning. or the t-shirts would be wrong! Everything went smoothly today so fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Alright, I'm heading to bed.

Sweet Dreams Darlings,

SOS

I'm Still Alive

Hey Everyone-

I'm still here but I'm beyond exhausted. I have great stories about Florida, new job excitement, and moving crazies! I haven't forgotten y'all but I can't mentally formulate posts this week.

See ya soon,

S.O.S.

Big Announcement #1

Hey Yall!

So I officially gave my 2-week notice at work!!!!! Yay! That is correct, I have left my job of six years (gasp!) and have decided to join a national nonprofit team. I'm super excited!!! I am behind in announcing my job change on the blog; so far behind that today is my last day!!

Today is not officially 2 full weeks, but sometime ago I put in for vacation for this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Since it was already approved, it is considered part of my 2 weeks.

A couple of my awesome friends decided that we must celebrate so we tried our local Wine & Design. Big hit but holy cow, lots of concentration!

This blank canvas will soon be Charleston's Rainbow Road.

Wine & Design strongly encourages their guests to bring snacks, wine, etc. KtP took care of JB and I with this amazing apple and goat cheese tart, as well as pimento cheese and crackers. I LOVE when KtP cooks, yumm-o!!

Midway through. At this point, my phone died so I'm hoping someone will email me the picture of the 3 of us (hint, hint).

Final piece! Not bad for my first time. I'm ready to try another piece. Who wants to go??

Wine & Design was a neat way to celebrate.  I'm so lucky to have these girls in my life to take the time to celebrate me! Thank you KtP and JB xoxo

Check back tomorrow for MORE news haha

Happy Tuesday,

S.O.S.