That's right, I finally got the job I've been after for over 10 years and now just 7 months later, I quit. I think I've lost my mind. I was venting to a friend one day about needing a new job closer to home (half joking and not seriously looking) and she told me her employer is always hiring; I figured what the heck, lets give it a shot. I had to take a pre-employment test which included a section on Excel, a program I've never so much as opened before let alone used. I failed it but must have rocked my interview because they hired me anyway! They offered me less money then what I make at the shelter so before I accepted Hubby and I sat down and figured out all of our expenses taking into account gas, tolls, food, sitter (who will have Minion 2 extra days now) and of course bills. Turns out, we are still saving more money if I take the new job. It also offers room for advancement and they have quarterly bonuses, something I'll likely never see at the shelter. I decided to take it. Hubby of course is thrilled because I will no longer be working night shift or over-nights anymore, or weekends for that matter. I've never had a job where not only so I have a set schedule but I have EVERY weekend off! Maybe I can be a functional member of my family for once.
I'm going to miss the shelter a lot though, for a lot of reasons. Saving animals lives, seeing something different everyday, police drug busts...I live for this stuff; I need to find myself a new adrenaline rush before I go stir crazy. Most of all I'm going to miss my co-workers. Scratch that, I'm going to miss my friends. I have met some amazing people working at the shelter and some life long friends, it's killing me that I won't get to see them everyday anymore. I'm not even going to be in the same state. I'm not going to get to see all the babies grow up (I started quite a baby boom when I got pregnant with Minion). Sure the place is like high school sometimes but what place isn't? So many people have had my back since I started there and genuinely supported me. Some are a bit over-protective but it's sweet and I think I'll even miss that. I'm always going to worry about my drivers even though I won't be working there anymore. They bust their butts doing what they love and it's usually a thankless job (except of course all the puppy kisses). Lives have been in danger more then once but it never stops anyone. I wish the rest of the world could see a shelter workers life through their eyes, it's hard. What am I going to do without this place?
I keep feeling like a made a mistake but I know this new job will be better for our future. We want to save to buy a house in a few years, I need a new car... These are all things that just won't be possible if I stay at the shelter. On a positive note, I get to go clothes/shoe shopping! This new place is business casual and there is not a lot in my current wardrobe that fits that category. Hubby is working on Sunday(his 1 a month) so Minion and I are going to spend the day upgrading our closets, I know he won't really enjoy it but at least we get to hang out together all day. Maybe I'll find somewhere with a play place for lunch since it's getting to cold for the playground... I know Chick-fil-A will be closed, I hope that doesn't leave only McDonald's. I can't eat there, it hurts my stomach and I'd rather Minion not eat there either.
This should definitely be interesting, I start this coming Monday so wish me luck.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
VTECH InnoTab 3S Giveaway
Welcome to the Vtech's InnoTab Giveaway
This giveaway is brought to you by Empowered Mommy and friends!
Co-hosted by Black Coffe Brown Cow, Nest Full Of New, Powered By Dad, Joys Of Life & Craft Cravings
Vtech's Innotab is a perfect technology gift for own child, niece/nephew or grandchildren! I was in love with this electronic toy ever since I laid eyes on it! Empowered Mommy and friends teamed together to giveaway one of these tabs to one of their reader!
What is Vtech's Innotab?
It is tablet that offers a wealth of fun, age-appropriate learning games for kids, plus new ways to play and learn. Kids and parents can exchange and share their text messages, photos and more over a kid-safe Wi-Fi connection using VTech Kid Connect. Children can browse kid-safe and parent approved websites to find even more learning fun right from the InnoTab 3S.
What does this tablet include?
Exchange and Share with Smart phones
InnoTab 3S connects kids to their parents and friends anywhere (available with Wi-Fi connection). With VTech Kid Connect Basic (included) you can wirelessly exchange text and fun stickers between the InnoTab 3S and smart phones. Kids can also connect with friends and siblings safely with tablet-to-tablet communication between two InnoTab 3S tablets no matter where they are- anytime, anywhere.
Browse the web
Make A Wish
Deluxe Apps Package
Movie Maker
Rotating Camera and Video Recorder
Wonder Cam
Magic Beanstalk Game
& MUCH MORE!!!
Learning is even more fun with InnoTab 3S, fun that never stops!
This giveaway is open to US/CAN. Entrants must be 18+ to enter the giveaway.
Giveaway dates: October 17, 2013 to November 17, 2013
Enter via rafflecopter widget below. Allow the widget to fully load and claim as many entries as you can to maximize your chances to win!
Disclosure: Epic Tales of a First Time Mom is not responsible for the shipment of the prize. This giveaway is not at all endorsed or sponsored by Facebook, Twitter and/or Vtech. This is a self sponsored giveaway brought to you by Empowered Mommy and friends. Once the giveaway is over, the winner will be announced via random.org and will be contacted by Empowered Mommy via. For questions, please email Empowered Mommy.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
In Mind 4U "I Love You to the Moon & Back" sign Giveaway
Hosted By: Simply Southern Couponers
Sponsored By: In Mind 4U
In Mind 4 U is a hand painted wood sign shop on etsy founded by Stacy Murphy out of Ohio. She opened her shop on etsy in late 2010. While experimenting and seeing what she was going to sell, she saw her true calling, hand painted vintage style signs. She loves to paint or do anything that allows her to show her creative sign so she loves painting new signs for her shop. She has an amazing support system from her husband and their son. Read Simply Southern Couponers full review here.
Simply Southern Couponers is happy to have been able to partner up with In Mind 4U to give our readers this awesome giveaway! We will be giving away a wooden sign just like this one pictured above to one of our viewers (RV$30). See details below on how to enter!
Event Details:
October 16th - October 30th
Open to US residents who are 18 years of age or older.
To enter complete the entries on the Entry Form below. All winning entries will be verified.
Prize: One lucky viewer will have a chance to win their own "I love you to the moon & back" hand painted wood sign from In Mind 4U.
This would be a beautiful addition to any nursery or home decor.
Disclosure: Epic Tales of a First Time Mom did not receive compensation for promoting this event and is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google or any other social network. Nomad Footwear is responsible for prize fulfillment. Please contact Jennifer atsimplysoutherncouponers@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
BabyBjorn ONE carrier Giveaway
Welcome to the BabyBjörn
ONE Carrier
Giveaway
Hosted by: So Sew Mama
Sponsored by: BabyBjörn
Epic Tales of a First Time Mom proudly supports baby wearing!
The Features:
- The Baby Carrier One is for use with newborns (minimum 8 pounds) to age approximately age three (maximum 33 pounds)
- Four position options. Front carrying in or outward facing. Back carrying in or outward facing.
- Ergonomic design with back distribution and a waist belt for added parental and babe comfort.
- All fabrics safety tested and free from hazardous chemicals.
- Machine washable
- Extra secure
Giveaway
10/8 - 10/22
One reader will receive the BabyBjörn ONE carrier. The winner must be 18+ years of age and have a US address. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Winner must reply to email to confirm address with 48 hours or a new winner is chosen. The more entries you complete the greater of a chance you have at winning.
Good luck!
SHARE LINK http://giveawaytools.com/share.php?giveaway=320438309
So Sew Mama and the bloggers involved are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment and fulfillment. Facebook is not affiliated with this giveaway. I was not compensated for this post.
Pit Bull Calendar Giveaway
Hosted by: Queen of Savings
Dog Park Publishing, based out of northern New Jersey, was created for the purpose of showcasing and celebrating the Pit Bull, in particular, as a majestic, affectionate, and intelligent breed that is sorely misunderstood.
They have developed calendars and other products -- with a portion of the proceeds going to Pit Bull rescue groups -- to increase the public's awareness of the good qualities of these wonderful dogs.
3 Winners will receive a Painted Pit Bulls 2014 Calendar that is a full-color 12"x12" wall calendar, perfect for any Pit Bull or dog lover! Enjoy twelve months of beautiful artwork by artist Dean Russo -- each month features a new and exciting print.
3 Winners will receive a For The Love of Pit Bulls 2014 Calendar that is a full-color 12"x12" wall calendar, perfect for any Pit Bull or dog lover! Enjoy twelve months of beautiful Pit Bulls -- each one rescued from difficult circumstances by a reputable rescue group.
Winners and prizes will be chosen at random.
Prize: 3 Painted Pit Bulls 2014 Calendars and 3 For The Love of Pit Bulls 2014 Calendars
Dates: 10/12-10/26
Open to: US Residents18+
Enter to win using the Giveaway Tools Widget below. Good luck!
Disclosure: Epic Tales of a First Time Mom did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Just sharing the Pit Bull love.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
The Sickness
Minion has had a runny nose for just over 2 weeks now and about a week ago had an on/off fever. The last week or so this has also been accompanied by a diapers rash (his 2nd one!) that just looks painful. Non of this has seemed to bother him and since the sitters baby hasn't been sick (they share binkies, cups and food) I have attributed it all to teething. I've been giving him Hyland's Baby Tiny Cold Tablets for a couple days and running the humidifier while he sleeps. This kid seriously hates having his nose even wipes let alone having the boogies sucked out... it's a battle. Recently it has been suggested that maybe he has allergies. That's completely plausible since I have seasonal allergies myself and they've been bothering me a little but not enough that it crossed my mind. I think I'm going to start giving him a small spoonful of local honey tonight and see if that helps too.
With that said. Hubby has been actually sick for the past few days (sore throat, running nose...) and is miserable. Now don't get me wrong when I'm sick I expect to be waited on hand and foot and I know I'm not at all pleasant to be around but it just amuses me that my 15 month old has had almost the same symptoms for 2 weeks now and has been acting like his normal happy self. Nothing at all against Hubby it just goes to show how resilient kids actually are (thank goodness because I don't think I could handle them both being whiny at the same time). So far, I'm doing pretty good and not feeling sick at all. *knocks on wood*
On a completely unrelated note, Hubby found a better paying job! I wish it would have come about 3 months ago so we wouldn't have had to move but hey, I'll take what I can get. That just means we can save more money to buy a house in a couple years. Who knows, maybe we can even replace the Kia with a newer (better) used car. I'm sure Hubby will want brand new but I really don't want to take on a car payment AND full coverage insurance so I think he's going to lose that battle.
With that said. Hubby has been actually sick for the past few days (sore throat, running nose...) and is miserable. Now don't get me wrong when I'm sick I expect to be waited on hand and foot and I know I'm not at all pleasant to be around but it just amuses me that my 15 month old has had almost the same symptoms for 2 weeks now and has been acting like his normal happy self. Nothing at all against Hubby it just goes to show how resilient kids actually are (thank goodness because I don't think I could handle them both being whiny at the same time). So far, I'm doing pretty good and not feeling sick at all. *knocks on wood*
On a completely unrelated note, Hubby found a better paying job! I wish it would have come about 3 months ago so we wouldn't have had to move but hey, I'll take what I can get. That just means we can save more money to buy a house in a couple years. Who knows, maybe we can even replace the Kia with a newer (better) used car. I'm sure Hubby will want brand new but I really don't want to take on a car payment AND full coverage insurance so I think he's going to lose that battle.
Target $200 Gift Card Giveaway Opportunity
Christmas is almost here!!
We are giving away
a
Target $200 Gift Card
-FREE Link with announcement (Twitter or Pinterest)
-Giveaway date: October 14 to November 4
-Co-host $15.00
10 Links
2 Co-host pages
Extra links $1.50
Send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com
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