What's new in our house?

The past month has been kind of crazy.  The same day I posted about my review, I had a job interview. It went really well, but I didn't get the job. I know God has an amazing plan for me, so I am okay with it.  They were very kind when they told me they offered the position to another candidate.  They also didn't have any feedback, darn it!  Sometimes it is nice to get some helpful feedback. Oh well, I'm just happy there were so kind to me. About the same time as that was going on, J and I decided to put a contract in to build a brand new house about 20 miles from our current home.  I had also scheduled a doctor's appointment with a dermatologist to check a small spot on my back. Additionally, my allergy medication had stopped working again to treat my allergies to our cats.  Finally, I was anxiously awaiting the birth of my friend T's baby. 
A week after putting a contract in to buy a brand new house, we pulled our contract.  Our new home purchase was contingent on meeting with our real estate agent.  The reality of the situation was that we would lose a LARGE chunk of money selling our current home.  Neither of us were willing to make that sacrifice, so we backed out.  I can't explain why, but this was one of the most peaceful decisions I have ever made. I am just very at peace with our decision.  In my gut, I feel like we made the right choice.  What's kind of odd, is everyone seems more disappointed than we are.
The very same day, a friend posted on Facebook that she was going to take her little girl to the pound to adopt a cat.  With a heavy heart, I sent her a message and told her we needed to re-home our cats.  I hadn't said much to anyone about it, because it was such a painful decision.  I didn't know if everyone would understand what it was like to already have asthma, but not be able to breathe on top of it, even with medication.  I had to make a decision to put my health first.  After some conversation, our friend took both of the cats and they are in the process of adjusting.  Please pray they continue to adjust and love their new home.  They are in a huge house with a family who has kids home all day long to play with them.  They will be well loved and taken care of.  We did say if for some reason things didn't work out, that we wanted to be the first to know.  What has been amazing is that I have started sleeping again. I can breathe again. I feel so much better and it has only been a couple of weeks!
My friend T had her sweet baby boy on April 10. I haven't gotten to meet him yet, but am working with my crazy schedule to make some plans to go meet the new little family member. He is absolutely adorable!!! Momma and baby are doing good.  He already has my heart and I haven't met him yet.  I love being an auntie...it's the best job in the whole world! Seriously...best job ever!
This past week I saw the dermatologist for the spot on my back. She did not like what she saw, so removed it that day.  I have stitches and a bandage that can't get wet for two weeks. Pretty tricky to wash your medium length hair when you don't have a hand held shower nozzle. The best part of the story is, I don't have skin cancer! Woohoo!! She said it was atypical, but not malignant. Now I just get to heal and be happy!
Since we decided to not purchase a new home, we had a small amount of money to decide what we wanted to do with.  We decided to remodel our basement and stairwell! Remodeling has commenced...I will post more on that project later. It's quite fabulous though!
I flew to Las Vegas for the first time in my life for a conference for work. I got to work on training and even got to give a speech, LOVED every minute of it.  Plus, it was my very first trip to Vegas. Interesting city. Nice place to visit, but just for a couple days. 
This morning I knocked one of my four events out of the way! Another great accomplishment.
Oh, one more thing about April...I hit my 25 pound mark at Weight Watchers and earned a Weight Washer.  Say it out loud, it's funnier.  I feel like for the first time in my life the changes I am making are really sticking.  I just live life with Weight Watchers.  I actually don't feel like I do anything very differently from most Americans, I am just aware of what I am putting in to my mouth and the portion sizes.  My next hurdle will be to add in physical activity and just make it a part of my daily routine. Not there yet, but it's coming...I'm sure it is! 
How is that for a whirlwind update of April? Tomorrow is my first full day off of work in 20 days straight. Oddly enough, I am actually enjoying my job in small amounts again...that's refreshing. Okay, I will post again very soon with remodel photos...prepare to be amazed!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T...

Usually, I think I handle feedback pretty well.  I usually listen when I get feedback, think about how I could improve my skill set, and spring into action.  I am always willing to learn, in fact, I enjoy learning.  Out of my desire to please everyone...I am always willing to work on me.  Well, maybe I should not say always.  I had my mid-year review this week at work.  I was prepared to get feedback on things like how I focus on relationships more than income.  I'm a relationship driven person, but I work in a field where numbers make or break you.  While great relationships should in theory yield high numbers, I end up falling short of making my income goals, but people usually have really good relationships with me.
I was prepped for the same old feedback.  I have worked really hard this year at being more numbers driven and balancing my relationships with people.  The result? I'm working more hours than ever before and am more short on my income goal than ever before.  At least I can document all of my steps to raise money.  So, what was the feedback they gave me on this review? That I'm too respectful.  My respect for others gets in the way meeting objectives such as income.  (Please, please, do not take this as a bash on the organization. I am certain this is not an organizational statement, but rather feedback from one specific person who happens to be my supervisor.)
When I was given the feedback, I just listened.  Then I said that was very challenging because I believe, at my core, believe you win more bees with honey.  I believe in the power of treating one another the way you want to be treated or better. I believe in the power of people and relationships.  I believe in giving every single person who wants to volunteer a chance at it.  There is a way for every single person in our community to help if they so desire.  Apparently, this is not a shared value.  I was also criticized for having people on my committee who aren't important enough.  This really rubs me the wrong way.  If the people I am working with are not important enough, what am I?
This feedback all kind of makes my head spin, my heart hurt, and makes me realize I have to find a new job.  I interviewed this week. It felt like it went well, but time will only tell.  I know that interviews are just as much about finding a good fit personality wise as it is about skill sets, etc.  I'm just ready to check out of work, do my exit interview (the information above is all signed by my supervisor, so will be easy to point out verbatim when I leave), and thrive in a new environment.  I'm ready for change.  Ready for a place where being respectful is, well, respected.