Chalkboard Ideas

So to get my mind off of the whole job thing, I thought I'd blog some of my favorite chalkboard ideas.

I have a wall in the house that is totally blank. It's right across from the kitchen and would be perfect for a chalkboard of some sort. Maybe for the week's menu, a weekly schedule, or maybe just a to do list. There's just something about chalkboard and the invention of chalkboard paint that is totally awesome!

It might even help up be more organized. I know I could totally use something that would help us stay on track for our weekly menus. Usually, I'm pretty good Monday and Tuesday...and then by Wednesday I lose steam. With a menu on the wall, I think we could stick to it. Or at least it would be pretty.

All images found via Pinterest. Check out my stream for more inspiration!

Waiting and Patience

Oh. It is so difficult to be patient. Seriously.

I also know that there's no point in worrying because everything will happen as it happens and there's nothing I can do about it. So really, I should just sit back, relax, and see how life unfolds.

Right.

Well, that job interview went really well, I know that my references were called, and I have a second interview on Tuesday. I think the thing that is killing me is that I (unfortunately) found out that I do have a contender for this job. I mean, I suppose that I thought I would, but today it was confirmed. So that means that I don't for sure have that job. I still need to knock it out of the park again. Great.

And if I'm being totally honest, this is the first time that I really, really, really want this job. I think it showed during the first interview. Now I just need to bring it again and show that my intentions are true and good and that I. WANT. THIS. JOB.

Oy. I know. I need to relax and chill out. Because, really? I can't do anything more than do my best. And as Tony Horton of P90X says, "Forget the rest."

So I'm just going to do what I know I need to do. Let go and leave it up to God. F'reals. That's the best bet.

The Job Interview

So it's been about five years since I've been on a real, live job interview. I had a few interviews in between, but they were all for internal positions, so the pressure was a lot less. A LOT LESS. And then when I moved I took a trip around in the world of self-employment. I love it. I really do. But, it's no joke that the pay can be sporadic and completely unpredictable, and we're at a point in our lives where we need a little more stability as we move into the next phase.

No, I'm not giving up photography. That's hardly the case. But yes, I am and have been applying for a full time job that would supplement our income while my business grows. I really didn't know what I was getting into starting my own business, but I love it 110% and wouldn't give it back for the world. However, there are realities, like paying bills and also having a little thing called fun. And money is required, of course.

All this to say that I had my first real interview in five years last week. It was actually the first time that I was really excited about the interview and I think I might just have aced it. If that's possible with interviews. I was able to talk about my passion, instead of keeping is swept under the rug, and I'd be able to talk photography in this job until I turn blue in the head. So, suffice to say, I'm super duper excited about this job prospect. I also have to mentally prepare myself for the idea that I may not get it. While I think I did well, I don't want to get all cocky and think that I'm in just yet.

However, the hiring manager asked me for some references, so I'm thinking that's a definite good sign. And now begins the waiting game. Patiently waiting for some good news via email or phone. Or the other type of news. But I'm staying positive and optimistic without getting overly excited. And praying. I'm definitely praying for this one. I don't think I've ever wanted a job as much as this one because it just blends my passions together nicely and it's just all kinds of good. Plus, the commute would only be 10 minutes! Seriously.

If you're reading this, please send your thoughts, vibes, and prayers. Thank you so much! I so appreciate it!

Weight Watchers

I saw a commercial last night, and not that it was very different from their other commercials, but something about it hit me. Maybe it was because I was watching TV with my husband. Maybe it was because I said, "Maybe I should try Weight Watchers," and he said, "Me too." I don't know. A friend of mine (who just had a baby) just started on Weight Watchers and she said it was very doable. So...I'm thinking about it. Seriously.

If anything, I might lose weight, and that certainly would not be a bad thing!

Has anyone else out there tried Weight Watchers? What did you think? How did you like it?

Happy Bastille Day!

To all my French friends and ex-pats living in France, bonne fete nationale! 

And if you're in Dallas, check out Bastille on Bishop in Oak Cliff!

Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead

This weekend I watched a documentary on Netflix on recommendation from a friend called Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. It's about Joe Cross' journey from being (aptly named) fat, sick, and nearly dead at 41, to going on a 60 vegetable-fruit juice fast and totally reversing his ailments, losing 90lbs, and feeling better than ever. The documentary also chronicles another man's journey, a truck driver that Joe Cross met on his cross-country drive who asked him for help. The truck driver went from fat, sick, and nearly dead at 42 and 429lbs, to becoming an advocate for eating real foods and losing over 200lbs!

My aunt had told me about the benefits of juicing a few years ago and I kind of just brushed it off. Probably because she's fit as a fiddle and didn't really have any weight to lose. But seeing the results of two men who started overweight and sickly and making progress over time, and making a LIFE CHANGE, was huge. It's worth a try, and goodness knows that I need more vegetables in my life. Maybe the juice form will make them much easier to eat!

You can check out the documentary website here and the movement here.

Has anyone ever gone on a juice fast? Has anyone ever juiced before?

After watching this documentary, I'm interested in trying out a juice fast for ten days. The least that would happen is that I'd be getting my vegetables. The best that could happen is that I drop a few pounds, which I really need to do!