Category Archives: Where to?

Chapter 2, Where to?

Last Day

Friday, I received an email from my boss saying to close all requisitions. Wait, what? As a recruiter, requisitions are my lifeline to production. Without requisitions I essentially do not have any work to do. Immediately I knew. In 30 minutes I was heading to run my errands to prepare for my weekend couples camping trip. I refused to let this email affect my mindset over the weekend. I closed the laptop and said, “I’ll worry about this on Monday.”

I received an email instructing my team there were a few requisitions that we could open up based on business need on Monday. Cool. I have work. I went from 15+ skill sets to hire down to 2. Hmmm, is that enough?

Wednesday at 8:23pm I received a calendar invite for Thursday. The meeting was scheduled for 12:30pm entitled “Talent/ Business Communications” from my boss’s boss’s boss. This is it. I knew immediately. I am being laid off.

I started my Thursday listening to “God Provides” by Tamela Mann. Took a relaxing walk at Katy Trail. I’m leaning in on my love of the outdoors these days. I talked to other colleagues who received the same invitation and got the scoop on what to expect. Leading up to the call I researched the questions I needed to ask when being laid off. I was ready. The managing director of talent and a human resources professional were both on the line. Here we go. The director delivered the message with such sincerity. Made the words hurt a little less. Business conditions. Salary continuation. Eligible for rehire. It was a lot of information in a very quick call but there would be an email to follow up. My time at D ended Friday at noon. Numb.

God Provides

I am currently receiving messages on LinkedIn stating, “congratulations on your work anniversary.” I started May 24, 2021. Ending in May 19, 2023. A few days short of 2 whole years.

Each message is like a punch in the gut.

XOXO

Lesson: Ready for my next opportunity.

Question: Got any leads?

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Chapter 2, Love Life, Where to?

Camping? Who? Me!

I went camping. Not glamping. Let’s be clear. Real CAMPING. I am talking tents, sleeping bags, cast iron skillets and s’mores. I have come to the realization that I am in love with the outdoors minus mosquitoes.

Friday after work Coffee (my boo from Coffee Meets Bagel) and I loaded up the trunk, met up with two couples and then we caravanned to Lake Texoma, Oklahoma. Coffee drove. I slept the entire way. He’s a speed racer. Not sure what was the reason for the rush. It was best that I close my eyes. Lately, I have feelings of anxiety when other people are driving me. Which is very interesting considering I am not a great driver myself.

Once we arrived every couple worked together to put their tents up. Coffee and I had a regular tent. I assisted by handing him things. He’s so handy. Smile. The other two couples had matching penthouse tents. Their tents were one bedroom apartments bigger than some studio apartments I’ve seen on YouTube.

Tent Sweet Tent

That evening we sat around with the most deliciously seasoned steaks on the fire thanks to my friend. She and her husband coordinated the weekend. She confirmed I have a plus one a couple weeks ago and then asked if we were interested in a camping adventure. Coffee agreed immediately. Smile. He’s been working very hard this season. A weekend away was perfect timing. We all sat around the fire laughing and talking, listening to mellow music and simply enjoying life. Good people. Good vibes. Great times.

Saturday we had scrambled eggs with a vegetable medley. So delicious. The campsite was a short walk to the most relaxing and beautiful beach. I’m still amazed this was a quick road trip to Oklahoma. Wow. I love water. I laid on the sand near the water’s edge listening to a podcast about the ability to be both classy and ratchet at the same time with the sounds of the waves in the background. Bliss.

Saturday evening we played a conversation starting game I found on Amazon. The questions were a mixture of light and thought provoking questions. We talked about what we learned about marriage from watching our parents. I remember one of the husbands saying how much he admired his father and the way his father expresses love for his mother. It was quite beautiful to hear. Reassuring. Long lasting love exists.

I woke up to wet campgrounds Sunday morning. I slept so hard through what I heard was a rough storm. Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream. Coffee kept checking the tent making sure it didn’t leak while I snored. Thankfully, we stayed pretty dry. We got up, broke down the tents, cleaned up our site, packed the trunk once again and headed back to the real world.

I had the most amazing time. I loved seeing Coffee interact in a group setting. He’s more reserved than I am (well honestly everyone is more reserved than me). I was nervous he would sit in the lonely lunch corner while the rest of us enjoyed each other’s company. Fortunately, I had nothing to be nervous about. Coffee was magnificent in every way. I feel like we’re even closer now. It feels good.

XOXO

Lesson: Add an air mattress on the camping essentials list. It takes my body two days to recover after two days of sleeping on the ground.

Question: What did you learn about marriage by watching your parents?

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About Me, Career, Chapter 2, Love Life, Mental Health, Multiple Sclerosis, Personal Finances, Where to?

Do You Wanna Be Happy?

Tara, my Program Therapist, asked if I had ever thought about becoming a life coach at the end of our last session. Look at God! It is wild that she would ask. Especially right now. Perfect timing. I put “life coach” all over this year’s vision board(s). 

I love visioning. I have 4 pages of visions in my Day Designer planner, my laptop wallpaper is a vision board, my iPhone wallpaper is a vision board and I have recently started putting a vision board at the start of every week in my Savor planner. . . Yes, I have two planners.

Day Designer Vision

Thrive. Conscious spending. Weight loss. Reading. A beach with my boo. Mentorship. Professionalism. Intention. Affirmations. Contentment. Strength training. A trip to Jamaica. Execution. Pilates. Endless streams of income. Healthy living. Yoga. Deloitte. Love. Peace. Intimate moments. Savings. My tribe. Consistency. Mental health. Thrive.

My word for 2023 is THRIVE.

I am on a self love journey full of self care, establishing systems, and execution. It is a journey, not a destination. Thoughts of love and beauty come to mind in my day dreams. I am equipped with resources to find the answers to life’s questions. There is happiness in my life. Peace that surpasses all understanding. I have joy in my soul.

I want to share that happiness with others. I want them to look past their adverse circumstances and focus on the blessings in their lives. I want to walk them through the steps that I took (and others) to establish systems. I want to be there when they reach their goals.

Therefore, I have completed my certification in life coaching. As of this morning, I am officially a certified Happiness Life Coach.

XOXO

Lesson: You can be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time.

Question: Do you wanna be happy?

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About Me, Where to?

Chapter Two

I heard a rumor. Not sure how true it is based on the source. A former neighbor. Introductions at the package lockers. Used to meet at the tucked away pool and just vibe. He would sit with his legs in the pool and make flirty comments. I would float. My legs wrapped around his legs. Yellow noodle, waterproof phone case and Apple Music. Renaissance playing on the Bluetooth speaker.

Looked for a photo of me in my apartment pool. Found picture of me from a cruise stop instead. You get the vibe though:)

The rumor is I’m no longer able to renew my lease. When it expires, I’ll have to move. Either to a renovated unit in my same complex of the last five years OR out of the complex completely. WTF.

I live in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 900 square feet apartment in Dallas, TX. One block from West Plano. If that means anything to you. White appliances, carpet, laminate countertops, and basic wood like cabinets. My rent averages $1350 – $1365 per month including those stupid fees. If I choose to move in the same complex, to an identical floor plan with the new upgrades and amenities, then my rent would be approximately $1800!

Well damn.

Here’s the thing. I thought my lease expired December 2023. However, I called to confirm. Bruh! My lease expires March 2023. Da Fuk?! I’ve only got 4 months to move.

“What’s the plan, Phil?”

Do I sell everything (except my newly upholstered show stopping ottoman), pack my compact SUV, and see where the wind blows?

I’ve spent the last 17 years worried about school districts, basketball courts and commutes. My life has changed. An empty nest. 100% remote benefits. Praise God. A chapter two. My “must have” list has officially changed. . .

But, to what? Hmmm. 🤔

I used to dream of living in a right sized place like Carrie Bradshaw’s Manhattan apartment. Do you remember her apartment? Books from the floors to the ceiling to the left of the front entrance. A tiny living room only big enough for a handmade accent chair from the finest wood. Oh Aidan. An unused oven whose only purpose would be to store sweaters. Or in my case the occasional chocolate muffin shaped brownies. Each with just one perfectly positioned Oreo in the middle. Several pints of cookies and cream in the freezer. A closet that I could access directly from the bathroom. I want to be able to get out of the shower, lotion up on a cozy chaise lounge all while looking directly at my daily options. A capsule wardrobe hanging perfectly colored code… that I never wear. Matching ath-leisure sets from Target in a pile on the floor.

Well. That’s it. Closet door accessible from shower. My new “must have.”

XOXO

Lesson: DDC is on the move.

Question: What are your “must haves?”

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