You Must Be New Here: My Adventure in Going Back to Work

Willy is one of my all-time faves.

In last week's post, I hinted about an upcoming adventure. Well, that adventure is in full swing! Last Monday, I started a new job as the content development coordinator at an area hospital. Not as awesome as Mexico, but still awesome in my world. 

The whole thing happened pretty quickly. In fact, my head is still spinning. I decided over the summer that I would start poking around the job market. I knew I wanted something close to home and that I wanted to work for a community-oriented company I also wanted to transition to marketing. 

I revamped my resume with the help of a friend/mentor and sent it out into the universe. Actually, I sent it to just three places. I expected no bites. At the very least, I thought I'd brush up on my interview skills. Very high expectations, yes? 

The hospital called me almost immediately. Two interviews and a writing assessment later and BAM! I had me a job that met all of my criteria and a nice salary! Ideal Reality Meets Real Reality! In my world, that translates to "meant to be." 

My first week went well, and I think I'm going to like the position and my co-workers. What this means for my blog and my freelancing, only time will tell. I think this job is going to keep me hopping, which I love. 

What about you? Any new adventures or job stories to share? I'd love to hear them! 

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real!

Playin' in Playa

Every year, my BFF and her twin sister plan a Girl's Weekend and invite a bunch of their friends. Usually, we hang out in the US. But this year, we headed to Playa del Carmen to celebrate a milestone birthday of their younger sister. We had 11 ladies travel this year. That is a lot of ladies! 

We stayed at the Viva Wyndham Maya, an all-inclusive resort. This was my first time at an all-inclusive, and I would definitely do it again. It was pretty much worry free, and I could use a little more of that!

Here are some trip highlights: 

My view all day Friday. Pure bliss.
Cabana man included. 

The beach at the Mayan ruins in Tulum

Ixmoja pyramaid (138 ft) is the tallest pyramid on the
Yucatan Peninsula.

I climbed Ixmoja! I am scared of heights! No fear.
Ok, there was a little fear. 

We also went out into the ocean on a catamaran and swam in an underground cenotes (say-no-tays). I loved the catamaran, and the 30-minute trip was perfect. Any longer than that and I would have been bored out of my gourd. As for the cenotes, it was an interesting experience and I'm glad I did it, but it was also a tad creepy. Can't say I'll do that again. 

What interesting adventures have you experienced lately? I have another coming up, but it's much closer to home. Stay tuned!

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep it Real.

Home Improvement Phase 6: It's Beautiful!

Last Friday, the Old House Magician and his Trusty Assistant packed their bags and left. With the exception of a few odds and ends, our big kitchen remodel is done! And I love it! As I mentioned previously, the picture in my head is what unfolded before my eyes. I can't believe it!

Added cabinets and counter tops to this wall

The long view. Excuse the fan. 

Another gorgeous view!

Hey! Hey! Goodbye! The old kitchen

I do have a confession to make. Around Thursday of last week, I was starting to backslide toward Phase 4. The end was in sight, and I was just ready for it to be done and for everyone to get out of my house! But I held it together. 

(Side note: I doubt I'll post next Monday. I'm headed to Riviera Maya later this weekend, and a little R&R and girl time will take priority.) 

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.

The Light at the End of the Kitchen Remodeling Tunnel

Here we are at the beginning of Week 6: 

See the Blue Pearl granite counter tops? See the subway tile?

Picture my stainless steel oven where the ladder is. I'm lovin' this tile job!

What do you think? I am in L.O.V.E. with this space. This is one of those rare moments in life when Ideal Reality meets Real Reality and my little world explodes in sunshine, Oreo cookies, hugs and good beer. In other words, the picture I created in my head exactly matches what is happening in my kitchen.  

The OHM and his Trusty Assistant should wrap up this week! There will be a few odds and ends that I need to take care of, such as finding some knobs and pulls that match the ones we salvaged from the tear out. That task has proven to be a tad more difficult than I expected. And, of course, we have to put everything back into the kitchen and clean the entire house, which is idling under a layer of construction dust. 

My plan is to post Phase 6: It's Beautiful! soon, with Before and After pix. 

Until then, wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.