Movin' on Up

 So, I'll go ahead and share the cool news!

 As you may know, Gary has been with his current company for about 5 years. He had been ready to move up and expand, yet he felt he wasn't going anywhere with his job. It's been great, don't get me wrong, as he's learned so many valuable things, but it was just time for him to grow- know what I mean? Anyway, he put up his resume and received contacts looking to speak to him. He had some interviews and in the end, it was narrowed down to two companies- FOX Media in Glendale and ETC Global Holdings in Los Angeles (a block away from the Staples Center). They were both offering great positions and benefits, so it was definitely something we prayed and prayed and prayed about.

Well, ETC seemed to be more on top of things and he had several different types of interviews with them- over the phone, in person, tests to see his skills, etc. He only had phone interviews with FOX. ETC came forward and offered him the position first. Gary didn't accept right away, as we still had some talking and praying to do. However, after receiving confirmation this was the way to go, he accepted. That same day, FOX called and wanted to finally meet with him in person and go over the job details. He turned them down. It wasn't sad or upsetting, because we already knew he made the right decision. One concern when it came to working for FOX was he felt he would be pigeonholed- it was the same job he's doing with his current company, but on a senior level. The goal was to grow, not do the same role.

Anyway, he starts mid-April and he is excited! We both are. Sure, he'll have a commute, but with the new car and major salary increase, it'll be just fine. When our lease is up, we'll consider moving closer, but we would still like to raise a family in Santa Clarita- we'll see. There are some nice areas south too. We are considering buying a condo first, but once we reach our desired savings, we'll go from there. Anyway, the job is great. His role will be a SQL Developer and Database Administrator (DBA). The benefits they offer are amazing, and he has many opportunities to grow within this company, which is mainly why he chose this position. Everyone is friendly, the company offers lunch on Fridays, and he can really start saving for retirement with their benefits. Another great bonus? He has his own private parking, which he can use 24/7. Remember how I said it's a block from the Staples Center? Well, there you go. And for the record, the role of the company is to provide transaction clearings for security transactions (whatever that means).

It also requires him to wear a suit. So, he spoiled himself and bought some really nice suits from Mens Wearhouse- they tailored them up to fit him properly, so he's all set with a new wardrobe for his new job- so handsome!! I teased him and told him he's a big boy now. I am so proud of him!

Anyway, that's the cool news! He's movin' on up. Now we can really start saving to build a foundation for the future (yes, kids are coming soon- we are't planning on waiting too much longer).

And my job is going well. Got some new cases, so I've been busy. But life is good. And I'm totally looking forward to Easter! Then Conference!

Besides that, we haven't been up to much. Just stayin' busy. Okay, bye!

Weather Enjoyment

 Gary and I are definitely enjoying the beautiful sunny weather. For a moment it had its cold week, but it's looking up again!

 Last Saturday, we hit the beach. We went to Ventura this time and just relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine- then went shopping and had some fish and chips for lunch. Yum!

 It was definitely a nice trip!

   The Thursday before, I had woken up with a slight sore throat. I thought nothing of it and went on my way. It wasn't until the next Monday morning when I realized it was more, and I wasn't feeling well. I was coughing, congested, had a headache- you name it. This lasted for quite some time. Thursday, when I noticed I had a slight fever (which is shocking), I went and saw the nurse practitioner. She diagnosed me with a sinus infection, gave me some prescription over the counter stuff (since antibiotics don't work with sinus infections), and sent me along my way. The stuff she gave me seemed to work.

  After all these days, I'm still blowing my nose often and still coughing a little, but I feel fine for the most part. She told me it could last for a couple of weeks. But at least I feel good- I've been able to workout and exercise again. I'm also crossing my fingers my poor husband doesn't catch it.

    Anyway, besides sickies and a fun beach trip, all has been going well. There's still some cool news, but I'll text you before I publish it, just because of the timing. And as mentioned earlier, don't get too excited- it's not baby news. Speaking of, I was talking to some parent yesterday during my case (the kids were playing outside and I was chatting with other neighborhood moms), and one woman asked me about children. I said no, but sometime in the future. She then asked my age, and when I told her, she said, "Well, you ARE old. Just sayin'." She then tried to advise me on how to go off birth control when I do make that choice. Slapping that woman would have been fantastic. But, obviously I didn't. She also told me on another day that many people in the neighborhood don't like her because of her political views. Hmm. Yes, we'll go with that. 

   As for a work update, it's been meh. A main case I was working (I was actually the lead on this case), has been having issues and I got removed. And suddenly. So, I just lost about 20 hours per week due to this. It wasn't anything I did- it was parent behavior. They've been breaking rules and obsessively persuading staff members to break rules. I've been on this case for almost a year (the gym one), and the parents have been beyond rude and disrespectful to me- mom 99% of the time. Dad's been okay, and that's because he's mostly at work. She stays home all day (works like 10 hours each week from home), so I guess she had nothing better to do. Anyway, she had been attempting to persuade me for months to break rules, but I've always put my foot down. She spent an hour last week insulting the Mormon religion (since I'm "too good" by following rules), and said something about me becoming Armenian (for real). That's just a small dose, but I won't go into much more details. But staff has been removed and the case might be gone for good. So, I have more free time and am just waiting to hear about more work. As for my other cases, they are fantastic and the parents are amazing. So, no complaint there.

 Well, that's pretty much the update! Life is still amazing. Enjoy the sun and have an awesome day!