When one door closes another one opens, and other clichés and truths that get you through the day
By Laurie | February 3, 2010
It happened a year ago today. I arrived to work a few minutes before 8:00 AM, and noticed my boss was already at her desk. She was never at the office before 10:00 AM. I knew something was up. Over the past few months I noticed that her attitude toward me changed. I was no longer the go-to person on projects. She gave me a hard time about taking vacation. I started to feel alienated. Office birthdays (especially hers) were always a big deal in past years. She completely ignored mine. It was a pretty miserable time. I had been telling my co-workers that I knew something was up. That things just didn’t feel right. I wanted out, but I really did like my job and the people that I worked with. I’m a hard worker; not a job hopper or a quitter. I was the one who was on time, did my work, rarely called out, and came in during snow and ice storms. I was willing to stay and make it work. I was loyal.
I had settled in to work on revising some spreadsheets for the new month when she came over to my desk and asked if I had time to meet with her for a few minutes. Everything that had happened the past few months suddenly made sense on that short walk to her boss’s office. I knew what was coming. I didn’t hear much of what they said. Something about them losing more accounts, and how they were so sorry. I’m sure. The next step was the uncomfortable ride down in the elevator to meet with HR.
It’s amazing that you can feel both sadness, clarity, relief, and fear all at the same time. This had never happened to me before. I didn’t know what to expect. I was sad because it’s hard to leave something or somewhere you’ve been apart of for three years. This is someplace I moved to after leaving my job of seven years by my own choice. I felt clarity and relief because I knew I wanted something more and this might give me the swift kick in the butt I needed to not only get out of this bad situation but into a better one all at the same time. And fear? The unknown is scary. Unemployment is scary. The economy is pretty much the worst it has ever been.
It was a hard time. I admit it. There were days my feet didn’t touch the floor until after 2:00 PM. I cried. A lot. Mostly though, I felt happy. Happy I wasn’t there amidst the drama and lack of professionalism anymore, and hopeful that something much better would come along. The hardest thing about being unemployed is that it is an extremely stressful time. I felt worthless. I felt unworthy of regular everyday necessities. I felt guilty for going to lunch. I felt angry at friends who vented about silly things happening at their jobs. I wish that I didn’t have that stress, because I really didn’t enjoy the break. I didn’t better myself. I didn’t have fun. I wallowed in self-pity. Yet I felt happy and free somehow. It’s hard to describe.
I can’t believe that it has been a year. I really can’t. Time has flown by. It feels like it was yesterday. No, I don’t have any hard feelings for that place or those people. Business is business. I get it. Yes, I have been somewhere new and that has given me the chance to move on and to start a new chapter. Sometimes things are not everything you dream them to be or want them to be, but you have to keep moving forward.
A few weeks ago I witnessed Conon O’brien make the most classy and professional exit from NBC and the Tonight Show. I tear up every time I watch it. This is how I feel. More people should really take note.
Here are a few more life quotes that you might find cliché, but that are somewhat comforting and true, especially during hard times:
+ In the end, it’s not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away.
+ Never tell your problems to anyone. 20% don’t care and the other 80% are glad you have them.
+ When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.
+ Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt and dance like no one is watching.
+ Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.
+ As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn’t supposed to ever let us down, probably will. You’ll have your heart broken and you’ll break others’ hearts. You’ll fight with your best friend or maybe even fall in love with them, and you’ll cry because time is flying by. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you’ve never been hurt. Life comes with no guarantees, no time outs, no second chances. you just have to live life to the fullest, tell someone what they mean to you and tell someone off, speak out, dance in the pouring rain, hold someone’s hand, comfort a friend, fall asleep watching the sun come up, stay up late, be a flirt, and smile until your face hurts. Don’t be afraid to take chances or fall in love and most of all, live in the moment because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can never get back.
Topics: Daily Ramble | 7 Comments »
Giveaway: Give the key to your heart this Valentine’s
By Laurie | January 31, 2010
February 14th is just around the corner. What are you going to get your Valentine? One of my very favorite gift ideas is having something nice engraved. It makes the gift more personal, and who wouldn’t treasure a special message selected just for them?
Are you looking for a fun idea? WholesaleKeychain.com offered to send me one of five heart key chains to review, and three to give away to my readers. Read on to find out how to get yours. Can’t wait for the contest to end? You can get 10% off with their coupon code: vday2010 through 2/16.
| I selected the Metal Heart Keychain and was also offered the opportunity to have it engraved. It arrived quickly and was really nice quality. The key chain is only $6.99, and this is an excellent value for the price. It is not at all inexpensive looking. If you have ever shopped in the keepsake stores in your local mall, this is an equally quality product. Instead of charging $1 per letter for engraving as some of those stores do, you can have your message engraved for an additional flat fee of $5.99. It looked absolutely perfect. |  |
These would make lovely gifts for your bridesmaids if you are having a February wedding, or of course as a gift for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Do your kids have their own set of keys? I am sure they would love a personalized key chain too. My favorite idea of all? Use it as an embellishment on the top of another gift. After beautifully wrapping the gift, tie some pretty ribbon around the box. Before making a bow, slip the loop of the key chain inside so that the message shows. You can then tie a bow, and you will have a cute decoration and extra gift all in one.
Now it’s YOUR turn! Want to win a Metal Heart Keychain for your Valentine? Go to the WholesaleKeychain.com website and answer one of these two questions: 1) What key chain on their site is your favorite or 2) What message would you have engraved for your Valentine?
If you would like to earn extra entries:
1) Follow me @laurie_pooh on Twitter and send the following message:
I entered to win a Metal Heart Keychain from @laurie_pooh for Valentine’s Day: http://tinyurl.com/keytoyourheart
2) Follow my blog using the Google Connect in my sidebar to the right.
3) Subscribe to my blog in a reader.
U.S only, please. The winner will be selected randomly from all valid entries on or around February 7. You must leave a comment letting me know your answer to one of the two questions above, as well as additional comments letting me know what else you have done to earn extra entries. Please also use your real first name and leave a valid way for me to contact you should you be selected as the winner. You will have 48 hours to respond to my e-mail before another winner is selected. Good Luck!
This giveaway is sponsored by Wholesale Keychains, but the opinions contained within are my own. I received a product sample for review.
Topics: Giveaways | 21 Comments »
1 in 8 on 1/8
By Laurie | January 8, 2010
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Did you know it’s my birthday? It is! Happy Birthday to me! What do you get the girl who has everything? Today is the perfect day to make a donation to my Susan G. Komen 60 Mile walk if you haven’t already or have been meaning to. Not only are you helping me celebrate my birthday while getting me precious dollars closer to my fundraising requirement, but you are making a donation to a great cause and charity. I love gifts. I do. This is one of the best gifts you can give me. Does your company match your donations? Even better!
Did you know 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in her lifetime? That is such a scary statistic. This 1/8 (my birthday, ahem!) make a donation to help find a cure. I will love you and my boobies will love you too! |
Psst… did I mention I am walking 60 miles, sleeping on the ground in less than 30 degree weather in a tent, showering in a truck, and peeing in a port-o-potty? You know you want to support that! Pretty please? With a cherry on top?
Topics: 3 Day | 3 Comments »
From Our Little Family to Yours
By Laurie | December 24, 2009
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Even though we are not able to be together with all of our friends and family this year, you are in our thoughts and we are thankful for each of you. Lots of love, hugs, and sloppy kisses from the dog!
Topics: Holidays | 5 Comments »
Old Navy Weekly $50 off $100 Giveaway
By Laurie | December 23, 2009
This giveaway is closed. Congratulations to Terri, Deb, Traci, Crazyassmomma, Marci P, Kristinia, KC, Philly, Kelly, and Tamona. They have each been e-mailed and should shortly receive a PDF with the coupon code. I am not responsible for incorrect e-mail addresses or non receipt. Please contact me ASAP if you have not received your coupon. Have fun shopping this week!
It’s almost Christmas, and guess what? I have a special gift for you! If you know me, you know I love Old Navy. I love them so much in fact, that I got out of bed on Black Friday at 1:30 AM and stood in line at our local store. It was freezing and I had to go into work at 7:00 AM. See? That’s a lot of love!
Do you know what is almost as good as Black Friday? If you guessed the day after Christmas, you’d be right. Why? It is one of the best days of the year to get fabulous deals! I adore Old Navy’s jeans. I have about 20 pairs. If I were to take a picture, it’d look something like the one below (except twice as big!) It’s hard to find jeans that fit me because I am so short. I love that Old Navy has petite sizes that fit me like a glove. Not only that, but they are affordable and I don’t have to take them to a tailor for alterations.
This week’s One Day Wonder sale is on 12/26, and it features– you guessed it– JEANS!
Live the fantasy of fab jeans and great prices when you step into Old Navy’s One Day Wonder sale (12/26 only). Be enchanted with amazing denim deals – adult jeans just $15 (Reg. $29.50-$34.50) and kids and baby jeans are just $10 (Reg. $16.50-$19.50), select styles only.
Have you been to OldNavyWeekly.com? I log on every week to get the scoop on their Item of the Week in addition to looking for the hidden money saving coupons. I have never been fast enough to get one of the high dollar ones from the website, and if you haven’t either– this is your chance! They have generously offered ten of my readers one of their $50 off $100 coupons good on an in-store purchase made between December 25-31. That could help you get a lot of jeans for your whole family! Merry Christmas!
To win a $50 off $100 coupon from La Vie de Laurie, tell me what the SuperModelquins are wearing this week at OldNavyWeekly.com. What’s your favorite look?
If you would like to earn extra entries:
1) Follow me @laurie_pooh on Twitter and send the following message:
I entered to win a $50 off $100 coupon from @OldNavyOfficial and @laurie_pooh: http://tinyurl.com/50off100
2) Follow my blog using the Google Connect in my sidebar to the right.
3) Subscribe to my blog in a reader.
U.S only, please. The winner will be selected randomly from all valid entries on or around December 25. You must leave a comment letting me know your answer to the question above, as well as additional comments letting me know what else you have done to earn extra entries. Please also use your real first name and leave a valid way for me to contact you should you be selected as the winner. You will have 24 hours to respond to my e-mail before another winner is selected. Good Luck!
This giveaway is sponsored by Old Navy, but the opinions within are my own. I received no compensation, products, or coupons in exchange for writing this post.
Topics: Big Money, Daily Ramble | 44 Comments »
