Work Update

I figured it was about time for a job update because I don’t think I ever officially announced what I was doing. In early May, my first business unit I worked for (Dressings, Sauces & Oils) heard I was no longer with the company. So, they called me and asked if I would be interested in doing some temp/contract work for them on their communications project. We worked out all of the logistics and I started around May 10.

While working back with my old group I’ve realized quite a few things. I’ve realized that there are a lot of people here that are bending over backwards to help me get in touch with other groups and do whatever they can to help me figure out my next step job wise. I feel so honored that people are helping me the way they are. Ironically enough, the admin for this group resigned from Cargill so of course they immediately looked to me. I really didn’t want to feel like I was taking a step backwards and going back to the same old job I did 2 years ago. Plus, there were some issues with one of the managers that the position supports and I didn’t want to put myself back to where I would have to be dealing with that again. Long story short, they were hoping the communications role I’m in now would be approved to become a full time permanent position but it only got approved for a part time type role. They have split the admin role into two positions and are interested in making one of the positions part admin, part communications, and part marketing.

I have a couple of other possibilities at the moment too. I applied for one position yesterday and had a meeting with a different group today about another position. I plan to pursue all 3 pretty aggressively to keep my options open and hopefully one will be the right fit for me and work out! So please keep this in your prayers as I wait to see what God’s will is for my next step! It feels very funny putting a lot of effort into finding a new position here when ultimately our eyes are set on getting back to TX. But, I need to have a job until that day comes so we’ll see what happens.

A couple other things I’ve learned throughout this whole process… I’ve come to realize how poorly my situation was handled when I was let go from my other group. I wasn’t given a whole lot of help job wise when the layoff happened. Then I join my old group and all sorts of people are approaching me to get me in touch with people and help me out. Just makes you realize who really has your back in situations like that. I’ve also realized I’m still a little bitter about the whole situation but I’m working on that. J I know people are laid off all the time (especially in the current economy), but it’s definitely a hard thing to go through when it happens to you.

I think my biggest lesson in all this – and something I have to keep reminding myself of….is that I have to do what is right for me. I have to take advantage of every contact that is put in front of me, work hard to create my own opportunities, and ultimately just do what is best for me. I naturally feel obligated to people when I see them trying to create roles for me or work to adjust a position so that it will be more pleasing to me. Part of me feels like I owe it to them to take it since they put that much work into it for me. But then I step back and remind myself that when it comes down to it, a company doesn’t hesitate to do whatever is needed to do what is best for the company.

So that is what I must do to – whatever is best for me (and Michael). So, at this point, I have a few things pending and will just see if any of them actually work out and go from there. I guess the good that has come of it all is that I’ve had quite a few lessons in dealing with my pride and just learning more about this crazy business world that we all deal with.

Memorial Day

This weekend we went to Heather & Jim's parents cabin up north. Michael and I both took off on Friday so it's been a nice long weekend so far, and still 1 more day to go! :)

Jim's parents cabin is super nice and is right on the lake. They have 3 boats too - so we had a good time taking cruises on the pontoon at sunset. Michael and Jim got three good fishing trips in so he was a happy camper.

Saturday was just gorgeous - completely blue skies and 90 degrees! Last night Michael smoked some ribs for all of us and we had that with some corn on the cob and cole slaw - good ol' yummy summer meal.

It's very amazing here how this whole cabin thing is very much a part of the Minnesota culture. The state statistic is that there is one boat for every 4 people in the state. ???!?!! There were a few crazies skiing and tubing despite the fact that the water was 65 degrees. But people are so funny in their boats - it's all just cruising around to look at everyones cabins (for some reason they're called cabins here and not lakehouses). There are so incredible ones that is for sure!

Tomorrow (Monday) we are just laying low. We are having lunch with Josh & Julie downtown but that's really all we have planned.

Thank you to all of those who have given their lives protecting and fighting for our country. And thank you (especially to all our relatives) who have served in the military. We greatly appreciate you all!

Happy Memorial Day! (sorry my spacing is totally messed up and I can't fix it)

Michael serving up the ribs!Me & Heather

Sunset at the lake

The big one!