Publix....HERE.WE.COME!

So, I've been keeping a big little secret from  you guys. It wasn't really on purpose. This month has been a bit busy with vacations, family, friends, and "plans" that I hadn't had a chance to blog about it. Let me start from the beginning...

Back in May Ashish interviewed with two companies. One was an independent pharmacy and the other was Publix. Publix is a great company to work for but the offer was for a floating pharmacist. The independent pharmacy had a great schedule and a lot of "perks." After weighing the pros and cons we decided to go with the independent pharmacy.  I was really unsure of the independent pharmacy; call it "woman's intuition" but I just didn't have a good feeling about it. The owners of the company were doing some things that just didn't add up and  they were stalling on the start date.

 We received some information, from an unknown source,  regarding the company and it's "dealings" and ultimately decided to decline the job. During this whole process I prayed for a sign from God. I knew, in my heart of hearts, that this job was not right for us. I was struggling with myself internally. On one hand, I wanted Ashish to feel like I supported him, but on the other hand, I wasn't confident. I prayed about it but not enough. At the time I talked about it more than I prayed about it. When I stopped talking and started praying, my sign came (in the form of a phone call). God is good!

So, declining the job meant that we were still at CVS. Ashish doesn't hate his job, he enjoys being a pharmacist, but his boss is hard to work for and didn't out the pharmacist needs first. The job was sucking the life out of him and it was starting to show.

Now fast forward to August, we've applied to over 40 jobs. I didn't realize how hard it would be to find another pharmacy to work for. Most of the jobs were dead ends, either he had too much experience or not enough. We were both starting to get discouraged.

While I was out on my run one morning Ashish calls to say that he got a phone call...from the Publix recruiter! Apparently he kept Ashish's contact information from May. Publix had a permanent opening at one of the stores about 30 minutes from our house. What were the odds? When talking to my aunt about it she told me "it's not about the "odds" it's about God." God heard our prayers each and every time we prayed, he was just waiting for the right opportunity to show us his plans. So ladies, we are headed to Publix!

And just for kicks I decided to share some of the ways that this new job would change our lives!

1. On the nights that Ashish works, he will be home at 9:30 instead of 10:30.
2. He only works a 12hr day instead of a 14hr day.
3. He gets to sit down and eat lunch! At CVS he is lucky to eat lunch.
4. He gets to go to church every Sunday!
5. He now gets 7 holidays off! Since we've had Jordan (who will be 4 in February) he has only been off for one Christmas Day, 2 Thanksgivings, 1 Easter, and 1 New Years Eve. If you do the math...out of the 7 holidays that he now has off he has only been home for 5 of them....in 4 years. Do you see why I'm so excited?!?


And that's my little secret. Please say a prayer for a smooth transition!

Viva Mexico...The Resort

If I told you all the details of our trip, we'd we here forever. I do want to tell you about the resort. We stayed at the BlueBay Grand Esmeralda, it was beautiful! When we pulled up we were greeted by a very friendly concierge team and a tasty orange/pineapple cherry drink. Check in was easy, everyone was very accommodating. The concierge team gave us a map of the resort and guided us to the trolley to head to our "building." Now, I've never been to an all inclusive resort so I didn't know how big or small the resort would be. When we got the map out the property my eyes nearly bulged out of my head, it was HUGE! Side note: I lost weight on my vacation because of all the walking we did, within our resort. There were trolleys to take you to the different locations within the resort but you had to be at the trolley stop when the trolley was there. Ah ha...those BlueBay people are very sneaky. Here's a map of the resort, we stayed in building 5. Building 9 is where the front lobby was. Dinner was in 11,12,13, or 14. Notice the distance? I definitely did, especially in heels headed to dinner every night.


After catching the trolley to our building and riding up the elevator to the third floor we stepped into our room!

This picture doesn't do the shower justice, it was HUGE! we could have had a small dinner party in there!



 

I'm a bit of a hotel snob. I would rather pay the extra money for a nicer room than skimp and save. It's definitely the "diva" in me.  Our room did not disappoint. The bed was so comfortable, the was gorgeous, and the shower was HUGE! We were in love from the first few glances.

For some reason I never took a picture of the pool or the beach. I know, I know, we went to Cancun for the beaches and I didn't even take a picture of it. Here's the thing, because of the hurricane the beaches weren't that pretty. Yes, there was clue blue water but we had to walk through murky brown soot and debris to get to it. So, instead of doing that, we sat in our beach chairs enjoying our not so fabulous alcoholic beverages.  We did, however, hang out at the pool a good amount. Again, I have no pictures. I was afraid of dropping my camera in the water, ultimately ruining all of the other pictures that I had taken, so I played it safe.


We didn't spend a whole lot of time at the resort. We tried to fill our days with "things" to do. People think I'm crazy, "why would you go to an all inclusive resort just to leave the resort every other day?" I get it and if we were the "hang out by the pool all day" type of people we would have been set. Unfortunately, we're not. We are doers, we wanted to go shopping (me) and see what Mexico is really like outside of the touristy areas.

Next up....excursions!



 

Viva Mexico...Getting there

We had a GREAT time in Cancun! Actually, I think "great" truly describes how good of a time we had.  I should first start by saying that this trip wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the help of my parents and Ashish's parents. They voluntarily took Jordan off of our hands for 3 days each so that Ashish and I could go on vacation. Again, we are blessed more than we deserve.

The recap is going to be broken up into several parts because we have SO many pictures and I would like to share as many as I can! So, let's get started...

Thursday night, after small group, we packed Jordan's stuff and dropped him off with my parents. Saying goodbye was bittersweet. I know that the break was long overdue and that he was in great hands but it still made my hear hurt a little bit to leave him there. After about a 5 minute good bye, filled with hugs and kisses and more hugs and kisses, Ashish and I drove off.

The next morning the alarm went off bright and early at 5am. Our flight wasn't until 9:15 but my husband is super anal when it comes to time and hates to be late we wanted to get to the airport early!

The plane ride was nice but the flight felt really long. I don't know if I was anxious to get there or if the flight was just that long.

The airport in Cancun is so different from the airport in Atlanta. The line at customs was quick and easy and all of the service workers were overly friendly...in Spanish. Okay Danielle, time to put that 3 years of Spanish that you took in high school and 1 year in college to good use! After making it through customs we walked out of the airport and was immediately attacked greeted by taxi drivers, tour guides, and even someone that had a portable cooler full of beer. This was going to be a great trip...

I would strongly suggest paying beforehand for your transportation from the airport to your resort. We used Olympus Tours for all of our travel and excursions and I have to say, they did a great job. Within 10 minutes of us getting outside of the airport, we were in the car headed to the resort. I was sure that we would be crammed into a shuttle bus, with our luggage, but to my surprise, Ashish and I had a car to ourselves! Our driver, Aleman, packed all of our stuff into the back of his Tahoe and safely drove us to The Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda. This is where our trip really began...

 

Jury Duty

Happy Monday Ladies! Unfortunately I am stuck in Jury Duty today! Luckily I have a cute picture of my muffin to share with you from this weekend! Enjoy! Don't try to kiss his cheeks through the computer (or phone) screen!

Friday's Letters

Dear Friday...nice to see you again, this time last week I was getting on a plane to Cancun. Dear Cancun...you can really dial back the level of humidity in your city. It's a tad bit ridiculous. Dear New Hair...I'm sad that I didn't get to "rock" you the way that I wanted to on my vacation, it was hot, I'm sure you understand. Dear Grandparents...thank you so much for keeping Jordan safe and entertained while Ashish and I were gone. We are blessed beyond belief and more than either one of us deserve. Dear Ashish...you can vacation with me again anytime you want to. Dear God..."you make beautiful things out of the dust."

Dear Small Group...I could kiss your faces off, especially you Ashley! The summer was too long without you guys. Dear God...of course you get more than one shout out in my letters! Thank you for bringing us back home safely to our little muffin. We missed him so much!

Have a great weekend!
 

The Versatile Blogger Award

Yay, I got my first blog reward!!! Jen over at Fitness Unscripted nominated me and I am beyond thrilled. Thanks Jen!

First of all, I know nothing about being nominated for a blog award. I've seen a lot of people be nominated but never really thought too much of it!


The rules for receiving this reward are...
1. Nominate up to 15 bloggers who are relatively new to blogging.
2. Let the nominated bloggers know that you have choosen them!
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself.
4. Thank the blogger that nominated you and link back to them in your post!
5. Add the versatile blogger award picture to your post.

My nominees are (not new to blogging but these ladies are the icing to my cupcake!):

1. A MOMent of Reflection

2. Between the Lines

3. Life.Love&Marriage

 

 

See, it's easy! Right? Right!

Now for my random facts!
1. I've never had a PB&J. I don't like jelly...at all!
2. My OCD has rubbed off so badly on Jordan that he cries when people leave a mess at our house.
3. I talk to my mom at least 4 times a day. She lives less than 7 minutes away.
4. My husband and I met in a bar.
5. I had 3 weddings, to the same person!
6. I get asked at least 3 times a week if I'm Indian. My husband is Indian, the last name is only by default!
7. I can never just fall asleep, I have to watch tv, read, text, or something else in order to "wind down."

Go check out my friends blogs!!!

 

I'm Baaaaack!

I'm dying to tell you guys all about my trip! Today I am guest blogging over at Fitness Unscripted telling everyone about dieting while on vacation!

Friday's Letters

My letter this week is short and sweet!

Dear God...thank you so much for allowing Ashish and I the opportunity to take a vacation without Jordan. Dear God...it's me, again, please don't let my anxiety over leaving Jordan for 6 days cloud my ability to enjoy this time with Ashish. I know that Jordan is in great hands with my parents and Ashish's parents but I will still worry. Dear God... I know that you don't mind hearing my voice so I have one more thing to add! Because I know Jordan will be in great hands, I fear that he will be a brat when we come back, please keep the grandparents under control as well!


We're off to Cancun! See you guys next week!

This will be our home away from home! Courtesy of google.com

 

 

Happy Wednesday! Is it just me or does it not feel like Tuesday? Monday holidays always throw off my weekly schedule. Here is what I'm LOVING this week...

 

I'm LOVING... my little shopping partner! This kid has "swag."

 

 

I'm LOVING... my anniversary present from Ashish!

 

I'm LOVING...first day of school smiles!

 

 

I'm LOVING...my new "beach" hair! Jennifer did an amazing job, yet again!

 

I'm LOVING...my new running shoes. I bit the bullet and bought some real running shoes. So far, it's been the best investment I could've made for my feet and ankles.

 

 

And last but DEFINITELY not least, I'm LOVING this guy and the anniversary that we will be offically celebrating starting on Friday, in Cancun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today I am celebrating another year of marriage to Ashish! At the very time that this post will post (7:30am), 3 years ago, I was just waking up on my wedding day. Before my feet hit the ground I wrote down and then said aloud my prayer to God. On this day, 3 years ago, I married the man that God intended for me. The prayer that I prayed sounded something like this:

"God, I know you hear my spoken and unspoken prayers. Today I am praying for patience in times of frustation. I know that marriage isn't going to always to be easy. I'm praying that you will not let me give up. Thank for this day. I'm praying that you continue to work on me and through me. Lord, I'm asking that you be the leader in this marriage and for Ashish and I to be followers. Most of all, I'm asking you to make me the best wife for Ashish. Let me see the beauty in the blessings that you have given to us. Amen"

For me, my wedding wasn't the beginning of my forever. Everyday that I get to wake up next to Ashish, my forever gets to start all over again! It may sound cheesy, but it's true. In the past year we have learned and grown so much, it's like getting a redo. We've both experienced death of close family members, my grandfather and Ashish's uncle. In moments like that, I am glad that he is the person by my side, holding my hand, keeping me calm. I love starting a new day with Ashish. Although we won't get to offically celebrate our anniversary together, we are headed to Cancun on Friday for our 1st international trip together!

What I Learned About Marriage- Year Three

• Our differences are still the things that keep us together.
• Giving up is not an option.
• The importance of friends and double dates.
• The importance of taking time away for ourselves.
• "Tomorrows" are your "todays," make the most of them
• And most importantly, Ashish was designed for me and only me. He makes me thrive to be a better person, everyday

Happy Anniversary Ashish!

 

 

Show and Tell...Fall Is In the Air

Good Morning lovlies! I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Labor Day! I'm linking up with Becky again to talk all things Fall!

1. Tell us what you are looking forward to this fall?

 

Fall is by far my FAVORITE season. Just thinking about it makes me smile. This Fall I am looking forward to spending time with my family and sweet friends. I'm looking forward to boots, sweaters, and skinny jeans. I'm looking forward to Fall festivals and pumpkin patches. I'm looking forward to Vanilla Chai Lattes from Dunkin Donuts (which Ashley got me hooked on last Fall)! Most of all, I am looking forward to hay rides, memories, pictures being taken, and time with the people that I love the most!

 

 

2. Show us your fall style.

 

Fall 2011

 

3. Tell us your favorite things to do in the fall. If you have children, activities to do with the kids?

 

Here in GA it is still warm in the Fall. Luckily, I live outside of the city in a great family friendly community. My favorite thing to do in the Fall is to go to Pumpkin Patches. Something about a hayride just makes my life complete this time of year!

 

 

4. Show us your favorite fall beverage.

 

Hmmm...I really had to think about this. I know that I mentioned that I liked Vanilla Chai Lattes earlier but I can get that anytime of year. Actually, I do have one...I like real Indian Chai in the Fall. My MIL has taught me to make a "slap yo mama" chai latte (that's not really what it's called but it is good, and I would slap my MIL but I love her....just trust me). Who better to learn from than a true Indian woman, right? Right!

5. Tell us, how you will be participating in halloween this year. Plans? Costume ideas?

 

Ohhh...the dreaded question! To be completely honest, I could skip Halloween and never miss a beat. It isn't that I don't like it. I will let Jordan dress up and I will take him Trick or Treating but the day that he says "mom, I'm too old for this" I will be doing the Cupid Shuffle. I've never been into Halloween, not even as a kid. Weird, I know!

Halloween 2011 with Emma

Thanks for stopping by!