Thank God for closed doors!

Does it sound crazy to hear someone say "Thank God for closed doors?"

I thought so the first time I heard it.

The other day, Actor/Producer Tyler Perry posted a blog about thanking 

God for closed doors.

He was thankful that certain doors that he thought he wanted opened, weren't.

The message I got from that is that sometimes what you THINK you want, is something God doesn't want for you. He may have something else in store for you.

This post gave me a push that I needed for so long.

I have worked for the same company, in the same position for

the last 9.5 years. I have applied for several positions and even went on a 

few interviews. I was passed over for every single position.

It didn't matter that I have 3 college degrees & almost 10 years of experience.

When you're competing against 4000 other people in your 

company and the person who gets picked is either a sorority sister or friend of the hiring

manager, you're screwed.

So last year we started saving money. 

The  purpose was actually to travel to Paris this September but

we decided to do something different.

After almost 10 years with the same job, and lots of closed doors,

I've decided to quit.

I am going to pursue working independently and continue to 

do my wedding photography as well as a jewelry website I am working on.

The biggest change is that I'm going to start selling insurance.

I will be an independent agent for the same company I've been with for 

the last 9.5 years and right now I will only be selling in GA.

It's going to be hard not having a regular paycheck but we've worked

out our finances and the savings we had for Europe will now be used to cover 

our living expenses for the first 7 months ~ just in case!

We also lowered some of our expenses to help with the transition.

Switched cable providers which will save us $75 a month.

Traded in my beloved coupe & got a new suv which actually lowered

our car payments by $100 a month and our insurance by $10 a month.

I LOVED my coupe!

I really hated to get rid of it. :(

My new ride.

The color is  black amethyst.

It came with a lot of great features like a 

bose sound system, navigation, rear view cam, etc.

 I also went ahead and scheduled all my doctor's appointments and dental appointments 

since my insurance will be cancelled once I quit. My dental appt is expected to cost $400 so that means I can't quit as soon as I'd like (part 2 of a root canal).

Bottom line:

In my work life I have been miserable for 9.5 years.

Corporate America is not for everyone- and definitely not for me.

I am thankful for the opportunities, the friendships, and the money of course.

However I can't continue to live this way for a pay check.

I am grateful we were able to save so much money to cover ourselves financially during this new journey for my new career in sales.

And I am SO looking forward to this change!

5 Day Recap

I having been ripping & running these last 5 days y'all! It has been crazy around here.

Last week I got the news that my car's head gaskets were blown. So I could fix it for $1600 or get a new engine for $3500.  Either way it was going to cost some serious cash. So by Thursday I decided to go "look" for a new car.I really didn't want to pay for repairs because there were several things that was really needed to get the car back in good shape: the A/C, both seat motors, & a list of several other issues. I was just emotionally & financially drained with this car!

So I said my good-bye's to my benz...

And hello to my new 2011 Nissan Altima Coupe! LOVE IT!! 

I got in winter frost so it has a pearl finish!

Friday I surprised the hubby with tickets to the playoffs and we went to Phillips Arena to watch the Hawks & Orlando play. We won of course which made the night even better! Here's a view from our seats...

The only thing that bothers me, which shouldn't because I should expect it, is when people constantly come in  & out of your row and you have to keep standing up to them in or out. I was so annoyed! I purposely always buy the seats at the end of the aisle so we have more room and so we won't bother anyone when we come & go. Eh, oh well, it's to be expected so what can you do!

My friend Bev came into town from Montgomery for the weekend. So Saturday we were out & about shopping. I have to confess that we actually spent one hour at the mall people watching. We literally sat on a bench in the middle of the mall to people watch. I know it's not right, but LAWD! The things that some people wear to the mall amaze me.  Some girls looked like they were about to go dance on a pole right after they left the mall! I love heels like the next girl, but 4" inch heels to the mall?? No thanks!

I snapped this pic of Bev sleeping on the pull out & look who was in bed with her! lol!

 Saturday night we Red Boxed Due Date. This movie is Hilarious! Zach Galifianakis is sooo funny!

Sunday of course was fabulous. We went to Keith's parent's home and had a big Easter lunch. Sadly his grandmother wasn't there because she was admitted into the hospital for arthritis related issues. She's doing ok, but just in a lot of pain. So please pray for her!

I hope you all had a great Easter weekend as well! :)