Target Tuesday

I had a very different Target Tuesday post planned for today but let's just say Target failed me. But I'm still linking up with Tara anyways.

After I threw a small tantrum over the lack of search search results for amazing bag and jeans (that I could never wear-but they were so cute) I changed directions.

Jason Wu is coming on Sunday and these are a couple pieces I will snatch up immediately (learned my lesson from the Missoni craze).

Check out more here.

Working Girls-Ashley

Happy Monday dolls! I'm excited to feature the writer at one of the first blogs I started reading, Run With Me. I even stole one of Ashley's posts back in my early days (giving her credit of course). Ashley has got it going on, a successful job, a cute little blog and not to mention she's beautiful. 

"borrowed" from her blog

So Ashley, what do you do?

What I do in the ATL......

Hi Friends! I'm Ashley and if you read along over at Run With Me it probably won't be long before you hear me say I love my job! So what exactly do I do? And what's exactly to love about it?

Well, let me share!

I work in the advertising and marketing industry. I work for a leading global marketing agency with offices and resources around the world! And I work with an award-winning staff of really smart and talented people!

What's that? Me tooting my companies horn? Yes, yes it is. I'm very proud of us.

Within our array of industries, I work in the automotive sector, which is the niche where our company first started and our largest sector. And within that, I work in the luxury autmotive industry.  

We manage custom-built email and direct mail programs that are analytically driven and built and maintained on results. 

So beyond all that "fluff"....what's my day to day? It's working with our creative team to design pieces and our analytics team to secure data and pull together results, it's implementing new programs and campaigns to keep things fresh and trouble-shooting issues....thankfully with the support of amazing team members! 

I guess I love my job so much because it's been my dream forever....from the high-rise office where I get to spend my days to the global clientele to the award-winning team I work with every day....I love every aspect. And though all the "fancy things" are fun....it really is the people that make it such a "dream job."   

Are there days when I want to stay in my bed and sloth around in my pjs all day? Days when I wish I existed off sleep instead of red bull? Nights when I'm bummed I'm working instead of painting the town red? Heck yes! But for the most part, I don't hate Monday mornings! I'm very appreciative to be where I am.....very thankful.

Thanks for letting me share a little about my world Nikki!

Hope all you beauties are headed somewhere you love this morning!

XO, A

Thank you so much Ashley for the little insight into the world of marketing. I dream of a day I too work in a high rise building...

Book Club Friday: The Mockingjay

It's everyone's favorite day of the week. Which also means it's Book Club Friday! So go check out all the book link ups with Heather.

I have finally completed the Hunger Games Trilogy.

(You can read about The Hunger Games & Catching Fire).

I have to say this one was my favorite. I read it in 2 days.

After reading all three of them I realize that Catching Fire was necessary to the get us to The Mockingjay. I do still have some questions about the ending. So if anyone wants to discuss let me know.

This one was so fast passed and never went where I expected it to go. I was thrown curve balls during every 'mission.' I couldn't wait to see what came next; which would be why I read it so quickly. 

***Spoiler***I feel as though the country went full circle during the rebellion. I'm not sure if the overturning really changed anything.

I encourage everyone to read them even if you think you won't like it because it falls into more of a Sci-fi genre. Believe me it's not your typical Sci-fi. It's definitely worth the read. 

Have you read it? What was your take?

Also, Dancing with the Raine is now on Facebook...Go like it.

Just a friendly PSA

via

Why does everyone I know try and set me up with any single man they know?

Yes, I'm 28.

Yes, I'm single.

Yes, occasionally I get lonely.

Does that mean I need a man? No

Does that mean I'm desperate? No

I choose to be single. I chose months ago to consciously stop dating and looking. 

No, I'm not trying the whole-when you stop looking you find someone. 

I'm doing me.

I need to get somethings straighten out before I can be with someone.

So friends, family, co-workers and random person that doesn't see a ring on my finger...

Please stop.

Please stop encouraging me to go on 'group dates' when I'm not comfortable.

Please stop taking every lunch invite from P in roofing as date.

Please stop seeing every single man you meet as my potential husband.

via

Pinteresting Wednesday

Yesterday I had a bad day. So bad that I had a serious panic attack on my lunch. No one died and I wasn't in danger. It was just a huge set back to some of the things I'm trying to readjust in my life; it hit me so hard. So what did I do change my attitude...

Pinterest!

Found some funnies, indulged in food porn & puffed up my chest with inspirational quotes.

Source: google.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: yellowdoggrannie.blogspot.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: parentsshouldnttext.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: betchacanteatjustone.wordpress.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: bakedperfection.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: itsasouthernthing.tumblr.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Is Pinterest helping you through the week? If so go link up with Michelle.

Let's talk...

I like music. I'm not a music connoisseur. But I like almost all types of music. 

I go through phases.

A year ago I couldn't stop listening to these girls.

Then this summer during The Voice I started my country obsession with him

And fell back in love with them

My country obsession has lasted until most recently where I added these artists

And this breakout artist

 Now in the past week I am all about the gospel & worship music. Mostly by this gal

Who btw has an album being released today.

And as always-my favorite boys

Do you go through music phases too?

Working Girls-Kasey

Today, we are featuring one of my favorite blog friends, Kasey. Someday's I think Kasey & I are distant relatives. We have so many similarities; we even share the same irrational phobia:  ranidaphobia (fear of frogs). Kasey has shared on her blog & twitter her frustration with the job search. But great news! She's recently accepted a job! But I'll let Kasey tell you all about her experiences in the job search.

Hi folks! I'm Kasey and I blog over at Domesticated Hygienist. I started my blog in May 2011 to document my projects and things I had going on. August was when I really got into blogging and reading other blogs so I'm pretty new to this but I am loving it. My blog is about me, my random thoughts, and my wiener dog Sophie.

As you may have guessed from the name of my blog, I am a dental hygienist. I finished school in September 2011 and have been looking for a job ever since. It's not easy, let me tell ya. I knew this going into dental hygiene but it didn't stop me from accomplishing my goals. I know the job is out there for me, it will just take some patience and a lot of resumes to find it.

Rarely do you find a full-time dental hygiene job fresh out of school. It is usually something that takes a few months, maybe even a year to find. A lot of the time, new hygienists start out temping. You might work a day at one office, a day at another office, and maybe even a day at another office. You might be covering a maternity leave, vacation, etc. for another hygienist (which typically leads into something more once the regular hygienist comes back but sometimes the office just doesn't have a spot for you). Whatever it may be, it's good because that means you are getting experience in an office setting. School is way different than an office so finding the right dental office who will hire newbies is key. Some, okay most, want you to have at least a year of experience. It's frustrating as a new hygienist because how do you get experience when no one will hire you?! Ahh!! At the same time, you do understand the DDS' reasoning even if it bums you out.

Sometimes relocating is an option. In some states, hygienists are in demand. Unfortunately for me and many of my friends, good ol' Wisconsin is not one of them. Probably because we have eight schools that offer dental hygiene compared to one dental school. Hmm, something doesn't add up. It's awfully difficult to get a hygiene job if there are no dentists. It is hard to stay positive, I will say that. But I know I need to keep trying and I'll get there.

The moral of the story is, if you want to go into a field where the demand is low, don't let it keep you from doing it. If you're passionate about it, go for it. Something will come up. It may get discouraging, it may bring you down, but in the end you will get the job you're looking for and all the struggling to get there will be worth it. Oh, and don't be afraid to ask why a position is open! You want to know and you have the right to know. If the company is unwilling to give you any information (a simple "our current (insert job title here) is transferring" will suffice), maybe you don't want to be working there. In a job hunt, you may think "well, it's something". Honestly, I don't agree with that. Unless you're willing to settle. Me? I'm not. I worked too damn hard in school to be put somewhere I hate. I say if finances allow and you're able to, keep looking. You'll get there too.

That was so encouraging Kasey. I really admire how you don't let this situation get you down. I worked for 3 years in the dental field and I have to say the job itself was the most rewarding I've ever done. I know that eventually you will get to have that feeling 1,000 times plus. Make sure you check out Kasey's blog as well.

Book Club Friday

I'm linking up again with Heather for Book Club Friday. 

Last week, I read Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens. Heather reviewed it a few months ago and as soon as I heard the synopsis I knew I had to read it.

 

Overprotected is about a girl who is never aloud to be alone outside of the house. She has a constant bodyguard to make sure she's 'safe.' Her newest bodyguard is her childhood nemesis but he doesn't stay hated for long.  

This book is so incredibly intriguing. I read it in 2 days! Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. One day I even considered not returning to work from lunch so I could finish it. It was, for the most part, your typical story. I half expected a twist that didn't come but I can't say I was disappointed. I wasn't happy with the ending. As usual, I felt as though it was rushed to an end. Possibly, I didn't just didn't want it to end at all.

However, this book was poorly edited. There were so many grammatical errors and inconsistencies. They were easy to overlook but stood out to me like a sore thumb. Maybe, I notice these because my dream job would be as a book editor. 

Handwriting

I've seen this floating around the blog world for a while and never took the time to do it but today I thought why not. I love to see other people's handwriting and envy. I have never liked my own writing. I've always tried to change it up a little bit. As I've gotten older I've become content with it but I still like to change it occasionally.

So here's what you do...

1. What’s your name/your Blogger name?
2. What’s your blog’s name/URL?
3. Write “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog”
4. Favorite quote?
5. Your favorite song?
6. Your favorite band/singers?
7. Anything else you want to say?
8. Tag 3-5 other people

If you do this let me know I would love to check it out.

**EDIT-My favorite song of the moment is actually Kiss Me Slowly by Parachute. I chose the first song I could think of when I was writing it out. You're just lucky it wasn't Ice Ice baby that came in my head first. 

Tattoos

I'm linking up with Raven today for her "I ♥ tattoos" link-up. I'm not a huge fan of tattoos and they are definitely not popular in my circle. However, I have mulled in my head the idea of one. I'm not sure I will ever get the guts to get one but when I do it's going to be something extremely meaningful and subtle (think something to remind me of Grams). I also think it would be cool to get a matching one with somebody like my mom or my cousins, not that Grams would ever approve. Here are some that I think would be contenders for placements and their simpleness.

Source: google.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: rodeo.net via Nikki on Pinterest

Source: damnlol.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Do you have a tattoo? Would you get one? If so, go check out the other link ups and join yourself.

Working Girl-Susan

Today I'm featuring Susan. She is one of the most honest bloggers I know. She isn't afraid to reveal herself; her progress, and her trials. So if you don't already follow her you really should. 

My lovely cube at work :-)

Hi I'm Susan (aka NCSuz) and you can normally find me over at my little blog- 30 Before 30 List.  I started my blog back in 2008.  I was 28 at the time and was going to use the blog to track my adventures marking things off my 30 Before 30 list.  Now I am 31 and I am still working on a few things I have left on the list (apparently 2 years was not long enough to accomplish all my big, audacious goals!)  But one thing I have been able to mark off?  #3- Get a job I love!

What do I do? I am a web content editor for Lenovo.  Never heard of Lenovo?  Don't worry, you are probably not alone, but you will.  Right now we are the #2 personal computer manufacturer in the world with our sights set on taking over the #1 spot in the next few years.  We aren't as big in the US as we are in other parts of the world, but we are getting there!

So what does a web content editor do?  Well I work on the eCommerce and Merchandising team for North America.  I mainly focus on our US eCommerce site.  My job is to make sure the content (words, specs, images) we are using accurately reflects what we are selling on the site. 

This means changing out content when new products launch or old ones go end of life.  We are a world wide company so some products or features we offer in other countries may not be offered in North America.  So I have to "localize" the content.  Most of the time I am just editing the content our World Wide web team sends me but sometimes I am creating brand new content.  For instance I might write content for a promo page we are developing.  Or I might develop a landing page to feature some of our best sellers. 

I also manage some of the merchandising tools we use on the site to make it easier for our customers to shop.  I manage our PC Finder tool, which asks you questions about which features you want in a computer and what you want to use it for and then recommends some computers based on those choices.  I also manage the tool that allows you to narrow down what you are looking for based on price, color, hard drive capacity, etc.

I also get to work on other cool projects like working with the social media team to promote different tools we create or promotions we have or redesigning the look of our pages.  I work a lot with designers and programers.  I absolutely could not do my job without the other members on my team.  And I love that.  It can be frustrating at times when you just want to get your project done, but you are waiting on others, or you disagree about a particular design or functionality but overall I love it. 

On a day to day basis you can probably find me chatting with team members about a project we are working on or frantically trying to figure out how to fix something that has gone wrong on our site, in a planning or brainstorming meeting, editing content in our content management tools, reviewing metrics or sales numbers to figure out what is working and what's not, learning about the next product or new technology we are going to launch, giving feedback on content (videos, words, images, etc.) created by outside agencies, or on a conference call with a vendor discussing a tool or service they are providing.  Basically our job as a team is to make it easy and attractive for you to buy a computer through our site.  So I spend my time doing some of the things that contribute to that end objective.

I work for a great company, an awesome team, have a great boss, and get to work on some pretty cool things.  All of those pieces are important to really loving my job.  Everyone always says find a way to make money at something you are passionate about and then you will love your job.  Well, I am here to tell you that is not the only way. 

- Find a company you love, that treats their employees well and values them and one that you can really stand behind their products and/or services.  (Ironically Lenovo is a Chinese company.  And there is such a stigma to non-American companies here in the US.  But y'all this company has treated me, as an employee, better than any of the American companies I have worked for.  Not saying American companies are bad.  Just saying it is becoming a global economy and American companies aren't the only ones that treat their employees well.  Just because a company isn't American based doesn't mean they are bad or that they will ship you overseas or that you are not a "loyal" American. So don't rule them out.)

- Find a boss that cares about your future.  Someone that will champion for you with their bosses and that really wants to develop your career and see you grow.

- Find a team that works as a team and that you enjoy being a part of.  You aren't going to love everyone you work with, but when you know you have to work together to get things done, it makes you work out any personality differences.  NO ONE can do it all on their own forever so you have to know how to work with others.

- Find a job doing something you find interesting.  I love the web (obviously- most bloggers do).  And I love shopping online (what girl doesn't?).  That helps me love my position.  And even in my personal web time I am constantly finding things that inspire me or give me new ideas for what I do at work.  Am I passionate about those things?  Only because they are my job now, but not going in to this position.  And am I passionate about computers?  I like them, but I am by no means a computer nerd and sometimes don't understand half of the new technologies.  It doesn't have to be a passion or obsession to be something you love. And also understand there will ALWAYS be parts of your job you will hate and/or dread. I think that's just part of life.

- Fun perks help a lot.  We have a gym and cafeteria on campus.  We get to do fun team building outings like paintball and indoor skydiving.  In fact I am on the Marketing Events Committee that helps plan our social events- everything from Christmas bowling parties, to ice cream socials, to VIP parties at a local music festival.  I love that they encourage the work hard/play hard spirit on our team.

One last bit of advice for younger working girls out there- I didn't step in to this job straight out of college.  I had to work hard to get here and it has been a bumpy road.  I majored in marketing, but my first job out of college was in a call center taking orders for a catalog company at $8.50/hour.  But I loved the company.  Within a year I worked my way up to the Marketing Department.  But I spent years doing the "grunt" work.  Running numbers, placing orders, doing paperwork, things that make you want to slam your head against the copy machine and leave you wondering "why did I go to college for this?"  I even was laid off from a job back in early 2009 and had to take a completely different job than what I had been doing at over a 30% pay cut for a year, but it turned out to be the biggest blessing.  No matter what you are doing now, learn from it.  Strive for that next level, but master what you are doing now and learn the things you will take with you throughout your career because I believe every job you do has something important to teach you!

Thank you so much Suz for sharing with us. Every time I visit a product website I now think about it differently. I never thought about how much work goes into rotating products in and out. This is why I love this series, opens my eyes.

Book Club

I'm linking up with Heather for another edition of Book Club Friday.

I'm finally finished The Help (you can read about my initial struggle here). My goal was to finish by the end of 2011 and I did it! One weekend I forced myself to sit down and get at least 1/2 done. Once I did I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. After that I finished it in less than 2 days. I'm glad I pushed through and finished it. I really enjoyed it and really did learn a little bit through fiction. In someways it seems like that was a period of time so long ago but in reality it really wasn't that long ago. We have come along way. 

However, I was not a huge fan of the movie. I know I'm gonna catch feedback on that but I really didn't think it did the book justice. I felt like it just brushed over all the topics and the problems an struggles. I want to watch it again in a couple months. Giving myself a little bit more space between the book and the movie. I think sometimes that's my problem I watch the movie immediately after and compare it to the book whereas when I give it some lag time between it doesn't always bother me so much.

Nikki vs Vicodin

If you follow me on twitter you know that I injured myself last week. I'm not sure what actually happened but after I got done doing some work around the house I was standing in the kitchen last Monday and was quickly on my knees screaming in pain. I somehow pulled a muscle in my neck/upper back. For a good hour after the initial blinding pain I couldn't move my left arm or turn my head. It was intense. 

So for the next couple days I was living in a Vicodin daze. I have never realized how it effected me. I have never taken it and actually have to function throughout the day. Don't worry I wasn't driving under the influence. Some funny things happened while I was 'doped' up though.

First of all I sent a text to an 'old boy' that made me very vulnerable. Nothing dirty or bad just something a little more heartfelt than I would normally say. Oops...

I was oblivious...I am normally very observant. I can tell when someone moves something a 1/2 an inch. But Tuesday I was clueless. A deer jumped on a co-workers car on NYE causing serious damage. When I went to see the damage I couldn't see it. How do I not see this? I told the girls at work, just blame it on me being high. 

I almost got fired for joking...Soon after another co-worker made the most disgusting smelling sandwich which she volunteers has chardonnay in the mustard. What? So we joked with her that she was getting drunk at work. Over hearing these 2 conversations someone then went to our administrator telling her she needed to review the substance abuse policies because I was coming into work high and "blank" was drinking on her lunch. What? They were just jokes.

I forgot...First it was my phone at home 2 days in a row. That was TRAGIC! Then it was makeup. I forgot to put it on one morning. Like completely forgot. Not got distracted or was running late, just plum forgot. I brushed my teeth and put on face lotion but never made it farther than that. I didn't even realize until about 9:30. I rubbed my eye and thought "crap I just smeared my eyeliner" then realized UH! I'm not wearing any. Who does that? (I never ever leave the house without a little bit of makeup on. Even if it's just foundation. Even if I'm in sweats with 3 day old hair. I have makeup on).

I got loud...Yeah, random I know. But seriously I would burst out with phrases that were 10 decibels too loud. I had no sense of volume. The first time my payroll lady told me I was getting an extra $1 on my check and I screamed WHOO HOO! It's just a dollar Nik!  Then another time we were discussing how many pink labels we had and I said "I LIKE PINK!" Maybe I should look into torrents.

And just because this post needs a photo (and it's something else strange)...

I got this in the mail?! Uh, I haven't even reached 30 yet why did I get an AARP card in the mail?

Amelia Ann

I talk about Amelia a lot, but I've never told her story. It's not an abnormal story it's just very personal...to me. Amelia Ann was born on December 1, 2009 to my cousin K. 

K's older sister, E, and I grew up super close and K always tagged along. So in turn we were pretty close growing up too. I think high school is where we all started to drift apart. And K kinda fell of the normal boat. She found herself mixed up in all kinds of trouble and eventually knocked up. Getting pregnant was somewhat of a miracle for her in and of itself that it saddens me even more that she took it for granted. 

Endometriosis runs in our family. At a very young age K had to have some serious procedures done that lowered any chance she had of getting pregnant to minuscule. She however, must find some potent men because she had a couple miscarriages before carrying Amelia to full term.

A couldn't stay out of "trouble" during or even after her pregnancy. We are so incredibly thankful that Amelia came out an extremely healthy little girl. God must have some big plans for this doll. After Amelia was born I was living with my parents and we received countless number of 2 am calls from K needing us to come pick up Amelia. Sometimes she had gotten in a fight, sometimes she was too high to take care of her, sometimes she got kicked out of her place and all times she claimed Amelia was a bad baby.

My heart broke for Amelia. She was only a "bad baby" by her environment. After a few days with us her fussiness was gone and so was her upset tummy. But she was never with us long enough for things to change. During this time I was planning my fall wedding to X. We discussed the possibility of adopting her and giving her a better life. But that's a huge responsibility to take on being newlyweds so it never happened. Something I regret most days.

K's mom ended up with custody of Amelia. Her health is failing and even though I know Amelia is not in harms ways anymore I still find myself worrying over her future. I try to get Amelia every other weekend or so. I still wish with all of my heart that I would have stepped up and taken her when I had the chance. But now, I'm just willing to take her when I can and show her as much love as is possible. 

As she grows up I want her to have options. I want her to know there are better paths than the one her mom took. That she can always trust and count on someone. That I will love her unconditionally. 

Source: spoonfulpb.wordpress.com via Nikki on Pinterest

I have so much love for this child. I will never understand how a mother, who carried the child for 9 months, can not want their child. Can be so selfish to not care what happens to their child! To choose a life of heartache and chaos to a life of love and support (just want to make it clear that K didn't give up her child because she knew she couldn't do a good job, those mothers I respect).

What caused me to want to tell the story now? Well, I read on K's Facebook today that she's trying to get her daughter back. And while I probably shouldn't put too much stock in that statement I'm still finding myself at war with it.  I know that if it should happen I should be grateful that Amelia has her mom back in her life. But it bothers me that K just walked away. And now that Amelia has formed new bonds with those around her she wants to take her away from that? And so many times she's "tried" to get clean but always finds a reason not to right now.

Working Girls-Celia

Today is the first of many featured working bloggers. When I tweeted that I wanted to start this series the beautiful Celia was the first to offer. It gave me hope that others would want to participate as well. Celia is planning a wedding and recently posted some amazing engagement photos. 

Stole from Celia's page and my one of my favorites of her engagement photos.
Don't they just look so happy?

So without further ado...

Hello there Dancing in the Raine readers! 

*waves*

I am so excited to be here! 

I am Celia from ...just trying to find my way. I am planning an intimate wedding with The Love for October of this year and couldn't be more excited! You'll see me write about anything and everything on the little blog of mine. So hop on over and say hello some time! 

You're wondering, what the heck do you do for a living? 

Oh you know, I'm just a super fabulous awesome blogger.... oh, I wish. 

I am the Traffic & Logistics Manager for "the world's leading provider of piping solutions", as well as the company Expeditor.

I'm sure none of that made sense, huh? 

The company I work for manufactures large pipe fittings and pipe lines in the oil and gas industry.

The Houston office is the sales office and stock warehouse. So what do I do exactly? 

The 1st part, Expeditor: Once the sales are made I keep in contact with our factories in Thailand, Japan, and Canada to monitor the manufacturing process and keep customers up to date on the status of their orders. I also research specifications/certs for customers as needed. 

The 2nd part, Traffic & Logistics Manager: Once orders are completed it is my job to make sure they make it to their destination point. This may include calling transportation companies for a truck load, rail line, air freight, or ocean transportation. If the customer has their preferred carrier then it's making sure that the customer, carrier, and factory all stay in contact with each other to make the shipment happen. If the items are stocked at our warehouse then I coordinate with my warehouse workers and the customer directly. 

Source: Uploaded by user via Michelle on Pinterest

I could go on and on, my "list of duties" when I was going in to argue my case for a raise last year was about 3 pages long!! My job isn't glamorous by any means, but I love it. I think it's because of my type A personality, it's all about planning and being meticulous. It has been hard at times, I am a girl working in oil and gas, as well as working in the transportation industry. Both a man's world. I have finally earned the respect of my coworkers and our customers. It is still fun for a driver or transportation sales person to come in and say "hey honey, let me speak to the man in charge" and I get to smile and say, "that's me!"

I also run a small Scentsy business, which our goal is to pay for our entire wedding with money earned from that. So far, we have booked our ceremony site with it! 

So there you have it!
This is what I do for a living!

Interested in sharing what you do? 
Contact Nikki to share your story!

Thank you so much Celia for sharing your career with us. I am dying to try some Scentsy and definitely will be purchasing from you.