Scentsy - Bring Back My Bar

Scentsy Bring Back My Bar

It's that time again! Scentsy's Bring Back My Bar is back with "The Sweet Scent of Democracy."

In case you don't know what Bring Back My Bar (BBMB) is, imagine that perfect, long-time favorite scent from years ago returned. Or, in the last catalog, you completely missed out on a fragrance and it was discontinued before you placed that final order. BBMB is when some of those favorites are voted back into production for one month only.

People are passionate about the BBMB, some buying 10s of a bar to stock up--it may never come back again!

Who can vote, and how? Anyone can vote on their favorite scents, all the way back to 2005, here. What am I voting on? Here's my list:

Orange Chiffon Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Oatmeal Pie, and COMFORT AND JOY!!!!!!!!

Check out the list and tell me your faves!

Visioning Exercise (first draft)

Today, I met with a long-time online friend for the first time. I didn't know that she was so closeby, and with my current job search, getting the chance to talk to her was amazing.

I didn't know that she was a graphic designer either, with the hookup here in Portland... She gave me a lot of tips, leads, and AMAZING advice. Something that resonated: Excellence isn't Perfection.

Another thing she asked me to do was a visioning exercise, to pinpoint what it is that I want (and not just a job). What is my ideal workday? Give specifics, like when I want to wake up and what kind of environment I'd like to work in.

One year from now, I'd like to be making $25/hr. I'd like to work close to home in the Hillsboro area in a large company. I want health insurance, vision and dental. I want company benefits, coworkers, teammates... I want to make enough to drive a Prius, eat out, and travel home for the holidays.

Thinking of my dream workday is difficult for me. At this point, I can't see past the work I've done and what I've enjoyed and disliked the most. Which of my talents do I want to grow on in a company? I've spent so long as a freelancer, taking any contract offered and building my skill set. Now's the time to buckle down and focus!

Missing Home

Homemade chocolate mousse with hand-whipped cream.

My husband and I recently relocated from the UP, Michigan to Portland, Oregon. We've seen so much already, and really love the area, but we don't know anyone and have been homesick. Hopefully we get set up here soon enough with a church, and meet a few locals soon!

Keep on dreaming

I roll with the punches, I keep people guessing, and I continue on my merry way. Why? No one else is going to do it for me.

I have this strong desire to leave this place, and have had it for a long, long time. I never realized it before, until I remembered what I always wanted [to be] when I grew up.

I never thought of a career as my goal, and never answered those annoying questions with "A doctor! A business lady!" What did I want to be when I grew up, at age 8? "Alone, secure, and far away from here." That was all I hoped for. I was content in working in a bookstore stocking shelves, or in a restaurant bussing tables, as long as I was away from Mama, Detroit, Michigan, and anyone who knew me.

What do I want now? To be away, able to pay my bills, but mainly just away from Michigan. Far, too.

Does that mean I want a new life? Does that mean I hate what I have?
Am I terrible for wanting something that isn't a moment away from the family and friends that I have so closeby, now?

I wonder about this most days.

Fingers-crossed

Today, finally, I helped Seth send a resume and general cover letter to a friend in Seattle. This guy could really change our lives, and really wants to help us... He's gone so far as to tell us that Seth could work for him, and that he'd pass along his CV to colleagues, family and friends in the construction industry.

He cares so much, I can tell. Lots of people would say, "You can stay with me for a few days..." But few would go out of their way to get you a career after graduation, while 2000 miles away.

If something works out on his end, our lives would change drastically. I've never made more than 11k per year, combined with Seth. If he actually got a REAL position... We wouldn't have to live in our super tiny college apt anymore, find a nicer condo and be able to eat more than roman noodles and discount chicken from Walmart.

Honestly at this point, I'd be happy to just live there in whatever studio craphole we could find. But if we don't have to, I might just burst!