Saturday, October 1, 2011

Difference a year makes.

Ok, some of you out there know that I have questioned myself for becoming a massage therapist. I got pretty down on myself last year at this time because I wasn't making any money. I couldn't afford to keep my car, or the insurance, and I have taken loan after loan from my parents. I hate taking ANY loans but I feel horrible for taking it from my parents. Anyway, Josh and I were having hard times last year at this time trying to make ends meet. We dropped all unnecessary bills like our Droids and that gave us the freedom to drop $100 off our Verizon bill! We cut the Dish Network off, and really started watching our power and water use. Let me tell you that really helped but nothing like finding the perfect place to work. Josh and I argued over how I SHOULD have finished nursing school. I had actually made up my mind about going back to school. I studied hard for the TEAS test but failed it miserably we had a ton of drama going on that week and the night before the big test I had to feed not only Josh and I but an additional family. I am glad I was able to help them out  however my test results proved it wasn't beneficial for the TEAS. I got so bummed out and depressed with myself. I felt worthless. I couldn't support my family and neither could Josh... we both were Aggravated  but we made it through it and Josh's business picked up. (thank God) And in late March I had issues at Choice and quit. Which Josh wanted me to anyways. It made life difficult and then SURPRISE after a little tinkle on a stick with 2 pink lines we have more to think about... I don't have a job!!! And we are pregnant.

Job application after job application, driving around checking on them they all say apply online and wait. UGH! I hate hearing that. However, In June, I finally saw an ad for a massage therapist position, Josh and I both agreed it was worth a shot. The day after my birthday I did my practical massage on Julia and she said I was hired! What a relief. I drove to Greensboro every week slowly starting just on Fridays then adding Thursdays and Saturdays. I received a gas check for coming down there and my commission check. Although, the drive sucked at least I was making money.

Fast forward, September 16th Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa opened its doors in Winston. My location! I was so excited but understood it could be slow but I had three massages in the first day and that Saturday I had 5.5 hours of massage WITH requests! Oh how happy I was. Now the first check is coming up and I have actually been really busy at this location. I will have a great paycheck; one that makes ANY other place I have worked (even for myself) look bad. I am stoked. When you add in the tips it gets even better. Finally, we are on a road to which the grass is greener on the other side. We will make it. And this baby will have what it needs. I am over the moon with excitement and giddyness. A job, a job  that I wanted, one that I have skills at doing one I went to school for and EARNED! I truly couldn't be happier. I am going to attempt to work as long as I can until Kendall makes her appearance or I have to go on bed rest. I hope my dreams will continue coming true. Soon I will have a precious baby girl named Kendall by my side and I will have the added joy of raising her but another part of me wants more on the business side as well.

I am hoping to be thought of for lead therapist in Winston. I know having the baby at this time could make it more difficult in my selection however, I feel I am up for it. I know I have done managerial work before and it would be even better to do it massage therapist style especially for this company! I am working my tail off trying to prove myself worthy. Work is steady and it is unbelievable how positive and upbeat I am about coming to work. I can only imagine more steady dependable income from here. This establishment KNOWS how to run a business. They understand this is how we make our living and they work hard at helping us achieve our dreams. All they ask is for is that you keep it drama free and follow Hand and Stone protocol. They take care of ALL The advertising and so far they have done a FABULOUS job!!! My life has done a complete turn around from how it was last year and I am loving it.

With a baby on the way and new job with great opportunities ahead of me, I would have to be crazy not to be excited and giddy about what lies ahead for next year!