Wordless Wednesday

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Ashley at Ashley

This whole weekend has been... fantastic.

Today was my first day of work at Ashley. I think I'm going to be a good fit there and everyone is so nice! Over the weekend I got to go shopping for work clothes, which is always fun. My Grandma took me to Kohl's on Saturday where we took the clearance racks by storm. She also got 30% off for using her Kohl's card. I got a few cover-ups that I can just wear over the clothes I already have to make them look more professional. I also went out on my own later that day and checked out a few stores that I haven't been to before.

Chris' sister Amanda wanted to go to TJ Maxx when she was in town, so I decided to check that place out. I found a lot of cute shirts there (and I will probably be returning there after I start getting paid :D), but I needed to find bottoms not tops. I didn't end up buying anything, but as I was driving out of the parking lot I saw Plato's Closet. I have been wanting to go there, but I never actually have. So, I parked again and went inside.

There is a brand at Kohl's called Candie's, and it's always quite expensive (at least for me). A Candie's skirt can easily sell for $40. I found one at Plato's Closet for $4... and it fit! I am so excited with my find. I am definitely going to be returning to Plato's Closet. It does smell like a used clothing store, because it is :P, but their clothes are of good quality, and they have dressing rooms! They also have a 30 day return policy, which is awesome.

To top off my wonderful day at work, my cousin, Laurie, informed me that my blog was written about on the Bakersfield Californian Bakosphere Blog! All I have to say about that is, "Awesome!" I have no idea how they found my blog, or why they decided to write about it, but I don't mind! I'm just glad someone I knew ran across it so I know it exists! The post is called Ashley finds a job -- at Ashley. Way cool if you ask me.

This is the skirt I bought for 4 dollars:

 And here is the outfit I got at Kohl's to wear for my first day of work (: Professional and cute!

Economics and New Jobs

The Great Recession. That's what they're calling it. The economy took a turn for the worse in 2008 and has slowly been recovering. Unemployment hit an all time high of nearly 10% in 2009 and is still lingering around 8.7%. Why do I know this, because I had to write a paper about it for my macroeconomics class. I had to write a paper describing the trends in unemployment, inflation, and economic growth in the U.S. from the first quarter of 2000 to the fourth quarter of 2011. I also had to make predictions for 2012. My prediction for 2012 was that things are going to turn around and the economy is going to continue to flourish:

One can never truly know what is going to happen next in the economy. Economists can make predictions about the future, but that is all they are, predictions. With the way things are going right now (the unemployment rate falling, and inflation and economic growth rates rising at a steady pace), I predict that 2012 is going to be a good year for the United States.

Yesterday was an awesome day. For the past few months my family of four has been sharing two cars. Not fun. My car was finally ready at the shop. I had a friend coming to pick me up to go get it (thank you Adriana!), and I had just finished my research paper about 2012 being a good year economically. I kid you not, it was maybe 10 minutes after I had wrote that "2012 is going to be a good year" that I got a call from Ashley Furniture Homestore about an interview! Way to go economy! I got my car back yesterday, turned in my paper, had an interview and... I got the job! I start on Tuesday as a receptionist/cashier/odd jobs sort of person. I cannot wait. This is what I have been waiting for.

I'm not the only person who has had a change in luck recently. My sister has gotten a job, a few of my friends as well, and my boyfriend has finally reached one of his goals of becoming a firefighter. The economy is truly taking a turn for the good. Please Lord just let things continue to get better because things really are looking up right now.

I am going to be an Ashley working at Ashley.
Bring it on.

Dakota's Rainbow Bridge

Dog is man's best friend. There is no doubt about it. There is just something about the unconditional love they give you. When you're having a bad day, your dog can always cheer you up. They will be there for you no matter what.

Our ten year old Australian Shepherd, Dakota, passed away this morning. My mom found her sleeping in the her dog house. I wasn't as close to her as my mom was- Dakota was her dog. We used to call her "Koda-Bear," or "Koda-Baby," and even on occasion "Squeeker" because she always used to whine and make squeeking noises when you weren't paying enough attention to her. She loved to get her butt scratched and would walk up to you at an awkward angle shaking it at you. She had no tail to wag, but her whole body shook when she was excited. She had no pups of her own, but was mother to many animals out on the farm- goats, kittens, sheep, pigs, and she even helped out when Annabelle had her puppies. Her heart was always open and she always had a smile on her face.

I'm going to miss her so much. Just the other day I was talking about her to a woman at the S.P.C.A. Talking about her little quirks, and how much I loved her- even her squeekiness. I'm just glad she's in a better place now, where she can chase all the squirrels she wants and not be held back by arthritis. She's with her brother Scamper now and I'm sure they're having a good old time.

I love you.

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Rest In Peace Dakota...
2002 - 2/10/2012

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Wordless Wednesday

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