The Waiting Game

That is about all that has been happening around these parts lately.  I'm still waiting to hear from both Ethan Allen and Drexel Herritage.  Both positions would be incredible. Both jobs are great places to start my career; and both would be an incredible opportunity for me to grow and learn in.  But I've done my part, and all I can do now is wait.

I know, I know, not the update you were hoping for.  Me either, but it's all I've got for ya right now.

I just have to wait it out and keep praying.  I'm still looking for new positions to apply to, and will actively keep myself out there in the job hunt until I hear something.  When the time is right, I know I will get into the job that God wants me to have.  Until then, I am going to have to patiently and confidently wait on God's timing, not my own.

I did apply for a opening with a new firm in Durham today, so that was kind of exciting.  I'm actually excited about the position and really hoping they will contact me for an interview!  But like I said, I'm just waiting for now.

Other than, that I have been trying to soak up all the free time I've got right now.  There are days I think I will go absolutely bonkers if I have to watch another TV show, or sit on the couch for another minute,  but it has been nice to relax. I've had a lot of time to reflect on the past four years, and what I want to do with my life.  I've had the chance to enjoy time with my friends, hang out with my sister, and soak up the sun while the warm afternoons are still here. I've spent way too much time snuggling with my puppy and watching TV, but hey you gotta do what ya gotta do! It's a tough life, I know!

There are days where being unemployed and waiting is difficult, frustrating, and even a little depressing at times, but I'm trying my best to enjoy this time I have, and to trust that God is in the middle of it all.  A good friend of ours the other day said I should be excited during this time, because I'm in the middle of God's plan, and I can be eagerly anticipating what He has in store. It's so easy to forget sometimes that this life is not ours.  It's easy to forget that this world, our fears, and our doubts, do not own us, God does; and He will always take care of His children.

So for now I wait.  And I'm ok with that.  But, I would love to have your prayers as I continue this journey!

"If we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently." -Romans 8:25

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future."  -Jeremiah 29:11

Labor Day Weekend Movie Review

Since I am currently in this on going state of unemployment vacation, and the family left for Grandma's this weekend, I have had quite a bit of alone time on my hands.  A house to myself, with no commitments calling my name, and it's completely my decision what to do next.  Sounds heavenly right?? Well for me....I'm kind of getting worn out from sitting at home.  Sure it was fun for the first day or two, but now I'm itching to get out of the house and get working again.

However, it's Labor day weekend, everyone is out of town or busy doing their own vacationing at home, so I figured I might as well enjoy the quiet and freedom while it lasts.  So, I figured I'd keep Redbox in business and rent some movies.  And yes, I'll go ahead and admit that I have rented and watched 6 movies this weekend.  I know I'm a complete bum.  I did go swimming this weekend, so I wasn't a complete couch potato, but how else is one supposed to fill three 12 hour days??

So since I watched them, I figured I'd give a quick little review on my movie choices.  You know, in case you decide to help keep Redbox in business this weekend too ;-)!

Movie 1:  Act of Valor

Rating: 4.5/5

Rated R

This is a movie about Navy Seals who are on a mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA operative. In the process they discover a terrorist plot against the US and set out on a mission to stop it.  The movie is action packed and gives a very eye opening picture of what our troops do for us each day.  The men in the movie have to balance family life with their mission.  While the movie was shorter than I had hoped, it was fantastic.  I'll go ahead and warn you it's a little bit of a tear jerker near the end, but it really makes you proud of our men and women who serve this Country each day.  I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a movie that's action packed and you want something both men and women will enjoy.

Movie Two: Think Like A Man

Rating:  5/5

Rated PG-13

I have wanted to see this movie ever since I saw the first commercial.  It's a story of women who discover the book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man."  They use it's techniques to get what they want out of their men.  When the men find out, they join the battle and use the book to what they hope will be their advantage.  While it may not be the most appropriate movie for a family, it's absolutely hilarious!!  This is a great chick flick that I think even guys will enjoy.  I was cracking up the whole time!  Every one will enjoy this!

Movie Three: The Devil Inside

Rating:  4/5

Rated R

For all you horror movie junkies out there like me, this is a good one!! For those of you that don't like scary movies feel free to skip this review.  However, I LOVE a good scary movie.  I have been wanting to see this since I first saw the preview, but when I heard from a friend it wasn't good I forgot all about it.  Since Redbox is only $1.20 I figured there was no harm in giving it a shot.  This movie is about a girl who's mother, Maria Rossi, murdered three people during her exorcism. Isabella, the daughter, travels to Rome to visit her mother and learn more about exorcisms.  She meets two guys that are practicing exorcists and they begin the journey into her mom's case.  It's suspenseful and an edge of your seat kind of movie. You can kind of see the twist coming, but it's still good!!

Movie Four:  Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Rating:  1.5/5

Rated R

This movie is about a guy, George Smiley, who is forced out of semi-retirement to uncover a double agent in the British Secret Service.  That's about all I can tell you about the movie because I was so bored that I turned it off 30 minutes in.  I thought it was going to be good from previews I'd seen, but I should have read the reviews on Redbox first.  It's got an overall 2/5 rating for being slow and boring.  I'd definitely agree!  Don't waste your time on this one!

Movie Five: Man on a Ledge

Rating 5/5

Rated PG-13

This again is another movie I'd been dying to see!  It's the story of a ex-cop set out to prove his innocence.  All the while, his suicide is attempt is really just a cover for a huge diamond heist that will prove his innocence.  I loved this movie!! It's another great one for couples to watch.  It's got enough action and love make everyone happy.  The action, and suspense are great.  I haven't seen this great of an action movie in a while.

Movie Six:  Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Rating:  5/5

Rated PG-13

This movie tells the story of an 11-year old boy, Oskar Schell, who's father died in the towers on 9/11.  After finding a key in his dad's closet he sets out on a journey to discover the lock it opens.  This is an incredibly heart-wrenching and moving story.  Go ahead and get your tissues ready and prepare yourself for one of my new favorite movies.  It's a great story of healing and finding yourself after tragedy.  I can't recommend this one enough! Go watch it for yourself!

Master Bedroom Makeover

A couple of weeks ago my sister's friend, Janice, contacted me for design help on her master bedroom.  She and her husband recently moved into a new home and wanted to update their bedroom from a traditional frumpy purple, to a cleaner more transitional space.  She and her husband had already purchased a set of furniture but wanted to change up the paint and decor.  After consulting on a paint color and getting the furniture in place, Janice and I set out shopping for bedding, window treatments, and accessories for the room.  She wanted something clean, with texture, and in the blue/grey/green family.  We found some beautiful selections from West Elm (a new favored store of mine that just opened at Southpoint, you should check it out!) and got the room all set up.  I really enjoyed working with Janice.  She was very pleased with how the room turned out, as was I, and I believe it will be a great bedroom ensemble for them to enjoy for years to come.  Here are some before, during, and after shots.  Enjoy!

 This is how the previous owner had the bedroom set up and displayed when Janice and her husband bought the house.

 How I first saw the room. (Sorry for the terrible quality I forgot my camera and had to use my phone)

 The master bedroom connected to their private bath which was painted in a beautiful green they wanted to keep.  We chose a blueish/green gray for the bedroom to tie in with the bathroom.

The finished product.  She has a beautiful wedding picture that will be going above the bed soon.

If you, or someone you know, would like design help on their next project let me know.  I am always looking for ways to expand my portfolio and get more design experience.  

Send me an email for more information on the services I offer, pricing information, and ways I can assist in your remodeling projects. 

allysonhemric@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Cassie!

Over the past few months I have written and told you all about my best friends.  I have intentionally saved my best friend for last so that I could post this on her birthday (you were not forgotten Cassie!).  You see, Cassie and I have been best friends since 6th grade. However, before that I hated her.  We did not get along in elementary school because of jealousy over a common friend.  I remember vividly hoping that she would not get put on my team in 6th grade.  Of course the first day of class, guess who was on my team? Yep, Cassie!  Little did I know that 6th grade would spark the beginning of the best friendship I've ever had.  She and I have been through so much together over the last 11 years.  We have cried, laughed hysterically, and shared more memories together than I could even begin to share with you on here. I honestly don't know what I'd do without her! I could not have made it this far or be who I am today without her.  Cassie is my best friend and always will be.

For the fun part, in honor of her 22nd birthday, here are my 22 favorite things about Cassie (in no particular order):

1. She loved me despite my out of control curly bangs in middle school (even though she got and still gets some good laughs out of it!)

2. She gave me my first and only black eye.

3. She and I have experienced many animal adventures at the lake.  Like the rat blanket and acorns.

4. She is always up to watch a scary movie with me.  Not only that, but she is the ONLY person I enjoy watching scary movies with.

5.  Not only does she enjoy the really scary movies, but she also shares my love for terrible $5 bin scary movies.

6. She and I share a deep love for Japanese steakhouses.

7. I can't even count how many Phase 10 games we have played over the last 11 years.  Most of which lately she has dominated in!

8. I love our long talks out on the pier at her lake house.  It doesn't matter if it's the summer or winter we always make it down there and spend countless hours talking about anything and everything.

9. We always enjoy laughing at how we laugh.  Sounds silly but it's always hilarious!

10. We met 4 crazy guys at the beach during one of her birthdays and still joke about it to this day.

11. She appreciates black people and their culture more than anyone I know. Actually she just appreciates every culture more than anyone else I know.

12. She and I used to walk to the BP together when we were younger.  Even despite the time we almost possibly got kidnapped.

13. She and I share a hatred for the store Buckle.  It's a nightmare to find clothes in there, even with a gift card.

14. I am always Cassie's go-to shopping buddy.  It is my duty to keep her going despite any frustrations that may occur (mainly over jeans & bras), but most importantly it's my job to put all the clothes back on their hangers lol

15. She and I share a deep love for traveling and have a list of 50 places we must go together.  First on the list is Alaska then the Fiji underwater hotel.

16. She pushed me to follow my heart and go back to Haiti.  For that I will always be grateful! We share a bond most friends never experience through our love for working in Haiti together.

17. I love how because of her I have tried so many new things.  Sometimes we agree that she may have corrupted me lol

18. She is always my voice of reason when it comes to guys.  I almost always sometimes need her to pull be back to reality.

19. I love that she and I know each other so well that we understand what the other person is thinking without saying a word.

20.  I love that we are so opposite when it comes to dating, but I know her so well that I could walk any guy through what she wants/doesn't want when it comes to dating her.  No pink roses please!

21. I love that even though we may fight like sisters sometimes we are both always quick to forgive and forget.

22. I love all of the crazy pictures the two of us took together as kids and all the memories it brings back when I look through our scrapbook.

Cassie thank for being such an amazing friend to me. I know there are times where we don't always see eye to eye but over the years that has only brought us closer together.  I have grown so much because of you.  I've learned to look at the world with a more open mindset and see the beauty in people.  You have taught me to believe in myself and stick to my dreams.  You've coached me through heartbreak, been a shoulder to cry on, cheered with me over success, been my voice of reason, laughed hysterically with me, but most of all you've always been a friend to me even when it was not deserved.  Like I said before, I had no idea what an amazing friendship was going to stem from being on the same team with you in 6th grade.  I had no idea that at 22 we'd still be taking trips to the lake, talking for countless hours, and growing more each day in our friendship.  I honestly don't know how I would have made it without you all of these years.  I can never thank you enough for the love and support you've shown me!  Knowing I can always turn to and depend on you is something I cherish each day.  I cannot wait to see what the next 11 years holds for us!  Love you Cassie! Thank you for being my best friend.  

One of my birthday dinners years ago.

 Before steakhouse dinner Junior year.

 Staff hang out night 2011.

 Steakhouse at HPU 2012.

 In Haiti January 2012.

 Late night hot tub dip at HPU. 2012

Happy Birthday Cassie! Love you!

Not Me Monday (On Tuesday)

After spending a glorious four days at the beach hanging out with one of my best friends, I did not struggle at all coming home.

It's super easy to come back after being at the beach.  After all, who would rather stay at the beach than come home?  Not me.

And because it was so easy to come home, it was even easier to go back to work this morning.

I did not push the snooze button twice, or throw my hair in a pony tail to allow myself to sleep in an extra ten minutes. After all, I was so looking forward to my 8am alarm clock and hanging out with kids all day. Like I said, who would rather stay at the beach than do that? Not me.  I love everything about my job.

And because I loved everything about going back to work, I did not enjoy my hour of sanity and relaxation at the hair salon today. Being pampered and having your hair done is no where near as fun as being at work.

I mean come on, there's no way I caught myself at least 100x today wishing I was on the beach, with my best friend.

That would just be silly.

After all, it was so easy to come back.

Nope. Not me.