Hello!
I realize I'm the worst. It was a goal of mine to keep this blog updated, but I seem to be failing miserably. I feel that I cannot start this without commenting on the month and the weather. Guys, it's November. It hasn't snowed once (knock on wood). It's so great! I'm still wearing capris to work. I haven't had to find my winter boots! I love it. Usually by this time, we'd have had a major storm or three or four.
Last time I wrote, I had just graduated from college. Goodness, that was so long ago and so much has happened since then!
Back then, I was working at the Garden Park Nursery here in town and absolutely loving it. I fell in love with the plants that I cared for everyday. I didn't even mind the customer service aspect as long as I could spend a little time with the trees and flowers everyday. Sometime in June, my boss was approached by the owners of the other nursery in town and she sold the place two weeks later. The new owners were amazing and kept on all the employees, so I didn't lose my job. They were really great.
I honestly loved working there. The new owners gave me more responsibility and trusted me with so much even though I'd only just started working for them. It was around this time that I began questioning whether or not I wanted to continue working there. It wasn't that I was unhappy with my job, but rather, I didn't see much room for growth. As I looked at the other employees who had been working there for years, I realized that they hadn't moved up at all.
I was approached by a friend who knew a guy who was looking for an office assistant. I wasn't actively looking for a new job, but I agreed to interview for this because I figured, what could it hurt?
It was really amazing-- I know God was working things out for me. I interviewed with the gentleman on Friday evening, stressed about it all day Saturday, and then Sunday morning, I got a text from him offering me the job! It all happened so quickly. I gave my 2 weeks notice, and then started working at REMAX Properties.
That's where I am now, working as a Listing Coordinator in a real estate office. I love it. I really, really do. The first few weeks were magical-- I had actual responsibilities and I was learning so much! I'm still learning things and getting to do new stuff every week.
I'm so glad I took that step and interviewed back in June. One thing I tell people is that it's nice to be in a position that pushes me. Sometimes I have to make uncomfortable phone calls or go do things I've never done before. While sometimes I would rather be comfortable, I appreciate the opportunity to grow.
Since I started this job, my boss has been pushing me to get my real estate license. (Actually, it's a job requirement, not so much a suggestion.) Since July, I've been taking online classes to prepare for the big test. At the beginning of October, I told a friend that I while I had all the required credits, I lacked the motivation to actually study for and take the test. I committed that I would be done in October. Finished and licensed.
I went to take the test two weeks ago. It's an ordeal, let me tell you. I had to schedule the test, then go to Salt Lake City to a testing center, and when you're taking the test, they record the whole thing to make sure you didn't cheat. I was a nervous wreck all the way there. I was so afraid that I wouldn't have the necessary paperwork or that they didn't get my reservation or some nonsense.
I went into the testing room and began. The first question was so easy. I was thinking, "Man, if this is how it's going to be, I'm so prepared!" Then I got to the second question, and the third, and those thoughts turned to, "Whelp, this sucks." I made it through the first test, General Sales, and I thought I did alright. There were a few that I didn't have a clue on, but for the most part, I felt confident that I had done well.
Then I started the second test-- Utah Law. My stomach dropped after every question. It was strangely specific about stuff that I don't ever remember studying. I recall one of the questions was about how agents have to be labeled on a postcard. (Right?! I didn't know it mattered enough to be on the test!) Anyway, I finished the test just knowing that I had failed Utah Law. I comforted myself with the fact that when I retook it, I would only have to retake the second part since I was sure I had passed the first.
I exited the testing room and went to the main desk. The kid behind the desk handed me my papers and told me to sign and I could get fingerprinted after he finished with the lady in front of me. Fingerprinted?? I was told that you only get fingerprinted if you pass! I scanned my papers and sure enough, a big bold PASS was hidden amongst the other (far less important) information.
Hallelujah! I wouldn't have to come back and retake anything! I was ecstatic. The girl who I replaced at work had had to take the test 7 times before she passed. My own boss had taken it 3. I was feeling pretty good about myself.
So that's where I am now-- qualified to be an agent, just waiting for the state to approve my papers.
Having my license doesn't mean I'll be working as an agent. I'll still be an assistant to an agent, and that's right where I want to be. I love what I do and I love that my boss has the harder job of making cold calls all day long.
I'm happy where I am and only have the occasional what-am-I-doing-with-my-life crisis.
Let's see... what else. Oh! My friend Katie and I moved to a new apartment. It's so nice to only have one roommate. She and I get along and stay out of each other's way and it's just great. We moved at the beginning of September, so we've been there a few months now. I've enjoyed decorating and filling a space that's mine. When there are 4 girls living in a house, it's hard to really make it homey, but since there's just the two of us here (and I know Katie doesn't mind my style) I've had the freedom to decorate how I like and really make it feel like home. I think that's my favorite thing about this place-- it's warmer than my previous rentals.
This weekend, my Mimi and Papa are visiting me from Colorado. I'm so excited to see them, and I'm so excited to have someone stay in my guest room! (Yeah, I've got a guest room-- fancy coming to see me? You're welcome here :)
This has been fun. I'm at work right now and had some time to kill so I figured I should write a bit. I've got 12 minutes until I can leave, so I think I'll close, then finish up a few little things before I go home. It's always nice to get my thoughts out here.
Anyway, I hope your day has been wonderful.
Until next time,
Sarah
