On resigning

Recently work hasn’t been all cupcakes and rainbows. And if I’m completely honest with myself, I haven’t been happy for quite some time. So two weeks ago I decided it was time to look for more challenges, more growth opportunities, more fun, and so I resigned.

Yes, I resigned!

For anyone that knows me (or my boss for that matter), this was quite a feat. I resigned without having something new lined up. I resigned to give myself the proverbial kick up the ass that I so needed to get my head and heart right.

The boss took the news quite calmly. Not at all how I had expected him too. But this calm acceptance was good. He knew I was serious. And I knew he was taking it seriously. I mentioned that I had a person in mind as my replacement and just like that she was called in for an interview the following day. And the day after the interview a letter of offer was sent through. Just like that! Just like that I had resigned and replaced myself and I felt great! A load that I never realised was pressing down on me was suddenly lifted off my shoulders.

I have given my boss (and me) a nice long notice period so now the job hunt begins…

It’s a Zumba Party

Eliza invited me over for lunch yesterday and I thought it a great excuse to pack up my Zumba things so she could also experience the fun and excitement that Zumba has to offer.

We had a glorious lunch followed by some tastebud tantalising cupcakes. And since we’d eaten so well, and all had a food-baby, we decided it was time to set up the equipment so we could ZUMBA (and work off our lunch)!!

Eliza showed such chutzpah in jumping right in there and following the instructor to “keep her green”. And then Eliza’s cousin joined the party and shook what her mamma gave her! Even Eliza’s 3 year old nephew got involved! So after a few routines/classes, we were all smiling from ear to ear and “shaking our thangs”! The ladies have now said that they will just have to go out and buy themselves a copy of the game and a Wii/Xbox/Playstation in order to continue the fun. I’d say that the Zumba Party was a success! Wouldn’t you?

Thanks again Eliza for having me over! Next time you’re coming to me, but be prepared to shake it some more!!

Hugs & Kisses
Jessica Giggles

PS…
If you don’t already know, this is part of a one month challenge with other Girl Guiders, and I need your help to win… Please head on over to Zumba Fitness SA’s Facebook page, like it and say that I referred you. The more referrals I have, the more points I am awarded. And the more points I am awarded, the higher my chance of winning the challenge and getting to keep my Wii and Zumba game.

What’s in it for you? The chance to win spot prizes as well as the chance to win your own Wii and copy of Zumba! So go on! Give a gal a fighting chance…

Zumba-licious

Can you believe I have been Zumba-ing for almost 2 weeks already?! Time flies when you’re getting fit!

I must say that after doing quite a few of the classes or routines, my co-ordination and fitness seems to have improved. When I did my first class, I was completely aware that I wasn’t doing the moves properly and that irritated the perfectionist in me. And the twenty minute routine felt like a life time! I am super happy to say that my fitness does seem to be getting better as I am not as out of breath. And my co-ord seems to be getting better too as my lady is green* which means I must be doing it right…

Now as this is part of a one month challenge, I need your help to win… The more referrals I have on Zumba Fitness SA’s Facebook page, the more points I am awarded. And the more points I am awarded, the higher my chance of winning the challenge and getting to keep my Wii and Zumba game. So this is what you need to do… Head on over to the Zumba Fitness SA Facebook page, like the page, and then tell them that I referred you.

And what’s in it for you? As a follower of the Zumba Fitness SA page, you stand the chance to win spot prizes as well as the main prize of your own Wii, Zumba game, and other Zumba goodies. Go on! Give a gal a fighting chance…

Hugs & Kisses
Jessica Giggles

*If you are doing the moves incorrectly, the instructor lady is a pinky red. If you’re almost there but not quite, the lady turns orange. And if you’re doing it perfectly, she turns green.

*Picture credit

The challenge is on…

So Sunday afternoon I headed on over to the Crowne Plaza in Rosebank to meet with the Zumba Fitness SA representative and my seven challengers (the seven Girl Guide reviewers also chosen to take part in this one month challenge). We were all given a Wii console and a copy of the Zumba Fitness game and the rules of the challenge were explained. I was super excited to get home, set everything up and getting Zumba-ing…

The set up was quick and it wasn’t too long before I was busy with my first tutorial. And then last night I did my first class… Now I did know that I was unfit, but GOSH! After what felt like a lifetime, I had only actually done about 10 minutes. So by the end of the class, my calves were shouting at me, I was out of breath and sweaty, but I was grinning from ear to ear! I do feel a bit uncoordinated but I know this will change with a little bit more practice.

Now to the part where you come in… The more referrals I have on Zumba Fitness SA’s Facebook page, the more points I am awarded. And the more points I am awarded, the higher my chance of winning the challenge and getting to keep my Wii and Zumba game. So this is what you need to do… Head on over to the Zumba Fitness SA Facebook page, like the page, and then tell them that I referred you.

And what’s in it for you? As a follower of the Zumba Fitness SA page, you stand the chance to win spot prizes as well as the big prize of your own Wii, Zumba game, and other Zumba goodies. And If I win in the end, you’ll all be invited to Zumba with me! So go on…what are you waiting for?!

Hugs & Kisses
Jessica Giggles

Off and Running

Over the weekend Gary and I had the chat… The chat about getting fitter and healthier, not that kinda chat! We went to a few shops to see what it would cost to get new running shoes (replacements for his ancient ones, and new ones for me because I don’t have), and some running kit. I decided we shouldn’t buy anything yet as we should make the effort to run before actually ‘treating’ ourselves.

On Sunday night, after all this chatting about fitness and healthiness, we said we would get up early on Monday morning for a quick run before getting ready for work. But Monday morning arrived and I hit snooze as soon as the alarm went off and decided sleep/cuddling would be a better way to spend those minutes!

I ended up getting home from work earlier than normal and, while waiting for Gary to come home, had psyched myself up for a run. As soon as Gary arrived I informed him that he needed to get changed as we were going running. To say he was dumbfounded is a severe understatement! (I’m not known for my will to do any exercise!)

We changed and headed out for a simple run around the block. But this was not as simple as it sounded! After only a few metres of jogging I was gasping for breath and had already developed a stitch. So it was a case of jog for a little bit, then walk for a long bit (so I could catch my breath), then jog again for a little bit, etc. It also didn’t help that my muscles were still sore after the pole dancing antics on Saturday.

I did manage to make it back home in one piece, albeit gasping for breath and hardly able to walk! But I am determined to get fitter and healthier. And Gary, the wonderful supportive fiancé that he is, will be by my side and will motivate me until I can run around the whole block!

So here’s to a great challenge! Hopefully I can keep it up!

Hugs & Kisses
Jessica Giggles

*Picture credit

Show Your Best Side

It’s been terribly busy lately so apologies that I’m only getting round to this now…

A week or so ago, Alet tagged me in a blog challenge. (Thanks hunny!) I have to find five photos I like of me, along with stating five things I like about myself!

Photo 1: This was taken by Craig at a 27Dinner

Photo 2: This was taken at CokeFest in 2007

Photo 3: This was taken at Billy the Bums in Fourways on one of the many nights N and I went partying

Photo 4: This was taken when Gary and I went on the Rovos Rail to celebrate his uncle’s 50th birthday

Photo 5: This was taken in Cape Town on the night of my engagement

Five things I like about myself:
1. I like my hands – they are dainty yet very strong
2. I like my eyes – they change colour depending on my mood
3. I love my boobs and cleavage – my boobs are the perfect size and shape and there can never be too much cleavage
4. I like my toes
5. I like my neck

I’m not going to tag anyone specific for this challenge! If you want to do it, go ahead! And if you’ve already done it, good for you!

Hugs & Kisses
Jessica Giggles

New adventures…

…with a new job!

This is probably a surprise to all of you, especially since I’ve kept this really quiet (I had to).

At the beginning of this year I started looking for a new job. My three year contract was coming to an end and I wanted to see what other jobs were out there that could challenge me, make better use of my skills and make me happier. Yes, being an event manager has been an awesome experience, but I felt it was time to move on to bigger and brighter horizons.

And so the process of job applications began. I trawled the net and applied to quite a few executive PA positions as this is what I feel I’d be most suited to (my OCD definitely lends itself to this type of position). But after a couple weeks of no feedback or requests for interviews, I began to feel quite depressed and unsure of what my future held. And then…one morning…it happened! I received an email from a recruiter saying that she had seen my CV and she had a job available that I seemed perfectly suited for. I was thrilled! And when I say I was thrilled, I mean I was over-the-moon-full-of-excitement-and-happiness thrilled! We arranged a date (18 February) and time (07h30) for an interview at her offices. The interview went really well and she put me forward for the job. And I had a really good feeling about it! A follow on interview was setup for 26 February with a lady from the company (the right hand to the boss). And it went really well! The final interview was setup for 4 March with the big boss. And on his arrival, he’d said that he wasn’t sure why we were meeting because the “right-hand-to-the-boss” lady had said I was perfect. After an hour chat (it didn’t seem like an interview), he gave me the offer of employment! And just like that I had a new job!

So as of 1 April, I will be taking on the role of an office manager and PA and will be working more ‘normal’ hours. I’m really looking forward to the challenges and experiences that await me!

Hugs & Kisses
Jessica Giggles

*Picture credit

The Blue Challenge

I decided to take part into today’s Female2Female challenge of posting a pic with the colour blue in it. And I’m taking it just a little step further by posting two pics!

(I took this sunset shot while in the car…)

(This was taken on Camps Bay beach on my engagement weekend…)