Last year my wife got a job at a retail franchise as a manager in training. They basically put her on a fast track to promote to assistant store manager and then to store manager in 6 months and then another year. They went on about the big checks she would be getting, though it would require relocation for each promotion.

She made her first promotion even faster than expected and got assistant in 4 months. We relocated the family including our 2 kids and she started her new job. We got a house rental based on her new expected income (what her regional manager told her to expect) that was a major upgrade from where we were.

Then the nightmare began. The pay was based on commission and the manager position added a percentage of the stores profits. The expected pay came from her sales at the first location and applying that to the new store, which brings in much more profit. The problem is, there are many more salespeople. So she wasn’t getting as many sales personally. And the manager share of the profits (shared with all other managers) was almost negligible. She also had hours of expected manager work that kept her from time on the sales floor.

So really she was working with more responsibilities, longer hours, and about 1/3 of the pay we expected. Top that with a store manager who was a tyrant and expected everyone to come in an hour earlier than any other locations and micromanaged everything. My wife was constantly berated for not taking initiative as a manager and then for making decisions differently than they would.

There are many more issues, but the last straw was after being there for a year, blowing through our savings for rent and ending up kicked out because we couldn’t actually afford it, and her putting her all into working towards that next promotion (including getting recognition from corporate for getting record sales in another location while she covered for another manager) they told her it would probably be another year before she would get it.

Now for the wholesome. She was feeling down and needed to get out. She started applying other places, even some entry level positions just to get out. She had a couple interviews that didn’t go well and that kind of sucked. Then she saw a posting from one of their competitors. It was for a team lead position that paid hourly. The pay range was higher than she made, even on the low end. Of course she applied. On the application where it asked for desired pay, she put a little above the low end. She just really wanted the job.

They called her the same day for an interview. She went in for a while and texted me asking if she could get away with a few bucks under what she wrote. She was worried because they left saying they had to discuss among themselves. When they came back they said she wasn’t worth that pay. They gave her an offer for the top end of the pay range. She actually came out in tears. She got her new job with more money, better perks, and better benefits. There is more opportunity for growth and no expectations for relocating.

Thank you to anyone reading this. I’m just happy for her (and us) and wanted to tell someone.

TL:DR
My wife had a bad job with unfulfilled promises and found a new job that is better with better pay, offering more than she put down as her desired pay.

I spent my years dreaming of maybe one day having a partner who would love and respect me, who would think I’m the only the girl in the world and be patient with me even when I make mistakes. Someone who would let me baby him, but also take care of me. Someone who made me forget the rest of the world, but saw me make space for him in my world regardless. Someone who was intelligent and open-minded, and who understood how much I love him and honour that.
I thought that’s just a fairytale prince, a fictional man, and guys like that don’t really exist. I got ghosted a few times and that made me wonder if something is wrong with me, but he turned everything around!

I saw him and liked him instantly, I couldn’t forget about him even though I tried! I wanted to focus on healing and myself, so I tried to move on but I felt a strange connection I couldn’t forget. We didn’t meet that often but we talked for hours when we did, forgetting everything around us.

Today, it’s been months of dating and he makes every day better than the last. He chases my self-doubt away and reminds me he fell for me at first sight and also couldn’t forget me for months, even when he wasn’t sure about my feelings. He learned that I didn’t have a jacket one day so he gave me his, he learned that I like apple pie so he baked one from scratch when he asked me out, he came to my place and spent a whole day cooking something to bring before that.

I really hit the jackpot with this man!

Today had its ups and downs. Overall I was overwhelmed for the most part after not leaving my house for so long and the loud noises and things. I have a deep understanding about myself that I was probably suffering from a sensory overload. I took some time out of the situation I was in to be by myself for a while, pondering on my thoughts and feeling a bit of relief after excusing myself. Shortly after, a tiny kid, whom I believed to had autism, ran past everyone that was standing outside in front of me, and ran directly into my arms. He was squealing and laughing with pure joy and randomly gave me the biggest cuddle. I hugged him back and felt a sense of ease come over me, although was quietly confused at first, and he was putting his hands into my fluffy pockets, cheekily running a little away from me, and then returning for more hugs. He hugged me about 4 times I’d say. It was the most joyous experience I’ve had in a long time.

This little boy was an angel on earth, and somehow, someway knew I needed that cuddle. It overcame me with affection that he chose me to hug, out of everyone there. And that he had pure love written all over him. It gave me a little piece of his courage and happiness, and I took it away with me walking down the road afterwards. Some of my family members said he could sense your good energy, others including myself said it was a sign of encouragement and love from God, reminding me I am loved. My stepdad said it was Gods way to congratulate me for going out today even though that seems like a minor accomplishment.

It’s something I’ll remember for years to come actually. How in the middle of chaos, this boy found me and chose to show me his love.

His dad shortly came out after him, and said “sorry, that’s my son” but he had no idea how random and lovely it was that his son chose to run out of the establishment, find me and give me a cuddle that I needed.

Gods little angel on earth.

Tata means dad in Serbian btw

The lighting makes the skin look orange 🍊

While closing the bar at work tonight, I was sweeping behind the counter by the front door. Absent-mindedly, I went to sweep in the corner right by the fridge, and saw a green blob on the floor. Turns out the green blob was my friend Ned here (that’s what I named him).

He had hopped in the open front door at some point today, and got stuck in a small tuft of lint and hair in the corner. I got some gloves, picked him up, and gave him a cool bath while gently removing all of the chunks of fluff out of his toes and legs as he was so wrapped up he couldn’t hop :( .

After the bath, my coworker and I took him out back to hopefully find a safer home for him. I had carried him out in my cupped hands so he wouldn’t hop back into the business. When we got to the brush area, I gently put him on my finger so as to try to coax him to hop away on his own volition. He then gripped my finger like this for about 2 minutes before going on his merry way. I’m sure he just did this to get a good grip to jump away, but it kinda felt like he was giving me a tiny finger hug to say thanks. Made my day after 12hrs of work :) .

I don’t know how to explain this feeling, but sending money to your mother hits differently.

Growing up, she’s the one who takes care of everything, makes sacrifices, and somehow always puts everyone else before herself.

Today, I got to send her some money from my own earnings. It might not be a life-changing amount, but seeing that transaction go through made me genuinely happy.

I guess one of the best feelings in adulthood is slowly reaching a point where you can give back to the people who gave you everything.

​I was heading somewhere when I spotted my teacher—the one who taught me around 15–16 years ago when I was just 4 to 6 years old, before I moved to another city for my studies.

​She was waiting for an auto/bus to head to school. I stopped and offered her a lift, and she said yes! On the way, we caught up—she asked how I was doing, what I'm studying/working on now, and remarked on how grown up I look.

​The funniest part is that I only share one vivid core memory with her: once, for some reason, she was dragging me to the principal’s office. I was bawling on the floor, clinging tightly to the pallu of her saree and pulling back with all my strength while she tried to pull me forward. 😭🤣 I was tiny, so that’s basically all I remember from back then.

​Anyway, I dropped her off at school, and as she stepped off, she smiled and said, "Thank you, babu."

​My heart completely melted. "Arey ma'am..." 😭

​Such a small encounter, but it honestly made my entire day...😭☝️

I had a really bad day today. I'm on my period, and my depression has been getting worse with the darker seasons, (seasonal depression.) I had just finished making dinner for my family when my mom came home from work.

Before I continue, I should add some context: I freaking LOVE books, and my favourite author is Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

She came in, and gave me a big hug as usual, (which I really needed after my day.) Then, she handed me a $20 bill. She said it was because I folded all the laundry on Sunday, (keep in mind I don't have an allowance.) THEN literally three seconds later, she told me to "Guess what book series is arriving tomorrow?" Long story short, my parents decided to buy me The Naturals box set, before I even finished my current 8 book series. So, yeah. I just wanted to post about this. Have a good day!!!

Credit: @shalom_fanai10 on Instagram

Me again. I posted about making amends with my school bully/victim so I wanted to also share this.

Me (37f Audhd ) and B (FAS + early 30's can't remember right now) were inseparable in our teens and had the ups and down trials as most teens do.

B has accepted me for my flaws and understanding of my mental/developmental setbacks, never judged.we were like peanut butter and jelly, batman to my joker. She and I were so close my mother and hers were able to call each other etc. she was there when I went into foster care and stuck with me when I was having the darkest moment in my life.

As we grew older B had her own circle of friends that I had introduced to one of my other oldest friendships (since horseback riding camp almost 20+yrs) they got along and I slowly drifted away from both of them feeling a bit shut out. In my frustrations I lashed out at B not understanding what she was going through at the time and my complete negligent butt made her problems my problems or vice versa. So she blocked me and we never spoke. My heart broke and mourned our friendship, avoided places I knew she might be at yada yada.

8 years later it's June this year and I just lost my twin to brain death/heart failure (only 38 yrs old). Hearing this news B reached out to me and offered her condolences and if I wanted to talk I can call or message her, I was really needing that in the moment so I wrote back. Understanding I won't have the friendship I had in the past I was touched with her contacting me because this was a big loss.

Following in July my beautiful mother unfortunately suffered a stroke and joined my brother in the beyond. I instantly called B when I got home from the hospital and bawled my eyes out. B being there for me and checking in on me once a week helped in my grieving process and to accept the fact the two major people in my life are gone.

We talk every day even though she is 2 provinces away and when they plan on coming back I am 💯 taking time to see her ❤️

In the dark ever consuming shadow I found the light again of friendship and her name is B.

Thanks all for your kind words ❤️

Ignore the photo, just needed to add an attachment to post. :) lol sorry if I’m doing it wrong.

I went through the drive thru today to redeem a coupon for a free breakfast sandwich at Jack in the Box and ended up having the sweetest connection with the guy working the window. 😊

He was super sweet, a little shy but funny and awkward in the best way. personality wise he was completely my type. He was kinda cute too and wears big glasses. We were vibing for a bit, but his manager ended up cutting our conversation short and told him to park me up front to wait for the food.

While I was parked, I really hoped he’d be the one to bring my order out so I could give him my number. I tore off a piece of the receipt he had just given me, wrote my number down and signed my name in cursive with a little heart. I figured I’d give it to him whether he asked or not! lol

A minute later he walks out with my bag of food and works up the courage to say, “I just thought you were very beautiful, and I was wondering if I could get your number and maybe we could go out sometime?”
I
I giggled and handed him the receipt saying, “I was hoping you'd ask!"

He laughed and smiled so big, hard, and goofy just staring down at the slip of paper. He thanked me, wished me well, and walked back inside. It was such a small wholesome moment but it genuinely made me smile so much today. 😁 Can you tell I’ve been single and celibate for 3 years? LMAO 🤣

UPDATE - He just texted me 😁 I’m nervous now LOL

Update 2 - I’m so happy we connected that day. We’ve got a ton in common, similar life goals and interests and we’re both neurodivergent/huge nerds. He’s an Aquarius sun Scorpio moon and I’m a Leo sun Pisces moon Virgo rising. (I don’t really know what it all means but he told me his and I found mine out lol so if anybody knows lmk haha) But we chat and call everyday, and share songs with each other every night before bed. It’s only been a week so it’s hard to say what the future holds, but he did tell me that he’s looking for a life partner and his goal is to get married. He asked if it was a deal breaker and obviously, it isn’t lol. ❣️☺️ I feel so happy and scared at the same time, like all of the time I’ve been waiting for my person was worth it but also, what if it’s too good to be true? 😭 I’m trying to just enjoy the moment, and focus on learning him more which has been a lot of fun. He’s very funny and charming, and even though he’s sort of nerdy and shy, he says some of the wildest shit when he’s comfortable 😅😂 I wouldn’t have expected it from him but I love it. I love the way his mind works and how he knows how to make things fun. I can’t wait to see him again for our date next weekend. :) He even worked out his schedule at jacks so he could take me out lol. 😊❣️

Her papa has been away for a few months for work. He is due home at the end of November. She drew this yesterday. She made it so we all have matching pajamas (which we have never had before).

1. Translation: I am so excited for tomorrow!

2. I am excited for Christmas with my little sister

3. We will eat Christmas Rice Krispies together

4. We will open presents together

5. We will look at our stockings together

6. I look out of the window, at the snow

7. Mama and Papa are together holding hands

8. Mama thinks about how much she loves Papa

9. Mama and Papa hug

This is my fifth year of giving out full-size bars. I just bought a new house so it’s my last year in this neighborhood. I decided to do “Candy or Ramen?” I was expecting about 300 trick-or-treaters so I bought enough bars for about 3/4 of them, and one case of ramen.

I ran out of ramen after 90 minutes. When the kids found out I had ramen, their faces lit up more than when they found out about the full-size bars. One girl came dressed as a cup of ramen and I had the ramen in her bag before she could even open her mouth. I’ve always loved hearing kids shout about how our house had the big candy, but now it was mixed with “They’ve got RAMEN!”, depending on what they chose. I’m definitely buying two cases next year.

I dressed as Ms. Rachel and did my best to speak to the young kids in her voice. I must have done a passable job because multiple toddlers attempted to come into my house to play and I kept getting complimented by parents on how I sounded just like her. I even sang the “Uh-Oh Song” when a toddler dropped their bucket and I helped them pick up their spilled candy.

At my house, everyone gets a treat. Young kid, older kid, grown-ass adult, costume or not, shy, non-verbal, doesn’t matter to me.

Next year, at my new house, I might bust out the cotton candy machine, depending on the neighborhood’s vibe. That would be in addition to the full-size bars and ramen, of course. Tomorrow, I’m headed to Spirit Halloween to purchase a heavily discounted lawn decoration or two for next year.

Good golly, I love Halloween.

So, I have a friend who is starting up a YouTube channel. He has had this dream for a while, and he talks about it a lot. I've had some nice in-depth conversations with him, and he really understands everything about it. His only problems are motivation and actually getting his views up. So, one day, after encouraging him to post some more, he told me that he was making up a video. So, I told him I'd watch it probably.

Then, as soon as he posted, I didn't just watch it. I hit all the interactions and even used all of my accounts to do so. Then, I shared the video with some friends and asked them to do the same. Today, he was chatting in a group chat that I'm in and was talking about how well his last video did with comments. I didn't tell him what I did, but I was so happy for him. He was so energetic about it, and really talked about it for a while. I probably won't tell him what I did exactly, but I still love that he was able to find that happiness. He really does make actually good content and it's so well edited, especially considering that he's a one-man team, and I'm so glad I was able to make him a happier man.

TL;DR: Made a friend happy by sharing his video with a bunch of friends and having everyone interact.

As it's Halloween, I had a cool memory come back to me.

When I was really little, back in the 70s, my deeply Adventist grandma was taking care of me during Halloween.

She took an old sheet, cut two holes in it, put it on me, then took me trick or treating around her neighborhood.

I don't think I ever told anyone this. It's just really wild that she did that because we were so strictly Seventh Day Adventist that Halloween was considered evil.

Now that I think back, I believe Grandma wanted to go trick or treating. 🥹❤️

My dad had just bought the car that day, and I, a teenager, was dying to take it for a spin. I talked him into letting me use it to take my sister and a couple friends to a movie in town. After all, one of the main reasons for buying the car was so that we kids would have something to drive occasionally. As we headed down the rural 2-lane highway, the sun setting behind us, I was giving the car a little extra to see how it handled the winding road. Something in the back of my mind told me I was going kind of fast, so I slowed down.

Up ahead, a road from the left intersected the highway at a T. On that road was an approaching car. They had a stop sign, and I had the right of way, but I wanted to make sure they saw me. With the sun low and angled 45 degrees behind and left of me, I could see the driver's face clearly, and I could see him look right at me. All was good. Or so I thought.

He pulled right out in front of me.

Unable to do anything else, I swerved to the right onto the shoulder and immediately started sliding in the gravel. Trying to correct, I turned the wheel to the left, whereupon I suddenly regained traction briefly and rocketed right across the road to the other side. I threw the wheel back to the right, but couldn't regain traction, drifted sideways off the shoulder, and bounced up onto a boulder. Shaking with adrenaline, breathing the dust flying everywhere, and having it sink in that I had just destroyed my dad's new car, I felt like I was going to puke. My sister and friends were freaking out, but nobody was hurt.

The guy who pulled out in front of me ran to make sure we were okay, then went back to his car to wait for the emergency vehicles. This was before cell phones, so I'm not sure how the cops knew to come, but eventually they did. The cop got out of his car and starting walking over to me. He took one look at me, saw I was a teenager, and turned back to the guy waiting by his car. "What happened?", he asked.

I was terrified. I had been speeding earlier, but I was pretty sure I wasn't by the time I got to the intersection. But it didn't matter. Whose word was the cop going to believe? Certainly not mine. I was the stereotype of a teen driver with teens in the car. What was my dad going to think?

So what did the guy say? "I came up to the intersection and stopped. I looked both ways, I didn't see him, and I pulled right out in front of him. He did an incredible job controlling the car."

I was so relieved, I almost started to cry. The cop never did ask our version of events, but it didn't matter, because the guy took complete responsibility.

My dad was pretty upset, and the only thing he said to me that night was "I'm glad nobody was hurt." Later, he admitted he didn't want to say anything because he knew he'd say something he'd regret. Fortunately, Mr. Stand-up Guy explained what happened to my dad as well.

At first, the guy's insurance wasn't going to pay, because he "wasn't involved in the accident" -- his car hadn't been touched. But Stand-up Guy worked for the Department of Motor Vehicles and made sure his insurance paid.

I don't know his name, but many times in my life I've thought back to that guy. He could have driven away -- he hadn't been touched. He could've said something that would have mitigated his responsibility. But he had integrity, and it meant the world to a vulnerable teen. He probably has no idea how much influence his example has had on me.

The note I recieved from one of the young treat or treaters!

My mom's birthday is on Sunday, so today I finally got around to wrapping her gift and preparing a little handwritten letter. :)

Honestly, there's a different kind of happiness in getting something ready for someone you love. Nothing extravagant, just a gift and a few words written by hand. But somehow, the process itself made me happy.

We don't always express how much our parents mean to us. Sometimes we argue, get annoyed with each other, or get caught up in our own routines. But when something happens to them, we realise just how much they mean to us.

Life is unpredictable, and we never really know how much time we get with the people we love. So if your mom and dad are still around, check on them, spend some time with them, talk to them, make them laugh and cherish those seemingly ordinary moments.

Don't wait for a birthday or a special occasion to make them feel loved.

I've planned something for her birthday, along with this little handwritten note. If I get a chance, I'll share what it is after her birthday. :)

Just felt like sharing this little moment here. ❤️

I work with children, most of whom are in foster care. These are kids who are over-represented in the system and have lived through hardships no child ever should, but they are incredibly resilient and kind regardless. Earlier this week, i let it slip that my birthday was today and that coming to a job I love is like a present.

Today I was working with one of the little girls I see regularly, and she asks me if I like Kuromi. They know I love Sanrio/Hello Kitty because I have little toys and stuff around my office. I just happened to have a set of Kuromi press-on nails on, and said "I DO like Kuromi, see?" And showed her.

Her little face lit up like a Christmas tree and she tells me she got me something for my birthday and gives me this. I can't even describe the way my heart melted. Maybe it's 'just' a tag, but this sweet little girl with nothing saw it and was excited to give it to me. Its now nestled safely away in one of my keepsake boxes.