if I can remember all of them.
Today I'll be saying good-bye to an old friend. Mozzie has been around for almost three years. He and I have had some awesome adventures. Sadly the lease has come to an end and it is time to upgrade him. I wonder if this is how women with multiple husbands feel.
I had to clean him out last night. It is amazing what can accumulate in a car in three years. Even though he wasn't ever really cluttered it took a couple of trips to get everything out of him. Somehow I own three umbrellas and yet I never use one.
Remembering all my random thoughts for the past week might be harder than I thought.
Friday night was girl's night. It started with an ACS fundraiser and spilled into a dive bar. One of the other committee members is hosting a fundraiser at a bar that she used to work at. The problem with dive bars is the number of locals who have graduated from a couple of beers to six or eight a night. The progression may have been gradual but it reaches the point where peeps get handsy. It is even more amusing when they happen to be a politician.
Relay month is here. It is the final thirty days before Relay happens. It means a lot of preparation for a good event. I'm getting excited as this is the first year I'll be able to attend all 24 hours.
Scream 4 is playing in the background. I had forgotten how ridiculous these movies are. The sad thing is that they know it because someone did clue them in and yet they didn't make an effort to improve them.
This weekend will be the new cars first trip to my happiest place on Earth. My friend and I will be meeting to celebrate her birthday. I'm stoked. It is going to be a great day! We are going to see Iron Man 3.
I know there is a lot I'm forgetting. I guess I'll have to do mini updates as I remember. Right now it is time to go get ready for work. I've got to get through the next few hours before I can go get the new car. :)
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Popping In
Well, it has been a few days plus a few more. I've been out straight with American Cancer Society stuff and I've gotten a seasonal position that should last a few months.
I'm grateful this position is only seasonal. I'm grateful for the work and the opportunities that it presents, but I have to say I'm not sure how I would survive in this office if it turned out to be a long term employment offer. The focus of this company is a new field for me, but the work is your typical administrative duties. However, the woman I work in the office with is challenging. She's a wonderful person but our work styles don't mesh.
This is where I'm going to sound like I have zero patience and even less tolerance.
When describing to a friend tonight the unique challenges of working in this particular office, she told me I have an ability to see the bigger picture and plan everything out without reaching the moment of desperation that so many do. I've never looked at it that way before. I told her that I have an impatience when it comes to working with people who complain about what needs to be done instead of doing it.
As I said, J is a wonderful lady. She's kind and helpful and eager to learn. However her eagerness to learn is usually directed to growing her garden and not to getting the work in front of her done. She has a tendency to talk to customers who have their own work to do about anything but what really needs to be talked about. Then she'll sit and talk to me about how much work she has to do and that she'll never get it done. She also procrastinates on things and then panics when it all seems insurmountable to her. For instance today I hand wrote an address on an envelope for her because she hasn't had time to do it. The envelope has been waiting a few weeks to be addressed. I did it in thirty seconds. She doesn't manage her time well.
Today was particularly challenging as it was end of month. For anyone who works in an office where invoices and S&R is done, you know this is an important deadline. She complained all day that she'd be there late tonight. Well, part of her issue is procrastination and poor clock management. If she coached an NFL team the fans would be pleading for her to be fired as the clock ticked down to :00 and she sat on three timeouts.
I sat at my desk doing the work that was assigned to me so that I could close out my portion of end of month. I answered phones and hefted part of her workload so that she'd gain ground on her "To Do" pile. I actually had to leave today though so she could get some work done. If I was sitting there she'd start talking to me about nothing work related. A lot of internally humming was going on in my head today.
Relay for Life
We are amping up for Relay for Life. It is just over a month away and there is a lot of work to do. On Saturday was Survivor Breakfast. Survivor Breakfast is one of those moments in which you sit back and really admire the human spirit. Every survivor in that room had a tale to tell of the hell they had been through from the shock of the first diagnosis to the exhaustion of the battle to the elation when they received the "all clear." I'm in awe of the beauty of human spirit and how resilient it can be when there is support and love.
It really hit me especially since I'd been up until 1:30 that morning finishing the Survivor Video. I'd been working on it late as I watched the events unfold in Watertown. Boston will be stronger than ever because its citizens have come together and held each other up. Each survivor is stronger because of the love and support they received and when they come together they hold each other up. It is beautiful.
I leave you now with the video we closed out Survivor Breakfast with.
Disclaimer: there are photos here from other photographers and music from Destiny's Child. No infringement meant.
I'm grateful this position is only seasonal. I'm grateful for the work and the opportunities that it presents, but I have to say I'm not sure how I would survive in this office if it turned out to be a long term employment offer. The focus of this company is a new field for me, but the work is your typical administrative duties. However, the woman I work in the office with is challenging. She's a wonderful person but our work styles don't mesh.
This is where I'm going to sound like I have zero patience and even less tolerance.
When describing to a friend tonight the unique challenges of working in this particular office, she told me I have an ability to see the bigger picture and plan everything out without reaching the moment of desperation that so many do. I've never looked at it that way before. I told her that I have an impatience when it comes to working with people who complain about what needs to be done instead of doing it.
As I said, J is a wonderful lady. She's kind and helpful and eager to learn. However her eagerness to learn is usually directed to growing her garden and not to getting the work in front of her done. She has a tendency to talk to customers who have their own work to do about anything but what really needs to be talked about. Then she'll sit and talk to me about how much work she has to do and that she'll never get it done. She also procrastinates on things and then panics when it all seems insurmountable to her. For instance today I hand wrote an address on an envelope for her because she hasn't had time to do it. The envelope has been waiting a few weeks to be addressed. I did it in thirty seconds. She doesn't manage her time well.
Today was particularly challenging as it was end of month. For anyone who works in an office where invoices and S&R is done, you know this is an important deadline. She complained all day that she'd be there late tonight. Well, part of her issue is procrastination and poor clock management. If she coached an NFL team the fans would be pleading for her to be fired as the clock ticked down to :00 and she sat on three timeouts.
I sat at my desk doing the work that was assigned to me so that I could close out my portion of end of month. I answered phones and hefted part of her workload so that she'd gain ground on her "To Do" pile. I actually had to leave today though so she could get some work done. If I was sitting there she'd start talking to me about nothing work related. A lot of internally humming was going on in my head today.
Relay for Life
We are amping up for Relay for Life. It is just over a month away and there is a lot of work to do. On Saturday was Survivor Breakfast. Survivor Breakfast is one of those moments in which you sit back and really admire the human spirit. Every survivor in that room had a tale to tell of the hell they had been through from the shock of the first diagnosis to the exhaustion of the battle to the elation when they received the "all clear." I'm in awe of the beauty of human spirit and how resilient it can be when there is support and love.
It really hit me especially since I'd been up until 1:30 that morning finishing the Survivor Video. I'd been working on it late as I watched the events unfold in Watertown. Boston will be stronger than ever because its citizens have come together and held each other up. Each survivor is stronger because of the love and support they received and when they come together they hold each other up. It is beautiful.
I leave you now with the video we closed out Survivor Breakfast with.
Disclaimer: there are photos here from other photographers and music from Destiny's Child. No infringement meant.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Control
I've been browsing Twitter. It is an absolutely amazing window in the opinions of a sampling of people. Of course there are a few hot topics tonight but the one that seems to be jumping is gun control and the NRA's influence on Washington.
I'm not political. I don't respect politicians. I don't believe that any of them tell the truth. They allmislead lie to get a seat that they believe is a show of power. I don't know the full details of this bill that just got denied.
What I do know is that an awful lot of people are screaming about how Washington just killed our children and yet they support abortion. Can we talk hypocrisy? Apparently we want to control an inanimate object that isn't harmful to anyone unless a person wields it, but we don't want to police ourselves.
This is what it all comes down to me. We don't want to take responsibility for our actions/decisions. We want to ban an object that won't choose to harm anyone. We want to prevent access to an object so it can't be used to kill someone instead of holding ourselves accountable for hurting someone. Why aren't we teaching and exercising respect to each other. Let's teach our children to be kind. Let's stop supporting bullying and cruelty.
It is a sad state that our society is in. We deny everyone freedoms in order to prevent a few from perpetrating crimes. I have respect for life. Which is why it doesn't matter if I am handed a .45 or a tank, I won't take a life.
I'm absolutely not against stronger background checks for those buying guns. I am absolutely against the government taking control. There is a long list in history of why this can't happen. Let's not repeat the mistakes of those who gave their lives learning these lessons.
There are a lot of thoughts running through my mind, but I need to go write some things for ACS. I don't think we'll ever reach an acceptable compromise on gun control. There will always be one side or another screaming.
I'm not political. I don't respect politicians. I don't believe that any of them tell the truth. They all
What I do know is that an awful lot of people are screaming about how Washington just killed our children and yet they support abortion. Can we talk hypocrisy? Apparently we want to control an inanimate object that isn't harmful to anyone unless a person wields it, but we don't want to police ourselves.
This is what it all comes down to me. We don't want to take responsibility for our actions/decisions. We want to ban an object that won't choose to harm anyone. We want to prevent access to an object so it can't be used to kill someone instead of holding ourselves accountable for hurting someone. Why aren't we teaching and exercising respect to each other. Let's teach our children to be kind. Let's stop supporting bullying and cruelty.
It is a sad state that our society is in. We deny everyone freedoms in order to prevent a few from perpetrating crimes. I have respect for life. Which is why it doesn't matter if I am handed a .45 or a tank, I won't take a life.
I'm absolutely not against stronger background checks for those buying guns. I am absolutely against the government taking control. There is a long list in history of why this can't happen. Let's not repeat the mistakes of those who gave their lives learning these lessons.
There are a lot of thoughts running through my mind, but I need to go write some things for ACS. I don't think we'll ever reach an acceptable compromise on gun control. There will always be one side or another screaming.
Monday, April 15, 2013
April 15, 2013
Today's events will be added to the history books someday. As generations age 4/15/2013 will become a question on a "facts about me" email that will probably be shared by the newest social media sensation as 9/11 has become.
The following is literally going to count as ramblings because I'm not even sure what I want to say tonight.
On 9/11/2001 as the towers were hit and began to burn, I desperately wanted to drive to the airport and get on a plane. All flights were grounded out of concern for more attacks. This upset me because I didn't want to give them the satisfaction. I wasn't scared to fly. I was mad I couldn't fly and prove to the terrorists that they couldn't scare me.
Today I desperately wished I could get to Boston and run the marathon. After the explosions as they warned people away from Boston so the wounded could be helped and the perpetrators hunted, I wanted to run the 26.2 because the explosions were designed to cause fear.
I defy those who try to force me into fearing living. I will not live in fear. I will not wonder when you will strike next. The only way I know how to best you at this game is to live my life without concern for if you may be lurking around the corner. I won't allow your hate to drive out the love in my life.
My heart grieves as photos and videos surface, giving image to the horror that transpired. Families on Patriots Day cheering for runners who ran to raise money and awareness for a cause were torn apart. It sickens me that in the midst of selfless acts terror can create chaos.
I'm sure today isn't the last historical day that I'll see in my lifetime. Anniversaries are slowly overcoming the calendar as we remember victims of terror. I pray for everyone who has suffered from senseless acts of violence that they'll find peace. I pray they find forgiveness so the grief doesn't consume them. Mostly I pray that we can respect each other and put an end to the violence.
The following is literally going to count as ramblings because I'm not even sure what I want to say tonight.
On 9/11/2001 as the towers were hit and began to burn, I desperately wanted to drive to the airport and get on a plane. All flights were grounded out of concern for more attacks. This upset me because I didn't want to give them the satisfaction. I wasn't scared to fly. I was mad I couldn't fly and prove to the terrorists that they couldn't scare me.
Today I desperately wished I could get to Boston and run the marathon. After the explosions as they warned people away from Boston so the wounded could be helped and the perpetrators hunted, I wanted to run the 26.2 because the explosions were designed to cause fear.
I defy those who try to force me into fearing living. I will not live in fear. I will not wonder when you will strike next. The only way I know how to best you at this game is to live my life without concern for if you may be lurking around the corner. I won't allow your hate to drive out the love in my life.
My heart grieves as photos and videos surface, giving image to the horror that transpired. Families on Patriots Day cheering for runners who ran to raise money and awareness for a cause were torn apart. It sickens me that in the midst of selfless acts terror can create chaos.
I'm sure today isn't the last historical day that I'll see in my lifetime. Anniversaries are slowly overcoming the calendar as we remember victims of terror. I pray for everyone who has suffered from senseless acts of violence that they'll find peace. I pray they find forgiveness so the grief doesn't consume them. Mostly I pray that we can respect each other and put an end to the violence.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Love As Yourself
Matthew 22:37-39
English Standard Version (ESV)
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
During today's church service we looked at a Matthew 22:37-39 briefly. It got me to thinking are we loving each other as we would love ourselves? Maybe we are.
If I sat down to write a list of things that I like about myself, I don't think it would be longer than the list of things I don't like about myself. I can probably name ten things I'd change about myself in ten seconds and it would take ten minutes to find ten things I like. I'm much harsher on myself than I am on others. I see everything in me that lacks and often wonder what I have to offer. If this is the way in which I view myself then how do I view others? Have I bought into society's dictations on physical beauty and success? Am I weighing myself against these expectations and therefore also weighing others?
It all ties back into verse 37. If we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind; then his Spirit dwells in us and we love as He does. We learn to walk in His grace and mercy and we extend that to the people in our lives. I can try to love as God loves me. In my humanness that is impossible. I must fill my heart, soul, and mind with the things of God so that He shines through me.
During today's church service we looked at a Matthew 22:37-39 briefly. It got me to thinking are we loving each other as we would love ourselves? Maybe we are.
If I sat down to write a list of things that I like about myself, I don't think it would be longer than the list of things I don't like about myself. I can probably name ten things I'd change about myself in ten seconds and it would take ten minutes to find ten things I like. I'm much harsher on myself than I am on others. I see everything in me that lacks and often wonder what I have to offer. If this is the way in which I view myself then how do I view others? Have I bought into society's dictations on physical beauty and success? Am I weighing myself against these expectations and therefore also weighing others?
It all ties back into verse 37. If we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind; then his Spirit dwells in us and we love as He does. We learn to walk in His grace and mercy and we extend that to the people in our lives. I can try to love as God loves me. In my humanness that is impossible. I must fill my heart, soul, and mind with the things of God so that He shines through me.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Critical Care
Critical Care by Candace Calvert
It took one night for nurse Claire Avery's life to change. She was on duty in the ER the night her brother was brought in. After his death she leaves for a new hospital and a new position that keeps her as far from the ER as possible. Her life is ER free until the day there is an explosion at a daycare center. The ER needs hands and Claire's are skilled. She's asked to return to the ER and her life isn't ever the same.
Dr. Logan Caldwell is feared and revered. The hospital staff respects his skills but his manner keeps them on their toes. He doesn't accept anything less than perfection and Claire is about to put her rusty skills to the test. She survives a shift in the vicinity of Logan but then goes toe-to-toe with him as she fights for counseling for the staff after the horrors they saw. Logan doesn't feel the same as Claire does about talking about feelings.
Again Calvert brings about the drama of the ER with the human doctors and nurses that carry the burden of saving lives and even losing lives.
It took one night for nurse Claire Avery's life to change. She was on duty in the ER the night her brother was brought in. After his death she leaves for a new hospital and a new position that keeps her as far from the ER as possible. Her life is ER free until the day there is an explosion at a daycare center. The ER needs hands and Claire's are skilled. She's asked to return to the ER and her life isn't ever the same.
Dr. Logan Caldwell is feared and revered. The hospital staff respects his skills but his manner keeps them on their toes. He doesn't accept anything less than perfection and Claire is about to put her rusty skills to the test. She survives a shift in the vicinity of Logan but then goes toe-to-toe with him as she fights for counseling for the staff after the horrors they saw. Logan doesn't feel the same as Claire does about talking about feelings.
Again Calvert brings about the drama of the ER with the human doctors and nurses that carry the burden of saving lives and even losing lives.
Friday, April 12, 2013
But God
You would think by now that I wouldn't be surprised. Yet here I sit, shocked at how amazing God works things out.
This week I had an opportunity to interview for a position. By all counts this job seemed to be something that I was wasting my time on interviewing for. It was below my pay range, farther from home than I'd like, and only temporary. However, to keep unemployment happy I haven't turned down an interview yet. I trotted myself out for this interview thinking there would be no reason they'd want me because of some prior commitments that would require time off.
Well, I was offered the position. Then I had a decision to make. Take this job, be employed, continue to look, and bring home less than I do on unemployment? Don't take this job, gamble on my unemployment being extended again, hope I get a job before the lease is up on my car, and keep applying to every place hiring?
Ultimately I took the job. Through the temp agency somethings were negotiated so I felt more comfortable with accepting the position. This all went down earlier this week.
Today I received a letter that unemployment was reducing benefits due to the federal budget cuts. With what was negotiated through the temp agency, I'm making more now working than I would have been on unemployment.
I've spent more than a few hours wondering what God has in store for me with being laid off and then struggling to find work. I've battled a lot of self-pity and muttered more than a few times "do You even have a plan for me?" I wish I could say that my faith remained steadfast and true but it shook in uncertainty at times. I held out hope but hope seems to burrow deeper with each moment the phone didn't ring with a job offer or a request for an interview.
But God
While my hope may have faded a bit and my faith grew shakier, He remained strong. He remained faithful. He remained my Provider. It was all in His timing and when I listened to His guiding, I find myself on the path that He has laid out for me.
This week I had an opportunity to interview for a position. By all counts this job seemed to be something that I was wasting my time on interviewing for. It was below my pay range, farther from home than I'd like, and only temporary. However, to keep unemployment happy I haven't turned down an interview yet. I trotted myself out for this interview thinking there would be no reason they'd want me because of some prior commitments that would require time off.
Well, I was offered the position. Then I had a decision to make. Take this job, be employed, continue to look, and bring home less than I do on unemployment? Don't take this job, gamble on my unemployment being extended again, hope I get a job before the lease is up on my car, and keep applying to every place hiring?
Ultimately I took the job. Through the temp agency somethings were negotiated so I felt more comfortable with accepting the position. This all went down earlier this week.
Today I received a letter that unemployment was reducing benefits due to the federal budget cuts. With what was negotiated through the temp agency, I'm making more now working than I would have been on unemployment.
I've spent more than a few hours wondering what God has in store for me with being laid off and then struggling to find work. I've battled a lot of self-pity and muttered more than a few times "do You even have a plan for me?" I wish I could say that my faith remained steadfast and true but it shook in uncertainty at times. I held out hope but hope seems to burrow deeper with each moment the phone didn't ring with a job offer or a request for an interview.
But God
While my hope may have faded a bit and my faith grew shakier, He remained strong. He remained faithful. He remained my Provider. It was all in His timing and when I listened to His guiding, I find myself on the path that He has laid out for me.
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