Updates

Well, all of a sudden, I have a new job. And it’s completely different from my old call center job. Just over a month ago, we were visiting my parents for the weekend, and they told us about an opening at the same place they work. At first, I just assumed they were trying to tell me what to do with my life. No one in my family was very supportive of me having such a retarded job as I did before. I can see why. So, after I realized my parents were just throwing an idea out there without being pressuring, my husband and I decided it wasn’t such a bad idea to look into the position.

And here we are, having been offered and taken the position at The Crossnore School, Resident Counselors, in a cottage with 9 teenage girls! It’s a group home setting with an on-campus academy, cafeteria, gym, and the works for the students there. Ages range from toddler to 18, and even beyond in an independent program for college students off campus. That’s what my parents are doing. David and I work one 7 day shift and then have 7 days off. I’m currently enjoying the fruit of one of those week off shifts right now. It’s pretty nice considering I woke up at 9:30 this morning, headed to the gym, ran some errands, and plan on hanging out with David at home later. So different from my week-in/week-out routine at Sitel.  While we’re at work, my main duties are taking care of the cottage needs – doctors appointments, meetings, seeing the girls to school, making dinner for them, and just generally being there for them. Our girls are ages 14-17 with varied backgrounds. Several have been neglected by their parents, some have a trauma history of abuse, a few of our girls are there placed by their parents and the Department of Juvenile Justice because of their choices of rebellion. It’s a little messy. It can be emotionally taxing. But it is so rewarding and generally energizing because I am being fulfilled having something of a special gift for working with these girls.

I’m going to be updating my adventures in this new job on my other blog, The Youth Minister’s Wife, since it already has a more ministry related focus, but I still plan on posting little tidbits of my life I find interesting enough for blogging about here at wordpress. This will probably be on my off weeks. Unless I can steal away to the coffee shop on campus at work.

I wrote in the beginning of the year in my journal that I wouldn’t recognize my life in a few months. Oddly enough, I was right. I just didn’t know how.

Update

Sadly, this post is only going to be a little update (not quite sure who I’m updating…) even though a true, well-thought out post is totally in order. It’s just I’ve really been way to busy to post regularly. I haven’t even been able to do anymore freelancing either. I’m loving my new job, exactly because of the reason that I’m not sitting around online all day anymore, but yes, I do go through withdrawals. Mostly, this is a very good thing that I don’t have the availability to be so obsessed.  

Speaking of my job, Wednesday is my very first day on the phones for real. I’ll have the opportunity to put all this stuff I’ve learned in the past several weeks into action! I’m scared royally, because honestly, it is rather scary to do something I’ve never done before. But I’m also quite confident. I’ve heard that success is where opportunity and preparedness meet. Well, my opportunity is Wednesday, and I’ve definitely been prepared – pretty extensive training I’ve had. 

I’ve also enjoyed meeting lots of new people at my new job. Asheville is forever filled with the most interesting human beings. 

I’ll end this post with a few pics. 

 

Marinated chicken with melted mozzarella, seasoned mashed potatoes, salad with homemade dressing

It’s from dinner earlier. David and I had ‘date night’ tonight. (We have one every week.) And our date was going to the grocery store together, getting food, cooking it, eating it, and cleaning up after it all together! It’s true the kitchen is the heart of the home, because tonight’s date night was pretty romantic!

Here’s another. 

 

my dad and his RV

We spent a little time with my parents this weekends while they camped in Seneca, SC. It’s their new RV, and my parents love living that life – traveling from place to place taking in the sights. 

And just one more.

Shannon and I

My friend and I went to a ladies mentoring meeting yesterday in Greensboro. She’s my friend with the beautiful (next week) one year old. She teaches me a lot about being a young mother… And I cut my bangs recently. Yesterday, at this event a lovely girl approached me randomly to tell me she thought I was really pretty. That made me feel wonderful, of course, so I took this shot of me and Shannon just after that girl said that. I think that must be what I look like when I’m confident. I want to be that so much more. I’m glad I’m improved a bit.

Maybe you haven’t noticed,

but I’ve been changing the layout of this blog quite frequently over the past week or so. I think I’ve settled on this one for a while. What do you think? 

I used to use the WordPress “Freshy” theme quite consistently, but I don’t know, I get tired of the same design way too quickly. 

But enough about the trivial things. I promised myself I would write tonight, even if I didn’t know what to write about. Somehow, writing makes me feel better, makes the clarity of mind improve. I’m certain that is why ‘catharsis’ is in my blog title. You fellow writers know what it’s like to at least get something down on (virtual) paper. Even if it’s nothing much, it’s a sign of perseverance – the opposite of leaving a white flag out somewhere. 

The issue with writing for me at the moment is the fact that now that I’m working consistently 40 hour work weeks with plenty to do during my work day, time for writing has significantly decreased, which just means that I will have to prove to myself how much I really want it – how much I really want to write. I thoroughly believe you will do what you want to. We always find time to do what is most important to us. 

I think I’ll finish off this post with some random pictures. One is from my cousin’s baby shower for her second daughter, whom she is naming Chloe Grace. And the other is of my husband and his recent facial fashion.

The neat “diaper cake” at my cousin’s baby shower this weekend:

And my husband’s recent interest in the “Wolverine” look:

Hugh Jackman, move over.

I’ve begun!

Last week, I left my job. This week, I’ve started my new one. 

It is a refreshing change. I’ve just finished my second day of training (this is week one out of seven), and I’m actually in the “associate relaxation center” at the moment. It’s a bit cheesy, but that’s short for “room where you can check your e-mail and such”…or post blogs. Mind you, the “break room” is entirely different. That’s a lot bigger with tables, a sink, refriderators, etc. And you might be asking why in the world I’d still be at work using the computer when I’m free to go home. That’s because my husband David works here, too. He started back in July. Yes, we do/will be doing the same thing. Yes, we get to see each other periodically through out the day. Yes, we drive to work together. It’s really cool. But anyway, since he works here and is out of the classroom training, he works until 5 (whereas I only work until 4:30 right now). So, I’m waiting on him. And actually, we’re going on a date tonight, so we have plenty of time until our movie starts.

So far, my training has been interesting. I feel all grown up learning all these impressive health insurance terms and abbreviations. If I were talking to you right now, and I spatted off a handful of things I’ve learned so far, I’d sound incredibly intelligent and professional. I know, however, that it’s only general business jargon. We will get into lots more specifics soon, and eventually I’ll have a fairly interesting and specialized steady job. But I have to remember that I am still quite easily replaceable in my new call center environment. So, it’s a very good thing that I don’t have all of my self-worth and value wrapped up into my professional career. My proverbial eggs are scattered in many baskets. And whether you believe it or not, that’s the way the job culture is moving. Job security is worse than ever. You should know that going into a job – no matter where you are. But I’m not being cynical. I like and am grateful for my new place of employment. I’m just saying the things that no one ever tells you. This great country of ours ought to reconsider what we educate our children on: yes, keep English (you know I LOVE English), Math, Science, and History, but let’s add in a little Money Management and Personal Finance Creation and Responsibility. No one ever taught me that except my father, who tried, inasmuch as he knew, and I was too stubborn and ignorant to all of that then. Education taught me how to get a job, and I’m (almost) positive I could get a wonderful one with my degree. But it didn’t teach me how to create, built, and maintain personal financial freedom. That’s unfortunately a concept too many people are afraid of. 

Well, I’m not afraid of it. I’m positive about my dreams and goals. I see the road that’s going to take me there. It’s certainly not my new job I’ve just taken, and it’s also just certainly not going to be paved with the most expensive asphalt, smooth and comfortable when it’s new, or lined with freshly bloomed flowers. But at the end of the road, there will be a garden like no other with yellows and hot pinks and purples and the deepest of greens. You have no idea what I’m talking about. But these proverbial flowers, along with my eggs in my baskets are real. You just haven’t seen them yet. After all, who only ever believes in something they can see? 

I apologize for getting (quite unexpectedly) so metaphorical with you. If you’re still reading, you’re a gem. Make an effort to believe in your dreams, too. They are resilient, I promise, but only if you keep them alive. Go, and live to your fullest! 

If you’re thinking…”I don’t even know where to start!” you’ve got to figure out what you love and why, and you’ve got to find a vehicle by which to accomplish your dreams. This is a land of opportunity – there are plenty. Go find one. (Just make sure it’s legal, k?) Or ask me.

I am not timid or hesitant or insecure when talking about these sorts of things. It’s sort of my mantra at the moment – Go and live, choose every day to be a success, grow and become all you were designed to be! If you think it’s too positive, well, it might not be something you’re open to right now, and that’s okay.

I just know I have so much to give in this world, and I do not want to sit aside somewhere suppressing it until I die. I have a lot to give to my new job, no matter how useless it is in the long long run, because it’s important and necessary now, and I need to develop some discipline and accountability to a company at this point. And I have a whole lot to give to the youth of my community, because I have a heart for them – to teach them how to relate to their world. I have so very much to give to my husband and future family one day, and to my friends, and to myself. 

So, yes, I’ve very much, indeed, and going back to the title of this blog, begun.

Job Hunting

sucks. There are parts that are exciting like reading the description of a position that sounds perfect for you or thinking about the details of how your life might be different. Then there are those nervous feelings when you send an email with your resume attached or fill out an application online.

I’ve been experiencing these feelings all summer. I can’t wait until I get to experience the final feeling: the hope of accepting a new job offer.

I found out about a teacher assistant position as well as a library assistant opening in my area – like 5 and 10 minutes from my house. These are ideal and promising. Wish me luck!