Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Aeroplane

I sometimes get really bored at work. I am here mostly alone quite a bit in the afternoons, and I find myself doing weird stuff....
Like today when I may or may not have pretended to be an airplane (arms spread and sound affects) as I was running down the stairs to my office.
I got to the bottom of the steps and thought to myself-- where the heck did THAT come from?!?! I adjusted my sweater and walked calmly to my desk.
Holy crap, I'm bored.

Our Break

We have this problem.
We have more money going out than we have coming in. And while we can manage that in emergency situations for a month or two... It's not a good way to sustain a family for an indefinite period of time.
My dad is somewhat of a financial counselor... and if he had a catch phrase, it would be this, "If you find you do not have enough money you have two choices: You need to either make more, or spend less." Pretty simple concept. So we went through our budget and slashed all the 'extras' in an attempt to spend less, and when we got to the things we could not or were not willing to slash (rent/utilities/tithe/food/student loans) we decided we needed to go the other route and make more.
Zachary has been looking for a second job since January, with absolutley no success. I have started looking for a second job as well, but I am nervous about taking on a second job myself and what that might mean for the future of our family (basically I desire to preserve the limited time we actually have together on weekends). But we have both been searching... to no avail.
Ideally it would be wonderful if Z could pick up a full time job at his current employer, but thats a waiting game because it could be tomorrow or 4 years from now before something opens up. SO FRUSTRATING! and two and a half months of searching for work and nothing... devastating and discouraging.

So Z called me on his way home from work last night. I was hanging out at 'girls night' and so I was like-- eh, i'll talk to you when i get home and he says-- I have something to tell you. A full time position was posted at my station today.
OMG.
He put in a bid for the job and it will be probably several weeks before we hear something... but if he did get this job it would (obviously) be more hours, and also more pay. It would be a challenging position for him with an inconsistant schedule, but even still would allow us more time together. It would be an answer to prayer, and it would be (and I know ya'll mock me for my over-use of this phrase, but it is used quite literally here) life changing.
My heart was pounding in my chest. We have been praying and praying, and fretting, and searching for an answer to our situation-- and felt like there was nothing-- no hope. I have asked Z on many occasions, "Why is this so hard? Why are things so complicated for us? We are good people, and smart people-- why can't we get a break?" And I know that you don't get everything you want on a silver platter just because you are a 'good person'. But does anyone else feel like all the bums and slackers get the lucky breaks in this world? Why can't good people catch a break?
I told Z last night-- maybe this is our break. I don't want to be so hopeful becuase a lot of things have to come in line before this could happen. But maybe this whole ordeal we've been struggling with has not been just a coincidence. And maybe our prayers have been heard and our God (who admittedly is a much better planner and arranger than control freak ME) is just starting to show us the corner of the unfolding plan he has for our life. Maybe he does have a 'break' for us.
Not just because we are mostly good people... but because he loves us even when we are not.
I think the title of this post should probably be "Hope" because I am just tasting hope for the first time in such a long while. Whatever the outcome of this current situation I am feeling good about our future. Good things are happening in our life. God things. Good God things.
And now I am rambling.

Friday, March 11, 2011

huh

So I haven't blogged in a couple weeks. I keep thinking I should, and then I think that I don't have anything of significance to say (or of even less significance than normal... ha!) so I just don't. Because why waste you time, right?
I gotta be honest my life is a little ho-hum right now. So I will tell you about not so ho-hum things happening in the lives of people I know.
My best friend of 25.5 yrs had a baby girl on Monday. Her first. It's weird. She's a mom now, which means she's old. Her child has squishy fat cheeks, which I love. I prefer fat babies. Rubber band wrists are my favorite. You know what I am talking about? When the arm and hands are so pudgy there is just a crease where the wrist should be-- kinda like if you had put a rubber band around it? I love that. However, it's only endearing until you are about 3.
My parents and my boss are in Israel (not together) this week. Random that they would be taking the same trip at the same time but not together. Anyway, my Dad called me from Tel Aviv this morning to tell me they got there safely. I think he did that because even though I am 25 yrs old and don't live with them, they always expect me to call them to tell them when i have arrived somewhere like I did when I was in HS. They are very frustrated that i don't instinctually do this. So anyway, he called me to tell me they were in Tel Aviv and made it there safely. Um, okay, thanks.
My BF who lives in IL lost her job last week. Not good news, I know. But I am trying to convince her of all the job opportunities here is exciting Kansas City! She's not buying it, but it was worth a try. If I could convince her to live closer to me that would be fantastic as I need more childless friends. (why do so many people have kids?!?! it's weird.)
Also, this same friend has recently gone gluten free, and apparently it's been a life-changing experience for her-- in many ways. And she has not convinced me to go gluten free yet (could you imagine me GF? And Z? He might just perish), but it has pushed me to look at some healthier food options. Or at least think about the things I am cramming in my face...
And not to make light of a natural disaster, because I am certain the disaster in Japan is on everyone's mind right now, but I did just have a co-worker come in and report to me (in complete seriousness) what people don't understand about this disaster is that Japan is an island, and there wasn't really a tsunami, what really happened was '...the whole island of Japan sunk." Um, okay. I think some of that information may possibly be flawed, and given the sensationalist quality of it i wondered if he had heard it from Katie Horner. heh.
Even if the island did not sink to the bottom of the ocean as my uninformed co-worker suggested, the devastation in Japan is real and lives have been lost, which is a true tragedy. It makes me think of how fleeting and chaotic life can be. We are not guaranteed tomorrow-- or our next breath.
On Ash Wednesday, just a couple days ago, Z and I were talking about that... and how so many things in this life are fleeting and not worth the energy we put in them, they do not last. Instead we are using this Lenten season to turn our thoughts and energy toward things that do matter, things that are eternal.
hmmm...
Regardless, I pray daily for the safety and well being of my family and friends. And today I am also praying for all the people affected by this tragedy.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

More Tidbits...

...becuase I'm too lazy to compose an entire cohesive thought today.

My hair is kinda big today.
Kinda was being nice.
My hair is big and frizzy and puffy today.
Since when does MY hair frizz or puff?
I am baffled.
 
Looking through a friend's newborn pictures I decided that newborns are not particularly attractive beings. They are all purple and wrinkly. They look like California Raisins! And they are usually screaming. I have been told, when they child is your own you feel differently about it-- but i'm not sure. I tend to call 'em like I see 'em. If it comes out wrinkly and purple and screaming I will just make my peace with having a California Raisin -- and encourage it to grow out of that stage quickly -- for it's own benefit, of course.  My children will be scarred from an early age. I probably shouldn't pro-create.
 
A friend pointed out to me the pleasure of listening to the sleety-ice stuff crunch under your shoes as you are forced to walk through it. I do enjoy things that go crunch. Good call.
 
I went for a run yesterday. It was actually a lovely experience. It felt good. Though I am a tad embarrassed to admit it was the first run of the year for me. And then a voice of wisdom informed me that a fiscal running year would make my stats look a lot better. So my fiscal running year started yesterday and i started out strong with a run on the first day, and thus far I have run every day. I know you are impressed by my commitment to the sport and to my own personal health and well-being. Go team.
 
I made a bow tie for a friend's child the other day. He turned 2 and a striped bow tie seemed an appropriate gift for the occasion. He wore it the next day and it made me giggle quite a bit. Am I the only person who gets a kick out of adult accessories on children? I want to make more and give them to everyone I know. I want to bring the bow-tie back hardcore. Who's with me?
 
I had a dream last night that i went on vacation to the beach with my husband and the ocean caved in and our beach vacation was almost ruined, until we booked a Pirates of the Caribbean Cruise with my Grandma... but we almost didn't make it on time because we had to go back and get my camera, and all the plumbing was blowing up in our condo and because I am a professional plumber (don'tchaknow) I felt inclined to fix it all and then we missed the bus but we got to the dock at exactly 7:03 pm when the cruise was leaving and waltzed into the dining room just in time for dinner with Grandma and a pirate or two.
True story.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Confession

I find tracking packages online unreasonably entertaining.
When I get an email that says "Your package has been shipped!" you better believe I meediately click through that link, even though I know it will be several hours before any tracking information is posted on it. I will check it several times a day sometimes. It's in Arizona! Now it's in Oklahoma! Now it's in Kansas! Now it's out for delivery! YAY! And I know when I get home from work there will be a package on my doorstep. The whole process is so utterly entertaining and fulfilling for me, i just love it. I must admit, during the holidays I do most of my shopping online for this very reason. It's a rush. I love it.
I can't wait to get home this afternoon. I will have a box full or jewelry waiting on my doorstep.
Yay! Just like Christmas-- only in February.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

A Good Day.

I have this friend who is a Pollyanna. You know what a Pollyanna is, right? She is lovely, and happy and charming and a joy to be around. And she never has a bad day. Anytime there is a bad situation she can find the silver lining. Anytime there is negativity or awkwardness she can diffuse it quickly and easier than anyone I have ever met. She can (and does) befriend anyone. She loves people that most of us wouldn't give the time of day to. Her outlook on life and her commitment to being joyful in all situations are...
Challenging to be around.
I know, I just said she is a joy to be around. And I meant it. But every time I am with her I am challenged by her optimism. And I am jealous that every day she has is a good day.
I am the kind of person that can easily fall into gloom and doom mindset. Not that my life is really that terrible, but frustrating things happen, I am easily overwhelmed, and it's so much easier to give into the self-pity and despair than it is to... be a Pollyanna. Every time I am with my friend, I desire to be more like her. And I realize most days, it's a series of simple choices to make.
Work has been crazy stressful this week, and I have been extra tired, and not feeling 100%. On a normal week, this would be a great excuse for a 'bad day' and a little self pity. But I am tired of pitifully bad days... so I decided each morning this week that "Today is a good day". I literally said it out loud. (and to be honest I felt like a goober when I did) But... I think there is something powerful about vocalizing affirmations. Each time a stressful situation presented itself, I approached it as a challenge and literally visualized myself pouring energy (my energy apparently looks like sparkly red kool-aid) from a bucket labeled stress to a bucket labeled challenge. (again, I feel like a goober sharing this... but I just needed something visual/tangible to make a switch in my brain). So now that I am putting my energy toward completing a challenge rather than toward being stressed about it... I am much calmer and optimistic about the outcome.
Also, I am more productive. And a kinder, gentler, Valerie. I have more patience and understanding for the crazy people I work with and the crazy person I live with. :)
Since Monday I have had 3 really good days.
This morning I was really feeling drained. My body is sore and my nose is running and my stomach feels squeezy. I knew unexciting and tedious tasks awaited me at work. I was moping about as I got ready and ate breakfast this morning. Before I walked out the door, Z looked at me and said, "Today is going to be another good day!"
Ahh... I had almost forgotten. Today IS going to be a good day. And I have nearly tackled half of it with good decisions and I am feeling a little better and a little energized. Which is awesome, because I have a date with my Hubs tonight as the shiny red cherry on top of the good day I am having at work.
See I am on my way to some Pollyanna-ness myself.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Tidbits

I'm okay with people who pick out and share the name for their baby before the child is born. It DOES kind of wig me out when parents routinely refer to their unborn child by name. It's just a little weird. Had a whole conversation with a woman and couldn't for the life of me figure out who 'Steven' was. After the fact, I realized 'Steven' was the child she would give birth to in four months. It was weird.

We went to see The Kings Speech the other night. It's rated R. On the way into the theatre, the ticket taker pointed to me and asked Z "Is she over 17?" to which he replied, "Well, I hope so, she's my wife!"
I also got carded to buy spray paint the other day. I guess I'll appreciate it when I am older I guess... but when I am 25 and getting banned from rated R movies... it's a little lame.

I have to go to the doctor today, and I'm not really excited about it. Z says if I am good I get to celebrate by buying jewelry tonight. I guess that's the adult equivalent of the 'sticker box'.

Z and I played scrabble the other day. We each expanded our vocabulary through the process. I didn't know what a wadi was and he didn't know what a wino was. I decided to just let him look it up in the dictionary rather than start naming names.

People need to stop confiding in me. I am a TERRIBLE secret keeper. Seriously, have you met me? If I have a secret it's written all over my face. Within 24 hours I am in physical pain trying not to blab.
Christmas and birthdays make me a total train wreck of anxiety over blabbing. I think I accidentally told all my family members what their gifts were last December. If I have a secret i have to tell someone about it-- After i tell one person the brain splitting secret-keeping anxiety subsides some. Z is the most likely candidate, but he doesn't play along well. We have conversations that go like this:
Me: I have a secret!
Z: Good
Me: Do you want to know what it is?
Z: No, then it won't be a secret.
Me: But don't you want to be a part of the secret?
Z: No, if it's a secret, I'd prefer you not tell me.
Me: But don't you want to know what it is?
Z: No, if it's a secret I don't need to.
Me: But but don't you want--
Z: I want you to stop talking to me about the secret.
Me: (Sigh.) WHY WON'T YOU PLAY MY GAME!?!?
The problem is... even though I am really bad at secrets and surprises, I truly love them with all my heart.
Z doesn't love secrets or surprises. We are an unfortunate combination.

Still in love with my Magic School Bus Yellow sweater. So glad I took the plunge and dyed it. My husband thinks I wear it too much, and comments-- Oh, you are wearing that yellow sweater... again.

I am about 98% certain someone is putting maple syrup on my desk in the afternoons while I am gone for lunch. I come back and it smells strongly of maple syrup in here, and my desk is sticky. Ew.