Hmm... I've had this blog for over a year! And I still haven't figured out how to blog, really.
I went to AZ a week and a half ago and had the beesstt time. It was so good to hang out with Andrew. We went to the Botanical Gardens, watched Kung Fu Panda, and had Mojo frozen yogurt, among many other fun things. How fun is that? Plus, we went on a hike with Bonnie. And then Bonnie and I went on another hike, and then Bonnie planned the funnest girls night. I got to hang out with lots of cool girls, and make calzones, and then eat calzones, and then go to Applebees for more talking and giggling. It was a packed couple of days. But it was so good!
I've also really been enjoying being at home. If you didn't know, my family is the coolest. I'm so blessed to have a family that I don't just love, but also like. I've been having more "face time" with people that are near and dear to me, and that is AWESOME.
I am re-reading some favorite books. I just finished Good News for those Trying Harder by Alan Kraft. God changed my life during the time I was in the church he pastored, a church that kept talking about the gospel, but got me to really understand that I am more sinful than I realize but I have a Savior greater than I can imagine. Next I will re-read Practicing the Presence of God, the conglomeration of Brother Lawrence's letters, and then probably CS Lewis' Mere Christianity and then hopefully Seven by Jeff Cook. Then I can move on to new reading material. Any suggestions on good stuff? I also started the One Year through the Bible plan, where you read a bit of the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs every day. It is so good. Other readings are good, but Scripture is... well, it's God-breathed, I guess that explains why it's so life-giving in a way that nothing else is!
I have finally finished my re-vamped resume and cover letter and start actually applying places this week. I am a little interested to see what God has for me. I know that there might be a nursing job in store for me, and that would be exciting. But at the same time, I'm settling in well at this Chipotle, and I'm at the place where if my future career is in Chipotle, that will be good too. I have found favor with my overseers, and this looks like a possibility right now. I am praying that God's will be done. A rather thrilling thing to ask for!
The Christmas season is upon us once again. However did that happen?! I vividly remember this time last year and can sincerely say that I am so grateful to God for the places he's taken me, the ways he's provided for me, and the blessings he's poured out on me. He is a God that deals bountifully with his children.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
short update
so many things I could choose to tell you right now.
I've been back at home for two weeks now. I feel a lot has happened in these two weeks. I have begun a renewed search for nursing employment. I have been blessed with an amazing acquaintance that has taken up my cause; she has been a nurse for many years and is helping me be strategic and intentional about this situation. I need to acquire many letters of reference, beef up my resume, tinker with cover letters, and take several classes for Continuing Education credits. At this point, it seems quite a foreboding task. And I am having a hard time being motivated, because I feel the odds are small that I will achieve my objective. Still, I want to try as hard as I can... so that if it doesn't work out, I will know I gave it a good effort. There is also a chance, which I am praying for, that I could get a New Grad position at the hospital where I did my internship over a year ago. Or maybe even somewhere else. That would be soo a w e s o m e.
In these two weeks, I have also begun working at Chipotle here, visited with old friends, fallen back into a rhythm of living with my wonderful family, started running at a mile high, found a great new pair of jeans that actually fits, and planned my first trip back to Arizona. It's true. A week from today I will be there for a 3-day visit. I had been planing to visit from the moment I decided to leave. But thanks to evens that unfolded between that decision and my actual departure, I really want to visit quite soon. What I am referring to is the fact that I am now dating Andrew! He's a wonderful guy I've known for a few months through church, and though the timing is not how we would have planned, we believe that God is at work in this and want to follow whatever path he may have for this. For now that means trying to get to know each other better long-distance.. and lots of prayer. All else I can say is that I find my face covered in a goofy grin quite often these days.
Here's a picture Bonnie took of me in the park my last Sunday in AZ. Kind of a reflective, artsy picture. I like it:)
I've been back at home for two weeks now. I feel a lot has happened in these two weeks. I have begun a renewed search for nursing employment. I have been blessed with an amazing acquaintance that has taken up my cause; she has been a nurse for many years and is helping me be strategic and intentional about this situation. I need to acquire many letters of reference, beef up my resume, tinker with cover letters, and take several classes for Continuing Education credits. At this point, it seems quite a foreboding task. And I am having a hard time being motivated, because I feel the odds are small that I will achieve my objective. Still, I want to try as hard as I can... so that if it doesn't work out, I will know I gave it a good effort. There is also a chance, which I am praying for, that I could get a New Grad position at the hospital where I did my internship over a year ago. Or maybe even somewhere else. That would be soo a w e s o m e.
In these two weeks, I have also begun working at Chipotle here, visited with old friends, fallen back into a rhythm of living with my wonderful family, started running at a mile high, found a great new pair of jeans that actually fits, and planned my first trip back to Arizona. It's true. A week from today I will be there for a 3-day visit. I had been planing to visit from the moment I decided to leave. But thanks to evens that unfolded between that decision and my actual departure, I really want to visit quite soon. What I am referring to is the fact that I am now dating Andrew! He's a wonderful guy I've known for a few months through church, and though the timing is not how we would have planned, we believe that God is at work in this and want to follow whatever path he may have for this. For now that means trying to get to know each other better long-distance.. and lots of prayer. All else I can say is that I find my face covered in a goofy grin quite often these days.
Here's a picture Bonnie took of me in the park my last Sunday in AZ. Kind of a reflective, artsy picture. I like it:)
Monday, November 2, 2009
home again
Welp, I made it home.
Dad flew down last Monday and helped me with everything... We took my turtles to new homes, for they did not return to Colorado. He took 8 of my bestest friends out to dinner at Chili's. He helped me pack. And then he helped me drive back! We arrived on Wednesday afternoon to a lovely snow-cover.
Since then I've been getting unpacked, making arrangements to start working at a nearby Chipotle, saying hello to friends here, and starting to think about applying for some nursing jobs here. It will take some strategy, but I'm still hoping it is possible.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
aaah, success
The 5K is over! Bonnie, Naomi, Jim and Naomi's dad participated with me. I had been running with them in training some too. What a joy to run this race! Especially with them!
The Walk for Life was a huge success, over a hundred and fifty more people participated this year than last. The race was a huge success for me too... mostly because, I actually finished it. I ran the entire first mile, ran/walked the second, and ran the entire third, I was pleased with that. And then the 5K turned out to be a 4-mile run, and I ran most of the fourth mile, and thought I was going to die. But the feeling at the end of the race was so worth it:)
(after the race, red and sagging)
The Walk for Life was a huge success, over a hundred and fifty more people participated this year than last. The race was a huge success for me too... mostly because, I actually finished it. I ran the entire first mile, ran/walked the second, and ran the entire third, I was pleased with that. And then the 5K turned out to be a 4-mile run, and I ran most of the fourth mile, and thought I was going to die. But the feeling at the end of the race was so worth it:)
(after the race, red and sagging)
Monday, October 19, 2009
good weekend with great people
This weekend I got to see Crystal on Friday, and got to travel to Show Low to see Bonnie's band on Saturday and Sunday. Then tonight I got to run 2 miles and eat Mojo Frozen Yogurt. Do I have it good or what?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Update on life #2: the move
I have been thinking on how to phrase a blog post, but I finally just decided to post from an e-mail I sent to a few people trying to explain...
Okay, so the news is... I'm moving back to Aurora, CO. With my family, that is. This probably doesn't come as too much of a surprise to you, but let me explain anyway. I came here because I believe God was telling me to. I stayed here as long as I did, even when I didn't find a nursing job, because I believe it was what God had for me, that this is where I was "supposed" to be. But through much prayer and meditation of late, I have come to the conclusion that the way for me to obey God at this stage is to return home.
I am happy about this idea, as I miss my family and friends there and may have a slightly better chance of finding a job. But I am also sad to be leaving my wonderful church and friends here. I've learned a lot here and met a lot of amazing people. It's been a great adventure!
So that's it! If all goes according to plan, two weeks from now I will be on the road with all my earthly belongings in a UHaul trailer, once again moving, but this time back home.
Okay, so the news is... I'm moving back to Aurora, CO. With my family, that is. This probably doesn't come as too much of a surprise to you, but let me explain anyway. I came here because I believe God was telling me to. I stayed here as long as I did, even when I didn't find a nursing job, because I believe it was what God had for me, that this is where I was "supposed" to be. But through much prayer and meditation of late, I have come to the conclusion that the way for me to obey God at this stage is to return home.
I am happy about this idea, as I miss my family and friends there and may have a slightly better chance of finding a job. But I am also sad to be leaving my wonderful church and friends here. I've learned a lot here and met a lot of amazing people. It's been a great adventure!
So that's it! If all goes according to plan, two weeks from now I will be on the road with all my earthly belongings in a UHaul trailer, once again moving, but this time back home.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Update on life #1: The endeavor to be a runner
I should start by saying that running does not come naturally to me. It’s hard, and I’m frankly not very good at it.
Still, the idea of running has long enthralled me. Several times I have half-attempted to run. But my lack of intentionality and discipline proved no match for the challenge. Yet I have been envious of those who could “pound the pavement” as a release after a long day and those who didn’t need a pool and goggles for a workout:) and felt defeated that I could not join their ranks.
I also hold very dear some Scriptures that liken the Christian life to running a race. Of course, there is plenty that a non-runner can glean from this analogy. But something in me has longed to arrive at a better understanding, the kind that would come from learning about discipline, training, focus in a way that is close-up and sweat-drenched.
Finally, the season has come! Though I recognize it will not be pretty or perhaps even fun, I have decided to tell you that I am now in the uncomfortable process of becoming a runner. I am telling you this because the more people I tell, the less likely I am to give up on it. I am also telling you because my goal is to participate in the 5 Kilometer race put on by Crisis Pregnancy Centers on October 24, and I would like to invite you to donate.
Why the Walk for Life? The Walk for Life is the annual fundraiser of the Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Greater Phoenix. The CPC is funded completely by caring individuals who believe in the importance of their mission, which is “to save lives and protect futures of the men, women, children, and unborn babies in the Phoenix area." They do this by providing free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound, free parenting classes, adoption planning and placement, free after abortion counseling, and low-cost STD testing. Because the organization is privately funded and committed to living by the Statement of Faith, all of these services are delivered in a way that is both caring and also focused on ministering to the whole person- physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. On a personal note, CPC has been dear to me in my time volunteering there.
I have witnessed first-hand the work that God is doing through CPC. Abortions are prevented, God’s plan for abstinence until marriage is taught, and the gospel of Christ is proclaimed. CPC plans this walk/run as a fundraiser.
There are plenty of good reasons to run a race out there, but for me it is a personal lesson in perseverance and maybe also a way to support this cherished ministry that is giving me the opportunity to run this 5K!
Fundraising is not a requirement to participate, but all that I do raise will go directly to the work of CPC. You can get more information at www.azlifewalk.com. To pledge to support me, click on “Pledge info” in the left column and then the “click here” on the right side, or e-mail me.
And thanks for reading. Please ask me about it, so I don’t give up:)
Still, the idea of running has long enthralled me. Several times I have half-attempted to run. But my lack of intentionality and discipline proved no match for the challenge. Yet I have been envious of those who could “pound the pavement” as a release after a long day and those who didn’t need a pool and goggles for a workout:) and felt defeated that I could not join their ranks.
I also hold very dear some Scriptures that liken the Christian life to running a race. Of course, there is plenty that a non-runner can glean from this analogy. But something in me has longed to arrive at a better understanding, the kind that would come from learning about discipline, training, focus in a way that is close-up and sweat-drenched.
Finally, the season has come! Though I recognize it will not be pretty or perhaps even fun, I have decided to tell you that I am now in the uncomfortable process of becoming a runner. I am telling you this because the more people I tell, the less likely I am to give up on it. I am also telling you because my goal is to participate in the 5 Kilometer race put on by Crisis Pregnancy Centers on October 24, and I would like to invite you to donate.
Why the Walk for Life? The Walk for Life is the annual fundraiser of the Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Greater Phoenix. The CPC is funded completely by caring individuals who believe in the importance of their mission, which is “to save lives and protect futures of the men, women, children, and unborn babies in the Phoenix area." They do this by providing free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound, free parenting classes, adoption planning and placement, free after abortion counseling, and low-cost STD testing. Because the organization is privately funded and committed to living by the Statement of Faith, all of these services are delivered in a way that is both caring and also focused on ministering to the whole person- physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. On a personal note, CPC has been dear to me in my time volunteering there.
I have witnessed first-hand the work that God is doing through CPC. Abortions are prevented, God’s plan for abstinence until marriage is taught, and the gospel of Christ is proclaimed. CPC plans this walk/run as a fundraiser.
There are plenty of good reasons to run a race out there, but for me it is a personal lesson in perseverance and maybe also a way to support this cherished ministry that is giving me the opportunity to run this 5K!
Fundraising is not a requirement to participate, but all that I do raise will go directly to the work of CPC. You can get more information at www.azlifewalk.com. To pledge to support me, click on “Pledge info” in the left column and then the “click here” on the right side, or e-mail me.
And thanks for reading. Please ask me about it, so I don’t give up:)
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