Monday, June 12, 2006
Roche, Papier, Ciseaux
Rock, Paper, Scissors. Tonight we watched one of the silliest shows we've ever watched. Well, maybe the craziest thing since the National Spelling Bee. We watched the USARPS Tournament on A&E. That's the United States of America Rock Paper Scissors League. I saw the listing on the T.V. Guide channel and had to turn it over to see if that was really what it was, and sure enough, people were actually playing Rock, Paper, Scissors! The "players" were all talking about their different strategies and trying to psych the other players out...it was crazy. Even crazier, perhaps, was the tournament it spawned in our living room. During the first commercial break, Mom, J and I rocked...we papered...and we definitely scissored! I don't think we had a clear-cut winner...we all won and lost some matches. We came to the conclusion that there is a very small amount of strategy that goes into the game...an aspect of predicting what the other person is going to throw based on what you know about them. I believe that when playing strangers in a tournament, however, it's pretty much just luck! It was a crazy show to watch, but we had a really fun time playing a simple childhood game and finding patterns in what we each chose to throw. The winner on T.V. got $50,000, but we got about that many laughs! One...Two...Three...?
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Occupé
Occupied. Sorry I haven't posted lately, but things have been a bit crazy around here lately. My Mom has recently started a new, full-time job out of the home. My Dad is in New Jersey again. My work schedule is changing and getting more complicated everyday. I found out yesterday that the owner isn't able to open the new store on Batesville RD as planned, but is going to have me work the stand on 291. I even get to drive the company flat-bed truck! I have always liked driving different vehicles, so I think that will be fun. I also miss driving a truck since my dad sold our F250 monster truck (my first car). It chugged a ton of gas, was broken down almost more often than it ran, did not have a CD player, or air conditioning, but it was one of the biggest non-commercial things on the road, sounded amazing, and was a lot of fun to drive! My boss also plans to work me everyday, so that will be nice for my checking account! Also, since I'm not the only person working this stand, it should be easier for me to get off for some trips I want to take over the Summer. I have a family reunion coming up, and I'm pretty sure I need to make another trip to G-ville sometime soon, I'm really starting to miss my friends!
In addition to working at the Orchard, I've been trying to advance my job search. An extended family member of mine has recently started working for a company in Alachua, FL that handles donor tissues for transplant. I am excited by the idea of returning to the greater Gainesville area, although it is far from my family again. At this point, I'm applying for any career job that I will be able to afford to take. RTI (the Alachua company) isn't currently hiring Microbiologists, but there is one tech job I'm looking into, and I plan to send them a resume to see if anything happens. I've also found a staffing agency in NC that handles Lab personel exclusively, so I've sent them a resume as well. As for now I'll just be selling peaches and waiting for a sonic boom.
It's a busy week and an even busier time in my life...stay tuned..I'll try to update more often!
In addition to working at the Orchard, I've been trying to advance my job search. An extended family member of mine has recently started working for a company in Alachua, FL that handles donor tissues for transplant. I am excited by the idea of returning to the greater Gainesville area, although it is far from my family again. At this point, I'm applying for any career job that I will be able to afford to take. RTI (the Alachua company) isn't currently hiring Microbiologists, but there is one tech job I'm looking into, and I plan to send them a resume to see if anything happens. I've also found a staffing agency in NC that handles Lab personel exclusively, so I've sent them a resume as well. As for now I'll just be selling peaches and waiting for a sonic boom.
It's a busy week and an even busier time in my life...stay tuned..I'll try to update more often!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Je m'appelle Calamity
My name is Calamity. I don't know what it is about me...a natural tendancy, my left-handedness, or maybe I just don't pay enough attention, but for some reason I'm rather accident prone. I often find myself in random situations such as when I ended up under a boat on the loading ramp holding on for dear life to the tongue of the trailer, or when I ended up hydroplaning into the sliding glass doors at Publix, and I can't forget numerous injuries sustained in my Conditioning class. At Cocoa High I played on the girl's Soccer team and recieved the award for Most Injured Goalie...sustaining a concussion, a busted nose, sprained neck, hyper-extended knee, and several bouts of bursitis. In my softball career I've now been hit by the ball twice...once in the leg and last week in the head. Now I have another incident to add to my long and distinguised list...I fell on the camping trip!
The weekend was a blast overall! It was so nice to spend the time outdoors, and my family really got along great. We still camp in tents, which I really prefer to campers because I feel that a motor home doesn't really give you the same camping experience as does a tent...and actually I sleep better in a tent. We brought along my hound, Socrates, and I really enjoyed spending the time with him as well. He was kinda nervous and over-protective at first, barking at anything or anyone that went near our site, and the first night he paced around the tent alot and made me take him out three times. By the end of the weekend, however, he settled into the laid-back lifestyle as he trudged along trails, napped in the shade, met a fish, slept throught the night, and absolutely refused to eat anything healthy (much like the rest of the family).
We went camping at a Greenville County Park called Pleasant Ridge only 25 minutes from my house. We got there early and set up our two tents and got all the supplies squared away. Over the weekend we did some swimming in the lake. They have a roped off area. Honestly the swimming was probably my least favorite part...the weather here hasn't really warmed up enough for a long enough time to raise the entire lake's frigid temperature...so you swim along and go from shallower areas of nice warm water, to cold pockets that chill you to the bone. It was still refreshing though in the heat of the day when you were approaching the melting point.
We also did some fishing...although it took us until the last evening to figure out the perfect time to fish. The fish start biting at 6 PM, and you have from then until dark when the Rangers close the lake. That last evening we finally caught some fish...I caught 5, J caught about that many, and Mom got one. Dad, unfortunately, didn't catch anything but a few trees. It was funny because for once Mom, J and me were rigging, baiting, casting, and taking the fish off our own lines leaving Dad free to fish. Or as it turns out, free to catch a tree ;-) Everyone has their days... All the fish that we caught were small brim and were released after caught. Socrates did not know what to think of the fish...he kept tilting his head and perking up his ears as he tried to figure out what it was as it flopped around on the line. I have a picture of his first encounter that I'll post later.
We had some very interesting neighbors at the campsite. On one side of us was a Preacher and his family that were taking the weekend off. We really got along with them well. Socrates was tied up between our sites and their son would try to get him to come over to their site to play with him. They also gave him some scraps, so by the time they were packing up to leave I think Socrates was half tempted to load up with them. In the course of our conversations with them, I told them that I was looking for a Microbiology job, and it turned out that the woman works at Cryovac, a local company that often hires Microbiologists. She works for the Credit Union there, but her mother works in a lab, so the last day she gave me a phone number to call to inquire about a job. It was a really neat and random connection that seemed a bit more than coincidental to me, so I'm definitely going to follow the lead! Our other neighbors were a bit more sketchy, but provided a great deal of entertainment. It was a man and I believe his girlfriend. I'd seen him many times working out at the YMCA that I go to, so we talked about that and had a nice introduction and went about our business. Then he came over and talked to us forever. We all thought he was kind of crazy, but seemed nice enough. We ended up learning all sorts of interesting things about him, like that he lives off alimony he gets from his ex wife because he raised their son alone while he went through a brain tumor diagnosis. He also apparently teaches Pilates at the Y. One morning I looked over and saw him doing what looked like either Tai Chi or Pilates while smoking like a chimney. That struck me as particularly interesting and funny and probably best describes the randomness of Donnie. Throughout the weekend we would see him doing all sorts of different activities...like riding a bike, sleeping outside on his air mattress in the middle of the day, playing on one of those kids park merry-go rounds, and even clogging to bluegrass music at another campsite. It was weird and funny.
One of our favorite things to do at the park was to walk a Nature Trail that led from the camp ground up to the lake. Along the way there was this really pretty little waterfall that you could walk in and around. It made little shallow pools of water around it that were fun to walk through and allowed us to cool off without having to swim in the lake. This brings me full-circle in this post, back to the reason my name is Calamity. On Sunday afternoon, we stopped by the waterfall on our way to go fishing. We all, including Socrates, went walking in the shallow pools and walking over the smooth rocks. Socrates, a bassett hound not particularly found of water, liked walking in and drinking some of the water but preferred to hop from rock to rock. I was holding him on the retractable leash and standing on a rock on one side of a pool when Socrates suddenly took off and jumped two rocks over (as it turned out, just a bit farther than the leash would extend). I was jerked off the rock I was standing on...leapt toward the nearest one, but slipped on the slick stone and splashed down in a pool. Unfortunately, my left elbow landed on a rock getting cut and bruised, my right wrist and left knee were also scraped up in the process. The worst thing affected at the time, however, was my ego...as there were a couple other people nearby to watch the whole event. After the fact, I've been most affected by a very stiff and sore back, which I apparently sprained as I twisted and fell. That has made work at the Orchard very difficult and painful, but with some modifications and medication, it is quickly recovering.
As I said earlier in this lenghty post, the weekend was great and I am so very glad we went. We are planning to go on many more camping trips now that we've found a place we like up here. We already have a list of things we want to buy or do next time to make things go even more smoothly. Next time, I am also planning to get my own site, since I already have my own tent so that we will have more room and even more importantly...more level space on which to spend our time (a problem we did not encounter while camping in FL).
A few sites down from ours there was a group of girls camping. They came in and met there from different colleges...one as far away as Virginia, others from here and Georgia. It reminded me of an idea Kathy had a while ago for a group of us to meet in Georgia or somewhere and camp for a weekend. I still think that is a great idea and we should think about doing it sometime in the future...it looked like fun. Their little reunion really made me miss all my friends :-(
Thanks for reading the post...I know it was long. I will post some pics soon.
The weekend was a blast overall! It was so nice to spend the time outdoors, and my family really got along great. We still camp in tents, which I really prefer to campers because I feel that a motor home doesn't really give you the same camping experience as does a tent...and actually I sleep better in a tent. We brought along my hound, Socrates, and I really enjoyed spending the time with him as well. He was kinda nervous and over-protective at first, barking at anything or anyone that went near our site, and the first night he paced around the tent alot and made me take him out three times. By the end of the weekend, however, he settled into the laid-back lifestyle as he trudged along trails, napped in the shade, met a fish, slept throught the night, and absolutely refused to eat anything healthy (much like the rest of the family).
We went camping at a Greenville County Park called Pleasant Ridge only 25 minutes from my house. We got there early and set up our two tents and got all the supplies squared away. Over the weekend we did some swimming in the lake. They have a roped off area. Honestly the swimming was probably my least favorite part...the weather here hasn't really warmed up enough for a long enough time to raise the entire lake's frigid temperature...so you swim along and go from shallower areas of nice warm water, to cold pockets that chill you to the bone. It was still refreshing though in the heat of the day when you were approaching the melting point.
We also did some fishing...although it took us until the last evening to figure out the perfect time to fish. The fish start biting at 6 PM, and you have from then until dark when the Rangers close the lake. That last evening we finally caught some fish...I caught 5, J caught about that many, and Mom got one. Dad, unfortunately, didn't catch anything but a few trees. It was funny because for once Mom, J and me were rigging, baiting, casting, and taking the fish off our own lines leaving Dad free to fish. Or as it turns out, free to catch a tree ;-) Everyone has their days... All the fish that we caught were small brim and were released after caught. Socrates did not know what to think of the fish...he kept tilting his head and perking up his ears as he tried to figure out what it was as it flopped around on the line. I have a picture of his first encounter that I'll post later.
We had some very interesting neighbors at the campsite. On one side of us was a Preacher and his family that were taking the weekend off. We really got along with them well. Socrates was tied up between our sites and their son would try to get him to come over to their site to play with him. They also gave him some scraps, so by the time they were packing up to leave I think Socrates was half tempted to load up with them. In the course of our conversations with them, I told them that I was looking for a Microbiology job, and it turned out that the woman works at Cryovac, a local company that often hires Microbiologists. She works for the Credit Union there, but her mother works in a lab, so the last day she gave me a phone number to call to inquire about a job. It was a really neat and random connection that seemed a bit more than coincidental to me, so I'm definitely going to follow the lead! Our other neighbors were a bit more sketchy, but provided a great deal of entertainment. It was a man and I believe his girlfriend. I'd seen him many times working out at the YMCA that I go to, so we talked about that and had a nice introduction and went about our business. Then he came over and talked to us forever. We all thought he was kind of crazy, but seemed nice enough. We ended up learning all sorts of interesting things about him, like that he lives off alimony he gets from his ex wife because he raised their son alone while he went through a brain tumor diagnosis. He also apparently teaches Pilates at the Y. One morning I looked over and saw him doing what looked like either Tai Chi or Pilates while smoking like a chimney. That struck me as particularly interesting and funny and probably best describes the randomness of Donnie. Throughout the weekend we would see him doing all sorts of different activities...like riding a bike, sleeping outside on his air mattress in the middle of the day, playing on one of those kids park merry-go rounds, and even clogging to bluegrass music at another campsite. It was weird and funny.
One of our favorite things to do at the park was to walk a Nature Trail that led from the camp ground up to the lake. Along the way there was this really pretty little waterfall that you could walk in and around. It made little shallow pools of water around it that were fun to walk through and allowed us to cool off without having to swim in the lake. This brings me full-circle in this post, back to the reason my name is Calamity. On Sunday afternoon, we stopped by the waterfall on our way to go fishing. We all, including Socrates, went walking in the shallow pools and walking over the smooth rocks. Socrates, a bassett hound not particularly found of water, liked walking in and drinking some of the water but preferred to hop from rock to rock. I was holding him on the retractable leash and standing on a rock on one side of a pool when Socrates suddenly took off and jumped two rocks over (as it turned out, just a bit farther than the leash would extend). I was jerked off the rock I was standing on...leapt toward the nearest one, but slipped on the slick stone and splashed down in a pool. Unfortunately, my left elbow landed on a rock getting cut and bruised, my right wrist and left knee were also scraped up in the process. The worst thing affected at the time, however, was my ego...as there were a couple other people nearby to watch the whole event. After the fact, I've been most affected by a very stiff and sore back, which I apparently sprained as I twisted and fell. That has made work at the Orchard very difficult and painful, but with some modifications and medication, it is quickly recovering.
As I said earlier in this lenghty post, the weekend was great and I am so very glad we went. We are planning to go on many more camping trips now that we've found a place we like up here. We already have a list of things we want to buy or do next time to make things go even more smoothly. Next time, I am also planning to get my own site, since I already have my own tent so that we will have more room and even more importantly...more level space on which to spend our time (a problem we did not encounter while camping in FL).
A few sites down from ours there was a group of girls camping. They came in and met there from different colleges...one as far away as Virginia, others from here and Georgia. It reminded me of an idea Kathy had a while ago for a group of us to meet in Georgia or somewhere and camp for a weekend. I still think that is a great idea and we should think about doing it sometime in the future...it looked like fun. Their little reunion really made me miss all my friends :-(
Thanks for reading the post...I know it was long. I will post some pics soon.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Faire de camping.
To Camp. The family is going camping tomorrow. We are going to spend Memorial weekend out camping in the woods! I am really looking forward to it. I love camping. We are taking two tents, and a ton of other supplies. It should be a wonderful weekend...even Socrates (my Bassett Hound for those of you that don't know that) is going. Our only concern is the possibility of thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon. The weather for the rest of the weekend looks great. I pray that we have a safe and fun weekend and that we all get along well. I pray that you have a safe and fun Memorial weekend too! I'll be sure and write all about it when we return on Monday afternoon.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
J'ai mal de tête.
I have a headache! And probably will have it for a while. Last night at the softball game, while playing second base in a stupid game that wasn't even official since we didn't have enough players and therefore had to forfeit, I got hit on the head by the softball. I was attempting to catch an infield fly when it deflected off my glove and landed heavily on the top of my forehead...right at the hairline. I have a handsome knot and bruise to show for it, and if you look close you can even see the outline of the stitching off the ball on my scalp. I've pretty much had a headache since. I did not have any other problems though..no confusion or dizzyness or eye problems so I did not go to the hospital. My sister, a student nurse did wake me up periodically throughout the night and ask me questions to make sure I was okay. Today I am feeling a little better, the aspirin helps to dull the headache. If I don't touch it, or raise my eyebrows (something I didn't realize I did so much) it's not too bad! Now I get to go to work and sell peaches! The fun never stops!
Rob...I'm sorry I haven't called you lately, and the rest of this week is really busy for me, but I'll make a point to call you sometime next week! That's great that you got a job, congratulations! Thank you for mentioning that a spot is now open at Kennolyn, but I really am at peace about my decision not to go this Summer. The only thing that I hated was not getting to spend the time with you and feeling I'd let you down. Your decision not to go only acts as a confirmation that I chose the right path for this Summer. Again, good luck with the job, and I'll talk to you soon!
Rob...I'm sorry I haven't called you lately, and the rest of this week is really busy for me, but I'll make a point to call you sometime next week! That's great that you got a job, congratulations! Thank you for mentioning that a spot is now open at Kennolyn, but I really am at peace about my decision not to go this Summer. The only thing that I hated was not getting to spend the time with you and feeling I'd let you down. Your decision not to go only acts as a confirmation that I chose the right path for this Summer. Again, good luck with the job, and I'll talk to you soon!
Friday, May 19, 2006
Enfin et Finale (Deux)
Finally and Finale (Two). Finale. I don't know how many of my readers are Will & Grace fans, or for that matter I don't even know how many readers I have, but I am a huge fan of the show and watched the Finale tonight. As you probably know this was the last season, so this was the last show.
**I should warn anyone that follows the show, but missed the finale that I intend to talk about it and will probably spoil it for you so you may not want to read further if you care about that.**
I was really surprised at the way they ended the show. I thought they might end it with Grace marrying Leo again and going off to Rome and Will getting back together with Vince, with Karen and Jack up to their usual hijinks. I expected several tearful goodbyes and promises to visit and so forth. Or as many shows end up, not saying goodbye to each other so the viewers are left with the feeling the characters are going about their lives, perpetually the same as you last saw them. I did not expect them to show you the future of the characters and to get into a discussion of changing lives, moving on and destiny. It floored me.
The subject eerily resonated with a great deal of my thoughts of late, and with those written about on my friend's page (The Zed in my links). It's the idea that life operates much like a television show in that you have similar dramatic moments, cliff-hangers and even cast changes. Often very important and even essential characters are killed off or move away, and the plot keeps moving along with new important and essential people. That idea is shown perfectly with Will and Grace in the final show. After Grace gets back with Leo, they don't talk for two years, and then after a brief encounter drift apart for twenty years before their kids get together and eventually reunite their friendship in the end. I think the last part is a bit of a stretch, but most of that seems very likely.
The idea of two people that connected; the kind of people that finish each others thoughts and know what the other one's thinking, and are that comfortable and invested in a rut, even if the relationship is far from conventional, suddenly end up worlds apart is a strange one to me. It's a struggle I really identified with while watching the show. I have a relationship that in many ways is similar to the one shared by Will & Grace, and it is just as deep, and confusing and wonderful and aweful as is theirs. The primary difference being that Will & Grace are actually actors that memorize a script handed to them by very witty and talented writters, while I am forced to work without a script. I often sit and wonder what twists, turns, and changes are in store for my "show". I wonder what the ideal future and ending might be. Although I have never really spent much time dwelling on the scenario played out on tonight's finale...partly because it is in many ways a sad and scary ending, I now find it to be a very compelling possibility. I'm sure if they fleshed out the years they skipped over in the show tonight, it wouldn't be easy, funny, or totally without regret...but in the end, the characters ended up in very happy and healthy places, and even preserved their tried and true friendship in the end.
I'm not sure what I'm saying in this post, or if I'm saying anything at all. I just know that the Will & Grace finale really hit close to home tonight. The show both saddened me and gave me hope. It made me think of future cast changes, and those that have already happened, and a few I fear are happening now. I tend to avoid change like the plague, but circumstances, distance and the ever-steady drumming of time demand it anyway. I sit here tonight, and wish I could read the next season's script.
Feel free to weigh in with your own thoughts...if you can follow any of my convoluted ramblings, or at least feel free to discuss what you thought of the finale if you watched it.
**I should warn anyone that follows the show, but missed the finale that I intend to talk about it and will probably spoil it for you so you may not want to read further if you care about that.**
I was really surprised at the way they ended the show. I thought they might end it with Grace marrying Leo again and going off to Rome and Will getting back together with Vince, with Karen and Jack up to their usual hijinks. I expected several tearful goodbyes and promises to visit and so forth. Or as many shows end up, not saying goodbye to each other so the viewers are left with the feeling the characters are going about their lives, perpetually the same as you last saw them. I did not expect them to show you the future of the characters and to get into a discussion of changing lives, moving on and destiny. It floored me.
The subject eerily resonated with a great deal of my thoughts of late, and with those written about on my friend's page (The Zed in my links). It's the idea that life operates much like a television show in that you have similar dramatic moments, cliff-hangers and even cast changes. Often very important and even essential characters are killed off or move away, and the plot keeps moving along with new important and essential people. That idea is shown perfectly with Will and Grace in the final show. After Grace gets back with Leo, they don't talk for two years, and then after a brief encounter drift apart for twenty years before their kids get together and eventually reunite their friendship in the end. I think the last part is a bit of a stretch, but most of that seems very likely.
The idea of two people that connected; the kind of people that finish each others thoughts and know what the other one's thinking, and are that comfortable and invested in a rut, even if the relationship is far from conventional, suddenly end up worlds apart is a strange one to me. It's a struggle I really identified with while watching the show. I have a relationship that in many ways is similar to the one shared by Will & Grace, and it is just as deep, and confusing and wonderful and aweful as is theirs. The primary difference being that Will & Grace are actually actors that memorize a script handed to them by very witty and talented writters, while I am forced to work without a script. I often sit and wonder what twists, turns, and changes are in store for my "show". I wonder what the ideal future and ending might be. Although I have never really spent much time dwelling on the scenario played out on tonight's finale...partly because it is in many ways a sad and scary ending, I now find it to be a very compelling possibility. I'm sure if they fleshed out the years they skipped over in the show tonight, it wouldn't be easy, funny, or totally without regret...but in the end, the characters ended up in very happy and healthy places, and even preserved their tried and true friendship in the end.
I'm not sure what I'm saying in this post, or if I'm saying anything at all. I just know that the Will & Grace finale really hit close to home tonight. The show both saddened me and gave me hope. It made me think of future cast changes, and those that have already happened, and a few I fear are happening now. I tend to avoid change like the plague, but circumstances, distance and the ever-steady drumming of time demand it anyway. I sit here tonight, and wish I could read the next season's script.
Feel free to weigh in with your own thoughts...if you can follow any of my convoluted ramblings, or at least feel free to discuss what you thought of the finale if you watched it.
Enfin et Finale (Un)
Finally and Finale (One). Finally, I am back online. The internet still is not working perfectly, but is much better. The Cable Guy is coming out Sunday to work on our "borderline" high-speed internet connection. Yesterday I posted a comment on my last entry (as I was able to post a comment but not a new entry) that gave an update. I doubt many people read it so here it is again:
I've decided not to go to California...they were only able to offer the possibility of an office job so I declined the second interview. The inside job coupled with the change from a road trip to a flight just made the whole thing seem much less adventurous than what I initially envisioned. I'd be flying out to CA and then spending most of my time indoors, so I didn't see why that was better then working outside here, making more money, and going on several vacations I've got lined up. The only thing that I will truly miss will be the time spent with you, Rob. I was looking forward to the fun times, but I'm sure there will be future opportunities to hang out, at least I hope there will be.
I'm working full-time at the Orchard this Summer.
I finally joined the church choir and had my first practice with them on Wednesday...It was amazing. They were very welcoming and instantly made me feel like part of the group. I should have joined sooner! Tuesday we also started going to a new Women's Bible Study, the first meeting had a bunch of introduction stuff, but I think once it settles in, it will really be a great study.
Z and his Mom visited last weekend. It was a great visit. It was really nice for my family to be able to get to know his Mom better. The only problem with the visit was that it was too short!
I was hit on at work the other day. This guy with a really thick accent (maybe Russian?) asked if I was married or had a boyfriend and then asked me out to a lunch or something. He was actually kinda cute, but the fact that he was somekind of foriegner (not that I'm against them or anything, but the desparation seemed enough to raise Green-Card suspicions) and the fact that he came on to a co-worker last week, led me to politely decline the offer. It was still nice to be asked. I seem to have an affinity for weird random desperate people...
Today my boss sent me to the bank to get some change. I gave the teller $100 in 20s and asked for 4 10s and the rest in 5s. She then gave me $600 in 5s and was giving me another $400 in 10s when I informed her that I'd only given her $100. She gasped at her error and thanked me repeatedly for my honesty. I had nearly $1000 in my hand for a minute there though...man, wish I could have kept it...
I've decided not to go to California...they were only able to offer the possibility of an office job so I declined the second interview. The inside job coupled with the change from a road trip to a flight just made the whole thing seem much less adventurous than what I initially envisioned. I'd be flying out to CA and then spending most of my time indoors, so I didn't see why that was better then working outside here, making more money, and going on several vacations I've got lined up. The only thing that I will truly miss will be the time spent with you, Rob. I was looking forward to the fun times, but I'm sure there will be future opportunities to hang out, at least I hope there will be.
I'm working full-time at the Orchard this Summer.
I finally joined the church choir and had my first practice with them on Wednesday...It was amazing. They were very welcoming and instantly made me feel like part of the group. I should have joined sooner! Tuesday we also started going to a new Women's Bible Study, the first meeting had a bunch of introduction stuff, but I think once it settles in, it will really be a great study.
Z and his Mom visited last weekend. It was a great visit. It was really nice for my family to be able to get to know his Mom better. The only problem with the visit was that it was too short!
I was hit on at work the other day. This guy with a really thick accent (maybe Russian?) asked if I was married or had a boyfriend and then asked me out to a lunch or something. He was actually kinda cute, but the fact that he was somekind of foriegner (not that I'm against them or anything, but the desparation seemed enough to raise Green-Card suspicions) and the fact that he came on to a co-worker last week, led me to politely decline the offer. It was still nice to be asked. I seem to have an affinity for weird random desperate people...
Today my boss sent me to the bank to get some change. I gave the teller $100 in 20s and asked for 4 10s and the rest in 5s. She then gave me $600 in 5s and was giving me another $400 in 10s when I informed her that I'd only given her $100. She gasped at her error and thanked me repeatedly for my honesty. I had nearly $1000 in my hand for a minute there though...man, wish I could have kept it...
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Un Film Drôle
A Funny Film. I had a busy and fun day. It didn't start off terribly spectacular..I woke up around 10 and got ready for work. Talked with Mom and J and we sang some of our favorite songs, ending with the ever-funny, If I Had $1000000 by The Barenaked Ladies. I then went off to work for my 1:30-6:30 shift. Even work was more interesting today, because I got to work with someone. Most days of the week aren't that busy so my boss only has one person working, but on Fridays when most people get paid and many go to the store, it can really get hopping, so she has two of us work. I worked with Morene, she is really nice and a hard worker, we had alot of good laughs and shared some crackers and pineapple twizzlers. It did storm though which really slowed business down, so it got pretty boring just watching people drive by too fast in the pouring rain.
I impressed several people today at work. A few people asked what the date was, and I told them it was Cinco de Mayo. They were impressed, and one lady said she'd never heard of it, I thought that was odd. And this man came in and told us his $20 bill was counterfeit. He said that he was telling the truth, then quoted George Orwell saying that "to tell the truth will be revolutionary". He then asked me if I knew who George Orwell was and I said I did. He didn't believe me and challenged me to name his two famous books. He was amazed when I replied 1984 and Animal Farm. Thank you Mrs. Spencer! I then told him I'd read the latter. We spent several minutes discussing Orwell along with Brave New World, a book I've read and that he owns but hasn't read. Oh, and he also explained why his money (which did not turn black when marked with the special "counterfeit detector pen") was indeed counterfeit. He said that if we didn't believe him, we should take the bill down to the bank and ask for the equivalent amount in gold and see just how "real" it is. It was a very interesting and stimulating conversation, if for no other reason that it didn't involve me answering one of the many stupid questions that I am asked daily...like how much is a gallon of these strawberries? (the ones all around the sign with the strawberry prices).
After closing things up at the shed, I headed home. I was especially excited to come home because my Dad was supposed to be back. He has been working in Dover, New Jersey for the last week and a half. His flight got in around 6. Shortly after I got home, J and him drove up. I was very glad to see him, we'd all missed him and since all sorts of things mysteriously break anytime he's gone, we really needed him home too. Welcome back Dad! He brought us T-shirts from Jersey too, thanks!
After dinner, J and I decided to go see a movie. Niether of us were really feeling the newly released and greatly hyped MI:III; we were in the mood for a comedy. So we decided to see RV with Robin Williams. I hadn't really heard much about it, and it had mediocre reviews, but decided to give it a chance. I'm really glad I did, because it was really funny. Will it go down in history as a classic? Probably not, but it was a very fun movie to see. The kind of movie that makes everyone in the theatre laugh at one point or another. A movie that just makes you forget about anything serious as you sit back and laugh out loud. I highly recommend it, if you want to see a good screwball comedy (my favorites).
I impressed several people today at work. A few people asked what the date was, and I told them it was Cinco de Mayo. They were impressed, and one lady said she'd never heard of it, I thought that was odd. And this man came in and told us his $20 bill was counterfeit. He said that he was telling the truth, then quoted George Orwell saying that "to tell the truth will be revolutionary". He then asked me if I knew who George Orwell was and I said I did. He didn't believe me and challenged me to name his two famous books. He was amazed when I replied 1984 and Animal Farm. Thank you Mrs. Spencer! I then told him I'd read the latter. We spent several minutes discussing Orwell along with Brave New World, a book I've read and that he owns but hasn't read. Oh, and he also explained why his money (which did not turn black when marked with the special "counterfeit detector pen") was indeed counterfeit. He said that if we didn't believe him, we should take the bill down to the bank and ask for the equivalent amount in gold and see just how "real" it is. It was a very interesting and stimulating conversation, if for no other reason that it didn't involve me answering one of the many stupid questions that I am asked daily...like how much is a gallon of these strawberries? (the ones all around the sign with the strawberry prices).
After closing things up at the shed, I headed home. I was especially excited to come home because my Dad was supposed to be back. He has been working in Dover, New Jersey for the last week and a half. His flight got in around 6. Shortly after I got home, J and him drove up. I was very glad to see him, we'd all missed him and since all sorts of things mysteriously break anytime he's gone, we really needed him home too. Welcome back Dad! He brought us T-shirts from Jersey too, thanks!
After dinner, J and I decided to go see a movie. Niether of us were really feeling the newly released and greatly hyped MI:III; we were in the mood for a comedy. So we decided to see RV with Robin Williams. I hadn't really heard much about it, and it had mediocre reviews, but decided to give it a chance. I'm really glad I did, because it was really funny. Will it go down in history as a classic? Probably not, but it was a very fun movie to see. The kind of movie that makes everyone in the theatre laugh at one point or another. A movie that just makes you forget about anything serious as you sit back and laugh out loud. I highly recommend it, if you want to see a good screwball comedy (my favorites).
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Au Téléphone
On the Telephone. I had my interview with Camp Kennolyn last night over the phone. It went really well. The woman that does the interviewing is really nice and easy to talk to, and the questions were pretty generic. I tried to just be honest and be myself. They are looking at offering me a job in the camp store. It sounds really easy, I don't even eally deal with money...the kids all have accounts that the items are deducted from, I would just have to enter their names and the items they bought into a computer. I also would sort the mail as it came in for the kids. I think that part will be really neat since you know the kids will really anticipate their mail from home. The position, like the counselor positions, is a resident one, so I'll still live and eat at the camp. She said it may even pay a little more. I'll still get days off like everyone else too.
Another job that I might get is The Naturalist, since I'm a Microbiologist. When I have my second interview with the Camp Director he is supposed to talk to me more about that. I really hope that works out because it would actually give me some experiece that is more related to my job field, and would allow me to be outdoors more. I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed for that one.
As you may have already deduced...I've decided to take the CA job if it's offered to me. As Rob noted yesterday on my blog...since niether job is related to my career, I should pick the cooler one. If California doesn't work out, I will be content staying here and running the peach shed, but if I didn't take the opportunity in Cali and stayed here to work, I think I would always be haunted by what might have been. Who knows what opportunities and future friends might be awaiting in CA? And at the very least, I will definitely see some amazing sights!
**Rob, they told me the date that they wanted me to be there, and I thought I should make sure they're the same as yours since we plan to road trip out. They are June 12-September 4. Are those the dates you are planning on? I definitely want to travel together, I think that will make the experience so much more fun! Let me know...either leave a note or call me**
Another job that I might get is The Naturalist, since I'm a Microbiologist. When I have my second interview with the Camp Director he is supposed to talk to me more about that. I really hope that works out because it would actually give me some experiece that is more related to my job field, and would allow me to be outdoors more. I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed for that one.
As you may have already deduced...I've decided to take the CA job if it's offered to me. As Rob noted yesterday on my blog...since niether job is related to my career, I should pick the cooler one. If California doesn't work out, I will be content staying here and running the peach shed, but if I didn't take the opportunity in Cali and stayed here to work, I think I would always be haunted by what might have been. Who knows what opportunities and future friends might be awaiting in CA? And at the very least, I will definitely see some amazing sights!
**Rob, they told me the date that they wanted me to be there, and I thought I should make sure they're the same as yours since we plan to road trip out. They are June 12-September 4. Are those the dates you are planning on? I definitely want to travel together, I think that will make the experience so much more fun! Let me know...either leave a note or call me**
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Confus...encore
Confused...again. Have you ever just decided what you wanted to do and had everything figured out when you were thrown a cuvre ball? No, I'm not talking about softball again...I'm talking about my Summer plans. They have taken an interesting and confusing turn. So, originally I was just planning to stay here, in SC and work at the Peach Stand. Admittedly a simple and almost mundane job, but easy and kinda fun with good produce discounts. Then my friend told me about the Summer camp job in California. Definitely more interesting. The chance to travel to CA, with a detour at the Grand Canyon, living at a camp in a Redwood Forest for two months, spending time on the Pacific Beach, seeing San Francisco, and did I mention spending a Summer with a great friend? The Peach business was looking duller with every second. And even better was that they were going to pay me more than I'd make at the Orchard, so it was completely justifiable. Then my friend talked to the camp people and they already had alot of their positions filled and the chances seemed bleak for me unless I could teach Horseback Riding, Ropes, or Ceramics all of which I've had little to no experience in. (Back to the Peach Shed I go) but they said I should apply anyway since you never know. So, I got the extensive application packet together, complete with essay and three references, and faxed it off to CA.
California then called and checked up on my references, something I considered to be a good sign. In the meantime, the owner of the Orchard called to ask if I could start work...she called a few people in early to sell strawberries. Since I have virtually nothing going on, and don't know for sure about Cali, and could use the money I said sure. I've now been working since Friday. I didn't tell her anything about the CA opportunity in case it doesn't work out, and didn't use her as a reference since that would be a conflict of interest. Friday after getting home from work I had an email from Camp making sure I knew what the money would be and to make sure I had no qualms about the dress and moral code. I didn't and sent them a reply saying so.
Now, things get a bit trickier...yesterday whilst I vended strawberries, my boss stopped by the shed to check on things. She told me she'd spent the morning looking at a piece of property that she is planning to lease and put up another stand on. I'm thinking, wow, that's great, I'm glad the business is doing well and that sounds like a prime location. Then she says that she had me in mind to run it. Ever since she first thought of adding the location, she'd been planning to have me run it. Uh oh. She explained that it would be involve a whole lot more hours, and considerably more money. I figured it up later and it is over 40 hours and over $100/week more than I'd be making at the camp. I told her that it sounded great to me and that I definitely want as many hours and as much money as possible. I did tell her, however, that there was a slight chance I'd be taking a job in CA over the Summer, but that it didn't look very promising and I hadn't heard from them in a while.
I came home, I told my family, and they were excited about the possible promotion even if it is just in peaches. My Dad, a supporter of me staying here to better continue my career job search, was especially excited. With the more money here, Cali is less justifiable. I was content though, thinking that CA might not work anyway and maybe this was God's way of telling me that there are opportunities here. Before bed last night, I was going to write an entry all about that, and about how I was most likely staying here, and that it must be God's will since I haven't heard from the camp. Before logging onto Blogger though, I decided to check my email, and lo and behold, I"ve got mail. An excited Greetings from Kennolyn (the camp) appears in the subject line. They wanted to set up a phone interview for Wednesday or Thursday. I gave them some times that I would be available.
So now we arrive at the present, in this roller-coaster that is my life. I am waiting for the phone to ring to have an interview with Kennolyn. I have the day off at the Orchard. I have been making mental "pro" and "con" lists since sometime yesterday afternoon, and they keep running neck and neck. Maybe I'll list them here later today after I've talked with the camp.
I am really having a tough time deciding what I should do. One of the choices is more responsible, the other more exciting. Niether is really in the direction of my eventual career. So, I ask you, my devoted readers to let me know what you think...I could use the advice! I'll keep you posted.
*Sorry for another lengthy post...it was just too much to express in a paragraph.*
California then called and checked up on my references, something I considered to be a good sign. In the meantime, the owner of the Orchard called to ask if I could start work...she called a few people in early to sell strawberries. Since I have virtually nothing going on, and don't know for sure about Cali, and could use the money I said sure. I've now been working since Friday. I didn't tell her anything about the CA opportunity in case it doesn't work out, and didn't use her as a reference since that would be a conflict of interest. Friday after getting home from work I had an email from Camp making sure I knew what the money would be and to make sure I had no qualms about the dress and moral code. I didn't and sent them a reply saying so.
Now, things get a bit trickier...yesterday whilst I vended strawberries, my boss stopped by the shed to check on things. She told me she'd spent the morning looking at a piece of property that she is planning to lease and put up another stand on. I'm thinking, wow, that's great, I'm glad the business is doing well and that sounds like a prime location. Then she says that she had me in mind to run it. Ever since she first thought of adding the location, she'd been planning to have me run it. Uh oh. She explained that it would be involve a whole lot more hours, and considerably more money. I figured it up later and it is over 40 hours and over $100/week more than I'd be making at the camp. I told her that it sounded great to me and that I definitely want as many hours and as much money as possible. I did tell her, however, that there was a slight chance I'd be taking a job in CA over the Summer, but that it didn't look very promising and I hadn't heard from them in a while.
I came home, I told my family, and they were excited about the possible promotion even if it is just in peaches. My Dad, a supporter of me staying here to better continue my career job search, was especially excited. With the more money here, Cali is less justifiable. I was content though, thinking that CA might not work anyway and maybe this was God's way of telling me that there are opportunities here. Before bed last night, I was going to write an entry all about that, and about how I was most likely staying here, and that it must be God's will since I haven't heard from the camp. Before logging onto Blogger though, I decided to check my email, and lo and behold, I"ve got mail. An excited Greetings from Kennolyn (the camp) appears in the subject line. They wanted to set up a phone interview for Wednesday or Thursday. I gave them some times that I would be available.
So now we arrive at the present, in this roller-coaster that is my life. I am waiting for the phone to ring to have an interview with Kennolyn. I have the day off at the Orchard. I have been making mental "pro" and "con" lists since sometime yesterday afternoon, and they keep running neck and neck. Maybe I'll list them here later today after I've talked with the camp.
I am really having a tough time deciding what I should do. One of the choices is more responsible, the other more exciting. Niether is really in the direction of my eventual career. So, I ask you, my devoted readers to let me know what you think...I could use the advice! I'll keep you posted.
*Sorry for another lengthy post...it was just too much to express in a paragraph.*
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Un Bon Homme
A Good Man. Tonight I watched one of my favorite shows on television; As Time Goes By. It is a British comedy, and if you haven't gotten the chance to watch it, I highly recommend that you do. In a nutshell, it's about a couple that were in love in their youth but were separated for many years. They never thought they'd meet again, but did years later and their love was reunited. The story picks up there, with their life and issues and kids and circumstances now. Lionel and Jean are the two main characters, and they are simply wonderful.
I have always been especially drawn to the character of Lionel, but as I watched tonight, it occured to me that he is quite possibly the outline of the perfect man. He is smart, very funny in a very sarcastic kinda way, he is absolutely devoted to Jean so much so that he ends up waist deep in whatever akward situation she's gotten herself into, he always has great advice for the many people that ask it, he knows when to talk and when to stay out of it, he is sensitive, and is manly and handsome in a non-showy, macho, or exaggerated way. Granted he is considerably older, but I think his personality traits are something that any man should emulate, and any woman should appreciate.
If I've learned one thing in my past relationships, it is that to settle is futile. I've done that, and can say without doubt that it is more miserable than being alone. Life is far too short to be spent with someone that has no chance of living up to many of the qualities listed above. Please don't misunderstand me and think I am demanding perfection and nothing less, that's impossible and not something I'd even wish for. But I do believe that there are Lionel's out there, men that aren't perfect, but do possess the basic but essential traits required in order to achieve a healthy and fullfilling relationship.
Perhaps this is an entry best left to a private journal, but since I'm lousy at keeping one of those, but love writting in this format, I decided to post it here anyway. Make of it what you wish. For me, it serves as a reminder of something I often forget and something I believe many other people forget as well. Perhaps the first step in finding happiness in life is to clearly identify what you want out of it, and I think a large part of that task is accomplished by reminding yourself of things that you don't want, so that you will recognize and avoid such mistakes in the future. When the details of my past begin to get foggy, as they inevitably do, I will turn to this entry as a lasting reminder. At the very least, maybe I will inspire someone to watch a great and very entertaining British show!
Mom, Jenny and I spent a terrific day shopping and lunching at the mall. Mom spent some of her birthday money, and even got her ears re-pierced. For some reason the holes closed up a couple of months ago. While browsing at the pagoda, I decided that I want to get the top part of my ear pierced. It's something I've thought about off and on for a long time. I've given up the tatoo dream, but I think I'm gonna let myself have the piercing. Not now though, I have to find out about CA first...they only allow one pair of modest earrings for women and I wouldn't be able to take out the ring for 6 weeks. It was great to spend a day with just us girls, window shopping at Haywood. Thank you Mom and J for a great day!
I have always been especially drawn to the character of Lionel, but as I watched tonight, it occured to me that he is quite possibly the outline of the perfect man. He is smart, very funny in a very sarcastic kinda way, he is absolutely devoted to Jean so much so that he ends up waist deep in whatever akward situation she's gotten herself into, he always has great advice for the many people that ask it, he knows when to talk and when to stay out of it, he is sensitive, and is manly and handsome in a non-showy, macho, or exaggerated way. Granted he is considerably older, but I think his personality traits are something that any man should emulate, and any woman should appreciate.
If I've learned one thing in my past relationships, it is that to settle is futile. I've done that, and can say without doubt that it is more miserable than being alone. Life is far too short to be spent with someone that has no chance of living up to many of the qualities listed above. Please don't misunderstand me and think I am demanding perfection and nothing less, that's impossible and not something I'd even wish for. But I do believe that there are Lionel's out there, men that aren't perfect, but do possess the basic but essential traits required in order to achieve a healthy and fullfilling relationship.
Perhaps this is an entry best left to a private journal, but since I'm lousy at keeping one of those, but love writting in this format, I decided to post it here anyway. Make of it what you wish. For me, it serves as a reminder of something I often forget and something I believe many other people forget as well. Perhaps the first step in finding happiness in life is to clearly identify what you want out of it, and I think a large part of that task is accomplished by reminding yourself of things that you don't want, so that you will recognize and avoid such mistakes in the future. When the details of my past begin to get foggy, as they inevitably do, I will turn to this entry as a lasting reminder. At the very least, maybe I will inspire someone to watch a great and very entertaining British show!
Mom, Jenny and I spent a terrific day shopping and lunching at the mall. Mom spent some of her birthday money, and even got her ears re-pierced. For some reason the holes closed up a couple of months ago. While browsing at the pagoda, I decided that I want to get the top part of my ear pierced. It's something I've thought about off and on for a long time. I've given up the tatoo dream, but I think I'm gonna let myself have the piercing. Not now though, I have to find out about CA first...they only allow one pair of modest earrings for women and I wouldn't be able to take out the ring for 6 weeks. It was great to spend a day with just us girls, window shopping at Haywood. Thank you Mom and J for a great day!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Je Travaille
I Work. I went to work today, and it felt great! It may seem unusual to you, but my aimless, lazy days that were once refreshing and carefree had become monotonous, boring and were giving me entirely too much time to think about and analyze my life. Such analysis lead to some of my more depressing recent entries. But today at work I didn't find myself worrying about anything. I didn't think about when my career job will open up, I didn't obsess about CA, and I wasn't concerned about making connections here, in SC. On the contrary, I thoroughly enjoyed my work..meeting people, chatting about random subjects ranging from gas prices to Gator pride. I did think about California, and I do very much want that to happen, but the sector of that desire that was fed by my wish to escape confusion and uncertainty melted away leaving something more pure. My desire to have an unforgettable and adventurous Summer in California with a friend, while I still have the freedom to do so. And as to the connection...I didn't have time to think about that, because I was too busy talking all day to a friend, Jamie. I worked with her some last year and we got along well, but since then she's joined my church, and now plays on my softball team. Before she seemed to be more of a co-worker, but today among our various conversations, and laughter, I realized she was indeed a friend.
I received more encouragement from Cali today..when I got home and checked my email, I had a message from the Camp. It's purpose was to make sure I was aware of some key issues about the job before setting up an interview. I was informed about the salary, days off, a dress code and a moral code. I had no problem with any of them, so I replied to the email. Next comes the interview.
I received more encouragement from Cali today..when I got home and checked my email, I had a message from the Camp. It's purpose was to make sure I was aware of some key issues about the job before setting up an interview. I was informed about the salary, days off, a dress code and a moral code. I had no problem with any of them, so I replied to the email. Next comes the interview.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Choses Aléatoires
Random Things. I thought I should write a few random updates on things that have transpired over the last couple of days, if for no other reason than to avoid a super long entry...
On California...I now have faxed my application packet and handed out all three reference forms. I faxed one of them in myself, and the other two were supposed to have gone out yesterday and today. Earlier today I got a phone call from one of my references that she'd been called by the hiring manager at the Summer Camp and asked to verify what she'd written. I was encouraged by this. Even though things are far from a done deal, the fact that they're checking my references seems to be a good thing. Maybe they will be able to fit me into their staff!
On Strawberries...Most of you know, I don't like them, but starting at 12:30PM tomorrow, I will be selling them anyway. The Orchard owner called today asking if I'd be able to help out with the stand starting tomorrow. Being in my cash-strapped, no job position, I was more than willing to accomodate. If the CA job comes through, then I can save up money to help with the trip out, and if it doesn't, then I'll have a job to work this Summer until something more substantial comes along. Strawberries anyone?
On Other Jobs...After our softball game tonight a teammate came up to me and excitedly stated that she didn't know I was a Biology major. I told her that indeed I had recently gotten a degree in Microbiology and she asked if I'd considered teaching. I informed her that at this point, I'm considering anything remotely related to my field that pays. She told me that she knows of 3 and maybe four Science teaching jobs at the Middle School she's working at. They are at a critical need for teachers and are therefore waiving the Teaching Certificate requirement. Even better is the fact that our preacher's wife is the "right-hand man" of the principal there and might be able to hook me up. So I need to talk to her next time I see her to find out more. The job would be in the Fall, so my Summer plans might still work out too.
On Softball...Our game on Tuesday was great. Actually, it didn't look so great, but we won 12-3. It was terribly windy, which made pitching a horrendous task. My mom is the team pitcher. I'm glad she had to do that and not me. The other team was completely incapable of keeping their score book which caused alot of drama when they refused to recognize a run that I made. It was crazy since I came in and was sitting in the dug out talking to other people, when the next batter on our team got out. Their book only reflects a score of 11-3, and they had the home book, so it's the one that counts. But me, my team, and now you, my dear readers, know the truth ;-) Our game tonight did not go as well. We were tied almost the entire game. They got one lucky hit in the last inning that put them up 5-2, the final score. I had two great hits...probably my best so far. On my second time at bat, I heard their coaches and some of the infield hollaring to the outfiled that I had smacked it good the first time and that they needed to back up. That is always an ego boost. Towards the end of the game, though, they substituted their pitcher and she did this weird walk up pitch thing that made her pitches really too fast for slow pitch and really threw off our batting. My last at bat I only hit a grounder to short stop who tagged my sister out. It was a fun game though and relatively devoid of drama. We don't have any games next week, so you'll get a break from the sports news!
On Bed...I guess that's about all the news that is the news for now, and I'd better get to bed....since I have to go to work tomorrow! (Even if it is in the afternoon)
On California...I now have faxed my application packet and handed out all three reference forms. I faxed one of them in myself, and the other two were supposed to have gone out yesterday and today. Earlier today I got a phone call from one of my references that she'd been called by the hiring manager at the Summer Camp and asked to verify what she'd written. I was encouraged by this. Even though things are far from a done deal, the fact that they're checking my references seems to be a good thing. Maybe they will be able to fit me into their staff!
On Strawberries...Most of you know, I don't like them, but starting at 12:30PM tomorrow, I will be selling them anyway. The Orchard owner called today asking if I'd be able to help out with the stand starting tomorrow. Being in my cash-strapped, no job position, I was more than willing to accomodate. If the CA job comes through, then I can save up money to help with the trip out, and if it doesn't, then I'll have a job to work this Summer until something more substantial comes along. Strawberries anyone?
On Other Jobs...After our softball game tonight a teammate came up to me and excitedly stated that she didn't know I was a Biology major. I told her that indeed I had recently gotten a degree in Microbiology and she asked if I'd considered teaching. I informed her that at this point, I'm considering anything remotely related to my field that pays. She told me that she knows of 3 and maybe four Science teaching jobs at the Middle School she's working at. They are at a critical need for teachers and are therefore waiving the Teaching Certificate requirement. Even better is the fact that our preacher's wife is the "right-hand man" of the principal there and might be able to hook me up. So I need to talk to her next time I see her to find out more. The job would be in the Fall, so my Summer plans might still work out too.
On Softball...Our game on Tuesday was great. Actually, it didn't look so great, but we won 12-3. It was terribly windy, which made pitching a horrendous task. My mom is the team pitcher. I'm glad she had to do that and not me. The other team was completely incapable of keeping their score book which caused alot of drama when they refused to recognize a run that I made. It was crazy since I came in and was sitting in the dug out talking to other people, when the next batter on our team got out. Their book only reflects a score of 11-3, and they had the home book, so it's the one that counts. But me, my team, and now you, my dear readers, know the truth ;-) Our game tonight did not go as well. We were tied almost the entire game. They got one lucky hit in the last inning that put them up 5-2, the final score. I had two great hits...probably my best so far. On my second time at bat, I heard their coaches and some of the infield hollaring to the outfiled that I had smacked it good the first time and that they needed to back up. That is always an ego boost. Towards the end of the game, though, they substituted their pitcher and she did this weird walk up pitch thing that made her pitches really too fast for slow pitch and really threw off our batting. My last at bat I only hit a grounder to short stop who tagged my sister out. It was a fun game though and relatively devoid of drama. We don't have any games next week, so you'll get a break from the sports news!
On Bed...I guess that's about all the news that is the news for now, and I'd better get to bed....since I have to go to work tomorrow! (Even if it is in the afternoon)
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Un Voyage?
A Trip? Maybe. On the advice, encouragement, and connection of my great friend, Rob, I have decided to apply to a Summer Camp position in California. I'm not actually too sure that it will work out, since it appears that they already have alot of their help for this summer decided, but I'm giving it a try anyway. I had my doubts at first whether or not it was the best idea, and was concerned that I might just be running away from the difficulty and uncertainty that is my life right now...and maybe I am, but this is just too great of a chance to pass up on. Besides, I basically had to decide today whether or not I should apply since the positions are only going to get more filled by my procrastination. The chance to road trip across the country with a great friend, see The Grand Canyon, spend two months in sunny, beautiful Southern California, seeing the west coast, the Red Wood Forests, spending time playing in the great outdoors, all the while being paid more than I'd get working in the Peach business all summer is simply too good to not even try for. So, I'm faxing out the application first thing tomorrow...I pray that if this is an opportunity that God wants me to take, it will work out. As a sermon I heard last Sunday helped me to realize, we can not stand on the dock, but must jump on a ship...maybe my ship is headed to California?
In other news...our softball game tonight went exactly as we were afraid it would. New Jerusalem slaughtered us at 22-0! Despite the terrible record thus posted about our softball team, we are actually a good team but we had to play the two toughest teams in the league at the beginning of the season. That fact coupled with the hit-or-miss attendance of many key players has gotten us off to a rocky start. We have another game tomorrow (Tuesday) night against a team we are very confident against. In spite of our horrendous loss, we did enjoy the fellowship of the New J team. They are always a great team to play because of their friendly, sportsman, Christian attitudes. It is teams like them that make Church League different from any other.
In other news...our softball game tonight went exactly as we were afraid it would. New Jerusalem slaughtered us at 22-0! Despite the terrible record thus posted about our softball team, we are actually a good team but we had to play the two toughest teams in the league at the beginning of the season. That fact coupled with the hit-or-miss attendance of many key players has gotten us off to a rocky start. We have another game tomorrow (Tuesday) night against a team we are very confident against. In spite of our horrendous loss, we did enjoy the fellowship of the New J team. They are always a great team to play because of their friendly, sportsman, Christian attitudes. It is teams like them that make Church League different from any other.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Désolé
Sorry. I'm sorry I have not updated my blog lately. The truth is that nothing really extraordinary has happened lately. I've had a string of ordinary events, and a few moments better than that, but nothing worth an entire blog. So now, as I sit here watching/listening to Sabrina (the new one with Harrison Ford) I will attempt to fill you, my devoted and somewhat disgruntled readers, in on the highlights of my recent activities.
Softball...the season is now in full swing...hahaha...We lost our first game miserably ( 15-0). The score is really sad since it really only reflects one terribly unlucky inning. We really beat ourselves through careless mistakes and inconsistent batting. Our second game, however, was the opposite. We won big (16-4). We worked well as a team, fielded great, and our batting was on. Our third game, tonight, did not go so well. The game was called somewhere in the middle due to the weather...torrential rain, deadly lightning, howling wind, and even hail. Not exactly ideal playing weather. Prior to the storm trouble was already brewing...the score was already 13-0 in their favor. I am actually pretty thankful that the weather put an end to the misery. Our next game is slated for Monday at 6:30 against New Jerusalem our practice partners. They generally are much better than we are, but there is always hope I suppose, and at any rate, we always have fun playing with them.
Garden...We planted our garden last week. It is very exciting, especially since I was allowed to be in charge of the lay out and design. Dad and I did the actual planting. It was really nice to work in a garden of my own after learning so much in the two gardening classes I took in my last year at UF. Hopefully the blend of my new knowledge, and my dad's experience will be just what is needed to create a successful and pleasing garden come harvest time! I'm sure you'll be hearing much more about the garden in the upcoming months.
Family...Over Easter weekend my Grandpa and Step-Grandma came up from Florida, and my Uncle Kyle, his girlfriend and his girlfriend's mom came down from Ohio. It was, as always, a wonderful visit. My only complaint was that it was too short. We ate good food (Dad even smoked a roast for Easter), we did alot of talking and catching up, we played some croquet, we did some shopping, looked at some property my Grandpa is interested in buying, and we watched Walk the Line. A busy, but great weekend. We got a preview of the week we are planning to spend in Florida for Christmas with the family, and we simply can't wait.
Job...Nothing much to report here, I'm afraid. I have recently finished re-writing my resume. I decided that it might help to re-vamp it in order to draw more attention to some aspects of my experience, and to nearly eliminate experiences that aren't going to do me any good in the Microbiology market. I think it now is much more focused and hope it will be more effective at garnishing interviews. I have once again become frustrated with the way things are going. I'm sure you are as tired of that subject as I am, but there it is. I've felt lately so stagnant and stalled that it's almost stifling at times. Sometimes I just get overwhelmed by the fact that I have no real job opportunity lined up, no significant other in my life, and honestly not even any insignificant others. My Step-Grandma asked me on the first day of their visit whether or not I had met any new people here at church or wherever, and the answer is a resounding no. It's a sound that often echos through my mind. I hate how pathetic it sounds, but the truth of the matter is, that other than my family, and softball, I have absolutely no life here, and it's really starting to get to me. I know I should get involved in something...something that would allow me to interact with people my age, but I don't even know where to begin, and these days hardly have the time or money to try. I'm sure this paragraph is coming off worse than the reality...in truth, I am not that depressed about things, but just wish things weren't so stagnant..that my life just didn't feel so stalled out. It makes me frustrated and listless. I'd go for a trip somewhere if I had the money...
To add insult to injury, things haven't been so smooth at home lately. I think my family has just gotten to the point that we all want our own lives and space, but are too dependant right now to do anything about it. I want to move on with my life, and move out on my own..buy a house...pay my on bills...in short, be independant. My parents want the same. They want, and after all these years, are entitled, to their own space and money and time. While we all love each other dearly, and get along better than most would...frustrations are building and I think we are all growing weary. If I do not get a job by the end of May, I will be working for Fisher's Orchard...a local peach grower, working at their roadside stand. The job can run through October, so at least I'll have some money coming in for a while. My dad the other day told me that if I didn't get another job by the time the peach one was over, that I will probably have to break down and go to work in fast food. Maybe I am being over-sensitive, but I resented the remark, and it's been gnawing at me ever since. The conversation bothered me on several levels...first, it doesn't inspire much hope and faith that I will get a career job before November. Secondly, the not so subtle hint made me feel like a free-loading bum; one of those people that lives at home, doing nothing but watching t.v., eating all the food, and annoying everyone in the house. Thirdly, dad suggested that my objection to working fast food was pride and that I'd have to eventually "face my demons" and work whatever I had to in order to make money. I resent that thought because pride is the least of my concerns. I feel that my dad should know that. I worked many weeks recently cleaning house for a member of my church. It is hard to feel proud as you scrub someone else's dirty toilet!
A job in fast food will not get me out of the house one second faster, and since I only have a couple minimal bills right now, won't even help out much financially. I have applied for any and every job that I've seen available that I was the slightest bit interested in, including Lowe's. I am, as all these penny-annie companies know, over qualified for these positions. None of them are going to hire me knowing that I will only quit as soon as a serious job comes along. Hopefully by November I will have such a serious job and the fast-food dilemma will be irrelevent anyway...for now it just hurts me a little.
I have really been missing my friends alot lately...especially my best friend. We got the chance to talk on the phone the other night for 3 1/2 hours! Although my left ear was sore for quite some time, it really did my soul a world of good. We've determined that after about 2 months...the length of a typical summer break...the distance seems worse. I'm not used to living this far away...and the thought that this is a permanent reality is a scary and sad thought. I need to call my French friends, as I have seriously neglected my friendships with them. I don't know why I have an aversion to calling people, but I really need to get over it.
I began this blog with an apology, and now I will close it with one. I kind of got carried away writting this post. I wasn't sure I had enough to really write about, but it turned out that once I got going, I couldn't stop. Thank you, my devoted and weary readers, for enduring my rambling...I'll try to write more regularly in the future.
Softball...the season is now in full swing...hahaha...We lost our first game miserably ( 15-0). The score is really sad since it really only reflects one terribly unlucky inning. We really beat ourselves through careless mistakes and inconsistent batting. Our second game, however, was the opposite. We won big (16-4). We worked well as a team, fielded great, and our batting was on. Our third game, tonight, did not go so well. The game was called somewhere in the middle due to the weather...torrential rain, deadly lightning, howling wind, and even hail. Not exactly ideal playing weather. Prior to the storm trouble was already brewing...the score was already 13-0 in their favor. I am actually pretty thankful that the weather put an end to the misery. Our next game is slated for Monday at 6:30 against New Jerusalem our practice partners. They generally are much better than we are, but there is always hope I suppose, and at any rate, we always have fun playing with them.
Garden...We planted our garden last week. It is very exciting, especially since I was allowed to be in charge of the lay out and design. Dad and I did the actual planting. It was really nice to work in a garden of my own after learning so much in the two gardening classes I took in my last year at UF. Hopefully the blend of my new knowledge, and my dad's experience will be just what is needed to create a successful and pleasing garden come harvest time! I'm sure you'll be hearing much more about the garden in the upcoming months.
Family...Over Easter weekend my Grandpa and Step-Grandma came up from Florida, and my Uncle Kyle, his girlfriend and his girlfriend's mom came down from Ohio. It was, as always, a wonderful visit. My only complaint was that it was too short. We ate good food (Dad even smoked a roast for Easter), we did alot of talking and catching up, we played some croquet, we did some shopping, looked at some property my Grandpa is interested in buying, and we watched Walk the Line. A busy, but great weekend. We got a preview of the week we are planning to spend in Florida for Christmas with the family, and we simply can't wait.
Job...Nothing much to report here, I'm afraid. I have recently finished re-writing my resume. I decided that it might help to re-vamp it in order to draw more attention to some aspects of my experience, and to nearly eliminate experiences that aren't going to do me any good in the Microbiology market. I think it now is much more focused and hope it will be more effective at garnishing interviews. I have once again become frustrated with the way things are going. I'm sure you are as tired of that subject as I am, but there it is. I've felt lately so stagnant and stalled that it's almost stifling at times. Sometimes I just get overwhelmed by the fact that I have no real job opportunity lined up, no significant other in my life, and honestly not even any insignificant others. My Step-Grandma asked me on the first day of their visit whether or not I had met any new people here at church or wherever, and the answer is a resounding no. It's a sound that often echos through my mind. I hate how pathetic it sounds, but the truth of the matter is, that other than my family, and softball, I have absolutely no life here, and it's really starting to get to me. I know I should get involved in something...something that would allow me to interact with people my age, but I don't even know where to begin, and these days hardly have the time or money to try. I'm sure this paragraph is coming off worse than the reality...in truth, I am not that depressed about things, but just wish things weren't so stagnant..that my life just didn't feel so stalled out. It makes me frustrated and listless. I'd go for a trip somewhere if I had the money...
To add insult to injury, things haven't been so smooth at home lately. I think my family has just gotten to the point that we all want our own lives and space, but are too dependant right now to do anything about it. I want to move on with my life, and move out on my own..buy a house...pay my on bills...in short, be independant. My parents want the same. They want, and after all these years, are entitled, to their own space and money and time. While we all love each other dearly, and get along better than most would...frustrations are building and I think we are all growing weary. If I do not get a job by the end of May, I will be working for Fisher's Orchard...a local peach grower, working at their roadside stand. The job can run through October, so at least I'll have some money coming in for a while. My dad the other day told me that if I didn't get another job by the time the peach one was over, that I will probably have to break down and go to work in fast food. Maybe I am being over-sensitive, but I resented the remark, and it's been gnawing at me ever since. The conversation bothered me on several levels...first, it doesn't inspire much hope and faith that I will get a career job before November. Secondly, the not so subtle hint made me feel like a free-loading bum; one of those people that lives at home, doing nothing but watching t.v., eating all the food, and annoying everyone in the house. Thirdly, dad suggested that my objection to working fast food was pride and that I'd have to eventually "face my demons" and work whatever I had to in order to make money. I resent that thought because pride is the least of my concerns. I feel that my dad should know that. I worked many weeks recently cleaning house for a member of my church. It is hard to feel proud as you scrub someone else's dirty toilet!
A job in fast food will not get me out of the house one second faster, and since I only have a couple minimal bills right now, won't even help out much financially. I have applied for any and every job that I've seen available that I was the slightest bit interested in, including Lowe's. I am, as all these penny-annie companies know, over qualified for these positions. None of them are going to hire me knowing that I will only quit as soon as a serious job comes along. Hopefully by November I will have such a serious job and the fast-food dilemma will be irrelevent anyway...for now it just hurts me a little.
I have really been missing my friends alot lately...especially my best friend. We got the chance to talk on the phone the other night for 3 1/2 hours! Although my left ear was sore for quite some time, it really did my soul a world of good. We've determined that after about 2 months...the length of a typical summer break...the distance seems worse. I'm not used to living this far away...and the thought that this is a permanent reality is a scary and sad thought. I need to call my French friends, as I have seriously neglected my friendships with them. I don't know why I have an aversion to calling people, but I really need to get over it.
I began this blog with an apology, and now I will close it with one. I kind of got carried away writting this post. I wasn't sure I had enough to really write about, but it turned out that once I got going, I couldn't stop. Thank you, my devoted and weary readers, for enduring my rambling...I'll try to write more regularly in the future.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Un Peu D'aide
A Little Help. I finally heard back from the Head Hunter today, or as he refers to himself, the professional recruiter. I was at the store when he called, but I returned his call as soon as I returned. He said he didn't have any Microbiology positions to fill right now, but that he would definitely keep me in mind and my resume in hand, if anything did come up. He said he has placed many Microbiologists in the past. Even though he was not able to give me any specific leads, he was able to give me some advice:
1) Don't feel discouraged by ETT not calling. Apparently most companies don't call interviewees back if they don't intend to hire them, it's too personal and they don't want to answer questions. It wasn't personal, it just didn't work.
2) He gave me several online job search resources that he feels are useful and recommended not only searching them, but posting my resume on them. I hadn't heard of some of them before, so that was very useful.
3) He gave me the names of a couple of local companies that he has placed Microbiologists at before.
4) He gave me some general advice regarding professional recruiters. He said it's likely that I will at some point be approached by people wanting to help place me, but he explained that I should never be required to pay for such a service. Recruiters that are above board should be paid by the employer, not by the potential employee.
5) He is a Gator fan...always a great sign, and at the very least it makes for interesting conversation. We shared a moment of pride over the Basketball Championship and expressed mutual hope that the upcoming Football season will do exactly as well. Go Gators!
6) Last, but certainly not least, he gave me some empathy and encouragement. It wasn't anything that I haven't already heard many times over from family and friends, but as these things tend to do, it meant a bit more since it was coming from a professional; or at least someone less biased. He said that he understands how tough this point in your life can be, but that I should not get discouraged and frustrated. He said he knows that searching for a job is a full-time job in and of itself. He said that I have a great background, and a strong degree, and that I will find a Microbiology job, I just have to stick with it until I can get my foot in the door. He also said I should not hesitate to call if I needed any more help or even just had some more questions on the job search.
It was very nice talking with him, and even though he did not have any job placements for me at this time, I am very glad he called.
In other news...our first official softball game is tomorrow...Tuesday, April 10th at 6:30...pray for us, I have a feeling we'll need it!
1) Don't feel discouraged by ETT not calling. Apparently most companies don't call interviewees back if they don't intend to hire them, it's too personal and they don't want to answer questions. It wasn't personal, it just didn't work.
2) He gave me several online job search resources that he feels are useful and recommended not only searching them, but posting my resume on them. I hadn't heard of some of them before, so that was very useful.
3) He gave me the names of a couple of local companies that he has placed Microbiologists at before.
4) He gave me some general advice regarding professional recruiters. He said it's likely that I will at some point be approached by people wanting to help place me, but he explained that I should never be required to pay for such a service. Recruiters that are above board should be paid by the employer, not by the potential employee.
5) He is a Gator fan...always a great sign, and at the very least it makes for interesting conversation. We shared a moment of pride over the Basketball Championship and expressed mutual hope that the upcoming Football season will do exactly as well. Go Gators!
6) Last, but certainly not least, he gave me some empathy and encouragement. It wasn't anything that I haven't already heard many times over from family and friends, but as these things tend to do, it meant a bit more since it was coming from a professional; or at least someone less biased. He said that he understands how tough this point in your life can be, but that I should not get discouraged and frustrated. He said he knows that searching for a job is a full-time job in and of itself. He said that I have a great background, and a strong degree, and that I will find a Microbiology job, I just have to stick with it until I can get my foot in the door. He also said I should not hesitate to call if I needed any more help or even just had some more questions on the job search.
It was very nice talking with him, and even though he did not have any job placements for me at this time, I am very glad he called.
In other news...our first official softball game is tomorrow...Tuesday, April 10th at 6:30...pray for us, I have a feeling we'll need it!
Friday, April 07, 2006
Nous Avons Perdu
We Lost. Last night, our Church League soft-ball team had their first game. The official games won't start until next week at the earliest, but we decided to scrimmage with the people that practice the hour before us, New Jerusalem. We have played them in the regular season before, but it was a couple of years ago. The time away certainly did not hurt their game. They skunked us just as they always had before. We didn't keep score since it was more or less just a practice, but they definitely won. Even the little girls on their team, and one little 7 year old or so boy that was filling in because they didn't have enough, got on base. It certainly didn't help us that most of our really good players didn't show up. Few of the people that were there were actually playing the position they usually play in order to cover important positions like 1st base and short-stop. I played at second and did get one great hit that went well into the outfield. Those of us that were there tried our best, but it's hard to win when half the normal team is gone. This also represents a problem when our actual games start up. We have now held three team practices and many of the "starter" players haven't even made an attempt to show up. The problem, then, is whether we should be more concerned with competition or sportsmanship. If we are trying to win a game, we shouldn't bench some of our best players, but then if we care about fairness, we can't bench hard working yet less talented players that have made every practice. Another dimension is added to the problem when you take into account that we are a church league and we all wish to represent our church and Christ as best we can.
Despite our horrific loss, we did have alot of fun. New Jerusalem is an extremely nice team, and we laughed and joked with them throughout the game. If you must lose a game, they are the best opponents you could wish for. The schedules for the season have not been finished yet and we may have an official game next Thursday, but if we don't, we are planning to scrimmage again. We'll have to see who shows up next week, and see if we do any better. At least we are getting plenty of practice with a team that is tougher than most of those we encounter in our regular season.
Despite our horrific loss, we did have alot of fun. New Jerusalem is an extremely nice team, and we laughed and joked with them throughout the game. If you must lose a game, they are the best opponents you could wish for. The schedules for the season have not been finished yet and we may have an official game next Thursday, but if we don't, we are planning to scrimmage again. We'll have to see who shows up next week, and see if we do any better. At least we are getting plenty of practice with a team that is tougher than most of those we encounter in our regular season.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Quatre Choses
Four things. First, The Chronicles of Narnia:The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe came out on DVD today! I am very excited about that and can't wait to buy it. If I currently had a job, I would have bought it today, but since I don't, I'm trying to be a responsible adult and pay as much of my own bills as possible, and therefore can't spend the money on it right now. I definitely plan to purchase it as soon as possible. I suggest you do the same! I saw the movie twice in the theater and read the series. I think it's great and am very much looking forward to the release of Prince Caspian Christmas '07!
Secondly, I've moved a little further in the job search. Not only did I finally contact the Head Hunter I was supposed to have contacted back in August when I first moved here, and I finally posted my resume on Monster.com, but I applied for my first out of state job! Thus far I've been hesitant to do that, thinking a local job would pan out sooner or later, but since that is not falling in place as easily as I hoped, I decided to look a little further. I think the job is probably pretty competitive, but I figure the worst they can do is never contact me, and I've been there and done that, so what can I lose? The job is in Dahlgren, Virginia. It is about 8 hours from here, Greer, South Carolina and I'm afraid quite a bit further from my friends in Gainesville. I'm not too happy about the distance, but that's what planes are for right? It is a Microbiologist job at The Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren. It is 55 miles from Washington D.C. The work involves Research and Development on weapons and defense systems for the Department of the Navy, but is a civilian job. I think the job sounds fascinating, and it's fun to think about if nothing else. Keep for fingers crossed...who knows, this one might be it...
Thirdly, Congratulations to the Florida Gator Men's Basketball team for winning the NCAA Division 1 National Championship!!! It's always "Great to be a Florida Gator" but sometimes it is exceptional. My heart swelled with Gator pride as I watched Noah stand on the table and Gator Chomp along with the audience. As the signs around campus say, "The University of Florida is in Gainesville, but the Gator Nation is everywhere." Go Gators!
Fourthly, As many of you know, I own a Bassett Hound. His name is Socrates. He knows how to sit, stay, speak, come, lay down, and even whisper. He has never, however, been good at walking decently on a leash..preferring to drag me down the street. Despite all his tricks, he also goes crazy anytime new people or other dogs are around. Today, we made the first step toward correcting that. I have been watching alot of "The Dog Whisperer" lately and have gotten empowered by it. I learned that I can, with a choker chain, some confidence, and the famous "chhht" sound, can be the pack leader of my dog. As I attached the leash to Socrates this afternoon, I certainly had my doubts, but it worked! In a matter of minutes, my unruly hound was heeling as if he'd been to obedience school! It was amazing. We ended up spending a long time walking, and playing and chewing on sticks (I'd like to make sure you know that Socrates was chewing on sticks..I refrained) in the yard. A good time was had by all, and I look forward to more training sessions and being able to take my well-behaved bassett to parks and other public places without having to worry about him acting like an idiot. Cesar is a genius, chht!
***On the cold front...I'm feeling much better, without having resorted to a Fanta and Cough Syrup Cocktail. I'm still coughing some, and at times lose my voice, but on the whole, I'm definitely feeling better!***
Secondly, I've moved a little further in the job search. Not only did I finally contact the Head Hunter I was supposed to have contacted back in August when I first moved here, and I finally posted my resume on Monster.com, but I applied for my first out of state job! Thus far I've been hesitant to do that, thinking a local job would pan out sooner or later, but since that is not falling in place as easily as I hoped, I decided to look a little further. I think the job is probably pretty competitive, but I figure the worst they can do is never contact me, and I've been there and done that, so what can I lose? The job is in Dahlgren, Virginia. It is about 8 hours from here, Greer, South Carolina and I'm afraid quite a bit further from my friends in Gainesville. I'm not too happy about the distance, but that's what planes are for right? It is a Microbiologist job at The Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren. It is 55 miles from Washington D.C. The work involves Research and Development on weapons and defense systems for the Department of the Navy, but is a civilian job. I think the job sounds fascinating, and it's fun to think about if nothing else. Keep for fingers crossed...who knows, this one might be it...
Thirdly, Congratulations to the Florida Gator Men's Basketball team for winning the NCAA Division 1 National Championship!!! It's always "Great to be a Florida Gator" but sometimes it is exceptional. My heart swelled with Gator pride as I watched Noah stand on the table and Gator Chomp along with the audience. As the signs around campus say, "The University of Florida is in Gainesville, but the Gator Nation is everywhere." Go Gators!
Fourthly, As many of you know, I own a Bassett Hound. His name is Socrates. He knows how to sit, stay, speak, come, lay down, and even whisper. He has never, however, been good at walking decently on a leash..preferring to drag me down the street. Despite all his tricks, he also goes crazy anytime new people or other dogs are around. Today, we made the first step toward correcting that. I have been watching alot of "The Dog Whisperer" lately and have gotten empowered by it. I learned that I can, with a choker chain, some confidence, and the famous "chhht" sound, can be the pack leader of my dog. As I attached the leash to Socrates this afternoon, I certainly had my doubts, but it worked! In a matter of minutes, my unruly hound was heeling as if he'd been to obedience school! It was amazing. We ended up spending a long time walking, and playing and chewing on sticks (I'd like to make sure you know that Socrates was chewing on sticks..I refrained) in the yard. A good time was had by all, and I look forward to more training sessions and being able to take my well-behaved bassett to parks and other public places without having to worry about him acting like an idiot. Cesar is a genius, chht!
***On the cold front...I'm feeling much better, without having resorted to a Fanta and Cough Syrup Cocktail. I'm still coughing some, and at times lose my voice, but on the whole, I'm definitely feeling better!***
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Je Suis Malade
I Am Sick. I thought that you, my readers, however few you may be, deserved an explanation for my recent lack of posting. I have a cold, and just haven't felt like spending much time online lately. As a matter of fact, the only place I've been wanting to spend time is in bed. The past week in SC has been cold. The local meteorologists say it was the last of the cold weather we will see until the Fall..so of course I will get the very last Winter cold that is catching. Our preacher gave it to his granddaughter that my mom babysits. We spend alot of time together so naturally she gave it to me. At least she knows the fundamentals of sharing..haha. It's just a cold, and should be gone soon, I hope, and then I'll be back to more regular posting. Feel free to sleep easy now..I know you were worried ;-)
On the job front, the news just keeps getting more depressing. I got my first official rejection today, and it wasn't the one I was expecting. I'm not sure if that made me feel better or worse. I got a letter in the mail thanking me for applying for the job at Spartanburg Technical College, but after reviewing all applications, the position has been filled. I applied for that job a couple months ago and had almost forgotten about it. I wasn't really counting on it, so it wasn't that bad not getting it, but rejection always hurts.
I called ETT today, since they still haven't called me..a week after they said they would. I was under the impression that they were going to call to let me know of their decision, whether it was to hire me or not. The guy wasn't at his office so I had to leave a message on his voice mail. Big surprise, he didn't call me back. At this point I'm really getting used to the phone not ringing. I would still like the job, and think they are making a big mistake if they hired someone else, but I've come to accept that it's probably not going to work out. At this point I just want to know for sure so I can move on with my life.
Between the comfort that God has bestowed on me lately, and the prayers and encouragement of family and friends, and maybe some of the cold's distractions, and several days of Day-Quil, and Ny-Quil cocktails, I actually am not very depressed. Of course I am somewhat disappointed, who wouldn't be? But I'm trying to stay focused and trust that it'll all come together eventually, and then I can look back on this confusing, uncertain, scary, and troublesome time and laugh at my silly immaturity. Till then...
On the job front, the news just keeps getting more depressing. I got my first official rejection today, and it wasn't the one I was expecting. I'm not sure if that made me feel better or worse. I got a letter in the mail thanking me for applying for the job at Spartanburg Technical College, but after reviewing all applications, the position has been filled. I applied for that job a couple months ago and had almost forgotten about it. I wasn't really counting on it, so it wasn't that bad not getting it, but rejection always hurts.
I called ETT today, since they still haven't called me..a week after they said they would. I was under the impression that they were going to call to let me know of their decision, whether it was to hire me or not. The guy wasn't at his office so I had to leave a message on his voice mail. Big surprise, he didn't call me back. At this point I'm really getting used to the phone not ringing. I would still like the job, and think they are making a big mistake if they hired someone else, but I've come to accept that it's probably not going to work out. At this point I just want to know for sure so I can move on with my life.
Between the comfort that God has bestowed on me lately, and the prayers and encouragement of family and friends, and maybe some of the cold's distractions, and several days of Day-Quil, and Ny-Quil cocktails, I actually am not very depressed. Of course I am somewhat disappointed, who wouldn't be? But I'm trying to stay focused and trust that it'll all come together eventually, and then I can look back on this confusing, uncertain, scary, and troublesome time and laugh at my silly immaturity. Till then...
Friday, March 24, 2006
Nuit
Night. I just finished reading a book. It is titled, Night and was written by Elie Wiesel, a holocaust survivor. This particular edition is translated by Elie's wife, Marion Weisel. The book has been inducted into Oprah's Book Club, if that has any weight with you. Don't let Oprah's sponsorship be a turn off though because this book can stand on its own merit. Elie Wiesel was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. Besides providing an insightful and very important testimony of his experiences, and a journey through the loss of his faith, Weisel is a writing genius. He is able to say, in 115 pages, what it would take volumes for most other people to say. I was often struck by the way in which he conveyed major concepts, and emotions with only a few words. He, himself, in the introduction to this new translation, writes about the meaning of words when discussing the holocaust. He talks about the problem that is encountered when you try to write a memoir about such a devastating event, and such a personal trajedy. The words that we use to describe our everday, hum-drum events are simply not sufficient when discussing something so much bigger and darker. It was an amazing book that opened my eyes, not only to the horrors endured throughout Europe, but also taught me so much about language and writing. I think the book should be required reading, and I encourage you to read it too.
I spent most of today on the verge of tears, watching the phone, and working on an ulcer. I hate that this job possibility has done exactly what I tried so hard for it not to do...get me all stressed out. I got my hopes up and took on too much responsibility and ownership instead of turning it over to God and his will for my life. I planned to do that, and I thought I did...but it became clear today, when for a couple of hours I felt that I actually was going to be physically sick, that I had not turned a thing over to God's control. I don't know if ETT is going to call tomorrow or not. I really hope and pray that they do...but I'm going to make every effort I can to turn it over to God. If it doesn't work out, than he simply must have other plans in mind for me...better plans. As mom reminded me today...if his eye is on the sparrow, then surely his eye is on me. If he knows me well enough to have numbered every hair on my head, then he also knows what I need and want in life, and will provide for me. Now I just pray that I remember that throughout tomorrow...
We had softball practice tonight. It really helped me to get my mind off of things. I don't know if it was the cold, or the endorphins, or the laughter I shared with many team members including my friend Jamie, or if it was the ability to put all the frustration and anger into the swing of the bat, resulting in a fly-ball to the outfield, but it felt good. My head stopped hurting, and my stomach stopped flipping. I am looking forward to this softball season.
I spent most of today on the verge of tears, watching the phone, and working on an ulcer. I hate that this job possibility has done exactly what I tried so hard for it not to do...get me all stressed out. I got my hopes up and took on too much responsibility and ownership instead of turning it over to God and his will for my life. I planned to do that, and I thought I did...but it became clear today, when for a couple of hours I felt that I actually was going to be physically sick, that I had not turned a thing over to God's control. I don't know if ETT is going to call tomorrow or not. I really hope and pray that they do...but I'm going to make every effort I can to turn it over to God. If it doesn't work out, than he simply must have other plans in mind for me...better plans. As mom reminded me today...if his eye is on the sparrow, then surely his eye is on me. If he knows me well enough to have numbered every hair on my head, then he also knows what I need and want in life, and will provide for me. Now I just pray that I remember that throughout tomorrow...
We had softball practice tonight. It really helped me to get my mind off of things. I don't know if it was the cold, or the endorphins, or the laughter I shared with many team members including my friend Jamie, or if it was the ability to put all the frustration and anger into the swing of the bat, resulting in a fly-ball to the outfield, but it felt good. My head stopped hurting, and my stomach stopped flipping. I am looking forward to this softball season.
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