Serendipitous Happenings

So… a few minor things have happened since my last post. For the most absurd reasons, I’ve been too distracted/busy/lazy/happy to share the latest developments…

A career game-changer. I got a really great, this-is-what-I’ve-been-hoping-&-looking-for job that didn’t exist until a few months ago. (What the what?!)  Student development, public relations, programming, loads of learning, a rock-my-world-staff… jackpot.

A change of address. You know, the usual – pack up all belongings, travel 1,000+ miles to an un-traipsed state, settle into an unseen apartment, plant yourself in a sea of unknown faces, & get to work. (Whatevs…)

Salt River, photo courtesy of Sky Island Riders.

Curly, Rosy, & Samy are happily hanging out, too… until I gave them too much water-love.

A new mode of transportation. The beloved Blazer (discussed here, here ,& here) (Obsessed much?) & I parted ways due to her lackluster A/C, knack for falling apart, & numerous reminders of hard times. My new lady, Chardonnay, & I have a brilliant future ahead of us (no doubt).

United on a rainy day, parted on a stormy day…

World, meet Chardonnay

A new church family. When striking out into new territory, this girls needs friends with a similar God-lens. I’m thankful to have quickly found a group that fits what I was seeking.

Someone tall, dark & handsome. Not the plan (repeat in underlined text). But… as I’ve been learning, this twist in the path is indisputably sweet, good & just right. This guy is special. I like who I am with him & apart from him. The whole darn thing is splendid. And that’s all that needs to be said. 

Hm. That’s plenty for one post.

Expect to see thought-provoking, mind-blowingly wise & deep jots in the near future…

Facing Fears & Finding Facts

After a few months into round one of job searching, I took myself out on a reality check. At the time, all of my jobs were ending, my housing contract was coming to a close & the rejection letters were pouring in. It was time to rework my fears & doubts before I implemented my plan to become Miss Rip van Winkle. When in doubt, avoid it, right?

In skimming the lists, think about what’s going on in your life. What does it look like right now? What are your big fears? Are they realistic or blown out of proportion?

I’ve gotten into the habit of whipping out this outline when it comes to interviews & rejections, housing failures, guys & break-ups, & so on. It keeps me real… & laughing at myself.

Immediate Outlook

Cons: This sucks. Fact.

• Uncertain future. Housing. Jobs.
• How will I survive & pay bills?
• How will I pay off my loans? I’m gonna be paying off student loans forever!
• Where will I live? What do I do about my stuff?
• I can’t make plans or commit to anything!!

Pros: This is exciting. Anything is possible. Also fact.

• Young, single & capable
• Motivated, willing, & energetic
• I can do anything. I can go anywhere.
• I can pursue my top spots & big dreams.
• More in the driver’s seat than ever before: can shape my career however I want.

The Fears

Wide-Eyed Frantic Fears

• Never get a job
• Get into debt
• Have to sell everything
• Have to move in with my parents
• Get stuck with people who give me the creeps (plenty of unwanted guy attention at the time)
• Homeless, hopeless, desperate, depressed, lonely, & lost
• Shanty on the river
• Gonna be a loser & forever keep disappointing myself

Flip It: Face the Facts

• I will get a job. It may not happen quickly. I may juggle multiple jobs for years, but I will find satisfaction in my life. Whatever & wherever I end up.
• I’ve planned ahead for potential poorness. I’ll be okay.
• Mom & Dad will help me if need be. (Yeck.)
• I have too many options to have to move home.
• I choose where I apply.
• Learning to live without my bed, my dishes, my books & practically everything I own might be good for me. Who really wants to use that snappy red kitchen table anyway? (sigh)
• I have too many reasons to hope & support to get…homeless, hopeless, desperate, depressed, lonely, lost, & move into a shanty on the river.

An Unholy Desire

“Are you still interested in this position? It’s going to be challenging.”

“Yes, I am.”

“It’ll require a lot of work, energy and dedication. Are you ready for that?”

“Yes. That’s one of the many qualities that drew me to this position. I like challenges. I. like. working.”

“It’ll…” 

Lately I keep having interview conversations like the one above. Interviewers ask several variations of the same question. Honestly, after the third time around, it’s tempting to pull out those imaginary water balloons in my bag & start hitting targets.

The underlying conversation:

“Are you up for a challenge? This job won’t be easy & we want to know that you’ll stick around. Will you do the job well?”

“Well, duh. Why do you think I applied for this position? Why do you think I’m here?!” [balloons start soaring]

Those imaginary balloons always look pretty like this… No water, though. Weird.

Perhaps during these conversations I’m not actually looking interviewers in the eye & answering confidently like I think I am. Maybe I’m actually shaking my head, clutching the chair’s arms & giving wild-eyed looks of “Please don’t take me!” Maybe I’m jumping up & down in a temper tantrum that would make a five-year-old proud. Maybe I’m saying something akin to the comic below & black-out those conversations. 

Perhaps?

Are interviewers terrified that someone might actually want to do the job under discussion? The last person left, so why would this candidate stick around? Why would anyone genuinely be interested in the job, organization, & staff? It’s just a paycheck, after all, so finding candidates who really do light up about all of the above are rare?

Is it the “naive college graduate” card that must be stamped across my forehead that’s the problem? Too idealistic & eager. Too inexperienced in this & that. Too interested & active in too many things. Too dang happy & confident.

Do people just not like working? It’s not normal. You ought to be depressed about life & only live for the weekend?

Please. No.

If so, this sucks. Crazy – this girl really enjoys working.

That’s one of the many problems with being blessed with opportunities to do what you love with people & organizations you care about. It’s addictive. It’s stimulating. It’s satisfying. You seek similar “I love this!” opportunities. (What?!)

Work won’t always be easy & tickle-me-silly fun. That’s a given. But why not enjoy what you do & who you do it with?

It’s your life, for goodness’ sake!

There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. (Ecclesiastes 2:24)

Amen.

So, yes, I’m up for a challenge & I want to do this job with your team & your organization. I. Like. Working. And I’d like to do it with you. You down with that? 

P.S. Occasionally I have a desire to throw water balloons at frustrating people. I never act on it. Is that okay?