Thoughts on the Job Hunt

I couldn't believe they actually felt a need to put that in the job requirements!

I saw this on the side bar of The Church Employment website. I know it is very serious, but I kind of had to smile when I saw it. That's not what I want to see when I'm job hunting. Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Well, I'm going on 5 1/2 weeks since I "graduated," but I've been job hunting longer than that. I realize I have no room to complain- there are many people who have been job hunting for much, much longer than I have. Despite me going a bit crazy(okay, A LOT crazy!)not having a job, there are many moments when I feel complete peace and know that things will all work out. I'm doing the very best I can- actively applying and seeking for employment and certainly praying for it. I feel very fortunate that I've had a few interviews this month. Even though they did not turn into job offers, it was great to get the interviewing practice. Plus, it makes me feel good to know that my resume has caught the attention of some people.

As with any trial, there are great blessings that do come. Having so much time on my hands has allowed me to have time to exercise, go to the temple, and devote a lot of time to my calling. Also, I was able to spend several days last week with family in St. George. I definitely would not have been able to do that if I had a job.

Also, I feel fortunate that I can live at home right now, rent-free. And, I am lucky that I only have myself to provide for. Some people are really in tough situations- out of work and have a spouse and several kids to provide for.

So, things really aren't too bad. Of course, they aren't competely peachy and I do need money soon here to pay off some school debts and start saving, etc (my biggest goal right now is to get my very own car!). But, I'll just keep pressing forward. Things will all work out.

Visit to Enterprise, UT

One day last week I was able to sneak away and visit my friend and former roommate, Alyssa. It was fun to hangout with her before she takes off for her LDS mission to Fresno (yay!) very soon.

We actually met up in St. George, went to the temple together, went out to eat and then headed out to Enterprise. Enterprise is about 45 miles outside of St. George. It's a small town (pop. about 2,000). Alyssa and her family live about 3 miles outside of town. There is a dirt road you take to get to her house. In my mind, it was very much "out in the middle of nowhere." They have a well for their water. Also, I didn't really get cell phone service out there. The Mountain Meadows Massacre Memorial is off the road from St. George to her house, so we stopped there for a little bit. I'll do a separate post about that.

The night I got there we played the game "Dominion" with her parents several times. It was a lot of fun! The next day we went four-wheeling. It was my first time four-wheeling and I have to say, it was pretty fun. Other than that, we just hung out and talked.

So glad I got to see her one last time before her mission!

Cute Kids

I spent this past week with these cute kids and their parents. We had a grand 'ol time together!

Sashes, sashes, sashes!

This week Christi and I finished up counting sashes for Chad and Buffy. They have a wedding rental business. (utahchairrental.com)There were a lot of sashes!

I Am a Child of God

Image SourceWe heard this phrase often when we were in primary. Guess what? It's still true, even now that we are adults! I've been thinking about this phrase lately. Really, I've been thinking along these lines: "I am a child of God. He loves me and has a plan for my life."

What may have started all of this thinking recently was reading this blog post. God created us and saw that we were "good." We are children of God. We are good enough.

So, tomorrow, before I go into my interview with the CEO of a certain company (it's the second interview I've had there, but first with the CEO), I am going to remind myself that I am a child of God. He has a plan for my life. I am good enough. In the eyes of God my worth is the same as that of the other candidates I am competing against.

I am a child of God and so are you. Never forget that.

Another One!

Another interview tomorrow! Keep 'em coming, my friends... keep 'em coming! I just applied for this job on Saturday, and I didn't think I'd get contacted because I'm not fully qualified. Miracles are happening! Thanks so much for the prayers.

UPDATE: Later today, after I posted this I received an e-mail inviting me for a second interview with a place I interviewed with last week. That will occur later on this week. I am kind of in shock. This is so amazing! God is good!

Three Years Ago

Call me a nerd. Call me what you want. But, I remember dates. Clearly. (Well, most of the time). January 8th will always be special to me. Three years ago today I stepped off the plane. I had to take off the name tag and bid Chicago farewell. I stepped off the plane and literally had no idea where my life was headed. Oh, what a journey it has been. And here I am. My life may not be where I'd like it to be, but God is good and so is my life. I'm on a different mission now.

My full-time mission still means the world to me. It really has influenced who I am today. Something I've realized- my mission helped me to love people. I love people, I really do. I am happiest when I'm surrounded by people I love.

Kind of fitting for today- I went to the CES Fireside Broadcast tonight with my greenie, who actually just moved nearby. There were also two other elders from our mission there who are in our stake. It was so fun to chat about our missions, life, etc.

I'm so grateful serving a mission was in the Lord's plan for me. It has blessed me so much.

Blog Updates Coming Soon

Major blog updates... coming soon to a blog near you. I just haven't felt like updating my blog. How's that for an excuse? So not like me, I know. Maybe one day I'll get in the mood. In the mean time, here's a picture from today, actually. I went to a former roommate's (from Provo) baby shower this morning. She's a tiny little thing. So fun. :)

Happy New Year Indeed!

I have a lot of updating to do! But, I will start with this: I have a job interview tomorrow! Amazing! I applied for the position right before Christmas. I kind if doubted I'd hear back at all, let alone this soon! I stink at interviewing, so prayers would be appreciated. :)

As I was preparing for my interview tonight (going over my portfolio, etc.) I was filled with gratitude for the experiences I had in college that gave me resume material. Yes, tonight I actually was grateful for those grueling projects I had in my classes.

I'm grateful for my education. It is such a blessing in my life. I hope it will get me a good job in 2012!

Happy New Year!