Is it ironic to blog about blogging? I've learned, after a few months of contemplation, that I need to release some of the thoughts swirling around in my head. (And by contemplation, I mean laziness, fyi.) I spent much of my day today perusing Pioneer Woman's website. She has inspired me to be more judicious and consistent with my blogging. One of her tips was to blog even when you have nothing to blog about. This is my issue. I have felt like I do not have much to blog about, at least, nothing anyone would care to read about. So, I'm just going to write about what has been on my mind recently.
Lately I have been plagued with such thoughts like, "If I died tomorrow, what difference will my life have made?" I know this is a pretty deep thought, and I assure you, nothing that I have just thought about one random last week. I started this process by reading Max Lucado's newest book, "Outlive Your Life." It's a wonderful call to action to the Christian church to take on the mission of the early church to serve others. I've been inspired to take my talents, what few there are, and to help others. I found this to be harder than it originally seemed. When it comes to coming up with ideas on how to help out others, I can develop elaborate plans. The problem is that many of those ideas are just out of my reach as far as their implementation. I have settled on my most recent idea, which is to take my love (read: LOVE) of reading and to spread that to those who may not have the same passion or knowledge to appreciate reading as I do. I contacted our local library in town and asked whether or not they had an adult literacy program that I could hook into and volunteer with. They did. I am going to receive my training on Saturday. All it took was a little bit of research and a telephone call to turn this into reality. I'm excited and proud to serve the community in this way.
A few of my other ideas include:
- Knitting hats for children receiving chemotherapy treatments (one of the side effects of the chemo is a lowering of the body temp.)
- Transcribing written memoirs, letters, diaries, etc. for senior citizens for a more permanent record of these memories
- Hosting an Alzheimer's Awareness seminar
- Organizing a mentor program for high schoolers to mentor younger junior high students during their teenage years
These are a few of my more long-term ideas. I encourage everyone reading this to consider purchasing Outlive Your Life and volunteer with a program that showcases your talents. Let me know if you would like to borrow it, and I will send you my copy. Think about it, what will you be remembered for after you are gone?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Employment
This entire process of unemployment and, ultimately, employment has been humbling, enlightening, educational, and stressful. I have a lot of respect and compassion for people who have been on the search for a job for longer than 2 and a half months, which is how long it took me. During this process I have learned not only a lot about myself, but also a lot about the type of person I want to become. My work ethic has been strengthened exponentially. I never realized how much I enjoy working until all of a sudden I wasn't.
I also never realized how hard it would be to convince someone that I am a worthy employee. At the time, I was convinced that the reason I wasn't getting the types of offers that I wanted was due to my lack of extensive experience, or my age. As it turns out, I simply was waiting on the right job to come my way. I feel compelled to tell the story of how I came about finding what I believe is the perfect job for me.
Since moving here, Austin and I have been itching to find a church home. We both come from church-going families and appreciate the importance, not only spiritually but also socially, of finding a good group of young marrieds with which we can associate. One Sunday we decided to visit a church in the area that we hope to purchase a house in. When we arrived at church that morning to attend the later service we were surprised to find the sanctuary already packed with people who were seemingly coming to the closing of a service. Confused, we decided to grab seats in the back anyway and figure out what was going on later. I realized that this was the special post-VBS service where all of the kids come and sing their songs, share what they learned, etc. to the church as a whole. After the dismissal we went to the welcome center to make sure that there was not going to be a later service. There wasn't. Instead of simply returning home, we were invited to attend the Sunday School session that was scheduled to start within the next few minutes. Reluctantly, I agreed. Upon attending the Sunday School session and meeting with the teacher, an attorney in the City, we were told of a service provided by the Oklahoma City Bar Association where they place legal assistant candidates with employers. This was what we were looking for. Within a day of submitting my resume I had a meeting with their Director of Legal Placement, and within a week had two interviews. Less than 24 hours after the interviews, I was afforded the opportunity of choosing between two fantastic job offers. I am aware that this process was a blessing. After two long months of stressing and becoming quite agitated at having to turn down job offers because they were not right, I have finally found a place where all of mine and Austin's needs will be met. I even will receive a small raise when comparing my old salary with my new one. We have been provided for over and over again from family and friends but this is the furst time I can remember in a while when we have so obviously been provided for through God. No other explanation even begins to justify it. And that is truly enlightening.
It is poignant that I start work tomorrow at my new job. On July 21, 2008, precisely two years ago from tomorrow, I started work at Balch & Bingham. Balch was the first and only interview I had upon graduating college. I kind of fell into work there and from there I naturally fell into work as a legal assistant. This is what I am called to do: to assist. And I think I am pretty good at it. I have always felt as if my personality lent itself to be more of a helper than an initiator, and this entire experience has made that feeling more concrete than ever. Some people are called to medicine, some are called to music, others are called to the ministry; I, however, am more convinced than ever that I am called to be a legal assistant. It is what I am good at; it has afforded me the opportunity to meet wonderful people; it has also allowed me to learn more than I ever thought was possible. Law comes naturally to me, just as surgery comes naturally to a surgeon, or playing the piano comes naturally to a musician. It's not the most glamorous; but it is fulfilling, and I enjoy it. I have had the fortune to, while at Balch, to perform a variety of tasks: everything from competing a 9th grade project on photosynthesis (it got an A, thank you very much) to organizing a database for a large class-action lawsuit of documents, info on each plaintiff, dates, etc.
I am confident that what I want to do with my life has already been made clear to me, and that is information that I do not take for granted. I realize that at my age and with my life experience that I am in the minority. It is my sincere wish that everyone I know come to this kind of acceptance and peace.
I also never realized how hard it would be to convince someone that I am a worthy employee. At the time, I was convinced that the reason I wasn't getting the types of offers that I wanted was due to my lack of extensive experience, or my age. As it turns out, I simply was waiting on the right job to come my way. I feel compelled to tell the story of how I came about finding what I believe is the perfect job for me.
Since moving here, Austin and I have been itching to find a church home. We both come from church-going families and appreciate the importance, not only spiritually but also socially, of finding a good group of young marrieds with which we can associate. One Sunday we decided to visit a church in the area that we hope to purchase a house in. When we arrived at church that morning to attend the later service we were surprised to find the sanctuary already packed with people who were seemingly coming to the closing of a service. Confused, we decided to grab seats in the back anyway and figure out what was going on later. I realized that this was the special post-VBS service where all of the kids come and sing their songs, share what they learned, etc. to the church as a whole. After the dismissal we went to the welcome center to make sure that there was not going to be a later service. There wasn't. Instead of simply returning home, we were invited to attend the Sunday School session that was scheduled to start within the next few minutes. Reluctantly, I agreed. Upon attending the Sunday School session and meeting with the teacher, an attorney in the City, we were told of a service provided by the Oklahoma City Bar Association where they place legal assistant candidates with employers. This was what we were looking for. Within a day of submitting my resume I had a meeting with their Director of Legal Placement, and within a week had two interviews. Less than 24 hours after the interviews, I was afforded the opportunity of choosing between two fantastic job offers. I am aware that this process was a blessing. After two long months of stressing and becoming quite agitated at having to turn down job offers because they were not right, I have finally found a place where all of mine and Austin's needs will be met. I even will receive a small raise when comparing my old salary with my new one. We have been provided for over and over again from family and friends but this is the furst time I can remember in a while when we have so obviously been provided for through God. No other explanation even begins to justify it. And that is truly enlightening.
It is poignant that I start work tomorrow at my new job. On July 21, 2008, precisely two years ago from tomorrow, I started work at Balch & Bingham. Balch was the first and only interview I had upon graduating college. I kind of fell into work there and from there I naturally fell into work as a legal assistant. This is what I am called to do: to assist. And I think I am pretty good at it. I have always felt as if my personality lent itself to be more of a helper than an initiator, and this entire experience has made that feeling more concrete than ever. Some people are called to medicine, some are called to music, others are called to the ministry; I, however, am more convinced than ever that I am called to be a legal assistant. It is what I am good at; it has afforded me the opportunity to meet wonderful people; it has also allowed me to learn more than I ever thought was possible. Law comes naturally to me, just as surgery comes naturally to a surgeon, or playing the piano comes naturally to a musician. It's not the most glamorous; but it is fulfilling, and I enjoy it. I have had the fortune to, while at Balch, to perform a variety of tasks: everything from competing a 9th grade project on photosynthesis (it got an A, thank you very much) to organizing a database for a large class-action lawsuit of documents, info on each plaintiff, dates, etc.
I am confident that what I want to do with my life has already been made clear to me, and that is information that I do not take for granted. I realize that at my age and with my life experience that I am in the minority. It is my sincere wish that everyone I know come to this kind of acceptance and peace.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Fireworks!
On July 4th, it is tradition in my family to attend fireworks. Therefore, it was imperative that, even though we are here in Oklahoma, we attend fireworks. So tonight, Austin and I watched Chickasha, Oklahoma's fireworks celebration.
Fireworks in Oklahoma are vastly different than those in Alabama for one reason: the landscape. No mountains, hills, and Vulcan statues interfere with firework viewing. I never realized how much they get in the way. The sky is huge here, therefore the fireworks appear much larger. Watching fireworks in Alabama will never be the same, I'm afraid.
Viewing these fireworks also reminded of previous firework-watching experiences. I have a few fun memories from my different experiences with my family. Take for instance, the one year we watched fireworks in Demopolis, Alabama. There I encountered a boy obsessed with a certain type of firework. His favorite were the ones were a large firework would burst, and then a smaller, louder firework with no light trail would "sneak" up and go off unexpectedly. Whenever these would occur during that particular show, this boy would yell, "SNEAK ATTACK!" It was funny about the first 4 times. Then it got annoying.
This particular experience was not without fond memories, either. When the fireworks started this one kid started screaming at the top of his lungs; not in terror, but in shear excitement. I laughed. Hard. Because it was funny.
Which brings me to an impromptu list of Fireworks Etiquette:
1) When watching fireworks, it is advisable not to bring the car with the insanely bright headlights and proceed to, every five minutes, open the car door to root around for unknown objects therefore blinding innocent patrons with aforementioned bright headlights.
2) Dogs do not belong at a fireworks show. Neither do infants. That's just cruel. Toddlers are a little more difficult to judge. The cute 3-year-old who yells "Daddy, I want to touch the lights!" is cute for about a minute. Then it's not. Althought, there are some cool toddlers that could care less about the sound, nor the bright lights. I want a kid like that.
3) While the fireworks are going off, please do not launch your own. It's distracting and will never measure up. So don't even try.
4) Please do not applaud after the fireworks show. It's about as useful as applauding at the end of a movie. In other words: Don't waste your time.
5) Finally, while a fireworks show is going on it is not cool to drive your car without a muffler along the main drag and try to rev your engine. No one is paying any attention to you, I promise.
And I feel compelled to say to all fireworks display designers: A finale is mandatory. Ending a fireworks show without a finale is pretty much un-American.
This was fun.
Fireworks in Oklahoma are vastly different than those in Alabama for one reason: the landscape. No mountains, hills, and Vulcan statues interfere with firework viewing. I never realized how much they get in the way. The sky is huge here, therefore the fireworks appear much larger. Watching fireworks in Alabama will never be the same, I'm afraid.
Viewing these fireworks also reminded of previous firework-watching experiences. I have a few fun memories from my different experiences with my family. Take for instance, the one year we watched fireworks in Demopolis, Alabama. There I encountered a boy obsessed with a certain type of firework. His favorite were the ones were a large firework would burst, and then a smaller, louder firework with no light trail would "sneak" up and go off unexpectedly. Whenever these would occur during that particular show, this boy would yell, "SNEAK ATTACK!" It was funny about the first 4 times. Then it got annoying.
This particular experience was not without fond memories, either. When the fireworks started this one kid started screaming at the top of his lungs; not in terror, but in shear excitement. I laughed. Hard. Because it was funny.
Which brings me to an impromptu list of Fireworks Etiquette:
1) When watching fireworks, it is advisable not to bring the car with the insanely bright headlights and proceed to, every five minutes, open the car door to root around for unknown objects therefore blinding innocent patrons with aforementioned bright headlights.
2) Dogs do not belong at a fireworks show. Neither do infants. That's just cruel. Toddlers are a little more difficult to judge. The cute 3-year-old who yells "Daddy, I want to touch the lights!" is cute for about a minute. Then it's not. Althought, there are some cool toddlers that could care less about the sound, nor the bright lights. I want a kid like that.
3) While the fireworks are going off, please do not launch your own. It's distracting and will never measure up. So don't even try.
4) Please do not applaud after the fireworks show. It's about as useful as applauding at the end of a movie. In other words: Don't waste your time.
5) Finally, while a fireworks show is going on it is not cool to drive your car without a muffler along the main drag and try to rev your engine. No one is paying any attention to you, I promise.
And I feel compelled to say to all fireworks display designers: A finale is mandatory. Ending a fireworks show without a finale is pretty much un-American.
This was fun.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Roll Tide!
Austin and I are officially Oklahoma citizens. It's weird. In the month and a half since moving here, I have rarely had an oppurtunity to acknowledge my Alabama roots beyond the obligatory questions such as, "How is Oklahoma different from Alabama?" (Answer: Definitely more flat.) However, while at the DMV getting Oklahoma licenses, the guy behind the counter asked me about Alabama's football team. It is ironic that the first time someone acknowledges my Alabama-ness is the day that I am renouncing my citizenship. It was definitely an eye-opener, and very poignant.
In other news, the job search is coming along. Right now I have two possibilities up in the air. One is a job that I really want and would be a fantastic opportunity; the other is a job that I would be content with, but would have to eventually change. So I'm experiencing the waiting game. It's no fun. I've definitely had to learn how to manage stress. I finished knitting a Gryiffindor scarf in almost record time because of this. I find knitting to be a successful outlet to my stress because I tend to carry my tension in my hands. I attempted to upload a picture of my scarf but it didn't work. Maybe it will work later. In the very least, I guarantee a posting later today or tomorrow with the picture. It's pretty funny because I made Austin model it. It does not disappoint.
In other news, the job search is coming along. Right now I have two possibilities up in the air. One is a job that I really want and would be a fantastic opportunity; the other is a job that I would be content with, but would have to eventually change. So I'm experiencing the waiting game. It's no fun. I've definitely had to learn how to manage stress. I finished knitting a Gryiffindor scarf in almost record time because of this. I find knitting to be a successful outlet to my stress because I tend to carry my tension in my hands. I attempted to upload a picture of my scarf but it didn't work. Maybe it will work later. In the very least, I guarantee a posting later today or tomorrow with the picture. It's pretty funny because I made Austin model it. It does not disappoint.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Bleh
I figured when I started this blog that I would have tons to write about. I guess if I were an outsider looking in on the events of my life, I could find things here and there to blog about; but I find myself burdened with the thought of writing.
Right now we are in the process of finding jobs and it is proving to be more dificult than we thought. I figured, "I'm smart, nice, educated and seemingly well-spoken. This whole job search thing will be a piece of cake." Boy, was I wrong. It's stressful. There appears to be no correlation between the number of applications submitted and likelihood of landing an interview. I've been forced to grow up really quickly and realize that necessity of a career will not always lead to happiness. I always considered myself a very hard worker and someone who would be compensated for such. However, jobs in Oklahoma do not pay the same as in Birmingham. I've had to reconsider my thoughts on the difference in value and self-worth. On my dark days the two are very much so intertwined. I end up feeling that because my job in Birmingham paid more, that here I am simply worth less (read: worthless). It's a hard pill to swallow. I have to pul myself out of those thoughts and come to the much happier conclusion that I now have the opportunity to prove my worth. I am excited about this. I love being able to prove to others that I am more than what they first thought.
On a semi-unrelated note: I consider myself a faithful person. I have grown so much in my beliefs in the past few years. I feel like I have truly been able to break free from the idea that I believe in things simply because that is what my parents believed. I think attending Samford really helped me out in that aspect. I was able to listen to lectures about Christianity and Theology and truly question and find out for myself what it means to be a Christian. You will find no riveting testimony here; nor will you find a daily devotional meant to spur anyone into martyrdom. I am simply someone who knows what she believes and chooses to be a steward of Christianity through treating others in as Christ-like an attitude as I am able.
I hope this allows those who may not know me as well as others to find out a little more about me. I expect this newest chapter in mine and Austin's life to spark even more changes and growth. I'm pretty excited.
Right now we are in the process of finding jobs and it is proving to be more dificult than we thought. I figured, "I'm smart, nice, educated and seemingly well-spoken. This whole job search thing will be a piece of cake." Boy, was I wrong. It's stressful. There appears to be no correlation between the number of applications submitted and likelihood of landing an interview. I've been forced to grow up really quickly and realize that necessity of a career will not always lead to happiness. I always considered myself a very hard worker and someone who would be compensated for such. However, jobs in Oklahoma do not pay the same as in Birmingham. I've had to reconsider my thoughts on the difference in value and self-worth. On my dark days the two are very much so intertwined. I end up feeling that because my job in Birmingham paid more, that here I am simply worth less (read: worthless). It's a hard pill to swallow. I have to pul myself out of those thoughts and come to the much happier conclusion that I now have the opportunity to prove my worth. I am excited about this. I love being able to prove to others that I am more than what they first thought.
On a semi-unrelated note: I consider myself a faithful person. I have grown so much in my beliefs in the past few years. I feel like I have truly been able to break free from the idea that I believe in things simply because that is what my parents believed. I think attending Samford really helped me out in that aspect. I was able to listen to lectures about Christianity and Theology and truly question and find out for myself what it means to be a Christian. You will find no riveting testimony here; nor will you find a daily devotional meant to spur anyone into martyrdom. I am simply someone who knows what she believes and chooses to be a steward of Christianity through treating others in as Christ-like an attitude as I am able.
I hope this allows those who may not know me as well as others to find out a little more about me. I expect this newest chapter in mine and Austin's life to spark even more changes and growth. I'm pretty excited.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tornado!
It seems like from the time we moved here to now, there's been two types of weather: gorgeous and tornadic. Growing up in Alabama, we never had much experience with dealing with severe tornadoes. Within the past two weeks I have seen more tornadoes than in all of my life. Sometimes it is really scary, but other times I am in awe. One thing I have always been aware of is an appreciation for weather. It's crazy to think that one minute all can be still but the next minute there is a tornado bearing down on you. It's been quite eye-opening. It's weird to think that this is going to be my way of life for the next few years. For two to three months out of every year, life is consumed by the threat of severe weather. And no one here gets worried about it! They don't even leave work when there is the threat of severe weather! I have a lot to learn....
Thursday, May 13, 2010
New Chapter!
Since moving to Oklahoma, I have begun to wonder about the decisions Austin and I have made. Think about it: every day you make decisions that determine the outcome for the rest of your life. It was a big decision to move to OK and one that we have never thought about lightly. But what about the everyday decisions, like what to have for breakfast, or what car to drive into the city? Do those minute choices really have an effect on my life years from now? Essentially, yes. This is something that I have come to realize within the last few weeks. For example, eating poorly during breakfast breeds poor eating habits and, ultimately, poor nutrition for the future. Deciding to drive the gas-guzzling SUV into the city results in more money going towards gasoline purchases, resulting in less money going into savings that month. These seemingly meaningless and mundane decisions can make a significant impact on our lives in the coming months and years. If mundane decisions such as these can make an impact, what about huge decisions such as moving to Oklahoma? What kind of impact will that make? Admittedly, a large one. When we started this adventure, I had no idea.
Which is why I have started this blog. Change is hard for me to accept. I am a creature of habit. I like things to stay exactly the way they are because whichever way I enjoy doing things is, obviously, the best and most efficient. :) When we were discussing our move out here I had no idea about how much it would alter our daily lives. However, every aspect of our life has been uprooted and changed. Former Sarah would freak out and demand that things be righted. Contemporary Sarah is optimistic, even hopeful. Right now, neither of us have a job, or a home. Our belongings are scattered throughout Austin's parents house. Normally, I would have pulled my hair out by now (and I've been tempted). But all of this change has caused me to appreciate the simple things. Things like learning how to hang out with Austin outside of the daily routine of a few words exchanged before work and strained, tired conversation following a long day. We've had to relearn how to hang out with each other. We've had to spend all day together for the last month. I took his company for granted.
I questioned our decision to move here. I questioned our ability to get through this stressful time together with our marriage intact. I did all of this questioning before we had even made the 13-hour drive to get here. I hadn't even gotten here yet and I was already freaking out! That was my mindset in coming here. It's been rough, and we've been tested. But through it all, I truly believe we are becoming closer as a couple. We've had to lean on each other for support every step of the way. And since we've gotten here, I have not once wished we were back home. I want to be wherever Austin is. And right now, that is in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
Our decision to come out here was scary. Neither of us had any idea about how this situation would turn out. We still have no idea. I do know, however, that I would not trade this experience for anything in the world. Whether a simple choice such as what to wear, or a large decision such as where to live, the choice we make has a significant impact on our life regardless of our ability to realize the ramifications.
As Austin assured me the night before we left Birmingham, "We aren't writing a new book, just a new chapter." I hope this gives our Birmingham friends some comfort. You are still very much a part of the novella of our life.
This blog will, hopefully, serve a few purposes: 1) to update our Birmingham friends on our goings-on; 2) to allow me an outlet with which I can sort out my many, complicated thoughts during this crazy time; and 3) to keep a record of this exciting and new experience. My entries will not always be this deep, but I've had a few days to mull this one over. I'm excited and a little nervous about what the future holds, but I am encouraged that this path was paved for me long before I was born. There's a larger plan in play right now and that's comforting.
Which is why I have started this blog. Change is hard for me to accept. I am a creature of habit. I like things to stay exactly the way they are because whichever way I enjoy doing things is, obviously, the best and most efficient. :) When we were discussing our move out here I had no idea about how much it would alter our daily lives. However, every aspect of our life has been uprooted and changed. Former Sarah would freak out and demand that things be righted. Contemporary Sarah is optimistic, even hopeful. Right now, neither of us have a job, or a home. Our belongings are scattered throughout Austin's parents house. Normally, I would have pulled my hair out by now (and I've been tempted). But all of this change has caused me to appreciate the simple things. Things like learning how to hang out with Austin outside of the daily routine of a few words exchanged before work and strained, tired conversation following a long day. We've had to relearn how to hang out with each other. We've had to spend all day together for the last month. I took his company for granted.
I questioned our decision to move here. I questioned our ability to get through this stressful time together with our marriage intact. I did all of this questioning before we had even made the 13-hour drive to get here. I hadn't even gotten here yet and I was already freaking out! That was my mindset in coming here. It's been rough, and we've been tested. But through it all, I truly believe we are becoming closer as a couple. We've had to lean on each other for support every step of the way. And since we've gotten here, I have not once wished we were back home. I want to be wherever Austin is. And right now, that is in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
Our decision to come out here was scary. Neither of us had any idea about how this situation would turn out. We still have no idea. I do know, however, that I would not trade this experience for anything in the world. Whether a simple choice such as what to wear, or a large decision such as where to live, the choice we make has a significant impact on our life regardless of our ability to realize the ramifications.
As Austin assured me the night before we left Birmingham, "We aren't writing a new book, just a new chapter." I hope this gives our Birmingham friends some comfort. You are still very much a part of the novella of our life.
This blog will, hopefully, serve a few purposes: 1) to update our Birmingham friends on our goings-on; 2) to allow me an outlet with which I can sort out my many, complicated thoughts during this crazy time; and 3) to keep a record of this exciting and new experience. My entries will not always be this deep, but I've had a few days to mull this one over. I'm excited and a little nervous about what the future holds, but I am encouraged that this path was paved for me long before I was born. There's a larger plan in play right now and that's comforting.
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