Well the earthquake hit while I was at work. There was a noise and a sudden movement feeling like a bus or truck hit the building. But the building didn't stop moving, it began to sway more. I looked out the window and the trees were moving. Everyone stood up and kind of looked at each other torn between the decision to bolt out the door or wait around and see what kind of an earthquake it was. What a strange feeling....it didn't last long and it wasn't very violent. Nothing crashed or fell down. Afterwards I felt a little weird, kinda sick. Other people in the office felt sick too. I'm told this is due to gravity and your equilibrium (or whatever that thing is), apparently it makes you feel like you have motion sickness after an earthquake. I guess our bodies aren't used to the counter movement of the earth. I found out a few people in our building ran outside once the ground started moving. These are the same people who were around in 1994 when an earthquake devastated the LA area, including the flattening of the mall and office buildings in which our building is located. Since then our building has been re-built with state of the art earthquake stuff, hence the swaying feeling of the building in the earthquake. I can't help but wonder what being in the world trade center must have felt like on 911. To feel the building move underneath you with you inside, knowing it could collapse at any minute. It must have been strange and scary. I now know that when an earthquake hits you are supposed to hide under a door frame or a desk, though I think I would probably want to run outside too. James thought the earthquake was really neat, he was at work too when it happened.
Along with earthquakes, I feel like in life right now I've been on shaky ground too. Being new at work I'm constantly trying to figure out my role, and what that means. I hate being new and having to sift through everything. I love it when I can get down to business and cross things off my list. I know this comes with time so I'm just praying that as I continue to plow ahead, that I'm able to meet the expectations laid out before me by others and myself. I also pray that I would continue to adapt well in my new surroundings. James and I are also still getting used to the LA area and learning our way around. We don't have the friend base here that we had in VA to turn to for help, or our families to assist us in close proximity. There is something to be said for knowing your local area and where to go to for what. I hate googling everything, but I love that technology has made getting to know a new area easier. All in all we're making our way through doing the best that we can with adapting to life in southern CA. So far there have been some shaky times, but we're diggin in and learning a lot in the process. I can't wait for everything to feel like an old hat!
Today James fixed our car, so its currently running again yay!!!
All of the earthquake news reminds me of how important foundations are:
Matthew 7:24-25
24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
jeudi, juillet 31, 2008
lundi, juillet 28, 2008
"Someone's got a case of the Mondays"
Today was a fine example of why Mondays get a bad reputation. James and I began our morning with a small disagreement...not the end of the world but not quite your ideal morning routine. I left the apartment 4 times before I could get to the street. Each time I had to go back for something I had forgotten, and each time I locked the door sure that I had everything I needed. I finally made it to my car with everything I could possibly imagine that I would need for the day...only to find that my car would not start. Not even a little...:(. James was already at work himself so I headed back to the apartment...this being the 5th time through the door before 9am. I called a taxi to take me to work and reluctantly paid the $30 fare for my fine highway cruise. All in all a great start to my day :) I'd love to say the day got better but it depends on your view better. It didn't get any worse! My director offered to give me a ride home and a ride to work in the morning so I feel really blessed and am so thankful!
I'm thinking Tuesday will be better... although I am scared for Wednesday when we take the car in to be looked at. Yikes!
Days like to today remind me of Matthew 6: 25-34
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
HAPPY MONDAY!
I'm thinking Tuesday will be better... although I am scared for Wednesday when we take the car in to be looked at. Yikes!
Days like to today remind me of Matthew 6: 25-34
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
And similarity Luke 12:22-34"22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I'm glad that in the end our earthly possessions will have no value... I wouldn't have much to show if they did. It's so funny how some things can seem so important and life shattering, but when put them into perspective, those things mean nothing. Though I'm not thrilled about dealing with our car now, I know that it's no use to worry about it. God will see us though the process and 6 months from now it will be the last thing on our mind.
On that note I'll end with a fun link. If you've never seen Hoops & YoYo you need to. They have some really funny e-cards on Hallmark.com. There is a Monday one...click here to view.HAPPY MONDAY!
vendredi, juillet 25, 2008
Lots of Pictures!!!
As you can imagine, with everything that's been going on, James and I have accumulated a lot of pictures. He unfortunately beat me in creating a Picasa photo album. I did not want to create a duplicate so here is the sideshow, sorry for such a modge-podge of events and the length it will take to view all of them. Be warned many photos are unedited, so you have some good with some not so good... at least it keeps it interesting and humorous! All in all though we had a fun July, and hopefully that shows in our pictures!!! Enjoy!!!
vendredi, juillet 18, 2008
Vegas
It's been over a week since my last post. As I had mentioned in my previous post my work had sent me on a trip to Vegas for a company conference. We arrived in Vegas on Sunday, and stayed at the Palazzo, the newest casino on the strip. This casino and hotel was brimming with elegance. Marble floors everywhere, swanky lights, large fountains, and of course only the best in service. At the Palazzo every room is a suite. My room included a large king sized bed, a drop down living room with couch and ottoman, 2 large flat screen television sets, a wet bar, a desk with a fax/printer, a breakfast table and chairs, remote controlled shades and drapery, large glass shower, a deep soaking tub, 2 bath robes, a television in the bathroom, two sinks, a vanity area, and a separate room for the toilet. I was in awe! The square footage of this suite was larger than our apartment and nicely decorated. Every night I found chocolates on my bed from the hotel staff and fresh ice in our cooler. I was so happy that James was able to join me on this trip for the first few days!
The conference was filled with many meetings, seminars, introductions, conversations, and dinners. The days for the most part were quite busy. James was able to come for the first two days and then was called into work. I was sad that he did not get to enjoy Vegas longer. Especially with the extravagant accommodations. On his stay he did however get to walk the strip with me at night and during the day he enjoyed the immaculate pools with chairs that allowed you to soak in the pool. I was sad to see him go but happy that called him to work.
The planned dinners were amazing and delicious! I had salmon, crab cakes, lobster bisque, and cheesecake shaped like lollipops and served on a lollipop tree. It was wonderful. Not to mention the different wines I was able to try at dinner.
It was also wonderful to get to know the staff. The people from my office and the corporate people from around the country. It is truly amazing what they do and the wealth of knowledge and experience they hold. It was also fun to talk to those from the DC offices and discuss the DC area that I miss so much.
On our trip my co-worker Lindsay and I had the opportunity to get invited to go to a few of the night clubs for after parties with the some of the company. It was fun and interesting. I hadn't been to a club in years. We received some VIP passes for these parties with the company allowing us to meet and get to know some of the key members of the corporation. It was fun to pass everyone else waiting outside of the club to get in :) The first club we went to was called Pure it was in Caesars palace. It was very trendy and white. It had wonderful service and some people on the dance floor. On a different night we went to Studio 54 at MGM. It was a fun party with all kinds of people dancing, go-go dancers on podiums (clothed), and trapeze artists swinging from the sky (also clothed). That was the first time I had seen male go-go dancers as well.
Every night there was something to do, or someplace to go. Our morning sessions began pretty early as well. I found myself quite tired most of the week. There were wonderful and accomplished speakers who presented at the main sessions. They had great insight and perspective so it was a treat to hear them speak.
Today I feel like crashing and resting. Tomorrow I will spend the day cleaning, doing laundry, and getting errands done. On Sunday James' family is coming for a short visit! Yay! We're excited to see them and have them experience so-Cal with us. I fear that Monday will come too quickly.
All in all it was a great and eventful week!!! I had never been to Vegas before, or received such nice accommodations for work. I now feel that I have truly experienced Vegas and gained valuable insight/knowledge for the company I am working for. But I'm definitely happy to be home, back online, and back in touch with the rest of life.
The conference was filled with many meetings, seminars, introductions, conversations, and dinners. The days for the most part were quite busy. James was able to come for the first two days and then was called into work. I was sad that he did not get to enjoy Vegas longer. Especially with the extravagant accommodations. On his stay he did however get to walk the strip with me at night and during the day he enjoyed the immaculate pools with chairs that allowed you to soak in the pool. I was sad to see him go but happy that called him to work.
The planned dinners were amazing and delicious! I had salmon, crab cakes, lobster bisque, and cheesecake shaped like lollipops and served on a lollipop tree. It was wonderful. Not to mention the different wines I was able to try at dinner.
It was also wonderful to get to know the staff. The people from my office and the corporate people from around the country. It is truly amazing what they do and the wealth of knowledge and experience they hold. It was also fun to talk to those from the DC offices and discuss the DC area that I miss so much.
On our trip my co-worker Lindsay and I had the opportunity to get invited to go to a few of the night clubs for after parties with the some of the company. It was fun and interesting. I hadn't been to a club in years. We received some VIP passes for these parties with the company allowing us to meet and get to know some of the key members of the corporation. It was fun to pass everyone else waiting outside of the club to get in :) The first club we went to was called Pure it was in Caesars palace. It was very trendy and white. It had wonderful service and some people on the dance floor. On a different night we went to Studio 54 at MGM. It was a fun party with all kinds of people dancing, go-go dancers on podiums (clothed), and trapeze artists swinging from the sky (also clothed). That was the first time I had seen male go-go dancers as well.
Every night there was something to do, or someplace to go. Our morning sessions began pretty early as well. I found myself quite tired most of the week. There were wonderful and accomplished speakers who presented at the main sessions. They had great insight and perspective so it was a treat to hear them speak.
Today I feel like crashing and resting. Tomorrow I will spend the day cleaning, doing laundry, and getting errands done. On Sunday James' family is coming for a short visit! Yay! We're excited to see them and have them experience so-Cal with us. I fear that Monday will come too quickly.
All in all it was a great and eventful week!!! I had never been to Vegas before, or received such nice accommodations for work. I now feel that I have truly experienced Vegas and gained valuable insight/knowledge for the company I am working for. But I'm definitely happy to be home, back online, and back in touch with the rest of life.
vendredi, juillet 11, 2008
thursday...almost friday
If you haven't had a chance to check out James' blog today you should....it's funny, especially if you know my history...
Yesterday there was a production company filming on our street for a high end commercial. They blocked off the whole area. I had to park a few blocks away. In the morning they teased us, eating their gormet breakfasts, as we walked the extra block on the way to my car. It was a pretty big crew with talent trucks, police officers directing traffic, and equipment. I thought we had a fairly quiet residential street, it probably was exactly what they were looking for. James watched part of the commercial shoot. They gave him a free toothbrush......I have no idea if this is normal :)
Today was a pretty good day. Work is moving right along, and I'm slowly getting more adjusted. There is still quite a lot to learn, and I keep reminding myself the need to soak everything in. I quite frequently jump in and start running. Which has it's benefits and negatives. I've learned over the years that taking the extra time to absorb the info is a big benefit. Once things get rolling, there is never enough time to go back for that time to absorb. So I'm trying and digging in piece by piece. I know it won't be long before I'm running full speed. Today I also found out the hotel arrangements for the trip to Vegas, and I'm so excited! I feel so honored for the opportunity to join the team in Vegas. We're staying at the Palazzo! It's connected to the Venetian and apparently the only rooms they have are suites. I looked at the rooms online last night and the room that is booked for me is larger in square feet than our current apartment! :) Not to mention the remote controlled blinds and the t.v. in the tub!!!! I'm flying out on Sunday and returnign home on Friday. James will be driving and joining me on Sunday. We are sure yet of his work schedule but he'll probably leave on Tuesday, so he can be ready for work on Wednesday. I'm excited that he is coming, who knows when we would have another time to visit Vegas? Sure it's not that far away but usually Vegas trips are a little more burden-some on the pockets.
After Vegas, James and I will get to spend some time with the Kanka family. His mom, dad, and sister will be coming in for a few days. We are so excited to see them and show them around the LA area!!! I know it's been hard on both of us not to have our families close by, so this visit will be a treat! Of course we will take plenty of pictures to post on our blogs!!!
Other than that there isn't too much new to report... Keep praying for me as I adjust to my new job and schedule. Pray for my work trip to Vegas and that I stay healthy, as I sometimes tend to get run down and sick when I travel. Also please pray for James and his job that he would have many opportunties to work and that he would make connections in the film industry. One more... please pray for us to get to know others in CA and to develop friendships. Thanks everyone for your prayers we definitely apprecaite them!!!
Yesterday there was a production company filming on our street for a high end commercial. They blocked off the whole area. I had to park a few blocks away. In the morning they teased us, eating their gormet breakfasts, as we walked the extra block on the way to my car. It was a pretty big crew with talent trucks, police officers directing traffic, and equipment. I thought we had a fairly quiet residential street, it probably was exactly what they were looking for. James watched part of the commercial shoot. They gave him a free toothbrush......I have no idea if this is normal :)
Today was a pretty good day. Work is moving right along, and I'm slowly getting more adjusted. There is still quite a lot to learn, and I keep reminding myself the need to soak everything in. I quite frequently jump in and start running. Which has it's benefits and negatives. I've learned over the years that taking the extra time to absorb the info is a big benefit. Once things get rolling, there is never enough time to go back for that time to absorb. So I'm trying and digging in piece by piece. I know it won't be long before I'm running full speed. Today I also found out the hotel arrangements for the trip to Vegas, and I'm so excited! I feel so honored for the opportunity to join the team in Vegas. We're staying at the Palazzo! It's connected to the Venetian and apparently the only rooms they have are suites. I looked at the rooms online last night and the room that is booked for me is larger in square feet than our current apartment! :) Not to mention the remote controlled blinds and the t.v. in the tub!!!! I'm flying out on Sunday and returnign home on Friday. James will be driving and joining me on Sunday. We are sure yet of his work schedule but he'll probably leave on Tuesday, so he can be ready for work on Wednesday. I'm excited that he is coming, who knows when we would have another time to visit Vegas? Sure it's not that far away but usually Vegas trips are a little more burden-some on the pockets.
After Vegas, James and I will get to spend some time with the Kanka family. His mom, dad, and sister will be coming in for a few days. We are so excited to see them and show them around the LA area!!! I know it's been hard on both of us not to have our families close by, so this visit will be a treat! Of course we will take plenty of pictures to post on our blogs!!!
Other than that there isn't too much new to report... Keep praying for me as I adjust to my new job and schedule. Pray for my work trip to Vegas and that I stay healthy, as I sometimes tend to get run down and sick when I travel. Also please pray for James and his job that he would have many opportunties to work and that he would make connections in the film industry. One more... please pray for us to get to know others in CA and to develop friendships. Thanks everyone for your prayers we definitely apprecaite them!!!
mardi, juillet 08, 2008
Anticipation
Well the past week has been filled with anticipation. As you know I had had two verbal job offers of employment from two different companies for two totally different jobs. The first verbal offer was with a financial/insurance company, to be an executive assistant to the Marketing CEO. The second verbal offer was with a specialized technology company that serves schools, government, and cities. The position that they had called me in to interview for was a marketing project specialist, to assist the Marketing Team with managing various marketing materials and projects. Since they were both verbal offers I was waiting upon the completion of background checks to be cleared and for the formal written offers to come through. I had decided beforehand the company #2 was the job that I had really wanted. The business casual environment, friendly staff, upward movement possibilities, and highly motivated/skilled staff made this job more appealing. Not to mention the job description/duties were more in line with what I was looking for. The formal offer came in on Tuesday, July 2nd and I quickly accepted!
This made the 4th of July a great celebration weekend for James and I :) On the 4th of July James and I headed over to Griffith Park to watch the city lit up with fireworks. The view was amazing I've never experienced July 4th fireworks like that before. It was dark and we could see all the lights of the city from the mountain view of Griffith Park. There were at least 20 different firework shows that we could see happening all around the city instantaneously. It was so neat the fireworks would pop up all over the place. It was truly beautiful!!!
Then on Sunday after church James and I decided to go the LA Farmers Market. We walked around the very cute and posh area. We heard some live jazz, ate at one of the quaint eateries in the Farmers Market, and people watched in the beautiful and trendy shopping area/outdoor mall next door. It was nice to see. It is located right next to CBS studios and seems to be a pretty popular spot to hangout/eat/shop.
Today, Monday, was my first official day on the new job. I was nervous about going in. I hadn't heard back from the HR department about the materials that I had signed and sent back...But the papers I signed explained that I would begin on Monday at 9am. I was excited to find that when I arrived, I was not the only new kid on the block. There were two other employees whose first days were today as well. One of which was working within the same department as I, and sharing the same office area. She was really nice and I have a feeling we will be good friends. I received the tour, some trainings, a lot of learning and intake of information. Best of all, the whole team took me out for lunch. I felt welcomed and appreciated :) So my fears of having a horrible first day experience are relieved and now I'm just trying not to worry too much about the next few weeks. I hate new stages and feeling like I'm missing information. I have a lot of new lingo, policies, practices, documents, and information to learn. Please pray for me as I do my best to soak it all in as quickly as possible and that I adapt well. Today I also found out that I most likely will be traveling to Las Vegas for a week for a work conference. Most of the office is attending the conference. I've been told that James may come along as well, so I'm really excited. I was also excited to find out that I should be receiving a laptop for work purposes. Yay!!! For those of you who remember my work at MBC you'll know that I love being able to stay connected/updated with a laptop.
So all in all it was a great day. Tiring...yes, but all first days are. I really enjoy my director and the team I will be working on. I'm excited to get past the new stage and jump in but I also realize the importance of the new stage and soaking it all in. James' schedule and my own is soon to become quite busy, in a good way. Pray that as things pick up that I would also be able to get used to my new job, and new schedule.
This made the 4th of July a great celebration weekend for James and I :) On the 4th of July James and I headed over to Griffith Park to watch the city lit up with fireworks. The view was amazing I've never experienced July 4th fireworks like that before. It was dark and we could see all the lights of the city from the mountain view of Griffith Park. There were at least 20 different firework shows that we could see happening all around the city instantaneously. It was so neat the fireworks would pop up all over the place. It was truly beautiful!!!
Then on Sunday after church James and I decided to go the LA Farmers Market. We walked around the very cute and posh area. We heard some live jazz, ate at one of the quaint eateries in the Farmers Market, and people watched in the beautiful and trendy shopping area/outdoor mall next door. It was nice to see. It is located right next to CBS studios and seems to be a pretty popular spot to hangout/eat/shop.
Today, Monday, was my first official day on the new job. I was nervous about going in. I hadn't heard back from the HR department about the materials that I had signed and sent back...But the papers I signed explained that I would begin on Monday at 9am. I was excited to find that when I arrived, I was not the only new kid on the block. There were two other employees whose first days were today as well. One of which was working within the same department as I, and sharing the same office area. She was really nice and I have a feeling we will be good friends. I received the tour, some trainings, a lot of learning and intake of information. Best of all, the whole team took me out for lunch. I felt welcomed and appreciated :) So my fears of having a horrible first day experience are relieved and now I'm just trying not to worry too much about the next few weeks. I hate new stages and feeling like I'm missing information. I have a lot of new lingo, policies, practices, documents, and information to learn. Please pray for me as I do my best to soak it all in as quickly as possible and that I adapt well. Today I also found out that I most likely will be traveling to Las Vegas for a week for a work conference. Most of the office is attending the conference. I've been told that James may come along as well, so I'm really excited. I was also excited to find out that I should be receiving a laptop for work purposes. Yay!!! For those of you who remember my work at MBC you'll know that I love being able to stay connected/updated with a laptop.
So all in all it was a great day. Tiring...yes, but all first days are. I really enjoy my director and the team I will be working on. I'm excited to get past the new stage and jump in but I also realize the importance of the new stage and soaking it all in. James' schedule and my own is soon to become quite busy, in a good way. Pray that as things pick up that I would also be able to get used to my new job, and new schedule.
mercredi, juillet 02, 2008
Our Place Last Night
Last night James and I had some friends over for dinner. It was a fun night! Our friend Josh (whom we had met on our Summer Project trip to Wildwood, NJ in 2003) came over and brought his two friends who were married. It was wonderful to meet them, hang out, and chat together. Josh stayed to play the game Settlers with James and I. For the first time in a long while, I won which probably selfishly added to my enjoyment of the game :) haha! But really I think I was rather sneaky, and James didn't realize what I was planning until it was too late :)
It was nice to have people over and host again. It has been a long time since we've had groups of people over. It's quite strange when you think about it.... at our place in VA we would have people over all the time. We love hanging out with others and developing friendships...not to mention we love to play games! Last night reminded me of all of our friends from the DC area and all the dinners, desserts, games, adventures, and explorations we've had with them. I miss them all dearly and hopefully can see them all at some point when we return to visit northern VA. But for now the memories will have to do.
It was nice to have people over and host again. It has been a long time since we've had groups of people over. It's quite strange when you think about it.... at our place in VA we would have people over all the time. We love hanging out with others and developing friendships...not to mention we love to play games! Last night reminded me of all of our friends from the DC area and all the dinners, desserts, games, adventures, and explorations we've had with them. I miss them all dearly and hopefully can see them all at some point when we return to visit northern VA. But for now the memories will have to do.
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