The But Prayer

The But Prayer

Life
Lord I am frustrated that I haven’t gotten a job yet.
But I thank you that we are in the position that it does not break our little family.
I am lonely out here in this new town.
But I thank you that I am blessed with a man that I love so much that I would follow him even to where I am lonely.
Lord…. I am sick and tired of wedding planning! I don’t like the process and I’m not excited for the wedding.
But I thank you for the blessing of this man. This companion that I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with.
Oh, and Lord- I get mad when we argue.
But I am so thankful that we can communicate. And that although we differ here and there in habits or opinion- those differences are mere shadows to the love and compassion we share.
Lord- I don’t like this new town we have moved to- it doesn’t feel like home.
But I want to thank you for the beautiful place you blessed me with growing up. And I have faith you will show me local beauties as I grow in this new town and life.
And Lord, I miss my family so much it breaks my heart.
But I am thankful that even though they are far away- you’ve blessed me with a family that I love so much.
Lord I am sad and afraid because of my Grandfather’s failing health.
But I am blessed to have known such a great man. And we are blessed for the long life he has enjoyed.

Back to Cali

I spent two weeks back home in Wisconsin for the holidays. So nice to be near family and friends. The downside is- coming back to California. I know I'm not supposed to feel so horrible about coming back here but... most of the time it feels like the only thing I have here is my fiance. He on the other hand has a great job. One that he loves. At this great job he meets great people and feels challenged and useful every day. He makes an income and he enjoys the town because he's found his place. My place on the other hand is at home holed up in our apartment.
To top things off- surprisingly enough- EVERYTHING costs money. Like.... everything. I could take a class- but it costs money. I could join a group- but they cost money. I could go up to Sequoia but I don't have a hiking partner AND.... gas in my car (wait for it....) costs money.
Money is not a big deal until you don't have it. And I for one- don't have it.
I have some income- I'm blessed with working on some marketing stuff online. Which is great and gives me the ability to pay off some of my bills but only some of them. The rest- I'm dependent on my fiance. Which is also frustrating.
Three years ago (when I was working full time at a good job with a good salary and hadn't yet met my fiance) I would never have dreamed of giving up my goals for a man. Now that I'm where I am- I wouldn't trade him for a career, but sometimes its hard to see him take steps forward and feel like I'm taking steps back.

Employment

Possible employment opportunity has arisen. I interviewed with a minor league baseball team two days ago. Today I got a phone call saying after the holidays they'd like me to come meet the staff. They're still waiting on a couple of references to check out but as of now- probably a good fit.
I'm excited, but this muted "I've been only partially employed for so long! Will I remember how to function in an office!?" Kind of excited.
I shouldn't be nervous, the people there were GREAT, the venue is great and the pay... well, the people are great!
I'm pleasantly surprised at the number of people here in town that are willing to welcome me into their web of professional contacts. Two of my fiance's new coworkers circulated my resume around town and it has landed in the hands of some very prominent people. Or at least, by my standards!
I was at an event last night hosted by a conservation group here in town and met the most amazing people. One woman who I met (who had an indescribably charismatic presence) I hope to meet again. In business or otherwise. She also allowed me to forward her my resume for circulating purposes. She gave me the advice- for every good contact you make, ask for two points of contact. Then follow up. If you make a good contact with them, ask for two points of contact and so on.
Its so simple and I believe I've heard similar things before, but not in the realm of employment seeking. I do believe if the job with the baseball team falls through, I may set out that way. And if the job with the team takes off- I may take that approach to the group sales aspect of it.
I'm quietly optimistic about the job. Keep your fingers crossed for me! It would be a great opportunity!

I'll let you know how it goes.

Oriel Lake

At a Holiday Party this past weekend, one of Kraig's co-workers mentioned a place called Oriel Lake. Kraig's co-worker had come across an old map. The map listed Oriel Lake, which no current maps have listed.

The story is- YEARS ago someone decided it'd be a great idea to build a lake in the foothills on public land near Sequoia National Park. They built bars and cabins and gave the whole thing a whirl but since very few people go to the desert in hopes to stay near a lake... the thing went belly up. Rather than tear down the little settlement, they took the beds and booze home, let the lake dry up and left the buildings where they stood.

Now you should know- I LOVE photography. Love it. And Oriel Lake sounds like a dream! For whatever reason I like taking photos of rustic things. Hmmm....

One of my goals while we're living here in California is to get out to Oriel Lake. I've heard that because the land is now public land and its not well maintained- the only way to get there is by dirt bike or four wheeler (or a few days of hiking/camping). This poses as my first problem as I have no dirtbike. I have no four wheeler. I have very little camping gear.

But here is what I DO have- My camera, a LOT of extra time, and a goal. I think I'll also need a hiking buddy in case any rattlesnakes get the best of me, but I think my fiance will be game.

I also have no old maps but this is fixable. I think step one will be to go to the second hand stores around town to find an old map. I know of several second hand or antique stores here and in the nearby towns. Once that part is done I'll figure out the dirt bike thing.

La Job Hunt

Hi! Ok, never a blogger and rarely a blog reader- BUT I'm bored out of my mind nearly every week day. SO- spare time= time to start a blog.

I'm a recent transplant to a medium sized town in California. Note: in the county that currently holds the highest unemployment in the state from what I've heard.

My fiance found work out here- hence the move and I've been looking since September.

I seem to be moderately qualified in a time where employers don't have to settle. I'm also trying not to settle when it comes to the job hunt, but trails seem cold as the only interviews that I've secured are either for "future hire, in case anything opens up" or for bartending/waitstaff/ or minimum wadge retail jobs. I haven't got anything against any of these positions but was really hoping that THIS would be the year that I got a "Career" instead of just a job to get by while I followed my fiance and his career.

Sounds lame- I never thought I'd be the girl that followed anyone else's career but lo and behold- love makes you do crazy things! I wouldn't switch that, but I do hope for improovement on the job situation. Seems we can never have it all at one time, but I'll take what I've got and keep applying.

Anyway- I've applied several places. Got shot down my Macys, and I can only assume it was based on the personality test segment of the hiring process because my availablity is a DREAM. That was discouraging. And the only other "Professional" job that I've heard back from ended up being a scam (by the way, if anyone wants to apply for a credit card, or take free vacations, or get cheap perscription meds-I've got the hook ups- I get hundreds of pieces of junk mail in my email every day... )

So overall- discouraging.

On the upside- I take a weekly painting class here in town and practice in between. Its a cheap hobby and painting supplies are less expensive than putting gas in the car so... thats how I'll occupy my time for awhile. Good things. I've also had plenty of time to make jewelry- saving us some $$$ on Christmas gifts this year- bonus!

Thats it for today- not a very exciting kick off to a blog but meh- thats what I've got.