The Adventures of Work / Life

For my job, we do home assessments. We do this so that we can identify safety issues and health hazards in the home so that we can give people what they need in order to fix those problems. And let me tell you, you never know what you are going to get in these homes. We work on a referral basis and get the worst homes in Vegas. Literally.

A dead bird by the water heater, locked refrigerators in every room, pot gardens growing in the laundry room, a bottle with pee in it, dog poop on the carpet, clutter beyond belief, and roaches the size of mice are just a few things I have come across the past few days. Very very gross, and very sad. I am amazed and very saddened by the way people live here. Most of these people have substance abuse problems and it is just very sad to think about the negative impact of drugs and alcohol on peoples' lives. They have been robbed of so much happiness and good in their lives because of stupid mistakes and habits.

So I have been thinking about my life in comparison to the lives of others. This is mostly because of Facebook, not because of work, but I see profiles of old friends and people from high school who are doing NOTHING with their lives. I am just an average person with no strong abilities or talents yet I seem to have accomplished some cool stuff. I mean I graduated from college, did a study abroad, traveled the world, went on a mission, got married, am about to get my Masters and I'm 24. That should be pretty normal, right? My mission was a two year break, and I am still "ahead" of most people that I know. I am so grateful for my life.

To many people, I am sure I seem like a total loser. I mean, I've never drank alcohol, or smoked a cigarette, or gone to any crazy parties or anything. When people ask me what I want to do with my degree when I am done with school, once in a while a make up something, but usually I say "nothing". I want to be a stay at home mom someday. I am glad my husband is supportive of that and will provide for our family so that I can play with my kids all the time and read to them and teach them. Family is the most important thing right? Why would I want anything else?  Perhaps my perspective is one that makes me seem sheltered or naive, but I don't feel that way at all. I feel the exact opposite in fact.

I guess what I am getting at is I am just so thankful for my life and everything I have and I know it all comes from just living the principles of the gospel. For those outside the church, "living the gospel" basically means just living in a way that would make God happy, or trying to at least. That is where true happiness is found. Happiness that lasts longer than an hour or a night. Happiness that is almost permanent. I would not switch lives with anyone. So thankful for my life.

I feel as though I'm getting thinner,
As I'm waiting for this dinner,
My puppy lays on Nate's lap,
He's trying hard not to nap.

It's only Tuesday, my oh my,
It is possible that I might die.
11 home inspections just this week,
Time for other stuff I seek.

Available at any time,
Was one mistake that was mine,
For now my schedule's booked all day,
Monday clear through Friday.

So when I am suppose write,
my thesis, time is getting tight.
The changes that I need to make,
Hang over me, keep me awake.

So for the day I do await,
When I will final graduate,
And I can spend my time on the,
Things that matter more to me.

But there is still a ray of hope,
Some thoughts always help me to cope.
In San Diego I'll soon be,
With lots and lots of company.