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.

What a day

Black and white, night and day,
What a day it was today.
My presentation went real well,
At least from what I could tell.

But there was one who had to be
Difficult and hard on me.
A member of my committee,
A friend? More like an enemy.

But there was nothing I could do,
So I listened through and through,
Do this and that, I wrote them down,
Her criticism brought a frown.

Frustrated beyond belief,
I could not wait til I could leave.
Comments that she could have said
Weeks ago, raced through my head.

I passed of course, the page was signed,
But I was not feeling kind.
To my car I quickly went,
Where I could pray and I could vent.

I came home to my pup,
Right away my mood was up.
Nate came home and said to me,
"Let's go change and go hiking".

And so we got all changed and ate,
And headed to our hiking date.
From that time on the day was great,
So grateful for my pup and Nate.

How in the world?

I went out to lunch with a friend about a year ago and as we were talking about wedding plans she said to me: "I am so happy for you, but I wouldn't go back. Marriage just keeps getting better and better". 

This particular friend has 6 kids and a great husband and is just the most incredible person ever. And, already I am starting to see her point. I am amazed more and more by the blessings the Lord has given me. I can't believe it. Things are just getting better and better. 

So have you ever had a relationship with someone you loved sooooo much, but they had no idea? That is the case for me and a coworker. This particular coworker has done SO much for me. You have no idea. And she has no clue! Doesn't even think about it. To her, I am an just associate or colleague, a friend I guess, but to me she is an example, a role model and a blessing. She has impacted my life so much.

Can't tell you how grateful I am for the special people in my life. Some of the most instrumental and influential people in my life "have no idea" their impact on me. How in the world am I so lucky?

Craigslist

There is a hobby I began, many months ago,
Searching craigslist for items wanted, prices usually low.
We found our kitchen table and our bedroom set,
Both great finds for Nate and I who want to limit debt.

We sold my airconditioner, and got more than what we paid,
My dresser sold right in time, more money for us made.
I took a break for a while, since we've been moved in,
But recently I've started up this browsing discipline.

I have found so much stuff,
Resisting purchases can be tough,
With lots of stuff and little space,
I need to organize this place.

So cleaning out I will do,
The closets and the storage too.
The more I sell, the less I stash,
More space I'll have, as well as cash.

Which leads me to my real motive,
New items that I need to live.
It may look as if I am here,
Reading or working it does appear.

But I am in another place.
You may know, by my face.
I'm thinking, but I do not know.
That I could buy a piano.

Some bare essentials will come first,
And will quench my craigslist thirst.
So if you haven't checked it out,
You'll get hooked, I have no doubt.

Random

At the end of 2010, I was a little sad because I couldn't think of anything exciting happening in 2011. No family plans to get together, no special announcements from anyone, and I was really sad to leave family and be done with Christmas and everything. However, this year is filling up quite quickly with some fun and exciting events. Can't wait! I am so grateful for my life!

Rhyme Time

This blog was first created, as a procrastinating tool, 

And this purpose it has met and provides me with a duel.

Do I practice my prospectus, with slides and slides of blah

or pass my time with this rhyme, where welcome is some flaw.

My dog sits and listens to my 45 minute speech,

By 15 minutes in, I'm bored with no desire to teach.

Just one more hour left, before my boy comes through the door,

Which reminds me of another task, I need to go to the store.

Hair gel, cream cheese and a 9 volt battery, 

Some items for my second half, obviously not for me.

Its funny how a day can go,

An hour late for work, I know.

The puppy sits and eats the blinds despite her peanut butter chew,

And still I'm plagued by this prospectus that is almost due.

My fabulous living room couch is great, with sunshine and Thai food.

Can't wait til I am over this procrastination mood!