Since May, a few things have changed. But...most things haven't. We still love our apartment, our pets, and living in Colorado Springs. Justin took summer classes, and is really enjoying and excelling in school. I'm glad he is able to focus on things without having to stress about a job. He starts fall classes on Monday, and is pretty pumped.
I continued my job through August, and my director position turned into day camp counselor for the summer. It was exhausting and stressful at times, and ultimately I wanted to be doing something more. I started my job search again...much to my dismay. As if I hadn't done that enough since I graduated... I was ready to be settled into a position.
And God worked in his perfect timing yet again! I was offered two wonderful jobs within hours of each other. I prayed for discernment and hoped I would make the right decision. With a huge peace in my heart, I was offered and accepted a job at our church as the office administrator! I just ended my first week, and I'm amazed at how fulfilled I feel. I am finally using the extent of the gifts God has given me! I love people, helping them, organizing, and creating. All of the reasons I wanted to go into teaching! But with the doors continually closing on teaching positions, I feel this is another great way for me to use my gifts to glorify God. I am thrilled to be working with such a great team of people!
Justin and I have also started training for my first (and his second) half marathon in October. We have been fairly active for the past couple of years, but this is the most I've ran in quite awhile. The closer we get to the race, the more running feels like a part time job. It feels incredible to be in this great of shape, and we still get to eat almost everything we want. :) We're still hiking, swimming, and biking on our off days for cross training. LOVE living in Colorado.
Summer here was not as hot as I imagined it would be. It topped out at mid-90's, and there was usually an afternoon thunderstorm to cool things off. I love the rain!
Now that we've been in this apartment 5 months, we have decided to resume our house hunt in December. Living in the apartment was great for saving money, but we're ready for a bit more space again and a yard for the pets. Excited for that chapter to unfold!
Since life has become a bit more uneventful, my blogging has become less frequent. That's all. Nothing personal. :) Til next time!! <3
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
All settled in.
Things are great. We moved into that apartment we wanted. We have two pets (Marty, whom we have adopted back into the family from some awesome people that had him the last year or so since my mom couldn't have him anymore, and Piper, our new kitty from the pound). They didn't get along at first, but now they're quite sweet with eachother. :)
 |
| Piper is the most talkative, playful, loving cat there ever was! We got pretty blessed finding her! |
 |
| Here's Marty with his cool hair cut a while back before we got him. :) |
We finished decorating our place, too. What a relief. Here's a few pics of our favorite features! We've done even more work since I took these...
Our neighbors here are relatively quiet, but sometimes things get "exciting" around here. haha We have a nosy old lady neighbor, but everyone needs one of those! She's very nice.
My job is going well, and I'm gearing up to close our site for the summer and work as a summer day camp counselor. That should be great fun. I am, however, looking and praying for a teaching job in the fall. God is good and will have me where he wants me, whether that is in my current job or in the classroom. Justin's taking summer classes and continuing to go to Army Reserve drill once a month. We're hoping to get to California in spite of all that this summer! It's been too long since we've seen some family!
Other things keeping us busy are checking out trails in the area. We hit one today, in fact, with Marty. We've been so much more active since moving to Colorado. Being outside here is contagious. Most everyone here appreciates being in nature so much, that you can't help but join in. So, that's exactly what we've done. We have plans to buy bikes soon and trailblaze that way. We live NEXT DOOR to our gym too, so that helps us out just a bit as well. :)
Hope everyone's doing well. We're so happy and content where we are right now. It's been great to add pets to our little family! Good training for parenting one day! ha.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Decorating's fun. :)
Not much new to tell, folks. But we are 99% sure we have found an apartment to move into on our own. It's right next to our gym, and VERY central to everything we'd like to be close to. The hugest blessing is how cheap the rent is, how it pretty much meets all our needs, and how water is included in the price. Marty will be coming to live with us shortly, we hope. Next week we'll hear back from the complex about our exact move-in date and we'll get some keys. They're anticipating April 13th or so. We'll see!
Started picking out color schemes for each room. We're very much downsizing from our last apartment in sq. footage, but also in rooms. We've never lived in a one bedroom before, but it's fun learning how to make it work. We might have to keep a small storage unit, but we're confident that this apartment will tide us over for a bit longer until our house buying can be successful. We're in really no hurry. :)
I'm so excited to get our stuff back out of boxes. I've missed my kitchen stuff and cook books...not to mention, the 12 piece Pampered chef cookware set that I have yet to use!! Can't wait for that one. :)
Started picking out color schemes for each room. We're very much downsizing from our last apartment in sq. footage, but also in rooms. We've never lived in a one bedroom before, but it's fun learning how to make it work. We might have to keep a small storage unit, but we're confident that this apartment will tide us over for a bit longer until our house buying can be successful. We're in really no hurry. :)
I'm so excited to get our stuff back out of boxes. I've missed my kitchen stuff and cook books...not to mention, the 12 piece Pampered chef cookware set that I have yet to use!! Can't wait for that one. :)
Friday, March 11, 2011
God is GOOD.
Hey folks. Well, it's March now...and pretty far into it. Since our last entry, things have changed amazingly! I have a job, Justin quit his (long story and VERY good), and we are getting ready to move into our own place. Now, if I might expand on all of that...
A few weeks ago, I was getting incredibly frustrated at why I was NOT getting calls back about jobs. I had gone to a Valentine's day tea with some of my mom's friends and our neighbors, and they specifically prayed for God's will, timing, and that I would have multiple positions to choose from when the time was right. Honestly, I had been praying all these same things on my own, and was feeling very discouraged at how I couldn't see God moving. I left it alone and kept looking for jobs. Keep in mind, Justin and I had already decided to "settle" and not worry about buying a house just yet...
My birthday was March 7th, and it had been on my heart the week prior to get a job for my birthday. Well, thursday the 3rd, I had seen an ad online for a Director position for a before/after school program. I called and told them I was very interested. The lady on the other line said, "Oh I know you! Your name was passed on to me by someone else in the company. We'd love to have you try out the position tomorrow afternoon!" :) :) :) Turns out, an interview I had went to a few weeks before had led me to this job. Now, I'm the new site director for a great program, with great kids, in an amazing area, and I love it. In addition to this awesomeness, I received 4 more calls (all before and around my birthday) for interviews. God is SO GOOD!! I was able to pick my job. WOW.
I realized the minute I stopped putting limitations on my job search (mostly with pay), God opened the door and allowed me to work in the most perfect place. He ordains every specific little thing, because He loves us. Jeremiah 29:11 could not be any more true. (For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.)
Justin's job was a blessing for a time in that it covered our income transition. The problem was that his boss was giving him only midnight shifts and was unwilling to consider Justin's school schedule. So, Justin has been exhausted trying to juggle both, and staying up all night before having to do homework/ go to class does not fly. He made the decision to quit and focus on school. God has blessed us in that we're financially able to allow Justin to focus just on school, without having to hold a job (as I had that privilege while in school, as well!) With all that said and done, he is much less stressed out.
My mom has also gotten a job!! She has been trusting God for his timing as well, and accepted a full-time position for the ministry phone center at her school. She's very excited to be working again. And even this very minute, she is in Nicaragua on a missions trip! Pray for her and her team! :) Living with her has really helped us all a lot financially. That was a big blessing. And now that we're all a bit more settled, Justin and I are going to start looking for a condo or apartment for ourselves. We're stoked about having a pet and our own space to decorate again. AND we can't wait to get our stuff out of storage. Big sigh.
Tonight we became members of an awesome church family at Rock Family Church. They added a Friday night service that is pretty exciting, and a great alternative to Sunday's service. We're hoping to get more involved there and meet some more great people. Just tonight we met some really awesome young married couples that we're excited to get to know! God's working in all aspects of our lives!
Wow, I am so blessed and thrilled to be resting in God's promises. He never fails!
A few weeks ago, I was getting incredibly frustrated at why I was NOT getting calls back about jobs. I had gone to a Valentine's day tea with some of my mom's friends and our neighbors, and they specifically prayed for God's will, timing, and that I would have multiple positions to choose from when the time was right. Honestly, I had been praying all these same things on my own, and was feeling very discouraged at how I couldn't see God moving. I left it alone and kept looking for jobs. Keep in mind, Justin and I had already decided to "settle" and not worry about buying a house just yet...
My birthday was March 7th, and it had been on my heart the week prior to get a job for my birthday. Well, thursday the 3rd, I had seen an ad online for a Director position for a before/after school program. I called and told them I was very interested. The lady on the other line said, "Oh I know you! Your name was passed on to me by someone else in the company. We'd love to have you try out the position tomorrow afternoon!" :) :) :) Turns out, an interview I had went to a few weeks before had led me to this job. Now, I'm the new site director for a great program, with great kids, in an amazing area, and I love it. In addition to this awesomeness, I received 4 more calls (all before and around my birthday) for interviews. God is SO GOOD!! I was able to pick my job. WOW.
I realized the minute I stopped putting limitations on my job search (mostly with pay), God opened the door and allowed me to work in the most perfect place. He ordains every specific little thing, because He loves us. Jeremiah 29:11 could not be any more true. (For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.)
Justin's job was a blessing for a time in that it covered our income transition. The problem was that his boss was giving him only midnight shifts and was unwilling to consider Justin's school schedule. So, Justin has been exhausted trying to juggle both, and staying up all night before having to do homework/ go to class does not fly. He made the decision to quit and focus on school. God has blessed us in that we're financially able to allow Justin to focus just on school, without having to hold a job (as I had that privilege while in school, as well!) With all that said and done, he is much less stressed out.
My mom has also gotten a job!! She has been trusting God for his timing as well, and accepted a full-time position for the ministry phone center at her school. She's very excited to be working again. And even this very minute, she is in Nicaragua on a missions trip! Pray for her and her team! :) Living with her has really helped us all a lot financially. That was a big blessing. And now that we're all a bit more settled, Justin and I are going to start looking for a condo or apartment for ourselves. We're stoked about having a pet and our own space to decorate again. AND we can't wait to get our stuff out of storage. Big sigh.
Tonight we became members of an awesome church family at Rock Family Church. They added a Friday night service that is pretty exciting, and a great alternative to Sunday's service. We're hoping to get more involved there and meet some more great people. Just tonight we met some really awesome young married couples that we're excited to get to know! God's working in all aspects of our lives!
Wow, I am so blessed and thrilled to be resting in God's promises. He never fails!
Monday, February 28, 2011
What a relief.
February is coming to a close this evening, and I have not blogged...because I genuinely did not have anything to report. Until now.
Justin has been working at his job for a few weeks now, working for a security company. Trying to balance it around his school schedule has not been easy. They are requiring him to work many midnight shifts, and we both have not been too fond of that. So, hopefully things progress for him in the work situation, because he's already starting to feel overwhelmed. We are blessed and excited that he found work though!
I still have no job. BUST. It's been a frustrating two months since we've been here. But, it's actually been frustrating since I graduated college. And that's been almost a year. I thought once I had my Bachelor's, things would magically fall into place, and I'd automatically start that "big people" job I've always wanted. Although grateful for my opportunities over the years, I've grown tired of odd-part-time-jobs that last for less than a year. I really would like to start a career and grow into its relationships. I have so much to offer!!!! aughhhhh. Ok, end of rant. :) Today I spent a lot of time praying and pouring my heart out to God about my situation. I asked him to take control, because I'm too tired to do it anymore. He answered. :)
Justin came home and said he had been doing a lot of thinking. He says that seldomly, so I know he meant business. We sat in the kitchen and talked. We agreed that this is not the right time for us to buy a house, simply because I am not finding the caliber of jobs that would allow for it. If I could teach, it would work...but it's mid-schoolyear. So as an alternative (a MUCH less stressful, more enjoyable one), we are postponing our house hunt. I can start any job I want, without worrying if it will pay enough to qualify for a home loan. We don't need that kind of space anyway, because kids are not coming for another good couple of years. Justin's in school and enjoying this new life out of the army, and kids can come when he graduates. I will use this time to find something else to do. I'm looking into graduate programs now, and that excites me. In a few months, we'll move into a rental home. And hey, that's ok. :)
We're both still really young, and things do not need to happen all at once. Stupid of me to think that they did! I'm glad Justin and I are so close to be able to talk through these decisions together. He blesses me, and I'm thrilled to be his wife.
It is obvious that God has been working in both of us lately to bring us to this smart, sensible conclusion. Tonight we ate dinner with a calm in our hearts, and a huge sense of relief. Excited to continue to see God work!
Justin has been working at his job for a few weeks now, working for a security company. Trying to balance it around his school schedule has not been easy. They are requiring him to work many midnight shifts, and we both have not been too fond of that. So, hopefully things progress for him in the work situation, because he's already starting to feel overwhelmed. We are blessed and excited that he found work though!
I still have no job. BUST. It's been a frustrating two months since we've been here. But, it's actually been frustrating since I graduated college. And that's been almost a year. I thought once I had my Bachelor's, things would magically fall into place, and I'd automatically start that "big people" job I've always wanted. Although grateful for my opportunities over the years, I've grown tired of odd-part-time-jobs that last for less than a year. I really would like to start a career and grow into its relationships. I have so much to offer!!!! aughhhhh. Ok, end of rant. :) Today I spent a lot of time praying and pouring my heart out to God about my situation. I asked him to take control, because I'm too tired to do it anymore. He answered. :)
Justin came home and said he had been doing a lot of thinking. He says that seldomly, so I know he meant business. We sat in the kitchen and talked. We agreed that this is not the right time for us to buy a house, simply because I am not finding the caliber of jobs that would allow for it. If I could teach, it would work...but it's mid-schoolyear. So as an alternative (a MUCH less stressful, more enjoyable one), we are postponing our house hunt. I can start any job I want, without worrying if it will pay enough to qualify for a home loan. We don't need that kind of space anyway, because kids are not coming for another good couple of years. Justin's in school and enjoying this new life out of the army, and kids can come when he graduates. I will use this time to find something else to do. I'm looking into graduate programs now, and that excites me. In a few months, we'll move into a rental home. And hey, that's ok. :)
We're both still really young, and things do not need to happen all at once. Stupid of me to think that they did! I'm glad Justin and I are so close to be able to talk through these decisions together. He blesses me, and I'm thrilled to be his wife.
It is obvious that God has been working in both of us lately to bring us to this smart, sensible conclusion. Tonight we ate dinner with a calm in our hearts, and a huge sense of relief. Excited to continue to see God work!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
It's nice to be home.
Today is the 23rd of January. We have been here a little over two weeks, but it certainly does not feel that way. It went pretty fast. Driving around town now feels almost second nature...which is crazy considering what a bigger city this is compared to Manhattan!
Justin starts classes in the morning, and I have...not so much to do. Oy. The job search is tedious and requires a lot of God-given patience. Justin is also actively looking, but has school to also focus on. All I know is I have a Bachelor's, and have filled out A WHOLE BUNCH (technical term) of applications to big girl jobs. God's got my hand in His though, because the message I have been seeing/hearing (basically since we got here...in all types of facets....)is that delay is always for a greater reason. He is a great God with a master schedule, and will use me in a huge way when the time is right. I am super anxious to see what that will be (and when), but my free time right now is to draw closer to Him and listen.
I have taken pictures since we got here, but alas...left the camera cord in a storage box somewhere, and won't get the opportunity to upload until we find a house. In spite of all things, I feel at home here. Justin and I are constantly looking at the mountain range around us while we drive through town, and saying, "Can you believe we live here?!" It is so beautiful and a great testament to God's ability to create gorgeous things/places/people.
Justin starts classes in the morning, and I have...not so much to do. Oy. The job search is tedious and requires a lot of God-given patience. Justin is also actively looking, but has school to also focus on. All I know is I have a Bachelor's, and have filled out A WHOLE BUNCH (technical term) of applications to big girl jobs. God's got my hand in His though, because the message I have been seeing/hearing (basically since we got here...in all types of facets....)is that delay is always for a greater reason. He is a great God with a master schedule, and will use me in a huge way when the time is right. I am super anxious to see what that will be (and when), but my free time right now is to draw closer to Him and listen.
I have taken pictures since we got here, but alas...left the camera cord in a storage box somewhere, and won't get the opportunity to upload until we find a house. In spite of all things, I feel at home here. Justin and I are constantly looking at the mountain range around us while we drive through town, and saying, "Can you believe we live here?!" It is so beautiful and a great testament to God's ability to create gorgeous things/places/people.
Monday, January 10, 2011
We're here!!!!
Hellooooo Colorado. :) We arrived Friday, January 7th, in the evening. Our things were picked up the week before we left, and we spent the final week in Kansas getting things finalized to leave. Justin feels very relieved to be done with active duty and all the paperwork that came with outprocessing! We spent time celebrating that relief over dinner with awesome friends on our last night in town. We sure will miss all the fantastic people we met while in the military.
The drive felt longer than normal, simply because we had to be in seperate cars. The wind was awful on our way here, but we made it! Saturday was a whirlwind getting things set up and making our room cozy. We are renting the back bedroom of my mom's apartment until we can find a house to buy. In the mean time, we're really enjoying spending time with her and saving some money while we're at it! It's nice to live near her again. :)
We ended up having to buy a mattress, because the air mattress we planned on living on while our stuff was in storage had a huge gash in it (assumedly from the move). So although it was not something we planned, the new mattress is a much comfier alternative!
Today we went to Justin's college and he registered for classes and bought his books. SUPER grateful that the military is reimbursing him for his school. And they give us a living stipend. Not too shabby! He's excited and I'm so glad for him. He is also going to find a part-time job to fill the rest of his time. I'm still looking for a full-time position. I've applied at the local colleges and universities for different positions, still hoping to stay in the field of education. Being that it's the middle of the school year, I don't see many opportunities to teach in the near future. And substitute teaching is just not going to cut it financially for us... we both know God has the perfect jobs lined up. My goal to be happy in my career is to work with people and use my degree to some extent. We will see what comes our way!
Once we get our jobs, we will begin the house search more aggressively! We've started a relationship with a great realtor and we know she will be excellent to work with. That's a whole new piece of exciting!
So, I guess to sum this up...new state, no army, new jobs, new weather (more snow!!!!! :) ), new house soon, and closer to family. Rock on! Jesus keeps blessing the socks off of us. We give him all the glory for the success in our lives!
The drive felt longer than normal, simply because we had to be in seperate cars. The wind was awful on our way here, but we made it! Saturday was a whirlwind getting things set up and making our room cozy. We are renting the back bedroom of my mom's apartment until we can find a house to buy. In the mean time, we're really enjoying spending time with her and saving some money while we're at it! It's nice to live near her again. :)
We ended up having to buy a mattress, because the air mattress we planned on living on while our stuff was in storage had a huge gash in it (assumedly from the move). So although it was not something we planned, the new mattress is a much comfier alternative!
Today we went to Justin's college and he registered for classes and bought his books. SUPER grateful that the military is reimbursing him for his school. And they give us a living stipend. Not too shabby! He's excited and I'm so glad for him. He is also going to find a part-time job to fill the rest of his time. I'm still looking for a full-time position. I've applied at the local colleges and universities for different positions, still hoping to stay in the field of education. Being that it's the middle of the school year, I don't see many opportunities to teach in the near future. And substitute teaching is just not going to cut it financially for us... we both know God has the perfect jobs lined up. My goal to be happy in my career is to work with people and use my degree to some extent. We will see what comes our way!
Once we get our jobs, we will begin the house search more aggressively! We've started a relationship with a great realtor and we know she will be excellent to work with. That's a whole new piece of exciting!
So, I guess to sum this up...new state, no army, new jobs, new weather (more snow!!!!! :) ), new house soon, and closer to family. Rock on! Jesus keeps blessing the socks off of us. We give him all the glory for the success in our lives!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)