Happy Monday, All! There are lots of updates to get to.... but life's been good, I really enjoy life most when I'm busy! This weekend I had an incredible opportunity to join the leadership of the church to scope out the Tri-Cities. We are hoping to plant another church there sometime in the next year or so, so we had a leader's retreat there to check out the people and the area. Having grown up in Central Washington (don't call that Eastern Washington anymore because now I really DO live in EASTERN Washington), it was very exciting to get to know the people and the area of the Tri-Cities. First of all, I have to thank God for making it possible for me to make the trip at all. I was able to get a free room at the Red Lion Hotel as a result of some work I've been doing at my new job. As of early last week, I was officially a "Gold" member of the hotel's reward program and I even got free breakfast. It was really a great buffet! I digress... I was also able to drive with three other single/campus brothers who were able to share the cost of gas. I was able to do this trip with very little expense, so thank you, God for being able to afford to go!! We did a scavenger hunt, looking for people and seeing some of the favorite places of Tri-Citians (?). It was fun and inspiring filming and photographing places and people all over the area. We went to donut shops and a university campus and had our church service Sunday morning on top of a hill with INCREDIBLE views of the river and the whole area. It was amazing to take some time to pray with Ryan G before the service, see jackrabbits (and NO snakes!) and be able to hear Jermaine preach overlooking the cities. I won't soon forget that service or the whole weekend. Had some great talks with brothers and sisters and lots of fun! I have also decided that for now it might be good to live alone.
My roommate situation is challenging at the moment and feel strongly that the situation needs to change. I have prayed a lot about it and got advice on it as well and think this is the best for all involved. As a result of this, I am resolved to getting my non-house-related debt paid off. This excites me a great deal, however it means a huge sacrifice. I currently have about $15k in debt I have been trying to pay down, but unfortunately without roommates, I would not be able to survive without taking the money off my 401k. I have gotten advice from someone I respect a great deal and he had to do the same thing. I believe that I have been irresponsible with debt which has become very obvious now that I can't afford to make the payments on those loans. I am grateful that I have not been significantly late on my payments to date. That WILL change unless I take care of this right away. I know this is very controversial and I would guess nearly all financial counselors would advise against this route. I agree that this is not an ideal situation, but I can't see any other alternative at this point and God has blessed me with having something with which to remedy the situation and the ability to repent from my irresponsibility. I believe that is more important to God than me having "comfort" in my later years. I hope that if I can eventually find a good or great paying job, or if my business takes off, that I can make up for this withdrawal. See Mark 10:29-30. Again, it is not my first choice, but challenging times often require sacrifice and I believe that God blesses sacrifice and repentance. Now, if you are reading this and you don't know me as a result of church, please bear with me as I rant a bit on a subject of a spiritual nature. The past two years have been very challenging for me. I don't mean that in a bad way, because I think I am actually becoming a better person as a result of a lot of life stuff. I say this because I am grateful that God has helped me to stay strong through this time and I know at any time, I could fall, so my hope is that by staying close to God, that I will weather these storms and be a stronger man of God.
With that being said, I have to admit that I am feeling pretty discouraged about something I see around me a lot these days. I am saddened and disappointed in people's lack of love and faith. There have been too many of the people that I love leaving their relationships with God and going back to the world. I hate it when people that call themselves my friend and I find out they have not been honest with me. I begin to wonder if our entire friendship was based on such deceit. It is frustrating and extremely sad. Unfortunately they have allowed the challenges of this life to harden their hearts and it breaks my heart. More importantly, I remind myself that it also breaks God's. Why can't people see how AMAZING God is and how much he's done for them? Why don't they make the effort to get to know him, even after studying the Bible? The other thing is seeing people that call themselves Christians grumbling about little things. God was upset with the Israelites grumbling in the desert, to the point that he vowed that not one of the people that he led out of Egypt was able to see the "promised land" (Numbers 14:20-25). If you aren't fighting to help people get to know God, then you can't understand how amazing this life is. I heard someone complain recently at church that the Starbuck's they went to didn't have a microwave to heat their pastry! Really? Is that what makes you unhappy? Then you've already lost the battle! Be grateful that God has given us a rich life here in America. People all over the world go to bed hungry, fight to earn $1/day to put food in their family's stomachs. People die every day for lack of having food and clean water and a roof over their heads! This kind of selfishness does not make God happy. Find ways to love people and not seek your own comfort. Then write down things that you are grateful for. I'll step down off my soapbox now...
I've been trying to simplify my life lately by selling a bunch of stuff that I don't need and that have some value so that I can pay bills. It feels so good to get rid of stuff! Having too much stuff weighs me down and I have a hard time feeling joyful because my temptation is to take on another project. I am getting rid of projects and working hard to make my life a little easier. I still have a lot to do. I don't know how those guys on the show "Hoarders" do it. I don't have anywhere near that amount of stuff, and it is still hard! I have also been having a fair amount of health issues. Mostly they have been related to the cold that I had for two months, and back problems which I have no idea how I injured it, but at least it's getting better now. It was a challenge there for a few weeks! I started going back to the gym today, did about 20 minutes of fast walking on the treadmill (which I did much better than I thought I would) and then did some core stuff, chest and legs. It was a great workout and I already feel a little better. So I definitely need to keep that up. To date I have lost a total of 13 pounds. I am also very excited about my new work schedule. The last few months my job has been GREAT with working around my schedule... unfortunately, it meant that I worked late two nights a week and early the next days. By Thursdays I would be just completely wrung out and had a hard time focusing and being giving at Bible Talk. So, I changed my "availability" at work and they started scheduling me for early morning shifts! Now, I have to be honest, there will likely be a short period of transition because I am a night owl, but I am so excited to have some evenings free to spend with people... Woo hoo! Well speaking of which, I do need to start getting ready for work... I am happy that it's only been about a week since my last update and hope to continue to update every week or two at the most. So thanks for checking in and stay tuned for more updates...
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Busy crazy life
Hey All! Thanks for checking in. I'm sure you all could say the same of me. :) Where has the last four months gone??? I really love blogging, but life has sure been busy lately. I have not had a lot of energy left over to do things like this... HOWEVER, I am still committed to this blog and am thankful that you are following me! So I'll start where I left off in December.... At that time, I was having an interview with ACS, the company that Red Lion Hotels outsourced (locally!) to handle their reservations. I was hired (yay!) and have really enjoyed the job. I went to training starting Jan. 17 and was very sick with the crud that's been going around, and like many others, it took a very long time to get rid of. I finally went to the doctor and the antibiotics finally seems to have taken care of it. I had been sick with that crud for two months and was so miserable. I am grateful to be healthy again!!! Anyway, I'm loving the job and the people I work with. The company is great and I have been able to make use of the hotel once (for free even!). I am very impressed with Red Lion Hotels and this coming weekend I get to try another hotel, in Pasco. I'm very excited! So the job has been great and I've been happy. My schedule has been a little crazy, but I'm very grateful they have been able to work around my church schedule. They have been great! The people are amazing and it has been a good experience. My only real struggle there is the pay. They DO have a great incentive program, so the better you do, the more you can earn. Unfortunately, I am earning about $4 less per hour than I was making on unemployment. It was more important for me to work for my money than to be on the dole in a challenging time for our state's budget shortfalls. I hate to say it, but I am still looking for work so that I can make enough money to pay my bills. I have never been past due on any bills until the past year and that has been a tough pill to swallow. One of my two roommates moved out and has made my finances a real challenge. I am grateful to work, truly. Unfortunately I really need to try to make it financially... I am considering applying for food stamps as well. I never thought I would have to resort to that, but reality is reality. As much as I don't want to be on the dole, I am earning just over half my former salary and I need to feed myself and Wolfi... All in all, I am still very happy and enjoying life, and trying to learn how to live on what I do earn. The past year and a half has been challenging, but I feel like God is teaching me to really trust him and to rely on him and not on myself and my talents (which HE gave me anyway)! So, on a brighter note, I am very excited to say that I am officially a business owner! I haven't sold anything yet, but that's okay... I just started it about a week and a half ago but am very excited to be a representative of market america. A friend introduced me to a product last year that has had an amazing effect on my stomach. I had a lot of reflux and was in a LOT of pain and this is an aloe product you take internally that is really incredible. I am also trying other products and can feel more energy and vitality! They have lots of avenues to get discounts on products for myself and others and the health products are the best on the market. Back in September I purchased a 1987 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, FX-16. It's a sports model of the Corolla and is such a cool and fast little car. After I bought the car I realized I really couldn't afford it with my salary so I decided to sell it after doing some things to fix it up. I decided to post it on eBay and sold it for $500 more than I bought it for. It sold before the auction was up and the buyer flew in from Massachusetts and drove it home. Due to the windshield being badly scratched, I replaced it so they would be able to drive it back safely. I picked up the buyer and definitely felt like I made a new friend. He and his girlfriend were really cool. They took off and I mentioned to them that the only concern I had with the car was that the heater wasn't working very well and didn't know if it would be an issue. Well, I regret to report that it apparently was a problem... The car overheated in Montana, but he was able to patch it and still get it home (how, I'm not sure, but that's AMAZING!). I felt terrible about it, because it had never overheated on me. I don't drive a car that I don't trust and I certainly would have never let him drive it across country if I felt it was an issue. I just felt terrible about it. Life has definitely been challenging lately but I am convinced that God still has everything firmly in control. He sees my suffering and will bless me and I believe he will not give me more than I could handle. I could use some good news soon, so please God, hear my wish! I have found a couple jobs that I have applied for recently, including a job with Spokane County as a Liability Claims adjuster. It sounds extremely interesting and challenging. I love my current job, but it's not really pushing me very much. This job would be fun and I would learn a lot, but be able to use a lot of years of experience in claims handling to be successful in it. Prayers would be greatly appreciated! I have also been paid a GREAT honor by one of my very best friends, Lionel. He and Autumn are getting married next month and he has asked me to be his best man. I am so humbled and honored that he asked me. I'm so grateful for him! He asked me to help him pick out some songs for his reception because he wants an "80's Dance Party" for after the wedding. We spent some time Thursday night listening to all these great 80's songs and now I can hardly wait for it. The songs are danceable and many are very meaningful as well. It's going to be soooo much fun! I've never been a best man either, so I'm a little intimidated. I hope they're encouraged! Well, there are a lot of other things I could discuss so I may have to do another update soon. Anyway, I wish everyone a great week! Thanks for checking in on what's up with Tim!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Early Christmas Present
Well, I am super excited about a Christmas present I just got a few days ago. I went to college at the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany. Recently, I got back in contact with my Journalism professor from there(I graduated 20 years ago!!) and I asked if she had copies of the college paper, of which I was the assistant editor. To my complete delight, she said she did!! In a very short period of time, she had scanned them and posted them on FB. I was beyond encouraged to see one particular article that I thought I would never see again.
In October 1989, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the very beautiful city of Prague, Czechoslovakia (it was still called that then). But as beautiful as Prague is, I had another sight of interest I HAD TO see while I was there.
Having watched the German news prior to my trip, I saw very compelling images of East Germans that had fled to Prague to seek asylum at the West German embassy. The media showed pictures of hundreds of tents set up in the courtyard of the embassy and a large metal gate. I was determined to get to that gate while I was there.
I was so excited, because my professor allowed me to write an opinion column about my this life-changing experience that weekend. After I left Germany in 1992, I left most of my stuff with the lady I rented a room from in Berlin. Unfortunately, she put my boxes in an unsecure spot and everything I owned got stolen, except the two suitcases and one carry-on that I brought home. So, I hadn't seen this article in 18 years.
When I "friended" my professor on FB, she mentioned that she remembered me as the student who was there at the time of the events that precipitated the "Velvet Revolution" (the revolution in Czechoslovakia) just over a month later. I had never heard it referred to as that (ie: that they actually gave a name to the things that I was witnessing). I was pretty blown away!
When I was back in Munich, I remember very vividly staying up until 3am to make sure my article was p-e-r-f-e-c-t. I am so excited that I now have a copy of that article and that I am able to share it with you. This was one of my most poignant memories of my seven years in Europe. Here's the story I wrote:
(From the Munich Observer, November 1989, page 2)
STUDENS TRY TO HELP IN E. GERMAN FLIGHT
by Tim Morse
The sun was setting as we prowled through a quickly darkening forest in West Prague. We could see Czech guards only 50 yards away, watching us through the trees.
"I have to talk to those refugees," I thought.
That infamous eight-foot iron gate I had seen in the media eluded me by only a few meters. But I wasn't about to give up.
I and sophomores Amy Cashman and Tara Brown went to the West German Embassy in Prague, only to find it heavily guarded by Czechoslovakian police.
At the time of our October visit, about 1,000 East Germans called the West German Embassy courtyard home.
At one point, we were able to come within only a few meters of that iron gate which had meant the last major obstacle to freedom for thousands of East Germans in the preceding weeks.
It, too, was heavily guarded.
My dream of helping a refugee over that gate was quickly dashed as I viewd the security around it.
We still tried everything in our power to get closer to the gate. We walked around the embassy, mostly on the wooded hill behind it, for over two hours.
We even tried sneaking through the dark, steep forest that lead to the back side of the embassy, that is, until we realized we were being watched.
We then tried to talk to the guards, who were huddled around a small fire. Not only were they unwilling to help us, but they were downright rude about it.
Because I didn't have my passport, they refused to acknowledge me, told me very bluntly to leave, and pointed the way.
The second group of guards we met around a similar fire was surprisingly friendly. They tried to communicate with us in German and English, and of course Czech, but they couldn't allow us to access the gate either.
The did allow us, however, to take pictures of all of us together. It should be quite a souvenir.
I thought we could meet the refugees on our own, but of course, couldn't. So as a last resort, we went to the front door of the emmbassy.
I talked in German to the man who answered the door, but he responded that it would be "uberhaupt nicht moglish" (not at all possible) to talk to any refugees for matters of security.
I took this news very hard, but comforted myself in that I was, in fact, witnessing history in the making.
The events leading up to this exodus are historical.
For the first time in over 40 years, people in the Eastern Bloc countries were, for a time, able to "escape" the oppression of their countries with relative ease.
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, on a trip to East Berlin to celebrate the 40th anniversary of East Germany last month, advised now former Communist Party leader Erich Honecker to ease restrictions in his country so that Gorbachev's policy of glasnost might gain more credibility throughout the world.
In past months, Czechoslovakia and Hungary have opened up their borders to the point that people may come and go almost as they please, according to our Czech tour guide, Vladimir.
This has made it possible for these East Germans to come West because before, they didn't need visas to enter Czechoslovakia.
Because of the exodus, they now do.
Media sources say that a majority of West Germans would like to see the two Germanies reunify, bu this would cause numerous social and economic problems for West Germany.
West Germany would have difficulties supporting the large number of new residents should the East German government allow such a reunification. West Germany has an accute housing shortage among other things.
Sophomore Martina Manles, whose mother is German and who plans to settle down in Germany, is skeptical. She believes that the refugees will take job opportunities away from the West Germans, herself included.
Whatever the outcome, I hope that the people of the East Bloc, who are suffering under the oppression that can still be felt there, will one day soon be able to enjoy all the things we take for granted here in the West -- espeically liberty.
(End)
________________
Due to time restraints, I was not able to proofread the article, so please excuse any misspellings, missing punctuation, etc. (Remember I was the editor of the paper) Anyway, I know it's a long blog today, thanks for hanging in there and sharing this with me. Until next time....
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
In October 1989, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the very beautiful city of Prague, Czechoslovakia (it was still called that then). But as beautiful as Prague is, I had another sight of interest I HAD TO see while I was there.
Having watched the German news prior to my trip, I saw very compelling images of East Germans that had fled to Prague to seek asylum at the West German embassy. The media showed pictures of hundreds of tents set up in the courtyard of the embassy and a large metal gate. I was determined to get to that gate while I was there.
I was so excited, because my professor allowed me to write an opinion column about my this life-changing experience that weekend. After I left Germany in 1992, I left most of my stuff with the lady I rented a room from in Berlin. Unfortunately, she put my boxes in an unsecure spot and everything I owned got stolen, except the two suitcases and one carry-on that I brought home. So, I hadn't seen this article in 18 years.
When I "friended" my professor on FB, she mentioned that she remembered me as the student who was there at the time of the events that precipitated the "Velvet Revolution" (the revolution in Czechoslovakia) just over a month later. I had never heard it referred to as that (ie: that they actually gave a name to the things that I was witnessing). I was pretty blown away!
When I was back in Munich, I remember very vividly staying up until 3am to make sure my article was p-e-r-f-e-c-t. I am so excited that I now have a copy of that article and that I am able to share it with you. This was one of my most poignant memories of my seven years in Europe. Here's the story I wrote:
(From the Munich Observer, November 1989, page 2)
STUDENS TRY TO HELP IN E. GERMAN FLIGHT
by Tim Morse
The sun was setting as we prowled through a quickly darkening forest in West Prague. We could see Czech guards only 50 yards away, watching us through the trees.
"I have to talk to those refugees," I thought.
That infamous eight-foot iron gate I had seen in the media eluded me by only a few meters. But I wasn't about to give up.
I and sophomores Amy Cashman and Tara Brown went to the West German Embassy in Prague, only to find it heavily guarded by Czechoslovakian police.
At the time of our October visit, about 1,000 East Germans called the West German Embassy courtyard home.
At one point, we were able to come within only a few meters of that iron gate which had meant the last major obstacle to freedom for thousands of East Germans in the preceding weeks.
It, too, was heavily guarded.
My dream of helping a refugee over that gate was quickly dashed as I viewd the security around it.
We still tried everything in our power to get closer to the gate. We walked around the embassy, mostly on the wooded hill behind it, for over two hours.
We even tried sneaking through the dark, steep forest that lead to the back side of the embassy, that is, until we realized we were being watched.
We then tried to talk to the guards, who were huddled around a small fire. Not only were they unwilling to help us, but they were downright rude about it.
Because I didn't have my passport, they refused to acknowledge me, told me very bluntly to leave, and pointed the way.
The second group of guards we met around a similar fire was surprisingly friendly. They tried to communicate with us in German and English, and of course Czech, but they couldn't allow us to access the gate either.
The did allow us, however, to take pictures of all of us together. It should be quite a souvenir.
I thought we could meet the refugees on our own, but of course, couldn't. So as a last resort, we went to the front door of the emmbassy.
I talked in German to the man who answered the door, but he responded that it would be "uberhaupt nicht moglish" (not at all possible) to talk to any refugees for matters of security.
I took this news very hard, but comforted myself in that I was, in fact, witnessing history in the making.
The events leading up to this exodus are historical.
For the first time in over 40 years, people in the Eastern Bloc countries were, for a time, able to "escape" the oppression of their countries with relative ease.
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, on a trip to East Berlin to celebrate the 40th anniversary of East Germany last month, advised now former Communist Party leader Erich Honecker to ease restrictions in his country so that Gorbachev's policy of glasnost might gain more credibility throughout the world.
In past months, Czechoslovakia and Hungary have opened up their borders to the point that people may come and go almost as they please, according to our Czech tour guide, Vladimir.
This has made it possible for these East Germans to come West because before, they didn't need visas to enter Czechoslovakia.
Because of the exodus, they now do.
Media sources say that a majority of West Germans would like to see the two Germanies reunify, bu this would cause numerous social and economic problems for West Germany.
West Germany would have difficulties supporting the large number of new residents should the East German government allow such a reunification. West Germany has an accute housing shortage among other things.
Sophomore Martina Manles, whose mother is German and who plans to settle down in Germany, is skeptical. She believes that the refugees will take job opportunities away from the West Germans, herself included.
Whatever the outcome, I hope that the people of the East Bloc, who are suffering under the oppression that can still be felt there, will one day soon be able to enjoy all the things we take for granted here in the West -- espeically liberty.
(End)
________________
Due to time restraints, I was not able to proofread the article, so please excuse any misspellings, missing punctuation, etc. (Remember I was the editor of the paper) Anyway, I know it's a long blog today, thanks for hanging in there and sharing this with me. Until next time....
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tonight: Short but Sweet... Revolution #2
Hey All,
Well, I have two bees in my bonnet tonight and I'm gonna be in and out, and keeping y'all up to date.
1. Still no decision (see last post), seems like things are a little more complicated, I'll keep digging and keep you up to date.
2. Revolution #2: The Whole Reason for this blog... So, I have been a slacker lately and have rediscovered my love for ice cream. I'm not going to rant and rave about how I feel about gaining back some of that weight.... I will show by my actions, updates on my weight, how I feel, and GETTING BUSY!!
Thanks for checking in!!!
Tim
Well, I have two bees in my bonnet tonight and I'm gonna be in and out, and keeping y'all up to date.
1. Still no decision (see last post), seems like things are a little more complicated, I'll keep digging and keep you up to date.
2. Revolution #2: The Whole Reason for this blog... So, I have been a slacker lately and have rediscovered my love for ice cream. I'm not going to rant and rave about how I feel about gaining back some of that weight.... I will show by my actions, updates on my weight, how I feel, and GETTING BUSY!!
Thanks for checking in!!!
Tim
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Decisions, decisions, decisions... It's a good thing!
Hey all!
Well, thanks to Jess for encouraging me to blog on this topic. I have a lot on my mind (it's all good, I promise), but the things I am contemplating will likely set the course for the rest of my life. It's exciting! ...and I have to be honest, a little scary.
I have been looking for work for the past couple months (I'm grateful it hasn't been years!), and have been applying for jobs for which I feel I am very well qualified, being that I have been in the insurance industry for nearly 12 years. Not getting any of these jobs has made me think that maybe I should be considering some other options that may currently be available to me. Specifically whether I should go back to school or start a business....or both (would need to have very specific prayers answered for THIS one). Ha!
I am thinking of getting my BA in Business Management, so I will have to look into the local schools to see what is out there and available. The hope is that the schools will accept my AA degree in its entirety so that it will hopefully only be a 2-year program.... I also have a dream of starting my own business, a coffee shop. I can't divulge too much because I have some very specific ideas on how it will be different from all the other coffee shops out there, location, etc. Stay tuned, I will let you know if/when this idea moves forward. It's in God's hands at this point.
Anyway, any prayers would be appreciated as to which direction I should follow and to be able to get all the information, advice, etc. that I will need to make the most informed and/or faithful decision and what would be best for me spiritually. My hope is to stay in the Spokane area, so prayers for that would also be appreciated!
Well, I think that's it for now. If I think of something else, I will post more. Thanks for checking in on me and I hope everyone has a great Christmas! Don't forget to be grateful to God for all you have: family, homes, and all the amazing gifts He has given you.
Well, thanks to Jess for encouraging me to blog on this topic. I have a lot on my mind (it's all good, I promise), but the things I am contemplating will likely set the course for the rest of my life. It's exciting! ...and I have to be honest, a little scary.
I have been looking for work for the past couple months (I'm grateful it hasn't been years!), and have been applying for jobs for which I feel I am very well qualified, being that I have been in the insurance industry for nearly 12 years. Not getting any of these jobs has made me think that maybe I should be considering some other options that may currently be available to me. Specifically whether I should go back to school or start a business....or both (would need to have very specific prayers answered for THIS one). Ha!
I am thinking of getting my BA in Business Management, so I will have to look into the local schools to see what is out there and available. The hope is that the schools will accept my AA degree in its entirety so that it will hopefully only be a 2-year program.... I also have a dream of starting my own business, a coffee shop. I can't divulge too much because I have some very specific ideas on how it will be different from all the other coffee shops out there, location, etc. Stay tuned, I will let you know if/when this idea moves forward. It's in God's hands at this point.
Anyway, any prayers would be appreciated as to which direction I should follow and to be able to get all the information, advice, etc. that I will need to make the most informed and/or faithful decision and what would be best for me spiritually. My hope is to stay in the Spokane area, so prayers for that would also be appreciated!
Well, I think that's it for now. If I think of something else, I will post more. Thanks for checking in on me and I hope everyone has a great Christmas! Don't forget to be grateful to God for all you have: family, homes, and all the amazing gifts He has given you.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
As promised...
Happy Halloween, all!
Wow, I can't believe it's been 3 months since I last posted... Sorry Dad and Jess especially, life has been crazy lately and have just not had the time to blog. With that being said, I appreciate my dad's suggestion to write shorter posts more often, so I will try to start that tonight! My only problem is that I love to write, and who knows how long this will actually be. I'll try to restrain myself. LOL!
So, honestly I can't remember what has happened over the past 3 months, but I'll do my best to summarize (oy....) three months of activity into a short blog entry...
The good news is that I have lost 18 pounds!! Not 100% sure how it has come off, but I have been eating better (for the most part) and have been pretty active, although I really do need to work out more often.
The unfortunate news is that I lost my job on 10/1 and am once again on the job hunt. Fortunately unemployment has approved my claim. The truth is I really would rather get a job, but I am certainly not going to decline the income. Please pray for me to find a job in the insurance field quickly so I don't have to rely on unemployment. I am particularly interested in insurance underwriting if you want a more specific job to pray for me. (Thanks!)
I have had a rough couple months honestly and I appreciate friends that will help me get perspective. Thanks so much for taking time to encourage and challenge me. You know who you are!
Finally, last night the Singles had a Halloween party at my house. As Cole and Steve are now living in my basement, I decided to temporarily convert my back patio into a dance floor. It's amazing what a few tarps and some orange lights will do to a simple patio. We also had the use of a fire pit for the evening and were able to sit around the fire and get warm. It was a super fun time. I only wish more people could have come.
Well, I tried to keep it short tonight, thanks for your input on this blog and I will try to continue to update you much more frequently. Buenos nachos! :)
Wow, I can't believe it's been 3 months since I last posted... Sorry Dad and Jess especially, life has been crazy lately and have just not had the time to blog. With that being said, I appreciate my dad's suggestion to write shorter posts more often, so I will try to start that tonight! My only problem is that I love to write, and who knows how long this will actually be. I'll try to restrain myself. LOL!
So, honestly I can't remember what has happened over the past 3 months, but I'll do my best to summarize (oy....) three months of activity into a short blog entry...
The good news is that I have lost 18 pounds!! Not 100% sure how it has come off, but I have been eating better (for the most part) and have been pretty active, although I really do need to work out more often.
The unfortunate news is that I lost my job on 10/1 and am once again on the job hunt. Fortunately unemployment has approved my claim. The truth is I really would rather get a job, but I am certainly not going to decline the income. Please pray for me to find a job in the insurance field quickly so I don't have to rely on unemployment. I am particularly interested in insurance underwriting if you want a more specific job to pray for me. (Thanks!)
I have had a rough couple months honestly and I appreciate friends that will help me get perspective. Thanks so much for taking time to encourage and challenge me. You know who you are!
Finally, last night the Singles had a Halloween party at my house. As Cole and Steve are now living in my basement, I decided to temporarily convert my back patio into a dance floor. It's amazing what a few tarps and some orange lights will do to a simple patio. We also had the use of a fire pit for the evening and were able to sit around the fire and get warm. It was a super fun time. I only wish more people could have come.
Well, I tried to keep it short tonight, thanks for your input on this blog and I will try to continue to update you much more frequently. Buenos nachos! :)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Oy!
Hey All!
Welcome to another chapter of "What's Up with Tim???". So, the last couple weeks has definitely been a roller coaster of emotions. Just when I start to feel some relief, it seems like I'm put right back down again. Details to follow...
So, I really do like my job but in May I was told that as of June 4 I would no longer have a job (I am currently a temp employee and they were doing away with them) BUT I could apply for and possibly get the job. So I applied and so far they haven't let me go yet, almost 3 months later. It's a good thing... However, this week, they cut my hours to 25 which is causing me some anxiety because money is already pretty tight. I am just starting to get caught up on some bills and this was not good news. But not the end of the world...
Also, at that time, I applied for a job with Traveler's Insurance which was a very good fit for my skillset. Had two interviews and was very hopeful for getting the position. The time from my initial application until I was eventually informed I did not get the job, was about a month and a half. I just found out last week I didn't get it and was super bummed. I have heard great things about Travelers and know at least 4 people who work there who love it... Apparently there were over 300 applicants, and the human resources guy said that I did "very well" in the interview process, but there were only about 6-7 jobs. Bummer!
I got home on Thursday and received a letter from the state of WA, Unemployment office. It's the decision on my case that I had been waiting for. I had a phone hearing last week with a judge over in Seattle and I was looking forward to seeing the outcome. Unfortunately I was denied AGAIN. I'm only looking for a few weeks of payments and I quit my old job because I was making $1.60 per hour, not ANYWHERE near what I agreed to when I started there. So, I'm going to give it one last try, but man I was S-T-R-U-G-G-L-I-N-G on Thursday night and was like an hour late getting to Bible Talk (it was the outreach BBQ so I didn't miss too much), but as is always the case, I was very encouraged very quickly by the fellowship and all was okay with the world again...
So, I have still been feeling a little melancholy the past few days, but I have to admit, I have been taking great (probably too much) pleasure in an incident last night that when I am gut-level honest, really kind of MADE my week. Hopefully not at the expense of a brother.
Last night, we had an incredibly inspiring baptism (all are, but this one was a little bit extra special). Kevin Kuhn got baptized and it was such a great time. After that, we went to the park to have a short lesson and water balloon fight for Kat's birthday/going away party. I did not partake in the water balloon fight. After that, Bryce had a cupcake fight with a couple of the sisters and they all got it pretty good!! Bryce kind of picked the fight, smearing a cupcake in Taylor's and Lauren's faces. They definitely got him back, though.
So after the cupcake fight had ended, Bryce was signing Kat's birthday/going away card, it seemed to me that Bryce's war wounds were very lopsided, only on the left side of his face. Well, obviously I was very concerned about this as symmetry is very important in my book (actually it isn't but I just needed a good reason to smear a cupcake in his face too). So, he was writing in Kat's card and I told him he needed a cupcake on the other side of his face and (after removing the "cup", smashed it on his right cheek! So, then I took off running, knowing he would want to avenge his newly cupcaked face, so he came after me and since he's just a little bit faster than I am, I threw a camping chair in his path and made my getaway...
Now I had told Ryan to hide the rest of the cupcakes so that Bryce couldn't get to them. Apparently he just put them in the back seat of his car! D'oh! Oh well. So Bryce found them and grabbed a couple and came after me. We were standing face-to-face and he's got a cupcake in both hands (I am "unarmed.") After a couple seconds of "dancing" around each other, much like boxers might do in the ring, I grabbed the cupcakes out of his hand. The look on Bryce's face was SO hilarious. He went back and "reloaded" and got two more cupcakes and then it was ON (like Donkey Kong!). He did end up smearing me a little bit on both sides of my face on the jaw, and a little went down my shirt, but I got off pretty light!
A little later, I went to shake hands with Bryce as a peace offering and he actually looked a little bit scared! I just think he was surprised that I would do something like that. He said he was just not trusting of me at that moment, but we ended up doing a fist bump or something and all was good... Anyway, ever since last night, every time I think of the look on Bryce's face after I took the cupcakes, it makes me giggle. Thanks for being a good sport, Bryce, I REALLY did need the encouragement this week and got it in spades. I love ya tons, bro and I'm grateful for you!
So, anyway, that's been my week. I was sharing with someone yesterday that I just wanted some good news, that I was just getting tired of bad news all the time (or at least so it seemed). I'm fine but could definitely use some prayers about the job (hours, being offered the position full time, etc.) or even to find a new job. I would really like to get back into insurance at some point, so any prayers would be appreciated.
On another front, I have been feeling like I need a vacation. My last vacation was 11 months ago. I just want to go somewhere for a day or two, no phone, no TV, no internet and just spend some time with God. I don't want to have any agenda (other than reading and praying) and no household chores or anyone around to distract me, just God and I. Hopefully that will happen sooner than later...
On the subject of vacations, I have decided to start saving up for a trip to Germany. It's been nearly 18 years since I left there and I haven't been back since. I have reached a point where I will have dreams fairly frequently that I am in Germany. The last few have been particularly difficult because as I am IN the dream, I realize that I am not ACTUALLY in Germany, but that it's just another dream and I will actually break out in tears in the dream!! I am taking that as a sign that I need to go back to visit. I would like to go in December (if not this year, then hopefully next year) because when I go, I really want to visit the Christmas markets there. They are so wonderful and amazing that I would rather go that time of year than any other!
Because I really do not make enough money to put anything (of any significance) away into savings, I think I may have to sell some stuff and do some odd jobs around to pay for the trip. So, here I go, pray for me that I can do it. I am very hopeful and excited about this. THIS will also be a H-U-G-E incentive to lose weight (save $$ on food?) and just be discplined in more areas of my life...
As far as my weight is concerned, I have definitely gained a few pounds back. I really need to lay off the ice cream, that's my biggest downfall. But Fred Meyer has this "President's Choice" chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream that is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Haven't bought it in years and hope I won't for more years. :) Anyway, but I do really hope for weight loss and money to save so that I can do this trip.
Well, I think that's enough for now. I didn't realize I had so much on my heart, but I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter in my life. Talk to you again soon, thanks for stopping in to read!
Welcome to another chapter of "What's Up with Tim???". So, the last couple weeks has definitely been a roller coaster of emotions. Just when I start to feel some relief, it seems like I'm put right back down again. Details to follow...
So, I really do like my job but in May I was told that as of June 4 I would no longer have a job (I am currently a temp employee and they were doing away with them) BUT I could apply for and possibly get the job. So I applied and so far they haven't let me go yet, almost 3 months later. It's a good thing... However, this week, they cut my hours to 25 which is causing me some anxiety because money is already pretty tight. I am just starting to get caught up on some bills and this was not good news. But not the end of the world...
Also, at that time, I applied for a job with Traveler's Insurance which was a very good fit for my skillset. Had two interviews and was very hopeful for getting the position. The time from my initial application until I was eventually informed I did not get the job, was about a month and a half. I just found out last week I didn't get it and was super bummed. I have heard great things about Travelers and know at least 4 people who work there who love it... Apparently there were over 300 applicants, and the human resources guy said that I did "very well" in the interview process, but there were only about 6-7 jobs. Bummer!
I got home on Thursday and received a letter from the state of WA, Unemployment office. It's the decision on my case that I had been waiting for. I had a phone hearing last week with a judge over in Seattle and I was looking forward to seeing the outcome. Unfortunately I was denied AGAIN. I'm only looking for a few weeks of payments and I quit my old job because I was making $1.60 per hour, not ANYWHERE near what I agreed to when I started there. So, I'm going to give it one last try, but man I was S-T-R-U-G-G-L-I-N-G on Thursday night and was like an hour late getting to Bible Talk (it was the outreach BBQ so I didn't miss too much), but as is always the case, I was very encouraged very quickly by the fellowship and all was okay with the world again...
So, I have still been feeling a little melancholy the past few days, but I have to admit, I have been taking great (probably too much) pleasure in an incident last night that when I am gut-level honest, really kind of MADE my week. Hopefully not at the expense of a brother.
Last night, we had an incredibly inspiring baptism (all are, but this one was a little bit extra special). Kevin Kuhn got baptized and it was such a great time. After that, we went to the park to have a short lesson and water balloon fight for Kat's birthday/going away party. I did not partake in the water balloon fight. After that, Bryce had a cupcake fight with a couple of the sisters and they all got it pretty good!! Bryce kind of picked the fight, smearing a cupcake in Taylor's and Lauren's faces. They definitely got him back, though.
So after the cupcake fight had ended, Bryce was signing Kat's birthday/going away card, it seemed to me that Bryce's war wounds were very lopsided, only on the left side of his face. Well, obviously I was very concerned about this as symmetry is very important in my book (actually it isn't but I just needed a good reason to smear a cupcake in his face too). So, he was writing in Kat's card and I told him he needed a cupcake on the other side of his face and (after removing the "cup", smashed it on his right cheek! So, then I took off running, knowing he would want to avenge his newly cupcaked face, so he came after me and since he's just a little bit faster than I am, I threw a camping chair in his path and made my getaway...
Now I had told Ryan to hide the rest of the cupcakes so that Bryce couldn't get to them. Apparently he just put them in the back seat of his car! D'oh! Oh well. So Bryce found them and grabbed a couple and came after me. We were standing face-to-face and he's got a cupcake in both hands (I am "unarmed.") After a couple seconds of "dancing" around each other, much like boxers might do in the ring, I grabbed the cupcakes out of his hand. The look on Bryce's face was SO hilarious. He went back and "reloaded" and got two more cupcakes and then it was ON (like Donkey Kong!). He did end up smearing me a little bit on both sides of my face on the jaw, and a little went down my shirt, but I got off pretty light!
A little later, I went to shake hands with Bryce as a peace offering and he actually looked a little bit scared! I just think he was surprised that I would do something like that. He said he was just not trusting of me at that moment, but we ended up doing a fist bump or something and all was good... Anyway, ever since last night, every time I think of the look on Bryce's face after I took the cupcakes, it makes me giggle. Thanks for being a good sport, Bryce, I REALLY did need the encouragement this week and got it in spades. I love ya tons, bro and I'm grateful for you!
So, anyway, that's been my week. I was sharing with someone yesterday that I just wanted some good news, that I was just getting tired of bad news all the time (or at least so it seemed). I'm fine but could definitely use some prayers about the job (hours, being offered the position full time, etc.) or even to find a new job. I would really like to get back into insurance at some point, so any prayers would be appreciated.
On another front, I have been feeling like I need a vacation. My last vacation was 11 months ago. I just want to go somewhere for a day or two, no phone, no TV, no internet and just spend some time with God. I don't want to have any agenda (other than reading and praying) and no household chores or anyone around to distract me, just God and I. Hopefully that will happen sooner than later...
On the subject of vacations, I have decided to start saving up for a trip to Germany. It's been nearly 18 years since I left there and I haven't been back since. I have reached a point where I will have dreams fairly frequently that I am in Germany. The last few have been particularly difficult because as I am IN the dream, I realize that I am not ACTUALLY in Germany, but that it's just another dream and I will actually break out in tears in the dream!! I am taking that as a sign that I need to go back to visit. I would like to go in December (if not this year, then hopefully next year) because when I go, I really want to visit the Christmas markets there. They are so wonderful and amazing that I would rather go that time of year than any other!
Because I really do not make enough money to put anything (of any significance) away into savings, I think I may have to sell some stuff and do some odd jobs around to pay for the trip. So, here I go, pray for me that I can do it. I am very hopeful and excited about this. THIS will also be a H-U-G-E incentive to lose weight (save $$ on food?) and just be discplined in more areas of my life...
As far as my weight is concerned, I have definitely gained a few pounds back. I really need to lay off the ice cream, that's my biggest downfall. But Fred Meyer has this "President's Choice" chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream that is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Haven't bought it in years and hope I won't for more years. :) Anyway, but I do really hope for weight loss and money to save so that I can do this trip.
Well, I think that's enough for now. I didn't realize I had so much on my heart, but I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter in my life. Talk to you again soon, thanks for stopping in to read!
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