My sister, who has been so lovely as to conceive and cook me a niece (a NIECE! can you IMAGINE?!) is having a baby shower tomorrow morning, so I am off to Dallas to enjoy the festivities and party with the nephew.
In case you're unfamiliar with my excitement above, I have a million nephews but only one niece -- and she was 7ish when I joined hubby's family. This will be my first baby niece. My existing niece has been kind enough to present me with a great-niece, which is its own brand of amazing but also makes me feel old (she managed to do this before my 40th birthday). So back to my niece in the oven...
I would share with you the lovely gifties I have planned for Katherine, my niecelet, but of course my sister has been known to pop onto my blog. So I will have to post pics later. I can't wait to share in the fun tomorrow though!
Happy weekend everyone!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Wow... Job(s)?
Funny how things happen.
A week or two ago, a close friend (Shell) emailed me. She had a friend here whose boss wants to hire someone "just like her," so she thought of Shell. Shell unfortunately lives in NYC and is geographically undesirable for an Austin job right now, so she thought of me. (Have I mentioned how I love my friends?) So she sent an email to both of us to introduce us.
The friend of Shell's, also named Michelle (notice I'm calling them different things so you can keep them straight), emailed me and then called me to talk about the job. She's the only female in the office, so I suggested we meet before she gave me her recommendation. I've been there: you're the only female in the place, and you know hiring another chick is totally going to change the vibe. If I were in her spot, I'd want to meet me first.
We met for coffee and talked about the job and life in general. She's as cool as a friend of Shell's should be, and the job sounds great (or as great as a job with 50% travel can sound). My resume doesn't quite cover all the things it should for that job though, so I go back to the drawing board and get her a new one. Her boss likes it, and I'm now waiting for a call from him.
Fast forward to today. My phone rings, and it's a number I don't recognize. Assuming it's the call I've been waiting for, I answer. Surprise! It's a hiring manager from an entirely different company where another friend works. (She told me they'd call, but one never knows if or when such a thing might occur.) I talk to her for a half hour or more. She says everyone in her group was impressed by my resume ("Really?" I'm thinking) and wants to bring me in for an interview, which they do panel-style, five on one. Oh, the joy. She also says they need leaders, that they have several positions open that would probably fit me well, and I should think about my strategy and what kind of team I'd like to lead. At this point I'm wondering if she's mis-dialed... then I wonder if this question will be multiple choice or essay. Strategy? Really? My career strategy thus far has been "get laid off and take the next job"... so I guess I'm going to have to come up with something that sounds more professional than that, huh?
Both jobs sound like they have great groups, really tight, which is what I had in my last job and what I miss most. That's what I want from my next job -- it's what makes or breaks a job really. The work can be ho-hum, but if your co-workers are the best ever, it's all worth it.
So, um, yeah. All I can say is, "GOOOOOOOO NETWORK!"
Edited to add: The interview for the Michelle job is now scheduled for Monday. Woo!
A week or two ago, a close friend (Shell) emailed me. She had a friend here whose boss wants to hire someone "just like her," so she thought of Shell. Shell unfortunately lives in NYC and is geographically undesirable for an Austin job right now, so she thought of me. (Have I mentioned how I love my friends?) So she sent an email to both of us to introduce us.
The friend of Shell's, also named Michelle (notice I'm calling them different things so you can keep them straight), emailed me and then called me to talk about the job. She's the only female in the office, so I suggested we meet before she gave me her recommendation. I've been there: you're the only female in the place, and you know hiring another chick is totally going to change the vibe. If I were in her spot, I'd want to meet me first.
We met for coffee and talked about the job and life in general. She's as cool as a friend of Shell's should be, and the job sounds great (or as great as a job with 50% travel can sound). My resume doesn't quite cover all the things it should for that job though, so I go back to the drawing board and get her a new one. Her boss likes it, and I'm now waiting for a call from him.
Fast forward to today. My phone rings, and it's a number I don't recognize. Assuming it's the call I've been waiting for, I answer. Surprise! It's a hiring manager from an entirely different company where another friend works. (She told me they'd call, but one never knows if or when such a thing might occur.) I talk to her for a half hour or more. She says everyone in her group was impressed by my resume ("Really?" I'm thinking) and wants to bring me in for an interview, which they do panel-style, five on one. Oh, the joy. She also says they need leaders, that they have several positions open that would probably fit me well, and I should think about my strategy and what kind of team I'd like to lead. At this point I'm wondering if she's mis-dialed... then I wonder if this question will be multiple choice or essay. Strategy? Really? My career strategy thus far has been "get laid off and take the next job"... so I guess I'm going to have to come up with something that sounds more professional than that, huh?
Both jobs sound like they have great groups, really tight, which is what I had in my last job and what I miss most. That's what I want from my next job -- it's what makes or breaks a job really. The work can be ho-hum, but if your co-workers are the best ever, it's all worth it.
So, um, yeah. All I can say is, "GOOOOOOOO NETWORK!"
Edited to add: The interview for the Michelle job is now scheduled for Monday. Woo!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Welcome to the Ranks of the Unemployed...
One of my good friends has unfortunately joined me in Laid-Off Land.
She may be an victim of what I think is one of the worst double standard in the business world: men who are assertive are "go-getters" and women are a word I'd like to not write in my blog. My friend H got on the wrong side of a company exec who saw her as an assertive female who was in her way (or at least that's my take). Being the "go-getter" that he is, he took her out of his way before there was an intervening manager hired who could protect her.
I have a few choice words to describe him too, but again, I will choose not to use them here. Suffice it to say that I don't have a great deal of respect for his business methods or his integrity.
They will be hiring five -- FIVE! -- contractors to replace my industrious friend... and the only bad thing Mr. Go-Getter had to say about her was that she sometimes didn't get her projects in on time. Anyone see a discrepancy here? No? Me neither.
Fortunately, H and I both believe that there is Someone in charge, that whatever is awaiting her career-wise is better than the job that left her. I can't wait to see what that is for her, just as I can't wait to see what it is for me.
Last night's reading in Psalms had me thinking about all this, so I will post it here.
From Psalms 86:
12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
13 For great is your love toward me;
14 The arrogant are attacking me, O God;
15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
16 Turn to me and have mercy on me;
17 Give me a sign of your goodness,
She may be an victim of what I think is one of the worst double standard in the business world: men who are assertive are "go-getters" and women are a word I'd like to not write in my blog. My friend H got on the wrong side of a company exec who saw her as an assertive female who was in her way (or at least that's my take). Being the "go-getter" that he is, he took her out of his way before there was an intervening manager hired who could protect her.
I have a few choice words to describe him too, but again, I will choose not to use them here. Suffice it to say that I don't have a great deal of respect for his business methods or his integrity.
They will be hiring five -- FIVE! -- contractors to replace my industrious friend... and the only bad thing Mr. Go-Getter had to say about her was that she sometimes didn't get her projects in on time. Anyone see a discrepancy here? No? Me neither.
Fortunately, H and I both believe that there is Someone in charge, that whatever is awaiting her career-wise is better than the job that left her. I can't wait to see what that is for her, just as I can't wait to see what it is for me.
Last night's reading in Psalms had me thinking about all this, so I will post it here.
From Psalms 86:
11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
14 The arrogant are attacking me, O God;
a band of ruthless men seeks my life—
men without regard for you.
15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and have mercy on me;
grant your strength to your servant
and save the son of your maidservant.
17 Give me a sign of your goodness,
that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Books, Books, Books
I'm reading Donald Miller's Searching for God Knows What for the second time currently and am just about done. After the first reading, I loaned it to a good friend. She enjoyed it through several readings on business trips through multiple states and loved it into a Velveteen Rabbit state. (That's right, furless and missing one eye.) She bought me another copy for my very own second reading.
I'm a fiction junkie. It's exceedingly rare that I re-read anything, particularly non-fiction; in fact, this may be a first for me. Miller writes so casually that it's almost a conversation between writer and reader; I felt as if he was speaking directly to me. His candor and humility are disarming and, one hopes, contagious. It's also one of the few books that have made me want to pick up the Bible and re-examine passages or chapters or entire books for myself, in context, to see for myself what he's seeing. Several of the amazon reviewers have mentioned reading scripture in a renewed light, and I agree.
His main point in the book is that there is no list, no formula, to a relationship with Jesus. It's just that -- a relationship. It's knowing Christ. He talks a lot about the systems society has in place and how crazy they are seen in the light of eternity, how Jesus turned that economy on its head. And yet we forget all too often. Pretty much daily really, at least in my case. It's a good reminder of what's real, lasting, permanent.
I think I will have to pick up his other widely sold book, Blue Like Jazz, and explore an author he's often compared to but who I've never read: Anne Lamott.
So many books, so little time.
Also just finished another book by a favorite fiction author who I will always recommend, from the psychological thriller genre: Jonathan Kellerman's Rage. For those unfamiliar with Kellerman, most of his novels involve main character Alex Delaware, a psychologist who frequently assists the LA area police, and his detective friend Milo Sturgis. They get into a great deal of grisly trouble whenever they get together, but it's always a great read. I was a psyc major the first time around (before the insanity of the engineering degree), so I dig that stuff. I have read all the Alex Delaware books, and they are in fact re-readable. Kellerman's wife Faye is also a novelist -- similar style and topic -- and I read her obsessively as well. I found out on my last trip to the bookstore that one of their four children is now publishing novels as well. Ack! I really must get a job just to keep up with the Kellermans' output!
I'm a fiction junkie. It's exceedingly rare that I re-read anything, particularly non-fiction; in fact, this may be a first for me. Miller writes so casually that it's almost a conversation between writer and reader; I felt as if he was speaking directly to me. His candor and humility are disarming and, one hopes, contagious. It's also one of the few books that have made me want to pick up the Bible and re-examine passages or chapters or entire books for myself, in context, to see for myself what he's seeing. Several of the amazon reviewers have mentioned reading scripture in a renewed light, and I agree.
His main point in the book is that there is no list, no formula, to a relationship with Jesus. It's just that -- a relationship. It's knowing Christ. He talks a lot about the systems society has in place and how crazy they are seen in the light of eternity, how Jesus turned that economy on its head. And yet we forget all too often. Pretty much daily really, at least in my case. It's a good reminder of what's real, lasting, permanent.
I think I will have to pick up his other widely sold book, Blue Like Jazz, and explore an author he's often compared to but who I've never read: Anne Lamott.
So many books, so little time.
Also just finished another book by a favorite fiction author who I will always recommend, from the psychological thriller genre: Jonathan Kellerman's Rage. For those unfamiliar with Kellerman, most of his novels involve main character Alex Delaware, a psychologist who frequently assists the LA area police, and his detective friend Milo Sturgis. They get into a great deal of grisly trouble whenever they get together, but it's always a great read. I was a psyc major the first time around (before the insanity of the engineering degree), so I dig that stuff. I have read all the Alex Delaware books, and they are in fact re-readable. Kellerman's wife Faye is also a novelist -- similar style and topic -- and I read her obsessively as well. I found out on my last trip to the bookstore that one of their four children is now publishing novels as well. Ack! I really must get a job just to keep up with the Kellermans' output!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
A Rare Movie Treat
I watched "I Am Legend" tonight, after a long debate ("'Juno'? 'National Treasure'? How about whichever one we aren't late for when we get there? All right then!") and was surprised in several ways.
I don't want to ruin anything for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. Suffice it to say I was expecting something like "Cast Away" and got a great deal more action than that. (I never saw a trailer as detailed as the one in the link above, or I would have known better.)
Another surprise was a conversation about the nature of God that took place near the end of the movie. Will Smith ended the conversation by saying, "There is no God," which is what you would expect from a big Hollywood movie, but that wasn't the last word on the subject, only in the conversation.
It was a thought-provoking movie in terms of lots of things: what would the world be like without people; what could / have people done to ruin the earth we've been entrusted with; what would I do if I found myself in Smith's shoes (for much of the movie, as far as he knows, he's the sole survivor on earth); and some medical ethics and animal issues thrown in for fun. It's been a long time since I saw a good serious thinking movie. I was pleased.
I don't want to ruin anything for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. Suffice it to say I was expecting something like "Cast Away" and got a great deal more action than that. (I never saw a trailer as detailed as the one in the link above, or I would have known better.)
Another surprise was a conversation about the nature of God that took place near the end of the movie. Will Smith ended the conversation by saying, "There is no God," which is what you would expect from a big Hollywood movie, but that wasn't the last word on the subject, only in the conversation.
It was a thought-provoking movie in terms of lots of things: what would the world be like without people; what could / have people done to ruin the earth we've been entrusted with; what would I do if I found myself in Smith's shoes (for much of the movie, as far as he knows, he's the sole survivor on earth); and some medical ethics and animal issues thrown in for fun. It's been a long time since I saw a good serious thinking movie. I was pleased.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Still
This is an idea shamelessly stolen from Antique Mommy. I doubt my list is as impressive as hers, but I loved the idea, especially around this time of year. Feel free to blog your own!
Still loving life, love, Jesus, Austin, my family and friends. And, to steal one from AM, my iPod.
Still missing my mom, four years after her death... although I'm much closer to my sister now than I was before.
Still wanting to write the Great American Novel (my secret for years).
Still praying for my sons to grow up to be happy, fulfilled men who love God and love people, regardless of whether that looks like what I expect it to look like.
Still not interested in politics.
Still looking for the perfect job. Or really, just a good one.
Still hoping God has plans for a good job for me!
Still enjoying melting glass with a torch in my garage and making beautiful jewelry from the result.
Still reading the Bible all the way through -- for the second time.
Still proud of having gone back to school to get an engineering degree, with two kids, while working, and getting a respectable GPA.
Still failing to establish a real workout plan of any kind, although I've lost weight during my time at home by eating less.
Still grateful for my family, my home, and all the hundreds of other blessings in my life every day.
So, reader, what are you still doing?
Still loving life, love, Jesus, Austin, my family and friends. And, to steal one from AM, my iPod.
Still missing my mom, four years after her death... although I'm much closer to my sister now than I was before.
Still wanting to write the Great American Novel (my secret for years).
Still praying for my sons to grow up to be happy, fulfilled men who love God and love people, regardless of whether that looks like what I expect it to look like.
Still not interested in politics.
Still looking for the perfect job. Or really, just a good one.
Still hoping God has plans for a good job for me!
Still enjoying melting glass with a torch in my garage and making beautiful jewelry from the result.
Still reading the Bible all the way through -- for the second time.
Still proud of having gone back to school to get an engineering degree, with two kids, while working, and getting a respectable GPA.
Still failing to establish a real workout plan of any kind, although I've lost weight during my time at home by eating less.
Still grateful for my family, my home, and all the hundreds of other blessings in my life every day.
So, reader, what are you still doing?
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
It's a New Year, All Right
The last few months have been eventful, to say the least. I thought I would get to the end of this year and sigh, "same old, same old," but it hasn't turned out that way at all.
Losing my job in early October certainly wasn't in the plans. And a few other life events were more than unexpected as well. I haven't called my faith into serious question or anything, but I'm floundering in several areas of my personal life. My marriage and my faith are solid, but pretty much everything else is feeling pretty shaky right now.
Son the Older turned in his application to Rice today, after several days of prodding and lots of dreaded essay writing. Now we wait to find out about financial aid. He'll also apply to Texas A&M as a backup. Here's hoping for a big scholarship for the first of my two bright boys. That's another big change coming up in a few months -- half of my nest will be empty.
BigMama wrote an amazing post on changes in the past year and welcoming the new year, with a couple of scriptures that really hit me where I'm living right now. She certainly said it more eloquently than I am. Go read hers. It's a little long but worth the time.
Losing my job in early October certainly wasn't in the plans. And a few other life events were more than unexpected as well. I haven't called my faith into serious question or anything, but I'm floundering in several areas of my personal life. My marriage and my faith are solid, but pretty much everything else is feeling pretty shaky right now.
Son the Older turned in his application to Rice today, after several days of prodding and lots of dreaded essay writing. Now we wait to find out about financial aid. He'll also apply to Texas A&M as a backup. Here's hoping for a big scholarship for the first of my two bright boys. That's another big change coming up in a few months -- half of my nest will be empty.
BigMama wrote an amazing post on changes in the past year and welcoming the new year, with a couple of scriptures that really hit me where I'm living right now. She certainly said it more eloquently than I am. Go read hers. It's a little long but worth the time.
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