Eclectic

In Phoenix there is a coffee shop called Lux.  Right now I'm enjoying a coffee and chocolate almond banana bread between jobs.  There are large tables here with nametags in the middle and little lamps.  There is a movie room and a bar type area, no cieling tiles, just exposed floor trusses.  cute little couches and chairs from the 50s.  hipsters galore.  Looking for a job is much more enjoyable in this type of environment. Got some art supplies and books on ukelele, maybe i'll actually start pursueing those hobbies.  Wishing it was easier to form lasting friendships. 

Sunshine and snow

Well my complete unemployment lasted 2 weeks. I found a part-time position conducting special inspections for a structural engineer who designs apartment buildings. It's really interesting to be able to see the whole building process after having taken all these classes. Seeing how the design actually gets put together is really interesting.

So I am still looking for a full-time design position, but I am grateful to have found work in my field so soon.

Intentional sunshine of the day: "Don't think too much. You will create a problem that didn't exist in the first place." Unknown.

Also it snowed in Phoenix today. Unusual. Supposed to be up to 70 by Saturday though.

Photo: Binks enjoying the Arizona winter.

Change coming...

The big news this week is that I was laid off from work.  It's been coming, they just didn't have enough work/money for me. My feelings are mixed about it.  Depressed, because now I don't have work, and it was a good job.  Relieved, because it was unstable for the last couple months and my plans for the future were always followed with "if I'm still working at ANCO".  Reflective, I learned a lot and was flattered to be kept on as a permanent employee even when I moved out of state.  Excited, I know God has new things in store for me and I can't wait to find out what!

So if you know any engineers in Arizona, please refer me!

Also if you have any ideas for "Intentional Sunshine" I will definitely be looking for things to do. 

Intentional Sunshine for today: Feed your Soul - read a good book, sip tea, sit outside, eat more veggies, pick one thing to do.  (credit goes to Julianne and Serena in my Bible Study for this idea)

Resolution update.

Okay so I am not doing so well with the complaining resolution. But I did sign up for a volunteering opportunity today. And I ran 22 miles last week! So I'm doing good on those two. I'll keep trying to complain less. Don't have much to complain about the weather. 75 in January is quite pleasant.

Whirlwind of life.

Of course it has been a while since my last post.  It is now a whole different year with new resolutions to keep and things to see.  Resolutions are just like the intentional sunshine posts I write, little goals to make things a little brighter and happier.  My resolutions this year (and I'm scared to post them because now people will know if I fail):

1. No complaining
2. Run 50 miles a week at least once this spring
3. Start volunteering

I'll try to update on Thanksgiving and Christmas later on. 

The stars as seen by Emerson...

"To go into solitude, a man needs to retire as much from his chamber as from society.  I am not solitary whilst I read and write, though nobody is with me.  But if a man would be alone, let him look at the stars.  The rays that come from those heavenly worlds will separate between him and what he touches.  .... If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile."  - Ralph Waldo Emerson "Selected Essays, Lectures, and Poems"

 

 



Intentional Sunshine: Go out and look at the stars

 

 

 

 

*photo source unknown*

Fall in the Desert

Well I was lamenting the fact that there aren't really seasons here in the desert. Just temperature changes. But there are no leaves changing color or pinecones falling. There are no crunchy leaves to step on and apples are still not cheap down here. Then my friend Brittany, who is in my Bible Study, suggested that we make Christmas wreaths later on. That sounded difficult but it turns out you can buy these pre-made twig wreaths and just add things to it. So I decided to make one for fall:

 

 

 

 

Things you need:  1 twig wreath any size

sprigs of fake leaves, flowers, berries, etc

scissors or wire cutters

 

Instructions:

Cut off branches of the leaves

Insert stem into the twig wreath

You are done!

 

I don't have any art for this wall yet so I hung it by my dining table.  Should have picked a bigger size I guess. 

 

Intentional Sunshine:  Don't be sad over something you don't have (like fall), do something to make it happen (make a fall wreath!), this can apply to anything else as well.