As you'll see this article is written for my clients (soldiers and their families). Obviously most of you reading here are already a part of the social networking community in one form or another. ;) Again, probably some repetitive information, but reminders are a good thing!
How many of you are already on a social networking site or have a blog? Have you thought about using your Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn page to network for jobs? And have you looked at your profile recently to see just who you are presenting to employers?
With extensive networking available through the use of social media sites, the ability to be connected to jobs seems endless. When networking is such a large part of finding employment, don’t be afraid to use your social networking accounts to help you in the process! Have you let others know that you are or will be searching for a job? And have you contacted any soldiers who have already separated or past and current civilian friends about positions that they’ve found? An easy way to find out about other jobs is to just ask others. What easier way is there to connect with many employed individuals than to tap into your circle of “friends?”
While social networking has the ability to open employment doors, your profile and what you publicly post can also shut doors. Many employers now use social networking sites and internet searches to run character checks on their current or potential employees. You may want to keep that fact in mind when you set up privacy settings for your page and when you post on other public walls. Since most sites show profile pictures regardless of privacy settings, you’ll want to select an appropriate profile picture as well. Any comments, statuses, blog postings, pictures, etc that can be pulled up from a little internet searching, have the ability to influence an employer’s opinion on you. If you wouldn’t want your boss, coworkers, or clients/customers to see it, then you may want to either a) double check that each spot your posting is unsearchable and private b) unconnect (tag) yourself from others postings and/or c) think twice about posting it at all. Additionally, some human resource departments admit to contacting individuals from “friends” lists as additional references.
As you can see, social networking can both work in favor and against any potential employment. Don’t be afraid to utilize your profiles to assist in your job search, but also keep in mind that public (and sometimes private) information is indeed public. As with any part of the job search and professionalism, try to put and keep your best face forward!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Networking Tips 101
It appears I'm on a blogging role! Anyway, as part of my job we write articles for a newsletter that our center puts out each month. I'm sure most of the information here is repetitive for most reading here, but never hurts to have a little reminder...
Also hopefully my lil cousin doesn't mind me sharing this....ahem, sorry cousin....but it's a great example of how important networking itself is when searching for a job. Lil' cousin landed herself a part-time job (which is great as she's about to start grad school!) just by telling the cashier at Hallmark that she bet everyone had to love working there. Cashier then asked her to submit a resume. She interviewed and within a total of two days, she's now employed at a place that seriously should be a great fit for her! Now how awesome is that?
Probably won't work that easily every time, but I always encourage all of our clients to strike up conversations with individuals working at places where they'd like to work. When you're looking for a job, the best thing you can do is let other people know what you're looking for and have materials (a resume, reference sheet, and easily tailor-able cover letter) ready to pass on as needed. Many eyes and ears are always better than one pair. When friends tell me they are looking for work, I'm constantly passing on positions that come across list-servs and that I see just in looking around for myself. Networking is 90% of the job search and it truly often is who you know that lands you that next job. And new doors will open based on contacts you make and your performance in that next position.
Case in point: Twice in my life I have been directly called and asked to apply for positions that are fairly competitive for the area where I was located. Now I am going to share that this was in my hometown which is fairly small and where my particular credentials help more than when I'm living in the city and am just a number among many highly qualified applicants. But in both cases I was called due to my application for a different but related position and because of the fact that the managers at the location had both worked with my mother at some point in time (either as clients of hers or colleagues of a sort). It just goes to show that in the employment world, your impressions upon people and the impressions of the people you associate with do matter for future employment.
One more side note on all this: This is also why I'm not opposed to beginning the job search and application process VERY early in the transition game. At times, starting to get your name out early can be a good thing, because if you're a good candidate your application materials frequently can be kept on hand or passed to other managers for potential openings even if you're not selected or can't start when they need someone. And sometimes it takes a while anyway for the funding and other "ducks" to fall into place for a position, such as when a phone call for an interview arrives months after the initial application was submitted. (Always a good idea to keep copies of the job descriptions you've applied for during your application processes. Also keep in mind that the location/funding source of the position will impact the length of the hiring process. Generally non-profits and private agencies seem to hire quicker than government positions. Your average government position can take about three months from the position opening until start date, and specialized government positions can take much longer than that.) I consider this early application and resume submission process (such as having your contacts pass your resume to supervisors, etc) as its own separate form of networking....
Now for the sake of boring you too much or maybe overwhelming you with information, I'll schedule the actual lil' article I wrote for later! :) I also intend to write some other posts about the job search & resume process to share later down the road. I recognize the current market is a difficult one, but if you are looking for work then keep on searching and keep on believing--the right position will open up.
Also hopefully my lil cousin doesn't mind me sharing this....ahem, sorry cousin....but it's a great example of how important networking itself is when searching for a job. Lil' cousin landed herself a part-time job (which is great as she's about to start grad school!) just by telling the cashier at Hallmark that she bet everyone had to love working there. Cashier then asked her to submit a resume. She interviewed and within a total of two days, she's now employed at a place that seriously should be a great fit for her! Now how awesome is that?
Probably won't work that easily every time, but I always encourage all of our clients to strike up conversations with individuals working at places where they'd like to work. When you're looking for a job, the best thing you can do is let other people know what you're looking for and have materials (a resume, reference sheet, and easily tailor-able cover letter) ready to pass on as needed. Many eyes and ears are always better than one pair. When friends tell me they are looking for work, I'm constantly passing on positions that come across list-servs and that I see just in looking around for myself. Networking is 90% of the job search and it truly often is who you know that lands you that next job. And new doors will open based on contacts you make and your performance in that next position.
Case in point: Twice in my life I have been directly called and asked to apply for positions that are fairly competitive for the area where I was located. Now I am going to share that this was in my hometown which is fairly small and where my particular credentials help more than when I'm living in the city and am just a number among many highly qualified applicants. But in both cases I was called due to my application for a different but related position and because of the fact that the managers at the location had both worked with my mother at some point in time (either as clients of hers or colleagues of a sort). It just goes to show that in the employment world, your impressions upon people and the impressions of the people you associate with do matter for future employment.
One more side note on all this: This is also why I'm not opposed to beginning the job search and application process VERY early in the transition game. At times, starting to get your name out early can be a good thing, because if you're a good candidate your application materials frequently can be kept on hand or passed to other managers for potential openings even if you're not selected or can't start when they need someone. And sometimes it takes a while anyway for the funding and other "ducks" to fall into place for a position, such as when a phone call for an interview arrives months after the initial application was submitted. (Always a good idea to keep copies of the job descriptions you've applied for during your application processes. Also keep in mind that the location/funding source of the position will impact the length of the hiring process. Generally non-profits and private agencies seem to hire quicker than government positions. Your average government position can take about three months from the position opening until start date, and specialized government positions can take much longer than that.) I consider this early application and resume submission process (such as having your contacts pass your resume to supervisors, etc) as its own separate form of networking....
Now for the sake of boring you too much or maybe overwhelming you with information, I'll schedule the actual lil' article I wrote for later! :) I also intend to write some other posts about the job search & resume process to share later down the road. I recognize the current market is a difficult one, but if you are looking for work then keep on searching and keep on believing--the right position will open up.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Just Call Me Negative Nancy (But w/ a Little Bit of Last Minute Hope Too)
So prepare for a word vomit as an old friend from high school would say:
Hub and I are sitting here watching the Green Zone, which is a fictional movie depicting the issue of the lack of weapons of mass destruction during the invasion to Iraq....and I have to say the movie has gotten me all fired up. Something about being reminded of the lack of intel and what may have been dubious reasons to invade Iraq. Something about the loss of so many soldiers and countless other lives just rubs me raw tonight. SO even though I just posted saying I wasn't going to say too much about my thoughts in this direction: I'm just going to say it...I whole-heartedly embrace our military personnel but I don't always embrace all the reasons why and locations where they are putting their lives on the line. And when I look into the face of soldiers every day, sometimes it gets to be a little too close to home.
Beyond that....these types of movies break my heart just in regards to all the different human rights violations that exist throughout the world. (Ie remember how I got started on all this anyway.....Blood Diamond.....)
So without holding back, I'm going to share a few more doomdayish thoughts running around in my head tonight--mainly in the form of two confessions:
Confession #1: Moving to Louisiana has made me realize just how sheltered and naive I have been about some things during my life. Moving to Louisiana also makes me realize how far the environmental and public health movements need to go for any massive change to be visible.....and I'm not so sure that it's going to be possible anytime soon (aka in the next couple hundred years) to turn the tides. Chemicals are too infiltrated into our bodies and our ecosystems. Land, water, climate, and biodiversity devastation has made it too far. But I truthfully believe in the reality, which is my father's final argument, that in one way or another the Earth will be the last thing standing and in time it will heal itself.
Living in Oregon I was surrounded by easy recycling, appreciation for the outdoors (even if not everyone actually took care of them), and individuals who were for the most part politically inclined citizens. Moving to Louisiana, I've learned that styrofoam actually does exist and gets used many times over daily, there are places in this nation where no garabage pickup happens so people burn it all, and even though there are laws mandating children attend school they aren't enforced and education does not always appear to be a top priority. Now, I realize I'm passing judgment. There are tons of things that Louisiana does have that Oregon does not, but one thing I will always appreciate about Louisiana is that its given me a sustainability comparion based on what many other areas of the nation can be like.....and it's let me see just how far people need to change in order for large-scale environmental and public health devastation to be prevented. It's also let me know that just passing regulation isn't going to fix the problems either as there seem to be plenty of regulations already in place that don't get followed. For example (again I don't mean to pick on the state) Louisiana has an anti-littering regulation yet the hub and I heard an annoucement on the radio a few months back that the state pays 4 million dollars annually just for litter pick-up from its public lands (you can find trash along almost every shore and land within the state).
Confession #2: I will also admit that being here in a less "green" state of mind, even with how much I care and know, I have slacked in many of my choices. We rarely use our tote bags anymore, there's regular shampoo alongside our hippy shampoo in our shower, almost all our produce is far from organic, our house is full of new furniture that's busy off-gassing all sorts of chemicals into our air, and the AC is always on at some level. I know we're huge steps ahead of many of our neighbors and friends here, but I still feel myself faltering more and focusing less the longer we're here.
But I guess in some way, even with all the falling down and doomsdayish thoughts....I still haven't given up hope. I don't know that individual choices are the right answer and I don't know that large regulation is the right answer. And I don't even know that I believe that the two together will be enough. While its hard to envision SO much change being accomplished, if I don't look forward then I don't know what other direction to look nor head in. So I must keep trudging ahead, trying to care enough to make a difference, but maybe not care too much to constantly let the big picture get me down. Because if I focus on the big picture sometimes......it does get me down. But here I go, plodding one foot in front of the other..sending emails to my reps, recycling what I can..and maybe, just maybe focusing on the values of my faith. While us Presbyterians are sort of an old crowd, I staunchly belive in the values of social justice, love, and stewardship which are key to our interpretation of the Christian faith. So rather than be a check-book sort of believer, then I just need to remember that my daily demonstrations of values are in fact a daily demonstration of my faith. Do what I CAN do to help others and the planet, and leave the rest up into the hands of someone greater than me......
Hub and I are sitting here watching the Green Zone, which is a fictional movie depicting the issue of the lack of weapons of mass destruction during the invasion to Iraq....and I have to say the movie has gotten me all fired up. Something about being reminded of the lack of intel and what may have been dubious reasons to invade Iraq. Something about the loss of so many soldiers and countless other lives just rubs me raw tonight. SO even though I just posted saying I wasn't going to say too much about my thoughts in this direction: I'm just going to say it...I whole-heartedly embrace our military personnel but I don't always embrace all the reasons why and locations where they are putting their lives on the line. And when I look into the face of soldiers every day, sometimes it gets to be a little too close to home.
Beyond that....these types of movies break my heart just in regards to all the different human rights violations that exist throughout the world. (Ie remember how I got started on all this anyway.....Blood Diamond.....)
So without holding back, I'm going to share a few more doomdayish thoughts running around in my head tonight--mainly in the form of two confessions:
Confession #1: Moving to Louisiana has made me realize just how sheltered and naive I have been about some things during my life. Moving to Louisiana also makes me realize how far the environmental and public health movements need to go for any massive change to be visible.....and I'm not so sure that it's going to be possible anytime soon (aka in the next couple hundred years) to turn the tides. Chemicals are too infiltrated into our bodies and our ecosystems. Land, water, climate, and biodiversity devastation has made it too far. But I truthfully believe in the reality, which is my father's final argument, that in one way or another the Earth will be the last thing standing and in time it will heal itself.
Living in Oregon I was surrounded by easy recycling, appreciation for the outdoors (even if not everyone actually took care of them), and individuals who were for the most part politically inclined citizens. Moving to Louisiana, I've learned that styrofoam actually does exist and gets used many times over daily, there are places in this nation where no garabage pickup happens so people burn it all, and even though there are laws mandating children attend school they aren't enforced and education does not always appear to be a top priority. Now, I realize I'm passing judgment. There are tons of things that Louisiana does have that Oregon does not, but one thing I will always appreciate about Louisiana is that its given me a sustainability comparion based on what many other areas of the nation can be like.....and it's let me see just how far people need to change in order for large-scale environmental and public health devastation to be prevented. It's also let me know that just passing regulation isn't going to fix the problems either as there seem to be plenty of regulations already in place that don't get followed. For example (again I don't mean to pick on the state) Louisiana has an anti-littering regulation yet the hub and I heard an annoucement on the radio a few months back that the state pays 4 million dollars annually just for litter pick-up from its public lands (you can find trash along almost every shore and land within the state).
Confession #2: I will also admit that being here in a less "green" state of mind, even with how much I care and know, I have slacked in many of my choices. We rarely use our tote bags anymore, there's regular shampoo alongside our hippy shampoo in our shower, almost all our produce is far from organic, our house is full of new furniture that's busy off-gassing all sorts of chemicals into our air, and the AC is always on at some level. I know we're huge steps ahead of many of our neighbors and friends here, but I still feel myself faltering more and focusing less the longer we're here.
But I guess in some way, even with all the falling down and doomsdayish thoughts....I still haven't given up hope. I don't know that individual choices are the right answer and I don't know that large regulation is the right answer. And I don't even know that I believe that the two together will be enough. While its hard to envision SO much change being accomplished, if I don't look forward then I don't know what other direction to look nor head in. So I must keep trudging ahead, trying to care enough to make a difference, but maybe not care too much to constantly let the big picture get me down. Because if I focus on the big picture sometimes......it does get me down. But here I go, plodding one foot in front of the other..sending emails to my reps, recycling what I can..and maybe, just maybe focusing on the values of my faith. While us Presbyterians are sort of an old crowd, I staunchly belive in the values of social justice, love, and stewardship which are key to our interpretation of the Christian faith. So rather than be a check-book sort of believer, then I just need to remember that my daily demonstrations of values are in fact a daily demonstration of my faith. Do what I CAN do to help others and the planet, and leave the rest up into the hands of someone greater than me......
Its a Tuesday Afternoon
Tropical storms were threatening the Louisiana shores and we've had the summer rains to prove it. It's quite exciting watching bolts of lightening, hearing the clashes of thunder, and having a cascade of water fall from the sky. Definitely functions as a reminder of how incredible nature is and how suddenly she can take back what has been rightfully hers.
These rainy afternoons leave me tired and desiring to curl up in the corner of our couch, wrapped in a blanket, dogs at my feet, and hub stretched out on his own side. I'm hopeful we can spend this evening eating cereal and left overs like college kids, watching a movie, and just enjoying being in the presence of the other. (Although in the world of military schedules, you never quite know just how free your evenings truly will be.)
I've been spending the last few days taking each moment at a time and searching for the beauty and peace that can exist in the everyday. These are a few of those moments:
--Waddling junior armadillo nose deep in the grass searching out its next bite as I drove along beside him headed for work.
--Sunday afternoon as I lay drenched in sweat in front of the bedroom fan, Major in a moment of sweetness curled up on my chest, tilted his head ever so slightly for some scritches, and gazed intently upon me, all with Anna curled in a half moon around and licking my head.
--Quick glances stolen into our household mirrors wondering who is this woman with her chopped off hair staring back at me? And three days after the initial cut, the hub, tired and delayed in his thoughts after a week in the field, stated his approval.
--Sleepily gazing upon hazy, darkened mornings, with dew from humidity fresh upon the grass, while responding to Roxi's 5am emergency barks to be let out of her kennel.
--Listening to the hub's raspy voice, almost gone from shouting in the field, as we shared with each other the events, missed moments, and needs from the week.
--Jokes, smiles, and shared stories while assisting a previously difficult and rude client with completing his resume. Human emotion has such bearing on personal interactions and its incredible sometimes to observe how changing one's emotional response to the unknown can influence his/her entire ability to interact with others.
Moments near and small...but moments I'm noticing and appreciating for what they are all the same.
These rainy afternoons leave me tired and desiring to curl up in the corner of our couch, wrapped in a blanket, dogs at my feet, and hub stretched out on his own side. I'm hopeful we can spend this evening eating cereal and left overs like college kids, watching a movie, and just enjoying being in the presence of the other. (Although in the world of military schedules, you never quite know just how free your evenings truly will be.)
I've been spending the last few days taking each moment at a time and searching for the beauty and peace that can exist in the everyday. These are a few of those moments:
--Waddling junior armadillo nose deep in the grass searching out its next bite as I drove along beside him headed for work.
--Sunday afternoon as I lay drenched in sweat in front of the bedroom fan, Major in a moment of sweetness curled up on my chest, tilted his head ever so slightly for some scritches, and gazed intently upon me, all with Anna curled in a half moon around and licking my head.
--Quick glances stolen into our household mirrors wondering who is this woman with her chopped off hair staring back at me? And three days after the initial cut, the hub, tired and delayed in his thoughts after a week in the field, stated his approval.
--Sleepily gazing upon hazy, darkened mornings, with dew from humidity fresh upon the grass, while responding to Roxi's 5am emergency barks to be let out of her kennel.
--Listening to the hub's raspy voice, almost gone from shouting in the field, as we shared with each other the events, missed moments, and needs from the week.
--Jokes, smiles, and shared stories while assisting a previously difficult and rude client with completing his resume. Human emotion has such bearing on personal interactions and its incredible sometimes to observe how changing one's emotional response to the unknown can influence his/her entire ability to interact with others.
Moments near and small...but moments I'm noticing and appreciating for what they are all the same.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Moving Past Frustration
It's sunny outside but its just one of those days when a stockpile of hormones and emotions land. These types of days for the most part are far and few inbetween--at least I like to think and hope so.
I've felt the emotions coming on for the last week and was hoping to negotiate an extra afternoon off from work just to process, enjoy a bit of extra freedom, and have time to take care of a few errands that needed to be completed during work day hours. Unfortunately the extra time wasn't available due to needs at work and we're headed into a pretty busy two month stretch. So its no surprise that this morning I've felt in a bit of a funk.
My thoughts and heart have been all over the place the last week and 24 hours. Breaking for coworkers and close friends who have sent/are sending their loved ones off to war. Guilty frustration at working full time, with hub's crazy schedule each month, and at even feeling guilty frustration when we're so blessed to have the opportunities we do. Apprehension at the four years ahead as we transition back to Oregon-what that means financially, socially, occupationally, in marriage, and many other things. Sadness at changing friendships, lack of local social support, and not wanting to burden those who do care with concerns that really are so minimal in the larger scheme. Physical annoyance at having daily afternoon headaches and off/on fever for two weeks, varying hormones as the body still adjusts to contraception, and decreased running motivation due to the heat. And I'm sure there are other tidbits that aren't worth sharing here. ;)
BUT....nothing frustrates me more than being frustrated when I know that I am so blessed. Compared to 90% of the population on this planet, I really don't have much I should feel frustrated by. My housing and health care are provided. I have a job that I actually love. I have amazing family and fabulous friends, even if there is distance between us. I married a man that I unconditionally love and who I am continually in awe of his capacity for hard work and duty. This man who married me somehow loves me through all my frustrations. I had the opportunity to be educated, to choose if/when I want to reproduce, and I have never been forced to try drugs, have sex, nor really do much that I didn't want to do. I have a reliable vehicle and two functioning legs/lungs to get where I need to go. My debts are minimal and manageable. I'm staring at a closet full of clothes, the kitchen is full of food, entertainment options are endless, and laying next to me are three furry creatures who want nothing more than to get and give love.
So I am focusing on other coping mechanisms besides complaining. Several uncommon text exchanges with my mother let me shed a few tears and then end on humor as our family is so prone to do. This honest blog posting exposes my heart and processes my thoughts. Appreciation and focusing on what I do have stills my soul. Good music on Pandora and a stiff drink. A few pats and scratches for the animals. A note to Granny to brighten her mailbox with love. And now staring at my closet and weeding out items that will fill the work clothes need of a dear friend back home who is feeling financially strapped.
Maybe not the most cheerful post ever...but authentically and simply....me...and really there's not much else I can be.
I've felt the emotions coming on for the last week and was hoping to negotiate an extra afternoon off from work just to process, enjoy a bit of extra freedom, and have time to take care of a few errands that needed to be completed during work day hours. Unfortunately the extra time wasn't available due to needs at work and we're headed into a pretty busy two month stretch. So its no surprise that this morning I've felt in a bit of a funk.
My thoughts and heart have been all over the place the last week and 24 hours. Breaking for coworkers and close friends who have sent/are sending their loved ones off to war. Guilty frustration at working full time, with hub's crazy schedule each month, and at even feeling guilty frustration when we're so blessed to have the opportunities we do. Apprehension at the four years ahead as we transition back to Oregon-what that means financially, socially, occupationally, in marriage, and many other things. Sadness at changing friendships, lack of local social support, and not wanting to burden those who do care with concerns that really are so minimal in the larger scheme. Physical annoyance at having daily afternoon headaches and off/on fever for two weeks, varying hormones as the body still adjusts to contraception, and decreased running motivation due to the heat. And I'm sure there are other tidbits that aren't worth sharing here. ;)
BUT....nothing frustrates me more than being frustrated when I know that I am so blessed. Compared to 90% of the population on this planet, I really don't have much I should feel frustrated by. My housing and health care are provided. I have a job that I actually love. I have amazing family and fabulous friends, even if there is distance between us. I married a man that I unconditionally love and who I am continually in awe of his capacity for hard work and duty. This man who married me somehow loves me through all my frustrations. I had the opportunity to be educated, to choose if/when I want to reproduce, and I have never been forced to try drugs, have sex, nor really do much that I didn't want to do. I have a reliable vehicle and two functioning legs/lungs to get where I need to go. My debts are minimal and manageable. I'm staring at a closet full of clothes, the kitchen is full of food, entertainment options are endless, and laying next to me are three furry creatures who want nothing more than to get and give love.
So I am focusing on other coping mechanisms besides complaining. Several uncommon text exchanges with my mother let me shed a few tears and then end on humor as our family is so prone to do. This honest blog posting exposes my heart and processes my thoughts. Appreciation and focusing on what I do have stills my soul. Good music on Pandora and a stiff drink. A few pats and scratches for the animals. A note to Granny to brighten her mailbox with love. And now staring at my closet and weeding out items that will fill the work clothes need of a dear friend back home who is feeling financially strapped.
Maybe not the most cheerful post ever...but authentically and simply....me...and really there's not much else I can be.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Saturday Links
Fashion hit the news this week--or rather limiting your wardrobe......liked it!
How to Dress with Just Six Pieces from Yahoo Shine
Shoppers on a Diet Tame the Urge to Buy from the NYTimes
Might have to try out the Six Items or Less Challenge or the Great American Apparel Diet. I actually think the Great American Apparel Diet would be the easier of the two for me--not buying any new clothes for a year rather than wearing the same six items over again for a month. I could easily do the same 12 items for 3 months though!
This story is amazing and it warms the heart...pun intended. Surgeon Who Repaired Racer's Heart Joins Him as He Puts It To the Test from the NYTimes.
Harvard Study Backs Bottle Concern from The Boston Globe. BPA increase (69%) in urine from individuals who drank out of plastic bottles for a week.
How to Dress with Just Six Pieces from Yahoo Shine
Shoppers on a Diet Tame the Urge to Buy from the NYTimes
Might have to try out the Six Items or Less Challenge or the Great American Apparel Diet. I actually think the Great American Apparel Diet would be the easier of the two for me--not buying any new clothes for a year rather than wearing the same six items over again for a month. I could easily do the same 12 items for 3 months though!
This story is amazing and it warms the heart...pun intended. Surgeon Who Repaired Racer's Heart Joins Him as He Puts It To the Test from the NYTimes.
Reminds me of the happiest children I've ever seen in my life: rural kids in Argentina playing catch with multiple tied up plastic bags as their ball. Innovation is everywhere, happiness comes from the simplest things....To Those with Nothing, Soccer is Everything
I had never heard of this Oregon event until Klean Kanteen had a blurb about it. Indie bands, local food & brews, and beautiful landscapes--sounds like a great time at Pickathon!
Loved Down-to-Earth Rhonda's post this week on Flexible Simplicity
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS:
Harvard Study Backs Bottle Concern from The Boston Globe. BPA increase (69%) in urine from individuals who drank out of plastic bottles for a week.
At Last! Cosmetics Bill Introduced in the House--authority over personal care products--what a concept!
Couple's Experiment: Trash Free For a Year-video from KGW. Young couple from Oregon.
China Oil Spill Grows, Official Warns of Severe Threat--the pictures are pretty incredible
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Anna & Roxi Got a Package!
When I checked the mail today, there was an anonymously ordered package of treats for the dogs!
Anna's anxiously waiting for me to open it. Roxi's too busy running around in anticipation to make it in the photo!
Homemade dog treats from all natural ingredients!
They were SO excited and seriously couldn't get enough.
It took me a couple hours to figure out who may have sent the treats to the girls! Prior to Roxi, Anna and I used to go on walks with another dog named Wall-E and his owner. Sure enough, Wall-E's owner sent the girls their own care package! Her sister-in-law is Chef Sarah of Never Spoiled, Just Well Loved Homemade Pup Treats out of Charleston, SC. If you're looking for a great gift to send a family pet, please check out her website. It's great to know that someone is producing delicious smelling and naturally made treats for dogs (and cats). The ingredients are simple, most the packaging was able to be recycled, and Sarah's willing to ship just about anywhere in the nation. (She also helped Wall-E's owner with delicious ingredients for his first birthday party!) What a great way to show a bit of extra delicious and healthy love to a neighborhood furry friend!
Family Growth & Acceptance
Granny and her great-great granddaughter
This picture seriously melts my heart....and for more reasons than I can probably express. The above picture shows almost 99 year old Granny with her first great-great grandbaby on her lap. From what my sister said they had quite the conversation between the two of them!
I had yet to mention this newest addition to our family circle as there have been mixed reactions (truthfully among everyone) as to her journey into this world, as her parents are younger than the age one hopes their kids, grandkids, nephews, etc might be ready to reproduce. (At 27, I'm a great-aunt!) The pregnancy was a difficult one for the mom and lil babe spent some time in specialized medical care, but here she is at 4 months thriving, healthy, and bringing joy to many. And babe's mom does a great job of meeting babe's needs.
What this picture demonstrates to me is the unconditional love and mutual understanding across generations, and I'm hopeful it brings a little more forgiveness and remembrance of our family bond into the hearts of many of us still struggling to understand how the course of life can turn out so differently than hoped. If anything babe should feel love and sense expressions of joy, as Granny so successfully demonstrates (just like she always does!). The saying is that it takes a village to raise a child, but I think it takes an extended family to show the child the way to appreciate that village and her role in it.
Truthfully I'm overjoyed to see babe looking so healthy, so strong, and so settled. And I find myself proud and in awe of Granny's joy, relaxation, and appreciation. A picture...of family...and a picture of health. Here's to many more happy and healthy times for both of them and hopefully a renewed sense of family in us all!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Operation Homecoming: Writing the War Time Experience
So I decided a while ago that I wasn't going to share many of my own thoughts and opinions on the military, current wars, or soldier treatment until after the hub is no longer in the military and I am no longer working with soldiers. While this blog is primarily anonymously written, I also know that its not that difficult to figure things out thanks to the internet these days....and I've been raised to recognize that whatever I say/write now can reflect upon others that are connected to me AND can be brought back up years down the road. What I will say is that I whole-heartedly believe in my current job and in providing services to soldiers. And I'm recognizing every day that my opinions are currently in a state of metamorphosis thanks to my changing environments.
I have many friends who think that the military can be a viable option for any individual who needs an income, secure health care & housing, etc---however thanks to my job, I can wholeheartedly tell you: this way of life is not for everyone and anyone. (On a side note: The lowest level enlisted soldier makes such a minimal amount that if s/he has dependents, they qualify for state assistance due to income.) No one should think of joining the military (any branch) lightly, and the military isn't keeping just anyone in the service these days. On the other end of the spectrum I have friends who have a hard time understanding why anyone at all would join the military...
I will say that I think that every single soldier's experience is different than the next. Two people can experience the same event and have completely different view points, interpretations, and reactions to that same event---the same thing happens with soldiers. There are men soldiers, there are women soldiers. There are mechanics, pilots, supply, communications, human resources, infantry. If you want to know the break down of the different Army occupations you can find it here and Marine occupations are here. Keep in mind the Navy and Air Force are two additional branches of service, and deployment cycles and experiences vary based on branch of service and military job. What most people envision when they think of a deployed soldier who is fighting on the front lines is most likely going to be an infantry soldier or artillery soldier. However these individuals are only a percentage of the total military.
I'm sure that many individuals envision an infantry soldier's experience to be similar to the movies that are produced based on soldier experiences. While there may be some truth to those films, I will say that a lot of soldiers do not feel that mainstream films totally convey the experience nor demonstrate the truth. While we are still fighting two wars overseas, the public's focus on this fact and the amount of news demonstrated to this fact are limited. Even as a military spouse, my awareness and understanding of the soldier experience is limited. Hub isn't a big fan of talking about his current work and while I've seen pictures of his past deployment, that's about as indepth as we've gone. What I do realize some days more than others though is that most of the soldiers I work with have seen the face of war and several of them are headed back to it.
Last night I found a great instant stream documentary on Netflix (that mail-in & instant streaming movie rental program available here in the States for my foreign readers!) called Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience. The Iraqi and Afghan wartime experience written by those that have been there and lived it. (The stories have been compiled by the National Endowment for the Arts.) What the soldiers wrote seemed to convey much more of the experience than what any blockbuster film could do. I would encourage you to check it out.....
I have many friends who think that the military can be a viable option for any individual who needs an income, secure health care & housing, etc---however thanks to my job, I can wholeheartedly tell you: this way of life is not for everyone and anyone. (On a side note: The lowest level enlisted soldier makes such a minimal amount that if s/he has dependents, they qualify for state assistance due to income.) No one should think of joining the military (any branch) lightly, and the military isn't keeping just anyone in the service these days. On the other end of the spectrum I have friends who have a hard time understanding why anyone at all would join the military...
I will say that I think that every single soldier's experience is different than the next. Two people can experience the same event and have completely different view points, interpretations, and reactions to that same event---the same thing happens with soldiers. There are men soldiers, there are women soldiers. There are mechanics, pilots, supply, communications, human resources, infantry. If you want to know the break down of the different Army occupations you can find it here and Marine occupations are here. Keep in mind the Navy and Air Force are two additional branches of service, and deployment cycles and experiences vary based on branch of service and military job. What most people envision when they think of a deployed soldier who is fighting on the front lines is most likely going to be an infantry soldier or artillery soldier. However these individuals are only a percentage of the total military.
I'm sure that many individuals envision an infantry soldier's experience to be similar to the movies that are produced based on soldier experiences. While there may be some truth to those films, I will say that a lot of soldiers do not feel that mainstream films totally convey the experience nor demonstrate the truth. While we are still fighting two wars overseas, the public's focus on this fact and the amount of news demonstrated to this fact are limited. Even as a military spouse, my awareness and understanding of the soldier experience is limited. Hub isn't a big fan of talking about his current work and while I've seen pictures of his past deployment, that's about as indepth as we've gone. What I do realize some days more than others though is that most of the soldiers I work with have seen the face of war and several of them are headed back to it.
Last night I found a great instant stream documentary on Netflix (that mail-in & instant streaming movie rental program available here in the States for my foreign readers!) called Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience. The Iraqi and Afghan wartime experience written by those that have been there and lived it. (The stories have been compiled by the National Endowment for the Arts.) What the soldiers wrote seemed to convey much more of the experience than what any blockbuster film could do. I would encourage you to check it out.....
First Year Dog Owner
Anna a few weeks after we got her last July-about 10 mons old.
Anna & Roxi staring at the gleaming lake in February!
Anna looking all pretty late this spring.
This week concludes the first year that I have spent as a first time dog owner and what a year it has been! ;) Growing up I never had dogs. I always had a feeling that at some point I'd have one, but I was never a huge fan of the smell and of dog behaviors in general. The hub and I had agreed on getting a dog but were going to wait so we'd still have freedom to easily travel, move, etc...but the hub is very charming and we got Anna toward the end of last July from a local humane society. She was the first dog we really focused on in the kennels and we loved her. Two days after bringing her home we discovered she was really sick and the vet wasn't entirely sure she'd make it. The hub left town for a few days for work, so Anna and I began our initial love-hate relationship: two hours to get meds in her, constantly wiping down the walls from her sneezes, getting up early to let her out of her kennel, and constantly watching her to make sure she didn't chew us out of house and home. I'm not sure that puppy love overly applied here.
Anna's death record includes: at least 3 chew toys, two stuffed animals, 2 blankets, 3 pairs of sandals/flip flops, two lawn chairs, one ceramic bowl, one plastic water bowl, a Nalgene, her dog bed, corners of three rugs, the leg of a stool, 3 wash cloths, and a cat collar.
But somehow a dog wins its way into your heart. By December, she'd mainly stopped chewing, she no longer had accidents in the house, and she made a great walking companion. During those months of being unemployed, she became my steady companion and my right hand gal. I looked forward to waking up and letting her out of her kennel in the mornings and of bestowing upon her lots of hugs and kisses. However, as much as I'd walk her and as much as the hub would play with her, she still was bored....and our housing company was about to implement pet deposits for new animals within the next month so.........enter Dog #2! ;) And the end of December, Roxi joined our home--needing to be trained but more innocent and loving than most animals could ever be coming out of such a dire place.
The two dogs are about as different in personality as you can imagine. Anna's solid, stubborn, and inquistive. Roxi's sweet, playful, and apprehensive. Anna picks up a new command even if she'll fight you the whole way on it, where as Roxi takes multiple attempts to train and even then its whether or not she totally feels up to it. Anna barges head on into a room while Roxi dances in the doorway til she thinks its safe and fun to enter. Anna is a line backer and Roxi is her cheerleader on the sidelines. The two play for hours on end--chasing each other and their lil rubber toys. They'll growl over bones and sing to each other the next moment.
And I have to say---I wouldn't go back on having our ladies at all. The dogs turn my gray mornings sunny. They entertain me in so many ways. They wiggle their way up to my arms or manuever their heads under my hands just so I have to give them a scritch. When I'm angry, their playful nature cools my jets. When I'm sad, they come to investigate my tears. When I'm happy, they want to dance and play. When we're napping, they're laying along the sides of our beds. They help the hub grill and they help me clean. They're anxious to help me run. They lower my blood pressure and decrease my stress, and they bring us hours upon hours of entertainment.
So while it's been a rather eventful dog year, I don't know that I would have had it any other way. I'm definitely nervous about finding housing for two crazy mutts, but I know in all things God will provide. So here's to more laughter, more fur, and more smiles---and many more dog years to come!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
House Tour #4: Extra Spaces
LAUNDRY ROOM, GARAGE, AND BATHROOM
With the high heat of summer, the dogs kennels have moved from the garage into the laundry room. We stack them when they aren't used and then put them side by side to let the dogs into them. They're on tile just in case of any accidents, otherwise we could have put them in another area of the house. You can't see in the picture, large plastic bins that hold the dog and cat food. On top of the dryer is the cats' food & water bowls, and not pictured on the floor is the dog food bowl. The rug on the floor has been pretty beat up but is a hand-me-down from my parents. The washer and dryer we got for $100 from a family moving out of here last year. While not the most energy efficient, they still work fine! And there is a paper bag just inside the door for recyclables before we add it all into the recycle bin in the garage.
The garage (aka man grilling cave). Out here we have the neighbors extra futon and my old loveseat so the men can sweat together while they grill and do man stuff. ;) A side table next to the futon for drinks and two large tables for games and grilling fixings. Right in front of the garage door is the grill which gets pulled out onto the driveway when in use. Toward the right front is a large area for the hub's army stuff and for our tools, etc. And as you can see we've got our laundry hanging!
The bathroom looks exactly the same as the day the hub first set it up! Simple and functional.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Home Tour #3: Living Area
COMFORT
First picture has the original couch we purchased last summer. The red pillows are extras from the sectional. The other throw pillows I've accumulated over the years and used a technique from my mother for short-term recovering (standard pillow cases tucked in around a regular throw pillow). The near end table is an old shelf made by my dad many years ago and recently repainted brown. In that corner you can't see the tall paper lamp we purchased in the last year and a black & white photo taken by my brother. The table in the far corner is actually a carved chest from the Philippines that I love, came from my parents house, and holds extra throws & blankets.
The new and budgeted for sectional selected by the hub. The mirror above it is also new but was a fabulous steal for $99 (its pretty hard to even get glass that size for that price). The leather bench is extra storage and great for propping legs & drinks on. The lil quilt was designed-by-order/homemade from a friend's sister. Directly behind the couch where the lil lamp is sticking up is that side table I repainted and it holds controllers and drinks. The shelf barely visible in the front corner holds electronics and is below the TV.
My leather chair with throw pillows is in the corner with the neat paper latern above it. The pub table is one we love and purchased when we first got our place. Shells and driftwood are decorating the top of it. The area rug brings color to that side of the room and the extra chair in the corner holds my work tote. Under the clock we each have a basket that holds sunglasses, pens, wallets, etc. We have hooks for our keys and a clay art piece I made in high school collects spare change.
This shelf on the TV wall holds a photo of us when I first visited Louisiana, a decorative piece, a sign above that says Peace on Earth in Spanish, and two international items.
While this room has the most new purchases from building our home together, they're also items we will use for years, were well thought out, and that intermix well with the pieces we already had. Over the years we'll add more travel items and artwork, but for now it's just right for us.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Have You Seen the Face of Domestic Violence?
You may have been expecting another home post, but I wanted to share something else that is special to my heart and mind right now. Last week it came to my attention that a female I once attended school with had been stabbed to death in her shared home by her boyfriend. This particular individual was someone I didn't interact with much as a kid, but the reality of her death still disturbed me. She was a strong female (captain of a city rugby league), with a smile for the world, and the type of individual who does not fit what many would picture as a woman suffering from domestic violence.
I've never been one with the right words to discuss domestic violence and its one area of social work I've always known I could never effectively work in. Thus I turned to one of my dearest friends and asked if she would so kindly write a guest piece for me. Not only is Nancy an amazing friend but she has fairly self-lessly and passionately worked in the field of domestic violence for almost six years. Graciously she wrote the following and wrote it as if she was speaking to a fellow friend:
A definition of domestic violence is probably a good place to start. I'm often surprised by what imagery the term conjures for different folks. Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior that can include physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse, perpetrated by one person against an intimate partner with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control (Oregon Coalition Against Domestic Violence).
Before going further I feel I need to make the obligatory statements, you may have heard it before, but if I don't do it, people will accuse me of being sexist and/or a man hater... Domestic violence happens to men and women (although 85% of the time violence in perpetrated by men against women and because of this I may use the word she for a survivor and he for an abuser). I call them survivors because in or out of an abusive relationship they are definitely surviving. Abuse occurs across all racial, ethnic, socio-economic, age, and religious groups. However, as a service provider we usually see the most economically disadvantaged folks, because they do not have the same kinds of resources to achieve safety.
Domestic violence comes in many shapes and forms, though through the lens of pop culture and the sensationalization of the news media, many think of it in terms of physical violence only. The Duluth Model Power & Control Wheel does a really good job of illustrating what abuse can look like. Abuse usually starts out small and can seem insignificant. Sometimes the jealousy a partner uses as an excuse for their behavior can even flatter us and make us feel protected or cared for, but abuse often escalates over time in both frequency and severity.
The question people most often ask is "why doesn't she leave?" While I'll attempt to do this question justice, my caveat is that it is not the victims responsibility to end the abuse, but it is the responibility of the perpetrator. The answer to the question however is complex. Leaving is the single most dangerous time for a survivor. In Oregon we have had what seems like an outbreak of homicides connected to domestic violence. In most of those cases, the victims (victims, when they are no longer surviving) had left or attempted to leave the relationship. Given the danger, it is amazing how many survivors do leave. When someone leaves an abusive relationship they don't just leave their partner, they often have to cut ties with friends, family, and communities in order to attain safety. Leaving an abusive relationship prompts many difficult decisions. Survivors must attain housing, employment, childcare, transportation, and it all must be done away from the abusers network and community in order to try and maintain safety. Survivors face incredible barriers when leaving, including the complexity and sacrifice of making a new life, and the difficulty in actually achieving safety.
There are many "red flags" or "warning signs" of an abusive relationship. Although the presence of one sign does not necessarily indicate an abuser, the more signs there are the more likely a person is an abuser and some of the warning signs are abuse in and of themselves:
1. Jealousy
2. Controlling behavior
3. Push for quick involvement or committment to the relationship
4. Unrealistic expectations
5. Isolation
6. Past battering
7. Blames others for problems
8. Rigid gender roles
9. Cruelty to animals or children
10. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality
11. Verbal abuse
12. Threats of violence
13. Breaking or striking objects
14. Force in sex
15. Any force during an argument
16. Stalking behavior
If you have questions or concerns about your partners' behavior and want to talk to someone, you should feel free to contact your local hotline. Don't know your local hotline number? You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. They can connect you to local programs and have translators available.
Finally, a lot of people feel at a loss when someone they care about finds themselves in an abusive relationship. If you know someone who is being abused the best thing you can do is to believe them. Don't minimize or try to explain away abusive behavior, as chances are the person is already doing that and it will only reinforce the idea that s/he is somehow responsible for the violence. Let them know you are concerned for their safety and tell them it is not their fault. Many survivors turn to family and friends before they reach out to agencies, so ask what you can do to support them and respect their decisions. They know their partner and situation best, and are the best judge of what will be safe for them. If they do decide to leave, continue to offer whatever support you can. It may mean accompanying them as they seek out assistance from the legal system, seek financial assistance from a state agency, or reach out to a domestic violence agency.
MANY THANKS TO NANCY! Domestic violence is such a sad and sensitive topic, and she covered it much better and professionally than I would have been able to do. Please if you know of someone in an abusive relationship, offer to help them in any way you can and let's continue to combat the stigmas and stereotypes that exist in the world.
I've never been one with the right words to discuss domestic violence and its one area of social work I've always known I could never effectively work in. Thus I turned to one of my dearest friends and asked if she would so kindly write a guest piece for me. Not only is Nancy an amazing friend but she has fairly self-lessly and passionately worked in the field of domestic violence for almost six years. Graciously she wrote the following and wrote it as if she was speaking to a fellow friend:
A definition of domestic violence is probably a good place to start. I'm often surprised by what imagery the term conjures for different folks. Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior that can include physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse, perpetrated by one person against an intimate partner with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control (Oregon Coalition Against Domestic Violence).
Before going further I feel I need to make the obligatory statements, you may have heard it before, but if I don't do it, people will accuse me of being sexist and/or a man hater... Domestic violence happens to men and women (although 85% of the time violence in perpetrated by men against women and because of this I may use the word she for a survivor and he for an abuser). I call them survivors because in or out of an abusive relationship they are definitely surviving. Abuse occurs across all racial, ethnic, socio-economic, age, and religious groups. However, as a service provider we usually see the most economically disadvantaged folks, because they do not have the same kinds of resources to achieve safety.
Domestic violence comes in many shapes and forms, though through the lens of pop culture and the sensationalization of the news media, many think of it in terms of physical violence only. The Duluth Model Power & Control Wheel does a really good job of illustrating what abuse can look like. Abuse usually starts out small and can seem insignificant. Sometimes the jealousy a partner uses as an excuse for their behavior can even flatter us and make us feel protected or cared for, but abuse often escalates over time in both frequency and severity.
The question people most often ask is "why doesn't she leave?" While I'll attempt to do this question justice, my caveat is that it is not the victims responsibility to end the abuse, but it is the responibility of the perpetrator. The answer to the question however is complex. Leaving is the single most dangerous time for a survivor. In Oregon we have had what seems like an outbreak of homicides connected to domestic violence. In most of those cases, the victims (victims, when they are no longer surviving) had left or attempted to leave the relationship. Given the danger, it is amazing how many survivors do leave. When someone leaves an abusive relationship they don't just leave their partner, they often have to cut ties with friends, family, and communities in order to attain safety. Leaving an abusive relationship prompts many difficult decisions. Survivors must attain housing, employment, childcare, transportation, and it all must be done away from the abusers network and community in order to try and maintain safety. Survivors face incredible barriers when leaving, including the complexity and sacrifice of making a new life, and the difficulty in actually achieving safety.
There are many "red flags" or "warning signs" of an abusive relationship. Although the presence of one sign does not necessarily indicate an abuser, the more signs there are the more likely a person is an abuser and some of the warning signs are abuse in and of themselves:
1. Jealousy
2. Controlling behavior
3. Push for quick involvement or committment to the relationship
4. Unrealistic expectations
5. Isolation
6. Past battering
7. Blames others for problems
8. Rigid gender roles
9. Cruelty to animals or children
10. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality
11. Verbal abuse
12. Threats of violence
13. Breaking or striking objects
14. Force in sex
15. Any force during an argument
16. Stalking behavior
If you have questions or concerns about your partners' behavior and want to talk to someone, you should feel free to contact your local hotline. Don't know your local hotline number? You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. They can connect you to local programs and have translators available.
Finally, a lot of people feel at a loss when someone they care about finds themselves in an abusive relationship. If you know someone who is being abused the best thing you can do is to believe them. Don't minimize or try to explain away abusive behavior, as chances are the person is already doing that and it will only reinforce the idea that s/he is somehow responsible for the violence. Let them know you are concerned for their safety and tell them it is not their fault. Many survivors turn to family and friends before they reach out to agencies, so ask what you can do to support them and respect their decisions. They know their partner and situation best, and are the best judge of what will be safe for them. If they do decide to leave, continue to offer whatever support you can. It may mean accompanying them as they seek out assistance from the legal system, seek financial assistance from a state agency, or reach out to a domestic violence agency.
MANY THANKS TO NANCY! Domestic violence is such a sad and sensitive topic, and she covered it much better and professionally than I would have been able to do. Please if you know of someone in an abusive relationship, offer to help them in any way you can and let's continue to combat the stigmas and stereotypes that exist in the world.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
House Tour #2: Kitchen Area
THE KITCHEN IS THE HEART OF THE HOME
No matter what, the kitchen always tends to be the heart of the home. Regardless of how comfortable the living room, everyone congregates within our kitchen and it's adjoining area. In this photo you can see our pantry area, fridge (with photos & items of home, recipes, and a few restaurant menus), and large counter space. The candles and African violet are actually left overs from friends that moved, as well as two other plants not pictured. Top of the fridge has some glass storage containers (thrift store finds), a large thermos for hub's work, and usually bones for the dogs. In the background is the entryway to our home.
I'm not a huge fan of cluttered counter tops, but unfortunately that's how the back corner of our kitchen survives: bamboo and glass cutting boards, knives, microwave, bread basket on top of microwave, and well, booze. Right of the stove, utensils in the holder painted 5 years ago by my nephew and an old strainer which is our fruit basket. To the left of the sink we place a towel for drying dishes washed by hand. On the stove, you see an espresso maker (Italian style) and a pan of brownies (thanks hub!).
One of my favorites things about this space is being able to look out the huge window. Two stools up to the counter, the hand-me-down desk in the corner (which will get passed on when we're back home with my old desk), the bench my dad made for an apartment (storing our breadmaker & crock pot), and the futon (via hub's friend) finish off this space and make a comfortable area for company in the kitchen. The drapery rods are some that have moved with me from two different apartments and happen to match the hardware in this house perfectly.
These last pictures demonstrate some of the dog areas. To the left of the futon, their water bowl. To the right of the futon is a large outdoor/indoor rug to catch dirty paws that we can't wipe in time, their leashes hanging on the wall, and a basket that holds their toys and old towels for said paw wiping. ;)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
House Tour #1: Guest Room
I've been spending the afternoon thinking about how happy I am that we have reached a comfort level with our home. Sure there are little decor items we'd still like to do, but for the most part things are how we intend to have them and the furniture is perfect for our needs for the future. I've spent part of the afternoon rounding up pictures of the house and looking through home magazines and blogs. Our home will never be designed to a T but it's incredibly perfect for us, and still with enough blank spaces to allow us to add artwork that has meaning to us down the road. SO I thought I'd share some photos and details with all of you over the next week :)
"If you want to make a difference on the planet, this is it: Have nothing in your home or life that you do not know to be useful, believe to be beautiful or know that you will strive to keep in your life forever."
--Natalie "Alabama" Chanin
GUEST ROOM
Those of you that have followed this blog for years probably recognize most of everything that is in this first photo. The mattresses are slightly smaller as now we have the full that came from the neighbors in exchange for our queen. The duvet is one my mom and I made out of two old sheets and the blankets are some I've had for years. The sheets are organic cotton. The chair used as an end table is now blue and the other is an original from my grandparents-sister-me. The photo on the table is courtesy of my brother and under it is Lady's favorite sleeping spot--right between my old rabbit fur slippers from my family in Argentina! The print above the bed is my favorite painting from the father of a childhood friend. The lamp on the left was from Granny for my first apartment and the lamp on the right is part of a set picked up at a thrift store.
The chest of drawers and shelf in this photo are from my childhood. My parents had them custom made when they were stationed in the Philippines and I recently repainted them dark brown and modernized the hardware. The shelves hold a few token travel items and a part of our varied books, while the drawers have work-out gear and undergarments. The clock on the wall is from my parents house, the rug was a Granny gift for an apartment, and the curtains were a set I bought for our living room here.
The closet is probably the messiest part of this room but the husband and I keep separate closets and this is mine. We removed the doors about six months back for easier access. We have the spare TV (from my coworker who moved) in there so any guests can watch a movie. You can see my shoe basket and a couple other boxes I have stored as well. ;) On the wall is my cork board with a few inspirational items and then push pins which hold up necklaces and my hook earrings go into the corkboard on the top. (I got this idea from a magazine a long time ago. You can also use push pins to hang hook earrings on if you need more room.)
It Was a Great Week
It was a great week....and not for any particular reason. My sleep was sporadic with fits and starts but I decided not to let it affect me during the days, and the hub was fabulous about letting me sleep in this morning. The dogs wore their usual smiley faces and we did our usual evening runs. We ran 3 miles in the rain one evening and next day I matched my high school cross country season personal record running 5K in just under 28 minutes on the gym's treadmill. Three weeks in a row, I've covered ten miles each week.
Work was slower (and probably will be most of this month) but I spent some time looking for jobs and housing options back home (technically now qualifying as a client). Amazingly a great housing offer was on craigslist making me feel more optimistic about our return options. The hub and I talked some more about upcoming work schedules and our transition among other things. We also discussed tightening the reins this month (NO extras) so that end of August we're only left with truck and student loan payments. We've had a few more unexpected expenses arise but they too will be paid in full next month and we've budgeted for my mom and granny's trip. We're really getting excited to have them here and have been working with the dogs for improved behaviors with company.
We haven't eaten out in the last week and have done dinners in, usually scrounging together remains from last weekend. Yesterday, the hub made it to the grocery store and we fell into our natural cooking pattern: Him doing most the cooking and me prepping the small things. He grilled burgers (garden for me and turkey for him) and I made guacamole, sliced up tomatoes, and made milkshakes. We both stacked our burgers quite high and I have to say it was probably one of the best variations I'd ever made--quite delicious!
The week also included texts with a good friend back home and setting up our phone date next weekend. Offering support to a friend who is living over in Turkey. An evening phone call to Granny with excitement over their trip being a month away! I set up chat time with one of my public health gals from back home for mid next week. Invited some wives here for a bday celebration next weekend (two of them have bdays this coming week). This morning had a phone call to my parents and my excitement is growing over our return to Oregon--still 7-8 months away but it's closer than before! ;) A card got mailed for the Summer of Mail Love and I'll be wrapping up a package today.
Three loads of laundry last night, our sheets and bedding cleaned, dishwasher emptied, and the house vacuumed--leaves us with a relaxing day ahead of us. The hub works all day tomorrow and then starts a week of nights, so we'll relish the relaxation and "emptiness" of today.
So while nothing of this week was huge or out of the norm, that might just be what made it so nice. After a long weekend of resting up, it was quite enjoyable to have a simple week that followed. Sort of like the long lazy stretch of a river after heading around a curve. Its always nice to see how much easier it is to enjoy the simple things of life when my head space is in the right spot. When I take the time to slow down, to not stress, and to just relish, life is so much...More.
Here's hoping everyone had their own wonderful week! Wishing that each has a relaxing weekend too!
Work was slower (and probably will be most of this month) but I spent some time looking for jobs and housing options back home (technically now qualifying as a client). Amazingly a great housing offer was on craigslist making me feel more optimistic about our return options. The hub and I talked some more about upcoming work schedules and our transition among other things. We also discussed tightening the reins this month (NO extras) so that end of August we're only left with truck and student loan payments. We've had a few more unexpected expenses arise but they too will be paid in full next month and we've budgeted for my mom and granny's trip. We're really getting excited to have them here and have been working with the dogs for improved behaviors with company.
We haven't eaten out in the last week and have done dinners in, usually scrounging together remains from last weekend. Yesterday, the hub made it to the grocery store and we fell into our natural cooking pattern: Him doing most the cooking and me prepping the small things. He grilled burgers (garden for me and turkey for him) and I made guacamole, sliced up tomatoes, and made milkshakes. We both stacked our burgers quite high and I have to say it was probably one of the best variations I'd ever made--quite delicious!
The week also included texts with a good friend back home and setting up our phone date next weekend. Offering support to a friend who is living over in Turkey. An evening phone call to Granny with excitement over their trip being a month away! I set up chat time with one of my public health gals from back home for mid next week. Invited some wives here for a bday celebration next weekend (two of them have bdays this coming week). This morning had a phone call to my parents and my excitement is growing over our return to Oregon--still 7-8 months away but it's closer than before! ;) A card got mailed for the Summer of Mail Love and I'll be wrapping up a package today.
Three loads of laundry last night, our sheets and bedding cleaned, dishwasher emptied, and the house vacuumed--leaves us with a relaxing day ahead of us. The hub works all day tomorrow and then starts a week of nights, so we'll relish the relaxation and "emptiness" of today.
So while nothing of this week was huge or out of the norm, that might just be what made it so nice. After a long weekend of resting up, it was quite enjoyable to have a simple week that followed. Sort of like the long lazy stretch of a river after heading around a curve. Its always nice to see how much easier it is to enjoy the simple things of life when my head space is in the right spot. When I take the time to slow down, to not stress, and to just relish, life is so much...More.
Here's hoping everyone had their own wonderful week! Wishing that each has a relaxing weekend too!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Friendships
Throughout my life it's taken me forever to make good friends. This probably has to do with the fact that I'm very particular with the type of people I like to invest time in as I tend to be the type of person who likes lifetime friendships rather than short-term buddies. I'd much prefer to spend my days alone than hang out with people who offend me/who I offend or who I have trouble relating to/conversing with/having much in common. It could also be due to my shyness as a kid with my peers and a lack of self confidence at numerous points in my life. Ironically, I used to be really good at small talk and could chat up just about anyone in a customer service manner. However those skills pretty much go out the window when I'm meeting someone who could potentially be a friend. I also will be the first to admit that I have a tendency to be judgmental--chalk it up to participant observer training--but I'll also admit that sometimes those inital assumptions are invalid. Some of my favorite friends have been people that I wanted to write off within the first few outings and several of my closest pals are some that I never would have imagined continuing our relationship.
So where is this post stemming from?....Well any life transition leads me to re-evaluate my friendships, so for the last few years I've been doing a lot of thinking about them--what it means to be a friend, what is important to me in a friendship, and wondering when its best to let go of a friendship and move on. It's been hard for me to meet like-minded people here on this military post, but many other outlets have made the time here fulfilling in other ways and I still feel the love and support from many of my favorites back home (both friends & family). Maybe I've become a country cliche, but I'm pretty sure that my dogs have become my new best friends. My husband has the ability to be a great companion, but I'm pretty sure I'm always going to be one of those women who needs another woman as her confidant. (Not that I'm always great at maintaining the communication and consistency.)
Breaking all my research rules, I looked up what wikipedia had to say about friendships. The gist being that the intensity and number of friendships has decreased for individuals over the last decades, that friendships have positive health gains, and that the following factors tend to increase VALUE in friendships:
--the tendency to desire what is best for the other
--sympathy and empathy
--honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, especially in terms of pointing out the perceived faults of one's counterpart
--mutual understanding
--mutual compassion
Not bad, wikipedia, not bad---definitely things that I look for in my friendships and as each of those items can take a lot of work, it's no wonder I don't take investing in a friendship very lightly! I had already been contemplating this post earlier today and I happened to finish the book The Friday Night Knitting Club this evening. The story is an interesting journey of a handful of women who happen to come together--a very unlikely crew but still able to bond, to support, and to demonstrate compassion for their individual journeys. Not unlike my best gal pals from my senior year of high school and also not unlike my favorite gals from my public health program either. In both cases, a handful of very different women bonded together over a mutual environment and objective. And in both cases, each individual brought her own beauty, personality, and insight to the collective.
I feel so blessed to have been a part of such amazing relationships (among others!) and I've been interested over the years to see how many relationships have the ability to ebb and flow. I've never been one to be very good at letting go of certain friendships, but slowly and surely over the years I've come to understand that sometimes you have to just let it be and eventually it can come back when you least expect it but most need it. There are still friendships that I need to learn to let go, others I should take the time to relish the memories, and still others that I need to do a better job at maintaining. And maybe, just maybe there is something true to the old Season, Reason, and Lifetime prose:
SEASON, REASON AND LIFETIME
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, It is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON, It is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (any way); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
--Author Unknown
So whether you are a lifetime, season, or reason friend, I thank you for your participation and I cherish the moments, the thoughts, and hopefully the laughs that we have shared. May we all have loved friends, near and far, who continue to bring joy, humor, and grace to our lives!
So where is this post stemming from?....Well any life transition leads me to re-evaluate my friendships, so for the last few years I've been doing a lot of thinking about them--what it means to be a friend, what is important to me in a friendship, and wondering when its best to let go of a friendship and move on. It's been hard for me to meet like-minded people here on this military post, but many other outlets have made the time here fulfilling in other ways and I still feel the love and support from many of my favorites back home (both friends & family). Maybe I've become a country cliche, but I'm pretty sure that my dogs have become my new best friends. My husband has the ability to be a great companion, but I'm pretty sure I'm always going to be one of those women who needs another woman as her confidant. (Not that I'm always great at maintaining the communication and consistency.)
Breaking all my research rules, I looked up what wikipedia had to say about friendships. The gist being that the intensity and number of friendships has decreased for individuals over the last decades, that friendships have positive health gains, and that the following factors tend to increase VALUE in friendships:
--the tendency to desire what is best for the other
--sympathy and empathy
--honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, especially in terms of pointing out the perceived faults of one's counterpart
--mutual understanding
--mutual compassion
Not bad, wikipedia, not bad---definitely things that I look for in my friendships and as each of those items can take a lot of work, it's no wonder I don't take investing in a friendship very lightly! I had already been contemplating this post earlier today and I happened to finish the book The Friday Night Knitting Club this evening. The story is an interesting journey of a handful of women who happen to come together--a very unlikely crew but still able to bond, to support, and to demonstrate compassion for their individual journeys. Not unlike my best gal pals from my senior year of high school and also not unlike my favorite gals from my public health program either. In both cases, a handful of very different women bonded together over a mutual environment and objective. And in both cases, each individual brought her own beauty, personality, and insight to the collective.
I feel so blessed to have been a part of such amazing relationships (among others!) and I've been interested over the years to see how many relationships have the ability to ebb and flow. I've never been one to be very good at letting go of certain friendships, but slowly and surely over the years I've come to understand that sometimes you have to just let it be and eventually it can come back when you least expect it but most need it. There are still friendships that I need to learn to let go, others I should take the time to relish the memories, and still others that I need to do a better job at maintaining. And maybe, just maybe there is something true to the old Season, Reason, and Lifetime prose:
SEASON, REASON AND LIFETIME
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, It is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON, It is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (any way); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
--Author Unknown
So whether you are a lifetime, season, or reason friend, I thank you for your participation and I cherish the moments, the thoughts, and hopefully the laughs that we have shared. May we all have loved friends, near and far, who continue to bring joy, humor, and grace to our lives!
A Weekend of Freedom
As much as I maybe like to complain about the societal norms of my country or who/what may actually be running it, I always know that I am able to voice my opinion as much as I do because (for the most part) I live in a nation based on freedom. I am free to send emails and letters to my elected officials. I am free to vote and to consume in a manner that supports my ideals. I am free to debate and talk with my fellow friends. I am free to protest should I so choose. And for the most part, I can do all this without fear of repercussion (although I still avoid some terms or topics while communicating via phone or email).
In comparison to many other nations, I feel the reality of my freedoms every single day. And in reality, I strongly believe in what this nation was supposed to be about, before it was over-run by industry and a miscontrued idea of how domestic growth should be calculated.
So while it may come as a surprise to some, the Fourth of July is one of my very favorite holidays. And this weekend was a great one!
Many days to appreciate our freedoms: 3.5 days for me, 7 for the hub--a break from the mad rush of work and expectations. Time to just relish what things should be about: Time to take Anna in for her yearly exam and shots. Time to put the finishing touches on our cozy living room (moving the mirror and finally painting our last blue shelf!). Time for the hub to relax with his video games, perfect his newest grilling rub and BBQ sauce, and put together a most delish key lime pie. Time to have a handful of friends and their pups over (10 people and 7 dogs total)--to play, to laugh, to cook, to enjoy good food and drink, to share. Time to enjoy free concerts, fireworks, and deliciously melting cotton candy. Time to regroup and pick up our surroundings and our lives. Time to lay around, chat, share and enjoy the company of my husband. Time to laze along the shores of the river. Time to read and time to sleep. Time to restore.
And with the freedoms of our nation and the lazy freedoms of our days still so present in our minds, we begin again to take care of that which is most dear to our hearts. I hope you too had a relaxing and enjoyable weekend thinking of the rights that you do have and of the freedom to live a life that you hold most dear.
In comparison to many other nations, I feel the reality of my freedoms every single day. And in reality, I strongly believe in what this nation was supposed to be about, before it was over-run by industry and a miscontrued idea of how domestic growth should be calculated.
So while it may come as a surprise to some, the Fourth of July is one of my very favorite holidays. And this weekend was a great one!
Many days to appreciate our freedoms: 3.5 days for me, 7 for the hub--a break from the mad rush of work and expectations. Time to just relish what things should be about: Time to take Anna in for her yearly exam and shots. Time to put the finishing touches on our cozy living room (moving the mirror and finally painting our last blue shelf!). Time for the hub to relax with his video games, perfect his newest grilling rub and BBQ sauce, and put together a most delish key lime pie. Time to have a handful of friends and their pups over (10 people and 7 dogs total)--to play, to laugh, to cook, to enjoy good food and drink, to share. Time to enjoy free concerts, fireworks, and deliciously melting cotton candy. Time to regroup and pick up our surroundings and our lives. Time to lay around, chat, share and enjoy the company of my husband. Time to laze along the shores of the river. Time to read and time to sleep. Time to restore.
And with the freedoms of our nation and the lazy freedoms of our days still so present in our minds, we begin again to take care of that which is most dear to our hearts. I hope you too had a relaxing and enjoyable weekend thinking of the rights that you do have and of the freedom to live a life that you hold most dear.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
More Interesting Articles!
I know, I know. Many of you aren't big fans for resources and links presented this way and I'm sure most of you don't even check the headlines that I do post....but to be honest, I sort of like having these postings so I'll be able to find some of the articles I've been interested in from the past. ;)
These resources and articles are pretty ecletic, but without further ado:
New anti-rape female condom, Rape Axe, debuts at South Africa's World Cup
Granny always discouraged my attempts at giving up coffee in the past. Maybe this newest research is why: Coffee's Mysterious Benefits Mount
This site let's you see how far the oil spill would cover your home area: If It Was My Home.
Interesting renovation: In the Catskills, Comfort in a Gingerbread House
AMAZING RECIPE CENTRAL: TasteSpotting
FDA seeks less use of antibiotics in animals to keep them effective for humans
Ending the Consumption Addiction presented by Treehugger
And while consuming of a sort, this is a neat lil' app for the Iphone that Treehugger wrote about the other day: MyNature App Makes You an Instant Expert on the Outdoors
These resources and articles are pretty ecletic, but without further ado:
New anti-rape female condom, Rape Axe, debuts at South Africa's World Cup
Granny always discouraged my attempts at giving up coffee in the past. Maybe this newest research is why: Coffee's Mysterious Benefits Mount
This site let's you see how far the oil spill would cover your home area: If It Was My Home.
Interesting renovation: In the Catskills, Comfort in a Gingerbread House
AMAZING RECIPE CENTRAL: TasteSpotting
FDA seeks less use of antibiotics in animals to keep them effective for humans
Ending the Consumption Addiction presented by Treehugger
And while consuming of a sort, this is a neat lil' app for the Iphone that Treehugger wrote about the other day: MyNature App Makes You an Instant Expert on the Outdoors
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