new beginnings

Well, guess who's got some exciting news? I do! Yesterday I was offered a social work position at St. Mary's!

And I'm super pumped. It's an on-call position within the hospital, so I'd be filling in for vacations and other absences. I applied and interviewed for the job back in January, and the process took a long time. I really didn't expect to get it, so I had almost written it off in my mind. But I got the phone call, and I was really surprised... and excited!

Since it's on-call, there's no guarantee for hours, but I figure that's a great way to get started. And it'll give me the chance to find out if medical social work is something that I really, truly want to do. Doing my internship with Spectrum got me really interested in medical work, and I've thought about it ever since finishing my placement last summer. So I'll still have my job at Access (3 days/wk), but while doing that, I can try something new. I'm just ready to get some client contact and interact with patients. I know it will at least be great experience for me to learn and grow professionally.

I'm hoping to start training on Monday, and Access is pretty supportive at this point. So we'll just have to wait and see how things go. For now I'd appreciate prayers for a smooth transition and quick learning.

At the same time, I'm anticipating going to work for Everett's a day or two a week this spring. Yup, starting two jobs at once, that's how I like to do things :)

God's timing is funny. I had totally planned out what I wanted to do, how I wanted it to happen, and when things were going to change. I felt like He was ignoring my prayers for direction, when I didn't get what I asked for, when in reality He was simply telling me, "Wait." I'm really thankful for these opportunities that He's giving me now, because I'm in a different place than I was a few months ago. Before I was anxious, frustrated, and angry, while lately I've been learning about contentment, gratitude, and faith. He's opening doors now whose existence I had never even considered.

I have a stone that sits on my desk, given to me by a coworker, that reads: "Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12" Just reminds me that I'm not the one in control, but thankfully He is.

lately, part two

So part of working only part-time means two days off a week. Which really is a very nice deal. Gives me time to do laundry, get groceries, clean the house (well, not very often), and do all other sorts of fun stuff!

My new and exciting activity has been volunteering at the Humane Society on Wednesday afternoons. I started in January and have been walking the dogs for a couple hours each week. And I have been having SO much fun! It's been a great way to get some exercise and my animal fix. 

Although I have to admit... I really want a dog now. Meet Kelsi :)

Kelsi is a two-year old Pointer/Terrier/Pit Bull mix, and she is the sweetest dog I've ever met. She's pretty skittish around new people, but she's come a long way since I've met her. Growing up, I wasn't around dogs a whole lot, so I was pretty nervous around them. But I've loved seeing Shelly with Roscoe, and I would really love to have an animal companion! I tried to take home a kitten once, but that lasted all of about two days. 

Usually when the dogs get adopted I'm excited that they are going into good homes. But I know I'll be disappointed when she goes. So I'm still trying to convince Eric to let me take her home. But he's pretty adamant about not having a pet in the house, period. I guess we'll just have to see what happens. Meanwhile, I'll just enjoy the time I have to hang out with her!

lately

In January, I had the opportunity to interview for a position that opened up in the department that I did my MSW internship with. I was really excited about the possibility of rejoining the team as a full-time staff member. I had some great references and I nailed, I mean nailed, my interview. It was weird to think about potentially leaving Access, but this was such a great opportunity that I just couldn't pass it up.

I ended up not getting the position, but found out that it had been down to me and one other girl... the student that had actually trained me when I originally started in the program. I have a lot of respect for her, and I know that she'll be great at the job, but I was crushed. 

I felt ready to give up. I had interviewed for a few other jobs, most of them part-time that I'd be able to do in addition to my current job, and I was spent. Constantly putting myself out there drained me more than I had realized. I think you can only market yourself and get invested in these potential positions so much before you just lose it. The night I found out, I think Eric thought I was never going to go on another job interview ever again. But I was just so, so tired.

I don't know how she knew how much I needed it, but Shelly called me... I think it was a total God-thing.  She affirmed that I do have important skills and talents and that I am worth it. She encouraged me not to get down on myself, "I don't think you realize what an amazing woman you are, don't discount yourself!" Being married is great in that you have a live-in cheerleader, but this just meant so much to me coming from her. I just really needed it.

So if I'm honest, I would like to leave Access. When and for what opportunity, I'm not sure, but I know that I won't be doing what I'm doing for very long. Over the last couple of months I've definitely been learning a lesson on contentment and making the best of where I'm at. But with that I've had to intentionally change my attitude, and I've been amazed at how much it's helped me just keep plugging along.

Sometimes I struggle with not being employed full-time, and I think how nice it would be to have two full-time incomes... but I feel like I'm where I need to be right now. And with that, I definitely feel more free to do things that make me happy. But this is post is long enough, so I'll talk more about that next time :)

PS.... you're welcome, Steph!

citrus coasters... oh so sweet!

How cute are these?! Definitely going to have to get another project going...

 

Check out the DIY tutorial here:  http://www.purlbee.com/citrus-coasters/