It's a tight season in our economy right now... Hours at my job aren't always full time- winter hotel business is slow... Christmas is coming, which will be Erin and I's most creative christmas yet... (Thanks Martha). (Well and Erin- for her knowledge of so many crafty things). We found out- though we knew a bit dated- our Water Heater doesn't seem to be heating anymore... We are looking into some options as we have our first OVERNIGHT guests tomorrow night, and of course would love to shower in our home with other than ice cold. Hopefully all will be in order soon. My father in law is going to see if it may just be an easy fix? We shall know the outcome of that soon. I think a hole has officially and supernaturally burned inside my wallet- he he just kidding. Yet still though things are financially a bit stressful- I considered this morning- how blessed we still are. We have a place to call home, we have food to eat, we have each other, we still have the funds we need to get by, we have family, we have love, we have laughter, we have pain and are made stronger, most of all we have Him, the tightest thing of all.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Fall.
Fall is a season of change. Trees lose their leaves and are left bare for the winter. Ironically this year, its been observed, that with the economy many companies are having to let go of many employees, people are having to let go of the houses they own... Its a rough time for a lot of people, some family, some close friends. Erin and I are still fully employed, and are at no threat of losing our home. (Didn't want to miscommunicate.)
Sunday my wife and I spent a few hours "winterizing" our lawn. We spent a good couple hours just racking and setting up a compost pile. It's quite a large pile. This week I have started training during the morning shift. Its definately EARLIER than I am used too. We are excited for the changes little by little we are making to our home. We finally fixed the heat! We aim to have an open house in the near future...
Another update- on church. Some concern was expressed to the executive staff in regards to the campus being closed- and so- we have remained open. Some of the core team is being replaced, some; are sticking it out until further notice. Great things could develop if something consistent was set into place.
Our fall is seeming to provide change.
Sunday my wife and I spent a few hours "winterizing" our lawn. We spent a good couple hours just racking and setting up a compost pile. It's quite a large pile. This week I have started training during the morning shift. Its definately EARLIER than I am used too. We are excited for the changes little by little we are making to our home. We finally fixed the heat! We aim to have an open house in the near future...
Another update- on church. Some concern was expressed to the executive staff in regards to the campus being closed- and so- we have remained open. Some of the core team is being replaced, some; are sticking it out until further notice. Great things could develop if something consistent was set into place.
Our fall is seeming to provide change.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Migrating Whales.
The wifey and I had a very unique weekend. Saturday we were fortuneate enough to spend some time with some very close friends who came to visit from California. It never feels like enough time- but the time given- was great- and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. It always seems that HE provides everything just as we need. We learned that around the christmas holiday months- whales migrate near Point Dume (Malibu Beach). We hope to have enough saved in order to see mickey, stay for cheap at the hilton, see our dear friends, and watch whales... Thanks to K and M for taking time amidst family to see us. On Sunday, I woke up with what my wife woke up with last week. Intense sinus pressure, congestion, and cough.. However, was needed at church. We found out- that due to some budgeting focus and cuts- our campus is no longer going to be meeting after next weekend. Also, quite a few staff unfortuneately were let go. We don't know why HE has let this happen- however we are aiming to trust HE knows what HE is doing. Please be lifting us up, both as we continue to navigate thru the possible church crisis and I focus on feeling healthier.. I think I am almost there.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Dear Henry- A Self Conducted Exit Interview
Work History/Experience:
I have been working for you as an employee for about a year and a half, and at this property for over 2 years. I am the front desk employee that has been here the longest, makes the most, and the one who succeeds in customer service time and time again. I am the employee that the managers over me claim they will miss. The one who gets along with every other employee. The one which guests believe I will be/ and have been an excellent employee wherever I go. I’ve called in sick under your employment once, and been a few minutes late twice. I am the employee that gave a two weeks notice, and have actually fulfilled it.
Were you satisfied with this company's merit review process?
The review took place 9 months after it should have, for which you apologized for it taking so long. During our review you offered five different times- that if I wanted to quit- to give at least a weeks notice. During our review you pointed out only mistakes I had made, and my lack of follow-thru; and no successes. During our review you mentioned I was the team member with the worst customer service skills. Which was in comparison to those who have since; walked out, text quit hours before their shift, quit then were rehired then quit again, argued with you, and fired for lying to you. I have never done any of those things. You didn't offer me a raise. I can only deduce this is because I already make more than any other front desk employee.
What would you change about your job?
I would want to see those that deserve much credit for going above and beyond actually appreciated with more than a positive comment. I would want to see you much more organized and cleaning up your own office, not the manager under you keeping it organized for you. I would want to see you care more for employees and be less focused about how much you can make if you didn’t have one of them. I believe the staff directly over me did the best they could with the little they had.
Do you have any tips to help us find your replacement?
I don't care who works for you from this point forward; as you've proved obvious your not expecting excellence, your just aiming for your own wealth. Since you said that someone with a masters degree and previous experience with Red Lion is over qualified- no.
Any additional comments?
I am not excited about the fact that you will now profit from my leaving. About 35 bucks extra a month. Perhaps that can go to the mattresses many years old, the pool that’s now been closed over 3 months for maintenance issues, the wireless internet that rarely connects, the internet support team that rarely is able to assist us, the 18,000 camera system you put in, that can only be viewed in present time, but not for review, or crimes committed. Thank you for teaching me that with the pursuit for money; nobody else or anything matters. That you can remodel and refurbish things for dirt cheap- but that you get what you pay for. That people will work for very little- but hate their job. Thank you for proving to me that thru the challenging and terrible circumstances, leaving here for the last time is a much greater step towards success; than remaining an employee here.
PS: These are thoughts I feel better to ONLY reflect on- plus we don't have a work employee printer. I think it healthier and unneccessary for him to actually read this- only because I don't think it would change anything anyway. Thanks to those that read my blog- if you leave a comment- please include your name.
I have been working for you as an employee for about a year and a half, and at this property for over 2 years. I am the front desk employee that has been here the longest, makes the most, and the one who succeeds in customer service time and time again. I am the employee that the managers over me claim they will miss. The one who gets along with every other employee. The one which guests believe I will be/ and have been an excellent employee wherever I go. I’ve called in sick under your employment once, and been a few minutes late twice. I am the employee that gave a two weeks notice, and have actually fulfilled it.
Were you satisfied with this company's merit review process?
The review took place 9 months after it should have, for which you apologized for it taking so long. During our review you offered five different times- that if I wanted to quit- to give at least a weeks notice. During our review you pointed out only mistakes I had made, and my lack of follow-thru; and no successes. During our review you mentioned I was the team member with the worst customer service skills. Which was in comparison to those who have since; walked out, text quit hours before their shift, quit then were rehired then quit again, argued with you, and fired for lying to you. I have never done any of those things. You didn't offer me a raise. I can only deduce this is because I already make more than any other front desk employee.
What would you change about your job?
I would want to see those that deserve much credit for going above and beyond actually appreciated with more than a positive comment. I would want to see you much more organized and cleaning up your own office, not the manager under you keeping it organized for you. I would want to see you care more for employees and be less focused about how much you can make if you didn’t have one of them. I believe the staff directly over me did the best they could with the little they had.
Do you have any tips to help us find your replacement?
I don't care who works for you from this point forward; as you've proved obvious your not expecting excellence, your just aiming for your own wealth. Since you said that someone with a masters degree and previous experience with Red Lion is over qualified- no.
Any additional comments?
I am not excited about the fact that you will now profit from my leaving. About 35 bucks extra a month. Perhaps that can go to the mattresses many years old, the pool that’s now been closed over 3 months for maintenance issues, the wireless internet that rarely connects, the internet support team that rarely is able to assist us, the 18,000 camera system you put in, that can only be viewed in present time, but not for review, or crimes committed. Thank you for teaching me that with the pursuit for money; nobody else or anything matters. That you can remodel and refurbish things for dirt cheap- but that you get what you pay for. That people will work for very little- but hate their job. Thank you for proving to me that thru the challenging and terrible circumstances, leaving here for the last time is a much greater step towards success; than remaining an employee here.
PS: These are thoughts I feel better to ONLY reflect on- plus we don't have a work employee printer. I think it healthier and unneccessary for him to actually read this- only because I don't think it would change anything anyway. Thanks to those that read my blog- if you leave a comment- please include your name.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Update of Updates...
We with a time crunch made an offer on a different house. 5 hours later they phone countered. We phone countered. They accepted. House inspection passed. Mostly cosmetic fixing things or things we could do to prevent mold/dry rought. Twoish weeks have passed and the loan process is now almost complete. We are signing papers tomorrow. Keys should be handed over- two days following. (Monday or Tuesday?) We have been packing as we still have 2 weeksish in our apartment. We plan to paint and get settled in nice and slow! (If slow is a 13 day process). We look forward to what's ahead. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers!!! So many of you have contributed in some way in the house purchasing process, THANK YOU!
In other news... someone got a job offer from The Hilton Portland- Guest Service Agent and is taking it. Well-- Contingent upon a drug test of course. No poppeyseed's from me.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Updated Blog- The New Diggs...
Recap (from the last blog- peanut version):
PICTURES: FRONT OF HOUSE, COMMON ROOM, KITCHEN, and BASEMENT MASTER(fireplace not shown).
A long, long time ago, around March 13th or about 5 months- we made an offer on a house. Today we withdrew our offer from that house. For whatever reason- this house just was not meant to be and we literally hadn't heard anything.
UPDATE: Last thursday we looked at about 8 houses, and narrowed it down to 2. Saturday my in-laws joined us for the viewing of the two. We always value more insight in addition to our own. All with one property in mind as the favorite; we held onto the possibility of a home that was 30k less and needed some neccesary projects prior to living there. Later that day our amazig realitor called and let us know that the septic system would need full replacing. A giant 25k red flag then protruded from the ground- up past our eyeline. Leaving us- desirably so with the beautiful but slightly more expensive favorite. Completely move in ready other than paint. Completely remodeled inside and out. BEAUTIFUL! We made an offer today (the pricing being similar to what the initial house would have been- if the offer goes thru). This whole approval of offer process has to happen by FRIDAY. Otherwise we will continue to enjoy the apartment we reside in. As the only loan we are able to get is to be terminated by october 1st. Leaving us until Friday to hear back. We are thoroughly excited and anticipating news soon. Even if a counter-offer... Regardless, the process now compared to the 5 month journey of ups and downs- is night and day difference. The specs fable style- 3 dungeons, 1 (and eventually 2) outhouses, 1385 sq feet, huge fenced back yard, and gardening delight!!! Here are some pictures! We will keep you in the loop - and if all goes as planned- we would be moving in around the first of October (pending the loan process and inspection of course). We do trust that regardless of the outcome- HE- our magnificiant life coordinator knows what's best for us and for now.
PICTURES: FRONT OF HOUSE, COMMON ROOM, KITCHEN, and BASEMENT MASTER(fireplace not shown).
PS: the original home we wanted is most likely going to go into foreclosure as it has been on the market for almost a year. And the bank/realitor group has already lost out or passed up 2-4 other full price offers on the home. Who knows why.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
"Silence" and what it means to me... (and others).
This blog is meant for those curious to know the meaning of this song. I am all for each song meaning something different to any one person... However, not everyone else is all for such things. Rule #1 - if my definition of the song is different from what you thought it meant, let your definition be the correct one. I am hoping to answer some questions- and not destroy the lyrics of value. Rule #2- The songs I comprise sometimes take only minutes to write down - other times take hours and days. Credit should only given where credit can be due. There are some songs I was used for and intentionally created for to write. Rule #3- If you read this- even if you have told me- please comment as to what you think it means...
Background: I grew up believing that we all "hear" (or begin to assume) concepts or messages we draw from life's experiences. Some are praises from others, yet others unfortuneatley are the we fill in the blank style messages. Maybe we ask a question to a shooting star and nothing seems answered or resolved; so we assume the worst. Maybe we stare at the mirror disliking the reflection we see; and in turn "hear" that we are worthless. Whether the assumptions are true or not- 97 percent of the time they aren't true. However, we grew up; starting to let these messages sit and resonate in our brains... At least for me with similar messages- I did. Take note; Mom and dad and those who might be affected by this- the above two instances are just examples not neccesarily reflectant on my personal childhood. I fully believe these messages are interspersed in ones life regardless of the love that is present to comfort it. And I had a lot of LOVE growing up for which I am and was blessed. Sin still happens. Sad still happens.
I only am able to write songs the way I know how, and best am able to relate too. My hope in this is that in some way or form- my experiences or bits of my experiences have also been had by those listening.
For me the song is this. Really hard to define. I think based on what was said above, I wrote what I have come to learn in this life of mine. Silent times when I bought in or believed a lie. Spiritually speaking of course the devil wants to break everything we hold onto, and Jesus values us. However, I wanted more of a song focused on a story line. Is the boy me? It could be; however; though I am extremely blessed with an incredible wife, and a truly supportive and loving family. Life's journey naturally has bruises and scars. However, without the scars and bruises, we wouldn't, I wouldn't be who I am today. But I realize everyone's journey is different.
This song reminds me for my sake what to do. I guess part of my goal as well was to encourage those close to me also to "not let the silence speak in their life." Hoping they'd not buy into some of the pain that I ONCE did. (or human naturely could...) Life is life though truthfully, and only you can make of it what you will.
I hope this helps... Please comment your thoughts.
SILENCE written by Erik Sutten
Late in the night, a young boy watched the stars in the sky He made a wish and asked, "whats in store for my life?" The answer so silent, he believed nothing bright As the stars faded his dreams also died. Chorus: What you are is enough, no need to disguise Don't let the silence speak in your life. Hold on to the truth, and discard the lies. Deception unfolds when compared to what's right. A few years later the teen stumbled on a dream Asking, "Mirror mirror on the wall, what is it that you see?" It said, "I don't see elegance, or beauty fit for a king, I see a pauper so filthy and bleak." Chorus This grown man, saw his reflection on a stream and thought, What is this life I've lived, what happened to my dreams? I could have been successful, I could have been crowned the king, but I bought into the silence it's to late for me to dream. Chorus Late in the night a young boy watched the stars in the sky He made a wish and asked, "what's in store for my life?"His father turned to him, with hope gleaming from his eyes and said, "Son you will accomplish many great things all your life."
Background: I grew up believing that we all "hear" (or begin to assume) concepts or messages we draw from life's experiences. Some are praises from others, yet others unfortuneatley are the we fill in the blank style messages. Maybe we ask a question to a shooting star and nothing seems answered or resolved; so we assume the worst. Maybe we stare at the mirror disliking the reflection we see; and in turn "hear" that we are worthless. Whether the assumptions are true or not- 97 percent of the time they aren't true. However, we grew up; starting to let these messages sit and resonate in our brains... At least for me with similar messages- I did. Take note; Mom and dad and those who might be affected by this- the above two instances are just examples not neccesarily reflectant on my personal childhood. I fully believe these messages are interspersed in ones life regardless of the love that is present to comfort it. And I had a lot of LOVE growing up for which I am and was blessed. Sin still happens. Sad still happens.
I only am able to write songs the way I know how, and best am able to relate too. My hope in this is that in some way or form- my experiences or bits of my experiences have also been had by those listening.
For me the song is this. Really hard to define. I think based on what was said above, I wrote what I have come to learn in this life of mine. Silent times when I bought in or believed a lie. Spiritually speaking of course the devil wants to break everything we hold onto, and Jesus values us. However, I wanted more of a song focused on a story line. Is the boy me? It could be; however; though I am extremely blessed with an incredible wife, and a truly supportive and loving family. Life's journey naturally has bruises and scars. However, without the scars and bruises, we wouldn't, I wouldn't be who I am today. But I realize everyone's journey is different.
This song reminds me for my sake what to do. I guess part of my goal as well was to encourage those close to me also to "not let the silence speak in their life." Hoping they'd not buy into some of the pain that I ONCE did. (or human naturely could...) Life is life though truthfully, and only you can make of it what you will.
I hope this helps... Please comment your thoughts.
SILENCE written by Erik Sutten
Late in the night, a young boy watched the stars in the sky He made a wish and asked, "whats in store for my life?" The answer so silent, he believed nothing bright As the stars faded his dreams also died. Chorus: What you are is enough, no need to disguise Don't let the silence speak in your life. Hold on to the truth, and discard the lies. Deception unfolds when compared to what's right. A few years later the teen stumbled on a dream Asking, "Mirror mirror on the wall, what is it that you see?" It said, "I don't see elegance, or beauty fit for a king, I see a pauper so filthy and bleak." Chorus This grown man, saw his reflection on a stream and thought, What is this life I've lived, what happened to my dreams? I could have been successful, I could have been crowned the king, but I bought into the silence it's to late for me to dream. Chorus Late in the night a young boy watched the stars in the sky He made a wish and asked, "what's in store for my life?"His father turned to him, with hope gleaming from his eyes and said, "Son you will accomplish many great things all your life."
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