I think I am still learning patience...

In the process of the "waiting" that occured with the house purchasing process- I began to think I had truly learned all that patience was. I wrote some thoughts down on a napkin. I reflected often on the patience that I portrayed and had to be. As I sit and blog today, I am starting to think, though the word patience seems simple enough, the act is much more complex. There are multiple levels of patience. For the longest time I was hot on the trail of finding a better job; hours, pay, company, benefits etc. The hilton has been a blessing. Lots of future potential is much moreso easily accessible. However, with the economic slowly dragging a long, hours are being significantly cut. I am now "waiting" on recieving reduced hour - unemployment. My wife is going thru the stages of recieving a settlement from accidents that are well past due. Both of our cars are past due on Tune-ups. Calls into unemployment are racking up cell phone bills. There always seems to be something going on. I think really mastering patience involves an overall confidence and attitude amidst these things. (and I don't think it ever ends.) One day maybe debt free comes along but there is bound to be something else. A child on the way, retirement etc. It becomes then so easy to live in the future. But why not just live in the now. One day at a time. Makes it a heck of a lot easier to do so- when you are focused on MUCH less. Its not bad to dream. Its not bad to hope. But to realize that nothing really is amidst our control, that there are some circumstances that are out of our reach, that we are sometimes powerless; though slightly hard to swallow- especially for me- its in most cases true. Welcome the art of learning patience. I think a one word definition of patience: BE.

Storing up.

Quite a few months ago my wife and I started to set aside money in hopes to make ONE last of many "not-parent or parent to be" trips. We started little by little setting aside just a few bucks here and there. Unfortuneately, but responsibly we have had to dip into the trip fund- as for the last 2 weeks and few weeks to come- I won't be getting 40 hour work weeks. We are not in danger of losing a house, or car or anything. (Though i would love to lose my car- to a proper bill of sale- but that is another blog). It is really hard to just slowly give up portions of the money we have saved up. Though with the original full amount we may not have been able to make it anyway- that dream seems further distant. We aim to once the SLOW and unsteady work ceases and when I am back to full weeks- continue to save up and get there. I feel kinda silly that though treasured time with my wife, and friends, and mickey would be wonderful; it is hard for me to settle for waiting longer for. Why, is getting there always the hardest part? At the same point- something should be said for how HE always has a reason and plan for everything. We don't always know what that is, and may never fully understand. But, as my brilliant wife pointed out- perhaps the saved money could also serve as our "tight budget" back-up? Who knows?? Had we not dreamed to reach California by mid- Jan we would not really be surviving all the bills and unexpecteds that we have. We also wouldn't be as focused on being creative on gifts vs. spending more than neccesary. To those that may have been hoping or thinking we may send them something- you may not get anything. Thank goodness- almost everyone we know- (really most of ya) are not in our lives for gifts. We will get to California- I am determined. Maybe in different timing - as hard as it may be for me to suck it up and admit. Yet- though we are in a stressful time we will be coming out stronger than before. My goal this week and (for many weeks) is to stick to Jesus, because I know He will always give us everything we need. And props to Him if we already have it.

"TIIIIIIIIIGHT" TIMES...

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.