Well I submitted my THIRD resignation letter of the year today. After three long months of commuting 90 miles one way and staying with friends, Coach and I have decided that it is not in the best interest of me or us. While the opportunity seemed good, we feel that God has other (better) plans.
While I wish I could say that I was going to stay at home and create everything that I've pinned on Pinterest, our bills require me to work. I am going back to a job that I never should have given up -- a job that never felt like "work". I'm sure most people will think I'm crazy for giving up two really "great jobs" this year. Unfortunately, the definition of a good job seems to be one that provides benefits. Benefits might seem great, but after working a handful of jobs, I've come to realize that it is far more worth it to work at something you love doing.
It seems that a majority of people work at jobs they hate and sacrifice their health, their family and their livelihood... all in pursuit of the American dream. Well, I'm officially ending this pursuit in my life. I've decided that life is too short to be doing anything else than what you love...
Monday, October 3, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
The Wheels of your Mind
I've written about the power of positive before... and I've witnessed it time and time again in my life and in the lives of others.
I read this devotion today and thought it was a great illustration and very well said. So I'm sharing with theworld two people who read my blog.
From the devotional "Encouragement for Today" - http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement/
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7a (KJV)
The day started off just fine, but ended with confusion and tears. As a timid middle-schooler, I climbed the steps of my school bus eager to get home after a long afternoon.
Sitting quietly in my seat, all of a sudden I got this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Although my surroundings appeared to be the same, something was not right.
The bus was the normal sunshine yellow. The seats were standard black vinyl, displaying rips and tears from years of students. The floor was littered with the usual misplaced pencils, erasers and wadded-up papers. Yet, I felt out of place.
That's when I realized I did not know any of the kids sitting around me. And I had never seen the bus driver before. Frantically, I searched for anything familiar. My cheeks grew hot and my heart raced with panic as I realized I was on the wrong bus.
Although I WAS headed somewhere, it was NOT where I wanted to go.
I'd been distracted by conversations with friends, thoughts of sleepovers, and how much homework I had. My thoughts were not focused on where I was going. The actions that followed caused me to end up somewhere I did not want to be.
Thinking back on that day, I've considered how our thoughts determine a lot about the direction of our lives. Like my school bus, our thoughts will always take us somewhere, but it may not be somewhere we want to end up.
If we spend time thinking about how our boss does not appreciate us, our thoughts will take us straight to a bad attitude at work and possibly poor performance.
If we focus on how much we do for others and how little we feel appreciated, our thoughts will take us to a place of resentment, with lack of patience and love.
If we spend an entire day fuming over something our husband or kids did, and mentally practice the harsh words we plan to say to them, those thoughts will lead us into a place of arguments, hurt feelings and damaged relationships.
If we dwell on why God has allowed certain problems in our lives, we will transport ourselves into a state of insecurity and unhappiness as we stop trusting God.
If we focus our thoughts on money, career, success and pleasure, we will find ourselves in the land of the lost—feeling frustrated and discontent.
Our thoughts are powerful and require great self control. If we allow them to run rampant, focusing on things that lead us away from God, then we will wind up at a destination we would never deliberately choose.
In today's key verse, God shows us why we should choose carefully what we think about, because our thoughts determine who we are and how we live.
My childhood memory reminds me to consistently ask God to help me keep my mind on Him and on the thoughts He has for me. That way I can live according to His plans and with His perspective, seeking to be acutely aware of where my thoughts may lead me.
Our thoughts really do have wheels. Where are your thoughts taking you today?
I read this devotion today and thought it was a great illustration and very well said. So I'm sharing with the
From the devotional "Encouragement for Today" - http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement/
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7a (KJV)
The day started off just fine, but ended with confusion and tears. As a timid middle-schooler, I climbed the steps of my school bus eager to get home after a long afternoon.
Sitting quietly in my seat, all of a sudden I got this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Although my surroundings appeared to be the same, something was not right.
The bus was the normal sunshine yellow. The seats were standard black vinyl, displaying rips and tears from years of students. The floor was littered with the usual misplaced pencils, erasers and wadded-up papers. Yet, I felt out of place.
That's when I realized I did not know any of the kids sitting around me. And I had never seen the bus driver before. Frantically, I searched for anything familiar. My cheeks grew hot and my heart raced with panic as I realized I was on the wrong bus.
Although I WAS headed somewhere, it was NOT where I wanted to go.
I'd been distracted by conversations with friends, thoughts of sleepovers, and how much homework I had. My thoughts were not focused on where I was going. The actions that followed caused me to end up somewhere I did not want to be.
Thinking back on that day, I've considered how our thoughts determine a lot about the direction of our lives. Like my school bus, our thoughts will always take us somewhere, but it may not be somewhere we want to end up.
If we spend time thinking about how our boss does not appreciate us, our thoughts will take us straight to a bad attitude at work and possibly poor performance.
If we focus on how much we do for others and how little we feel appreciated, our thoughts will take us to a place of resentment, with lack of patience and love.
If we spend an entire day fuming over something our husband or kids did, and mentally practice the harsh words we plan to say to them, those thoughts will lead us into a place of arguments, hurt feelings and damaged relationships.
If we dwell on why God has allowed certain problems in our lives, we will transport ourselves into a state of insecurity and unhappiness as we stop trusting God.
If we focus our thoughts on money, career, success and pleasure, we will find ourselves in the land of the lost—feeling frustrated and discontent.
Our thoughts are powerful and require great self control. If we allow them to run rampant, focusing on things that lead us away from God, then we will wind up at a destination we would never deliberately choose.
In today's key verse, God shows us why we should choose carefully what we think about, because our thoughts determine who we are and how we live.
My childhood memory reminds me to consistently ask God to help me keep my mind on Him and on the thoughts He has for me. That way I can live according to His plans and with His perspective, seeking to be acutely aware of where my thoughts may lead me.
Our thoughts really do have wheels. Where are your thoughts taking you today?
Monday, September 12, 2011
Whoa Baby
Before my birthday even comes around this year, I have already declared myself old.
Three reasons:
1. Yesterday when I realized it was the TEN year anniversary of September 11th, I realized it was 10 years since I was a senior in high school. Where has the time gone?
2. I noticed a varicose vein that is trying to take residence on my leg. ACK.
3. I have been having many random thoughts about becoming a mother.
Yes, those things make me old. But...maybe being old won't be so bad.
And hey, by this definition, I've been old for a LONG time. Nap time has always made me happy!
Three reasons:
1. Yesterday when I realized it was the TEN year anniversary of September 11th, I realized it was 10 years since I was a senior in high school. Where has the time gone?
2. I noticed a varicose vein that is trying to take residence on my leg. ACK.
3. I have been having many random thoughts about becoming a mother.
Yes, those things make me old. But...maybe being old won't be so bad.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Dear Grandma,
I thought of you today when I looked at the calendar and realized it was your birthday. At first, I was sad that I couldn't call you and wish you Happy Birthday, but then I realized that your party with the big man and the angels singing a happy birthday chorus is much better!
It's hard to believe you've been gone 13 years. You wouldn't believe all that has changed!
First off, all the good TV shows you taught me to love have been replaced by trash. That's right, no more Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Walker Texas Ranger, Murder She Wrote. But, you will be excited to know that QVC is still thriving. (And Mom secretly loves watching it just like you did! She doesn't have their number in speed dial yet, but I'm sure that day will come!)
Mom is beautiful as she has always been and one day she is going to be a wonderful grandma, just like you. But for now, she stays rather busy with the OTHER Katie. Yes, she was silly enough to give her third child the same name as her brother's third child. (Hey, they are your kids!) Our Katie is a big goofball, just like the rest of your grandchildren. :) She loves to read and her favorite place to go is the library. She would've loved you :)
Khris never grew into loving reading or shopping like you tried to get him to. But, he has learned how to cook. A little. Just don't ask him to cook brownies.... or mashed potatoes. He's still working on it. He is still wild and crazy though!
Remember when you took me to work for "Take your Daughter to Work Day"? Well, I thought working in a big office was so cool that I decided to go to college and get a degree in business so I could work in a big office and eventually own my own office. My first job was with yours truly, the FDA. The Parklawn building wasn't as happy as the building you worked in. And there wasn't a Dunkin Donuts next door where I could order Cranberry Orange muffins every morning. But you know what was the same? You can't tell anyone.... but, I use the same password you used on your computer. SHHHHH! Anyway, I think I've had my share of working in offices and I'm ready to run my own office! Just one problem... I'm not sure what TYPE of office. Maybe you could work your connections with the Big Man and ask Him to send some guidance my way. Remind Him that I'm very indecisive and I need it spelled out rather clearly.
I met an amazing man in college who I married two years ago. I really missed your shopping expertise when we were shopping for wedding dresses! Russ and I had a lot of grandparents who we missed that day, but that beautiful double rainbow right before our reception began let us know that you were all in heaven smiling down on us and blessing our marriage!
Life is crazy, but we are doing our work and when we are finished, we are going to have the biggest family reunion ever! Hey, is that lady from Cinnamon Run who ALWAYS called the cops up there? If so, you better tell her to get ready, because we are going to party hard! Do you think you could start working on a big plate of Salmon Pate? And maybe a big bowl of German Potato Salad? For dessert, how about some Black Walnut cookies? And dig out the Scrabble board, because we are going to play a round, or ten. (Can you believe no one will play with me?! I tell them I learned from the best!)
I wish heaven wasn't so far away....Love you and miss you!
It's hard to believe you've been gone 13 years. You wouldn't believe all that has changed!
First off, all the good TV shows you taught me to love have been replaced by trash. That's right, no more Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Walker Texas Ranger, Murder She Wrote. But, you will be excited to know that QVC is still thriving. (And Mom secretly loves watching it just like you did! She doesn't have their number in speed dial yet, but I'm sure that day will come!)
Mom is beautiful as she has always been and one day she is going to be a wonderful grandma, just like you. But for now, she stays rather busy with the OTHER Katie. Yes, she was silly enough to give her third child the same name as her brother's third child. (Hey, they are your kids!) Our Katie is a big goofball, just like the rest of your grandchildren. :) She loves to read and her favorite place to go is the library. She would've loved you :)
Khris never grew into loving reading or shopping like you tried to get him to. But, he has learned how to cook. A little. Just don't ask him to cook brownies.... or mashed potatoes. He's still working on it. He is still wild and crazy though!
Remember when you took me to work for "Take your Daughter to Work Day"? Well, I thought working in a big office was so cool that I decided to go to college and get a degree in business so I could work in a big office and eventually own my own office. My first job was with yours truly, the FDA. The Parklawn building wasn't as happy as the building you worked in. And there wasn't a Dunkin Donuts next door where I could order Cranberry Orange muffins every morning. But you know what was the same? You can't tell anyone.... but, I use the same password you used on your computer. SHHHHH! Anyway, I think I've had my share of working in offices and I'm ready to run my own office! Just one problem... I'm not sure what TYPE of office. Maybe you could work your connections with the Big Man and ask Him to send some guidance my way. Remind Him that I'm very indecisive and I need it spelled out rather clearly.
I met an amazing man in college who I married two years ago. I really missed your shopping expertise when we were shopping for wedding dresses! Russ and I had a lot of grandparents who we missed that day, but that beautiful double rainbow right before our reception began let us know that you were all in heaven smiling down on us and blessing our marriage!
Life is crazy, but we are doing our work and when we are finished, we are going to have the biggest family reunion ever! Hey, is that lady from Cinnamon Run who ALWAYS called the cops up there? If so, you better tell her to get ready, because we are going to party hard! Do you think you could start working on a big plate of Salmon Pate? And maybe a big bowl of German Potato Salad? For dessert, how about some Black Walnut cookies? And dig out the Scrabble board, because we are going to play a round, or ten. (Can you believe no one will play with me?! I tell them I learned from the best!)
I wish heaven wasn't so far away....Love you and miss you!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Power of Positive Thinking
"Every thought is a seed. If you plant crabapples, don't expect to harvest Golden Delicious apples"
This week I've learned that there is true power in positive thinking. I started my new job, which is 90 miles from home. Talk about a lot of time to think! I admit, I started out the week with some excitement, but about 40 miles into the drive, it quickly faded. By the end of the day, I had to find some inspiration because I felt myself falling into a pit. I've had to do some re-programming of my grumblings along the week.
Instead of groaning about the awful time that I get up, I am grateful for the opportunity I have to watch the beautiful sunrise each morning on my way to work.
Instead of thinking about all the things that I have to do in such a short time at home, I am thankful that one of my strengths is organization. I plan our menu at the beginning of the week and I fix lunch and set out dinners for my husband to cook. Planning ahead = less stress in my world. And most of all, I am thankful for an amazing husband who takes care of everything at the house before I get home so I don't have to worry about it. A helping husband = a happy wife.
At the new job, I've had some anxiety over the change. I always hate the first week of the job. I feel like the dumbest person in the place while I learn everything. But instead of being overwhelmed, I am so grateful for the small things -- the ability to use Outlook for email instead of the TERRIBLE program I had at the previous job. I can actually access Facebook during lunch breaks. Not that I need to because I now work in a city where I have multiple dining and shopping options available to take advantage of during my hour :) And I work in an office of very friendly people.
And lastly, even though the drive has been grueling, I've had lots of time to spend thinking, praying, praising and catching up with God and family and friends. I can listen to about 7 chapters of an audio book each day. My cell phone has used more minutes in one week than it has in one month! And, after asking, I received many small affirmations from God that I am in fact doing what I am supposed to be doing.
Positive thinking and perseverance... they really do pay off in the long run! The 180 mile a day long run :P
This week I've learned that there is true power in positive thinking. I started my new job, which is 90 miles from home. Talk about a lot of time to think! I admit, I started out the week with some excitement, but about 40 miles into the drive, it quickly faded. By the end of the day, I had to find some inspiration because I felt myself falling into a pit. I've had to do some re-programming of my grumblings along the week.
Instead of groaning about the awful time that I get up, I am grateful for the opportunity I have to watch the beautiful sunrise each morning on my way to work.
Instead of thinking about all the things that I have to do in such a short time at home, I am thankful that one of my strengths is organization. I plan our menu at the beginning of the week and I fix lunch and set out dinners for my husband to cook. Planning ahead = less stress in my world. And most of all, I am thankful for an amazing husband who takes care of everything at the house before I get home so I don't have to worry about it. A helping husband = a happy wife.
At the new job, I've had some anxiety over the change. I always hate the first week of the job. I feel like the dumbest person in the place while I learn everything. But instead of being overwhelmed, I am so grateful for the small things -- the ability to use Outlook for email instead of the TERRIBLE program I had at the previous job. I can actually access Facebook during lunch breaks. Not that I need to because I now work in a city where I have multiple dining and shopping options available to take advantage of during my hour :) And I work in an office of very friendly people.
And lastly, even though the drive has been grueling, I've had lots of time to spend thinking, praying, praising and catching up with God and family and friends. I can listen to about 7 chapters of an audio book each day. My cell phone has used more minutes in one week than it has in one month! And, after asking, I received many small affirmations from God that I am in fact doing what I am supposed to be doing.
Positive thinking and perseverance... they really do pay off in the long run! The 180 mile a day long run :P
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Things I learned while on vacation
I am still around! Just very busy. Coach and I just came back from a vacation to see my side of the family. We had a great time... and even learned some things while we were gone...
The word vacation is not synonymous with "sleeping in"
Grandma will spoil you no matter how old she is... or how old you are.
Air mattresses CAN actually stay inflated.
Gummy bears are made with vegetables. Yup, we really heard that.
Restaurants in the South DO run out of biscuits.
One man can convince five women to walk out of a restaurant. Thank you Coach for convincing us that we wanted sushi instead of Friday's.
God can save you from anything. Even a speeding ticket.
You can still love Chipotle after eating it three times in one week.
You can still love your husband after spending FORTY FIVE hours in the car together.
While I'm glad to be back in my own bed and my own house, there are big changes on the way that are going to cause me to need another vacation.... to the spa!
The word vacation is not synonymous with "sleeping in"
Grandma will spoil you no matter how old she is... or how old you are.
Air mattresses CAN actually stay inflated.
Gummy bears are made with vegetables. Yup, we really heard that.
Restaurants in the South DO run out of biscuits.
One man can convince five women to walk out of a restaurant. Thank you Coach for convincing us that we wanted sushi instead of Friday's.
God can save you from anything. Even a speeding ticket.
You can still love Chipotle after eating it three times in one week.
You can still love your husband after spending FORTY FIVE hours in the car together.
While I'm glad to be back in my own bed and my own house, there are big changes on the way that are going to cause me to need another vacation.... to the spa!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Coachism's
If you ever want to know how my husband feels or thinks, you usually just have to ask. He's not one to hold back his feelings or philosophies.
Earlier this week, after hearing repeated yelling during a round of Wii baseball, I went to investigate. I walk into the room to see that the game is tied and I ask why he is so frustrated. To which my dearly beloved says...
"Because we all know tying is like kissing your grandma.......... french kissing your grandma."
Well then...
Coach - 1
Kacey - 0
No ties here.
Earlier this week, after hearing repeated yelling during a round of Wii baseball, I went to investigate. I walk into the room to see that the game is tied and I ask why he is so frustrated. To which my dearly beloved says...
"Because we all know tying is like kissing your grandma.......... french kissing your grandma."
Well then...
Coach - 1
Kacey - 0
No ties here.
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