Uncertainity

Wow, I have blogged 2x this week already! What a great way to start the new year! But don't get used to it, it more than likely will not last!! HAHA!! So this week has been up and down for me. I had a job interview at Duke yesterday for a research assistant position. I feel it went well. I had a phone interview the week before Christmas and it went so well that within 30 minutes of ending the phone call, they had already emailed me and asked me to come in for a face to face interview. It was really intense yesterday as I met with 3 different people. I of course answered the questions to the best of my ability and stressed that I am a fast learner and can do anything I put my mind too. I then emailed my thank you's to each person I interviewed with. The girl who I interviewed with on the phone immediately responded to my thank you email yesterday and told me that she felt I would be a significant impact to their division and she would hopefully have more information how how they planned to proceed with me next week. I feel semi-positive about this but I do not want to get my hopes up, just for them to be knocked down :( During my phone interview, she also told me that I was what they were looking for and she felt I would be great in a Coordinator position someday! So please pray for me. The downer with all this is the family I nanny for has decided to put their 2 year old in Montessori since they think it could be possible I only have a few weeks left BUT she needs to be put in next week or she loses her spot so her parents are unsure what to do. They did tell me if I get the job, then my last 2 weeks my hours would be 11:30-5:30 but with my full salary, but they cannot pay me my full salary for an extended period of time. If I do not get the job, my hours will be cut and I will only get paid for 30 hours/week rather than my full salary, something I can not live on. They also told me I could work 11:30-8 but that would not work well for me. I would not be able to have a social life at all during the week and honestly, I have worked those hours before and it did NOT work for me at all. So my ideal situation would be for me to get the job at Duke and work my last few weeks with full salary but reduced hours. I know God has a plan for me and I keep praying that this Duke job is part of His plan. I do not like feeling uncertain about my job security, especially in this economy.

Please continue to pray for me that things work out for me. 2010 is supposed to be a good year but its not starting off in the best of circumstances. But everything happens for a reason and things always have a way of falling into place....

Happy 2010

I'm back! Happy New Year!!! I have faith in God and myself that 2010 is going to be an awesome year!!! 2009 was definitely full of a few ups (internship, graduating with my Master's) and many downs (losing 3 family members and a best friend, lack of job prospects and many more). But this year is already looking promising- a job interview on the horizon, a marathon to be run, a special someone in my life and of course my BIG 30th BIRTHDAY!!!! Looking back, it is hard to believe that 10 years ago I was getting ready to turn 20 and never in a million years would I have thought I would be where I am today. I have accomplished so much but I still have a lifetime ahead of me and I am looking forward to my 30's!! HAPPY 2010!!!! I wish everyone a year filled with joy, hope, health and happiness.

H1N1

Yup, you read the title right, I have H1N1, other wise known as the Swine Flu. Fun times! The kiddos I nanny came down with 102 fevers on Wednesday morning and they went up to 103/104 and was complaining that their ears hurt. So their mom called the Dr. to get them in and they come out with a flu diagnosis, a regular flu diagnosis (which is not in season now). So no worries to me because I had both flu vaccinations about 1-2 months ago...WRONG!!!! Apparently, it takes 8 weeks for full immunity for the swine flu and guess what?! I had mine exactly 6 weeks ago! Really??? Only this would happen to me! I thought the kids had both of their flu shots, however, I was wrong again, they didn't. Good news is, I have a mild case and after 4 doses of anti viral medication, I am feeling almost as good as new. I don't feel like I have a cold or anything, I just feel run down and the Dr. said it could take up to 10 days to get all my strength back, ugh. So I have been resting for the past 2 days. Its has been lonely, since no one wants to get the swine flu and I have been semi quarantined for the past 2 days. My roommate, Jill, was great though and brought me a bunch of snacks to get me though these 2 days!! Thanks Jill :) I can't wait to rejoin the land of the living tomorrow!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

I know I wasn't going to blog again until the New Year but I couldn't let the opportunity pass to share how thankful I am for so many things this year. The beginning of the year was difficult with 2 family members and my best friend passing on and continuing their journey with God.
But the hard times typically show people just how fortunate they are and open their eyes to their many blessings.

1. The number one thing I am thankful for is my Faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have not always been the most devout Christian but He has always been with me. The death of my friend, Chris, truly tested my faith. I was ANGRY, I felt betrayed, how could he take someone that meant so much to me? But after a few months, I realized why. Chris did what he needed to do here on Earth. It was his time to make his journey to heaven. He is now my angel watching over me and I thank God everyday for blessing me with a great friend that I found in Chris. Over the past few weeks, I have renewed my Faith and I feel that as long as I keep God in my life, I will achieve great things.

2. My parents! I have the most understanding, loving and trusting parents who taught me to love unconditionally. I am who I am today because of the values they have installed in me. They have always been by my side. They have supported me in every decision I have made and never said "I told you so" if something didn't work out for me. They instilled confidence in me and told me that I could do anything I put my mind to and I have. I only hope that I have made them proud.

3. My sister-she took me under her wing when I moved here in 2004. I never would have moved here if she wasn't here to help me through it. She loves me for me and is always there for me. I am blessed to have such a great relationship with my big sister! I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world:)

4. My friends-They have always been by my side though thick and thin. They can always make smile even when things seem at their worst. I know who my true friends are because they continually applaud me for my accomplishments. Even if we don't talk for a few weeks, months or even years, things pick up where it left off, like nothing has changed. If it wasn't for my friends, I also wouldn't be where I am today.

5-My nieces-I never thought I could love anyone as much as I love them. They have opened my heart and taught me to live and enjoy life. I have cherished every moment spent with them and I have been blessed to watch them grow into gorgeous young ladies. My only hope is that they continue to love me as much as I love them. I will always be there for them. They are a part of who I am.

6-My kitties, Molly and Twix-They love me no matter what. I could have had the worst day and it is all erased when I walk in the door and see their snuggly faces. Even when Molly bites me at 6am because she is hungry or when Twix ruined my dining room table with his claws, I still love them and are very thankful they are a part of my family :)

7-My perseverance-There have been times in my life when I feel like I am at my lowest and don't know how I can go on. But somehow, I do. I know that I will do great things in my life and will do whatever it takes to achieve those dreams.

8-My ability to run-I am fortunate that I have been blessed with my running legs. Even today when I am nursing an injury, I am still thankful that my injury is temporary and my legs will continue to carry me through my life. Some people are not as fortunate.

9-A job-I have one and in this economy, that is a positive thing. Even though I am not doing what I want to do for the rest of my life, I am making a difference and helping a family in need. One day my opportunity will come to be a Health Educator and I will cherish that moment when it arrives. Until then, I will continue to be the best nanny I can be.

10-Last but certainly not least-Ashley. I have been 'seeing' (dating?) Ashley since October 9. Words cannot describe how thankful I am for him to be a part of my life. He makes me smile everyday. I am a better person with him in my life. I feel he brings out the best in me. I enjoy spending time with him and I can be myself around him. Even if things don't last, I am confident, he will always be an important part of my life.

So as Thanksgiving begins and passes- remember you should be thankful for everything in your life on a daily basis. We shouldn't use Thanksgiving as an excuse to say what we are thankful for.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to my wonderful family and friends, love to you all!

Taking a break

I haven't felt like blogging much lately. Plus I don't feel like I have lots to talk about so I have decided to take a break from blogging for awhile. I plan on resuming my blog in 2010. Happy Holidays! Until 2010...

8 months

Its hard to believe that it has been 8 months since Chris died. I still feel like I am in the middle of a bad dream but I know I am not. My anger with God has subsided. I now understand that He has a plan and there was a reason Chris was taken from us. But of course I still miss Chris terribly and so much has been going on and I wish I could call and tell him. But Chris is and always will be in my heart. My life will never be the same without Chris in it but I do know that I will be all right. I am now left to cherish and smile at the memories.

On to happier things! I am in the midst of my 6th week of marathon training! These past 6 weeks have flown by and I hope the next 14 fly by even faster! My sister has decided to run the marathon with me and I am super excited to start running our long runs together and crossing the finish line in February! I still can't believe that I am doing this but it is on my bucket list and if you know me well, you know that I never give up on achieving my goals and this goal is no different. This Sunday is a 9 mile run and next week, the double digit long runs begin!!!!

Optimisim is overrated

So I didn't get the job and that is okay. It just wasn't meant to be. I know there is a job out there for me and it will come up soon. Hopefully sooner than later :) Have a great Halloween weekend :)