Never give up; you never know until you try.
As I’ve written so much about this last year, I’ve been looking for a job. It’s an activity that can kill the strongest person, and I’ll freely admit that I’ve cried many tears of frustration and anger over the whole thing, because there don’t seem to be any rules. A + B is supposed to equal C. In the current economy, it doesn’t. There seems to be little that makes sense. Still, I’ve tried to keep my sense of humor, and that’s why I’ve been able to keep my sanity. I’ve seen some really strange job titles and descriptions and gleaned a little wisdom from interviews and things I’ve heard in passing. Here are a few. Maybe you'll find them as funny as I do:
Not too long ago, I came across an ad in an online job board for a “Pain Sales Specialist.” My curiosity got the better of me, and I clicked onto it and discovered that it was for a job with a pharmaceutical company, but the ad never came right out and said exactly what the job entailed—why it was called what it was. It sounded to me as if it could’ve involved working for the Marquis de Sade; or maybe it was a government job? Am I being redundant there?
I thought that one was odd—until I read the one for “Sales Representative—BS.” Clicking onto the ad, I learned that the job required a Bachelor's degree, but it didn’t specify whether it was Bachelor of Arts or Sciences. Since the “BS” didn’t refer to the educational requirement, does that mean that the salesperson would be selling “BS,” that oft-flung substance? Maybe that, too, was a government job.
Then there was one that started off “Can you sell the President?” Yes, it was a sales job calling for someone who was so good at sales that they could sell to someone really “important” or something. I’m guessing that one was aimed at people who, upset over the current economy, blame the President and would like very much to sell him to someone. Though to be fair, the President doesn’t create—or fix—disasters alone.
I could tell right away that the above-mentioned jobs weren’t for me. Sometimes the words in an ad are a dead giveaway that you don’t want to go there, but you can’t always tell. Sometimes everything reads right and sounds like something you might want to pursue. You apply and even get interviewed. That’s the time to keep your eyes and ears open, because there are verbal cues that let you know you really don’t want a job, unless you’re completely desperate, crazy, or something. I’ve had some most unwelcome surprises. Be on the lookout for things like:
“This isn’t really a job; it’s really a ministry.” I’ve heard this said of daycare workers and public school teachers, but it can apply anywhere. Translation: Your reward is NOT financial; you’ll be paid the bare minimum, probably with no benefits of any kind, and you’ll be doing the work of at least two people. You may receive heart-felt “thank-you’s” and little useless trinkets at Christmas.
“You must have a good work ethic and a positive attitude.” (This is often seen in job ads but they may omit it to sucker you in and hit you with it during the interview process.) This one is obvious—it means that you’ll work like a dog and be expected to smile and make nice even when you have irate customers or crazy supervisors yelling (possibly obscenities) at you. And you won't be paid squat.
My last observation is very similar. If you get to the office and there are posters everywhere reminding you to smile, or there is the same instruction in your employee manual or other paperwork, that’s a pretty good indication that you won’t feel like smiling if you work at that particular company. People who are happy don’t have to be reminded to smile.
I’m glad that God is still my source and not the "fat cats" who seem out to get everything for themselves. With that in mind, I can at least smile through my tears.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
To Thine Own Self Be True: A Reminder
Never give up; you never know until you try.
Be yourself. That’s one major refresher lesson I took away from the seminar I attended Tuesday night. My guess is that it’s probably something the speaker didn’t even think about as a take-away when she conceived or presented the seminar.
Be myself? Who else would I be? Who else would I want to be? The answer for me is, “No one.” For some people, though, the answer might be something like, “I want to be Julia Roberts.” Or Justin Bieber. While I can understand wanting to exhibit another person’s characteristics or wanting to have more money, I can honestly say that I don’t want to be anyone else. Jacline isn’t perfect, but God made Jacline for a special purpose. Please, feel free to put your name into that sentence and repeat it to yourself.
Scripture tells us that God made us different for a reason. (I Corinthians 12). I think that means that we should make the most of what we’re given and go about our business. Don’t be arrogant; but don’t apologize, either, for being who you feel God made you to be. (As long as what you feel God made you to be doesn't contradict Scripture.) You don’t necessarily have to explain yourself. You have certain preferences. Be flexible, willing to hear other views, but allow yourself to have your own preferences and don’t let anyone bully you into changing. Or even try to bully you into changing.
To illustrate, I’ll tell you something about the presenter Tuesday night. She’s “billed” with a first initial, a middle name, and a last name. Most of us are used to people using a first and last name and maybe a middle initial. Maybe the speaker from Tuesday’s seminar doesn’t like her first name, but for whatever reason, she never divulged her first name. When someone asked what the initial stood for, she simply said, “(It stands for) my first name.” No explanations. No apologies. I inwardly applauded her for not caving in to the expectation to provide her first name or the reason she uses only her first initial. In short, she was true to herself. I admire that, and I’m glad she gave me a little reminder to do the same, even if that wasn’t her intention.
Be yourself. That’s one major refresher lesson I took away from the seminar I attended Tuesday night. My guess is that it’s probably something the speaker didn’t even think about as a take-away when she conceived or presented the seminar.
Be myself? Who else would I be? Who else would I want to be? The answer for me is, “No one.” For some people, though, the answer might be something like, “I want to be Julia Roberts.” Or Justin Bieber. While I can understand wanting to exhibit another person’s characteristics or wanting to have more money, I can honestly say that I don’t want to be anyone else. Jacline isn’t perfect, but God made Jacline for a special purpose. Please, feel free to put your name into that sentence and repeat it to yourself.
Scripture tells us that God made us different for a reason. (I Corinthians 12). I think that means that we should make the most of what we’re given and go about our business. Don’t be arrogant; but don’t apologize, either, for being who you feel God made you to be. (As long as what you feel God made you to be doesn't contradict Scripture.) You don’t necessarily have to explain yourself. You have certain preferences. Be flexible, willing to hear other views, but allow yourself to have your own preferences and don’t let anyone bully you into changing. Or even try to bully you into changing.
To illustrate, I’ll tell you something about the presenter Tuesday night. She’s “billed” with a first initial, a middle name, and a last name. Most of us are used to people using a first and last name and maybe a middle initial. Maybe the speaker from Tuesday’s seminar doesn’t like her first name, but for whatever reason, she never divulged her first name. When someone asked what the initial stood for, she simply said, “(It stands for) my first name.” No explanations. No apologies. I inwardly applauded her for not caving in to the expectation to provide her first name or the reason she uses only her first initial. In short, she was true to herself. I admire that, and I’m glad she gave me a little reminder to do the same, even if that wasn’t her intention.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Time To Stew: Just Keep Stirring
You Never Know Until You Try.
I’ve had so many ideas roaming around in my head today that my words are tripping all over themselves and each other. I wanted to check in today and offer something for my readers to chew on, so I leave you with the idea that there’s some "Brunswick Stew" simmering in the recesses of my psyche. If you don’t know what Brunswick Stew is, Dictionary.com defines it as “a stew made of rabbit or squirrel meat, cooked with onions and other vegetables” or “a similar dish made with chicken.” Dictionary.com states that it originated between 1855 and 1860 in Brunswick County, Virginia.
I’m going to sit tight and allow all these ideas to simmer and see what happens, and I encourage you to do the same if you’ve got ideas germinating in the fertile soil of your mind. Let your imagination roam; see where it leads. Don’t rush it; just enjoy it. That’s what I’m going to do.
I’ll keep you posted on what develops from my stew, and I hope you’ll do the same. Feel free to comment on posts! Tell me what you're thinking. The more the merrier!
I’ve had so many ideas roaming around in my head today that my words are tripping all over themselves and each other. I wanted to check in today and offer something for my readers to chew on, so I leave you with the idea that there’s some "Brunswick Stew" simmering in the recesses of my psyche. If you don’t know what Brunswick Stew is, Dictionary.com defines it as “a stew made of rabbit or squirrel meat, cooked with onions and other vegetables” or “a similar dish made with chicken.” Dictionary.com states that it originated between 1855 and 1860 in Brunswick County, Virginia.
I’m going to sit tight and allow all these ideas to simmer and see what happens, and I encourage you to do the same if you’ve got ideas germinating in the fertile soil of your mind. Let your imagination roam; see where it leads. Don’t rush it; just enjoy it. That’s what I’m going to do.
I’ll keep you posted on what develops from my stew, and I hope you’ll do the same. Feel free to comment on posts! Tell me what you're thinking. The more the merrier!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love
You Never Know Until You Try.
Today being Valentine’s Day, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about love. I don’t have a “significant other,” but I’ve got people who love me: my parents and friends, and my little kitty person, Raven. The most important, though, is God. He loves us all, as evidenced by His gift of His Son, Jesus. (John 3:16).
God loves us even when we’re not very lovable, and though they may not like us at times, friends and family also love us when we’re less than lovable. I have to admit that I certainly have days wherein I don’t like my own behavior. Like Paul, I sometimes do what I hate and don’t do what I know I should.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi since the first of February, so I thought I’d quote it here to give my readers something to ponder. This version is from http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pray0027.htm
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
“O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
It’s not all about me; it’s about God and what He would have me do to help others through this life. Focusing on how I can help make others’ lives better is one way I can show love for them—and for God.
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
Today being Valentine’s Day, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about love. I don’t have a “significant other,” but I’ve got people who love me: my parents and friends, and my little kitty person, Raven. The most important, though, is God. He loves us all, as evidenced by His gift of His Son, Jesus. (John 3:16).
God loves us even when we’re not very lovable, and though they may not like us at times, friends and family also love us when we’re less than lovable. I have to admit that I certainly have days wherein I don’t like my own behavior. Like Paul, I sometimes do what I hate and don’t do what I know I should.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi since the first of February, so I thought I’d quote it here to give my readers something to ponder. This version is from http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pray0027.htm
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
“O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
It’s not all about me; it’s about God and what He would have me do to help others through this life. Focusing on how I can help make others’ lives better is one way I can show love for them—and for God.
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Letting Go and Letting God (Part 2) Or Don't Freak Out; Reach Out
You Never Know Until You Try.
My apologies that I haven't blogged in a while. When I did part 1 of "Letting Go and Letting God," I had no idea that there would be a part 2, much less a part 3, which there may be. I haven't decided yet. I thought I was on the mend from my bout with “the crud.” Alas, that wasn’t the case. I ended up with a sinus infection, which meant another round of antibiotics. Then I had oral surgery, which had been postponed for 2 weeks while I had “the crud,” last Thursday. I’ve had lots more time on the sidelines. I’ve gotten more sleep and more time just lying in bed thinking of nothing but how much I wanted to be—and feel— well again.
And so here I am, 2 days shy of 5 weeks since this whole saga of sidelining sickness (say that fast 3 times, will you?) began. I’ve had lots of reminders of how much I’m loved: friends have called, sent cards, and brought care packages. The big reminder came last Thursday after my surgery.
I drove myself to and from the procedure 25 miles away, intending to return home, take the prescribed pain medication, and probably sleep until noon the next day. No big deal. But as Steinbeck said, the best laid plans . . . The reality was that I couldn’t seem to stop bleeding, and I was fast succumbing to the sedating effects of the pain medicine. So I did what any other independent middle-aged woman might do—I called my mommy and daddy. After all, it’s scary to discover that you can’t stop bleeding when you live alone and are doped on medicine that’s making you woozy, feeling that you may fall asleep at any moment. I was freaked out, so I reached out.
Thankfully only a few miles separate my house and my parents’ house. Mother picked me up, and I ended up spending the next 2 nights with her and Dad. I finally got the bleeding stopped Thursday night, after a good 6 or 8 applications of damp tea bags to the surgical site, and I guess the adrenaline from my freak-out kept me from conking out until I’d been at my folks’ an hour or more. When I did sleep, though, I was out a good 15 hours or so.
I awoke Friday hung-over but not bleeding or in too much pain. I started bleeding again once, but it didn’t last long. I could’ve gone back home, but my retired parents, Mother especially, were glad to have me around. Since I’d been sick for so long, I hadn’t visited in quite a while, and it turned out to be a good visit, considering. We didn’t do anything major; we just hung out, talking and watching TV. Dad took me home late Saturday afternoon, and we’ve kept in touch by phone since then.
I was glad to have the time with my parents, even under those circumstances. God knew that I would need their assistance, and He gave me the sense to reach out and ask for their help. I wish I could say that I hadn’t freaked out, but at least I reached out too, and I got the help I needed. Ask, and you receive.
My apologies that I haven't blogged in a while. When I did part 1 of "Letting Go and Letting God," I had no idea that there would be a part 2, much less a part 3, which there may be. I haven't decided yet. I thought I was on the mend from my bout with “the crud.” Alas, that wasn’t the case. I ended up with a sinus infection, which meant another round of antibiotics. Then I had oral surgery, which had been postponed for 2 weeks while I had “the crud,” last Thursday. I’ve had lots more time on the sidelines. I’ve gotten more sleep and more time just lying in bed thinking of nothing but how much I wanted to be—and feel— well again.
And so here I am, 2 days shy of 5 weeks since this whole saga of sidelining sickness (say that fast 3 times, will you?) began. I’ve had lots of reminders of how much I’m loved: friends have called, sent cards, and brought care packages. The big reminder came last Thursday after my surgery.
I drove myself to and from the procedure 25 miles away, intending to return home, take the prescribed pain medication, and probably sleep until noon the next day. No big deal. But as Steinbeck said, the best laid plans . . . The reality was that I couldn’t seem to stop bleeding, and I was fast succumbing to the sedating effects of the pain medicine. So I did what any other independent middle-aged woman might do—I called my mommy and daddy. After all, it’s scary to discover that you can’t stop bleeding when you live alone and are doped on medicine that’s making you woozy, feeling that you may fall asleep at any moment. I was freaked out, so I reached out.
Thankfully only a few miles separate my house and my parents’ house. Mother picked me up, and I ended up spending the next 2 nights with her and Dad. I finally got the bleeding stopped Thursday night, after a good 6 or 8 applications of damp tea bags to the surgical site, and I guess the adrenaline from my freak-out kept me from conking out until I’d been at my folks’ an hour or more. When I did sleep, though, I was out a good 15 hours or so.
I awoke Friday hung-over but not bleeding or in too much pain. I started bleeding again once, but it didn’t last long. I could’ve gone back home, but my retired parents, Mother especially, were glad to have me around. Since I’d been sick for so long, I hadn’t visited in quite a while, and it turned out to be a good visit, considering. We didn’t do anything major; we just hung out, talking and watching TV. Dad took me home late Saturday afternoon, and we’ve kept in touch by phone since then.
I was glad to have the time with my parents, even under those circumstances. God knew that I would need their assistance, and He gave me the sense to reach out and ask for their help. I wish I could say that I hadn’t freaked out, but at least I reached out too, and I got the help I needed. Ask, and you receive.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Letting Go and Letting God
You Never Know Until You Try.
Like many people in my area, I've recently been felled by a respiratory bug. Despite a trusty standby antibiotic that usually gets rid of anything that plagues me, I've been fighting "the crud" since January 7. I'm better, but I've still got a long way to go. At least it feels that way. I hope this will be one of those times that the glorious dawn breaks suddenly, wiping away all vestiges of the proverbial dark, stormy night.
As you can imagine, I've put a lot of things on hold, spending most of my time just trying to survive. I've had to put my job search on hold for the most part, relying on the recent footwork I've done to bear fruit. It looks like it may do just that; I'm cautiously optimistic.
During my many hours in bed, some actually awake, I've thought a lot about the fact that I'm having no choice but to put into practice the old adage "Let go and let God." There's nothing like being physically sick and unable to "do (my) part" to remind me that it's really God who makes things happen. He just allows me to do my part--what He's instructed me to do, and hopefully nothing more. He's the real "mover and shaker," not me.
Problems arise when I try to push things in the wrong direction or move too fast or lag behind. Fortunately, He's gracious enough to gently correct my course if I let Him, and He uses all kinds of things to do it. Since everything works together for good if we love Him, that means even sickness. I've been so freaked out lately, about so many things, that I've been praying hard for peace. I'm not saying that He allowed me to get "the crud" to give me peace, taking my mind off my financial and professional situation, but I'm not ruling it out, either, because while I've been extremely uncomfortable, I've also slept a lot and dreamed a lot. Sure, I've thought about the financial and professional issues, but they haven't consumed me--wanting to feel human again has. I've prayed about the job situation, but I've really prayed to recover physically.
I've taken my medicines, slept, eaten, and stayed hydrated. Very basic stuff. I haven'f felt like agonizing mentally about how sick I've been. In short, in a weird way, I've had peace. Maybe it's the peace I've prayed for. I've known for a long time that God really does answer prayers in ways we don't expect.
My refresher lesson in this is that I need periodic reminders to "Let go and let God." I hope I don't need another reminder for a very long time.
Like many people in my area, I've recently been felled by a respiratory bug. Despite a trusty standby antibiotic that usually gets rid of anything that plagues me, I've been fighting "the crud" since January 7. I'm better, but I've still got a long way to go. At least it feels that way. I hope this will be one of those times that the glorious dawn breaks suddenly, wiping away all vestiges of the proverbial dark, stormy night.
As you can imagine, I've put a lot of things on hold, spending most of my time just trying to survive. I've had to put my job search on hold for the most part, relying on the recent footwork I've done to bear fruit. It looks like it may do just that; I'm cautiously optimistic.
During my many hours in bed, some actually awake, I've thought a lot about the fact that I'm having no choice but to put into practice the old adage "Let go and let God." There's nothing like being physically sick and unable to "do (my) part" to remind me that it's really God who makes things happen. He just allows me to do my part--what He's instructed me to do, and hopefully nothing more. He's the real "mover and shaker," not me.
Problems arise when I try to push things in the wrong direction or move too fast or lag behind. Fortunately, He's gracious enough to gently correct my course if I let Him, and He uses all kinds of things to do it. Since everything works together for good if we love Him, that means even sickness. I've been so freaked out lately, about so many things, that I've been praying hard for peace. I'm not saying that He allowed me to get "the crud" to give me peace, taking my mind off my financial and professional situation, but I'm not ruling it out, either, because while I've been extremely uncomfortable, I've also slept a lot and dreamed a lot. Sure, I've thought about the financial and professional issues, but they haven't consumed me--wanting to feel human again has. I've prayed about the job situation, but I've really prayed to recover physically.
I've taken my medicines, slept, eaten, and stayed hydrated. Very basic stuff. I haven'f felt like agonizing mentally about how sick I've been. In short, in a weird way, I've had peace. Maybe it's the peace I've prayed for. I've known for a long time that God really does answer prayers in ways we don't expect.
My refresher lesson in this is that I need periodic reminders to "Let go and let God." I hope I don't need another reminder for a very long time.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year!
You Never Know Until You Try.
I pray 2011 is better for us all than 2010 was and encourage everyone to forget what is behind and press on to what is ahead! Yes, I'm preaching to myself most of all here! Here's my sermon for Jacline: Forget the bad of last year and don't let it hinder my faith this year, and don't rest on my laurels from last year, but strive to be the best I can be this year.
I pray 2011 is better for us all than 2010 was and encourage everyone to forget what is behind and press on to what is ahead! Yes, I'm preaching to myself most of all here! Here's my sermon for Jacline: Forget the bad of last year and don't let it hinder my faith this year, and don't rest on my laurels from last year, but strive to be the best I can be this year.
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