It Ain't Easy Street, But I Live Here

As many of you know, I hated my job. It was frustrating, I dreaded getting out of bed to go there, and wasn't really getting anywhere there. There were definitely other struggles as well. Nothing is more frustrating than stagnation, in my opinion. So I went to work. I applied for 10 jobs one day, 10 jobs another day, and kept applying as I found jobs that interested me. It was a little exhausting, but I felt like it was worth it. After a few interviews over the phone, a few personal interviews, and even turning down a job that sounded EXACTLY like my current job, a miracle happened.

I got a new job! In this economy even.

Yeah, hard work and a lot of faith pay off. You can bet I fasted and prayed a LOT during the times I was applying. Granted, we would still be okay even if I didn't get a new one. And I would have worked somewhere, anywhere, and I didn't care much where. But it's nice that I was looked out for. I got a better job, one I'll enjoy a lot more, one I can be successful at, and one that pays more than my old job! I am very blessed.

I read this article about overcoming resentment online the other day, and it talked a lot about being more grateful. I have been feeling a little resentful lately. It's been the hardest thing for me to overcome since my divorce, to be honest. Fortunately, I have great friends who help me see clearly (thanks!) and tools at my disposal to guide me in the right direction for overcoming the difficulties I do have. I don't want to resent the successes and happiness of other people, I want to be happy for them and with them. So every day, I've tried to think about what I do have, and how lucky I am to have it.

Here's a quick overview: I have an amazing husband who loves me and does all he can everyday to make me happy, I have THE best family on the earth, from my parents and siblings to my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I can't think of a single family member that I don't like (well, maybe a few of them sometimes but certainly not often!) which is amazing in this world, I have the best friends anyone could ask for (the few, the proud), and a ton of material things that make my life more comfortable and easy. I can work, I can play, I enjoy almost offensive good health, I have paper and pencils to draw with, books to read, and of course a loving Heavenly Father. It could be a lot worse.

So as I think about these things and actually take the time to see the struggles of the happy people I sometimes resent, I realize what my dad always used to say and which I always used to hate: Life isn't fair. It should be, but it's not. It doesn't bother me as much as I used to. It's nice. I like to be able to be happy for the other people in my life, instead of resenting their happiness and worrying about what I don't have. Eh, maybe you already know this and good for you! Just wanted to pass along something that's helped me, and to share with you my new mantra:

"We don't have to be fast; we simply have to be steady and move in the right direction. We have to do the best we can, one step after another." - Joseph B. Wirthlin

So I'll slow down and enjoy my ride. The air is cool, I've got a warm sweater and a bunch of mugs in my cabinet waiting for hot cocoa.

The Week in Pictures

So what did I do this week? Well besides continuing to look for a new job, I did manage to squeeze in a little bit of fun. Here's a quick look:

It's always nice to take a quick jaunt over to the park to rid my fridge of stale bread... and the ducks were happy too!

A few days later...

Cole was given his first cooking lesson. I asked him if he wanted to help me making lunch and he said, "Ummmm. YES!" Nuff said. Mac N Cheese... a nice basic starter for the young chef. I recommend heavy supervision.
He was great at stirring... and look at that smile!

Obviously a short fry, he needed a little help to reach things...

He got the hang of it pretty quickly though. And did a mean job with the whisk!

Not the most flattering picture, but at least I didn't get any hair in the macaroni! Always a good thing. And we were having fun!

Of course the best part is always eating what you make!

Later that week...

We were fortunate to get tickets to the Boise State Football game on Saturday night. We left Cole at home with Aunt Ariana (it was too COLD!) and drove downtown into the BSU madness. People almost bleed blue and orange around here, so be careful and wear your t-shirts! And look at that awesome giant helmet! I TOLD Jesse the football players were going to run through it but never dreamed there would be a fog machine! BSU trying for a touchdown... they didn't get one until the 2nd quarter. And look how close they got!!! It was very sad. And the fans weren't happy either. Trust me. I could tell.

A picture of the arena. I must say, I DO love the blue turf. Kinda cool.

Taken right before it got cold, but after we'd had a few of those mini-doughnuts they have with cinnamon and sugar... Mmmmm. You gotta love concession food.

It was a full and fun week. I kind wish we hadn't skipped over the 70 and 60 degree weather and went straight into the 50's, but it has been fun to pull out some sweaters to wear to work. And of course the knee-high stripey socks! I gotta keep snuggly. Hope you are too!