Doors

We went and spoke with the apartment managers today.

After negotiations, we will only have a $200 increase.

$200.00!!!

Yeah, No... I don't even know what to say. She told us that "it's just the market in Austin right now..." I wanted to turn around and say "No, thats price gouging and it's illegal." Their costs didn't go up. We aren't getting any 'new' services or community features. And just because all the other apartment communities are raising their prices to take advantage of the spike in demand, doesn't mean that you can't choose to be a company who serves people not your bottom line. I don't understand what leads someone to believe that raising someone's rent by $200 is "reasonable." We just can't afford that.

On the flip side, we also can't really afford to move out. That process involves new deposits, application fees, bill deposits, moving expenses, etc.

This is not exactly an ideal situation to be in.

I had my second interview today. I'm not 100% sure but it sounded like perfect job for me. I would be doing event coordinating for middle and high school age students. I would work with a lot of people that I already know. AND be in an environment that has huge spiritual benefits. Best job ever, right?

But, (there's always a but), I would be making a lot less than what I was hoping for. If I took the job there'd be a very tight strain on our finances each month. We'd probably have to sell our car and take a wash on the loss. We might end up having to move, especially with the nonsense our complex is trying to pull.

I feel like this is God opening a fantastic door but asking us to close others. Maybe. We are going to spend the next few days praying over it.

It will be a few days before I blog again. My Mother-In-Law is gettin' hitched this weekend!

Think Myself to Death

Look what my sweet husband brought home for me last night! He said the lady at the checkout asked him what he'd done wrong! Haha! I love it!

I spent most of my day prepping for things later in the week. I had coffee with a sweet friend of mine and had a carmel macchiato for the first time. It tasted like the McCafe Vanilla Iced Coffee from Mickey D's.

Then I snagged some great deals on some Halloween garb at Goodwill followed by Target. I'm excited to see how everything turns out! 

Any guesses on my costume??

{Insert apology for any ranting,  poor grammar, negativity, etc contained below.}

Well after dinner with Aaron, I came home to finally find our apartment renewal notice slipped inside our door. We are required to give 60 days notice if we intend to move out. That is a bogus amount of time in my opinion. Thirty days should be more than sufficient because a lot can change in two months! Because our lease ends the first week in January, we have until the first week in November to let them know if we are staying. Uhmm hello? Thats less than two weeks away!

I called our apartment managers almost a month ago to ask them about our renewal notice and was informed we would receive it around October 16th. Well after hours on October 26th is certainly NOT the 16th or even close! That's ten whole days shorter to decide if we can afford to stay.

And then there's this evil little asterisk next to the rates that reads "The above rates include additional fees for items such as pet rent, garage, carport, and storage rentals, etc." We don't even rent any of these extra luxuries! I have no idea what to make of the.. get this.. $240.00 increase on our rental rate! Even if they, for some odd reason, included all these add-ons within the renewal rate and were only going to charge us what our apartment is going for now, according to their website, we would still have an increase of $170.00! 

With only one shaky source of income and no indication if that income will continue in the future or that it will be supplemented by my employment, I don't know what we are going to do. 

And now we have 7, S-E-V-E-N, days to make a decision! 

I know I'm probably overreacting a little. I know that all of this craziness can be clarified through my bright-and-early phone call to our manager. I know that God is going to provide. I know that the worst that could happen is we have to bunk with family or friends for a couple of months to save up money to move into another apartment. We'd still have Jesus and each other. 

I think myself into problematic situations. I'm a worst-case-scenario kinda gal. My heart is heavy. 

Bitter Grins

I had my first of two interviews scheduled for this week today. I actually quite enjoyed myself. I love it when an interview feels natural and you get to laugh a little with your potential future coworkers. The company that I met with specializes in translation services for corporations who want to become more internationally minded. In that arena I have no experience! :) BUT! The job I applied for involves a lot of project management which would be a nice transition from exclusively event management. I think I could like the job. Plus, again, the people were really nice and clearly enjoyed working there. Always a positive sign...

Then I went for coffee at Scooters with a girlfriend followed closely by frozen yogurt with another girlfriend.

 I'm a.. how do you say.. playa?

 - Cheeky grin -

Then dinner with my hubby at work.
Wow. It sounds like I spent most of my day eating. Hmm I guess I did!

I've written a lot about our situation with Aaron's job and realized that it might be helpful for you to know what exactly he does. While he would explain it in other ways that I continually have to translate, I will speak 'normal' so that you understand.

Aaron is in a leadership program that typically lasts two years, give or take a few months. At the end of the program, he will be qualified to be an Asst. Store Director. He spends four months training in one department and then another four months in a rotation period where he puts what he's learned into effect. 

So, Aaron spent his first training in the Perishables Dept., that is all the things on the exterior of the store (produce, seafood, bakery, meat market, etc.). His first rotation was spent in the Perishables Dept. implementing his training by increasing sales, cutting shrink (waste), and developing relationships with the dept. managers. In a typical situation, Aaron would be evaluated and move on to a new facet of training like Center Store operations (ie. all the aisles of product) and then into another four month rotation.

The problem we are facing with Aaron is he has been in his first rotation for almost six months and his evaluation did not give clear indications to his future progression in the program. 

And almost three weeks after that poor evaluation, we still haven't heard anything. Lame right? Well Aaron told me today that his store director, or UD, asked him to remind me, the wife, about Matthew 6:25-34.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. 

My first thought was 'Well do I have some verses for HIM too!' 

Nevertheless, our Father commands us not to worry. I need to trust His plan more faithfully because worry is sin. Sin is not going to get me where God wants me. But grrrr... does this biblical wisdom have to come from the lips of the man who is blatantly disregarding the weight of his judgment upon my family's future? This is me being bitter but smiling. Praying for God to help me be still and know. 

A Woman of Faith

This weekend I went to the Women of Faith conference. I left my wonderful hubby and headed out Thursday evening for the weekend event.  I have to say that even though there were a ton of speakers at the conference, these two were my favorite:

Andy Andrews was hilarious! With southern charm, Andy comically presents Godly perspectives on life. I only wished Aaron were there because he would have been rolling in his chair with laughter! Here's a tiny clip from a past speaking opportunity:

And then there was this little feisty thing...

[[Video from WOF 2008]]

This little lady, Patsy Clairmont, was fantastic! She's one of those women who you want to be when you grow up.  If you ever have a chance to hear either of these two speakers I highly recommend it!

The other ladies were great too. Speakers Lisa Welchel (aka Blair from Facts of Life), Brenda Werner (aka Kurt Warner's wife), Marilyn Meberg, and Katharine Everett as well as Singers Mandisa, Sandi Patty, and Amy Grant all graced the stage and shared their story.

Plus it was extra special because my aunt was able to come as well. Hopefully I can pic-nap her photos once she uploads them!  All in all, it was a great weekend! My mom sent me home with a ton of stuff that I can use to decorate for our Halloween party. I also got to spend some time with my 11 and 4 year old cousins, which was a treat. Still I was very glad to come home to my husband. 

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It's been a worrisome few days because Aaron is not on his store's work schedule as of this coming Thursday. This is without explanation so we really have no idea if he is moving stores or ...? To make things worse his store director hasn't been at work since the schedule came out. Thus, we are super in the dark on this one. 

Given that we have two weeks to determine if we can renew our lease, I am really praying that we get some direction soon. I have no job. Aaron doesn't know what they're going to do with him. We also have yet to receive our renewal notice letting us know how much our lease is going to increase at our apartment. We are on the verge of potentially being pushed off a cliff by a lot of life altering events occurring at once in our life. Maybe one of the two interviews I have this week will be profitable. Prayers please please please.

If this is God moving us to a new place or making a big change for us, then I truly do welcome it with an open heart. I just have difficulties with being patient and not knowing if that's what is happening. I struggle so much with not understanding the big picture. I know that there is one. I also am aware that I am not designed to understand the picture He has for me. I just don't do well with the actualization of that fact upon my life. I never struggle to believe that God has a plan for me, but wrestle in that I have nothing to do with it. I am a privileged piece in His strategy to reach the world with the life changing reality of Jesus Christ. In that I know there is hope. I don't mind being a pawn, I just don't like not being able to see the hand that moves.. or the rest of the board for that matter.

[Fal-lid-day]

Lot's of photo journaling happening this weekend..

Aaron had four days off in a row. This is only sometimes a good thing. Unfortunately, it means he will work the next ten days straight.  But to take advantage of the mini vacation we decided to visit the in-laws. Sunday we woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed for church. We teach 4 year olds in Pre-Kinder Sunday School. It's a lot of fun!

After church, we headed to meet up with our mothers to do some floral shopping for Aaron's mom's wedding in two weeks. But first, lunch at Freddy's!

After goofing off at Garden Ridge and getting all the needed supplies, we headed to the parents house to assemble the bouquets and boutonnieres! They came out looking great! Although, I think the brides bouquet might be a little big. What do you think?

I also was able to snag a bunch of decorations from my mom for the Fallidays!. I'm super excited with my fall themed decor! Not to mention my house smells of pumpkin and cinnamon! How about this Fall Themed Christmas Tree?

I even did a semi-take on the Pinterest idea I wrote about a few days ago. Aaron was worried that too much weight would be on our curtain rods (which finally got put back up after falling down during our flooding crisis in February).. so I added them to our door instead of the window like I'd originally planned.

The original.

My variation!

I still think it turned out great as an accent decoration instead of being a focal point. Here's what i did with the rest of the apartment..

Also an idea from Pinterest!

All in all it's been a good few days. Aaron has tomorrow off as well. It's been nice having a little reprieve from the job frustrations. I'm so glad I have such a great husband to lean on. We are blessed with great friends and a great church. Our God is faithful and He will carry us through whatever trials we face.

Praying for the right job, opportunities to bless others, and listening for His will.

Unemployment

I filed for unemployment benefits today. I'm not sure I'm a fan of the idea. My Dad explained it in a way that made me a little less resistant by categorizing it as an insurance plan rather than a welfare program. Still, it's not something I'm proud to have to do. Not at all. 

Aaron's been struggling with his job, too. His training program throws him into a role with lots of responsibility but with no real authority. Unfortunately, its also a very ambiguously structured program. When he started his first rotation, he expected that his Unit Director would do more proactive coaching  and teaching but that's not really happened. Aaron will plan, execute, and evaluate an initiative all under the assumption that he's on the right track, only to be reprimanded long after the fact. It's not a system thats proven very effective towards furthering his growth and success. Last week, Aaron got a horribly unfavorable performance appraisal that nit-picked at his every mistake and exaggerated minor flaws and gave almost no constructive or positive feedback. So for the past week we've been worrying about his job security and his future in this program. 

It's hard not to feel like we're being attacked. I know that I have an awesome work ethic and I will bust my butt to prove myself at whatever I'm doing. I know even more how hard of a worker and what an asset Aaron is. It's difficult for me to believe that anyone could think those things about him. It's a struggle to understand why I'm not getting any job offers, more specifically those in my field of interest. If this is God telling us that we need to be somewhere else, then great! I'm all for it. I just would like to know that's what's happening so we can act upon it. 

...Le sigh... 

I know God doesn't work that way. 

On a happier note, I got to bake my french toast cupcakes en mass. The Young Adults at our church host monthly cook-offs where potluck style dishes are judged based on taste and presentation. It was a lot of fun! I didn't win this breakfast-themed soiree but seeing almost all of them being eaten was a win for me! 

I also had a blast hanging out with the sweet ladies from church! Aaron was also able to come this time so I didn't look like the girl with the fake husband. :) I need to figure out what yummy delicacy I will make for November's Thanksgiving theme!

Uhm.. does anyone else's husband watch football like this? 

The Right Job

I'm presently trying my hand at what sounds like a super delicious breakfasty-dessert... French Toast Cupcakes! I thought it best to do a trial run before bringing them to a cook-off we're going to on Saturday. I'm not an excellent baker and to be honest, I've never made my own icing before! So we' are trying this out by third-ing the recipe. << A LOT harder than you'd think! Especially since I cant find my 1/3 tsp or tbs spoons! If all goes well they will come out looking something like this..

I've got my work cut out for me!

Aaron and I got our filing cabinet of craigslist and it needed some serious loving. But with the help of a little bleach, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and a lot of elbow grease, it was looking good as new again! That was until we started filling it and I don't know what happened but we managed to seriously disfigure a key plastic component that lets the door shut all the way.

I'm kind of bummed because with a lack of continuous income, $35.00 is a lot to spend on something only for it to break! Thankfully, my hubby figures himself a Mr. Fix-It so I'm sure it can still be salvaged.

On the job front, I had a follow-up, in-person interview with the company that does retail events on Wednesday. I also had a group interview for a marketing position at a healthcare facility. Well after the in-person interview I was pretty convinced that the job just wasn't for me. And I went ahead and called the other recruiter for the group interview and cancelled. That company was pretty far downtown and wasn't going to be financially viable.

On the upside, I had a second interview this afternoon with the same financial institution that I met with on Monday. Good to know that my math test wasn't that horrific.

Still, I'm not sure how I feel about everything. It's difficult to have to choose between having an income and enjoying what you do. Do I take the first job offered because I need the money or do I wait it out for the right job? Who knows if it will come? It's not like I'm new to the market. I mean, I've been actively searching since the end of June.

Part of me wants to just have a fun part time job that will allow me to maintain my home, spend time with my husband, and fellowship with my trophy-wife friends. I don't know if that's what's best for my family but I can't say with all certainty that a 9 to 5 deal is either.

Please pray for me. And for my cupcakes.

Trophy Wifehood

Today was my second day as a full-time trophy wife. If you take away the discouraging "job hunt" aspect to my to-do list then I'm pretty sure I could get used to this.

So last night's chili went over great! I was kind of nervous about how my culinary concoction would be received. Other than being described as a "little cayenney," everyone ate it! Maybe they were just being polite. Anyway, I've posted the recipe under the new "The Food" tab.

This morning I slept in till like 10:30... which was fabulous! I would have stayed in bed but I had to get up and get ready for my wifely lunch date. Four of the ladies from my small group got together at what might arguably be the best local coffee shop in Cedar Park.

I think we all ordered the same sandwich: #2 The Ole Smokey. Turkey, swiss, a special sauce, on a homemade bread loaf.  Plus, I add chips to mine. It's pretty delicious. I wish I knew the ingredients to their "special sauce." I'm guessing its a dill-mayo mixture. I suppose if I knew then it wouldn't be "special!" It's so yummy!

Afterwards, I spent several hours applying for jobs. I think I applied to five? There weren't a whole lot of opportunities in my field of choice so I guess I don't feel like I was that productive. BUT! I got three phone calls today regarding job offers. One is from a healthcare organization looking for a marketing rep. The other two are follow up interviews from yesterday. So I have two interviews tomorrow and one on Thursday.

Where were all these people when I was employed? Maybe I was looking for jobs more tailored to my experience rather than just general transferrable skills? I'm excited that all this activity is being directed my way but anxious to know if the right one is in the mix. I don't want just a job. I want a career.

Well there exists no greater pleasure to comfort my restless heart than a trip to the HobLob. Problem: I only had $16.81 on a gift card which was no match to the 17000 ideas that run through my head every time I walk in the door. Still I did good and came out only $9.50 over my gift card and got supplies for a craft idea that was inspired from Pinterest!

Not only that, to build upon my love of bird decor, I found this little guy with a broken tail. Discount SCORE!

[On the phone with Mom]

Now the hubby is on his way home from work, which is crazy because he's never home before 7. And we get to go pick up a filing cabinet we found on Craigslist that will eventually house the mound of papers we are supposed to keep for one reason or another.  I've got my work cut out for me tomorrow, sorting through all of it...

Quieted by His Love

Today has been kinda fun and eventful. This morning I had two job interviews. The first was with a huge insurance company as an administrative assistant. I had to take a timed math test! YIKES! But I guess if I cant do well on a math test then I probably shouldn't work there, being a financial institution and all. The second was just a phone interview with a company that does promotional retail events. Maybe I'm jaded but I feel like have more experience and knowledge than what most organizations see. Oh well. I trust that God has a plan!

So Aaron and I host a small group in our home for our church on Monday nights. It's so nice to fellowship with people in our demographic (ie. recent grads, newlyweds, 20-somethings, no-kids). I feel like we are kind of an interesting niche group because we don't really "fit" into most categories of people. So I LOVE getting to hang out with people at a very similar stage in their lives.

We are halfway through a six week study called "WALLS." It's geared toward recognizing the unhealthy mindsets that keep us from life as God intended it. Tonight we will be discussing Week 4: The Walls Between Us. I'm definitely looking forward to this one because I know I throw up barriers between people and then turn and complain to God that I have no quality relationships. This is going to change. If God has to beat it out of me to make it happen then so be it. I'm so tired of only having a husband to turn to. I need good girl-friends! Thankfully, I'm starting to see God blessing me in this area.

Shout out to my home-girl Kali @KakesNBakes! SUPER yummy cupcakes, cakes, and cake pops. If you live within a 75 mile radius of Cedar Park, you HAVE to try these! (Tip: Free cupcakes at small group!)


God has also been challenging me to breakthrough my wall of isolation. This week I was challenged to seek out promises in scripture that I can turn to for encouragement.

Awesome Bible!

Psalm 46:1-2

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea...

Zephaniah 3:17

 The LORD your God is in your midst,  a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness;  he will quiet you by his love; he will rejoice over you with loud singing.

I feel like these are especially pertinent to me right now as I struggle to trust that God will take care of my family financially. I'm super excited that we made a renewed commitment to give back financially to God with our tithing. I'm so excited to see how He uses us and I know God delights in those who follow his commands! 

I think I'm going to try to learn these verses this week and truly wrestle with them in regard to what God is promising me. I know He's got it all covered and I just need to trust Him and continue to ask Him to open my heart to the love of Jesus so I can share it with everyone!!!

P.S. I love Fall! Can you tell by my shirt? :) If this chili goes over well I'll post the recipe tomorrow. But oh gosh I accidentally added a tablespoon of cayenne pepper instead of a teaspoon! 

Claire's Chili Recipe

Claire's Chili Recipe 

Ingredients:

1 lb. Ground Turkey (or Ground Beef)

1 lb. Ground Italian Sausage 

1 lb. Ground Pork

1/2 large Onion or 1 small yellow sweet onion

1 Tbsp. Paprika

1 Tbsp. Chocolate Chips

1/3 cup Brown Sugar

2 Beers (unflavored, not light)

1 can Chili Kidney Beans

1 cans Tomatoes, chopped

1 can Tomato Puree

3 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

1 tsp. Cumin

1/3 cup Chili Powder

1 tsp. Garlic Powder

2 tsp. Oregano

Directions:

Cook all meats together in big pot with 1 beer.

Once boiling, add the onion, paprika, chocolate, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano and let them simmer on low.

Add the second beer.

Add the kidney beans and tomatoes, but do not drain any liquids from the cans to the in pot.

Use a hand potato masher to help mash up all the ingredients together about every half hour.

Let everything simmer for 3 to 4 hours.

Yum!

A Bum Bride

Today marks an interesting day in my life. For the second time in less than a year, I find myself jobless in an economy with almost a 10% unemployment rate. Lucky me.

Actually, I'm not nearly as freaked out and worried as I probably should be. One: I know God provides and I don't want to be anywhere that He doesn't want me to be. Two: I hated my job anyway and have been actively searching for a new job for about three months now.

This is the story of a bum bride. Newlywed, newly Austin-ized, newly graduated, and not so newly frustrated.

We have a pretty inaccurate picture of what life in our mid-twenties looks like. We grow up thinking that we will be flooded with job offers right when we graduate. We believe that the first job we take is going to be the career we've been dreaming of.  We believe we make best friends in college and all move to the same place and end up neighbors.  We think that marriage means we get to spend all our time with our new spouse. This is a horrible lie.

I started applying for jobs four months before I was going to graduate. I was not employed until four months after. My first job was a dreadful disaster. I moved to a brand new city I'd never even visited before. I had no outlets for making friends or meeting people. My only and best friend was my husband, who I really only saw for two or three sleepy hours an evening.

Before I took my first post-grad job, I proudly boasted the Trophy Wife title. I served my husband by making sack lunches, doing dishes, preparing our home, cooking dinners, and all those things you hate doing for yourself. Still I was pretty miserable. Miserable not because I didn't love doing those things but because I only truly enjoyed them when my husband was here. And with a job that kept him working a very inconvenient 50 hours a week, my husband would come home reduced to an exhausted, muffled version of himself. I didn't have any friends who were also "trophy wives." And though I was in a small group of other young married couples, I CRAVED human interaction the other six days a week.

Accepting a new job was definitely an answered prayer. I had people to talk to but soon realized that our department was overstaffed. This meant that I spent most of my day coming up with work for myself to do, which was eventually discouraged. I realized that my predecessors experienced similar situations before they left. Most people would assume that getting paid to do nothing would be wonderful. Not me. Okay so maybe it was great for a few hours but if it's the norm, you feel pretty useless. I don't do unproductive and I don't do doing nothing. Not cool. It didn't take long for me to realize that this wasn't going to work long term. So, I started looking and praying for a new job to come along. One didn't. And today, my position got cut.

I've probably applied to 75 jobs in the past year. I've maybe heard from ten. Offered one.

Maybe I'll stay a trophy wife for a while this time. I know I will appreciate it more. I've missed my husband. My home misses me. I know God has more for me than to spend ten hours of my day dedicated to a job I hate. Maybe we can pray that I'll win the lotto or that I'll be paid for my fabulousness alone.

We can wish.

Well I raise my cream soda to a new start. To being unemployed, again. To being a housewife. I needed a vacation anyway...