I made an important decision today. It all started with a nice afternoon, a somewhat cozy computer chair at the office, a comfy wrap sweater and some hot peppermint tea. What a fabulous afternoon.
Until a HUGE FREAKY NASTY GINORMOUS spider decided to climb up beside me. RIGHT STINKIN' NEXT TO ME! Ugh!
I am quite impressed with myself though. I didn't scream! I did have a mouth full of hot peppermint tea. So it's a darn good thing that I didn't scream. But I did quickly jump up and back away.
I found out today that I'm thankful for rolling computer chairs. They move a lot faster.
This was the biggest and fastest spider I have seen in our office yet. Why it had to be in MY office, I have no idea. Why it had to "attack" when our one male co-worker wasn't in the office, I have no idea.
But it was pretty funny watching 5 girls jump around trying to figure out what we could use to kill/catch it. I wasn't about to try to step on it. It was way too fast! And, knowing me, it would have jumped and scrambled up my pant leg. YUCK. I get a shiver just thinking about it.
And I couldn't find anything flat enough and hard enough to work well to kill it.
And two of my co-workers (Nancy and Marnie) will not squish spiders...they keep them alive! Why????? All spiders must die!
But the only way I could get it out of my office was to allow Nancy to catch it and let it outside. I admit, I did go for the instant gratification in this case. So the spider was released....to come attack me again in the future.
And what I've decided from this little "adventure" is that we NEED men in our office....aka "Spider Slayers". If you want the job, let me know. I am accepting applications immediately.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
When I grow up
Starting before you are born, people are questioning what you are going to do for a career. "Oh, he's a kicker. I bet he's going to be a soccer player!" "She's doing acrobatics in my stomach. I wonder if she'll be a gymnast!"
And it never gets any better. As soon as you can talk, people ask you what you want to be when you grow up. The typical answers are careers like fire-fighter, cowboy and astronaut. When I was 5, my answer was, "Either a doctor or a grocery clerk". (I liked all the buttons on the cash register)
I'm now 25...and I still don't really have an answer for the question. But, I'm starting to think that my lack of an answer really is the perfect answer for me. See, I have the hardest time picking because, in my head, that means I have to let go of so many other things I still want to do. What I really want to be is the person who has experienced/done everything. I like being a jack-of-all-trades and having my hand in a bunch of different types of projects.
Here are some options that are highest on my list, in no particular order:
But who says I can't do all of those things? Granted, I can't really have one job that encompasses everything. (although, if you find one, PLEASE let me know where I can apply) But I'm just starting to realize that picking something for a career doesn't automatically negate all the other options. I can do a lot of these as hobbies. I can change careers down the road. I'm not locked in.
There is a certain freedom with that realization. I'm still definitely struggling with the choice of what my career should be right now. But, as long as I'm striving for God's will, He will show me. And I can rest easy knowing that a) He's got my back, b) that I'm not necessarily closing all doors by picking one to walk through, and c) I can learn from and enjoy every experience for what it is (not just a stepping stone).
*sigh of relief*
Now I just have to keep remembering that freedom, and let go of the internal pressure I put on myself. Not an easy task for someone who is known for having constant and intense internal pressure. Your prayers are welcome. :)
And it never gets any better. As soon as you can talk, people ask you what you want to be when you grow up. The typical answers are careers like fire-fighter, cowboy and astronaut. When I was 5, my answer was, "Either a doctor or a grocery clerk". (I liked all the buttons on the cash register)
I'm now 25...and I still don't really have an answer for the question. But, I'm starting to think that my lack of an answer really is the perfect answer for me. See, I have the hardest time picking because, in my head, that means I have to let go of so many other things I still want to do. What I really want to be is the person who has experienced/done everything. I like being a jack-of-all-trades and having my hand in a bunch of different types of projects.
Here are some options that are highest on my list, in no particular order:
- photographer
- cake decorator/baker
- medical professional
- world traveler
- singer
- wife
- mom
- forensic examiner
- anti-trafficking advocate
- linguist
- short-term missionary
But who says I can't do all of those things? Granted, I can't really have one job that encompasses everything. (although, if you find one, PLEASE let me know where I can apply) But I'm just starting to realize that picking something for a career doesn't automatically negate all the other options. I can do a lot of these as hobbies. I can change careers down the road. I'm not locked in.
There is a certain freedom with that realization. I'm still definitely struggling with the choice of what my career should be right now. But, as long as I'm striving for God's will, He will show me. And I can rest easy knowing that a) He's got my back, b) that I'm not necessarily closing all doors by picking one to walk through, and c) I can learn from and enjoy every experience for what it is (not just a stepping stone).
*sigh of relief*
Now I just have to keep remembering that freedom, and let go of the internal pressure I put on myself. Not an easy task for someone who is known for having constant and intense internal pressure. Your prayers are welcome. :)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Medicine
I got a shipment of medical supplies in the mail at work yesterday. Actually, I'm assuming that they are technically a donation for the organization I work for (Medical Teams International). BUT...they were addressed to Sarah Cutter, with no mention of MTI (except for maybe that it came to the office address). Think I can keep them???
Normally I'm not at all tempted. But these aren't the typical donations (adult diapers, walkers, gauze...). No, this was a box of blood work supplies! Needles, test tubes, heparin containers... It SO made me want to practice taking blood....on myself, if no one else would volunteer.
Too bad I'm ethical and actually put them ALL in our donation room to go off to help people who actually NEED the supplies.
Stupid ethics.
But it did make me continue on a thought process that I've been thinking a LOT about lately: Should I pursue a career in the medical field?
And if you know me at all, you know that my brain has a tendency to take off on topics. So that one little box in the mail produced the following...all in about 5 seconds:
If I do go into medicine, what route should I choose: nursing, physician's assistant, dental assisting, dentist, med school, etc? How long would I have to be in school? Could I work while I went to school, or would I have to quit my job? If I have to quit, how will I support myself? And, when I get out of school, could I support myself on the salary anyways? Would it be equivalent or more than I'm currently making? Would I even want to be doing that job every day for the rest of my life? Does it even make sense to spend several years (and the subsequent tuition money) going back to school if I end up married and being a stay-at-home mom? Would I even want to be a stay-at-home mom, or would that drive me crazy? Would medicine provide the things I feel I'm lacking in my current job?
......
So what's been captivating your thoughts lately?
Normally I'm not at all tempted. But these aren't the typical donations (adult diapers, walkers, gauze...). No, this was a box of blood work supplies! Needles, test tubes, heparin containers... It SO made me want to practice taking blood....on myself, if no one else would volunteer.
Too bad I'm ethical and actually put them ALL in our donation room to go off to help people who actually NEED the supplies.
Stupid ethics.
But it did make me continue on a thought process that I've been thinking a LOT about lately: Should I pursue a career in the medical field?
And if you know me at all, you know that my brain has a tendency to take off on topics. So that one little box in the mail produced the following...all in about 5 seconds:
If I do go into medicine, what route should I choose: nursing, physician's assistant, dental assisting, dentist, med school, etc? How long would I have to be in school? Could I work while I went to school, or would I have to quit my job? If I have to quit, how will I support myself? And, when I get out of school, could I support myself on the salary anyways? Would it be equivalent or more than I'm currently making? Would I even want to be doing that job every day for the rest of my life? Does it even make sense to spend several years (and the subsequent tuition money) going back to school if I end up married and being a stay-at-home mom? Would I even want to be a stay-at-home mom, or would that drive me crazy? Would medicine provide the things I feel I'm lacking in my current job?
......
So what's been captivating your thoughts lately?
Writing
I've decided that I need to learn how to write again. I always thought I could do a pretty decent job at it. But lately I've been noticing that, when I do (which is very rare, as most of my posts are picture focused) it's all a matter-of-fact, get-the-job-done kind of style. Where's the story? Where's the whimsy? Where's the humour? Oh yeah, it's sucked up into everyone else's brains. What's in mine? A desire to get it done and move on.
I blame task-driven employment. (you always need someone else to blame) My days have become to-do lists. And, while I get a pathetically high amount of satisfaction from crossing things off said list, I don't take the time to make the tasks fun. I could. At least, I could try.
I got into work yesterday morning, bright and early and before anyone else had arrived. I had plans to be productive while on my own. But I ended up spending 3 hours cleaning. You know how you see something bothersome enough times that you just finally have to take action? That was me. The kitchen was disgusting. The copy room, disorganized. The shred pile, overflowing. I couldn't take it any longer. So I went to work. But, I spent the first half of it grumbling to myself.
**disclaimer - let me just say, these thoughts were just the rantings of a grumpy person, not fully justified or truthful statements**
It was just a bad attitude morning...until I realized I could make it a little more fun and get my brain in check. So I started looking for little ways to change it up a bit. I pulled out the label maker and started making labels for sections of the copy room that could have been easily figured out sans labels...but I like label makers, so for me, it was fun. :) (Kassia, I know you can relate!) I shredded paper while challenging myself to stay in a Japanese style squat (not an easy task while in 3 inch heels). I started singing and dancing around the kitchen while scrubbing down the counters. And when it was done, it was so NICE in the office that THAT made me happy too.
So what started as an annoying task turned into a somewhat fun one. My attitude was changed and the office looked MUCH better (and, if you know me, cleanliness and order in my surroundings makes me a happy camper).
Anyways, I say all that to say, I plan to try to make my blogs better. At the very least, I will work on giving more written glimpses into my life (sometimes with pictures, sometimes without...) I can't promise I will succeed. But I can TRY! Next time...cuz this one held no humour or whimsy. Oh well.
I blame task-driven employment. (you always need someone else to blame) My days have become to-do lists. And, while I get a pathetically high amount of satisfaction from crossing things off said list, I don't take the time to make the tasks fun. I could. At least, I could try.
I got into work yesterday morning, bright and early and before anyone else had arrived. I had plans to be productive while on my own. But I ended up spending 3 hours cleaning. You know how you see something bothersome enough times that you just finally have to take action? That was me. The kitchen was disgusting. The copy room, disorganized. The shred pile, overflowing. I couldn't take it any longer. So I went to work. But, I spent the first half of it grumbling to myself.
**disclaimer - let me just say, these thoughts were just the rantings of a grumpy person, not fully justified or truthful statements**
"Why is it that I'M the ONLY one in the office who seems to know how to clean up??" "Why am I the only one in the office right now, anyways?? Don't other people get paid to COME IN for work too?" "What if I left it just one more day? Would someone else actually get so tired of it that THEY would take on the challenge instead of me? Probably not, because that's never happened before." You know how it can be.
It was just a bad attitude morning...until I realized I could make it a little more fun and get my brain in check. So I started looking for little ways to change it up a bit. I pulled out the label maker and started making labels for sections of the copy room that could have been easily figured out sans labels...but I like label makers, so for me, it was fun. :) (Kassia, I know you can relate!) I shredded paper while challenging myself to stay in a Japanese style squat (not an easy task while in 3 inch heels). I started singing and dancing around the kitchen while scrubbing down the counters. And when it was done, it was so NICE in the office that THAT made me happy too.
So what started as an annoying task turned into a somewhat fun one. My attitude was changed and the office looked MUCH better (and, if you know me, cleanliness and order in my surroundings makes me a happy camper).
Anyways, I say all that to say, I plan to try to make my blogs better. At the very least, I will work on giving more written glimpses into my life (sometimes with pictures, sometimes without...) I can't promise I will succeed. But I can TRY! Next time...cuz this one held no humour or whimsy. Oh well.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Trip to the Coast
Labor Day weekend, Jess and I made a last minute decision to head to the WA coast. Jess had read about some fun coastal towns, and we decided it was time for us to check them out. So we made a day trip out of it.
We started out in Wesport at the Maritime Museum. Found some interesting little facts about marine life. Did you know that a blue whale can get 100 ft long? That's the length of the building in the background. Let me just say, it freaked me out for ever going scuba diving. Good luck to the next person who tries to talk me into it.
We started out in Wesport at the Maritime Museum. Found some interesting little facts about marine life. Did you know that a blue whale can get 100 ft long? That's the length of the building in the background. Let me just say, it freaked me out for ever going scuba diving. Good luck to the next person who tries to talk me into it.
And then, because I can't seem to stay away from boats if they are near me, we headed over to the docks. Boats are beautiful things.
hehe
I had to take the previous photo because I was feeling like a.....
:) I couldn't resist! These cracked me up! The best part is, one of the guys from another boat watched me take these pics. He had a funny little smirk on his face. Oh well...I have a secret fascination with crab pots, crab boats, the idea of crabbing...I just love it all. So these made me happy.
We then got back in the car and started driving to our next fun little town: Gray's Harbor. There we found this really awesome whale wood sculpture. There are four whales in total: the big mommy whale, the little whale I'm hugging, the little whale under her tail, and the other little whale under that. Mommy and three little babies. Cute!
It seemed like there was a town theme: Pirates. Everything was pirates. And for whatever reason, they had this random UFO. Please note two things:1) The martian inside the UFO is a pirate martian. Who knows?
2) Yes, in fact, I do have two red spoons in my hair to look like I'm a martian too. :)
And finally, the beach.
We saw a bajillion seagulls on this beach. Jess pulls up and asks, "Wanna run through those? haha" And I said, "Heck yes I do!" So we did.Jess:
Me:
Both of us: 
Let me just say, my motto for that portion of the trip was, "You better not poop on me, stupid bird. Don't you dare poop on me." It worked though...even if only by an inch.I love this kind of beach. Lots of fun exploration, crabbing, fishing, seagulls...it's very different than a beach in Florida. And for that, I'm grateful.
Thanks for a fun Saturday, Jess!
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