And so the adventure begins

2 weeks.  10 work days. I’ve been on an all-day trip to OSU Tulsa, 12 meetings (ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours), conducted 3 employee interviews, assisted in 2 more employee interviews, hired a new employee (who quit before she ever got to the office on her first day), and completely planned, produced, and led a ½ day training.  Most of this was “new job” related, but many other tasks and projects were “old job” related. Also had an eye doctor appointment where they changed my contacts to mono-vision, and went to my youngest’s Kindergarten Alphabet Boot Camp Fashion Show – all this meant several hours away from the office. I am pretty sure on 2 different occasions when someone asked me how the new job was going I responded with some version of “They’re trying to kill me.”

But, I LOVE IT!  The challenges, the learning curve, the growing pains.  And there are many. While I have some set goals and expectations, the direction I choose and the tools I use to get there are all up to me.  I’ve already implemented a few new systems and have a few more up my sleeve!  My team has to adjust to new leadership, too.  I know they are experiencing their own sense of upheaval, but we will all work together to do our jobs and make it a great place to spend our days.

I am really enjoying being on the Leadership Team.  It has allowed me to flex my creative muscle and, an added benefit, to get to know my “bosses” better.  We have laughed together, come together to solve problems, and learned SO MUCH in the last 2 weeks.  Not only about the job and processes, but about each other and about what makes us each tick.  3+ hours in a car together will do that!  Add to that ALL THE MEETINGS!  Those first few moments while waiting for the last attendee to get there allow for some fun stories.

Last year, I didn’t even know what a “Registrar” was.  Now, I am one.  And this week I go to a 2 day conference with all the registrars across the state. Surreal.  Even if this initiation has been a baptism by fire, I feel really GOOD about the direction my career is taking.  My supervisors and superiors have been nothing but complimentary of the things I have already accomplished, and they are so supportive and encouraging when I present a new idea for our team.  I know this is a bit of a “honeymoon” phase and it is bound to change. I am really excited about this opportunity and about watching it change and grow.  I look forward to being more comfortable in my role and the feeling of really knowing the job. Right now, every knock at the door and ring of the phone is an opportunity to learn something new! 

Thank you all for all of your encouraging words and congratulations.  Truly a blessing.  God is so good.  All of the things I have been through over the last year led to this very moment, and for that I am so grateful.  My faith is still being tested, but I know God’s favor will shine on my husband very VERY soon.  Please keep praying for his job search.  And pray for my sanity as I continue to transition in to this new role with it’s different demands.

March Madness

Ah, March!  In like a lion, out like a lamb.  Right?  Well, not in Oklahoma!  Our weird weather has been even weirder over the last few weeks!  And illness is EVERYWHERE!  The flu (A and B), a crazy stomach bug, and intolerable allergies have plagued my little neck of the woods, and I am SO OVER IT!  But, there is good news to be shared!

I don’t know if you can tell by the picture, but that’s my Rustic Cuff, on my phone, at MY DESK in MY NEW OFFICE!  Ok, cubicle.  OK, not even a cubicle.  Just a desk – out in the open, facing windows that look out to nothing so they keep the mini-blinds shut.  But!  I AM EMPLOYED!  Back on the beautiful campus of Oklahoma State University, and back in the BEST Student Union in the nation – where LIFE happens!  Could not be happier.  Working in the Registrar’s office, where my main responsibilities will be with the planning and execution of Commencement Exercises (Spring Graduation is in NINE weeks; no pressure!), as well as tuition and residency appeals.  God is GOOD!

Since my last BLOG POST in January, I was also blessed with a little part time marketing gig that helped bridge the gap.  I was doing some design and digital media work for a local real estate agent and her team.  That was so fun, too!  Just a few hours a week, but let me flex my creative muscles, earn a little grocery money, and get out of the house for a few hours a day.  Thankful for dear friends who led me to that opportunity after my vulnerable post at the end of January.  Also since that time, I went through an intense interview process for another position which I was ultimately not awarded, but definitely learned a lot and knew more what I wanted out of a job.  All this to say, I have had a lot of positive over the last 6 weeks.  And I am so grateful and thankful.  But, we still need Britt to find his place in the world of the employed!!!!!

I’ll be honest again, we have had some dark moments over the past few months.  We’ve both been depressed.  Our relationship has had some pretty tough moments – even some in front of our kids that we can never take back.  But through it all, we have been held HIGH by our Lord and Savior!  There is still a purpose in this process; still things to fall in place.  Your prayers have been heard.  Some have been answered.

Can I ask again?  We covet those prayers!  We looked back over our records and since August, Britt has applied for 150 jobs.  That’s a lot.  One Hundred and Fifty.  Applications.  A dozen or so interviews; none of them panned out.  It hurts.  It’s hard.  HARD.  And some days the will to apply and the motivation to keep going are so far down deep, that finding them is the most difficult part of the day.  (Especially when I have had such (relative) good luck.  That’s tough on the old ego…) So, again, we ask for your prayerful petitions to help my husband, the father of my 4 children, to find meaningful employment to provide for this family.

I’d be more than happy to tell you about his background and qualifications.  About his education, skills, and experiences.  He’s so smart.  (He’s Jake’s Dad  – Jake didn’t get it from me!) He is loyal, trustworthy, honest, and hard working.  If you are anyone you know can lead us to a job opening that would fit for him, please let us know!

We’re on the downhill slide for this school year.  9 more weeks.  Then we have 2 sophomores, a 5^th grader, and a Kindergartner.  How can that possibly be?  But summer is expensive with kids at home.  It is truly our goal to have full time employment for him BEFORE the kids get out of school.  Will you help us reach our goal?