At First I Thought...

At first I thought that having time off between jobs was going to be horrible. You know, the typical, my contract is over and I don't have another position lined up yet. Well, I have decided that having about a month off/job searching/interview intensive was exactly what I needed. Funny thing is, I had no idea that I needed it.

I have been just as busy as I had been before, but doing other things, of course. Job searching, hanging out with friends, getting more involved in some of the communities that I had drifted from, going on new adventures, spending time getting to know the One in this life that gives everything purpose.

It's been a chance to reassess my priorities, my goals, my interests, where I want to spend my time...
I'd say that my time has definitely been spent more strategically.

Anyway, point it, this is exactly what I needed. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I'm just amused that Someone knew that all along. :)

So, what's next? Well, I guess you'll just have to wait and see...

I can give you a clue into a few things I've found over this season though (some new, some old favorites):
-I like it when the sun's out
-I like photo shoots
-I still like motorcycles
-I like Skype
-I like my house church...more like family, actually
-I like seeing more of my roommates
-I like watching close friends get married
-I like meeting tons of new people through interviewing (I think I counted 27+ last time I checked...)
-I like having time to go for a run in the middle of the day
-I like being a nerd and following advertising organizations on LinkedIn
-I like...Twitter
-I like having a Flickr account, finally
-I like meeting up with people to network...there are just so many smart professionals in my field that have blessed me with their presence and knowledge
-I like having my personal computer/email just as organized as my work one was
-I like Sperry's
-I like exploring more of the city through interviews and meeting up with people
-I like that I have been able to reassess my life...this is good

Next steps? I'll keep you posted.

Here.

I realized yesterday that this is one of the "slowest" periods of my life. I have graduated. I am in between jobs. I am not the leader of any networking organization (although I do belong to AdFed...great folks, they are). I don't have a weekly sport (although I am trying to keep on my kick of running and lifting twice a week). I don't have a pet llama to feed. I have not found a Minnesota lake warm enough to take up underwater basket weaving.

So, what am I doing? I'm learning to rest. Learning to trust that "life will come through." And, at the same time, realizing that life is here right now. I don't have to be pumping the resume at mach 100 to make my life worth while. I'm ok just the way I am. I'm ok to just be (believe me, I have to tell myself this multiple times a day - something about being an over-achiever). In fact, I'm getting caught up on things I've been meaning to do forever...like set up my printer. But I'm not talking about it. We're not friends at the moment. I got to go on three motorcycle rides this week. THREE. Yes, I love speed and adventure. Maybe too much. I am making gifts for friends. I'm getting plugged back into to Bible studies that fell off my plate. I am even house hunting with the fabulous friends I am living with next year. That, and all kinds of little, random things that I enjoy.

Yes, I think it is good that I am at this place. A place to slow down. A place to enjoy what I have enjoyed about 20% worth (although I thought I was going at it with a full 100%).

I'll keep you posted as to where I end up job-wise. There have been some fun and crazy adventures with networking, learning about companies, and realizing that the sky's the limit for my passion and enthusiasm.

In the meantime, you'll just have to listen to my rants and raves about motorcycle rides, indoor rock climbing, job hunting, photography-taking, and all around just relearning to enjoy life.*

*Disclaimer: I have always enjoyed life. :) I am just learning to look at it from another angle. I think this angle is called peace...and I'm pleased to say that I think I'll keep it even when things "pick back up" again.

Take Me To Refreshing.

Let's chat.

Over a cup of spicy tea.

While looking out, into the snow-covered land, dazzling under the sun's inviting rays.

Negative temperatures do not minimize the beauty before us.

Let''s have a cup of tea and chat. Shall we?

Take me away. Bring me to a place of comfort, a place of solitude. To a place where my mind can rest. My soul can be refreshed. Where my thoughts of the future and worries of the unknown do not dominate my mind's space. A place where the center of my world is not myself.

Take me to a place...take me away. Show me the "more" that I know exists. I have felt it. I have known it.
Bring me there. That is where I want to spend my time.

Over a cup of tea.