Yea for Summer Fun

Yes I know it is not summer yet... but really I can't wait anymore. So today some friends and I went hiking. I thought I would share one of my favorite pictures from that hike.

I have had several great summers in the past, 2008 the most recent that I just loved. I find myself already wondering if this next year will compare at all to last year. I know I am setting myself up for disappointment going that route... but I still am.

I don't want to live in the past, and I want to enjoy each moment of this year as it's own, but I haven't seemed to be able to get there quite yet.

Any suggestions...

I really do want to make 2009 all it can be and more.

Currnet Economy

It has been a while since I have written, but thanks to the troubling market, increasing interest rates, work has slowed down some.

Along with that, I no longer have my position at Church to plan for the large group activities, so my schedule and my stress level have lightened a small bit.

I try to keep my political views more to myself rather than speaking out. I do enjoy educating others on political matters, and national news. What little I understand.
I first want to say I am sorry for anyone that has lost, has a family member or friend has lost, or are in fear of loosing their jobs.

I don't envy you in any regard, and hope that you are finding the help you need through your previous preparations, friends, family, and any religious affiliations you may have.
Now I want to pose the question of what now?

For anyone that knows me they know that I am a planner, and a little bit of a realist on the edge of pessimist. I have given a lot of thought to what I would do if I lost my job. I would like to share some of my thoughts in hopes that it might just help those looking to find a new job, fill their time, and keep their spirits high.

1st. Don't be picky about your next job. Do look for a job that will pay the bills. America is founded on those who are hard workers, that take pride in a good days work. It doesn't matter what that work may be. White collar, blue collar, pushing paper, or manual labor. Doing what you can do to the best of your ability to be self sufficient is one of the most satisfying feeling in the world. Once you have a job... then look for the one you want if you didn't land it with the new one.

2nd. Don't spend eight hours a day looking for a job. At some point it will no longer be quality. Do spend 2-3 hours a day doing quality searching, applying, and most of all follow up on possible jobs. This way you are making quality applications, you can remember who you talked to and can make a quality impression to those you meet with.

3rd. Volunteer some time everyday. Think about this for a min. If you volunteer for a school or state entity, you are spending time everyday networking with people, that may be able to line you up with a job. Second you are building skills that may help you find, and land the next job. Third you can show that what you have been doing with your time since you have been out of work. Finally you are helping your community. As the country, state, and city start to cut back there will be a much greater need for help, and you have the time, and skills needed to make a difference.

4th. Take the time to work on personal improvement. That can be anything from reading about topics that you are interested in, that may help with employment. Working out to build endorphins, and build confidence in yourself. Build on an old talent that you may have let pass by when life was filled with the 8-5 job. Music, sports, art. It again will help bring out the confidence in yourself. It also fills your free time so you can think of the positive.

5th. And most important a trust in God, that He knows the pains you are going through, and is there to help support you. You may never understand why, but you can take this as an opportunity to grow.

I hope those that read this will take it for what it is. My map and game plan in the even that I loose my job. And as my support to you. Knowing that I cannot fully understand your situation till I am there, but I am happy to help in anyway I can.
Best of luck as everyone works through the struggles of our current economy.

Yea for friends

So it has been requested that I update so I thought I would share some of my current thoughts. Because really what is the point of a blog if I don't update it. :)

I recently made contact with an old friend from elementary school online. Go figure. She was surpised to see that I had found her and we have been enjoying getting caught up. I am so excited because we use to spend hours talking on the phone, and spending time together.

It really makes me think in many ways the online net-works make it soooo much easier to stay incontact with old friends... but do we at times loose that personal touch?

I have kept in "close contact" with about 4 frineds from high school, and a few more from college, and then one or two that have moved away from where I am now. In comparison that is about as many friends my mother has stayed in contact with.

I have kept up with and in some contact with many other's through my on-line networks. I have loved watching them move on into diffent avenues of life, careers, family, and travel. But I ask. Do I really know the people? If we were to sit down and talk would it be like old times, or would it be a quick 30 min catch up?

Second thought. How much time do we spend on line reading each other's blogs, profile, and looking at pictures, and not building lasting memories with those that are around us? Who will we keep up with if we aren't building friendships with those people that we do associate with?

Not saying that blogs and on line networks aren't great! I appreciate the support, and many of my friends have made for great networking opertunities for other friends. I just wonder if we now use these virtual networks as a way to apprear connected, and yet become more disconected from the world around us.

Just some of my current thoughts.

ah back for a post... it has been a while

Sorry to those of you who follow my bog... or try to since I often don't write.

Quick update on my life. Overall I love life, even when it is not going my way.

Work... is work, but today being in the mortgage lending field I am very grateful for a job, and one that I enjoy most days. It will never cease to amaze me though that people think they can get a stated mortgage these days. I really wonder... "do you even pretend to watch the news" :)

Church is wonderful. I love my ward. I love the people in it! I love that that is where I find wonderful friends that will share and uplift me. I am always trying to be a better person... and we are working with baby steps. The moto I am currently working to put into my life is "discipline is the bridge between goals and achievement." Fro the Presiding Bishop. I have plenty of goals... not enough discipline. :)

Social life... I never stop meeting wonderful people! I learn more about myself with every person I meet. Sometimes I keep myself a little too busy, but I promise I am trying to simplify my life. :)

Well I think that is all for now... Will try to do better. Thanks to those who do read my blog!
Beth

Daily Pic...

Well that goal died quickly didn't it....

This is my pic for the MONTH of July. ;) I love the 4th of July. It is my favorite holiday for 2 reasons.

1st it celebrates the great country that I have the blessing of living in the USA! Everything I enjoy in life from my hobbies, my religion, and even the freedom for my friends and I to talk about and do what we would like. I can't imagine life any different.

2nd... how could you have a better holiday... middle of the summer, no expectations to be anywhere at any time, and fireworks... don't every forget the fireworks.

I will shot for a photo a week. Keep an eye out for this weeks pic!

This is a pic for yesterday. I have gone on quite the camping spree this summer. I starting buying my camping gear last year and now feel that I need to go camping at least once a month this summer to make it all worth it. Don't worry I bought storage containers yesterday to help organize the camping gear. I love camping!!

So I have decied to follow a friends lead and start a picture a day blog. Just a picture from my day with a little blurb about it. I am going to start with Monday... yes two days ago... but this is my new pic of me, and for those of you that may think that is vain... I have maybe like 5 pictures of me in my life.

This pic comes from some good times in Portland with some good friends of mine. Me a little out of the box and climbing up on the light pool. I like.