6-Month Catch-Up: Who I'm Becoming

     Life happens and thank goodness! I may not post as regularly as I would like to, but I get caught up in that beautiful chaos outside my doors. I've been spending the past half-year becoming who I always dreamed I would someday have the opportunity to become. It hasn't been an easy journey though. Let's start at the mess that was necessary for me to get to this point in my life.

The Mess

     I had a great job at Target, but have minimal interest in retail. Eventually I left Target because I found a position at a high school. Thank you! That lasted a month or two.

     Approximately six months ago, I was frustrated. William had received an irrefutable job offer and I agreed to give up my para-educator position at the local high school and find something in Iowa as well. I put in a two-week notice, but William (see his website here) moved immediately and stayed with my parents while we scouted for our own property. I moved up to Iowa after a two-week spell of living alone in Kansas, having been with my husband only over the internet.

     Once in Iowa, I was depressed. I knew the para-educator position was a gem. I love helping people, love teaching and felt like I had finally found the best position for me and my soul. Thanks to the generosity of a previous manager, I was able to find temporary work at an old high school job, Subway. It was a long shot from education and community-centered roles but I was willing to take anything to get by.

     I began to wonder if we would ever find a place of our own, have jobs that we both loved in the same town (harder than it sounds) and how long I would be stuck at Subway. None of these events made sense to me. It didn't feel right.

God Provides

     Luckily, William met a fantastic woman who is now my supervisor at the local YMCA. We were still living with my parents up to the end of 2012 but moved in to our new home just before new year's. My job at the YMCA is an associate position at our after-school program. I love it. Working with kids, changing lives and being there as an advocate for these kids and their families.

     Not only did I get right back into education and community, I started meeting people from other non-profits in the area and am in the works to be a counselor at another local non-profit when I'm not assisting the after school program.

     So I have a two-position career in my scopes and am thrilled. I'm so blessed to be at this point in my life. I'm able to help others, be a voice for the unheard and more opportunities are on the rise.

     Volunteerism is near and dear to my heart. Now that I'm settling into work and know I can create a sustainable living situation at this income, I'm free to start looking for volunteer opportunities.

     Tomorrow I'll be meeting with CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) to discuss becoming an advocate for children in courtroom situations. I sincerely hope I am chosen for this opportunity because I can only imagine how badly these children need an understanding, loving person nearby in what would be a truly terrifying experience in their life.

     If CASA doesn't work out, there's hundreds of other opportunities to volunteer and make a difference. I'm sure I'll find where I belong.

Dots on a Page

     "Do you ever read the Sunday comics? Well, when I was a little kid, I use to put my nose right up to them. And I was just amazed because it looked like this mass of dots, and none of it made sense until I pulled back. Life looks like that mass of dots to me sometimes. None of it makes any sense, but I like to think that, from God's perspective, life, everything - even this - make sense. It's not just dots. Instead we're all connected, and it's beautiful and funny and good. This close we can't expect it to make sense, not right now." - Latter Days (2003)

     This quote is the foundation for this blog. I heard it and suddenly realized that all the little events in my life were certainly dots on a page and someday, I would be able to pull back and see how everything was connected, beautiful, funny and good. This post is no different. The mess before the blessing made no sense to me, but everything happens for a reason - I truly believe that.

Albert Nobbs Starring Glenn Close

     My husband and I just finished watching 'Albert Nobbs' starring Glenn Close and based upon the novella by George Moore. To be able to say "my husband and I" after watching a film such as this carries with it a personal impact I couldn't possibly describe to you. We are truly blessed to be a part of the 21st century.

     The story of Albert Nobbs is touching and is sure to engage your heart throughout the film. Albert Nobbs, a woman acting as a man to get by in the 19th century, works in a hotel as a waiter and is challenged to conceal his gender secret constantly. After a significant event, Albert knows he must follow his heart, work for his dreams and find love. He doesn't forget his secret - in fact, he still debates on when would be the appropriate time to let his love interest know the truth.

Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs

     Without revealing much more of the story, I leave you to consider a world without gender, sexual desire or physical appearances. Perhaps you're left with souls co-existing, able to acquaint themselves with one another based on the great mystery of love itself and all it entails? I often wonder how great it would be to live in a world where love took precedence over physical appearance and sexual desire. Perhaps it would be better? Perhaps not. I do know, however, that my heart sympathizes with the main character of this must-see film and I wish for my readers to watch for themselves the story of Albert Nobbs.

Zach Helm's Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Starring Dustin Hoffman

     You might shake your head or skip this blogpost the very moment you read the following statement, but know that I mean it with my entire heart. I hope you'll continue reading to understand why that is.

My favorite movie is Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007).

     Dustin Hoffman plays Mr. Edward Magorium, the owner of the magical toy store rightfully named Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. I'm not a huge fan of the movie because of the magic. It's not the witty lines, the family-friendliness or even the character I identify most with, Natalie Portman's Molly Mahoney. It's Mr. Magorium.

Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman)

   I identify most with Molly Mahoney because she also plays piano. The song she knew best as a child is still, today, the only song she can perform. She feels stuck - or unable to go further with her talent, skills, etc. in life. She believes more in others than herself. She has a very difficult time saying goodbye. I share all of this with Mahoney so that when Mr. Magorium is there for her, it feels like he's speaking to me too. 

Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman)

   Mr. Magorium is 243 years old and preparing to "depart." He explains that a light bulb dies, but he...shall depart. A beautiful way to look at a sad situation. He plans to give the toy store to Mahoney upon his departure, but Mahoney simply can't take the responsibility because she doesn't believe in herself. Mr. Magorium spends a good amount of time encouraging Mahoney and Eric (a shy, hat-collecting boy who struggles making friends but helps out at the store). He tries to impart wisdom and encouragement to them both so they will believe in themselves and embrace the bravery he knows they need in life's journey.

   I cry when Mr. Magorium departs. My heart pours from my tear ducts and I can't help but feel sad. When Mr. Magorium is saying his farewell to Mahoney, he explains:

"When King Lear dies in Act V, do you know what Shakespeare has written? He's written "He dies." That's all, nothing more. No fanfare, no metaphor, no brilliant final words. The culmination of the most influential work of dramatic literature is "He dies." It takes Shakespeare, a genius, to come up with "He dies." And yet every time I read those two words, I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. And I know it's only natural to be sad, but not because of the words "He dies." but because of the life we saw prior to the words. 

I've lived all five of my acts, Mahoney, and I am not asking you to be happy that I must go. I'm only asking that you turn the page, continue reading... and let the next story begin. And if anyone asks what became of me, you relate my life in all its wonder, and end it with a simple and modest 'He died.'"

   His final line to Mahoney is, "Your life is an occasion. Rise to it." By this point, I'm an emotional wreck. I've watched this movie a thousand times, and it was just recently I finally figured out why it is that I can't accept the departure of Mr. Magorium or any of my loved ones in real life. I can't imagine a world without my loved ones in it - the world is the magical place it is because they're here, now, with me. I can't make up for their absence and can't recreate the magic they've blessed the world with. The idea of them no longer living life with me is overwhelming and I'm not ready to accept it. I'm not sure if I ever will be, but I know I will always turn to this movie in difficult times to find a spark of encouragement, a light of hope and a few rays of sunshine to part my dark clouds.

"We must face tomorrow, whatever it may hold, with determination, joy and bravery."

-Mr. Edward Magorium (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium)

Providence Road Baptist Pastor Suggests Death to Gays

Pastor Charles Worley, preacher of hate

I just finished watching a series of videos and news reports covering this message from the pulpit of Charles Worley of Providence Road Baptist Church in North Carolina. He calls for all gays and lesbians to be round up, put in an electrified fence and left to die since they can't reproduce. I hope that sounds as hateful, crazy and bigoted to you as it does to me. His followers, however, seem to share his feelings. Check out this video of their response to the message. One of the persons featured in the response video was also interviewed. Check out this video where she's put into a tough spot when asked if she believed gay people were only born from gay people and not from those "outside the fence".

Feel like sending a message? Be an adult about it, don't spread hate further and might I suggest using the Human Rights Campaign's pre-written letter generator to send a message appropriate to the situation? You'll even save on postage.

If you try to go to their church website www.prbcnc.com, you'll find it has exceeded its bandwidth limit or something. Apparently I'm not the only one eager to learn more about how this church hasn't failed financially or in membership. It's probably the next Westboro Baptist Church. I feel sorry for the Baptist denomination getting another bad apple in the bushel. I know they aren't all like this - in fact, most the I know of are the very opposite and preach love to all.

Target Selling Pride T-Shirts and Donating $120,000 to LGBT Group

UPDATE: Target sold out of all pride wear soon after announcing their availability. Thanks for your support!
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     Target is running a small limited time Pride clothing line in support of gay pride as well as donating up to $120,000 of the profits to the Family Equality Council in promotion of LGBT rights and marriage equality. Though it's only sold online, you can check out Target's Pride-wear. 100% of the cost of each item will be donated until the $120,000 mark has been reached. Quantities are limited so once they're gone, they're gone Get your pride wear from Target today and support a cause worth wearing on your sleeve.

Trouble in the Workplace

     Some of my coworkers have attitude. Not cute, sarcastic or funny attitude but rotten, "just-here-for-a-paycheck-get-out-of-my-way-so-I-can-do-the-bare-minimum-and-get-out" type of attitude. For those of you who don't speak Hyphenese, these particular coworkers don't particularly care for their job. It's a part-time, high-turnover rate position and they're totally replaceable. They come in to work in the morning groggy and disgruntled, spreading their unhappiness and "bah-humbug" like the plague. And it catches, believe me.

     For the record: I have my bad days too.

     Here's a fun list of my top (or bottom, really) four conversations with these employees:

Image from gradyleach.com

1. "I'm so tired!" What time did you go to bed? "A couple hours ago."
2. "I really don't wanna be here today." Tired? "No, I could be home sleeping or playing video games though. Anything but this."
3. "I don't see why we have to do their job. We're not getting paid for it, are we?" No, but they help us out sometimes too. We're a small part of a bigger team and we need to work together. "Then we can't get our work done on time and we're going to hear about it from someone." If we fall behind or can't finish something because we were pulled away to help another team, we just have to give that simple explanation to our supervisor and it will be understood. It's out of our hands.
4. In the style of gossip: "Did you hear what happened to so-and-so?" and/or "Did you hear what she said?" Ugh.

PROBLEM CO-WORKERS

     These coworkers are problem co-workers. Here's why:

• They don't care about the team as a whole or the success of the company. This affects our potential productivity.
• They want to satisfy the basic requirements and avoid going above and beyond to help the company or other team members. This prevents us from building a cohesive, well-oiled machine of a team capable of working and keeping ahead.
• They only pursue promotion or take on extra challenges if there is food or a pay raise involved. No thought is given to their capabilities, work ethic, etc. This puts the wrong people in charge and is detrimental to the company and its employees.
• Guest service is neglected intentionally. This hurts our business.
• Complaints take up twice as much time as the alternative would-be problem-solving. Time is wasted, team morale decreases and cohesiveness falls apart.

THE IDEAL TEAM

     If I worked on a perfect team, here are the characteristics and behaviors I would expect of my co-workers:

• They should possess or be capable of acquiring an appreciation for the company so that the work they do benefits the company and proper time is taken to ensure no step is skipped in quality.
• They should be able to leave ill feelings and attitudes outside before they enter the building and communicate kindly and professionally to all employees. Gossip, negative non-productive talk or complaints get the team nowhere but worse off.
• Leaders should be selected based on proven abilities, initiative and overall performance. Your time with the company or experience will prove unimpressive without determination, innovation and the will and capability to accept new and more challenging responsibilities.
• When the center of your business is guests, the guests should be your number one priority. A guest passing by is an opportunity to make a sale. At least say hello to make their shopping experience more pleasant and memorable.

HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A PROBLEM

     Not getting enough sleep is enough to make any one of us a problem co-worker. It's so important that we rest well so that we can bring our A-game to work with us. It might not seem like much but cutting back on alcoholic beverages, eating a better diet and getting some exercise will do wonders for your mood as well. Do your best to be your best in all that you do. 

     Not happy with your current job? Remember that if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get the same result you've always gotten. Try doing something different to change your circumstances. 

Netflix vs. Hulu Plus: Which Should I Get?

     If you're like me you've gone through the debate of which internet media-provider is right for you and your budget. Since I am most experienced with Hulu Plus and Netflix and currently subscribe to both, I want to lay down some ground facts to help you make your decision.

     Instead of showing a table of features comparing the two, let me be in-depth about their features.

Netflix versus Hulu Plus: Affordability


     Both Hulu and Netflix offer competitive media online streaming at the same rate of $7.99/month. They also both offer free trials. Netflix will do a whole month free trial whereas Hulu Plus will do a week. If you have a .edu email address, you can do a month trial for Hulu Plus.

     The nice thing about Netflix is that if you know you won't be using it for an extended period of time, you can put your account on hold indefinitely (free of charge) until you choose to reactivate it with all your settings, preferences and favorites in tact and waiting. Hulu, similarly, allows you to set a reactivation date up to twelve weeks in the future at which time billing and service will resume.

     Note: If you're considering getting DVD's mailed to your house, reconsider. Your local library most likely offers free borrowing of movies, television shows as well as multiple other types of media like video games and music. 


     If you're still thinking about Netflix as the source for your physical DVD's, consider this: it doubles the cost if you're also planning on getting unlimited online streaming.


Netflix versus Hulu Plus: Content


     If you're looking for older movies and TV shows, Netflix is the way to go. It doesn't have currently-airing content but does have a considerably larger amount of movies for selection. It's also the more kid-friendly avenue for media. If you have a family, you can utilize Netflix Kids and see only child-appropriate television and movies for selection. Of course when the evening draws near, you can always switch back to all content.

     Not that into movies? Go with Hulu Plus for currently-airing TV shows. Thankfully, for those of us who aren't caught up to the current season, Hulu Plus does have some shows with previous and current seasons. However, it's best to check before subscribing because not all shows have more than the current season.

     The nice thing about both services is that you can see what's "up for watching" before subscribing to make sure you're going to use the service before you enter credit card information.

Netflix versus Hulu Plus: Ease of Use


     Virtually the same. Search for what you want, select it and watch it. You can also use both services on more than just your computer. Connect your PS3, XBOX, Roku or compatible blu-ray player to the internet and enjoy computer-free streaming media for either service.


Summing it Up


     Netflix is for movie buffs and persons disinterested in currently-airing seasons of television shows.
Hulu Plus is for persons interested in currently-airing seasons and extra special behind-the-scenes footage from various shows and movies you won't find on Netflix.
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     Feel free to ask any additional questions you may have about the two services in the comments section of this post. I would be more than happy to assist you in making the decision that's best for you and your family.

Image courtesy of maclife.com