The Daily Grind

A random Marley Mae picture for you, she always makes me smile. :)

It feels like my entire life right now revolves around work.  Preparing for the work week, washing my work clothes, going to work, working, getting my work schedule, and sleeping.  It seems like that's all I do! But maybe this is an old feeling for others? I definitely am new to this whole job-world-thing.  The nice thing is I am finally on a seemingly set schedule.  Madras Safeway Starbucks has got their permanent manager and she is a lot of fun!  Besides being an eternal optimist, she also tries to give everyone 2 days off a week as well as a semi-consistent schedule, (which doesn't always happen at a place like Safeway).  So I get Sundays and Mondays off for now, which rocks!


As much as I complain about work, I find that I really do love it.  My coworkers are cheerful for the most part, as are the customers. (For the most part, I still get a**holes every now and then).  The pays not the best; but it's a job, over minimum wage, and God provides (Nathan's got a couple great jobs coming up!!).  One of my only difficulties with work, is me.  I get very tired, because I get up so early, and when I come home I end up sleeping for the rest of the day. Not good people!  This is the reason for my lack of a blog post last Monday, sorry :(.

It's been a few months since my New Year's resolutions.  I thought now would be a good time to pause and take a look at where I am on those, especially as this blog is a big part of that.  Accountability time!

I had five New Year's resolutions, they were as follows:

1.Workout (because I love Nathan)

2. Mornings with God (because He is the most important thing)

3. 4 blogs a month (to let it all out and have discipline)

4. Budget (to be wise and a good steward

5. Instagram (to be joyful)

Workouts. I resolved to start a workout regime to stay healthy and because health and physical activity is something that matters to Nathan, whom I love and respect, and whose opinion matters to me.  Where am I on that? Hmph, I'd rather not say... I have been struggling with workouts, running, and riding my bike consistently for the past 2 months.  I have been running when the weather is nice and riding my indoor bike when it is not, but the label "consistent" cannot really be attached to me, at least as far as physical activity is concerned. I have in fact, gained 3 lbs.... I prefer to assume that it's all muscle...

Mornings with God.  This is perhaps the most important resolution I set myself.  Now, because I have been an opener for Starbucks, and consequently unwilling to really wake up early on my days off, this resolution has become Evenings with God.  I think I have done OK with this one, though this last week or two I have faltered some.  For the most part I have been good about reading my devotional every day up till last week.  Last week Nathan was gone for week so I spent most of my time bumming around like a loser. It won't happen this week.

4 Blogs per Month.  If I had adhered to this, I should have 10 blogs, counting this one.  Did you count? I did. I have 6. Oooops..... So that means I need to post a few extra, like 4 extra...  Any topics you'd like to hear my opinion on, or just curious about something I can elaborate on? Leave a comment with you suggestion and you may just get a blog post, tailored to your query. :)

Budget Plan.  The budget plan has been a little difficult.  You can plan all you like but sometimes things just happen, (like losing your phone on the beach or needing new shoes for work), and you need to spend that $100 you'd been saving.  I have been keeping track though, and I'm pleased that Nathan and I are doing quite alright at spending our money wisely, saving some, and tithing some.  My loan payment has been paid every month and Nathan and I even have found a way to purchase a car within the next month! (A very used, super inexpensive car, but a car all the same).  Now I just need to pass that driver's test...

Instagram Joy.  Ah Instagram.  I have been very good at posting a picture every day.  The thing is, I'm not totally sure if I've remembered to be joyful and choose things that remind me to be joyful.  There are some moments in life that are joyful, but don't create super-awesome-hipster-perfect-images. Which is of course, necessary for Instagram.  I find myself getting caught up in the social media world, where the focus is not the beauty or meaning of the moment, but how many likes you can get and how many hashtags those corresponding likes require.  If you have no idea what I'm talking about, good for you!  You've made it through life thus far without being pulled into the "Look at me, look at me!!" culture. Kudos.

So, how have I been doing on my resolutions?  I would say, about as well as everyone else. ;) Let's do better!  I feel so much better when each of these has been accomplished throught out my day, even though before hand, all I feel is a nagging wieght overhead.  Once I do my workout, or write my blog post, or read my Bible, I feel so much better, and I do more.  So here's to me doing more and feeling better!

Oh and P.S.

I got a new phone! Huzzah!

Oh and P.P.S.

Your prayers, for those who pray, would be much appreciated for my upcoming driver's test this Wednesday. I'm seriously wigging out folks. I know I have the skill, but tests make me soooo nervous.  But the Lord told us to pray, and I know it works, to please, add me to your prayers this week, whether it be for courage, skill, or good luck; all would be appreciated.