Moving to Chicago

Hello!

I am moving to Chicago! I look at an apartment today. My job is going well. I think I've found something that has a lot of potential for growth. The only crappy part is that I'm kind of on my own with it and I'm a huge collaborator. I like to have people to bounce ideas off of. Most of the time the reaction tells me if it's good without ever getting a word from them. 

Relationship is moving right along.  That's really the only update with that. It's going really well.  He is really kind, we have a great time together, and he takes great care of me.  Did I ever mention he is the exact opposite of me? It's rather humerous that we work as well as we do with how different we are.  God is amazing.

Once I can get the apartment up here, I think I will be ready to hit some of the things I've been missing in my life: writing music/ art/ portfolio/ movie editing.

I got an ipod for Christmas and haven't had any time to put anything on it, that really sucks.

Did you all have a good New Year's? Christmas?

new new new

about the time that I began my job I began dating a guy that I met in May. His name is Joel and he grew up in Senegal as a missionary's kid. Senegal is in Africa...fyi.  Most importantly, he loves the Lord. I really find this to be from God, as he really isn't someone that I was interested in at first. It just really grew as I got to know him.  He is certainly a strong quiet type (in a large group anyway...at first).  Everyone I have met of his friends and family has only wonderful things to say about him (as do I ). He is a Godly, well respected, solid, positive, kind, fun-loving, adventurous, ambitious, responsible, mature man. I am thrilled to have him in my life.  I'm still surprised at how well we get along and fit together. It feels like I've known him forever.  I just wanted to share with my friends on xanga, the blessing God brought into my life after quite a journey of the heart. His timing is perfect. While I don't know where this will end up. I'm enjoying it for what it is right now. I'm meeting his parents and sisters (in Canada) over Thanksgiving.  Please pray for me, if you think about it. That I will be clear-headed, but not over analytical. Endearing, but not to the point of unguarding my heart.  And most importantly, open and aware to God's leading. His current job (taking on-line classes for accounting) truck driver. (on one week and off another).
He doesn't think he will be in the states for that much longer. No real time frame right now. He knows he will visit Senegal, but isn't sure if he is going to stay for a while or what. He is searching God to see where he wants to use him currently.  He feels like God has an assignment for him, he is just trying to figure out what it is right now.  He is basically amazing.  Okay, well, you're pretty much updated.

City girl to be???

 Now I have to endure a commute and see if I can manage it or if I'm going to have to move to Chicago...oh yeah, I countered their offer fairly high and they came back close to middle of that and their original offer and we are going to visit a raise when I start making them some money. With God's help anything is possible. If I stick with this company, it could be possible to make a more than descent wage.  I am going to be studying what Jesus had to say about money and stewardship again, as this is a new area for me.  I've done some study already, but I've never had any money to entice me to want more for myself...just gonna brush up on some Biblical references to combat materialism.  If they won't let me go to Africa again this year (gonna see about that within a month) then I am going to help someone else go. 

God is so good. I am very nervous about the job. They have set the bar rather high, but I know that I can do anything with God's help.  FYI, so can you.  Thanks for your prayers while I made this decision. 

Gonna get a bonfire going out back and take my guitar. Soon to come...video of Nicci's eyebrows...it's pretty silly. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQa8EghyOFg

Check out 5 second videos...I know this guy!  I did a voice over gig with him : )

Chicago Scenic Studios..again??

Since I left Chicago Scenic (CSSI) 5.5 months ago, I have been called 3 times by different people about coming back on board for various things.  This time as the position that was offered to me but given to another based on their inclination to stay in the position on a longer term...as I only see this position as a stepping stone to a different position. I could really learn a lot from this group of professionals.  END GOAL is to work on movie productions that are both glorifying to God and done in an excellent way. 

The package they are offering is only 32,500 a year. After 6 months the benefits will kick in and then I will also be able to take paid days off, but only after 6 months.  All in all this is less than what I was getting paid when I worked there before.

In the works:
I have my substitute teaching certificate and am still a massage therapist.  I like my clients, I like the freedom, I'm getting used to the hectic schedule and having to stay on top of the time management.  This week has been a great week, so 5 more solid weeks of time management and I might be on the road to kicking this habit.  That's what statistics say right? It takes 6 weeks to form a habit...I don't know...I think I heard that once, at least I stored it in my head. 

Changes:
While I may work only 45 hours a week if I take the Chicago job, I need to tack on 3 hours of driving everyday.  And that's on a good day.  3 x 5= 15 + 45 = 60hrs...yeah...that's a lot of hours.
- less time with famly
- less time for ministry
- +need to move toward the city at some point
+ weekends off
+ company cell
+ great on resume
+ learn a lot
+ move toward goal
+ LOTS of creatives around me
+ possible positioning for design jobs
+ great company with profit sharing benefits

I told them I'd let them know by Friday....it's Thursday...I'm a bit anxious at this time, I have no answer to give them.

Prayers are appreciated.

Clarification on the principle of Human doings...

We, in this fast paced, production driven society, are human doings instead of the human-beings we are intended to be.

....or not to be...that is the question!   I think.

Had an almost perfect holiday weekend.  My family time was great. My aunt and grandmother have been visiting. They came out and took us shopping...and spent way too much money on us. I don't even know how they manage that.  It's insane.  We decided to thank them by sending a cute picture of us in some of our new clothes with it saying: "We look hot because of Aunt Carolyn and Nanny".  Any other phrases you think would be better?  I  would love to know what you think!

Aunt Carolyn and Nanny Outfitters: The hottness never stops

*Insert your cute saying*