Friday, July 17, 2009
Vacation Update!
Richard and I had an absolute BLAST on our vacation on the East coast. It was packed with fun every day, and I was able to fulfill some of my life's dreams! I'm going to have to think of some new ones now!
July 3
We were traveling most of the day - We flew from LA to Denver, had a 2 hour layover, then flew in to Baltimore. We got there at midnight, so we went straight to our hotel for the night.
July 4
We took a bus to the Subway station, driven by this crazy lady. She was yelling the whole time, and driving like a maniac! It was great. We were only scared for our lives for part of the time. Then, we took the subway to Arlington National Cemetery. It was my first time on a subway, so I was a little nervous. But it turned out to be just fine, and it made it really easy to get around. The Cemetery was amazing. I felt so much gratitude for all of those soldiers who would give up so much, even their lives for the sake of a free country. It was overwhelming to look in every direction, and see headstones as far as you could see. The thing that really hit us while we were there, was that you can't just look at the people who died in war as one big group. Each one of them had families and people who loved them, and who grieved their death. They paid a high price to give me freedom. Even though I know that I sometimes take it for granted, I am so thankful to live in a free country. I am glad that I can do the things that bring me joy, and that I can choose to live according to my own conscience.
Anyway, after Arlington, we went to D.C. to see the Smithsonian museums and the fireworks show. We saw the "America at War" exhibit in the Museum of American History, which we thought was very appropriate for the 4th. It started from the Revolutionary war, and went all the way up to the present. I've never been super interested in learning about war, but I actually found the exhibit to be really interesting. I really enjoyed it, but I think Richard's joy exceeded my understanding. He just ate everything up. We spent a looong time in that exhibit. We also went to the Museum of natural history, which was pretty cool too!
After that, we met up with the Patterson clan, at the Washington Monument, had dinner and watched the most amazing fireworks show I have ever (and probably will ever) seen! It was so cool, they were so big and close, I could feel the booms in my chest, and my arm hairs were vibrating. I LOVED it!
The next few days, we hung out with family, and were able to be there for some family milestones: John's baptism, and Stephen's Eagle Court of Honor. It was great, we were glad that we could be there for those. OH, and we also took a short tour of Gettysburg with the siblings and Grammy. That was pretty interesting, too. I think I forgot the importance of Gettysburg until we went and visited - it was the turning point in the Civil War, when the Union army started winning.
For the last half of the week, we drove up to New York, and went through countless toll roads (I'm still kind of bitter about all the extra money we paid to drive) to get to our destinations. Our first place we visited in New York was the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It was amazing. I could hardly believe I was there! I loved all of the history behind all of it, and was sad that we didn't have enough time to really soak everything up. Hopefully, we'll go back again someday! After our time in Manhattan, we drove to Times Square, and got to have a special parking garage experience.... Parking there made me really see the value in riding the subway. Not only do you save yourself the trouble of dealing with ridiculous traffic, and aggressive drivers, but you don't have to pay a fortune to park, and still wonder if you'll ever see your car/possessions in the car again. Picture this: You drive into a dimly lit parking garage, with disintegrating cement floors, and cars parked haphazardly all around. Not only that, but scattered all around the cars are these little carts that are packed full of stuff, and covered in plastic tarps that you can't see through... hmmm. Was it wrong of me to worry?
Anyway, after that warm fuzzy experience, we went to do two of my life's goals in NYC: 1) eat New York Pizza IN New York and 2) see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway!!! Man, that was one of the best days EVER! I loved seeing the Phantom of the Opera, it was an amazing show. I was really impressed to see such a quality production. I only wish I hadn't seen the movie so many times, so that I wouldn't have compared their singing voices the whole time. But I loved it, all the same. it was amazing, and I'm so glad Richard thought of doing that!
The next day, we drove to Palmyra, NY for the Hill Cumorah Pageant. That was pretty amazing too. I have never seen effects like they used on stage for that. It was very impressive. Not only was it a high quality production, but the spirit was there. It was amazing. I just loved every second of that.
I loved being able to go on this trip with Richard. He's so fun to be with, and he just makes everything so much better. And this whole trip was his idea! He's amazing.
Well, sorry to write such a long post, I guess its more of a journal entry/history keeping kind of thing this time.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Fields and Flocks
The past couple weeks have been pretty rough with sales and whatnot. We came here with very high expectations for our success, but its been underwhelming, to say the least. I think there are a few main reasons that its been a struggle. The first being that the economy stinks and so nobody has money. The second is that it has been pretty cold around here, so the bugs aren't coming out as much. Its really hard to convince someone that they need pest control if 1)they don't have money, and 2)they're not seeing bugs anyway... You see the problem? Anyway, we're just hoping and praying that things will get better, and that the weather will get hotter.
Lately, in our scripture study, its been interesting to see all of the verses that can relate to success in the workplace. The first scripture that stuck out to me was Alma 34:20,24,25. Earlier, I had been thinking that I didn't really know if it was appropriate to pray for us to do well in our jobs, to get lots of sales and whatnot...because to me, that seemed kind of greedy, like saying, "help us to get lots of money." But when I read those verses, it struck me that it is good to pray for success in our "flocks and fields," and to pray that they will increase. In fact, I feel like its better that you do pray for success than not at all, because then you are more able to recognize the blessings that are pouring in from Heavenly Father, and you realize where the credit is due. I think it keeps you humble, to acknowledge that you need divine help, and can't do it on your own. You recognize that your success isn't all yours. Not only that, but it requires faith to trust that the Lord will bless you in the way and time that will be best for you. I feel better about praying for that now.
Something else that we've been thinking about lately is what can we be doing better in our lives, so that we can be worthy of the blessings and success we are asking for. There are so many verses, and general authorities that talk about keeping all the commandments so that you can really be worthy of the blessings you ask for. So, we've been working on being more consistent in those areas where we've been slacking. Even though sales haven't picked up a whole lot, we are more at peace than before. The nice thing is that we know that if we are doing the things we should be doing now, then whatever happens in our lives is what is supposed to happen, and we will have the help we need to get through it.
Anyway, that's just been on my mind recently, and it was exciting to me to come to those conclusions on my own!
Lately, in our scripture study, its been interesting to see all of the verses that can relate to success in the workplace. The first scripture that stuck out to me was Alma 34:20,24,25. Earlier, I had been thinking that I didn't really know if it was appropriate to pray for us to do well in our jobs, to get lots of sales and whatnot...because to me, that seemed kind of greedy, like saying, "help us to get lots of money." But when I read those verses, it struck me that it is good to pray for success in our "flocks and fields," and to pray that they will increase. In fact, I feel like its better that you do pray for success than not at all, because then you are more able to recognize the blessings that are pouring in from Heavenly Father, and you realize where the credit is due. I think it keeps you humble, to acknowledge that you need divine help, and can't do it on your own. You recognize that your success isn't all yours. Not only that, but it requires faith to trust that the Lord will bless you in the way and time that will be best for you. I feel better about praying for that now.
Something else that we've been thinking about lately is what can we be doing better in our lives, so that we can be worthy of the blessings and success we are asking for. There are so many verses, and general authorities that talk about keeping all the commandments so that you can really be worthy of the blessings you ask for. So, we've been working on being more consistent in those areas where we've been slacking. Even though sales haven't picked up a whole lot, we are more at peace than before. The nice thing is that we know that if we are doing the things we should be doing now, then whatever happens in our lives is what is supposed to happen, and we will have the help we need to get through it.
Anyway, that's just been on my mind recently, and it was exciting to me to come to those conclusions on my own!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
This Past Week...
We've had a lot of fun in the past week. It all started on Saturday, when we went to the L.A. Temple. The temple was beautiful. The inside was breathtaking, and the session was refreshing. It was nice to get away from the stress of work, and just focus on what is truly important in life. It was a bit of a drive (about an hour), compared to what we're used to, but so worth it! I hope we can go back a few more times this summer!
We almost got eaten by Jaws!!! AHH!
Lunch at Buca di Beppo - Amazing Italian Restaurant
We had to get a "nerd picture" with our 4-d glasses before going into the Terminator 4-d show
No, we didn't really ride the bull, but wouldn't it be cool if we had??
On Wednesday, our Clark Team got to go to Universal Studios! We got to do this because we exceeded our goal of getting 100 sales as a team for May. We had a blast there, and it was nice to have a whole day of fun. It was especially exciting for Richard and I because last year, around this same time, we were at Disneyland together with my family. And that was about the time that we decided we couldn't live without each other, and decided we needed to get married in August. Special memories!!!
Our Team: Reece, Richard, Me, Scott, Brad, Rebecca, Tyler, Rebecca, Max
On the Red Carpet!!! (We're kind of a big deal)
Our Team: Reece, Richard, Me, Scott, Brad, Rebecca, Tyler, Rebecca, Max
On the Red Carpet!!! (We're kind of a big deal)
We almost got eaten by Jaws!!! AHH!
Lunch at Buca di Beppo - Amazing Italian Restaurant
We had to get a "nerd picture" with our 4-d glasses before going into the Terminator 4-d show
No, we didn't really ride the bull, but wouldn't it be cool if we had??Friday, June 5, 2009
Some pictures...
So picturesque, huh? We went on a triple date with the Baertleins and the LeBarrons to this beach, and we had a blast!
What do you think is happening in this picture?
I'll tell you. Richard thought it would be funny if he dragged me into the Ocean against my will! Obviously, I didn't want to get wet. But don't worry, I still got wet.
We usually meet up for lunch at a park somewhere, before we start working for the afternoon.
One of our many team lunches, courtesy of Clark! (Dont look to close at Richard's smile, those aren't his teeth, that's his salad coming out of his mouth)Left side: Scott, Brad, Rebecca. Right side: Matt (our supervisor), Reece, Richard, Me
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Alright, I'm a Blogging Slacker...
I have no more excuses for not posting, so here I am! The past few months have been hectic and busy, to say the least. Between class, homework, tests, finals, moving, vacationing, and working, its been hard to find time! But now, we've finally settled down again, and have a somewhat regular schedule. Here's the latest on what we've been up to:
ARIZONA
Since school ended about a month ago, we've been all over the place. We drove straight down to Arizona after finals and moving out, for a family reunion on the Patterson side. We had such a good time, seeing Richard's family (who we don't get to see very much, since they live in Pennsylvania) and spending time with them, and seeing (and meeting) aunts and uncles and cousins. I guess they hadn't gotten everyone together at the same time for years and years, so it was good timing for me to meet them all! I was so impressed with the bond that everyone had, It made me so happy to know that I married into such a great family!
We got to Arizona just in time to do a temple session with Richard's cousin, Megan. She went through for the first time, in preparation for her temple marriage a week later. That was such an enjoyable experience. The Mesa temple is beautiful!
On what was going to be our last night there, I went through a special initiation into the family. Apparently, it is a frequent occurrence when Richard's family stays with their Aunt Shauna, for someone to get a nasty stomach bug. I'm sure you can guess where I'm going with this! I was that lucky person this time. That was sure something else. I'm glad I got that over with, so now there's no doubt about me belonging to the family. :)
OREGON
after a few short days in Arizona, we drove to Oregon (making the trip in two days..) We were fortunate enough to time it so that we could be there with the family for a few days before Tayler reported to the MTC. It was so nice to be back with the family, I loved it! I can't wait to see you all again! :)
While we were there, we also got to go to our amazing friends' Max and Rebecca Baertlein's wedding! It was very exciting for us to be there for their wedding, and to remember ours. It was Richard and my first time back to the Portland Temple since our wedding there in August, so it was an emotional experience to revisit what it was like that day for us. They had a beautiful wedding, and I think they've both been glowing ever since. :) They are a perfect match for each other!
We were glad we also got to be there for Tayler's farewell party, that was fun! So many people came to see Tayler off, and show their support for him. It was awesome to see how much Tayler is loved. I am so proud of Tayler, and for how much he has done and gone through in preparation for his mission. I know it is where he is supposed to be, and that he is going to be an amazing, stalwart, hardworking, devoted
faithful, genuine and motivated/ing missionary. I can only imagine how this experience will shape and make Tayler the person he will be for the rest of his life. What an amazing example! I was hard to say goodbye to him, knowing we won't see him for another 2 years...it seems so far away! But I know it will fly by, and every second will be worth it.
CALIFORNIA
We finally made our way down to Camarillo, CA, making the whole drive in one day! It was a long one! (16 hours I think?) It wasn't too bad, I felt a lot better than I had for the past week and a half or so, so I was even able to drive for a few hours, so Richard could rest. I felt pretty proud of myself for doing that, because I ended up driving through Sacramento, during rush hour, while Richard was asleep. It was a little bit nerve-racking, but I did it! I think my calmness was due to our good friend, Tom Tom. Tom Tom is a very special friend, and him and I are getting very well acquainted. I take him everywhere with me. He's a little bossy, because he always tells me what to do, but I don't mind. Whenever I do what he says, I know I'll be ok. Whoever invented the GPS must have had divine inspiration on my behalf. I am a person who, you could say, is directionally challenged... I don't know why it is, but even when I've driven to a place before, I still have to write down directions for myself, or have someone telling me what to do, for numerous times after (and even then, I still get lost!). Tom Tom the GPS is a good thing for me, and I never have driving anxiety when I have him in the car!
Anyway, now that we're finally here, settled in, we are loving it! The weather here is great, our apartments are nice and spacious, and in one of the safest neighborhoods in Camarillo (with our church on one side of it, and a bible school on another side, you can imagine why). The only thing we are lacking with our apartment situation is a dishwasher, which I'm a little bummed about! I have never lived without one for more than a couple days (basically, just on camping trips). I guess I'm a little spoiled. I will survive though!
We have been working a rigorous schedule ever since we got here. 2-3 mornings a week, Richard and Max get our selling team together for about a half hour for a meeting, and then break to go and start selling for the rest of the day til 8:30 or so every night. Everyone sells Monday through Friday from about 10am-8:30 pm, and Saturdays from 10-4. Richard and I worked out a deal though, that I get to stay home in the mornings (and all day on Saturday) and then come and meet him for lunch, and sell for the rest of the day (4-8). The only catch though, is that while I stay home, I get to 1) clean the house, 2) do dishes and 3) make food for lunch and if possible, dinner. So, that keeps me pretty busy in the mornings. We've got a pretty good system going on though.
Our mornings have recently been really productive. I've been so proud of us!!! Let me tell you what we have been doing. Before, we would wake up at 8 or so, hurry and get ready for the day, then rush for breakfast and a meeting and Richard would barely get out the door on time. Then I would work out with Rebecca at 10 or so, come back, be ready by 12, and then hurry to make lunch, and leave to meet Richard by 1. So, our mornings were not very productive. But, as of this past Monday, we have all (Richard, me, Max and Rebecca) been getting up by 6:30am to work out. This has made a huge difference! I am ready for the day hours earlier than I was before, and Richard and I have time to read our scriptures together before he leaves. I am also able to make Richard a nice breakfast each morning now, which totally wins me points, we are less rushed, and now I have more time in the mornings before I leave. Its great!
Well, we are loving California, it is a beautiful place. We are about 20 minutes from the beach, which is awesome (we've already been there a couple times). Our Ward is great, the people here are really nice and friendly, they make us feel very welcome here. Although the job is hard, it is very rewarding. Clark treats its employees very well, they pay for our gas, take us out to lunch every week, and they are even buying us season passes to Universal Studios! They treat us like gold here. This job is also good, because it is making us do things outside of our comfort zone (especially mine), and helping us to develop and refine our people skills. So, even though its really hard, its really good. Its one of those things Dad would say "builds character." :)
ARIZONA
Since school ended about a month ago, we've been all over the place. We drove straight down to Arizona after finals and moving out, for a family reunion on the Patterson side. We had such a good time, seeing Richard's family (who we don't get to see very much, since they live in Pennsylvania) and spending time with them, and seeing (and meeting) aunts and uncles and cousins. I guess they hadn't gotten everyone together at the same time for years and years, so it was good timing for me to meet them all! I was so impressed with the bond that everyone had, It made me so happy to know that I married into such a great family!
We got to Arizona just in time to do a temple session with Richard's cousin, Megan. She went through for the first time, in preparation for her temple marriage a week later. That was such an enjoyable experience. The Mesa temple is beautiful!
On what was going to be our last night there, I went through a special initiation into the family. Apparently, it is a frequent occurrence when Richard's family stays with their Aunt Shauna, for someone to get a nasty stomach bug. I'm sure you can guess where I'm going with this! I was that lucky person this time. That was sure something else. I'm glad I got that over with, so now there's no doubt about me belonging to the family. :)
OREGON
after a few short days in Arizona, we drove to Oregon (making the trip in two days..) We were fortunate enough to time it so that we could be there with the family for a few days before Tayler reported to the MTC. It was so nice to be back with the family, I loved it! I can't wait to see you all again! :)
While we were there, we also got to go to our amazing friends' Max and Rebecca Baertlein's wedding! It was very exciting for us to be there for their wedding, and to remember ours. It was Richard and my first time back to the Portland Temple since our wedding there in August, so it was an emotional experience to revisit what it was like that day for us. They had a beautiful wedding, and I think they've both been glowing ever since. :) They are a perfect match for each other!
We were glad we also got to be there for Tayler's farewell party, that was fun! So many people came to see Tayler off, and show their support for him. It was awesome to see how much Tayler is loved. I am so proud of Tayler, and for how much he has done and gone through in preparation for his mission. I know it is where he is supposed to be, and that he is going to be an amazing, stalwart, hardworking, devoted
faithful, genuine and motivated/ing missionary. I can only imagine how this experience will shape and make Tayler the person he will be for the rest of his life. What an amazing example! I was hard to say goodbye to him, knowing we won't see him for another 2 years...it seems so far away! But I know it will fly by, and every second will be worth it.
CALIFORNIA
We finally made our way down to Camarillo, CA, making the whole drive in one day! It was a long one! (16 hours I think?) It wasn't too bad, I felt a lot better than I had for the past week and a half or so, so I was even able to drive for a few hours, so Richard could rest. I felt pretty proud of myself for doing that, because I ended up driving through Sacramento, during rush hour, while Richard was asleep. It was a little bit nerve-racking, but I did it! I think my calmness was due to our good friend, Tom Tom. Tom Tom is a very special friend, and him and I are getting very well acquainted. I take him everywhere with me. He's a little bossy, because he always tells me what to do, but I don't mind. Whenever I do what he says, I know I'll be ok. Whoever invented the GPS must have had divine inspiration on my behalf. I am a person who, you could say, is directionally challenged... I don't know why it is, but even when I've driven to a place before, I still have to write down directions for myself, or have someone telling me what to do, for numerous times after (and even then, I still get lost!). Tom Tom the GPS is a good thing for me, and I never have driving anxiety when I have him in the car!
Anyway, now that we're finally here, settled in, we are loving it! The weather here is great, our apartments are nice and spacious, and in one of the safest neighborhoods in Camarillo (with our church on one side of it, and a bible school on another side, you can imagine why). The only thing we are lacking with our apartment situation is a dishwasher, which I'm a little bummed about! I have never lived without one for more than a couple days (basically, just on camping trips). I guess I'm a little spoiled. I will survive though!
We have been working a rigorous schedule ever since we got here. 2-3 mornings a week, Richard and Max get our selling team together for about a half hour for a meeting, and then break to go and start selling for the rest of the day til 8:30 or so every night. Everyone sells Monday through Friday from about 10am-8:30 pm, and Saturdays from 10-4. Richard and I worked out a deal though, that I get to stay home in the mornings (and all day on Saturday) and then come and meet him for lunch, and sell for the rest of the day (4-8). The only catch though, is that while I stay home, I get to 1) clean the house, 2) do dishes and 3) make food for lunch and if possible, dinner. So, that keeps me pretty busy in the mornings. We've got a pretty good system going on though.
Our mornings have recently been really productive. I've been so proud of us!!! Let me tell you what we have been doing. Before, we would wake up at 8 or so, hurry and get ready for the day, then rush for breakfast and a meeting and Richard would barely get out the door on time. Then I would work out with Rebecca at 10 or so, come back, be ready by 12, and then hurry to make lunch, and leave to meet Richard by 1. So, our mornings were not very productive. But, as of this past Monday, we have all (Richard, me, Max and Rebecca) been getting up by 6:30am to work out. This has made a huge difference! I am ready for the day hours earlier than I was before, and Richard and I have time to read our scriptures together before he leaves. I am also able to make Richard a nice breakfast each morning now, which totally wins me points, we are less rushed, and now I have more time in the mornings before I leave. Its great!
Well, we are loving California, it is a beautiful place. We are about 20 minutes from the beach, which is awesome (we've already been there a couple times). Our Ward is great, the people here are really nice and friendly, they make us feel very welcome here. Although the job is hard, it is very rewarding. Clark treats its employees very well, they pay for our gas, take us out to lunch every week, and they are even buying us season passes to Universal Studios! They treat us like gold here. This job is also good, because it is making us do things outside of our comfort zone (especially mine), and helping us to develop and refine our people skills. So, even though its really hard, its really good. Its one of those things Dad would say "builds character." :)
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