Rest. October 2, 2011

Today, I want to relish in the amazing blessing that rest is. God calls us to rest. To recuperate. To have time to be calm, to be quiet and to reflect. This is my time.

I am sitting at Starbucks. It’s been a busy and productive weekend. Friday night was a relaxing ladies night with wings and a movie. Just what I needed after a stressful work week. I love my girls so much and I never know how much I need them until I spend some time away and then get that opportunity to enjoy their company once more. I am never more aware of how important they are than when they or I am not around. So, I truly loved my night on the couch, in my pajamas watching “Bridesmaids”. A perfectly, inappropriately hilarious movie that so wonderfully suited our need for laughs and relaxation.

Saturday was non-stop. Woke up way early than a working woman should on a day off. 7:00 AM came calling quickly and I wasn’t able to calm my mind and body again until it hit the pillow at 10:00 PM. From 7:00 on, I was running. Cleaning house, doing the laundry, filling up the dishwasher, empyting the dishwasher to fill it again. Eating healthy meals that seem to take much longer to prepare than my typical go-to meal: chips and salsa. I forged my closet of all big things, little things, inappropriate things, unwanted things. And made a run to Plato’s Closet. They seemed to agree with my distaste for those items of clothing as well. They bough 5 peices and sent me packing with $7.25. Haha. What a joke. Next stop? A drive by at Goodwill to get the rest of the junk out of my sight. On to the most eventful part of my Saturday — the WKU Football game. And man, it was a dousy. So sad for our team after such a difficult loss. It was a really close one with Arkansas State – coming down to a miscall from the referees and a march down field that WKU just could not stop as time expired. Following the game, it was a race to find any restaurant in BG that has room for 9 of us. With all the football broadcast on national television, it’s no wonder we ended up at a Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant instead of the sports bar we had anticipated. I was glad to find my bed so warmly welcoming me at the end of that day.

And today?  Again woke up way too early. Baked a batch of blueberry muffins and portioned them for breakfast over the next week. Continued my devouring of the never-ending laundry hamper. Went for a little run — just two miles to give my ailing hip a break. #1 sign that I’m getting old. And now, I find myself here at Starbucks. Calm. Taking in the small town chatter of the few that are around me. Letting my ears enjoy The Notebook-like music that serenades us all. Making the most of my afternoon to rest. To refill my gas tank and to prepare for a busy week ahead.

It is important, you know. To give yourself a break. To have Me Time. Your mind needs it sometimes. So as I sit and enjoy a fwe more hours of peace, I hope you take the time to be still and breathe this Sunday afternoon. I am no busier than the rest of you. But whatever you have going on, remember that rest is for your benefit. God created rest for our weary souls.

Rest up,

European Escapades July 15, 2011

These photos are now over two months old but they are too good and tell too rich a story to hide any longer. Having a computer of my own helps the cause for being able to share these memories with you. In late April, I took the vacation of a lifetime to visit my best friend Emilee in Europe. She was blessed with the opportunity to teach in a private Catholic school in Barcelona, Spain. Through the duration of Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday, the schools were closed for celebration and family time, giving Emilee and her fellow student teachers the chance to travel to farther areas of Europe. This is where I come in. Despite some difficulty traveling, I made it safely to spend a week traveling the region with her. We started off in Rome, Italy and ventured to Assisi, Italy, ending our unforgettable trip back in Barcelona, Spain where I got to experience one day of the life Emilee sooooo loved.

ENJOY…

 

I mentioned my difficulty traveling. This was the worst part of it — A delay in Nashville. A storm in New York City. We hovered over NYC for an hour waiting for JFK Airport to open up for landing. Getting so low on fuel that we had to land in Hartford, Connecticut to gas up. Getting up in the air again, expecting to make it to JFK. Only to find out that all incoming flights were being diverted because the weather was so bad in NYC. This picture was taken the SECOND time we landed in Hartford, CT. My night ended here when my connector flight to Spain was missed. American Airlines put all of the passengers in a hotel and we resumed the eventful journey the next morning.

 

 

A good sign. Clear skies and beautiful sights as we fly into JFK the following morning.

 

So… I missed my connector flight to Spain on Saturday. Had I made that flight, I would have already been in Barcelona at this time and Emilee and I would have boarded a flight to Rome. Instead, I had to reschedule a direct flight to Rome where I would soon meet up with her. My new flight led to a 9 hour layover in the wonderful New York City. Of all places to be stranded, NYC wasn’t so bad. I’d get stuck there again if I had the chance.

 

While roaming around NYC, I stumbled on this beautiful apartment building. If you know me at all, you already know what I am thinking.

— RENT! —

 

Just a slight glimpse at my artistic side. As I got ready to head back to the JFK Airport from day-long rendevous in New York, I took two subways and a trolley system back to catch my flight to Rome. On the way to see Emilee now!

 

The first day that we woke up in Rome, we packed our bags to see the Pope. An experience of a lifetime. We had great seats, only 6 rows from the path the Pope would take to greet the crowd and speak to all those in attendance. Such a neat experience.

 

 

THERE HE IS.

And he spoke 8 different languages, I think. It could have been more. Very impressive. We were so close to him!

 

Our next stop was a tour of the Coliseum. What an incredible place, rich in history. It was HUGE!

And I have to show off my WKU Pride.

 

Emilee and I – I still cannot believe we were there, TOGETHER!

 

The architecture, or what exists of it now, was incredible. Throughout the whole city, you could see columns similar to this where part of them had fallen, some remained standing and some looked as if they may still tumble.

 

The next few picture were taken inside of the Vatican City. A private, self-governing city completely surrounded by Rome but 100% separate from Rome.  This large globe rotated, as if it was floating in mid-air. VERY NEAT.

 

St. Peter’s Basilica. This cathedral was stunningly beautiful.

 

Another glimpse inside of St. Peter’s Basilica.

 

No, this is not a costume. Just like the police officers in Bowling Green wear uniforms, this is the uniform of an active, on-duty Vatican City guard. He was on duty and could not smile, could not look away or move from his post. He better get paid the big bucks to guard the Pope and stand there for hours doing nothing.

 

Oh my! My most favorite part of the trip was our excursion to the outskirts of Rome, into Assisi, Italy. Assisi is a tiny little town almost two hours from Rome. We took a train from Rome to Assisi, not knowing what to expect but hoping for a quant town, lots of green grass and landscape. By the looks of this photo, we were successful. I would go back there in an instance.

 

Inside of a Basilica in Assisi, this candle lighting station was made available to visitors who wanted to light a candle and say a prayer in honor or memory of someone. Again, a glimpse at my artistic photography skills.

 

Not so certain what this thing actually was but Emilee sure is strong.

An adorable little gelato shop in Assisi.

 

Five people and lots of baggage.

 

I bet $50 you have no idea what is on this pizza… Nope, not pineapples. Not ham.

Actually, it was the best pizza I have ever had in my entire life and it still disturbs me that I enjoyed it. — Potato chunks and sausage. Yummy.

 

This is the view from the highest point of Parque de Guell. From a 360 degree view, every inch of Barcelona was in sight!

YUMMY! Pigs’ ears. Oh, and feet too. This was inside a Fresh Food Market inside of the heart of Barcelona.

 

Emilee and I happened to get back to Spain just in time to celebrate a holiday. So, Easter in Rome and then El Dia de Sant Jordi in Barcelona. El Die de Sant Jordi is the equivalent of our American Valentine’s Day, except in Spanish tradition Saint George saved the King’s daughter from the grip of a dragon. The dragon’s blood fell to the ground and sprouted a rose bush. Hence the start of this tradition: All men give women a rose on St. George’s Day and to the return the kind gesture, women buy books for their men. As we walked through the streets of Barcelona, tables were at every corner full of books and flowers. These were obviously my favorite!

Missing In Action July 5, 2011

I have been.

For quite some time now, you might know if you are a regular visitor to my recently rarely changing blog. But I am back. Proud. Loud. And ready to write. Maybe not a frequently as I was back in the winter, but I have returned. I am back from a lengthy hiatus.

I sit now at the window ledge of Spencer’s Coffeehouse, looking out to the passing cars and the two smoking men who take up the patio chairs in front of me. As I look outside, it’s beautiful — sunny and 91. Maybe a little too hot but the skies are beautiful and flowers are in full bloom. I am not normally here in the dead of summer. Instead, I fondly remember the days of frequent Spencer’s study dates from August to May — my time spent as a college student. I look back on those days with fondness not because of the impending work, but because of the friends who joined me, the memories made here, the soothing aroma of black bean soup and caramel mocha lattes.

The last time I checked in with you, I was celebrating a new job, fantasizing about how wonderful it was going to be. And I must say, it has not disappointed. I have been on a whirlwind of a professional roller coaster. With no knowledge of the Human Resources profession, I came in 100% blind. And that veil is being lifted a tiny bit each day. I will continue to learn more and more as the weeks go on but I am happy to say that I think this career path was perfectly constructed for me. The yellow brick road that led me here was the perfect direction for me. My employer is sending me back to school — Certification in Human Resources through Western Kentucky University. I could not have dreamed that these blessings would come to me but it is true. And I am so grateful.

On a completely unrelated note, the Casey Anthony verdict was revealed today. The front office area at Trace is filled with women and when the news released that Casey was found not guilty of first degree murder, child abuse and manslaughter, we went nuts. Every man in the office knew our thoughts, loud and clear… and quickly. I may look back at this at some point and laugh but I shall voice my opinion anyway. So, she’s found guilty of lying to federal prosecutors? WHAT THE HECK WAS SHE LYING ABOUT AND WHAT FOR, other than she killed precious Caylee or knows who did? The months and years of Nancy Grace overload, Good Morning America news coverage and the ever-present media bombardment, and the case ends in a letdown the entire country, to Casey’s family and to innocent, sweet little Caylee. So Casey sends investigators on a goose chase for the non-existent “Nanny Zanny”, through the offices of a job she never had looking for a boss whose name she fabricated, blames her father for covering up his assistance in concealing Caylee’s dead body and after being found non-guilty, her maximum punishment is 4 years in prison, 2 1/2 of which she has already served. Sad. Just really sad. I am sad for our judicial system. Mostly, I am sad for Caylee.

That’s my soapbox today. You will find me up high on many more. Someone bring me back down.

As the 4th of July holiday winds down, we still hear fireworks all over Bowling Green — the city commission having voted to permit the sale and use of fireworks in the city. It was a fabulous weekend. A long Friday at work was rewarded with a relaxation-filled Saturday, a fireworks show and potluck with friends in Morgantown that evening, an always appreciated trip to Barren River Lake on Sunday and Monday, breakfast for lunch at the Pancake Pantry with my beau and his family, followed by an ice cream social at Circus Square Park and HotRod’s fireworks from a distance. A perfect weekend in my book. We truly are blessed and I have the best friends anyone could hope for. #ilovemylife

Ok, I quit.

I am no longer Missing in Action.
Thanks for the warm welcome back.

Lots of Great News February 11, 2011

So much to share but very little time. Must sleep. But must update you too. Haha

1. My job is going fantastic. I have loved every task they’ve given me, everything they have trusted me with and every opportunity I have had to experience new things in the business world. Although I am waking up more than an hour earlier than I had to with my previous job and the snow has been coming down like a blanket over Bowling Green, I have so much looked forward to every morning going to work. I can only hope that this remains the case. Yesterday I took a tour of one of the plants and was blown away at the detail and care taken to make castings. I applaud everyone in the hands-on, dangerous and physically demanding field. And the greatest news, I have been able to share with a fellow employee about my love for Jesus, my involvement at Hillvue and the focus of Team Baker, as I told her about an upcoming race. I pray that the Lord continues to provide such opportunities with this same woman and with everyone else in that plant and in the office.

2. I AM GOING TO SPAIN! Yes, you heard it correctly – a beautiful place called Barcelona, Spain. I booked my flight last night to go visit my best friend, Emilee Duvall, as she travels abroad for 6 weeks to continue her student teaching before her May graduation. I will get to visit her for a whole week, and it just so happens to be Holy Week. As we understand it now, the school at which she will be teaching is closed for the entire week leading up to Easter. Meaning, Emilee and I shall TRAVEL, TRAVEL! We are going to start out research of fabulous places we could only dream of visiting before. And in two short months, it will become a reality. I hope to update you soon with some of our ideas for tourist attractions. Oh my, I AM SO ECSTATIC!

3. Last for the night, I get to go to a seminar in Nashville next week for work. I am so ready to get there, learn about HR, the Laws and Federal Wages, have a night to myself reviewing the material and wake up to do it all again. I feel like a Big Girl now. Haha. And this is just one event since starting at Trace Die Cast that has made me feel this way. I have been working there for four days and I have had my hand involved in some major decisions, they have entrusted me with confidential information and put their confidence in my ability and my education. Nashville is going to be the icing on the cake of a FABULOUS first week at work.

Full Circle February 8, 2011

I love to see things come full circle.

It is utterly amazing to look back over the events of the last two weeks and venture into the memory bucket to see their beginning. As you are well aware of, Monday I assume the position of Human Resource Manager at Trace Die Cast. I could not be more enthused about starting this new phase in my life. But this opportunity did not come to fruition overnight.

Looking back, it began nine years ago. Yes, NINE.

As a basketball player preparing for my junior season at Bowling Green High School, we had summer conditioning multiple times a week. It was there that an introduction was made that would be instrumental in my life taking its current path. A stranger poked her head into the doorway of our nearly vacant gym and caught my attention. I went to see what it was that she needed, thinking she was lost and needed some help. I shook hands with her, I introduced myself. Her name was Melinda Hill. In her naturally bubbly way, she laughed as she told me about her daughter who was restlessly waiting in the car and wanted to join us for summer conditioning. Hilary, an incoming high school freshman, did not know anyone but wanted to get involved and show the coaches that she was eager to play. I left the gym, greeted Hilary at her mother’s car and led her into the gym she would soon call home.

It was this encounter that has brought about two wonderful friendships and now an incredible job opportunity. Melinda and Hilary each made such wonderful impressions on me, constantly encouraging me to greatness and spurring me to be a better individual – a better friend, a dedicated student, a constant encourager, a tender daughter, a more diligent worker and a more carefree person. I think so very highly of each of them and have found such a wonderful bond with them.

I catching you up to today’s circumstances, here is how Melinda Hill fits into the picture with Trace Die Cast. Her best friend is the Chief Financial Officer at Trace. When the previous HR Manager announced her departure and Melinda was made aware of the opening, my name was thrown around. Melinda, unaware that I was heavily into a job search, recommended that Trace contact me. An unexpected phone call from Melinda led me to send the CFO a resume, in hopes that I might receive positive feedback. Little did I know just how eager Trace Die Cast’s management was to speak with me. This eagerness was brought on by the high recommendation from my old pal of nine years.

I knew that my encounter with Melinda and Hilary in 2004 was special but it is wonderful to see just how God orchestrated the friendship. I hope that Melinda and Hilary are blessed even a fraction of how much they have blessed me. From strangers, we developed a strong and flourishing friendship.

I love seeing how God orchestrated and worked through a simple hello in the gym at Bowling Green High School. He is almighty and all-knowing. Praise Him for He is a GREAT God.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Equipped January 25, 2011

Should anyone question God’s faithfulness to His people, check out the story of the Israelites in Exodus where God delivers His people from bondage and provides their every need as the left Egypt. Oh, and a more applicable scenario for Viva La Vida’s readers, look to the lives of those who He calls His children. In our worry, He calms. In our hunger for Him, He feeds. In loneliness, He wraps His people in a blanket of warmth and love. In our brokenness and ailments, He heals and protects. In our longing, He fulfills.

Over months of prayer and hopeful expectation, I have become a prayer warrior. The constant was the potential for a new job. No doubt of my own, God came through in a mighty, mighty way.
This morning I went into the office, with interview questions and answers running sprints through my mind. As I had expected, I took a seat across from the company Chief Financial Officer and the President. But things quickly turn an unforeseen curve. Before my interview began, an offer for employment had been put on the table. I was shocked and surprised and ecstatic and elated and taken aback. Basically, all things jittery and good.

So, the good news is: I have accepted a position as Human Resource Specialist with a large company in Bowling Green. I could not be more enthused about starting this new venture in my life. My new co-workers have welcomed me with open arms. I have met such pleasant people thus far and I have not even stepped foot in the building as an actual employee. I have felt nothing but comfort in being around the company’s higher management and even the company founder.

And you ask – Rebecca, what do you know about HR? And I say, absolutely zilch. Haha. Aside from a little management with school projects and as a Rafferty’s Corporation employee, my expertise is minimal. With all seriousness, this position is going to be a challenge and I am fully aware of the risk that this company is taking by investing in my development in their office. And now it’s my time to step up to the plate and gobble up every ounce of knowledge I come across. I already have SHRM seminars, Western Kentucky University courses and business development consultations in the near future.

This is the endeavor I have waited on. I am ready and eager for the challenge. It’s what I wanted. I prayed for it and God did what He does. He came through. My background and education may not say that I am prepared but God has equipped me for the challenge.

In His Hands January 24, 2011

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:19

As Psalm 20:4 and 145:19 promise, I fully believe that God gives His people desires of the heart that He intends to fulfill. And presently, the desire of my heart is a career where I can thrive, a setting that allows me to be creative and productive, an environment that harvests Christ-centered conversation and is where God calls me to minister to others.

If you have been staying up-to-date with my recent blogging, you know that an opportunity has presented itself. Literally, it has come me. I told God I was available. That I wanted a move. That I was ready if He was. So we made our first move. Two weeks ago, I applied for two positions in BG. The day after sending in those applications, I came to find out that another company was looking at me. The call took me by pleasant surprise.

And since that day, we have been in communication about the opportunity that exists to bring my skills to their need. In the midst of my computer catching a virus, I stressed so much about completing the application process. No need. God provides. God knows what I desire and should it align with His heart, He will be faithful to provide.

Tomorrow morning, I have my second interview with my potential employer and, though my background and my collegiate studies do not match what they are seeking, I am confident that God will see my through the process and equip me for His will.

I pray that He walks with me into the office. He stays seated by my side. His spirit speaks through me and guides my thoughts. I pray that my desires match His and not vice-versa. I pray for a clear mind as I enter the office and for His comfort as my brain is drilled. Haha.

I am in His hands – the safest and most powerful hands in the world.