some changes

On 21 February, it will be a year since I worked last. From that date in 2008, I have had quite the year. I hope that in hind sight I see less of the frustration and manic job searching; the nearly 250 jobs or companies I applied to, and more of the blessings in having time off. Listed below are some of the wonderful notables from the past year of my unplanned unemployment:

• My flight pattern since I was at McMurdo Station: ZCM-CHC-AKL-SYD-BNE-LAX-SEA-BLI, YVR-YYZ-ORD-SDF-ORD-DEN-MIA-PAP-MIA-DEN-PDX-SEA-BLI, SEA-DFW-GRU-DFW-SEA, BLI-SEA-DEN-SEA-BLI. I love to fly!
  
• I took two road trips: One by myself to California, and one with Storey, in Australia.
• Brazil. Simply Fantastic!
• There are a few new and way-old friends who I never expected to hear much from again, but who have become quite dear to me. Thank you specifically to, Janelle, Maria, Leeps, Amanda, and Scott.
• I have been able to see every member of my immediate family, including Sara who moved closer to me in Seattle.
• I served with my church in Haiti. Unforgettable.
• Finding my great coffee spot in Boulevard Park!
• I spent a wonderful amount of time with the children of my friends and cousins (thanks Aaron & Jen for the photo)!
• My 30th birthday rolled around!
• Somehow, I managed to stay financially afloat. You know that story in the Bible about the woman who's oil is miraculously replenished...
• Coffee...mmmm...
• I have been able to spend about four months in Washington, which is the closest I have to 'home.'
  

Things will be changing here on my blog and in my life this week. I am both excited and apprehensive about moving forward in my life. As I have been looking for a job, there have been a few people at the top of my list who have taken extraordinary amounts of time with me or made me feel valuable when I was most down. Thanks again for the patience and positivity; you know who you are!