Currently Playing Hotel Paper By Michelle Branch see related

Musing #4 #5 & #6

So many things have happened in these past few weeks that I don’t think I’ve actually had time to sit down, reflect, and process through them all.  But here’s a few pieces of the pie…

First and foremost, I was thankfully laid off from my old job and quickly blessed with a new job that I really wanted!  Not only am I back in the financial project analysis arena, but I’m not bean counting all day every day any more. Amen!  What’s been troubling me is the realization that although I should be happy as a duck with such a quick turnaround time job-wise, it still wasn’t enough to make me feel more content with my life.  Even though I happily smiled when they gave me the news of being laid off, I had the sense of uncertainty and insecurity that comes with the fear of being out of work for a long duration of time.  So now that I don’t have to worry about it anymore, why don’t I feel more happy and content with life now that I am employed and starting a new job again?  It’s even a better job too!!  When I read Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 for agape study, I think it really spoke to me how an earthly and worldly perspective truly is Meaningless… The achievements, prizes, goals, and successes in life won’t be the things that will provide lasting happiness.  I understand a little bit more why I need to continue to seek hard after the Eternal perspective. 

Unemployment also afforded me a rare opportunity to hang out with my grandmother yesterday.  I drove up to the city late in the afternoon and we got a chance to catch up on the latest and greatest.  My grandmother, ninety year old Christian woman that she is, continues to be both sharp in mind and spirit.  She has a knack for remembering the past and is still very quick to point out that I shouldn’t be off traveling and gallivanting to exotic vacation hot spots and wasting my monies away frivolously on potentially dangerous activities like snowboarding when I should be saving for a house, a wife, and a future.  When I do go up solo to visit her in SF, we usually go to the Olive Garden at Stonestown Mall where she always orders the cannelloni meat pasta and tells me to eat more salad.  This time however, we broke tradition and went for dinner.  Upon arriving, I found the wait for a table to be 15 minutes and most every seat in the waiting area taken.  For about 2 seconds, I scanned the area and tried to figure out where she could sit while we waited.  My mind never really expected what would happen next.  Before I knew it, a guy who happened to be seated on a bench next to his girlfriend, quickly stood up and politely offered my grandma his own seat.  I thanked him for his kindness and generosity and remained in awe of his good deed.  So simple, yet it brought me face to face with my half-glass empty perception of people and society. 

On a lighter note, I had the privilege of being invited by Derek to go see Michelle Branch in concert a few Thursday’s ago(sorry Homegroupies!).  This was her Oxygen concert that is going to be broadcast tonight at 9pm.  And YES… I can now check off on my life-list of To-Do’s:  Getting air time on a nationally broadcast network for Women.  It’s a dream come true =)  Thanks Oprah...and Derek!  Check it out if you have cable.  You might just be able to see Derek and I standing 3 feet away from Michelle off center stage to the immediate right.  I have to say Michelle Branch totally rocks!!!  She’s got amazing vocals, huge musical talent, and a very cool down-to-earth real kinda personality that hasn’t been jaded by industry and celebrity.  She was so nice through it all from beginning to end.  And she writes her own songs!  She even told noisy industry peepo’s to shut up!  How's that for cool?!