Work Hard, Party Harder

Hello, world! I am long overdue for an update, so let's get started.

My brother-in-law Matthew came home from his mission in Japan. I had never met him before, but had heard a lot about him. Mostly that he was sarcastic, witty, and exceptionally good at board games. He did not disappoint. Stephen and I went to Idaho two weeks ago (has it really been that long?) for a Rollins Reunion because of Matthew's homecoming. Have I ever mentioned how much I love my in-laws? It's so great to spend time with them, and having half a week to hang out, play games, cook food, and talk was great. We all went to McCall, Idaho, and stayed in a cabin for a few days. It was such a nice cabin, and we had a lot of fun roasting marshmallow, soaking in the hot tub, playing pool and foosball, watching movies, and playing a lot of games. We also went to the lake, and watching my one-year-old brother-in-law, Jacob, playing in the water was adorable--I've never seen him more happy and excited.

We also took family photos while everyone was together. For some reason, I was put in charge of the outfits and color coordinating. We went with a navy, green, and tan scheme, and I've yet to see how they all turned out, but the ones I have seen look great. It's things like family photos that remind me how, even though I'm a transplant, I belong in Stephen's family, just like he belongs in mine. There was also a lot of extended family, and I met more cousins and relatives. They all were so friendly and welcoming. It was a great vacation.

When I got back, I was not so excited to continue my job hunt. I had an interview scheduled for Monday, but I was doubtful I would get the job after so many rejections. I still went, though I have to be honest--my heart wasn't in it at the beginning. Then, my interviewer starting talking logistics, and I realized that she was seriously considering me. I put in more effort, and it seemed as much as I wanted to be hired, she wanted the position filled. She offered me the job on the spot. I took care of all the legalities that afternoon and began my first day last Tuesday. I work at CSB Nutrition as the Document Control. Basically, I handle all the emails and paperwork between the clients and the vendors for this nutritional supplement manufacturer. It takes a lot of organization, research, and formal writing, which makes this job great for me. There's a learning curve for sure, but I feel good at my job and come home feeling accomplished that I made clients and coworkers happy. 

I'm in charge of a Relief Society Activity tonight where I'm going to teach the sisters about cooking and all of my food knowledge. I'm a little intimidated, but also excited. I've had a lot of interest, so it will be fun to get the information out. I hope it goes well. Ask me about it and I'll let you know.

Stephen is doing well. He's working full-time too. We have a similar schedule, which really helps. It's also the best thing ever to have evenings free of homework for the both of us. We play games, watch movies, go for walks or bike rides, clean, and read. Stephen has been reading a book to me out loud, and that has been special to me--it reminds me of my childhood and how my mom and teachers use to read to me. We still have our ups and downs like any honest marriage, but we love each other through everything. We try to one-up each other on saying cute things. I'm winning as of this morning with, "If forever ends, I will still love you." Awww, right?! Yeah, we're THAT couple.

Speaking of Stephen, he's coming home soon, and we need to eat before the activity tonight, so while this is short, it will have to do for now. To sum up, we're doing great, having a lot of fun, working hard, and playing harder.

Seven Things I've Done Lately

1. I went to California. It was an amazing experience. We toured Fox Studios, spent a day at Universal Studios, and walked on the beach while temperatures in Provo were near freezing. I had a lot of fun with my friends, realized how worldly Hollywood is, and cringed several times at the driving conditions. It was a great way to finish off my college experience.

2. I took my final finals. Finals week was short for me; I had everything done by day two. I didn't do as well as I hoped in some classes, but managed to get several B's in my last semester, which is pretty alright for me. Stephen did well in his classes too, and though he got better grades than I did, he was less satisfied with them than I was with mine. I married an overachiever and I am ok with that.

3. I graduated! My parents and my family-in-law came to support me. I spent more time curling my hair than I spent graduating. Pres. Uchtdorf spoke, and that was cool. It all kind of felt surreal--I still don't think it has hit me yet. It all kind of feels like an eternal weekend, and I'm just waiting for more homework or another exam to study for. But at the same time, each day when I realize I don't have school, I'm relieved and excited to spend my time doing other things besides assignments.

4. I am still job hunting. I need a job. Like, really badly. I've been job hunting quite actively for like, two months now. I've lost track of how many jobs I've applied to and how many interviews I've had. But I know the number of job offers I've received: 0. I did have a temp job for three days this past week at a flower warehouse making arrangements for Mother's Day, but that really doesn't count as employment. I feel like the reason I'm not being hired is due to competition and my lack of experience. I have a college degree, but that doesn't matter nearly as much as experience. I feel deceived by those who told me there were many jobs that wanted someone with a college degree, regardless of what the degree is in. Employers want someone with experience, which I don't have due to the past few years being spent in college. I've been hopeful several times to then have things not work out. I'm about desperate enough to go apply at local grocery stores for graveyard shifts in order to have something. I would rather have a reputable job in an office setting, but ultimately, with Stephen planning on only doing school in the Fall, we need to save up money now, and I need to have a good job to help support us during his last semester.

5. I went to Women's Conference with my in-laws. It was so great to spend time with my "other" mother, sister, grandmother, aunts, and cousins. I also loved the classes and speeches given by amazing men and women, and really felt God's love for me and for the women around me. I sewed during the classes too, and that was really fun. I'm enjoying sewing and I feel really proud of my work, even if I still have a lot of room for improvement. Mostly, I was glad for the time with my family and the break from worrying about life. It is so great having so much girl-time. Stephen is extremely supportive of my need of girl-time, though it may or may not be because it gives him a relief from my need to talk.

6. I am in love with Stephen. We've been married for over eight months now, which is pretty awesome, but we still have so much to learn about each other. He and I are both learning that we think, feel, and act differently than each other. But he is so supportive of me, and he knows to bring the tissue box when he comes to comfort me when I have emotional breakdowns. And I know he never has emotional breakdowns like I do, so we keep the tissues on my side of the bed. Actually, I think there are two boxes by my bed, and a third one by the couch. I apologize to Stephen for being so hormonal and female, but he assures me he's glad I'm female, so he doesn't complain.

7. I haven't been blogging. Sorry! Sometimes, I'm too busy living life to write about it. And sometimes, life doesn't work out like I want it to, so I don't want to write about it. But I'm learning to have faith that God knows my needs and desires and will take care of me. He always has, so why would now be any different? Though I wouldn't mind your prayers on my behalf. Hopefully, my next post will be all about my new job and how much I love it. Until then, I'll keep refreshing the job postings.