Change of Plans

So the first day of training and introductions at Starbucks, this amazing new opportunity simply falls into the lap of Isaiah...A job with a sign company, who would have thought! As it turns out, Casey (Isaiah's brother) was at some leadership meeting and struck up a conversation with this lady. This lady mentioned they were looking to fill a position, but didn't want just any Joe Shmoe. Casey suggested his little brother, and what do you know--- Isaiah had the job before they even met!
The most amazing thing about this is the timing. Isaiah had his first Starbucks training day scheduled but the night before this lady called --- She told him to come before his training just to check it out. He liked the people, the place, the creativity, the job. Needless to say he wanted to be sure, so he attended his training for Starbucks. You can imagine how awkward it was when at the end of his Starbucks training he said; "I'm really sorry to bring this up now, but I may have an opportunity for a full time position some where else." He was very gracious and his would-have-been boss seemed to understand--- She gave him until 10am the next day to answer.
Later that day he was at home weighing his options when he got a phone call from this lady at the sign company--- After many encouraging words and the reassuring "you don't need to interview, you're hired," Isaiah accepted the job. Not even two minutes after accepting the call, the would-have-been boss from Starbucks called and wanted the answer sooner than tomorrow morning. Wow! The timing of it all! So now my adorable husband has a company truck, benefits, and bigger business prospects than he was expecting. Our life lately is laughable!

Dreams unfolding...

Below is the essence of RE -- a business that Isaiah is starting

These are the before and after photos of some retro chairs Isaiah picked up for $12.

These bar stools were pretty dingy when Isaiah first got them-- he ended up polishing them and repairing a patch. The table was refinished and adapted to fit the height of the chairs, making it all complete set.




















RE is a business idea that Isaiah and his brothers have had for a couple years. It wasn't until Isaiah and I were without jobs and had an excess of time that we realized how perfect it would be to get this idea off the ground. The general concept of RE is to take junk that people no longer want and, using other found materials, make it into something new again. For the last month Isaiah has been a Craig's List addict, finding things off the free list to fix up. The red retro chairs above were reupholstered using the material from a Stratolounger recliner-- He bought the chairs for $12 and sold them for $110. Isaiah purchased the green bar stools for $20, spiffed them up, and sold them for $100.

Isaiah has recently been hired by the infamous Starbucks Coffee Co., meaning we have proof of two incomes and can rent our own place! Yeah! I think that it is so interesting how the Lord has been providing for us. He has given Isaiah an opportunity to start the business of his dreams and a part time job for benefits and additional income (which makes wife really happy). The Lord has also pulled some strings to provide me with afternoon sub hours, and a potential (in the works) opportunity to take on a full time position.

Isaiah and I are still holding out for this duplex that is currently rented (until the end of November). We were too poor and without jobs when we first looked at it, and I think that this place has been the motivation for Isaiah and I to keep pushing through difficult times. Right now it is a matter of re-filling out the application, and the Lord will take on the rest. There are many days when I have to stop myself from picturing us living there for fear that we won't get it... I guess my prayer is that if this place isn't supposed to be ours that our spirits wouldn't be crushed.

I stole this picture from Deb's site for all those lazy folks who don't want to check out her link. This is from the first Annual WBSS (pronounced "wibs") Weekend. It's about friendship, reconnecting, love and generally good times. I love you guys! I'm looking forward to next spring...Watch out Leavenworth!

A day to rest, renew and refresh...
After surviving the first week of my first year of teaching I feel as though I can take on anything. Every veteran teacher thus far has given me the advice to "take time out for myself," which makes sense, but isn't entirely possible until a few bits and pieces are put into place. I have to admit that I worked until 8pm on Friday night and from 3pm - 9pm on Saturday BUT that was all with the intention that I would be totally prepared for Monday, leaving Sunday a purely free day. Now I am here, my free day, and totally thankful that I pushed through it all instead of falling back on the oh so familiar-- "Oh, I've worked so long...My brain really can't think...I'll come back tomorrow morning, first thing, and get this done!" So as I awoke this morning I was already feeling peaceful and content with thoughts of having a restful day.
A couple weekends ago an amazing trip took place with a group of friends-- it was a reunion of sorts and, I'm confident to say, is in the works of becoming an annual event. My poor excuse for documenting this special weekend are represented in a few pictures posted below-- for more pictures stay tuned to Jenny's Homepage which can be reached by clicking her name on the side bar. Maybe she would be kind enough to post her pictures : )
During the busy work week I like to think back to that fun weekend-- my last horaa! It's been slow getting used to this work stuff. For the last five months I have been on this whilrwind vacation. First three months in Greece, graduation, and then an entire summer break. Needless to say I am back on track with the typical American lifestyle-- sleep, eat, walk the dog, work. Right now I'm okay with it, but I can see how it all could get very redundant! Which is all the more reason to set aside a day to rejuvinate. All this to explain why my Sunday's are sooo precious. It is the Lord's desginated day of rest after all. Happy Sunday!

A reminder of the lovely summer days, with nothing to do but take a quick snapshot


I can't believe how long it has been since I last blogged!! There is so much I want to write about and as I pass the computer on my way to work at 6:45 in the morning I linger long enough to imagine what my blog title would be for that day. It is official-- school has started as well as my first EVER teaching job. Stressful?...yes. Nerve racking?...why not. But surprisingly at every moment that I have had reason to worry or questions in need of resolution, someone has been there to answer. Thank you Lord! Fellow teachers can I get some form of agreement here?? Anyway, I'm alive and getting by. I just want you all to know this until I can have a break to blog my heart out.