Another Decision Made

Just to keep everybody updated, right after I decided that the admin job would suit me best, I was told the next day that it was given to someone else in the agency. Which still leaves me up for the position I really want, Court Advocate.

There does, however, seem to be some issues with hiring. They wanted to start me training two days a week (paid at least) and see how it goes. I took the stance that I should either be hired full time or not, and none of this 'see how it goes' business. I know the person who currently holds the position isn't leaving for a bit and they probably don't want to pay two salaries, but I also don't want to feel like I'm being taken advantage of. (Which I have felt, as of late.) I would even be willing to start in a month or so, if that would help (of course, at this point, I'd have to have something in writing from them.) But I guess it's up to them now.

Don't know why I still have such a heart and a passion to work there, but I do.

Deminski & Doyle

My favorite talk radio guys in Detroit are back in Detroit on a new station! 94.7 They used to be an afternoon talk show I listened to almost religiously, although I'm not sure if I should admit it. (They can be a little, how should I say it, riske? Definitely more males from 20-40 make up their base audience. Not sure what that says about me???) Anyway they briefly switched to mornings, and I never did get hooked--I liked the afternoon slot better.

But then, the station switched to sports, and my 'guys' were gone, for what I thought was forever. But no, now I'm the one that's gone and they're back! So anyone in the Detroit area listen to D & D and tell me what you think. And let me know if Beaver and Rudy are still with them.

A Decision Made

For what's worth, I've decided to let TFS know that I am interested in the Administrative Assistant job. I think what really tipped the scales was that this would be a more comfortable position that would start sooner with a much easier commute. As well as working at the same location with the same people I've got to know over the last five months of volunteering. Not that I'm not looking for a challenge, but I could use something in my life right now that's not such hard work! (Now, of course, I'm doubting my choice.)

I was told that they would get back to me next week. Which is when I'll be in Detroit to visit my baby. And when I have two back-to-back 5pm - 1am shifts at TJ's. (One of which I can't make because I'll actually be in Detroit--didn't take off the right days. So I'm sure TJ's will be happy when I let them know that!) I was hoping for something more immediate. Like maybe I could have started the end of this week so I could train with the person who currently has the job. (Her last day will be when I'm in Detroit.)

Hmmm, maybe I need to learn some patience?

Job Offers

Yes, I said offers, not offer. I was offered another position at TFS. The first is as a Court Advocate which I wrote about in a previous post. The new job is as an Administrative Assistant in Long Island City (where I currently work in Queens.) Both jobs have similar pay, and both have pluses and minuses.

So how do I decide? I've started making a + and - list. I've prayed about it, and thought about it. But still not ready to make a decision. If I've learned anything, it's that I shouldn't make a decision until I feel calm and at peace with it. And I don't feel either now. So any extra prayers for discernment would be very welcomed!

The good thing is, I don't think I'll be stocking grocery shelves for the rest of my life!

Shooting

As I was sitting in my room tonight, relaxing after a long day at work and a trip to the Bronx to visit a friend, I was getting started on a new blog post. I was going to write about the most amazing thing I discovered today--the ice cream trucks in NY have soft serve ice cream in a cone!!!

It is very warm in my room (in the 70's today) so I opened my window. (Always a hard decision because of the noise, and when I was walking home I noted that my neighbors down the street were throwing a party.) But since I bought some foam ear plugs, I wasn't worried.

Then I heard a pop. A gunshot. And someone in the house directly across the street from me was shot. Not seriously. There was talk amongst the people outside, but no overt reactions. No one screaming. No one crying. Not much of anything. I saw a woman call for the ambulance on her cell phone. I waited. [picture taken from my bedroom window.]

About ten minutes or so later, a police car and an ambulance arrived. Then several more police cars. For about twenty minutes my street was lit up with flashing lights. Then the ambulance left. And the police cars. The party down the street is still going on.

Protest

One of the things I love most about this city is that there is always somebody doing something worth watching. Sometimes I'm entertained, if only mildly, and sometimes it's really not worth watching, but I am often surprised with the thought that this would never happen in MI.

Today on my lunch break, I saw this poster: So many people are really upset with the proposed increases to the subway fares. And with a 20% or so increase, it's no wonder. And when you rely on public transportation, there's not much you can do--you're stuck with paying what they charge. So I found the poster funny.

When I was coming back from lunch, I saw a little protest across the street from TJ's. There was a woman with a bullhorn, a couple of people holding signs, and most importantly, what there always is during these protests, a bunch of people walking right past them totally ignoring them!

Central Park

I wanted to add this picture of the Sonrise Service in Central Park. I don't think this picture can describe how beautiful it was. The day started dark and grey (of course, it was really early!) and as the service progressed the sun rose over the horizon, bathing us in a (almost) warm sunlight.

Even though this picture was taken only 5 days ago, I seem to have forgotten the glorious day I spent with my NY "family" the day my Savior rose for me. Posting this picture is a good reminder for me.

Now I'm off to hopefully find a friend who will hang out with me before I have to be to work at 3pm!

A Day in Court

Today I spent the day in the Bronx court shadowing Emma, the Court Advocate who works there. (She's fantastic!) TFS, my volunteer/temp job gig, has an opening for another Court Advocate, and I'm in the process of interviewing for that position.

To sum it up briefly, the CA screens and interviews potential clients who would benefit from our program as opposed to going to jail. Then it would be my job to get the attorney, DA and judge to agree.

I must say, I loved every minute of the day. There was lots of waiting, a video conference, meetings with clients and families, standing before the judge and more! This will be an incredibly challenging job, and there's so much to learn, and I'm so excited with the possibility that it could be my job.

What I thought would be the deal breaker was the commute. It's about 1 hour and 15 minutes one way. But as I rode out there this morning and back again this evening, I couldn't help but to think that it is a very nice commute. One bus to one express train, neither of which is very crowded--smooth.

Now all I have to do is get them to offer the job to me!

Easter Sunday

Another holiday where new traditions prevail. Another holiday where my only contact with my son is via cell phone. My days and holidays look so different than when I was in Michigan--before I moved to New York City with the church plant.

And I must say, what I have gained vs. what I have given up is incredible! I am so truly blessed by my new "family." It feels as if sometimes my heart stops for a second, I'm left with no words to describe my feelings, but I'm able to take a mental snapshot of the moment. It happened several times today--I was completely filled with joy and serenity.

My day started with a Sonrise Service (yes, Sonrise as in Son of God) in Central Park. Beautiful! I left Brooklyn at 5:50am, by car service. (First time I paid for a car/cab in NY! But split 3 ways with James and Amanda, and the fact that I didn't have to leave at 5am to catch a train, it was well worth the $$) After church, breakfast (and coffee!) with about 25+ at my friend's apartment.

Then to Murray Hill to my pastor's apartment with my visiting MI friends. A day spent relaxing in the sunny high-rise, snacking, reading, napping, and going to the park and playing on the swings with the girls. My day ended with having dinner with more of my "family."

This is never what I would have pictured for myself; where I am today, and how I spent my day. I wouldn't even have been able to imagine something so simple, yet so wonderful. I am so grateful that I have a God who not only gives me what I don't know I need, he also gives up everything on the cross so that I may have what I don't deserve: an eternity in his presence. Happy Easter! He is Risen Indeed!

My Record is Broken

I didn't think it possible, but someone on Pulaski street has beaten my record. I once went until mid February before taking down my Christmas Tree. But April???



(Picture taken last night! It's a Christmas tree at the curb awaiting garbage pick up.)

Exhaustion

So, what's the one thing that will get me every time? Sleep Deprivation. When I was younger I often worked either two jobs, or evenings. Didn't seem to affect me too much. Now, I just can't do it.

My Trader Joe's schedule is never the same. In a given week I can work days, afternoons and evenings--and a morning shift can follow an evening shift so you're lucky to get enough time to sleep in between. Now that they've been paying me at TFS, I've been working every day and sometimes doing doubles (day at TFS and the evening at TJ's.)

Well, it finally caught up to me yesterday. I went into TJ's for my early afternoon shift exhausted. I worked for one hour and I could feel myself just holding back the tears. I started thinking about how I'm working so hard to make $60 in a day (yes, in a DAY.) I'm not happy living with my roommates (they are messy!) My poor body has bruises and every muscle is sore (it's very physical work.) So I decided to tell my manager that my availability has changed--I'm no longer available.

She talked to me for a few minutes (she's really very nice) and I explained that I don't expect her to change things for me, but I can't continue to have my shifts all over the board--I need to have more of a set schedule. Then I started to cry (hey, it's what I do when I'm exhausted, I just usually try to not do it in front of people.) She told me to go home, get some sleep and I'll see her tomorrow and we can talk further.

I took her advice. I took a three hour nap yesterday, was up for a few hours having dinner, and went back to bed. I must say, I do feel more rested. (Still sore, though!) So now I'm getting ready to go in for my shift today, feeling a little embarrassed, and still not sure if she can do anything for me or if I should continue to work there. I guess I'll go and see what happens.