My new job!

Honestly, I have struggled with this post for so many reasons...so much internal dialogue - what to share, what not to share. Do I share about the months of searching for the right job? It is difficult to put into words all of the emotions that went along with this search. {There were several big let-downs that happened in these past few months.} Do I try to talk about how hard it was to find an open door that also fits my skills and passions? After months of looking for work a door finally opened. Is it a good fit? Yes!!

I started working 3.5 weeks ago at a very large hospital in Los Angeles in the Volunteer Services office. Right now, it is a temporary position that I am hoping turns into a permanent place within their department. This particular hospital has over 2,500 volunteers and lots of different programs where people in the community can contribute. We have people from ages 14 to 94 who volunteer with us each week. I am very impressed with the department as a whole, and I really like the people I work with. My job specifically is to run the front office: I answer lots of questions, process applications, pre-screen applicants and set up interviews, and so much more. Each day it seems like I am taking on more responsibility, and I am thankful for the opportunity. I love that it is a service-oriented position, that it is both people and paper heavy, and that the people I work with are so great. There is still so much to learn about the office and my position there.

I am thankful for the routine too. I am thankful for the commute {albeit my least favorite part}; you have heard {read} how challenging it can be. Each day I drive an hour to work and a little more than that home. If you ever want to call to catch up, the best times to reach me are 7:30AM or 5:15PM, Pacific Coast Time. :) Now, I just need to figure out how to fit in an exercise plan. :)

Driving Lessons

This summer I learned how to drive a stick-shift. Yes, it was super, super challenging, and there were points that I thought I just wouldn't get it. But, I learned...while driving across country, while making a sick run to the grocery {hubs and I had the stomach bug at the same time this summer}, and while learning Los Angeles traffic.

Let me tell you. LA traffic is CAH-razy. It's predictably unpredictable. I have to give myself extra time to anticipate bag traffic because you just don't know how bad it will be. Anyway, I'm just going to be honest. I need some space to vent about today's misadventure. Every morning I leave the house at 7:15 to get to work {more on my job soon, I promise!}. This morning began as usual - I left on time. I drove my usual route. The freeway was a bit hectic as usual but not a parking lot. Well, this morning, I decided to get the bright idea to drive an alternative route for a small portion of my drive. I wanted to stay on surface streets thinking it might cut my commute by a few minutes. Instead, I got lost. Like, really lost. I was 30 minutes late to {my new} job. UGH!!!

It was awful. My iphone wasn't working for me. I couldn't pull up the map, and even when I did the GPS in it couldn't find my location. It wouldn't let me call hubs for help either. Finally I got through to him in almost hysterics. He had to find me and give me directions. I told him we were buying new phones this weekend {probably not}, but I was ready to toss mine out the window this morning.

Here's to much more peaceful, easy-going mornings and happy driving. What do you listen to during long commutes? I could definitely use new music and podcast suggestions!

{P.S. I promise to add a picture or two later, but I seem to have lost all my photos. Hubs wiped my computer and clean installed Snow Leopard. For some reason, I didn't get iPhoto back.}