Counting the Blessings in 2010: The Roof Over Our Heads

Yes, we were thankful for my new job last May. No, I was not thankful for my new commute. For many people, a one-hour commute isn’t much to complain about. But if you’re used to a commute from your bed, to the bathroom, to your desk each morning, it can be a rude awakening. Needless to say, I was coming home each day just a little more grumpy than before.

So after a few months of that, our original plan to stay at my parents home and save some money on the side went out the window. That’s when I started taking lunch breaks to scout out the apartments in the area by my work.

I eventually zeroed in on one particular complex about 2 minutes from my work. It was relatively new, clean, safe, and affordable. So I began monitoring the online rates every day when I work up. After a few weeks of monitoring, I woke up one day to an unbelievable rate on a two bedroom unit, which happened to be going for less than the one bedroom model we were eyeing. I went in early that morning to investigate. It turned out they had listed the price incorrectly, but they said they’d honor the rate. We moved in that weekend, and we’ve been very happy with our new place.

 

Our living room with Cathe's seasonal handiwork on the wall

The office where not much blogging happens

Counting the Blessings in 2010: Work

For a while now, there was a little nagging voice in the corner of my mind that told me to dust off the keyboard and write in my blog. So after suppressing it long enough, here I am. So to ease my way into the practice, I thought it’d be a good idea to take a look back at 2010 and count some of the many blessings that God’s poured out into my life.

Around May of last year, I started a new job doing merchandising at an online retailer. After working at home for two solid years, it was a welcome change of pace to actually be in an office. I won’t lie–having actual warm bodies to interact with on a daily basis did have its adjustments. If you thought I was awkward before, try talking to me after what little social skills I had were out of practice for that long.

Regardless, it’s been a good ride so far, and there is much to be thankful for. I’m in an industry that I thoroughly enjoy (tech). Of course, there are times when work is just work–but by and large, it’s been gratifying learning about the business and industry. Co-workers have been helpful, and some of the more experienced ones have even go out of their way to show me the ropes, which I’ve greatly appreciated. Free lunch every day isn’t a bad perk either.

PSA: More Free Food This Week

Day 1 of my week-long vacation and it’s raining. Not fun. Plus, we’re spending time in San Jose this week, which would normally be great. But this week, for some reason, there seems to be a plethora of sweet food deals near home. Here are some that I’ve read about over the weekend:

Chick-fil-A Snack Attack: SoCal Chick-fil-As are giving out free goodies everyday this week from 2pm-5pm, including chicken strips and nuggets. Chick-fil-A rocks. Like I mentioned before, Cathie and I have probably eaten 20+ free meals there over the last year.

Jamba Juice Buy 1 Get 1 Free: They’re celebrating 20 years in business with a two-week long coupon for buy 1 get 1 free smoothies. Love me some mango-a-go-go.

Starbucks Free Brewed Coffee: On Thursday, April 15, if you take in your own mug, Starbucks will fill it up with free brewed coffee.

Jack in the Box Free Fryday: Then, on Friday, April 16, JITB is introducing its new fries by giving them away for free.

Tell your tummy I said you’re welcome.