Step 5 - beauty and focus on Thursday

I had always dreamed of having a good wood

dining table,

as I now have (thanks to IKEA a few years back :) ).

There is so much beauty found in where we are.

I love the lines of the white tea pot with wood table.

*

Today I have begun in earnest my interview

preparation.

Networking, emails, research and more research,

making new folders of online favourites.

Thank God that I have learned at least

how to prepare for interviews.

The next week is going to revolve around liturgical life

and the rest to interview preparation.

When I have the interview DV next week

I will be in a clean house,

in a suit, ready to take the phone call.

Welcome to intense interview preparation.

*

As I am doing some in person networking

with very key people next week

to help me prepare for this interview

I managed to negotiate with a professional hair dresser

for a very affordable hair cut.

*

I am using my networks;

it is one of the great strengths we have as woman is

to reach out to each other for help,

for prayer, thoughts and advice.

Each one of you has helped me without measure.

*

Part of being a working professional is playing the part;

it's a bit of a game: dress it, stand in it, confident, eye contact;

the real key we all know as

Orthodox Christians:

remember God.

I took a few minutes today

to get out my still decorated Christmas Tree;

as it is only two feet tall, I had stored it

as is in my hall closet.

So it's up and beautiful!

Cleo has been strictly warned to

stay away from my Christmas tree

or heavy water-bottle spraying will commence.

:)

She is calming sleeping next to me right now

and so far has obeyed.

*

Insomnia continues but I know it is due to the medication

I needed for last week's drama

and it will get better.

I am focusing on eating well

(potato, onion perogies with fried onion and margarine

plus salad and veggies for dinner!)

and doing what ever is needed.

*

I could pay rent this month - this is a mercy that I never

appreciated so much.

*

Saturday is the

Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

(old calendar)

and I am so glad for an extra liturgy.

Someone discerningly asked me,

how did you make it through last week's pain?

and I realized quickly that my family, church family,

and friend's (that includes all of you)

prayers and encouragement,

the prayers done with friends here and keeping my liturgical life

(vespers, liturgy)

are what gets me through the rough patches.

The Mother of God's prayers,

Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco

Archangel Michael....

God is merciful.

*

I know of so many in various trials right now;

we need to keep the main thing

the main thing

God the Trinity, the church, God's love, God's mercy.

Lord, we need Your mercy.

Lord, You are so beautiful,

You, the Source of All Beauty.

Lord, You are so good to us.

A Friday in June

Cleo wanted to be included in another blog post.

So here she is ... will have to take new pictures soon

I am applying for more jobs.

Not sure what doors will open,

but I am feeling a bit better about it all at the moment.

I savour these moments.

I got a new (for 69 cents at the dollar store)

calendar where I am mapping out

what I need to do each day.

*

I am finding that this is helpful

so I know what needs to be done

and by what time.

**

Of course now I need to get the work done

but I am feeling a bit more at peace

and ready to do what needs to be done

today.

***

Also I am doing a little bit of planning

in the morning and evening for the day

and am excited to see how

this may help me

arrange my days

and assist with decreasing my sense of stress

and / or anxiety.

*

I am also finishing up the final details for the

BA in French as a Second Language.

**

Now I need to seek God's Kingdom and righteousness

and thus to maintain peace.

This of course is the most challenging part!

***

Wishing everyone a joy-filled weekend!