The Real World-Seattle

After years of not updating on anything in life, I am going to try to have another go at this.

Times are a lot different than 2 years ago. I am now in Seattle and learning a great deal in myself, my relationship with Christ, and the one constant I had...my job. About 4 months ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to move to Seattle with Marriott. Some days I struggle to call it a blessing. As I learn new things in my new adjusting life, I am constantly having to watch my words, actions, and attitude as I try and represent our Lord the way He deserves to be represented. Work is a challenge, to say the least. I claim it to the fact Christ is teaching me how to be a leader in a secular world.

Not all is horrible. I am quickly falling in love with this city. The weather, people, culture...I don't see myself leaving anytime soon.

I do find myself clinging onto the relationships I may have taken for granted. It's strange being older and making new friends. These relationships, I value and appreciate more than I think I could even just a few years ago. I have been blessed with so many great people in my life.

That is my quick update for now. More to come...

-Lydia

Psalm 143: 8
"Each morning let me learn
more about your love
    because I trust you.
I come to you in prayer,
    asking for your guidance."

Days 11-13

Day 11: Night
Went to a birthday party for a friend. This is my friend Meryl.

Day 12: Drink
Agua! I like my orange cups.

Day 13: Where you slept last night
This is right above my head when I wake up. AMAZING gift from my parents!

Catch up...Days 1-10

Day 1: Something That Starts With "C"....CHARGERS!
This was actually for Halloween. We got to dress up for work and so some of the ladies at the front desk and I dressed up as San Diego Chargers.

Day 2: Colour
I just recently redid my hair. Ombre anyone?

Day 3: Breakfast
Just kidding... :)

Day 4: TV
On my lunch break at work, I had a tough decision of either watching football or reading my book. Football won.

Day 5: 5 o'clock
I stopped on my run this day and since I didn't have a clock to take a picture of, I made a 5 out of seashells.

Day 6: My favourite thing...driving!
My friend laughed at me this day because she thought I was just taking a picture of me.

Day 7: Reflection
This is me and my buddy David, reflecting on our day.

Day 8: Something you do every day
DRINK CAFFEINE! You have to with my schedule.

Day 9: Small
Small pumpkin to decorate our home.

Day 10: Something you can't/wont' live without
If anyone has ever hung out with me, you know I cannot do without chapstick. Don't know what I would do without it.

Picture a Day

I cannot believe it's already November. It's starting to get cooler here in San Diego. (and by cooler, I mean MAYBE under 70 degrees) I love the fall weather. I love being here when it's changing seasons. It really just solidifies that I am officially here for a while. San Diego is now my permenent residence, at least for a little while.

My sister had a great idea in starting a "picture-a-day" project in November. We get to be part of each other's lives, even if just for a little bit. I've actually passed it along to a couple of my girlfriends. It's been magical to see the small things in each other's lives. So even though it's several days in, I'm going to post my pictures here as well. Enjoy!

The month of June

J-Just trying to get adjusted
U-Under immense amount of stress
N-Not trying to get overwhelmed with it all
E-Enjoying every single minute of moving, living, and working in San Diego!

These 4 phrases have summed up the entire month of June. In one word...CRAZINESS!!

San Diego is magical. My job takes up most, if not all my time. After at least 10 hours, on a short day, at work, I spend the rest of my time working out, developing relationships, and just trying to get adjusted to life in California.

I thought I was going to have another summer like last. Rough beginning transition then attempting to get in a groove after some time. This experience has been so much better than I could have imagined! Becoming familiar with this new life has been an exciting adventure. God has been opening doors and relationships it seems wherever I go. I am grateful for the opportunities and am beginning to see why no one leaves San Diego.

More updates and pictures to come...

(oh...and did I mention I get to see the beach every day when I drive into work?) :-D

Bittersweet memories

Here I am. 6 months, 18 credit hours, trips around the country, a long awaited 25th birthday celebrated with family and friends, and memories to fill a life time, later. To begin to explain what all has happened these past 6 months would be ridiculous and pretty close to impossible. It has been an amazing last semester and I keep going back and forth on being excited to graduate, sad, anxious, or a combination of all three. I have been blessed with wonderful friends and family who have been part of so many wondeful memories.
I am excited for what's to come. The Lord has magically opened doors for me to move to San Diego for a job. I am very grateful to have a job right out of college and doing something I know I already love. Adventure and excited lie ahead but only after I have to say all my good-byes. Can anyone say bittersweet?

Just 6 months left

As my last semester of college quickly approaches, I have begun to wonder, what next? I'm ok with not having plans and not knowing where I'm going. I think what intimidates me is actually knowing. What if I go somewhere and have no one? What then? Being alone this past week with everyone being gone over break has got me thinking about all this. I'm not ready to grow up and be on my own. I'm not ready to be an adult and have a real job. I'm not ready to be done with college and move out of my house. Not really sure the point of me writing this down except to clear my own head...