June 30, 2015
The True Before and After
The road to closure continues as I gaze into the backyard. I could stare out of the back door and envision different layouts and garden beds. When renting a place, one always thinks about the investment. Do I really want to put so much effort into a place that I will be leaving? Well, I choice to invest. In small ways perhaps, nothing remotely close to all that I could envision. However, it is nice to look at the small of amount of effort and see big results. From uncovering brick, to making a flower bed, to killing weeds (and yes I did receive a citation warning from the city at one point because my weeds were too tall), the fruits of my labor are visible. Thanks to photos along the way, I can see how it was when my time here began and compare it with how it is now. And in that comparison, I smile.
June 26, 2015
Keeps You Guessing
Job searching is never fun. I sometimes wonder if emails that I send out for jobs get sent to a thanks-for-investing-all-that-work-and-energy-but-you-won't-get-a-response black hole. Then there are other situations and job application experiences that keep you guessing. That was the case for a recent job I applied to. Here is how it all played out...
Monday, June 8th: Emailed my application for a Program Guide position with a wilderness therapy program in Hawaii.
Monday, June 8th: Received an email in reply asking to set up an interview.
Wednesday, June 10th: First interview scheduled via Skype for June, 17th at 1:00pm.
Wednesday, June 17th, 12:50pm: After asking to use a vacant office at the hospital so I can rest in the idea that I won't have any interruptions during my interview (still no wi-fi at home), I decide to check my email just in case.
See an email that reads: "...I am about to board on a plane....can we please reschedule for same time on Friday?..."
Friday, June 19th, 12:50pm: All set up in boss's office on my lunch break with the top half dressed for a Skype interview. Decide to check email once again just in case.
See an email that reads: "Please call me when you are available at the number in my signature."
12:57pm: Call number.
1:15pm: Interview complete.
6:17pm: Check email at Library. Read: "We just had an opening for the July 15th New Guide Training. What are your thoughts on trying to make this training?"
Ask myself: Does this mean I have the job???
Saturday, June 20th: replied with the following message:
"Although part of me wants to turn things around that fast (plus I totally understand the situation you are in), I have come to the conclusion that the July 15th start date wouldn't be the best idea for me. The greenhouse is open until the 4th, which doesn't give me much time to prepare things logistically and decompress from the intense past couple of months. If you would have asked me that question 10 years ago, I would have said yes in a heartbeat. I can do things in record time in a bind; however, I think the Heather of today is going to have to trump the Heather of yester-year and say that the August start date would be the wise choice."
Sunday, June 21st: Placed on August training waiting list
Tuesday, June 23rd: Offered employment for the August 19th start date.
Today, Friday, June 26th: Officially accepted the offer. August 19th.
Ask myself: Did I just accept a job in Hawaii?
Yes. Yes. I did.
Monday, June 8th: Emailed my application for a Program Guide position with a wilderness therapy program in Hawaii.
Monday, June 8th: Received an email in reply asking to set up an interview.
Wednesday, June 10th: First interview scheduled via Skype for June, 17th at 1:00pm.
Wednesday, June 17th, 12:50pm: After asking to use a vacant office at the hospital so I can rest in the idea that I won't have any interruptions during my interview (still no wi-fi at home), I decide to check my email just in case.
See an email that reads: "...I am about to board on a plane....can we please reschedule for same time on Friday?..."
Friday, June 19th, 12:50pm: All set up in boss's office on my lunch break with the top half dressed for a Skype interview. Decide to check email once again just in case.
See an email that reads: "Please call me when you are available at the number in my signature."
12:57pm: Call number.
1:15pm: Interview complete.
6:17pm: Check email at Library. Read: "We just had an opening for the July 15th New Guide Training. What are your thoughts on trying to make this training?"
Ask myself: Does this mean I have the job???
Saturday, June 20th: replied with the following message:
"Although part of me wants to turn things around that fast (plus I totally understand the situation you are in), I have come to the conclusion that the July 15th start date wouldn't be the best idea for me. The greenhouse is open until the 4th, which doesn't give me much time to prepare things logistically and decompress from the intense past couple of months. If you would have asked me that question 10 years ago, I would have said yes in a heartbeat. I can do things in record time in a bind; however, I think the Heather of today is going to have to trump the Heather of yester-year and say that the August start date would be the wise choice."
Sunday, June 21st: Placed on August training waiting list
Tuesday, June 23rd: Offered employment for the August 19th start date.
Today, Friday, June 26th: Officially accepted the offer. August 19th.
Ask myself: Did I just accept a job in Hawaii?
Yes. Yes. I did.
June 21, 2015
Parting Gift
Leaving well is always the main objective when I move on from a place. I have come to realize the vast importance of closure. Although others that are staying behind might not know or articulate it, I believe they need closure just as much. So I take it upon myself to be the one to initiate it.
In the past my closure has come in different forms like a card or a note. As of lately my trend has been a gift that I craft that has meaning or significance.
Time started ticking away pretty quickly before I was inspired for this project. I am, too, a very big fan of using what I have. This gift, however, went a step further. Not only did I use what I already have, but the items that I used came from the location that is being represented in the gift.
Let me explain:
The gift I constructed was for each of my co-workers at Frey's Greenhouse. The purple flower is a replica of the logo for Frey's. The different colored foil used to make the logo came from the scrap pieces of foil we used to wrap pots. The soil in the flower pot is from a paper bag that we are all to familiar with as we cut down bags day after day so plants aren't crushed by the tall sides of the bag.
Then I realized by putting the logo on a piece of tile and covering it with a waterproof finish the recipient has a list of choices how to use it: add it as a decoration to their own garden or as a coaster on their coffee table. The choice is theirs, but however they choose to use it, my hope is that when they see it they will be reminded of all of the great memories I have of working with each of them. I know when I look at mine, my mind is flooded with so many great memories that I am soon overflowing with gratitude. Giving something such as this is the least that I could do. Closure may have been the motive but in essence I want to move on from this place feeling like the people that have impacted my life know that each one them is truly appreciated.
In the past my closure has come in different forms like a card or a note. As of lately my trend has been a gift that I craft that has meaning or significance.
Time started ticking away pretty quickly before I was inspired for this project. I am, too, a very big fan of using what I have. This gift, however, went a step further. Not only did I use what I already have, but the items that I used came from the location that is being represented in the gift.
Let me explain:
The gift I constructed was for each of my co-workers at Frey's Greenhouse. The purple flower is a replica of the logo for Frey's. The different colored foil used to make the logo came from the scrap pieces of foil we used to wrap pots. The soil in the flower pot is from a paper bag that we are all to familiar with as we cut down bags day after day so plants aren't crushed by the tall sides of the bag.Then I realized by putting the logo on a piece of tile and covering it with a waterproof finish the recipient has a list of choices how to use it: add it as a decoration to their own garden or as a coaster on their coffee table. The choice is theirs, but however they choose to use it, my hope is that when they see it they will be reminded of all of the great memories I have of working with each of them. I know when I look at mine, my mind is flooded with so many great memories that I am soon overflowing with gratitude. Giving something such as this is the least that I could do. Closure may have been the motive but in essence I want to move on from this place feeling like the people that have impacted my life know that each one them is truly appreciated.
June 15, 2015
Mother-Daughter Event Marathon
June 11-15, 2015
When any family member is willing to drive over 300 miles to come for a visit, I find it of the upmost importance that they get a full, rich experience with a good balance between experiencing the local area and rest and relaxation. My mom's timing could not have been more perfect! The summer is booming with activities and things for people to do.
Confession: As I am fully aware that I am leaving Pennsylvania I might have been slightly more motivated then normal to get out and seek new experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.
Our first stop: Longwood Gardens.
This 1,077-plus acre property consists of 20 outdoor gardens and 20 indoor gardens within the walls of its conservatories. Longwood's main conservatory is one of the world's greatest greenhouse structures (according to wikipedia). The conservatory alone is home to 5,500 types of plants including some amazing century old Bonsai Trees! The conservatory also has some wonderful nooks around every corner, a great area for little garden explores, and the most living-lavish hall of bathrooms that I have ever seen!
Of course out of all of the things that we saw and smelt, the one thing that we kept talking about after we left the conservatory was not the full grown trees or the fountains. Instead we marveled at the one thing you would never think to find at a garden: an amazing pipe organ!
The Longwood Organ is a 10,010 pipe instrument designed by Longwood organist-in-residence Firmin Swinnen, a Belgian musician who moved to the US in 1916 and became a prominent theater organist in New York City. The organ's pipes filled fourteen railway freight cars, and they needed a 72 horsepower blower motor to supply the wind pressure; the instrument was one of the largest pipe organs installed in a private residence. Pierre du Pont knew what he wanted and went for it. Mom and I were just touring the conservatory when we first heard it played. We followed the sound which led us to the ballroom. The coolest part is that its pipes can be seen from the rear through glass panels in Longwood's organ museum.
The gardens outdoors offered great variety with open meadows, fountain displays, and different structures integrated throughout. With the heat beating down on us, places of rest in a nice shady spot where always desired and usually very easy to find.
Three tree houses where also on the property which also made for fun exploring.
When any family member is willing to drive over 300 miles to come for a visit, I find it of the upmost importance that they get a full, rich experience with a good balance between experiencing the local area and rest and relaxation. My mom's timing could not have been more perfect! The summer is booming with activities and things for people to do.
Confession: As I am fully aware that I am leaving Pennsylvania I might have been slightly more motivated then normal to get out and seek new experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.
Our first stop: Longwood Gardens.This 1,077-plus acre property consists of 20 outdoor gardens and 20 indoor gardens within the walls of its conservatories. Longwood's main conservatory is one of the world's greatest greenhouse structures (according to wikipedia). The conservatory alone is home to 5,500 types of plants including some amazing century old Bonsai Trees! The conservatory also has some wonderful nooks around every corner, a great area for little garden explores, and the most living-lavish hall of bathrooms that I have ever seen!
Of course out of all of the things that we saw and smelt, the one thing that we kept talking about after we left the conservatory was not the full grown trees or the fountains. Instead we marveled at the one thing you would never think to find at a garden: an amazing pipe organ!
The gardens outdoors offered great variety with open meadows, fountain displays, and different structures integrated throughout. With the heat beating down on us, places of rest in a nice shady spot where always desired and usually very easy to find.
Three tree houses where also on the property which also made for fun exploring.
June 10, 2015
Treasure the Moment
I will freely admit that sometimes I romanticize the way the world used to run. I can imagine doing my hair in pin curls and heading to the local dance club for some amazing live music forgetting that it is probably thick with smoke and my feet are killing me before I even arrive.
Still the stories in this book make me wonder if I missed out on a time when the world seemed to hold more value for the passing moment. It wasn't something that just needed to be moved along. It seems though the moments that pass by are my responsibility to notice. I do have the power to slow my moments down, even when those around me seem to be moving at alarming rates. Thanks Helen Hess for reminding us that "even among the best and the worst of life's experiences, you still find reasons--if you look for them--to Treasure the Moment". I enjoyed the moments spent (well.. most of them) putting a life-long vision of yours into a format that can bless so many generations to come.
June 1, 2015
Step of Faith: 30 Days Notice
The uncertainty of the future lingers like a thin fog that refuses to dissipate. I have been filling out applications and setting up interviews. One seems to pull the spotlight, then the next moment disappears all together.Even with all this uncertainty, I have decided to take a huge step of faith. After the greenhouse season ends I have decided it is time to move on. My 30 days notice has been handed in. I will pack the 30% of my belongings that have yet to be packed and load up the new car for its first move. No destination is in place. No job is lined up. Staying just doesn't seem to make sense. The reasons I came no longer exist and life has changed course. Aletheia is heading toward a new phase in life while I seek to find what my next adventure will be.
My time in PA has brought some great adventures, new experiences, and many wonderful people.
As July 1st approaches, I look forward to the closure process as I search for the launch pad of a new beginning. With two addresses, three jobs, and a truck full of new skills and experiences my life has only been enriched during the past two years.
I raise my water bottle to the unknown, beyond July 1st. May the days outside of this house...this place... find new depths of happiness, joy and comfort as I will my feet to step into uncharted territory. Cheers.
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