the not-so-optimistic graduate...

Last month, I left you with a note that I would save the job stresses for another post. I'm not sure how many people still read this, but I have decided to be real and honest and share some of what I've been struggling with over the summer.

In June, I graduated from BCIT with an advanced diploma in GIS, or Geographic Information Systems after two years of part-time classes, ending with a final practicum internship. At the time, I was an excited and optimistic new grad, ready to hit the 'real' world and put my newly gained knowledge to work.

Over the final year of my studies at BCIT I tried to decide what I wanted to do after graduation. I've been with A Rocha for 4 years now, 2 of them in partnership with TWU, and 2 as GIS Coordinator, where I got to focus on mapping and working with interns on research projects, showing them how to use GPS units to collect spatial data at their sampling sites and then displaying these sites on maps. However, I yearned for an opportunity to work alongside others in GIS, not just on my own; I wanted (and still do want!) an opportunity to learn from others, instead of teaching others while I was still learning and teaching myself. So I decided that, at this point in my career/life, it would be valuable to look for full-time work somewhere that I could be part of a GIS team. This meant I would need to say goodbye to A Rocha as an employer (although I'm not sure I will ever truly say goodbye!).

So, in the final months of classes, and immediately following graduation, I monitored websites and searched for jobs, knowing it would be difficult giving the current economic situation, but still feeling like I would be able to find a placement in a couple months. Well, those couple of months have turned into four, and I have applied for a total of 9 jobs in that time. The results? Not even an interview. I've also have phone conversations with several people in the surrounding municipalities, asking for advice and tips, but from all the feedback I'm getting, I'm doing all the right things - there's just a lot of others out there doing the same. Because Mark is in a good job right now, my search radius is limited to the Lower Mainland and there just hasn't been a lot of GIS job activity in this area.

For the summer, we decided that I would increase my involvement with A Rocha by volunteering in the administration office, working on a database transition they have been trying to make for over a year (a lack of people dedicated to the project has made it slow, because the regular admin staff are swamped with every-day tasks). I also continued to support raise and work 2 days a week as GIS Coordinator. Now it's the end of September and I'm faced with the reality that this job search could be a long one. A couple weeks ago, I contacted my favourite bookstore and will be working 20-28 hours a week for them as a way to help out with our finances. I also want to remain on staff with A Rocha 1-2 days a week, both because I don't want to leave before I have to, and because it's the only place where I can try to maintain some of my GIS knowledge and experience now that I'm done with school.

There are times when I wonder if maybe God is trying to tell me to take a leap of faith and commit to working full-time with A Rocha, and that's why He's keeping all the other employment doors closed. I don't have the answer to this, and I'm still struggling to figure out what God has in store for me...to be honest, after 4 years of struggling to support raise funds for my work, I am burnt out and feel like I need a break. I have great respect for those who work to raise funds to support full-time work - I feel that I have never done it well, and to be honest, I long for a job where I don't need to think about how much money I need to raise to meet my set salary, where I don't choose to put in more hours than what I'm paid for simply because there's work to be done and I don't know how to raise more funds.

I want to re-iterate that I strongly believe in what A Rocha is doing as an organization, and my struggles are not a reflection of any dis-satisfaction with working there. I'm just feeling burnt out after 4 years of wondering if I'll bring in enough money each month to meet my goals (and lowering those goals so that I can feel like I am...).

If you made it this far and are still reading, or if you skimmed through and are reading the last paragraph, I have one request: prayer. Pray that God will open doors for new employment where I can learn new skills and bring glory to Him in another environment, or for a fresh motivation/desire/insight into support raising and remaining on staff with A Rocha.

Thank you for reading and

for praying.

September??

It's so hard to believe that tomorrow is the first day of September. This month went by really quickly, although being gone camping from Aug 7-15 could contribute because while you're out in the middle of nowhere without a connection to the 'real world' or the internet, it doesn't really feel like time is passing at the same speed.

We had a great time even though it was probably one of the wettest weeks I've camped with a campfire ban. :) But, we made the most of it and got out on the water many times, and finished our evenings playing games of Rook and Cities and Knights instead of sitting around the fire. I've created a photo album with some shots from the week, so feel free to browse through them - click on the Spanish Lake 2009 photo on the right. Here's a taste:


Last weekend we got up at 5:15 and drove out to Chilliwack with a bunch of the Dykshoorn family and hiked Mt. Cheam. I hadn't been there since we did it with out grade 7 class, but it is an amazing hike. You're out in the open the entire way (mostly because you drive quite a ways on a old logging road that's not longer maintained) and this translates into some breath-taking views - that is, if there aren't any clouds. :) And as you'll see if you browse the Mt Cheam photo album on the right, we had clouds. But, the flowers were out, and in some ways, the clouds added to the scenery because of how they drifted up from the valleys and through the mountains.


And this weekend, Mark and I decided to go kayaking. I had never been although Mark went a couple times last summer, but last winter we bought a certificate for kayak rentals at the A Rocha fundraising auction/dinner and it expires this October, so we decided we better use them! The weather was great on Saturday, so we called them up and reserved two single kayaks for two hours that evening. Not sure if everyone who reads this knows, but I'm not a big fan of water and water-related activities. I had a couple bad canoe-tipping experiences and really dislike being wet and swimming. Call me crazy if you will, but I prefer dry ground. :) Anyway, ever since I started going to Spanish Lake, Mark has been working hard to help me enjoy being on the water (not in!). I've gotten more comfortable in a canoe on fairly calm days, although I still only trust having Mark with me. So, when we successfully bid on these kayak rentals, I knew I was going to have to try it. And after Saturday, I think I'd be willing to go again. They feel way more stable than a canoe, and most of my frustrations stemmed from trying to steer where I wanted to go. Not surprising, since I've never actually had to steer a boat before. I've added a few photos from this trip to the Spring & Summer 2009 album, but here are two, to prove that I was actually in the kayak:


All in all, August has been a pretty good month on the activities side.


We'll save the job stresses for another night.
 

heat wave

So, I've added a link to my Celebration of Light photos as promised earlier. We made it to three of the four nights, but I forgot to bring extra batteries for my camera on the last night (Aug 1) so I didn't get any pictures. We missed one fireworks night because we were in Abbotsford helping our friend pack up her moving truck (we miss you already, Mel!!!) in 38 degree weather - boy, was it hot last week! While I enjoyed the sunshine, it was a bit too hot for my liking. Although, I have to say that the trip to the valley made our home closer to the water all the more appealing because it was a few degrees cooler! :)

The heat didn't help my exercise routine, because it's really hard to make yourself be active when you have sweat dripping off you when you aren't even moving. Instead of going to the gym, I went for a few short runs in the evening when it had cooled off a bit. However, I think the break was good for my body because it felt really good when I went back to exercising this week.

We're heading off for a family camping trip this next week. I think Mark is really looking forward to having some time off. He's taking two weeks, and aside from camping, we're hoping to just have a few days at home to relax. I'm sure I'll be posting pictures when we return. :)

A brief note about my work with A Rocha. All my newsletters have been sent out, and I'm hoping for a few responses. If you arrive here from my newsletter, I'd love to hear from you! I'm also still trying to discern where God wants me to use my GIS skills, so I could use your prayers with that. In the mean time, I've been volunteering in the admin office 2 days a week for the last month; we're starting to iron out set-up details with the new database program and I'm also continuing to input all the contacts from the current database into the new one - quite the task! I've also been working on a mapping project for A Rocha's property in the Pembina Valley of Manitoba.

Since it's getting late, I think I'll post more details on this project after camping, along with some pictures.

Have a good week!

Activities

Since my last post, we have filled our time with more activities than usual.

Last Thursday night we were in Lynden at a wedding rehearsal, and then Friday was the big wedding day for one of Mark's sisters. It was a beautiful (but very warm) day and everyone enjoyed the day. I've posted a few pictures I took throughout the day, and you can view them by clicking on "Zach & Laura" photo album.

Saturday we spent some much-needed relax time at home with just the two of us, and then trekked off to Mark's playoff hockey game (For those who don't know, Mark joined a local hockey league this spring and he has been greatly enjoying playing organized hockey for the first time ever. They're into the playoffs, and have now made it to the quarter finals). Saturday's game was quite the event, as the other team went ahead by one goal late in the third period and Mark's team managed to tie it up with about 15 seconds left. They went into a 5-minute period of overtime, and with less than 1 second left, Mark's team scored to win the game! A pretty exciting finish, I'd say. :)

We finished off Saturday by watching the sixth Harry Potter film in theatres (after standing in a line for an hour because we forgot that it was the first weekend it was out and couldn't get good seats at the showing we were aiming for - shows how much we go to the movies, eh?). Such a good movie. If you haven't seen any of them, or read the books, I highly recommend them.

Then Sunday, it was off to explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge. We've never been there, and decided to go since they have a special membership deal on for the Olympics. It was a beautiful area, and a perfect outing for a warm day because you spend the entire time in the shade of the forest; however, I'm not sure I'd go there too often because it's super-expensive. I've added some photos from this trip to the Spring & Summer 2009 photo album if you're curious.

Monday and Tuesday were business as usual, but last night we went to the first night of the Celebration of Light fireworks in Vancouver. Canada was running the show and did their display to music from the Wizard of Oz - it was really well done, and we're looking forward to seeing what South Africa has planned on Saturday night. I haven't uploaded any pictures from this yet, but I'm sure I will in a few days. Until then, here a just a few of my favourites:




 

I'm back!

So, after a few months hiatus, I'm back and will try to post more frequently. Much has happened since the end of April, including the completion of a practicum with Ducks Unlimited and graduation with my Advanced Diploma in Geographic Information Systems. Once all my school work was finished, I found that I really didn't want to sit behind a computer at all, which equalled no new posts. :)

However, I'm trying to settle into a new routine that balances computer work with other activities and I'm finding myself drawn back to some of these outlets. I bought a 3-month membership at a local gym because they had a summer special and after sitting on my butt for 2 years while taking classes, I've been feeling pretty out of shape. After one month of going 2-3 times a week for 1-2 hours each time, I am starting to feel healthier. Just yesterday I was finishing up my session with some cardio and ended up running for 15 minutes straight, even though my goal had only been 10 minutes - and I felt like I could have gone for another 5 without a problem! To those of you who run, that may not seem like much, but I got excited about that. To put it into perspective, my first day at the gym I ended up doing intervals of running for 2 minutes, then walking for 2, simply because I couldn't run for longer without a break. I'd say that's progress. :) On days that I can't get to the gym, I'm trying to get myself to go for a short (15 min) run in the evening through a local park, just to keep active.

When I started this whole gym-thing, Mark was pretty skeptical that I would stay committed to going regularly, but just the other day he said that he probably wouldn't argue if I wanted to sign up for a year membership next because I've proven that I'll use it. To be honest, I'm rediscovering that I actually really enjoy the hard work and I've really missed being so active - I really haven't done this since being in basketball and volleyball in high school.

In other news, I've started a photo album for this summer's random activities and I'll be updating it as I have more pictures to add (click on the Spring & Summer 2009 photo on the right). I'll drop a note here when there are new ones to browse.

I'm working on a newsletter that will hopefully go out within a few days, although we've got a wedding this weekend which might take precedence. :) Once the newsletter has been sent out, I will have more updates to write about here.

Until then, you'll just have to wait in suspense.
 

3 weeks to go

Last week, I wrote my last exam ever! It feels good to be so close to ending my schooling. I just have 3 more weeks of my practicum - however, that does include 2 more progress reports (one due this Monday), a final presentation, and a final paper so it'll be a busy 3 weeks. I have to admit, I'm definitely ready to put homework behind me! It's really nice to just have my practicum to think about now but I'm eagerly awaiting May 15 when everything will be done and I can once again enjoy evenings and weekends without having a giant school-related to-do list constantly making me feel guilty about how I spend my time.

Lately, the weather has been absolutely gorgeous, filled with blue sky, sunshine, and warmth! This week, I walked/bussed to work with only a short-sleeved shirt and a lighter layer on top - no coat required - and it was great. I think it's about time to extract the bikes from the storage unit and prep them for another season of riding. This year, we'll even be able to explore outside of our neighbourhood because we got a bike rack for our car last Christmas!

Anywho, I just wanted to write a brief update since my last (rather depressing) post. I've posted some new pictures on Facebook, so be sure to check them out (I've changed the sidebar a bit - click on the photos to the right to access each album).

'tis time for me to tackle the progress report. Have a great weekend!
 

2 Free Games!!

This past Thursday, we went bowling with our small group from our Richmond church and had a blast. When we got there, we learned that it was "Red Head Pin Thursday". Basically, they have a few completely red pins mixed in with all the white ones, and if one of these pins falls into the head pin spot, you can win a free game if you can get a strike....can you see where this is going? Yep, I won myself 2 free games - and those were my only 2 strikes of the night! My theory is that having the red pin in the centre actually helps me aim. But, regardless of that, I'm happy. We haven't been bowling in a long time and now we get to go again and play for free!! :)

I've been thinking about this blog, but once you hear my schedule, hopefully you'll understand why I haven't posted much. In February, I was spending 2 days at BCIT (1 course per day), 2 days at my practicum, 1 day at A Rocha, and working 12 hours at Chapters each week, 8 hours of which took up my Saturday. Basically, busy 6 days a week. Then in March I finished the 2 BCIT courses and began my very last one ever!!! It meets 2 days a week for 5 weeks and I'm done 3 of the 5 - in 2 weeks I'll be done classes forever! So, my schedule in March was much the same as February but without the Chapters hours.

Then, on top of all that busy-ness, we also have made the trek to Abby every weekend since Feb 21 (except for around March 21 when we headed to Victoria to visit Reuben & Heidi). So, with this weekend, that makes 7 in a row that we haven't been home - and the end isn't in sight because we'll be back in Abby for some of Easter and possibly the next two weekends as well. That will make 10 weeks in a row! No wonder both Mark and I feel exhausted and like we haven't had a break.

Each of the reasons we went back were good ones, including birthdays, stags/stagettes, a wedding, and church involvement, and we enjoyed the time with family and friends. But, given the craziness of my current schedule, it meant that things like laundry and cleaning had to happen during the week and we've found it hard to relax and have a day or even a few hours where we felt like we could do something that we wanted to do without having other "to-dos" hanging over our heads.

There are times that I find myself wishing that Richmond was one or two more hours away from Abby - and I don't like that thought. I love our life in Richmond. We enjoy the city, the closeness to Vancouver, the way we can walk or bike everywhere, how Mark is really close to work and I can easily take public transit to BCIT and my practicum. We've connected with a great church here and have been part of a small group for at least a year. The list goes on and on. And actually, we've said many times that we would probably even be able to go without a car if we didn't travel to Abby so much - or at least lower our gas expenses to one tank a month instead of one a week...

If we were 2-3 hours from Abby we would be forced to be more selective about when we travelled back and people would be more understanding and would not expect us to always make it out. It's hard because it makes more sense for us to be the ones to travel since we're only 2, and if we hosted, more people would have to make the trek to our place. But that means we lose more of our time and we often feel obligated to stop in to see others while we're there. Plus, it's hard to say no when you're invited for something and you don't actually have previous plans. "No, we can't make it because we want to veg at home." That sounds like a weak excuse even though it is a very real need.

I'm tired of the constant juggle but I haven't found a way to solve it. If we don't go to Abby, we don't see people. If we go to Abby, we don't get time to relax at home. It feels like a lose-lose see-saw.

For those of you who still read this, I'm sorry that this post turned into a bit of a rant; I needed to get it out of my system and since I often find that writing helps, this seemed like as good a place as any. We covet your prayers over the next few weeks as we try to work out a way to better balance our lives that will enable us to enjoy time with family and friends but also have the ability to say no. And we ask for understanding from those around us as well as this new balance will probably mean we won't be in Abby all the time.

However, on the weekends we stay home we're always open for visitors...

:)

new year

So, apparently I should aim for posting once a month and then perhaps I will succeed! January flew by and I felt like I hardly had time to breathe!

I'm into my final semester at school, and that translates into one thing: busy.

I have two classes, on Monday and Tuesday, which means I travel to BCIT. Then, on Wednesday and Friday, I travel to the Surrey office of Ducks Unlimited, where I am completing a practicum as required by BCIT. That leaves Thursdays for my trek to South Surrey and the A Rocha office. At least it's a set schedule and I simply need to remember which day of the week it is and make sure I get on the right bus and head in the right direction. :)

I said goodbye to my job with Chapters at the end of December because I knew having two jobs, a practicum, and two courses would be crazy...but despite this thinking, I just agreed to return for 12 hours a week for the month of February. They called me the other week, and apparently they've lost a number of employees recently and need some help. So, being me, I couldn't say no and have now extended my week to include one evening and 8 hours Saturdays at Chapters. But, I only agreed to do this for February so hopefully I can keep it all together for four weeks! No, I really don't mind the work and the management has been great so it will be nice to help them out and make some cash while I'm at it.

Aside from being busying Monday-Friday, what have I been up to in January? Well, we spent a weekend in Victoria with my parents and R & H for our Christmas and New Years all in one - and we even managed to celebrate both in one day! We had Olie bolen on Saturday for 'dinner' and stayed up past midnight playing various games. We also went for several walks to see their neighbourhood and to visit the harbour. Not that we could see much because of the fog, but it was a great visit, and it's been a long while since we've had all 6 of us together for a whole weekend straight!

The following weekend, Mark and I made a trip up to West Van for an AMAZING Canadian Brass concert. Mark has always loved them and when I found out they were in town I got tickets for him for Christmas. I had never listened to them live before, but I have to say it was the best concert I've ever been to!! These guys are such great entertainers. They had us laughing many times as they moved around the theatre and cracked jokes and yes, performed an opera with costumes and everything. And can they ever play!! I was kicking myself for not bringing my camera because they welcomed pictures and I probably could have gotten a few good ones - but who would have thought to bring a camera to a classical music concert?

And the next weekend we hosted my parents for the Sunday afternoon and evening as it was their last weekend before heading back to GR for the final semester. We enjoyed the sunshine with a walk at Iona and then chilled at home with summer and some cups of tea. It was good to get the chance to host them after they had to put up with us constantly crashing at their place when we visited Abby.

You know, when I write it all out like this, I can see why I didn't get a chance to post here. It's been quite busy, but it was a good month once we settled into a routine. Check out the new links under the Photo Albums on the right for some pics of the last few months.

Hopefully February will treat us well too.