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Day Thirty
Today was a dream come true. As I mentioned for yesterday's events, I got to meet Monica Dyer, a photographer. Monica said to go to Constitution Park in Deerfield Beach at 4:15 but I aimed for 4:00pm. As it turned out, she gave me the wrong link for how to get there, but it wasn't far off, and I ended up finding it right away, even without a Garmin GPS! (That in itself thrilled me!) It was fun being there for the photoshoot of a very good looking couple. (They're not engaged, but just wanted pictures together.)
I learned a lot of basic stuff, like how to shade the couple so the sun didn't get in the way of a good shot. I learned other things I don't know the name of yet LOL; I definitely have a lot to learn. One of my favorite moments was when Monica complimented me for reminding HER to do certain things (respectfully of course). After about an hour, we drove to Deerfield Beach. We were there for an hour and the beach shots were so fun! Actually, it all was. I'm not even sure if I liked the beach or park setting better because they were both so fun!
Here's what I know: I was at the beach, helping a (really good) photographer out in my bare feet, with the ocean in the background. The constant thought circulating throughout that time (at the park and the beach) was how this was undoubtedly the best day of "work" I had ever experienced. It was largely an observational day, but I get paid, and for something I would gladly have done for free! (Only because I'm interested in being a photographer someday, yet need to learn a lot.)
I was there for about 2 hours for that session and it went by so fast! I've already learned a ton! AND I'M HIRED!!! Monica said she likes me a lot and that she could tell by my initial phonecall that I was good with people and would make a good assistant. She said she really decided it when I emailed her my information and what I'm looking for in a job with her.
I have another photoshoot tomorrow at 5pm and I'm so excited about it! It's going to be a flexible schedule so that whenever she gets clients who want to have a session, she will let me know right away, and if I can't do it, no problem since she has other photographer friends who have been helping her out when needed. She says she wants me to have another job so that I'm not depending on her for income (though she's paying me generously).
We really made a connection and she even hugged me afterwards. Oh yeah! And she told me that a lot of people tend to call and ask if they can have a job, but with me, she could just tell I would make a good assistant. OH MY GOSH!!!!
This is yet another direct answer to prayer. I don't understand why God has been blessing me so much since coming to Florida! All I know is that I'm awestruck and thankful beyond words. I could cry, laugh, and do a happy dance all at once!
A shoutout goes to some guy I don't know at Starbucks. After dinner with my friend Allison at Moe's Southwest Grill, we went to Starbucks for more precious one-on-one time. When we walked in, a guy who was facing my way (as I approached the barrista) randomly said, "I like your highlights." It didn't register at first that he meant me, but when it did, I raised my eyebrows in surprise and thanked him. He followed up with, "You're gorgeous," which of course was the perfect cherry on top to my day.
Laurs, out.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Day 29 (Friday, Mar. 12): Job Leads, Tim Burton, and A Secret Admirer
Day Twenty-Nine (Friday, March 12)
There are countless ways that Friday was an incredible and unforgettable day. For one thing, I had the day off. For another, I used it to the fullest. I spent the day in my PJ's, but don't let that fool you my friend. While in my jammies, I googled then called employers I wanted to work with. I took the advice of my photographer contact and googled "Fort Lauderdale Photographers" then made calls. Well, I should say, made a call. The first person I called was Monica Dyer of Monica Dyer Photography. I introduced myself and cut right to the chase, asking if she had any openings for jobs. She asked what I was looking for and I told her I wanted to break into the photography world, though I'd only taken one Photo I class in college a few years ago. She let me continue with the fact that I take an absurd amount of pictures and decided to turn my casual passion into a job I could get paid for. She then told me that she does need an assistant and would I be available for a photoshoot tomorrow and Sunday. I needed exactly 0 seconds to think about my answer.
I did a jump-up-and-down dance both during and after that phonecall. I also had a deafening battle cry of victory lol. I was THAT happy. Wanna know why?
About 3 days ago, on Tuesday or Wednesday night, I had prayed that God would specifically give me an editing job and photography job by April Fools day. I've been getting more and more focused in what I want to do with my life, and that was an extension of that. So, only 2 or 3 days later, God answered my prayer with a big fat "Okay." And only on my FIRST phone conversation with a photographer! And she pays me WAY more than my current boss does!!! (I have to give a shoutout to my friend Nik who prayed over the phone with me that I would get a job perfect for me with better pay.)
Shortly after that phonecall, I googled "Fort Lauderdale Publishers" and made some calls. The first was to Peach Publishing. A woman called me back and asked me why I wanted to work there. After I told her my college and journalism background, she said she shared a similar one and that she thought she might have a few openings for me. I'm going to one of the events next Saturday and will get to meet her. In the meantime, I've emailed my resume and other contact info.
It seemed fitting to celebrate these two not-so-small things, which was perfect since Friday night's 8:10PM showing of "Alice in Wonderland" was soon here. There were 27 people who used the IMAX 3-D tickets Zach bought in advance. It was SOLD out! We were a little close to the screen, but other than that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience! It was way better than I thought it'd be. I loved the actress who played Alice, and the Chesshire cat was probably my favorite character. Oh yeah, and it still cracks me up that Crispin Glover (of "Back to the Future" fame) was in it. He was good too! His goofy voice was non-existent, which alone I have to applaud him for.
Here's the first of two good deeds for the day. When I got there and went to park my car in the garage, I was $3 short. I called Zach to ask what I should do, and he said he'd meet me out there. He spotted me more than enough money and I was able to park and make it in time to socialize before the movie. Zach is one of the nicest guy I've met in Fort Lauderdale. I'm so blessed to know and be friends with him.
Afterwards, we went to an Irish Pub called The Fields for some food and drinks. Two more people joined us who hadn't been at the movie, so that was fun too. It was a gorgeous night out and most of us sat outside for our meal. I wasn't really feelin' the Fish and Chips, but ordered my favorite drink (White Russian).
Here's the kicker: At the end of the night when our bill arrived, I was at a different table socializing with other people. People told me that I didn't owe any money, and I was super confused. Then they said the waiter hadn't charged me for my drink or food. When I tried to get Eric (the lone guy at our table of women) to show me, he wouldn't for awhile. When I finally looked, it indeed said $0.00 for my White Russian. So, it wasn't like our waiter just forgot to put it on there. He actually showed that he knew what he was doing. I couldn't find my fish and chips meal on there either, but then again, Eric for some reason wouldn't let me see the bill for very long. Haha, not sure what his strategy there was. All I know is that it made me really shy in front of the waiter after that. People told me I should wink at him or something, but I seriously didn't know how to act LOL.
Oh man, Friday was an enormously huge day for me and I'm so thankful for it!
There are countless ways that Friday was an incredible and unforgettable day. For one thing, I had the day off. For another, I used it to the fullest. I spent the day in my PJ's, but don't let that fool you my friend. While in my jammies, I googled then called employers I wanted to work with. I took the advice of my photographer contact and googled "Fort Lauderdale Photographers" then made calls. Well, I should say, made a call. The first person I called was Monica Dyer of Monica Dyer Photography. I introduced myself and cut right to the chase, asking if she had any openings for jobs. She asked what I was looking for and I told her I wanted to break into the photography world, though I'd only taken one Photo I class in college a few years ago. She let me continue with the fact that I take an absurd amount of pictures and decided to turn my casual passion into a job I could get paid for. She then told me that she does need an assistant and would I be available for a photoshoot tomorrow and Sunday. I needed exactly 0 seconds to think about my answer.
I did a jump-up-and-down dance both during and after that phonecall. I also had a deafening battle cry of victory lol. I was THAT happy. Wanna know why?
About 3 days ago, on Tuesday or Wednesday night, I had prayed that God would specifically give me an editing job and photography job by April Fools day. I've been getting more and more focused in what I want to do with my life, and that was an extension of that. So, only 2 or 3 days later, God answered my prayer with a big fat "Okay." And only on my FIRST phone conversation with a photographer! And she pays me WAY more than my current boss does!!! (I have to give a shoutout to my friend Nik who prayed over the phone with me that I would get a job perfect for me with better pay.)
Shortly after that phonecall, I googled "Fort Lauderdale Publishers" and made some calls. The first was to Peach Publishing. A woman called me back and asked me why I wanted to work there. After I told her my college and journalism background, she said she shared a similar one and that she thought she might have a few openings for me. I'm going to one of the events next Saturday and will get to meet her. In the meantime, I've emailed my resume and other contact info.
It seemed fitting to celebrate these two not-so-small things, which was perfect since Friday night's 8:10PM showing of "Alice in Wonderland" was soon here. There were 27 people who used the IMAX 3-D tickets Zach bought in advance. It was SOLD out! We were a little close to the screen, but other than that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience! It was way better than I thought it'd be. I loved the actress who played Alice, and the Chesshire cat was probably my favorite character. Oh yeah, and it still cracks me up that Crispin Glover (of "Back to the Future" fame) was in it. He was good too! His goofy voice was non-existent, which alone I have to applaud him for.
Here's the first of two good deeds for the day. When I got there and went to park my car in the garage, I was $3 short. I called Zach to ask what I should do, and he said he'd meet me out there. He spotted me more than enough money and I was able to park and make it in time to socialize before the movie. Zach is one of the nicest guy I've met in Fort Lauderdale. I'm so blessed to know and be friends with him.
Afterwards, we went to an Irish Pub called The Fields for some food and drinks. Two more people joined us who hadn't been at the movie, so that was fun too. It was a gorgeous night out and most of us sat outside for our meal. I wasn't really feelin' the Fish and Chips, but ordered my favorite drink (White Russian).
Here's the kicker: At the end of the night when our bill arrived, I was at a different table socializing with other people. People told me that I didn't owe any money, and I was super confused. Then they said the waiter hadn't charged me for my drink or food. When I tried to get Eric (the lone guy at our table of women) to show me, he wouldn't for awhile. When I finally looked, it indeed said $0.00 for my White Russian. So, it wasn't like our waiter just forgot to put it on there. He actually showed that he knew what he was doing. I couldn't find my fish and chips meal on there either, but then again, Eric for some reason wouldn't let me see the bill for very long. Haha, not sure what his strategy there was. All I know is that it made me really shy in front of the waiter after that. People told me I should wink at him or something, but I seriously didn't know how to act LOL.
Oh man, Friday was an enormously huge day for me and I'm so thankful for it!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Days 22-28 (Mar. 5-11): Catching Up / No, I Have Not Quit
No, I have not quit this blog. I was tempted to in the week that I wasn't writing, but then I remembered that one of the reasons I started this blog was to stay committed and see something through. So, that's why this is a catch-up session. Here I go.
Day Twenty-Two (Friday, March 5)
Working on my off-day wasn't too bad, and then I got to rejoin Scott and Dan back at home. In honor of Scott's roadtrip to Hollywood, we had our family friends, the Shoemakers over for dinner. I thought it was super cute when my brother gave them a gift to thank them for their friendship. Just having them here was incredibly soothing and nostalgic. I love that family! (I wish Cristian and Nathan had been there though, instead of off in Singapore and Morocco lol.)
The other sweet thing, which follows throughout Scott and Dan's time together, was how (overall) great they were about letting me take an insane amount of pictures together. They hate it now, but they will all thank me endlessly later. This I know.
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The other sweet thing, which follows throughout Scott and Dan's time together, was how (overall) great they were about letting me take an insane amount of pictures together. They hate it now, but they will all thank me endlessly later. This I know.
The protesting begins
Gathering to pray around him as a send-off
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lol
The Shoemakers, some of Scotty's biggest supporters
I rediscovered my Converse shoes and took an obsessive amount of pictures with them
Day 23 – Saturday, March 6
I managed to get the day off from attending Omar's seminar in order to see my brother and friend off. However, the coolest thing is that they decided last minute to stay an extra day and go to church with us before they started on their roadtrip.
Lastly, we had dinner at Bonefish. We were told it'd be an hour wait, but a waiter named Josh randomly invited us to avoid the wait. He said that there was an outdoor section of the restaurant if we wanted to go there. That was a no-brainer, especially since it was nice outside. This was 10 minutes into our wait. I guess not everyone wants to sit outside. I can understand that in Illinois, but in Florida? Those people totally missed out! As I said, it was gorgeous outside and the atmosphere in the tented area was REALLY sophisticated and pleasantly atmospheric.
Seriously, Josh is the best waiter I've ever had. He was so enthusiastic, upbeat, professional, great with people, and energetic among other things. Yeah, he made me think being a waiter would be fun! (A thought I never have.)
I had such a good time with the boys, including when we used a cup to stereo-fy Dan's iphone. We then played music when people would walk by us and see if they fell in beat with the appropriate expression and attitude. LOL and a lot of them did!!
Dan came through for my others-good-deeds moment. My brother and I are VERY comfortable together when we're around certain people, such as Dan, so we sometimes fight in front of him. It's never all that serious (not usually anyway) but I guess Dan REALLY hates it. I never knew how much. So, when we were in our lounge chairs, he pleaded with us to stop because he was on Spring Break and wanted to enjoy himself. He then came up with a compromise we could both agree on, and that helped create peace.
See what I mean about them appreciating what I do after all? :)
Lastly, we had dinner at Bonefish. We were told it'd be an hour wait, but a waiter named Josh randomly invited us to avoid the wait. He said that there was an outdoor section of the restaurant if we wanted to go there. That was a no-brainer, especially since it was nice outside. This was 10 minutes into our wait. I guess not everyone wants to sit outside. I can understand that in Illinois, but in Florida? Those people totally missed out! As I said, it was gorgeous outside and the atmosphere in the tented area was REALLY sophisticated and pleasantly atmospheric.
Seriously, Josh is the best waiter I've ever had. He was so enthusiastic, upbeat, professional, great with people, and energetic among other things. Yeah, he made me think being a waiter would be fun! (A thought I never have.)
A candid shot of my movie star brother.
Day 24 – Sunday, March 7
Sadly, Scott's last day in Florida was soon here. So much of me didn't want to embrace this reality, but it was (and still is) an exciting day.
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I agreed to go to Mom and Dad's church at Calvary in order for all 5 of us to be together. It didn't hurt that Lee Strobel was speaking. As expected, it was a great message. Then we went to lunch at our favorite sushi joint, Shinju.
Afterwards, we went to the mall to get one last thing before they took on the road. Afterwards, they all humored me once more for pictures. While we were busy starting the goodbye process, there was a family next to us in the car to our right, who were loading up their car with their purchases. While Dan was snapping a picture of our family, one of the guys stopped loading up their car and offered to take the picture for us so we could all get in it.
...Then he ran off....I miss that camera.
Just kidding. He was merely a good neighbor, not a thief. And I really like how the picture he took of us turned out. Here are some other candid ones while we said our goodbyes.
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I agreed to go to Mom and Dad's church at Calvary in order for all 5 of us to be together. It didn't hurt that Lee Strobel was speaking. As expected, it was a great message. Then we went to lunch at our favorite sushi joint, Shinju.
Afterwards, we went to the mall to get one last thing before they took on the road. Afterwards, they all humored me once more for pictures. While we were busy starting the goodbye process, there was a family next to us in the car to our right, who were loading up their car with their purchases. While Dan was snapping a picture of our family, one of the guys stopped loading up their car and offered to take the picture for us so we could all get in it.
Before the guy next to us offered to take a group picture of all 5 of us
...Then he ran off....I miss that camera.
Just kidding. He was merely a good neighbor, not a thief. And I really like how the picture he took of us turned out. Here are some other candid ones while we said our goodbyes.
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They already LOOK Hollywood.
Day 25 – Monday, March 8
I'll be honest, it was a TERRIBLE day. Just terrible, for reasons I will not divulge. But it was somewhat salvaged at our first Book Club session at Mariam and Jovanna's house. A great group of women gathered together, some of which had never met each other. We started our discussion on the book "Lies Women Believe: And the Truth That Sets Them Free." I am soooo excited to get to know these women and to get a lot out of the book.
Day 26 – Tuesday, March 9
Sadly, we had to cancel Bible study. As a gentle compromise, we all met at Chik-Fil-A to fellowship. I've never eaten there before, so that was a first. (Well, there was one time in Junior High where I might have had something from there, but I totally don't remember it. I don't even know if that's an actual memory.) I enjoyed the "Strawberry Explosion" as one of the employees described the Strawberry Shake. I also enjoyed the conversation with some wonderful women. Some cool developments even began, which I'm REALLY excited about! Again, due to sensitive information, I can't talk to much about it, but it's in the good news category.
Day 27 – Wednesday, March 10
I love Wednesdays. I don't work either Wednesdays or Fridays and I can't even tell you how great a thing that is. I went to my new family doctor, who gave me a clean bill of health. It'd been about 2 years since my last checkup, so that was a relief. (I found out the next day that my blood tests also came back with no incident.)
I also have to give props to my Mom who let me use her car again. I drive it to work everyday, and one of the (many) reasons I don't work Wednesdays or Fridays is so she can use HER OWN car. She had told me she needed it in the afternoon, but when I called to check in, she said I could use it the rest of the day if I needed it (which I did). After she told me this, I drove to a photographer's office to ask if they had any openings, because I am in need of another source of income. She had just hired someone 2 weeks ago, sadly, but she gave me simple, but needed advice. She told me just to google "Fort Lauderdale Photographers" in order to see what's out there and get my foot in the door. She said that's how her new employee got the job. (I want to pursue my "casual" interest in photography. When we were uploading pics, Dan really encouraged me to pursue photography since I love it so much. That made an impact on me, and I decided to do it.)
Honestly, Wednesday was just FULL of good things. My friend Andrea and I had coffee at a spot I'd never been to, but which is 3 minutes from my home! It's called Undergrounds. It was really fun having much valued one-on-one time. I love that girl and love the way she lovingly challenges me to keep growing as a person.
Afterwards, my college friend Nik gave me a call. I felt bad when Shannee called at the same time :( but hopefully she and I can catch up on Monday. Anyway, Nik was an incredible blessing to me during that hour-long phonecall. We talked about various situations and he asked if I had a minute so he could pray over me. I too prayed for him, and it was just WONDERFUL! It made me miss all my college guy friends, in particular. I'm so grateful for how uplifting and encouraging he was to me. I needed that phonecall in every way.
I also have to give props to my Mom who let me use her car again. I drive it to work everyday, and one of the (many) reasons I don't work Wednesdays or Fridays is so she can use HER OWN car. She had told me she needed it in the afternoon, but when I called to check in, she said I could use it the rest of the day if I needed it (which I did). After she told me this, I drove to a photographer's office to ask if they had any openings, because I am in need of another source of income. She had just hired someone 2 weeks ago, sadly, but she gave me simple, but needed advice. She told me just to google "Fort Lauderdale Photographers" in order to see what's out there and get my foot in the door. She said that's how her new employee got the job. (I want to pursue my "casual" interest in photography. When we were uploading pics, Dan really encouraged me to pursue photography since I love it so much. That made an impact on me, and I decided to do it.)
Honestly, Wednesday was just FULL of good things. My friend Andrea and I had coffee at a spot I'd never been to, but which is 3 minutes from my home! It's called Undergrounds. It was really fun having much valued one-on-one time. I love that girl and love the way she lovingly challenges me to keep growing as a person.
Afterwards, my college friend Nik gave me a call. I felt bad when Shannee called at the same time :( but hopefully she and I can catch up on Monday. Anyway, Nik was an incredible blessing to me during that hour-long phonecall. We talked about various situations and he asked if I had a minute so he could pray over me. I too prayed for him, and it was just WONDERFUL! It made me miss all my college guy friends, in particular. I'm so grateful for how uplifting and encouraging he was to me. I needed that phonecall in every way.
Day 28 – Thursday, March 11
Yesterday was a mixed day of events. I was late to work, but my boss was pretty nice about it, fortunately. Work was super blah, but it was so nice when I clocked out, with more hours than usual.
Skip ahead to the good stuff. I waited at Starbucks for my friend Liz, and after awhile we relocated to Panera for dinner. We got lost in conversation and were the last people there @ 9:15 or so. Oh. My. Gosh. That woman is a Godsend. I love our conversations and just how real we are with each other. I've missed her because both our schedules have been off in terms of finding time to get together.
And to end this slew of catchup posts, I enjoyed finally talking on the phone with my friend Kevin from Wheaton. It'd been WAY too long! I miss him!! He made me want to go swing dancing again :)
Whew...I'm finally done! I will save today's post for when the day is over. I get to go see "Alice in Wonderland" at the IMAX theater with a bunch of people and am super excited about that. It's just the 2nd week that's it's been in the theater and it's done REALLY well!
Laurs (finally), out.
Skip ahead to the good stuff. I waited at Starbucks for my friend Liz, and after awhile we relocated to Panera for dinner. We got lost in conversation and were the last people there @ 9:15 or so. Oh. My. Gosh. That woman is a Godsend. I love our conversations and just how real we are with each other. I've missed her because both our schedules have been off in terms of finding time to get together.
And to end this slew of catchup posts, I enjoyed finally talking on the phone with my friend Kevin from Wheaton. It'd been WAY too long! I miss him!! He made me want to go swing dancing again :)
Whew...I'm finally done! I will save today's post for when the day is over. I get to go see "Alice in Wonderland" at the IMAX theater with a bunch of people and am super excited about that. It's just the 2nd week that's it's been in the theater and it's done REALLY well!
Laurs (finally), out.
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