Livin' The Dream

She's great with kids and has a passion for making a difference. You won't be disappointed. I know the economy is struggling...but she is one that you want to have on your team right now! Call her. You won't regret it. I bet my baby otter on it!

I am learning one of the great lessons in life......you can't judge a book by it's cover. Of course the cover still has to have some appeal (maybe I've still a lot to learn), but all in all, the feelings you have and the opportunity in it for growth is what matters the most - those are the things that will stand the test of time. How is this lesson being taught? In many ways...some of it is coming through this transition in careers....some of it is coming through the people I am being led to.....and some of this lesson is coming in the books I am reading. This month I have read, Eat Pray Love (awesome book), Yes Man (so cool, too!), A Single Voice (great), and, The Secret Life of Bees (lovely). I have loved each one for different reasons but each is helping me along my journey. Sending you love and hoping you too will give something worthwhile a chance....even if at first it's the last thing you want to do. You never know....it may ending up being the "Yes...

So, it has been 64 days since graduation....and I am still on the hunt for a job. I carry on in faith and have been amazed at the Lord's blessings. Friends tell me on a daily basis how they are praying for me and hoping that I find what I am looking for. It's wonderfully humbling to think that there are others petitioning the Lord on my behalf. Thanks, guys! I know that something will come. I have a few months left in the timetable I have set for myself. I am just hoping my timetable matches what the Lord has planned. Thank you for checking out my blog, and for your thoughts, prayers and good vibes. I need them and I am doing my best to put them to good use. I apply to jobs and network every day...hopefully our economy will pick up soon I can fulfill my dream of being a rock star social worker.

I ran across this picture of me and Quint at the beginning of our marathon last year. This is us, 6:30 in the morning starting out on our 26.2 mile journey. It makes me think.....if I can run 26.2 miles, I can surely land a job. There is something about running a marathon that makes you feel you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. There's something else about a marathon that makes you forget it all because....Man! It's tough! So, I am determined to remember the challenges I have overcome. Like the months of training runs and prep work that went into that one day, and the many years of training that went in to prepare me for this career change. I will also remember what my bib said...."Go Me!" Am I hopeful? Yep! Do I carry on? Yep! Have I earned it? Yep! That's right....GO ME!

I got an email last week from an agency I would love to work for. It stated that they were impressed with my resume and would be calling this week to schedule an interview. Well, it's Friday, and no call. Dangit!! And, yes, I sent an email expressing my excitement and interest in the interview. Double dangit! So, I remain on the sidelines...of course I am living life and loving it...BUT, the J-O-B continues to elude me. Did I just graduate with a Master's degree? Yep. Does that not count for anything these days? Who knows. I really thought 2 months was more than enough time to find an awesome job. Evidently not. Eh. I carry on.

I heard the best quote at church yesterday..."Be of good cheer, your future is as bright as your faith (Thomas S. Monson)." It gave me such peace....and such trust in the wonderful feelings I have time and time again when I imagine my life here in nyc. If there's one thing I have it's faith. So, man alive!! My future must be soooo bright! So, I carry on with patience, perseverance and faith. With the knowledge that any day now, someone is going to call and say, "Zaneta, we love you! Please come work for us!"

I feel like I really turned a corner today. I am looking outside of what I thought I wanted and taking a huge leap of faith. It feels wonderful!! A friend of mine told me that he thought something very unexpected would be coming my way...a "left hook" is what he called it. He said that it has been his experience that the big things we need usually come out of nowhere. He's right. I decided last night that I would search for jobs that sound interesting, things I may never have thought of doing before, but all things that I could definitely love. The beauty of a degree in social work is it's adaptability. So, today I found 9 (that's right, 9!) cool and interesting places to submit my resume to. My fingers are crossed that someone will love me enough to call. I am hoping to find a place that will allow me to grow and develop as a professional and give me the chance to make a real difference in the world. Is that too much to ask? I don't think so either....

I saw this today on facebook...it's available from conducthappines.com. At a time when my struggles are prevalent, anything that makes me smile is much appreciated. Have a wonderful day, Everyone!

Last week I was really sick. One of the little guys I watch was kind enough to share his strep throat with me...awww, how sweet! Anyhow, I guess it was nice that I did not have a 9 to 5 to go to....I was blessed with time to rest. So, I saw this picture somewhere and I felt like it exemplified my life as of late. I feel like the whole world is laid out in front of me- mine for the taking. Unfortunately, I have yet to find the dream job. Of course I am still earning money and keeping busy...but I am not able to use the skills I paid so dearly to learn at Columbia. You know me, I carry on with hope and faith. Today is a bit tougher than others though. I think that means I am close to blessings. It's always darkest before the dawn. If you know someone who is looking for a passionate and driven social worker, one who loves children and wants to make a difference, let me know. I am feeling much better today...wohoo! Keep sending me your prayers and positive vibes....I will ...