Friday, October 15, 2010

parts of you are parts of me

Part 1. Work: 


The job has been great! So great. I finally feel settled in, and have a grasp of what I will be doing. This past week was so busy- first time in my life I've worked overtime- but I love it- and it really doesn't feel like work. A part of my job is traveling to meet with different organizations- so getting the opportunity to leave the office for a few hours a day really helps it feel NOT like a routine. 
 Something cool is that I got my first set of business cards last week- which I probably love because they have my new name on them- Rashin Keller- I still haven't gotten used to it. 

The low of work this week was probably having to submit a drug test..I hate the process, and it hates me just as much. I decided to go on Wednesday, and decided I was not allowed to use the restroom past noon. On way to the lab (4:30 pm) I realized I was in big trouble because I had to go right then- and of course when I got to the lab there was a family in front of me!! Needless to say, I waited 30 minutes for my turn and probably damaged my bladder for life- all because I am cursed by these tests! 



A taste of Erie weather:

These pictures are from my office window taken at the same time on Mon and Tues- The weather is so unpredictable- never know what your'e going to get :/ 





Part 2. Love:

Today was Duke and I's 2 year anniversary. I don't think were allowed to count it anymore- since were celebrating months of marriage now- and by that standing were at a whopping 3.5 months! yes! 
We did kind of celebrate the occasion by going to a great restaurant downtown- maybe a new favorite- but hoping to do more next weekend while were in Cleveland celebrating Duke's new grandpa age of 25!!

Part 3. Family:

Miss my family so much this week. It was Lucy's (our puppy-or third daughter if you asked my mom), birthday. My sister sent me a lot of videos and pictures-and it made me miss everyone SOO much- cannot wait for Thanksgiving!
This week my mom also sent me my second care package- It was filled with amazing WARM clothes that will help me get through the winter. She loves me so well:)


parts of you-are the best parts of me.
happy reading.

Friday, October 1, 2010

This one's for you

Finally. just finally. I got a job. a REAL job. A job that makes my heart happy. A job that makes me feel that I have made some right choices so far.. and I haven't somehow missed the mark.


I remember the day clearly when I first heard of the nonprofit leadership and management major. At that time I was a Business ________ major..I really didn't know where I was going with it...maybe management, economics, blah blah. I didn't love it. But to be honest, I never understood what a nonprofit major completely encompassed either. But at that time I was driven by love.


The love came from the pain and struggle that had been known as cancer. A cancer that was very aggressive. My Dad was the strongest, most wonderful man I knew and could defeat the world, but just not cancer. I remember loosing him changed my heart..it was broken..and when it began mending..it wanted to help others; specifically others who were in need like my dad and family were. Till this day I have a heart for the hospice care system..and I know I will end up there one day, somehow, but I think I still need more time.


This job journey in Erie has been hard for so many reasons; the most difficult was the fact I thought my major was useless in this town, (I ended getting my BA in NP management and leadership after all), and that I would not be able to find the work that made me sincerely happy. Well its coming up to about three months, and every opportunity that I had seemed to slip through the cracks somehow.. every door was shut. 


By the love and grace of God.. my (and when I say my I also mean: my family, sincere friends, and my patient Duke) prayers were finally answered. I heard about the position through the job agency that I was going through..it was originally supposed to be a three week position- but it was with a nonprofit. After some hesitancy and pride of course, I swallowed the idea of being a temp and showed up for my first day ready to work. The moment I got there, I knew something was different- it felt different. 


After talking with the manager about my background in NP- it became clear they did not know the major existed, and were very excited. What takes them days of training, is fundamental knowledge that was taught to us everyday in class..I wanted to do this- I wanted to be on this team.


I am so lucky, honored, humbled to say that after my first day- the foundation asked me to join their staff full time!!! Through this opportunity I am getting the chance to meet with local np's and learn about their mission- what makes them do what they do- and help create a more socially accelerated community. 


I spend my days hearing from Directors who have incredible stories that have driven them to create significant change- just like what the story of my dad has done for me. 


I finally feel like this is where I was meant to be. 
God had a plan. 


So here's to you Dad.. and to all the inspiration you've given me
An Easter photo shoot 07'