Wanted: Jobs!

So many of my own family members and friends are looking for jobs these days -- which are getting fewer and far between, it seems. I thank God everyday for my own job--which I love--at a university by the Pacific Ocean.

But did you know that my job is "the fruit of many prayers"? 2 years ago, I desperately needed a job after my post-grad stint at USC ran out. I was on a work visa and can not be unemployed for even a day. Besides, I take 100% financial care of my 78-year old mom and her sister. The USC stint was unstable and senior administrators around me were getting nasty. I was in a tight spot. I applied to around 70 jobs within and outside the US for over 2 months... nothing.

So we -- my mom, my friends -- started storming heaven for the perfect job for me! We prayed to St. Josemaria Escriva (see link below for the novena), Don Alvaro Del Portillo, and St. Anthony. I NEED THAT JOB!!!!

And then, I got a call for an interview! The interview was set for January 9, 2008 -- the birthday of St. Josemaria :) Two weeks later, I got the job offer -- on the feastdays of both Don Alvaro and St. Anthony. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?

So... if you are ever in a tight spot like I was almost 2 years ago -- apply for all the jobs you can find and pray like crazy! It worked for me!

http://multimedia.opusdei.org/pdf/en/novena_for_work_remake2.pdf

When life can be so 'daily'

Do you sometimes think that life can be so ... daily? Well fret not -- the "daily" can be made "holy". One of my favorite saints is having an anniversary this June 26th -- St. Josemaria Escriva. He preached on the sanctity of ordinary life. Everyday life -- your joys, sorrows, traffic blues, job worries, dinners with friends, dealings with significant others -- all can be offered up to God and be converted into a prayer. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is too "boring" to be sanctified. It is not always easy of course -- I can give in to frustration during a slow trip on Hwy101, get snarky at my hubby over something petty, or surf the web during work-hours -- all these are distractions from the path. When I remind myself that each moment of every day can be made holy, and I stay on the path, I feel more at peace at the end of the day. Try it, you might just like it :)

Love Language Minute: Distorted Anger

I am a big fan of Gary Chapman's books. I usually receive emails on his pieces called "Love Language Minute". I thought I'd share this one on "Distorted Anger":

Why do people get angry? I believe we get angry when our sense of 'right' is violated. But we have two kinds of anger: Definitive anger: When someone has wronged us. Distorted anger: When things didn't go our way. Much of our anger is distorted. The traffic moved too slowly. Our spouse didn't do what we wanted. This distorted anger is still very intense and must be processed. Here's a question: Would it be helpful if I shared my anger with someone? In sharing it, might I improve things for everyone? Or, should I simply let it go? Whatever you do, do something positive. Don't hold anger inside. Anger was meant to be a visitor, never a resident.

Going to NYC for Film Festival

Flying to NYC tonight to attend the Staten Island Film Festival -- my first film fest! -- where hubby's indie moving is showing. Movie is "Redirecting Eddie", a romantic comedy with sibling rivalry as its theme. It's a fun little movie with great music :)

Hubby is hoping to sell the movie. Note though that unlike any other movie -- 50% of the revenues go to children's charities (Children's Craniofacial Association, and Stump's R Us).  

Exciting :)

http://www.redirectingeddie.com/