The Hunt

Today, I counted that I have been unemployed for 47 days. Bummer, huh? Well yes and no, but also I'd like to remind myself that Bryson and I both choose this decision for me to find another job. I truly believe the Lord has a better plan for me whether its job or not.

What have I been up to these past 47 days besides job hunting:

Reading
I have definitely been reading a lot! Within the week Bryson and I moved here we signed up for a library card!! The APL (Austin Public Library) has so many locations near where we live. Its pretty cool! And the fact that we only get 3 channels on our TV we can rent movies/TV series/workout videos there too...for free! Most of the libraries here have really interesting people in them...kids, homeless, young, and old. A few of my best picks: The OC-Season One, Little Women, The Body Project, Prep, UnChristian, and williams-sonoma cookbook!

Domestic
Because we had such a crazy summer with getting married and raising support and traveling, it has been nice to have some time off. It was really needed! I've been able to spend my time getting our home to feel like a home. Preparing meals, cleaning, decorating, hand writing letters to some friends. I think if money wasn't an issue, I could be a housewife. I'd probably volunteer somewhere and make different projects for myself.

Research
As I was searching for a job, I've come across a lot of research studies at UT. And I happen to take part in one for the psychology department . It was really easy and quite interesting (and getting paid $25 hr wasn't bad either!) It was a study entitled: Genes and Biased Mood Processing. I had a phone interview, then a real interview, answered a packet of questions, computer skills, listened to music, watched a short film, and let them take a sample of my saliva.

Fireseed Anthology
I've been able to help out some. We have wednesday evening Creative Compassion Workshops for our volunteers and students and every Thursday we have Family dinner with the team and roommates. (we all live 1 or 2 blocks from each other...I'm dinner captain :) Its been fun getting to hangout and feel a little bit part of the team. I think it is exactly where God wants Bryson. He is loving it and learning so much about Christianity in our culture.

Church
Also we have really been getting involved with our church, Austin Stone. (www.austinstone.org) At first, first I thought of it as the "cool church, that everyone goes to"...but I love it!! I think Matt Carter teaches with truth and love from exactly what the bible tells us to live by, and why living in community with others is so important. Bryson and I are in a "Nearly and Newly wed" Sunday school class, and we also meet once during the week. We have really enjoyed starting these new friendships and learning from them too!

Yours Truly,

Marisa Owen