What direction do I take?

Hey Blog Followers!

It's been a while since my last post...and I feel that's how I start off almost every post I write. 

Is it just me or do you ever just feel overwhelmed with what direction to take in your life/career/clothing options? I already have a hard time deciding what I'm going to be eating for lunch, let alone what I'm suppose to be doing career wise for what it feels like the rest of my life. It's tough and I know many of us 20 something age group (or many 30, 40, 50 year olds) can relate. 

I don't classify myself as a Computer Science anything. I just say i'm a teacher who teaches computers and sometimes I don't even know what that means. However, when I talk to other people I feel they think I went to school for this (kinda did, but not really) and that I can automatically fix any computer program and know exactly all the cool innovative things that are out there or will be coming out. Sometimes I do and MANY times...I have no clue. I'm learning just as much (typical teacher answer...), but it's the truth! Especially with technology, there is always a new thing out there, a new update, a NEW SOMETHING!

So, it leads me back to the question, "What direction am I suppose to take?" In the field of computers it feels like the options are endless. Graphic design, computer programming, teaching, engineering, coding, Google certifications, Microsoft expert...it's so overwhelming. I keep asking myself, where do I need to invest my time and money, especially because this field can be a financial commitment. 

Part of me has had the fun sucked out of it, because my hobby became work (which is not a bad thing, but not a good thing either-I'm feeling indifferent about it now) However, it's just added some pressure that I wasn't ready to deal with. I know in the end it's going to turn out beyond better than what I could imagine. I am thankful that there are opportunities to be looking into. There are so many gifted and talented people out there and they are the ones who inspire me to keep seeking, whatever it is that I am hoping to find. 

I want to hear from you too blog followers! Tell me I'm not alone in this search of, "What direction do I take?" question. Life is exciting and the sky still feels like the limit. I hope it does for you too!

These are the things I had to say.

#DreaSaidIt

My 2 Week Online Dating Experience!

Hi Blog Followers! 

Another week has come and gone and  not only that, but January is already coming to an end! My last blog was about the motto I chose for this 2015 year, which is "Doing Something About It", which was why I decided I would try online dating, which only lasted 2 weeks, even though I thought it was going to be at least a 3 month experience (No refund...but it's OK, because I learned so  much in this process that I have no regrets).

People asked me several times if I would ever considered online dating and my answer was an automatic,  NO. It was a mixture of reasons on why not 1) Being judged 2) Not really feeling called to do it and 3) the fear of the unknown. 

So why? Why did I sign up? I can't really pin point the exact thing on why or what finally triggered it for me...it was a combination of Boredom over Christmas break, watching too many online dating commercials pop over break, curiosity...  and then I was asked by someone, "What are you doing about meeting people?" 

Ok, so now the experience....where to even begin. I felt soooooo overwhelmed by it all. The first part is filling out everything about yourself. It really made reflect on "Is this truly me or is this what I think of me or is it a combination of both, or would others agree or am I lying to myself?" The next part was filling out about what I would want in my date and I wrote it down with no problem, because of course as I girl I know EXACTLY what I want...or so I thought. 

Then came the messages and the awkward introductions or just the really forward guys that sometimes I didn't even know what to say. Dating now a days is just a tricky thing sometimes and online dating is no exception. It has it's pros and cons. 

The Pros: 

• In theory, everyone on there is single and isn't judging you because you guys are all kinda there for the same reason...the most common reasons 1) I work long hours and don't have time to meet people 2) I don't want to meet my future spouse at a bar or club 3) I just want someone to share my life with. (I'm only reporting my experience and not judging!) 
• You don't have to talk to everyone that approaches you.
• But if you do, at least you are practicing talking again.

The Cons: 

• You've got all kinds of people (like way older men in my case) trying to make some efforts.
• You can't really make a reference check...they are technically strangers.
• Inconsistency. 
• Rejecting... it's hard no matter what. 
• Cost money

Quickly I realized that this wasn't going to be for me, but the beauty of all of this is that God used this very awkward experience and turned it around for His glory, because this is what I got out of it:

1) I realized I am a VERY broken and sinful person, which brought me back to how much I need a Savior (Jesus) in my life. This is why I say this: I have been taught in my faith that we are not suppose to be judging others and to me that is EXACTLY what I felt I had to do during this.  You are judging someone based off of their picture, words, likes/dislikes, height, occupation....and I struggled with that right away. I also realized with that how gracious and merciful God is to me!!! How much He loves me to call me back to Him despite of my stains and sins. 

2) I saw myself putting myself on a pedal stool and making myself that I am better than people (Back to sin). I don't care if you judge me, but I'm being honest to myself right now. The best example I could give for this is I felt it would be really hard to date someone who didn't have a degree that is close to mine or better. Um....hello??? Do I even know their story or journey? Do I even realize how blessed I am?

3) I am going to have to put my full trust and faith in God alone. Not on a online dating website, not in family, friends, church, work, etc. God alone knows the story.  I have no idea how I'm going to meet my future spouse (Lord willing), because the odds aren't really in my favor sitting at home most nights, but I believe that is what is going to make the story more miraculous! 

4) I have a special place in my heart for the guys and girls that make the effort to put themselves out there, but are often over looked , but yet keep trying! I pray a special blessing for you guys, because it is so tough to be vulnerable sometimes, especially when rejection is an option! You guys are the ones that inspire me!

Online dating is something I would never judge anyone for trying and if anything I totally encourage people to sign up and try it for themselves! Don't judge until you have been there and I have totally heard of plenty of success stories!!! I would just encourage you to 1) Be completely grounded in who you are 2) Don't change your standards for any reasons 3) Pray about it 4) Have someone to keep  you accountable- because it's really easy to get caught up in it.


I want to hear from you blog followers! I want to hear about your success stories, your online dating experiences (the good and bad), questions?! I'm more than happy to share. This was the quick version and I wish I could have explained my full experience better, because the truth is, for me, it goes back to God's love, grace, and mercy!

I hope to keep blogging, specifically about dating in this time in history or specifically in our culture and I would love for you to be a part of it! Look out for it in my next post! 


These are the things I had to say.

Drea Said It

My Motto for 2015

Hey Blog Followers!!!

Happy 2015! I hope it's been a great start to the new year and even if it hasn't, the good news is we still have the rest of the year to turn it around. 

Today, I wanted to share with you about a counseling secession I attended a couple weekends ago and the topic was about how to deal with transition! We are constantly living in transitions and I know 2014 couldn't have been more of a transition year for me! I had to transition from having a job to having my first real grown up job, seeing my sister get married, and really just having to grow up in a lot of ways I wasn't really prepared for (first car accident!!!) 

Some of you are transitioning from being single to getting to relationships or maybe transitioning from being a mom of 1 to now a mom of 2, maybe you are transitioning in a new job position, break up, budget cuts, commute, who knows... But regardless, there is something or something will eventually come! 

The secession I went to made me write down and reflect on 2014 of all the events that took place! It's funny how we forget about the struggles sometimes, but as we are in them we think it's the end of the world. I encourage you to write them down and take some time to reflect! I can send you the template if you would like!

Anyways, by the end of the secession I concluded that I have the power to change the things that I'm not happy about. Many of my close family and friends know that I can complain.... ALOT. Bless their hearts for the ones who put up with it. However, I even got sick of it myself, that I decided my motto for 2015 is : "Do something about it". I have the power to do something about it!!!  If I really dislike my commute so much then it's up to me to do something about it. Or if I feel I'm ready to start dating again, then instead of complaining-I'm going to do something about it (I have a whole blog for that coming out soon).

You have the power to do something about it too! What are some things you guys are making excuses or complaining about that you can start changing your thought process on actually doing something about it??? Let me know blog followers so that we can support one another.

These are the things I had to say.

#Dreasaidit

November In California

Hey Blog Followers!

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving Day! There are many things to be thankful for and I hope you have been able to take some time to reflect on all the good things that you are blessed with! This blog post is dedicated to my loving and talented family members!

The Table is Set: My sister-in-law (The same one I have mentioned in previous blogs) is truly amazing at creating a beautiful and welcoming setting! She helped me with my sister's bridal shower and this year she felt inspired to set a fall themed Thanksgiving Table. I love every detail that she implemented that I had to share it with you guys!  Take a look at the pictures and maybe you can find some things that will interest you for your table settings!

                                
                                 

                           

                                 

Family and a Fall Walk: 
I'm so thankful to God for placing me in the family that He did. My sister and her husband just got married this summer and I'm so thankful they were able to spend their first Thanksgiving as Newlyweds at our house! I was able to take some pictures of the ones I love and some fall inspired pictures around my block.

                                    

                                  
                                  

What were some things that you were able to do this year Blog Followers? I want to hear from you too!!!

These are the things I had to say.

#Dreasaidit

I Don't Believe in Coincidences

Hey Blog Followers,

It's been a while since I have posted last! I wanted to share some stories that happened this past week of how God has been SO present in my life.

The first story, which is fresh in my mind is, this morning I was feeling a little down before going to church and the song that popped up into my head right away was "Our God" by Chris Tomlin and if you're not familiar with it, then  CLICK HERE

Immediately, I felt the urge to play this song out loud on the piano before going to church....and guess what one of the songs they played at church today?!?!

For a person who doesn't believe in coincidence this was such an amazing moment for me. I was filled with so much joy, mainly because it was God's confirmation to me saying,  "I hear you and I know you, I know your heart, your pain, and I know what will make it feel better!" The part of the song that I love to drill into my brain and heart is: 

"Our God is greater our God is stronger..."

Anything you are going through, the God that loves me and that I love, is so much greater than anything we are going through! He is for us and not against us!

The second story was on Thursday night when I shared my testimony at church. Maybe one day I'll have the courage to write it down and share it with you in detail too, but for now I'll keep it to the point. I shared my 5-7 minute testimony and right after we listened to the pastor speak a message and it was based on the biblical story of when Jesus talks with the Samaritan Woman. (Read John 4). Man, God spoke to me loud and clear that night....what a blessing to hear that story! The pastor didn't know my story and again, I don't believe in coincidence! God put the passage on his heart to share and it totally went with my testimony! God has cleaned my stains, he died for ME, he has and is making me new!

Lastly, the car accident story! First, everyone is ok and I thank God that it wasn't worse than it was! I got rear ended on my way going to work, but God provided the friendliest people to help me out! A person who was OFF duty for AAA pulled over to help me and check on us to make sure we were getting the proper help! What a blessing! I believe that God put every person involved for a reason...sometimes we don't know exactly why, but I'm sure this story is still in the making!

All these stories the good and the bad have revived me to share the hope and love of Jesus! Right now I feel like "screaming it from the mountains, and tell it to the masses, that He is God." That was a song that was played at church today and it's moved me to share these stories with you! Click Here if you don't know what song I'm talking about!

I want to hear from you too blog followers!!! What are some stories that God has whispered to you or you have no explanation for?!?!!? So appropriate for this week on reflecting on thankfulness! Happy Thanksgiving!

DreaSaidIt!

Photo Credit: https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2611/3914363448_51d3a30223.jpg

  

Sci-fi and Christianity: How they are the same

Hey Blog Followers,

 

Today's blog post is a little random. I just got back from watching The Maze Runner and oh my goodness... I'm sure my blood pressure is off the scale now. I love movies that keep you on the edge of your seat and make you think. I've been thinking anyone who loves sci-fi is just a cool person and I need to be your best friend! You must have a brain that is so creative and able to appreciate other people's creativity just as much. There is no way around it really, because that's exactly what sci-fi settings and characters aresuppose to do... They are suppose to take you to a place that doesn't exisist or Introduce you to creatures or things that there is no description or defintion for. 

I HAD to take a sci-fi writing class at APU during my sophomore year of college. Yes, it wasn't a choice... We had writing classes that had certain focuses, so since I signed up late I got stuck with sci-fi writing. It was probably one of the best classes I took and I still remember it clearly. The main thing that has stood out to me throughout the years is how the professor compared sci-fi and the christian faith. He said ultimately they both are about Good versus Evil and in all good stories, including Christianity there is a savior who sacrifices themself in one way or the other. 

I often say things before thinking and one thing that I have laughed with my friends about is when I shared with them (and now you) the time I thanked God for creativity, because He allowed Twilight to be created. Haha, well, I'm still going to thank God for all the authors who have created stories that are so good, because ultimately they come from God. He's the one who had the idea first of having a plan of Good v.s evil and having a savior come save the world, including me and you! 

What are some of your favorite sci-fi books and movies that just make you think, even to this day? I want to hear from you blog followers!

These are the things I had to say!

#dreasaidit 

How in the world did I end up in middle school

Hey blog followers,

Man oh man, I've made it to week 3 of teaching and one question that I keep asking myself is, how in the world did I become a MIDDLE school teacher!?! It's extremely different than elementary level! The planning, the age group, the drama,  the attitude (ok ok, not always that different...) but goodness, it's a hard thing for me to swallow and really comprehend at times. It's not that I don't like it... It's just different. I never thought this day would come, but I feel I'm forgetting what it's like to be a kid. Dealing with discipline in middle school is different than elementary in many ways. There is the obvious that I'm not asking kids to pull a card if they did something wrong, but I will say calling parents at any grade level  is never fun. I feel I'm gaining some tough skin that I didn't even know I had in me. My greatest strength is also my greatest weakness: compassion. I have no idea how I'm ever going to discipline my own kids, because I feel like if I start to tear up with strangers kids, then how in the world am I going to deal with my own? I miss being with the kinders everyday, but I must say I'm sure one day I'll look back and say the same about my middle schoolers. Life is weird... I never saw myself where I am today. Basically to sum it up is the only thing we can really expect in life is to expect the unexpected. These are the things I had to say!

#dreasaidit