For the past couple of months, it feels like my life has been on hold.  That is, I would prefer to be working at a full-time “real” job, preferably in Orlando, FL – where girlfriend is working.  But as I continue to search and apply for jobs, it’s clear that that isn’t where God would have me quite yet.

As I look around and see my friends and colleagues moving forward with their lives, it’s hard not to be jealous and wonder why my life hasn’t unfolded in the same way.  I really have to keep reminding myself that God is in control and that wherever He leads me is where He wants to make himself known.  And as much as I criticize Fayetteville, this place really isn’t THAT bad.  While I’m thinking about it, here’s some of the stuff that I’m thankful for around here:

- My job.  I’m getting almost full-time hours at the Doubletree Hotel, and I like my co-workers there.  The hotel business changes everyday, and there’s rarely a boring moment.  Even when I’m working overnight (like tonight), it’s a peaceful shift where I can read, surf the internet, and blog with little to no disturbances.  As Christmas approaches, I’m reminded that there are alot of people out there that don’t have a job at all.  I’m thankful for mine.

- My church.  I really value some of the friendships I’ve made at my church and the people I’ve grown up with.  It’s nice to know that there are people there who are willing to listen and encourage me.

-  Exercise.  My next goal is to compete in a triathlon sprint, and I have everything I need right in front of me.  A nice bike (thanks Dad!), a membership to the YMCA’s 25 meter pool, and some running experience behind me.  It feels good to be increasingly healthy and to improve in these events.

- Flexibility – I’m able to work any shift at the hotel, and my manager knows it too!  Even though my schedule has been all over the place, I’m thankful for this time in my life where I really am free to hang out with friends, exercise, work, etc. on my own time.  I know this season of my life won’t last forever – and that parents with young kids envy me!

I’m excited for what God has for me next – but God help me to enjoy where I am right now!

I’ve been busy lately, and that’s a nice change for me!  I began a new job (albeit part-time) at the Doubletree hotel in Fayetteville, NC as a Front Desk Agent last Wednesday.  While I continue to search for the best fit for a full-time job, this is a great opportunity to gain some experience working in an upscale hotel. 

I’m still trying to gather my thoughts from the first week and really think about whether or not the hospitality/tourism industry is for me or not.  So far, some of the highlights of the job have been:

- Meeting lots and lots of new people.  In addition to checking guests in and out of the hotel, I have driven several guests back and forth from the airport in the shuttle van.  I enjoy helping make people feel comfortable and at home, and I think this is something I will continue to get better at as I keep learning the check-in/check-out procedures.

- Interacting with different departments.  There are so many different areas of a hotel that need to run smoothly!  Seeing how the front office, sales team, housekeeping, maintenance, and kitchen all work together is showing me how important it is for an organization to communicate from within.

- Looking towards the future.  I hope to keep learning as much as I have been the past seven days – I know so much more about hotels and hospitality already.  Looking ahead to the possibility of a full-time job in sales or conference management excites me, especially knowing that I’ll have a better understanding of the hotel and its many departments.