I have a new job!! Finally. And really, the timing could not be better, and the job itself could not be better. God is so smart sometimes! :)

I am the new Marketing Communications Specialist at The CashLINQ Group. This is exciting for a million reasons...
First, The CashLINQ Group offers comprehensive payment processing solutions for churches, ministries, and other non-profit organizations. I have to admit, when I first encountered the position, the idea of marketing for a payment processing company wasn't all too appealing beyond the fact I'd actually be employed. After digging deeper, my lack of enthusiasm disappeared. Basically, CashLINQ streamlines payment processing for non-profit organizations so that the organizations can spend more time improving their core competencies, and ultimately further their donation dollars.

Other causes for excitement: as I walked through the front door Monday morning, the smell of fresh scones wafted through the building--baked for me, of course (I am large). My welcome package included a NERF gun and a ping pong paddle. I even got to learn about interchange on the first day! I dare you to google interchange. I have a cute office WITH A WINDOW. Each day, the members of a different department took me out to lunch (I am large). Sarcasm runs rampant and often barges in my door. The kitchen is stocked with free food like syrup, frozen cookie dough, and some other unfamiliar healthy items (I am large). I can wear jeans!...love that I can justify a purchase of designer denim with I need new work pants. Practical jokes are not uncommon: my supervisor, AKA: The Sales Princess, came back from a long weekend to find his office painted pink and decked out in all things princess--including Barbie dolls. And rumor has it, if I perform well, I'll be rewarded with a nice note and a cupcake (I am large. And employed!!!). On Friday, we even prayed before our sales meeting; this is not your typical corporate America workplace. I'm always under the impression that if it sounds to good to be true, it most likely is. But in this case, I just know that God is using me, yet again, for His glory.

We all know I take birthdays a little too seriously, and naturally, I wanted to do something above and beyond for Marcus' 25th birthday. So! I took him to Schweitzer for a day of snowboarding. Neither of us had been up on the mountain for awhile...I don't think Marc went up once last season, and I haven't been since, oh, 1999.

Driving up the mountain Friday night in 40 degree weather, we assumed we'd be snowboarding in rain and mushy snow the next day, but we lucked out! No fresh snow, but sunshine made for a lovely day on the mountain.





After watching the following video, I felt terrible that Marc had to spend his 25th birthday at Schweitzer, on the bunny hill, with me, the worst, slowest, most uncoordinated human to ever ride a snowboard. And let's be serious, I was doing more falling than riding.

I started this blog a year ago as part of my New Year's Resolution. The resolution was not to blog, but to start living life with a sense of urgency. We live on the edge of eternity, and at any moment we could meet our fate.  Spurred by my step-dad's death, I was determined to quit taking this simple fact for granted. Looking back at 2010 I can't help but be proud of myself for actually keeping a New Year's resolution and for pushing myself to live this short life to the fullest.

So without further ado, here are my Top 10 memories from 2010 (in no particular order because it wouldn't be fair to pick a favorite):

10) Waterfalls. I developed a sudden obsession with waterfalls and visited as many as I could, including the grand-daddy of them all: Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls, New York

Webster Falls, Ontario, Canada

Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada

 9) Eliza and Jackson. To me, babies are terrifying. I don't like to look at them, let alone hold them. But these two babies are different. I love them. And if mine don't turn out as cute or as mild-tempered, I'm asking God for a refund.

Eliza Megan Chehade, born to Mic and Melissa on July 25th

Eliza Megan

Jackson John Mendoza, born to Jack and Sarah on June 5th

JJ

8) The Great Outdoors. My love for the outdoors continues to grow with each adventure: hiking, camping, snowshoeing, backpacking, swimming...

Mount Erie with my dad, Anacortes, Washington

Little Mountain with my pups, Mount Vernon, Washington

Little Black Tail Mountain, Idaho

 7) A Bear at Garibaldi Lake. I loved every moment of this backpacking trip... gorgeous lake, scary bear, and perfect company.





6) Rory Turns 1. Yes, I am highlighting my cat's birthday. She may or may not be a reincarnated terrorist, destroying everything in her path, but she is the best cuddler ever and I don't know what I would do without her. Meow.

Rory, the Silver Bullet

5) Brittany. Before 2010, I hadn't seen Brittany in at least five years. This year, I saw her twice--I spent a week in Cambridge, Ontario and she came home for Christmas! Melissa, Mic, Eliza, Brittany, Blake, Marc, and I all got together for dinner. I could not ask for a better Christmas gift!




4) Italy/Gelato. I spent the month of September traveling around Italy, eating my weight in gelato.


3) Velma. In July, I started sponsoring a child in Adiedo, Kenya. In October, I met her and held her little hand as we walked to her house with her grandparents and siblings.




2) Africa. I have always dreamt of going to Africa. When 2010 started, I never would have guessed that my dream would be fulfilled within the year. God truly does work in mysterious ways: when Dugee died, I knew that I had to re-prioritize my life and let God back in. My first Sunday in church, I saw the bulletin announcement for a Kenya mission trip. Not only was the trip a huge success, I am now volunteering for Spring of Hope International to save the lives of hundreds of children in Kenya through its sponsorship program.






1) Love. Is the only reality. I would be nowhere without the love and support of my family and friends. My travels and adventures would not have been possible...or worth it. They are what made my year.







I am beyond blessed. Funny thing is, although it hardly seems possible, I know 2011 is going to hold just as many surprises and new experiences and end up being an even better year.

Happy New Year!!!