twinkling lights endeavors: snowy days

Most Chicago residents probably groaned at the thought of the snow storm coming, but I was filled with excitement. If I had waterproof gloves and pants I'd be out on the back building a snowman! I ran into a bit of a problem, though...I'm not sure how I'm going to get the almost foot of snow off of my car and the foot and a half of snow out from around the car so that I can use it tomorrow for rehearsals....

Speaking of rehearsals, they actually cancelled on on Tuesday due to the snow! Sunday's staging rehearsal was wonderful. I was amazed at how the director can remember to each group of people their blocking, and she smoothly transitioned from each one. She taught us different Japanese movements for us to remember so we aren't standing stiff on stage. We laughed as she looked at her notes and said, "It's a good thing that I drew stick figures for these." It was cute picturing stick figures doing the poses and movements she was teaching us. I've been able to get to know people in the cast more! It's been a pleasure. It was also fun being able to drive one of the lead singers and a fellow chorus member to the train station so that they didn't have to take a long bus ride. It's easier to remember people's names who you spend a bit of time with in a small group rather than looking at the huge cast and trying to remember everyone's names.

This past Sunday morning I attended The Moody Church which is pastored by Erwin Lutzer. My mom mentioned that she would love to go there, because his books have been such an encouragement to her. I was kindly greeted as I walked in the door, and I was amazed at the beauty of the Sanctuary. As I looked around, I loved seeing people from all kinds of backgrounds. It's a huge urban ministry. The choir and accompaniment were absolutely gorgeous, and the pastor was so wonderful. He began a series called "Nothing Else Matters: How the Glory of God gives meaning to all of life", and I can't wait to hear the rest of the series.

Newsflash-- Last week on craigslist I spotted a hiring event for a Jamba Juice/Auntie Anne's that's opening at Navy Pier soon. My friend Austin is in dire need of work as well, so we both were sure to be at the food court where the interviews were going to be held exactly at 10:00am Tuesday morning. The interviews were going to be from Tuesday until Thursday. When we picked up applications to fill out, we saw the man doing the interviews, and I immediately rejoiced inside, because he had a NC accent. I had points already. Austin had his interview first and he was hired on the spot for a part-time worker (the few ahead of us weren't...quite sad for them...). My turn came, and I tried my best to turn on the Primm lady charm. ;) Come to find out, he was the regional director of MSE, and they own a ton of locations around the U.S, so it's easy to transfer. He grew up in Denver, NC, and his daughter works for the speed channel in Charlotte, so we had a tiny bit of a connection. I asked about moving up to management, and he began to tell me about the hourly manager position and asked me if I would be interested in giving it a shot, even though I haven't had management experience, yet. So, he hired me to definitely be a part-time worker, and I could call him back to take the hourly manager position if I desired. I asked my family and friends about it, and I came to the conclusion that it would be best to start off as part-time and get the feel for it, even though I would have secure hours and higher pay with the hourly manager position. I am so thankful for this! To tell the truth, I began to worry after I got this job that I would barely have enough to cover rent and food, but I knew God would still provide. This afternoon I was contacted by the Willis Tower (formerly Sears tower) skydeck gift shop, because they received my resume and CV and wanted me to come in for an interview to be part-time employee there. If both of these jobs work out, that would be marvelous! It would be quite funny to have two jobs in high tourist areas. When I read the e-mail asking when I could come in on Tuesday or Wednesday for an interview for the gift shop, inside I thought,"See, Rachelyn! God is taking care of you!"

Today I went to the library to find and check out a book to read during spare time and when I start riding the bus/trains more often. I can't express how much I love libraries. We grew up going every weekend with Dad, and it's always a joy. I chose Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, because I want to read more of her work. :)

Also, I made it a point to take pics today......

My darling abode--2nd floor