February 13, 2011
January 22, 2011
Kirk of all trades
Gilmore Girls is my all-time favorite TV show, and one of my major accomplishments in 2010 was watching all 7 seasons in 7 months. (Ok, ok, not exactly a marathon, but 22 episodes every 30 days was a big achievement for me.) Now, after Gilmore immersion, I find myself remembering something funny or notable that relates to whatever is happening around me--only to realize that the memory is not from my life, but from the Girls.
One of the oddest characters is Kirk Gleason, played by Sean Gunn. He is part of the series from early in the 1st season. Kirk is a 30-ish man who lives with his mother and is quite stunted in his social growth. Kirk's appearances are always humorous, yet I can't remember ever seeing him smile--he is completely serious in whatever he says or does, no matter how ridiculous.
Kirk also has trouble finding his calling, so to speak. He holds a plethora of jobs, nearly a new career every episode, including but most definitely not limited to:
During the reenactment of Stars Hollow's involvement in the Revolutionary War, Kirk steps in at the last minute to play the "woman of questionable morals."
All in all, Kirk is an upstanding (albeit awkward) member of society, a real stand-up kind of guy... (oh wait, that's Luke).
He just has a bit of trouble choosing a career and sticking with it.
Much like someone else I know.
I've held a lot of jobs in my (very short) working life, as have most people my age--part-time jobs in high school and college abound in variety and transience. But the unrelated-ness of my employment history is starting to look a tad like Kirk's. Piano teacher (x2), food service, bank teller, church intern (x2), call center caller (?), accompanist, admissions office emailer, sporadic babysitter. I can set a banquet table, teach Sunday School, balance a cash drawer, slop broccoli, interview an irate opinion-giver, teach rhythm, plan events, put out symbolic fires, and (supposedly) work with kids. But I'm no closer to knowing what career I want to pursue than my first day on the time clock. What is next?
This week I began a new job: dental assisting at my dentist's office. It just fell into my lap, as I was sitting in the dentist's chair getting my teeth cleaned: "You want to work for me? We need a dental assistant." I work 3 days a week assisting the dentist with his dental work. Just what is that? you might ask. Well, let me tell you.
Basically, I shadow the dentist during his appointments, which are the more exciting and painful procedures like fillings, crowns, impressions (like clay molds of your teeth). I set up the room with all the equipment and instruments. Then I bring in the patient, trying to be extra cheery because they have extra reason to not want to be there, and pin on their dental bib while making small talk. When the dentist shows up, my job is to "hand him tools." This turns out to be a lot more complicated than it sounds, as there are a zillion different kinds of tools which all look like pointy silver things. There are also many types of goo used for fillings: blue stuff, primer, bond, the actual filling material, sealant, temp bond, and more. I also get to suck spit with the suction thing. After the patient is finished, I clean up all the yucky stuff, sterilize the instruments, and use a massive amount of sani-wipes. Sometimes, I get to develop X-rays in the dark room!
At first I thought it would be an uninteresting, gross job, but it actually is very fascinating and I haven't gagged yet. I am learning so much about teeth and gums, and getting obsessive about my dental health. (Please do floss and brush every day, there is really a lot of incentive to do so, trust me!)
All in all, not a job I want to do for the rest of my life, but I job I can do now. Maybe while I'm suctioning spit I can figure out what I do want to do for the rest of my life. (Woman of questionable morals, anyone?)
One of the oddest characters is Kirk Gleason, played by Sean Gunn. He is part of the series from early in the 1st season. Kirk is a 30-ish man who lives with his mother and is quite stunted in his social growth. Kirk's appearances are always humorous, yet I can't remember ever seeing him smile--he is completely serious in whatever he says or does, no matter how ridiculous.
Kirk also has trouble finding his calling, so to speak. He holds a plethora of jobs, nearly a new career every episode, including but most definitely not limited to:
dog walker,
DSL installer,
assistant manager of Doose's Market, cashier at the beauty supply shop, various delivery men, waiter at Weston's coffee shop, numerous entrepreneurial activities (mailbox designer, filmmaker, T-shirt designer),
town tour giver,
photographer, DJ, mailman, employee at the Star's Hollow movie theatre, realtor-in-training, and jewelry salesmen (he inherits the jewels as a result of "befriending really old women").
Like all the good citizens of Stars Hollow, Kirk is very involved in town festivals and events. At the town's Living Picture Festival, Kirk plays Christ in The Last Supper. 
photographer, DJ, mailman, employee at the Star's Hollow movie theatre, realtor-in-training, and jewelry salesmen (he inherits the jewels as a result of "befriending really old women").
During the reenactment of Stars Hollow's involvement in the Revolutionary War, Kirk steps in at the last minute to play the "woman of questionable morals."
All in all, Kirk is an upstanding (albeit awkward) member of society, a real stand-up kind of guy... (oh wait, that's Luke).
He just has a bit of trouble choosing a career and sticking with it.
Much like someone else I know.
I've held a lot of jobs in my (very short) working life, as have most people my age--part-time jobs in high school and college abound in variety and transience. But the unrelated-ness of my employment history is starting to look a tad like Kirk's. Piano teacher (x2), food service, bank teller, church intern (x2), call center caller (?), accompanist, admissions office emailer, sporadic babysitter. I can set a banquet table, teach Sunday School, balance a cash drawer, slop broccoli, interview an irate opinion-giver, teach rhythm, plan events, put out symbolic fires, and (supposedly) work with kids. But I'm no closer to knowing what career I want to pursue than my first day on the time clock. What is next?
This week I began a new job: dental assisting at my dentist's office. It just fell into my lap, as I was sitting in the dentist's chair getting my teeth cleaned: "You want to work for me? We need a dental assistant." I work 3 days a week assisting the dentist with his dental work. Just what is that? you might ask. Well, let me tell you.
Basically, I shadow the dentist during his appointments, which are the more exciting and painful procedures like fillings, crowns, impressions (like clay molds of your teeth). I set up the room with all the equipment and instruments. Then I bring in the patient, trying to be extra cheery because they have extra reason to not want to be there, and pin on their dental bib while making small talk. When the dentist shows up, my job is to "hand him tools." This turns out to be a lot more complicated than it sounds, as there are a zillion different kinds of tools which all look like pointy silver things. There are also many types of goo used for fillings: blue stuff, primer, bond, the actual filling material, sealant, temp bond, and more. I also get to suck spit with the suction thing. After the patient is finished, I clean up all the yucky stuff, sterilize the instruments, and use a massive amount of sani-wipes. Sometimes, I get to develop X-rays in the dark room!
At first I thought it would be an uninteresting, gross job, but it actually is very fascinating and I haven't gagged yet. I am learning so much about teeth and gums, and getting obsessive about my dental health. (Please do floss and brush every day, there is really a lot of incentive to do so, trust me!)
All in all, not a job I want to do for the rest of my life, but I job I can do now. Maybe while I'm suctioning spit I can figure out what I do want to do for the rest of my life. (Woman of questionable morals, anyone?)
December 31, 2010
Christmas Letter at New Year's :)
Merry Christmas!
This year I wanted to do a Christmas letter, but of course I didn't do it before Christmas, so it's more of a New Year's letter. I opted for online rather than paper because it's simpler and quicker for me. Hopefully this gives you a great picture (ha!) of what my year has been like.
2010 was a very eventful year for me. I'm actually hoping 2011 is more of the same, but a pleasant sort of eventful. This year was very difficult for me and many things were unexpected. I learned a lot, I changed a lot, and I'm ready for even more changes. Here is a bit of what 2010 held for me (in a vaguely chronological order).
Sunny California
I lived in Fresno, CA for most of the year--loved California!
(Fresnans, can you guess where this mosaic is??)
Church and Work
In Fresno, I go to First Presbyterian Church. I worked at First Presbyterian Church until the end of May...
doing an internship with the children's ministry program--kindergarten through 6th grade. I helped with Sunday School, AWANA, and various office work. The kids were great and I especially liked AWANA on Wednesday nights!
During the spring semester I also taught piano lessons to 9 students, mostly kids from church. They were wonderful students and I am so proud of them!!! We had our recital in May.
During the summer and fall, I hunted for a job in Fresno. I worked for a few months at a call center as a public opinion researcher (meaning, I called people, listened to the phone ring, and occasionally got them to do surveys). I couldn't find a permanent job in Fresno, so I moved home and am searching elsewhere.
At the end of May, I went to Link Care Center (also in Fresno) for some time in a counseling program. I was on-campus till mid-July and then continued counseling outside of the program. My time at Link Care was incredibly significant and helpful.
While at Link Care, I made some great friends.
My sister and I with our grandpa
My grandma, mother, and I
Scene of the accident and sad car
Families
This year I was privileged to live with some wonderful families who took me in: the Grunbergs, the Norvells, and the Skibbies. Lots of other people were also wonderful at helping me out! I can't even name them all, there are so many.
The Grunbergs and I at the coast
The Skibbies and I at their house
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco!
My parents came to visit in September! We went to Yosemite and saw the giant sequoias.
At the top of Vernal Falls at Yosemite, in July
This is my favorite hike in Yosemite!
My friend Jess and I at Yosemite! I also visited her in Dallas, her new dwelling place, in December.
Disneyland! A very magical day and my personal birthday celebration.
On Christmas morning we unwrapped a wireless router! The Hurliman household has gone wireless and we are so excited!
Well, that's what my 2010 has looked like...I am looking forward to what 2011 will bring, and I wish you well in the New Year!
Much love,
Sarah
This year I wanted to do a Christmas letter, but of course I didn't do it before Christmas, so it's more of a New Year's letter. I opted for online rather than paper because it's simpler and quicker for me. Hopefully this gives you a great picture (ha!) of what my year has been like.
2010 was a very eventful year for me. I'm actually hoping 2011 is more of the same, but a pleasant sort of eventful. This year was very difficult for me and many things were unexpected. I learned a lot, I changed a lot, and I'm ready for even more changes. Here is a bit of what 2010 held for me (in a vaguely chronological order).
Sunny California
I lived in Fresno, CA for most of the year--loved California!(Fresnans, can you guess where this mosaic is??)
Church and Work
In Fresno, I go to First Presbyterian Church. I worked at First Presbyterian Church until the end of May...
doing an internship with the children's ministry program--kindergarten through 6th grade. I helped with Sunday School, AWANA, and various office work. The kids were great and I especially liked AWANA on Wednesday nights!
During the spring semester I also taught piano lessons to 9 students, mostly kids from church. They were wonderful students and I am so proud of them!!! We had our recital in May.During the summer and fall, I hunted for a job in Fresno. I worked for a few months at a call center as a public opinion researcher (meaning, I called people, listened to the phone ring, and occasionally got them to do surveys). I couldn't find a permanent job in Fresno, so I moved home and am searching elsewhere.
Link Care
At the end of May, I went to Link Care Center (also in Fresno) for some time in a counseling program. I was on-campus till mid-July and then continued counseling outside of the program. My time at Link Care was incredibly significant and helpful.
While at Link Care, I made some great friends.Funerals. boo :(
This year three significant people died: the senior pastor at my church, Jamie Evans, on Feb. 25; my Grandpa on May 8; and my Grandma Mary on Dec. 4. Their deaths were sad and hard.
This year three significant people died: the senior pastor at my church, Jamie Evans, on Feb. 25; my Grandpa on May 8; and my Grandma Mary on Dec. 4. Their deaths were sad and hard.
My sister and I with our grandpa
My grandma, mother, and ICars
In July, I was in a car accident. No one was hurt (and it was not my fault), but my car was totaled. Goodbye, Lizzy (Ford Taurus)...Hello, Lorelai (Chevy Malibu).
In July, I was in a car accident. No one was hurt (and it was not my fault), but my car was totaled. Goodbye, Lizzy (Ford Taurus)...Hello, Lorelai (Chevy Malibu).
Scene of the accident and sad carFamilies
This year I was privileged to live with some wonderful families who took me in: the Grunbergs, the Norvells, and the Skibbies. Lots of other people were also wonderful at helping me out! I can't even name them all, there are so many.
The Grunbergs and I at the coast
The Skibbies and I at their houseTravels and Visits
I took lots of exciting trips this year and saw all sorts of things in California and across the US. In California: San Francisco, San Jose, the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Central Coast, Yosemite National Park (x3!), Los Angeles, Disneyland, and the Coachella Valley. I also embarked on a cross-country road trip as I moved homes from Fresno, CA to Danforth, IL, to live with my parents and search for a job. I got to see Sedona, AZ and its Red Rocks; almost saw the Grand Canyon (deterred by a snowstorm); Santa Fe, NM; lots of rather uninteresting land in west Texas; Dallas, TX and some of its historical sites; Broken Bow, OK; and a long drive from OK back to IL (during which I donned another layer of clothes at every gas station pit stop).
My friend Jess came to visit me in Fresno over the summer, and my parents came to Fresno in September! Those were all really fun times. On my road trip I was able to spend time with lots of friends and family along the way--friends Jenny, Susan, Jess, Jess's mom; many aunts and uncles and cousins; and many of their pets. I also saw all my extended family over the course of the year at my grandparents' funerals--bad circumstances but good to catch up.
I took lots of exciting trips this year and saw all sorts of things in California and across the US. In California: San Francisco, San Jose, the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Central Coast, Yosemite National Park (x3!), Los Angeles, Disneyland, and the Coachella Valley. I also embarked on a cross-country road trip as I moved homes from Fresno, CA to Danforth, IL, to live with my parents and search for a job. I got to see Sedona, AZ and its Red Rocks; almost saw the Grand Canyon (deterred by a snowstorm); Santa Fe, NM; lots of rather uninteresting land in west Texas; Dallas, TX and some of its historical sites; Broken Bow, OK; and a long drive from OK back to IL (during which I donned another layer of clothes at every gas station pit stop).
My friend Jess came to visit me in Fresno over the summer, and my parents came to Fresno in September! Those were all really fun times. On my road trip I was able to spend time with lots of friends and family along the way--friends Jenny, Susan, Jess, Jess's mom; many aunts and uncles and cousins; and many of their pets. I also saw all my extended family over the course of the year at my grandparents' funerals--bad circumstances but good to catch up.
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco!
My parents came to visit in September! We went to Yosemite and saw the giant sequoias.
At the top of Vernal Falls at Yosemite, in JulyThis is my favorite hike in Yosemite!
My friend Jess and I at Yosemite! I also visited her in Dallas, her new dwelling place, in December.
Disneyland! A very magical day and my personal birthday celebration. Current
I have been home for the holidays since Dec. 4, and have enjoyed my "Christmas vacation," though it has been busy. Starting in January, I will be searching for a job in the Midwest. I'll continue living at home, which means I get to spend some time with my parents, and my sister Becca until she goes back to college.
I have been home for the holidays since Dec. 4, and have enjoyed my "Christmas vacation," though it has been busy. Starting in January, I will be searching for a job in the Midwest. I'll continue living at home, which means I get to spend some time with my parents, and my sister Becca until she goes back to college.
On Christmas morning we unwrapped a wireless router! The Hurliman household has gone wireless and we are so excited!Much love,
Sarah
December 22, 2010
Once a bean traveled the world to find you here
Mmm. First day of winter. Peppermint mocha at Starbucks. My Christmas present to myself. I have to admit, I am a Starbucks junkie. I tell myself that I go only as a special treat, but the truth is that while I lived in Fresno I went far more frequently than that. (Luckily I now live in the boondocks—where, ironically, the nearest place to get a drink of any sort is a bar called Boondocks.) I used to pride myself on not liking Starbucks—too corporate, a big chain coffee shop, no personality. I preferred independent coffee shops, with all of their quirks and one-of-a-kind offerings. But Starbucks won me over.
There is something comforting about knowing I can walk into a Starbucks anywhere in the country and it will feel the same. I can count on the menu, the music, the furniture, the décor, the cups. The walls never get painted a brilliant orange, my iced coffee always has the perfect amount of sweetener (2 pumps please), I don’t have to peruse the menu, the WiFi always works.
In Fresno my favorite Starbucks was the shop at Figarden Village. Decently sized, lots of outdoor seating, a few good nooks and crannies, the same friendly blonde barista, a nostalgic quote stenciled on the wall. I found my new favorite Starbucks a week ago. One of the largest ones I have been in, with lots of tables, a quaint living room sitting area with (count ‘em) 3 armchairs and 1 couch, mirrors adorning the walls, big windows.
Call me crazy (and a sucker for sappy) but I really like the Starbucks Christmas marketing theme this year. “Stories are gifts—Share.” Maybe it’s because I have such an interesting story from this past year, or maybe it’s because I have been gifted by sharing in the stories of dear friends this summer and fall. Maybe it’s because I love presents! Maybe it’s because I love books (and storybooks). Maybe it’s because I’m part of the postmodern generation. At any rate, I like it; and the slogan makes me feel warm and thoughtful when I see it. My story is a gift, and it is good to share stories. My story is not a burden, or a bad ending or boring or only sad. It is an adventure, with bumps and breakdowns and soaring glistening moments so full you could burst and new chapters and deja vu’s and spiral curriculum and tear-stained pages and notes in the margin and a coffee-cup-wrinkled cover, because it is well-loved (like the tattered Velveteen Rabbit) and worth reading and telling over and over.
Stories are gifts. Share.
I want to share my story. I want to share it because I want to have relationships, and relationships don’t exist apart from sharing story snippets with each other. But mostly, the marketing slogan resonates with me because I don’t want to be ashamed of my stories, to assume that they are not worth telling or hearing. Sharing stories is important for both the teller and the hearer, and for me right now, I want to tell my stories just to be telling them—to tell the truth about what I experience and how I live my experiences—even if I tell it only to myself.
Parker Palmer, one of my current favorite authors, puts it this way:
“The experience of darkness has been essential to my coming into selfhood, and telling the truth about that fact helps me stay in the light.” (Let Your Life Speak)
To tell a story gives it fullness and validity. When I tell my stories, it reminds me that they are real and that there are lots of good parts. I know that so well when I hear others’ stories, but I find it hard to hear the validity of my own stories until I actually tell them.
I’ll spare you the even sappier sub-slogans of the season. (Besides, this is the only one that had a point.) I have some other stories to get to—I’m rereading the Harry Potter series, start to finish, in a very short time frame. What can I say—Starbucks isn’t the only pop culture phenomenon I fell for!
There is something comforting about knowing I can walk into a Starbucks anywhere in the country and it will feel the same. I can count on the menu, the music, the furniture, the décor, the cups. The walls never get painted a brilliant orange, my iced coffee always has the perfect amount of sweetener (2 pumps please), I don’t have to peruse the menu, the WiFi always works.
In Fresno my favorite Starbucks was the shop at Figarden Village. Decently sized, lots of outdoor seating, a few good nooks and crannies, the same friendly blonde barista, a nostalgic quote stenciled on the wall. I found my new favorite Starbucks a week ago. One of the largest ones I have been in, with lots of tables, a quaint living room sitting area with (count ‘em) 3 armchairs and 1 couch, mirrors adorning the walls, big windows.
Call me crazy (and a sucker for sappy) but I really like the Starbucks Christmas marketing theme this year. “Stories are gifts—Share.” Maybe it’s because I have such an interesting story from this past year, or maybe it’s because I have been gifted by sharing in the stories of dear friends this summer and fall. Maybe it’s because I love presents! Maybe it’s because I love books (and storybooks). Maybe it’s because I’m part of the postmodern generation. At any rate, I like it; and the slogan makes me feel warm and thoughtful when I see it. My story is a gift, and it is good to share stories. My story is not a burden, or a bad ending or boring or only sad. It is an adventure, with bumps and breakdowns and soaring glistening moments so full you could burst and new chapters and deja vu’s and spiral curriculum and tear-stained pages and notes in the margin and a coffee-cup-wrinkled cover, because it is well-loved (like the tattered Velveteen Rabbit) and worth reading and telling over and over.
Stories are gifts. Share.
I want to share my story. I want to share it because I want to have relationships, and relationships don’t exist apart from sharing story snippets with each other. But mostly, the marketing slogan resonates with me because I don’t want to be ashamed of my stories, to assume that they are not worth telling or hearing. Sharing stories is important for both the teller and the hearer, and for me right now, I want to tell my stories just to be telling them—to tell the truth about what I experience and how I live my experiences—even if I tell it only to myself.
Parker Palmer, one of my current favorite authors, puts it this way:
“The experience of darkness has been essential to my coming into selfhood, and telling the truth about that fact helps me stay in the light.” (Let Your Life Speak)
To tell a story gives it fullness and validity. When I tell my stories, it reminds me that they are real and that there are lots of good parts. I know that so well when I hear others’ stories, but I find it hard to hear the validity of my own stories until I actually tell them.
I’ll spare you the even sappier sub-slogans of the season. (Besides, this is the only one that had a point.) I have some other stories to get to—I’m rereading the Harry Potter series, start to finish, in a very short time frame. What can I say—Starbucks isn’t the only pop culture phenomenon I fell for!
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