Marketing at its finest.
I thoroughly enjoyed Listerine’s marketing verbage on their advertised “24 hour protection”. Apparently to get the 24 hour protection, it must be used every 12 hours. I will be putting out my new mouth wash product that has 36 hour protection! (use ever hour).
Concert in the Bathroom
If you are to ever visit our apartment or just hang out with us for a few minutes you will hear a common sound. Whistling. I was searching through our photos and noticed in roughly 99% of the photos of Sarah, she is whistling. Yes, even her game face is whistling. Maybe it is a great intimidation tactic for basketball. There have been several instances when I have been waiting outside of the women’s restroom for Sarah and have heard the sound of whistling, apparently providing a mini concert for the other women using the facilities. I think that Sarah has a continual rotation of music going through her head, often times tunes she makes up.
“Would you like to be considered a couple?”
So Friday, January 29th 2005 I said those romantic words, “Would you like to be considered a couple?” (I thought it was sooth at the time) to who is now my wife. Friday marked FIVE years of being a couple! To mark this memorable day Sarah did something amazing for me—a scavenger hunt. I got home early afternoon with a note on the door with the first clue that lead me to photo albums, books, and other items in the house that we have shared memories together. Every clue was perfectly thought out and extremely clever. My favorite was the clue “Our relationship truly is an ‘Active Job.’ And today marks the Beginning of It All.” I have a carefully structured organization system on the computer for my design jobs. All of my current design projects are in the folder “active jobs”. In the folder was a letter straight from her heart that—sappy I know—brought tears to my eyes. I truly am a lucky man.
And then I found…twenty bucks!
So remember back in college…when you were telling this really awesome story…except nobody else thought it was awesome…so you had to think of some flare…before you lost your whole audience…and the flare (and least in our circles) had to do with money? Remember? I do. And I’d like to tell you a story:
The other day James and I went for a run. It was so nice outside–like spring! Well, we’re running by the lake and see this guy taking pictures of something out there. It was an eagle! (Stop yawning.) He proceeded to show us all the photos he’d taken so far of said eagle and another sweet-looking bird. But we had to keep running. So we’re making our way to Owen’s (to return a Redbox dvd), and then…I found twenty bucks!
And no, I didn’t just say that to keep you entertained. I really did find $20!!! WHOA! See, this is why I always look down. I don’t remember much of the scenery in Argentina or Bolivia or Tennessee, but I sure do know their streets! I usually only find a quarter or so. $20, though; that’s the jackpot!!
Hope you liked my story!
-Sarah
Bball Time Again
I (Sarah) had another fun time at the basketball game fundraiser. This time one of the Colts cheerleaders actually joined us in the game. I’m all, “Pu-leeeease, don’t insult me!” And then. She swished a three!! Man oh man. She was cool after that!
(The photo was one of our many fun “plays”–volleyball! We also played soccer and football…all with that basketball. Great times!
Nestle wrote me back!
They were really thoughtful in their (long) letter to me–telling me how distribution works and such. Then they used my zipcode to find a local store that carries their brand of hot cocoa. It was the Owens way downtown. Never tried that one before. So we went last night. Checked it out. And. They only carry the individual packets, just like our close Owens. Those things are more than TWICE as much as the tubs of cocoa! No way am I paying that (not with the rate I go through cocoa!). That’s it, though. No free stuff. No samples. No coupons. I was slightly disappointed.
So. I’m going to write them back. And let them know that I hope they start distributing the big tubs in at least one local store! Or. Maybe they can find one in Fort Wayne that’s got ‘em. I could stock up…
The saga continues. Will keep you posted. Literally! (Ha!) 
I wrote a letter to Nestle.
You see, I love their brand of cocoa. And really theirs alone. So I wrote the following letter. I hope it helps, so I can find cocoa again! But secretly, I wrote it because every time I write companies letters, they send me a free sample. And I love free things. Especially if they’re Nestle things.
-Sarah
Why are we here?
“Here” as in right here at this moment in this situation. Waiting is not the most enjoyable task in the world. Here are some lyrics from Brandon Heath. Not a huge fan of this song, but every time it gets to this part, it totally resinates with my heart:
“Still wondering why I’m here
Still wrestling with my fear
But oh, He’s up to something
And the farther on I go
I’ve seen enough to know that I’m not here for nothing
He’s up to something
He’s not finished with me yet
He’s not finished with you yet
He’s not finished with us yet”
Praise the Lord for that truth!
The Adventure Continues
Prayer is an interesting thing. Or maybe I should say, the way God answers prayer is interesting. Sarah and I really thought we had God figured out this time. I went to the Chicago area for a THIRD interview for a job that we have been praying for for about two months! God has answered prayer miraculously to keep the doors open for this job. We were pointing to God the whole way thinking, this must be it! How could it not be? After all, God answered all our prayers positively and even removed obstacles for me to get to this third interview. Surly, God wants me to have this job.
The third interview went very well. People were excited, I even got the sweet tour. Again, thinking we knew what God was up to, we were convinced we would be packing our stuff and moving to Paletine, Illinois. However, we got the shocking news on Thursday afternoon that they selected another candidate for the position. What!? But, God did all this work! We did all this praying!
After much disapointment, we came back to God. Recognizing that God is still God. His faithfulness remains, His goodness reamains, and His grace reamains. Where is He taking us? What is He is showing us through this? What is He teaching us?
Maybe Sarah has been praying for pacience without me knowing it…
Now, with continued hope in God’s sovereignty the job search continues. Please keep praying that our faith and trust in God will be strengthend, and that He will give us the patience to wait for what He has for us.
P.S. On an encouraging note, the Director of Marketing Services (who I have been interviewing with) wrote me an email letting me know of another graphic design position at a different community college. He will be contacting their marketing department to let them know of my status as a finalist in their interview process.