When I was almost 27

Look, Look!

I like it when Maci talks to me even though I can't understand a word she says!

Here I come!

The Journey, Part 7

Air mattresses rock! I usually don't kick up a fuss about sleeping on them, but this time it signifies the beginning of the next phase of our natural lives. Sleeping on air means that I'm an unofficial Lincoln resident and I'm now temporarily settled at Chris and Megan's house.

My first day on the job with Alltel begins tomorrow at 9 am. I've actually been educating myself on the company's products and plans so I can appear somewhat knowledgeable during my introductory period. Tomorrow's activities include signing my life away, followed by, trailing some seasoned professional salesperson around the store to learn the tricks of the trade.

Adding insult to injury, I'm actually working for the next several days on a probationary period. Apparently, my background-check information is 95% complete. The company is currently waiting for the other 5% to come from Montana. I hope they don't discover my ring of Meth labs, otherwise I'm out of a respectable job! In my book, a 95% is an 'A' average, so I don't understand how there could be a problem.

Can you imagine!? "Ok Walt, welcome to the Alltel team! Your past is 95% acceptable, but the other 5% could reveal that you are a cold-hearted killer primed for your next attack. As long as you understand the "at-will employment" clause, we'll continue with the process okie-dokie?"

Well, I pumped up my bed and I'm ready to test its comfort! I really am excited about tomorrow, it's going to be a blast!

The Journey, Part 6

If someone would have told me that I would have a job by September 26th, I would never have had to panic. But I did! It was September 8th and I was beginning to feel a little insignificant. I had several interviews all resulting with the same resounding, "Well we liked you, but...NO!"

I had a sit down with Sarah and her parents to vent my frustrations. I concluded that the problem was that I do indeed have something to offer a company, but I just didn't have any relationships in the Nebraska area to speak of at the time. I love talking with my parents because we are able to get down to the truth of what's happening in life, fairly quickly I might add. We ended our conversation with prayer.

By Friday the 9th, the whole world was different. I actually had 2 interviews the very next day. One of the interviewers actually made an offer on the spot. I also had two urgent voice mails from my friends at Alltel as well. Conincidence? I think not. This was the working of divine providence. So upon reviewing the messages, I returned Alltel's call. They wanted an interview that next Monday! Then, on Tuesday, I received another offer from another company!

In the matter of 2 days I had 2 job offers and a third interview with the company for which I really wanted to work in the first place!

To make a long story longer...on Thursday morning I had an offer from Alltel! So I accepted it! I finally have a job! I start September 26th and we're moving from Kearney to Lincoln, Nebraska very soon!

The journey has now been escalated to another level! Onward!

I need to hold Ashlyn too!

Ashyln looks into her daddy's eyes the morning of her birth!

Check her out!

Ashlyn at the Nursery

Welcome Ashlyn Isabel Crue!

Congratulations Aaron and Aubrey on the new addition. She was born today at 2:52 pm, weighing in at 7 lbs 11.5 oz. Ashlyn is 19.5 inches long. Look at all that hair!

I'M AN UNCLE!!

The Journey, Part 5

Well... Alltel decided invariably to hire someone else. Apparently I need more sales experience to handle a job of that caliber. I guess a year of working part-time at a sporting goods store does not chalk enough hours for a beginning sales guy.

So the journey continues. I had an incredible discussion with Sarah and her mom last Wednesday night. I came to accept the fact that God is not punishing me, he's merely molding and shaping me for something in the future. My prayer is this "future" would be realized by the end of today!

Alltel doesn't hold my future in their hands, God does. Alltel is not my provider God is. My faith and trust is in God, not Alltel. I thank God that I'm not in Louisiana having to find my family members after Katrina.

Maybe I don't have it so bad after all! And maybe you don't either. If you'd like to donate some resources to the American Red Cross for hurricane disaster relief click here!