Weekends are definitely too "short" -- as I had the intensive vocal training for Christmas choir this past Saturday, I feel quite exhaustive of EVERYTHING.  Thankfully, when I arrived back to my mom's place, I got most of my "church" related items off my plate (i.e. typing minutes).  Went out to dinner with my mom and sis Saturday night, and went to a little shopping spree (didn't spend too much as I found something for a bargain).  I was pretty good with $$ situation.

Though I just found out that I have no copies of the articles to be uploaded into the fellowship website (might have to do some more typing ).... I'm not too happy with that since it will take me twice the time.  Will see if I can find articles via my mailbox.... hopefully that will ease my input.  Still awaiting to do the final step in launching this site.  Hopefully, it will be rolled out soon.  Then I'll put this off my plate to work on the upcoming publication (i.e. page layout).  I still haven't worked on the cover yet.

Another working week..... and I really need prayer.  I've begun to get my head set back to His Word daily (last week was quite impossible to do so).  Yesterday morning, Pastor CW made an amusing tie to his sermon yesterday morning.  "please pray for me.. please pray for me." 

can't believe today will be 70 degrees.... unbelievable.

OK, ramble some later.  Busy day as I also have night class..... besides the regular work.

I'm so glad it's Friday.... things at the (work) studios were quiet (thank goodness).... did at least a few more billings since I can't bear to see the piles going up (I have to end up doing it anyway). 

Overwhelming really sums up my feeling my first week at this firm.  Today I actually didn't have too many errors in the billings entries (praise the Lord!).  However, next week, I have to sit with the assistant again Monday and Tuesday to go over some items for billing (the NOF piles).  This morning I've dealt with one client, and getting their invoice charged on the credit card (it's a first for me since I normally do not handle billings & credit card processing).  Oh well, this task really adds to my resume..... if I feel the job is not suitable, (maybe) I will consider thinking elsewhere and going back to square one.  The thought comes to mind; however, it is just goes in a "flash"..... though it's just a thought.  I'll stick with this job until I feel it's not worth my while.

Tomorrow is "doomsday" since I will be hanging out at church to practice for the Christmas choir.  There aren't too many of us in the choir left as a lot have other commitments (I feel like dropping out myself since I have too much on my plate to handle --- and that includes being in charge of Devotion for Winter Conference ).  I feel so "used" up as things are flashing upfront left and right.  At least I have someone to back me up when I'm not available (i.e. pastoral staffs).  I'm already sensing not too many people attending the upcoming winter conference.  I feel sad and discouraged because not too many committed people are coming upfront to serve Him....... and I'm beginning to feel a little "burnout" since response has been quite poor in finding help (in general).  I guess part of it is how little faith I have in certain people.  I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I'm sensing a lost of touch for certain people.   Sometimes, I wonder "is it worth it to give my awe?"  Would anyone (except God) care??  Is it worth it?

Oh well, it's just the small part of me venting..... somehow, this feeling will subside as I learn how to handle my work related responsibilities, church & fellowship stuff and taking care of myself.  This is one challenging task as I will be wearing different "hats" within different departments (church, fellowship and work).  As much as I want to give up, I think God is testing me to see if I can handle the tasks accordingly.  I hope to get a better handle of the situations --- and throw out whatever garbage I've said from above paragraph.  I guess having too "high" hopes makes me feel disappointed.   

Anyway, I was so glad to leave the office & sort out what I have to follow up next week.  Hopefully, I will get a better handle of my daily work tasks (and improve on the software training stuff).  As much as I want to rant and ramble during my work hours (which was an advantage at the office previously), I really can't.  Things are quite inconvenient as I'm in a very "open" area -- no private areas except the bathroom and supply room.  It's quite warehouse look..... West Side highway looks deserted after 5pm..... so, I have sprint to the subway station (latest 5:20pm).  I'm relieved once I hit 7th Avenue.  Though the winters are getting colder (hopefully my safety will not be affected). 

Anyhow, I've ranted enough in the half hour online.  Tomorrow I have to get up early to practice ...... have a little dinner treat tomorrow night .... then Sunday another round of messages & follow up to take care of (all church related) & choir again...... and hopefully try to clean up stuff in my apartment.  I've been retreating at my mom's place since I haven't really seen her since last weekend.  Hopefully we will get caught up tomorrow night after my choir practice. 

Happy weekend.  Also need to squeeze website stuff too (maybe) - lots to follow up and take care of  *sigh*..... ramble later.  Peace!

Prayers .....

Finally, I uploaded some photos from my camera - decided to post here first before distribution (these are the best of the bunch I had taken):
 
Silvermine Lake -- mirrored image of the autumn foliage which was at its peak. 

Little Isabel - as we went on an outing together.... she's adorable, isn't she??

Our first hike point destination was at Sam's Point -- we went to an ice cave (2nd time coming here).  It was quite foggy and wet on Halloween (10/31/09).


Our group shot in front of the ice cave door -- it was freezing opening the door.
 
I almost gave up this beautiful view at Verkeerder Kill Falls (thanks to the support from some brothers and sisters, I had a chance to finish the small distance away from the falls)--- we had a strenuous hike getting to this waterfall since my leg cramped up due to the extreme freezing water temperature walking.  The condition was better as I rested more than 20 minutes here and there (sorry for the delaying the team -- my condition will not change as I like hiking).  It was raining and windy (a similar scenario to a hike two years ago on July 4th).  Though it was quite refreshing getting a glimpse and to accomplish the hike when we went back to the parking lot.  I was so scared of catching a cold since we were all soaking wet heading to the restaurant (and then heading to the hotel to sleep for the night).  Lucky for the extra hour of sleep. 

Group shot in front of the Clarkesville Cave before getting in the hole -- it was quite dark going in & walking on the freezing water (again).  I felt better walking inside the cave (thanks to my knee pads), my friend's headlight and cm's helmet.  I was still a bit sore from Saturday's hike, but was bearable to hike inside the cave. A trip like this would be better in the hot summer months -- then we can hike toward the waterfalls area.  Maybe, cm will make a trip like this again next year. 
 
And we made it out safely in our wet muddy clothes...... praise the Lord!    I was afraid for one of our member who (may) have not gotten out of the hole.    Just kidding, he was all right (or how would he would help take this shot).

Overall, it was quite fun.  I'm looking forward to the next adventurous hike (whenever that will be).