A landmark month

A landmark month

The tumultuous February of 2014 will go down in Zach and Carly history as the most unexpected 28 days to date. At the beginning of the month, a new era emerged. I started a new job, Zach received some exciting recognition for his screenwriting (more details below), and we had no idea that a bit of what we take for granted was preparing to explode. I've never been happier to see March 1 on the calendar!

Here's what went down in our lives last month:

Carly's new job

Meet my new place of employment: http://birdstreetbooks.com/

Back in Bellingham, I worked at a great company called Northwest Radiologists/Mt. Baker Imaging. While there, I worked with some of the best coworkers around! One of my coworkers, Monika, became a dear friend. She and I started working for Northwest Radiologists around the same time and hit it off as we navigated our new jobs together! I was thrilled when she moved to LA about six months ago. We've always wanted to work together again. Monika (a phenomenal accountant) recently got a job at a start-up book publishing company. When an opening came up for an Executive Assistant, Monika asked if I'd be interested. Though I had no complaints about my then-current job at National TeleConsultants (who can beat a job that is in WALKING distance of their apartment?), I felt that this was a unique opportunity that should be given serious consideration. Long story short: I interviewed, I was offered the job, I negotiated a wage (I'm a big kid now), I accepted! It was certainly tough saying goodbye to the company, coworkers and near-perfect situation that had eased me into LA life. However, as an English major (whose interest in publishing was piqued in high school journalism class, then piqued again during a college magazine internship and a couple editing, publishing and tech writing courses), it is exciting to be working in the publishing industry!

I am now one of those LA commuters you see lined up in a traffic jam on TV. My introverted self semi-enjoys my commute. It's a chance to spend time alone recharging before and after my work day. I also don't know how to have road rage - that's a helpful trait here in LA.

One of the best things about the new job is its location. I traded a company down the road for a company at the Paramount Pictures lot! You might be wondering why a book publishing company is headquartered on a film and TV production lot.  Read the "About Us" section on the website and that will answer your question.

What's even better than working on the Paramount lot? Working with Monika! We have fun taking walks and lunches together. New experiences are always richer when you have a friend to share them with!

 Just some snapshots of my new workplace.

The Paramount water tower in all its glory. 

The Hollywood sign is tiny in this picture. But look close enough and you'll see it!

Lucille Ball's park. 

On Valentine's Day, Monika and I were sitting in Lucy's park when an airplane drew us a heart in the air.

Zach's good news

I'll share Zach's good news before his not-so-good news. Not only has he written three screenplays since moving to LA last year (impressive!), he's received some great recognition for his screenwriting! He was a finalist in the Beverly Hills Screenplay Contest and a quarter-finalist in the 2013 Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition! His work beat out over 2,000 other writers! He makes his editor proud. :) 

http://www.fresh-voices.com/2013-screenplay-competition-quarter-finalists.html

http://beverlyhillsscreenplaycontest.com/awards/2013-official-finalists

Zach's bad news

Here's what really threw us for a loop during February! On the morning of 2/13, I walked into the bathroom to find Zach collapsed on the ground. I won't go into the nitty gritty of his symptoms. That would be way too much information. I knew it was bad when he said he needed to go to the ER. In my work dress and uncomfortable shoes, we rushed to the hospital. After a long morning, the doctor told us Zach had a kidney stone! Kidney stones are a man's equivalent to having a baby. Except the agonizing pain can last up to a week or more! Zach was bedridden for the next week. He drank a lot of water, ate Saltine crackers only, tried to walk around (except he couldn't), and endured constant pain. After a week of trying to get the stone to pass, a specialist recommended laser surgery because the stone was stuck. The day of his surgery, Zach was in the most intense pain I'd ever seen him in (that's what happens when you can't keep your pain meds down). But the hospital (Glendale Adventist) treated us with such concern and kindness. We were blessed by a jovial fellow who saw me struggling to support Zach's weight while walking through the parking lot. He sped over on his golf cart to give us a lift to the receptionists in Pre-Op, who did their best to keep Zach comfortable. We got to the hospital at noon, but didn't get home until 11:45 PM. Best part of the day for Zach: He finally got that blasted kidney stone blasted (Literally. With a laser!). Best part of the day for me: I got to spend two hours in the waiting room watching the Olympic ice skating matches. Oh, cable, how I've missed you!

Poor, poor Zach. 

Zach's recovery hasn't been the easiest. And he is just now starting to feel like normal. He has another small procedure next week, then we'll wait for the medical bills to start rolling in... And there will be a great host of them! Words of wisdom:  never have any serious medical issues in California. If you haven't heard, this place is expensive. 

Reflections

From my decision to take on a new job to the many decisions we had to make during Zach's dilemma, the 28 days of February took us through a major growth period in our lives and marriage. I found myself fearless as I cared for Zach - enduring complicated phone calls, medical inquiries and decisions on his behalf. I found Zach recognizing God's reliable character despite his excruciating physical and emotional pain. Rather than feeling forsaken, his intimacy with God became tangible and apparent. I found us both [eventually] releasing our grip on the financial worries that this trial cost us. I found us truly relying on each other for the support we needed to get through the uncertainty and growing pains of this experience. I found myself constantly appreciating and gratefully accepting the comfort, advice and dependability of our families. I saw examples of true encouragement from friends who sent texts, called and prayed for us when we felt alone in our situation. God continues to minister and take care of us through the people in our lives. Thank you, everyone! 

Thanks to Tim and Wanda for spotting us a few ;). And thanks, mom and dad, for sending us some money to use at our favorite restaurant. There's nothing like hummus, tabbouleh and succulent Armenian kabobs to lift our spirits. 

Other things that happened

As Zach recovered from his surgery, we got a visit from Tyler, Kelsie and Colton. They spent the week in Disneyland to celebrate Colton's adoption! As you can see, Seahawk pride is still among us. 

I love beautiful skies (don't we all?). I woke up very early on the Sunday after Daylight Savings Time to go on a hike with a friend. This sunrise assured me that it was worth it. These photos were taken right outside our apartment. 

Your movie consultants will see you now

There are a lot of good movies out there. There are also a lot of mediocre ones. Fear not, we've found you some gems that won't be a waste of your time - we promise. Here's a smattering of movies we've watched recently, and our thoughts to go along with them.

 

Zach says: Intense, nail biting true story. Not to mention the best Tom Hanks has been in a decade.  

Carly says: To me, this movie spoke a clear spiritual theme: God's passionate love for us despite our humanity. Not only does he know every part of us and love us despite that, he is able to truly love us because he knows every part of us - our past, our upbringing, our deficiencies, our motivations. 

Zach says: Cate Blanchet was great. But that goes without saying. Everything else was just okay for me.   

Carly says: While a lot of people got frustrated with the inconclusive ending, I thought it was fitting. The majority of our culture's values leave us empty and unsatisfied. Just like this movie's ending. Pretty sure that was intentional. 

Zach says: Easily the best film of 2013. Original, poignant, courageous, and touching. It has a great message that people often neglect to acknowledge due to the fact this movie is about a man who falls in love with a computer.... I know it sounds weird but just give it a chance.  

Zach says: There is always an underrated film of the year that the entire public tears to pieces. This was 2013's love-to-hate movie, regardless of whether people actually bothered to see it or not (most people didn't bother). This is a perfectly adequate adventure romp with spectacular action set pieces. It it aware of its own preposterous-ness and all the better for it.   

Zach says: Great music. Great performances. The Coen Brothers. Enough said.


Zach says: One of the most important films of the decade in my opinion. Scorsese is a cinematic anthropologist, letting the camera roll on a lifestyle that is truly terrifying. Sadly, the dominant culture of America shares more values with Jordan Belfort than they would like to admit. This is the best horror film of the year and shines a light on our culture's true values. It really earned that hard R rating, so view at your own risk.

Zach says: If you want to feel enraged over an important issue, then this documentary is for you! Carly and I have never been keen on zoos or SeaWorld, and this film justifies those feelings. Don't listen to the reports on the film's accuracy or journalistic integrity either, SeaWorld is a master at manipulating the press to their advantage.

Zach says: Reminds me of a day at the office.
Carly says: If you're craving a heart-wrenching yet inspiring indie film, look no further. The acting is superb! One of the best I've seen in a long time.

Zach Says: Avoids cliches like the plague. What a breath of fresh air.
Carly says: I expected to be annoyed with this movie. But, I really enjoyed it!

Zach says: Important story. Definitely check it out.  

Carly says: You may think you cannot handle this movie or that it will be too difficult for you to watch. It may be... But, I think everyone should watch it. It's a reminder about how far America has come, and a warning that we should never forget our history. 

Zach says: You have to be in the mood for a Wes Anderson flick. This is not his best, but it is certainly one of his most heartfelt. 

Carly says: Watch this movie for a guaranteed laugh. I loved it! 

Zach says: What an unexpected surprise! One of the best dark comedy series I have ever seen.  

Carly says: I didn't always like watching this. But, it's quirky and unexpected! 

Grab a cozy blanket (especially you Washingtonians who are freezing right now!), turn out the lights, and enjoy one of these movies! Happy viewing!