Update-

      Can't believe that it is nearly February already! Feels like just yesterday that I was ringing in the New Year by jumping on my parents bed, blaring Lady Gaga while they tried to sleep.


January has proved to be a good month though.

I was able to spend time with sister and her family.

 My adorable niece and my not-so-little-anymore nephew.

Kal-El can actually say my name now and it makes me a happy uncle. I'm not co-co anymore, and I am happy about that. Little Leia continues to grows into an adorable niece. She loves to smile and talk, so if you've got time to smile at her, she'll talk to you. I love our talks.


       Other parts of my life are well too, I suppose. While I am unhappy with my current job I am still thankful for having a job. I try to look on the brighter side of things when I think of my job, I try to remember that while my job is to cook food, I also need to show God's love to those I come in contact with.

But, I will be in talks with a possible job opportunity some time this week. If things can work out with that opportunity, it could make life a lot cooler! Some prayer would be awesome.

Here's a cool little quick update on some of the goals that I mentioned in my last post. Since that post:

 I have picked up my guitar and worked on getting back into the groove of it.
 I have reduced my soda intake (by a lot!) and I am drinking a ton more water.
 I have kinda formed on my own workout/exercise routine. I have missed a few days, but I blame the sinusy-head-cold thing I had through the week.
 Prayer and I still struggle. Strike that. Reverse it. I still struggle with prayer. I think about it and I talk about it, but I don't it.
While the private is still private, I can say that I proud at how well its going but still needs work.
Finances aren't exactly better, but getting there. (stupid student loans..)

Now for one that I want to add to the list.

I will learn to play my Bodhran.
Whats a Bodhran? This...

This is actually a picture of the one I have. Its a Celtic Drum, ever since I saw this drum being used in the Irish shows at Busch Gardens I wanted to learn. Last year, my family and I went to BG for my birthday and my parents asked if I still wanted to get one of these and after saying yes, Mom asked which one I wanted. I was floored.

I have messed around with it a little bit and have picked up a couple things about it. Youtube has some really great video lessons. But I feel ashamed that I am not to a point were I can play it well. I don't want my parents feeling like there money went to a waste.

So me and my Bodhran are going to get know each other. For real.

Other good things in my life...my church family. My friends. My friends are awesome, each and every one of them. Our church has good things on the horizon and we are working to improve ourselves as a church so that when that time comes we are fully prepared. We welcomed a new brother into our family today! Then had a great time at lunch afterward, always filled with fun and laughter. I am so thankful to call them friends.

I can't help but laugh at my self right now, because when I first started to type this post I had every intent to spend a majority of it filling it with my woes and hopeless romantic ways. Earlier this week I had said that my life was similar to a character from one of Broadways greatest shows, Les Miserables. This young women had such love or affection for one man but he share the feelings toward her. Actually he fell in love with some other chick, leaving the other on her own. In my life that story has been played out multiple times. And here I am. On my own. 

But when I started typing all of these good things in my life and the improvements that I had done or that needs to be done, I forgot about my pathetic rant on my relationship status. I am filled with happiness, with the thoughts of my family, the goals I have for my life, for the new member of the body of Christ we welcomed today.  I am so ridiculous.

So yeah. 

This is me.

New Year..New Me.

       Welcome to 2012!

In my family we've never really been the kind to make resolutions, so don't think that this is a post on my resolutions for 2012. Rather than resolutions I am setting goals for me and my life that will go far beyond 2012 and once I've attained these goals they will become part of me and not just a trophy of something that I worked for.

                                           While this may not be a completed list, its a good start.

       Alright, lets get this started--

1. Pick up my guitar and practice at least three times a week, if not daily. 
2. Get into a exercise routine.
3. Read the Bible daily.
4. Reduce the intake of soda products.
5. Drink more water.
6. Grow spiritually and help others grow.
7. Pray continually. 
8. Set my finances back on track.
9. Move out of my parents house and start a life that is my own.
10. Pay off credit card.
11. Visit both sets of Grandparents.
12. See at least two shows on Broadway in NYC.
13. Go back to Mexico.
14. Go on a Missions Trip aside from Mexico.
15. Find a job with a consistent schedule and management.
16. Private...For now at least.
17. Go camping. REAL camping.
18. Love more and mean it. 
19. Keep contact with friends more often.
20. Find a way to see my bestest(!!) friends.

      Okay, so thats 20! If more pop into my head I will definitely add them to the list.While some of the goals are fun and personal ones such as, visiting family, going to see a show or camping, some of these goals are going to be hard because it will be a complete 180 from what I have been and I know that the title makes this post a bit cliche, but its the truth. I need to read the bible, I need to talk with God, I've let the things of this world get in the way of my relationship with Him.

Welcome 2012...Welcome New Me.

hmm..

Have I said that my new favorite show is How I Met Your Mother? I caught a few episodes just before the summer then through out the summer I bought season after season till I was completely caught in time for the premiere of season 7.

I fell in love with this show. While it may have its moments that are a little sketchy and pushing the limits, but what shows/movies don't these days? I feel drawn to the small group of people in which the show follows, while I don't live the same lifestyle as them. They live a life where there is true friendship no matter what the circumstance, whenever things go wrong they work together and strive to make ones life better.

And believe me, I'm not saying that I don't have that circle of friends, I do. And I hope they know that I am thankful for them everyday. Whenever I am feeling that life is not what I want, someone pops up and says something that raises my spirit. Even if they don't know it.

But I can relate the most to one character from the show in particular. Ted Mosby. Again, even this character has its moments that push the limits as far as what I stand for in my life, but I feel drawn to him. He and I have the same mission. To find that one woman who takes our breath away and yearns to live life together. And Ted and I both have had our adventures that no matter how great they are, unfortunately end in failure. Of course, Ted eventually finds the one (hence the name of the show) and I know that one day (hopefully) I will too.

But for us, its this waiting period in between that kills us. We sit and watch our friends as they start their lives with their loved ones. Quiet but supportive, longing for what they have but still knowing that our day will come.

Patience is a hard virtue to handle. Its especially hard when your Newsfeed on Facebook is filled with engagement announcements, pictures, and wedding celebrations. Successful relationships seem to happen to everyone but you, you only have memories of a few good moments from the past excursions in your life.

Again, believe me. I live a happy life and strive to walk as God has called me too. But there are times when I look at my life and compare it to some of the friends. Jealous? Yes. But..

I know my God has a plan for all of this. All those times that I compare my life to others,  I am doubting Him, and trying to take control of my life. But that is not what God wants from me, He wants TOTAL control.

Galatians 5:25-26 ESV
" If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."

So..that is whats been on my heart lately

Alright?

Would you look at that..

You know, most times I sit in front of my computer for a good amount of time thinking of a introduction to each post. I never know how to start...is that weird?

If I remember correctly, I last left you writing about my new job with Aramark at ODU. My hopes for a more stable work enviroment, and knowledge expanding work days were crushed. I would rather not bore you with all the details, but I knew going into this position it would be different. But I didn't think this different.

So needless to say, I am back on the job hunt. I am having a problem deciding what exactly I want to do. Go back into Hotels? A restaurant? I don't know, there is many options out there. But I don't know which to do, some thing I do know are: I want to work in the mornings.

 If that means giving breakfast a shot, so be it.

If that means becoming a prep cook, okay.

I like having my evenings back, it gives me a chance to do things with friends, and try to have a social life.

I just don't know...

ha - you know, its decisions like this that make me want to drop everything and go to a place where help is needed and this "American Dream" stuff isn't pushed in my face all the time.

 Don't get me wrong, I like the thought of money, the thought of THE house, and THE car, and THE restaurant.

But I don't want that to consume me. I have a greater purpose while here on this earth. 



 Ecclesiastes 12:13: "The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you." (MSG)

Matthew 28:18-20: "And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them int the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (ESV)


I don't know how I went from becoming a prep cook to this...but I guess thats whats been on my heart lately..sorry if it doesn't make sense. I don't know how many time I erased and rewrote this thing.. but I am glad I stopped after those two sentences above.


so thats me right now -

What now...

Wow. I've got some catching up to do on here. Nothing too crazy.

Well. One crazy thing. Nothing bad. In fact, it was one the greatest things for me.

First -

I no longer work at the Founder's Inn and Spa. I closed that chapter of my life around four weeks ago. I couldn't be happier. I mean, I miss the friendships I gained from my coworkers, but I think it was a great move for me.

I "officially" started my new job as a catering cook at ODU on August 12th, but I actually haven't had a work day yet. So I technically haven't had a job for the last four weeks. I didn't mind. Although, my first day of actually work starts in roughly 31/2 hours at 3 am.

I can't get to sleep, I've tired for the last 3 hours. I watched a movie I redbox'd, It's kind of a Funny Story. Pretty cool movie. Point is, I can't sleep. I have too much running through my mind.

Second -

You see, right now I am in the middle of the post mission-trip blues. Not just me, but 9 of my friends too.

This past week we had the opportunity to take a trip down to Ensenada, Mexico and show God's love and grace to a family in need. In four days our little group of 10 people built this young family a home for them to live in. Gave them something to believe in, walked in step with Jesus Christ to show this small family that they are loved and cherished.

Though there was a small language barrier between us, we could get by with our elementary 'Spanglish'. The message though, blew past every barrier possible. The family saw our love and more importantly saw God's love for them. Though they might not have everything together, they know that there is a God who is watching over them, and a group of friends in America who are praying for them.

I really am thankful for this trip, it was a eye-opener for me, and not just me but my friends too. Spending this past week together, I think brought us, as a whole, closer as friends. We all worked hard together, for the same goal. Each of us pushed through our own comfort zones and boundaries to make a impact on this family. We spent nearly every minute of everyday together.

I think its kinda safe to say that when we returned home and went our separate ways, something felt like it was missing. Now I'm not saying that we need to spend every moment together, but we grew together as a group. As friends.

And that is important, to have a group of people that you can depend on, to trust, to talk with, to have community with, is vital to everyday life as a Christian.

That is what was really put on my heart this past week in Mexico. To have a community like I have is special. This group is truly a group of people who really care about each other and strive to live like Jesus. And sometimes I don't take advantage of this...

Another thing placed on my heart was my personal walk with God.

Am I taking every chance I can to show God's love and talk about his grace and forgiveness? No. I'm not.

I hide in my shell through the work week, then when in a place of comfort I can talk about it, I can show it.

Am I talking to people about faith and why I believe what I believe. No.

I cover it up with things of this earthly world to look good, for people to like me.

Then I realized I don't need everyone to like me. I mean..I would like to liked by everyone but if my faith gives my the name of a outsider by some then so be it. I have a community that is there for me. I need to step out more and actually walk in faith.

this is my battle right now. i need to live jesus at all time and not just when I feel comfortable with it.

I feel like this blog is going on longer and longer, but oh well. I can do what I want on here.

so what now...

For my friends and I we are struggling to regain balance in our lives. We have been rocked by God, and strive to maintain the fire that was ignited inside of us. Life in Mexico seemed simple, away from distractions. No worries of tuition payments, car payments, JOBS, we just lived in community doing God's work. Now that we are back in reality it is a struggle to not be distracted by the things of earth.

Needless to say, this trip to Mexico gave me a lot to think about. a lot to pray about.

and honestly.

I'm glad.

It is time.

You know, so many things have happened lately. Good things, bad things, whatever things.

Its crazy to think sometimes.

I've officially graduated from Culinary school. I've earned my first degree..whoo! I don't know when or if I will go for my bachelors. If I do it would be sweet, but I don't think its completely necessary.

As of today, I have put my two week notice into Founders Inn, and will start a new job with Aramark at Old Dominion University in the beginning of August.

I am extremely excited about this. Not just because of my recent unhappiness with Founders, but its a chance for me to learn and continue to grow in this industry. I will be working in a catering department, I believe with the Ted Constant Center. I don't know what my hours would be, but I hope that I have a actual schedule rather then a week-by-week kind of thing.

I hope that this job will create a little more free time in my life, so I can be able to truly help out and support our youth group at church. I feel as though I am letting my friends down by not being able to be there or help out as often as I would like too. Friends, thank you. You know who you are. I hope to be able to jump in soon.

I played my acoustic in the church band back in May and this past Sunday, and both instances made me really miss playing. I need to make more time in my day to pick it back up and begin to practice more often.

I miss my friends. My friends that I grew up with. My brothers (and sisters!). I need to make time to spend with them. I miss them horribly. I realized tonight that I don't even make a effort to text/email/Facebook/ or Whatever any of them weekly or even daily. I need to do that. I never thought or liked the thought that we would grow apart from each other.

I can't let that happen. It won't.

In fact, today is the 4th of July. Most of the time my brain was yearning to go back in time a few years when I spent a evening on the 4th with this group of friends. We went to see fireworks in Hampton and from the spot we were at, we could see all or most of the different firework shows in Hampton Roads. We could see the beach, downtown Norfolk, Williamsburg/Busch Gardens, then suddenly right in front of us the show we went to see started.

Such good times. I miss it.

I look forward to what is ahead of me in my life. I do hope winning the lottery is part of that plan, or just meeting the most beautiful woman who has the richest of families. I say that with loosely, I just wish the dreams I have didn't cost so much money. It makes me what to just give up and move to a place where I can help and serve without the worry of bills and other ridiculous things.

I will forever love Relient K's album 'Two lefts don't make a right, but three do'. That is the good stuff.

I also need to start working out...I'll say it. I am a bit insecure about the way I look..and its gonna change.

I am so freaking excited about going to Mexico with my friends in two months. I hope I can get all the money needed for the trip.

I bought new Toms, I am also really excited about this.

Also, I am treating myself to a show in DC tomorrow night. I wish I had thought about this earlier, so maybe someone could have came with me. But it should be nice, I am staying over night up there so I don't possibly kill myself driving back home right after the show. I am excited a little vaca in the beginning of the week. Sweet.

So far this has been a pretty informative/random post.

Till next time -

-Corey Joseph

I know, I know

I owe you a blog about my life and whats going on...but i've been busy. The Swan has been keeping me busy.

Anywho - check out and follow my dream businesses blog -- Cooking from the Cor(e)

and also on facebook under the same name!! :)

Thanks. Seee you later!

Corey

P.S. I GRADUATE THIS FRIDAY!!!!! Whoo hooo!!!