Where Life Is

Just figured I'd write an update about what all has been going on in my life lately, and why I have been so horrible about posting.

First off, juggling classes and work this semester has been way harder than it was last year. Even though I'm only taking 12 hrs of classes and working 20 hrs (at least getting paid for that much anyway, I really work closer to 25), but the classes I am taking require A LOT of reading. I think our profs are trying to get us ready for graduate level classes or something. It's all interesting stuff, but it just takes so much time to read through all of that. Also, we're going through a bunch of changes at work, and I'm in the middle of spearheading the new communications outlets. We're redesigning the website, publications, logos, pretty much everything that the public sees coming out of our office. It's been a great learning experience, but it requires more work and thought than I had to do last semester. Not complaining, I'm actually really enjoying it, but I don't have too much time left over.

Secondly, I've been trying to spend more time with friends. My "Crisis and Trauma Counseling" class just leaves me absolutely drained and one of the things the prof suggested for all of us was to try to surround ourselves with friends whenever we had class or were doing work for class. For me that's meant going over to the adopted family's house. The class has brought back some painful memories, and I have really enjoyed having my "adopted mom and dad" to talk things through with and to just simply hang out with. Loving on their dog, Beau, always helps me calm down after a troubling day. One of my favorite things to do is go over to their house after dinner and sit and watch the news with them while doing my homework. I don't have cable at my apartment so it gives me a chance to keep up with current events, and to not be so lonely. And they help keep me accountable for getting stuff done. I can't come up with the words to say how grateful I am for them or how they have truly become a part of my family. Saturdays and Sundays have become football days for TC and I. I go over and help him with stuff around their house until the Razorback/Dallas Cowboys/New Orleans Saints game comes on, and then we sit back and argue about which team is going to win. I think he enjoys rooting against whatever team I cheer for...especially if it's a Texas team.

Also, a lack of something to write about. Most of what's been going through my head lately is just too personal to release to the masses (or even the 7 of you who might read this). Little things have flitted across my mind, but posting photos is about all that I can handle at the moment. I've been reading and keeping up with everyone else's blogs, but have just had a complete lack of inspiration for things to post on my own. Hopefully, I will do better about posting some things on here. I'm determined to post about the good things that are happening in my life. Right now I'm concentrating on those, and using that to help remind me of how blessed I am. Your blogs have been a continuing source of laughter and comfort and I dearly love them all.

I just got back from a Chaplains Conference in Texas that was absolutely amazing. Really helped affirm what I want to do with my life, and that I am not alone in my quest. I also finally got to sit down with a National Guard recruiter and got the process of joining up started. I won't actually be able to put on a uniform and work as a chaplain until I graduate in May, but I can get all the paperwork/medical stuff done before then. This is a really big and exciting thing for me! It was good to be in Texas as well, although it was tough to be so close to my family and not get to see them. I haven't been home since July 4 and won't be able to go back until Thanksgiving. Really missing Dad, the sisters, and my precious puppy dogs.

I promise to do better about posting, even if it is just pictures :) Thanks to you all for hanging with me through my drought and hopefully my muse will raise his lovely head once more and quickly!

Oh, one more thing, GO RANGERS!!!!!!