New Jeans

I'm not a big shopper...okay, I actually HATE shopping. I can never find stuff that fits my body type, and since I grew up shopping with my Dad (who, bless his heart, did his best but loves to walk around in overalls and cowboy boots), I have absolutely no fashion sense. But the one thing I love about shopping is when you finally find something that fits. Something that I feel I look good in (even if it may not be 100% truth that I do). I really love when I get a pair of jeans that has the perfect fit. I don't have the money to shop at places that would get me stuff that really fits well, I'm more of a TJ-Max and Wal-Mart shopper, but occasionally I find something that just makes my day. I've been needing to buy new jeans for a while, but have been putting it off because of how traumatic shopping normally is for me.  because I tore a hole in my favorite jeans a little while ago and it had finally gotten so big that I couldn't wear them, I decided that on my lunch break I was going to see what the local store had that would come close to fitting. I found one pair that was okay, but not great and on my way out saw some that looked comfortable and were my size so I went ahead and bought them. When I got home I tried them on, and they were great! Comfortable, and loose fitting, but still somewhat stylish. I just love the feeling of jeans that fit. Just makes my whole day better. So I sit here bored at work, but content in my new jeans. No one else has a clue that inside I'm just like a little kid jumping up and down for sheer joy. I normally hate shopping, but new jeans just put a smile on my face and a song in my heart (especially when they're on sale!).

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!!!!!!

Just Another Lazy Saturday

Cat-ch Me If You Can

Sorry for the cheesy post name, but I couldn't think of anything better this late at night! And I apologize yet again for my lack of posts...life is just really crazy at-the-moment. Here are some photos from my attempts to stalk an 8-month-old kitten, Milton. He moves quick and it was a low light setting so they aren't the best quality, but he is so cute that I just had to share. Enjoy! I'll try to post something other than pictures this week, but no guarantees.

Something My Camera Caught

Pics from spending the day with the adopted fam. Let me know whatcha' think!