Since tomorrow is September, I figured I'm about due for an update. I can't believe I've let most of August get away from me before I've had a chance to update. This will probably be long(ish) so ready yourself. Who knows how long it'll be before I update again. :-P
I made bullets to myself in a word document to remind myself of what I had to update on so here goes nothing.
--Surprise date at the Spaghetti Factory
Two nights before Dan and I made things official between us, he surprised me and took me on a date, without telling me where we were going. All I knew was that he was taking me out to celebrate being done with the comps and that based on what he told Megan, she said it had proved he really listened to what I had been telling him. The evening of the comps, we went to church as usual and then he drove me in circles to confuse me before we ended up at the Spaghetti Factory, which everyone knows is my favorite restaurant. We had an amazing dinner and amazing conversation before ending the evening by playing putt-putt. I had a feeling over dinner that we were on an official "date" but I didn't want to get my hopes up. Imagine my surprise when two nights later we were officially a couple. :-)
--Double date at the Keith Urban concert
Later that week, we went on our first double date with Megan and James to the Jake Owen and Keith Urban concert. It was AMAZING! I hadn't seen Keith Urban live since high school, right before he became a big name. We went to dinner at Dewey's and then walked across the river to the concert. It was the perfect first double date and I look forward to many, many more in our future. I'll spare you all the mushy details from that night. ;-)
--Meeting the parents
The following week, I met his parents for the first time. Let me tell you, I was a mess that day! We went to dinner at Pizza Tower, which was so yummy! As soon as we got there, his mom gave me a big hug and told me how much she'd heard about me and how much she had been looking forward to meeting me. By the end of dinner, I was fully relaxed. His parents are incredible and I can definitely see where he gets his good manners from. His parents raised an amazing son. :-)
--Date night at Chili's and running into former students/parents
The night after we had dinner with his parents, we went on a date night, just the two of us. Right before our food came to the table, one of my former students and his parents came in. I bolted from the table and tackled Katie, who was holding Dominic. Of course Katie and I are friends on facebook so she had seen my relationship status change and she cracked me up when she told me "Do you know how hard it is for me to not turn around and stare right now?!" I love her. Dinner was amazing and we had so much fun just talking and laughing. I had had such a bad day that day and had worked a double (unplanned) so I was exhausted and grateful that he put up with my cranky, tired self that night.
--Failing my comps
Yeah...you read that right. I failed my comprehensive exam to graduate from the counseling program. How badly? Oh by five points. Do you know how disappointing it is to come so close and miss by so slim of a margin?? I'm retaking it at the end of October and praying like crazy I pass this time around. If I don't, I have to petition to write a thesis and UC doesn't have to grant me that right. If I fail the comps and don't get to write a thesis, I can be kicked out of the program. Talk about stress....
--Double date at Newport
A couple of weeks ago, we went on a double date with Adge and Joe to Bar Louie down at Newport. Dinner was delicious and then we went for a romantic walk on the river. Of course, being the goofs we are, we ruined our own romantic moment by cracking up at a sign about sewage waste and then taking a goofy picture next to it. However, even with the silliniess, it was probably one of my favorite dates that we've been on. I'm so glad he gets along with my best friend and there was no better way to spend a Friday night than on the river. I loved it.
--5k and roller skating
On August 20th, I ran the Panther Prowl, which most of you probably remember as my very first 5k ever last summer. Let me tell you, it was INCREDIBLE! I hadn't really trained this summer and I thought for sure I was going to end up walking most of it. Well, I did walk some of it, but Denise kept pushing me harder and harder and before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line at 46 minutes! Not only had I cut six minutes off of last year's time, but I also set a personal record because it's the BEST 5k time I've ever had. What made it even more special was that Dan also ran it, though he ran ahead of me and finished in 30 minutes. It was his first 5k and I was soooo proud of him!
After the 5k, I went home and crashed for a couple of hours before getting up to take my youth girls roller skating. I thought for sure I would be the first one to fall, but surprisingly, I didn't fall at all. I had so much skating and hanging out with the girls and then hanging out by Caitlin's pool with the girls while eating pizza.
So what's been going on since the Saturday of the 5k? Not a whole lot. I've been spending a lot of time with Dan, which is always nice. I've come to care about him a lot and he can always make me smile on a night when I just don't feel like smiling. He is just absolutely amazing in every way. We had a rough patch this past weekend but we worked through it and now we're better than ever. Oh and he met my parents this past weekend as well. It went so well and now I'm looking forward to us moving forward and being able to focus on us, without the awkwardness of that early dating stage in front of us anymore.
I threw my sister a baby shower and well, I won't go into the drama that went down that night because it's a very complicated situation. After the shower, I went down to the river with Vince, who was in town visiting. We sat on the river for two and a half hours just talking and laughing and catching up. We fell apart this summer for various reasons so it was so nice to be able to just hang out, just the two of us and catch up. I'm already looking forward to my weekend in Athens at the end of September because I already miss him like crazy.
I started my internship this week and I'm already loving it. I can already tell that junior high is going to be my favorite age group to work with in the schools. I feel like I've learned more this week than I did in the ten weeks of my practicum at the elementary school. Being there feels so right and makes me excited about my future. It just confirms that school counseling is what I want to do with my future and I hate the idea of going back to work tomorrow to a job that stresses me out so much. I just keep telling myself that I only have a year left and that hopefully next year I will be in my own office, in a real school setting, doing what I love to do.
And there you have it. I think that's it for my massive updates for now. I was home sick yesterday and I still have a cough developing so I think I'm going to call it an early night and go to bed. Until next time...
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Way overdue
I am way overdue for an update. A lot of things have been going on, many the same old, same old, but there have been some exciting changes. I don't feel like typing a lot but I figure I'll at least update since it's been like two weeks since I last updated.
Summer quarter is almost over. I finished up my independent study on Monday, which ended up being 22 pages total after the appendices and then tonight I finished my Ethics paper which was four pages. The only thing left for summer quarter now is my in class, open book final on the 29th and then summer quarter is over.
My internship is supposed to start next week but I haven't heard back from my site supervisor and with my class schedule changing, I'm thinking I just may wait and start during the second week of school on the 29th. We'll see. I'm going to send off yet another email to my supervisor tomorrow and if I don't hear from her, my next step will be actually having to call the school.
I mentioned briefly in my last entry that I had met someone. Well, technically I can't say I met someone because we've actually known each other since high school. We fell out of touch in college, reconnected through facebook, and then started going to church together a few weeks ago. One thing led to another and we were hanging out and texting all the time and before either one of us knew it, we had made things official between us last Monday.
It still amazes me looking back over the last month or so how quickly everything happened but words can't even describe how happy I am right now. He is just absolutely incredible and I have been loving every minute that we spend together. I've had a couple of rough days this week and he has put up with me whining and complaining about work, a habit I'm really trying to break. I love how patient he is with me when I do have a rough day and how encouraging he is when I don't want to study or do homework.
I just...I don't even know. Words can't even begin to describe how special I think he is and how much I'm praying this out and looking forward to wherever God is going to take us. I never expected this or saw it coming. I had reached a point where I had told God I was done looking and I was done dating and that He was going to have to drop someone in my lap and well, that's pretty much how it worked out. I haven't been able to stop smiling in weeks and I love getting simple text messages that let me know he's thinking about me. My coworkers and my friends think I'm hilarious because I'm so giddy all the time and I'm constantly smiling. I love it. :-)
I'm running a 5k on Saturday, which will be the anniversary (the 5k, not the actual date) of my first 5k at this time last summer! It's so crazy to think about where I was a year ago and where I am now. I've already started looking at setting up my training schedule to run the half at the Pig again in May. I know that this 5k isn't going to be pretty because I haven't really been running this summer but it's getting me back out there and that's all that matters. After this 5k the next one in the line up is the Race for the Cure in September!
That's really all that's going on with me right now. Work, school, my youth kids, running, and the boy (not necessarily in that order!) pretty much consume my life recently. Hopefully I'll be back to update again soon but with school starting back up and my internship starting, life is about to get crazy busy. I don't want to stay away too long though!
Summer quarter is almost over. I finished up my independent study on Monday, which ended up being 22 pages total after the appendices and then tonight I finished my Ethics paper which was four pages. The only thing left for summer quarter now is my in class, open book final on the 29th and then summer quarter is over.
My internship is supposed to start next week but I haven't heard back from my site supervisor and with my class schedule changing, I'm thinking I just may wait and start during the second week of school on the 29th. We'll see. I'm going to send off yet another email to my supervisor tomorrow and if I don't hear from her, my next step will be actually having to call the school.
I mentioned briefly in my last entry that I had met someone. Well, technically I can't say I met someone because we've actually known each other since high school. We fell out of touch in college, reconnected through facebook, and then started going to church together a few weeks ago. One thing led to another and we were hanging out and texting all the time and before either one of us knew it, we had made things official between us last Monday.
It still amazes me looking back over the last month or so how quickly everything happened but words can't even describe how happy I am right now. He is just absolutely incredible and I have been loving every minute that we spend together. I've had a couple of rough days this week and he has put up with me whining and complaining about work, a habit I'm really trying to break. I love how patient he is with me when I do have a rough day and how encouraging he is when I don't want to study or do homework.
I just...I don't even know. Words can't even begin to describe how special I think he is and how much I'm praying this out and looking forward to wherever God is going to take us. I never expected this or saw it coming. I had reached a point where I had told God I was done looking and I was done dating and that He was going to have to drop someone in my lap and well, that's pretty much how it worked out. I haven't been able to stop smiling in weeks and I love getting simple text messages that let me know he's thinking about me. My coworkers and my friends think I'm hilarious because I'm so giddy all the time and I'm constantly smiling. I love it. :-)
I'm running a 5k on Saturday, which will be the anniversary (the 5k, not the actual date) of my first 5k at this time last summer! It's so crazy to think about where I was a year ago and where I am now. I've already started looking at setting up my training schedule to run the half at the Pig again in May. I know that this 5k isn't going to be pretty because I haven't really been running this summer but it's getting me back out there and that's all that matters. After this 5k the next one in the line up is the Race for the Cure in September!
That's really all that's going on with me right now. Work, school, my youth kids, running, and the boy (not necessarily in that order!) pretty much consume my life recently. Hopefully I'll be back to update again soon but with school starting back up and my internship starting, life is about to get crazy busy. I don't want to stay away too long though!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Short update
I realized I haven't done a proper update in over a week. Today marks the 24 hour mark from the comps exam, the exam I've been spending the whole summer studying for. Or...attempting to study for. haha I'm going to be so glad when it's over.
So...what's been going on? Bullets for now, real updates later in the weekend.
--My summer class started. It doesn't seem too bad. Just a paper and a final.
--I need to start in on my independent study. That will be my goal once I'm done with this exam tomorrow.
--I met someone...yep, that's all you get. :-P
--Work bounced my paycheck...again. This is the third time this year it's happened. I'm done. No more excuses.
--I have a job interview this afternoon at UC. It's an on campus residential position where I would be working with first year, first generational college students. I feel like it's perfect for me because I have three years of Reslife experience from OU and then I worked at Lighthouse trying to advocate to get students back into school and work so I feel like I have the skills necessary for the job. It'll all depend on the salary and whether it'll be worth it to take the position. We'll see.
Okay...study time. This time tomorrow the exam will be almost over!
So...what's been going on? Bullets for now, real updates later in the weekend.
--My summer class started. It doesn't seem too bad. Just a paper and a final.
--I need to start in on my independent study. That will be my goal once I'm done with this exam tomorrow.
--I met someone...yep, that's all you get. :-P
--Work bounced my paycheck...again. This is the third time this year it's happened. I'm done. No more excuses.
--I have a job interview this afternoon at UC. It's an on campus residential position where I would be working with first year, first generational college students. I feel like it's perfect for me because I have three years of Reslife experience from OU and then I worked at Lighthouse trying to advocate to get students back into school and work so I feel like I have the skills necessary for the job. It'll all depend on the salary and whether it'll be worth it to take the position. We'll see.
Okay...study time. This time tomorrow the exam will be almost over!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
I. Am. Crazy.
I've decided I'm officially crazy. Are you all ready for my announcement? I'm sure no one is going to be surprised (other than myself and even I'm not that surprised at what I've decided...)
I've decided I'm officially going to train for the 2012 Flying Pig Half Marathon. Again. I told myself after all of the health issues I've had over the summer with my psoriasis and what not that I wasn't going to train for anything big this year but let's face it...we all saw this coming. Running has gotten into my blood. I can't run away that easily. Ha! I just made a funny!
Anyway...so yes. Here is my announcement to the world. Time to keep me on track friends. Check in with me every couple of weeks and see how my running is coming. I'm going to do it right this time and actually cross train so I'll be doing other workouts other than just running. Maybe that will help my stamina. We'll see.
First goal of the training process: Little Miami Panther Prowl 5k on August 20th!! It'll be the anniversary of my first 5k (not the actual date, but just the race itself) so I'm pumped to run this one. Since I haven't run since the Pig, it'll be more of a walk/jog but that's okay. I can handle it. I'm just excited to get back out there.
I must have left what was left of my sanity at the finish line on May 1st. That's okay. I love running and I love the confidence it gives me so I say....bring it on! Flying Pig Half Marathon 2012 here I come!!
For now, it's bedtime. :-P
I've decided I'm officially going to train for the 2012 Flying Pig Half Marathon. Again. I told myself after all of the health issues I've had over the summer with my psoriasis and what not that I wasn't going to train for anything big this year but let's face it...we all saw this coming. Running has gotten into my blood. I can't run away that easily. Ha! I just made a funny!
Anyway...so yes. Here is my announcement to the world. Time to keep me on track friends. Check in with me every couple of weeks and see how my running is coming. I'm going to do it right this time and actually cross train so I'll be doing other workouts other than just running. Maybe that will help my stamina. We'll see.
First goal of the training process: Little Miami Panther Prowl 5k on August 20th!! It'll be the anniversary of my first 5k (not the actual date, but just the race itself) so I'm pumped to run this one. Since I haven't run since the Pig, it'll be more of a walk/jog but that's okay. I can handle it. I'm just excited to get back out there.
I must have left what was left of my sanity at the finish line on May 1st. That's okay. I love running and I love the confidence it gives me so I say....bring it on! Flying Pig Half Marathon 2012 here I come!!
For now, it's bedtime. :-P
Sunday, July 24, 2011
I will worship You
I heard this song in church this morning and it gave me chills. I can not pick a more perfect song for this season in my life right now. Through the dark times, the good times, and the unsure times, I choose to worship the One who has given me life, the One who will never let me down and will never break my heart.
When I struggle to remember that I'm not alone and that God has brought me to this season in my life for a reason, this is the song I will come back to. Yes, the loneliness and uncertainty of the future hurt, but I know God has a purpose for everything and that He is never going to let me fall.
My biggest struggle is giving God my heart and letting Him lead my love story, trusting that He has a plan. I've had my heart broken so many times in the past that it's become easier to put a wall up and to not let anyone in. I learned tonight from my best friend, the person who has always been there and reminded me of God's promises, that it's okay to let others in, as long as I'm keeping God at the center of my life and my future love story. By keeping my heart in check and keeping God at the center, my heart won't be broken. His love is all I need.
I don't know what His plan for my future is. I don't know if He has a husband or kids in my future and I need to learn to be okay with that. His plan for my life is far greater than my own, even when it hurts. The loneliness hurts but through it, I've learned to grow and depend on the One who will always be there when everyone else falls away. This life isn't about me. It's about the Creator who gave me life, the One who leads me in everything I do.
Yes, I desire marriage and kids and a family and everything it entails but I need to trust God to work all of that out in His time. I have always been told that God will fulfill the desires of your heart, so long as you are following Him and trusting Him to work out His plan for your life. That's what I need to remember. I don't need to shut the world out and the hope of my own love story someday so long as I allow God to keep working in my life.
What an amazing reminder of His love and His promises this song gives. When I'm broken and scared and I feel like I can't possibly handle any more, I know He will always be there to pick up the pieces of my heart and my life. He will restore my soul and give me the strength I need. His love is all I need.
I Will Worship You
Aaron Gillepsie
When I’m losing,
When I’m broken
When I’m sinking like a stone
And it feels like I’m alone
I will worship You
When I’m so scared,
Life is unfair
When I’m tired and lose my way,
When I’m feeling so ashamed
I will worship You
You are the anchor to my soul,
Draw me to You and don’t let go
Only Your love can make me whole
Jesus, I worship You
Jesus, I worship You
When I’m dancing,
When I’m hopeful
When I’m feeling mercy’s hand
And I’m living life again
I will worship You
When chains are broken,
When healing is coming
When Your forgiveness floods my heart,
This is my brand new start
I will worship You
You are the anchor to my soul,
Draw me to You and don’t let go
Only Your love can make me whole
Jesus, I worship You
Jesus, I worship You
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, our God reigns
You are the anchor to my soul,
Draw me to You and don’t let go
Only Your love can make me whole
Jesus, I worship You
Jesus, I worship You
Jesus, I worship You
My biggest struggle is giving God my heart and letting Him lead my love story, trusting that He has a plan. I've had my heart broken so many times in the past that it's become easier to put a wall up and to not let anyone in. I learned tonight from my best friend, the person who has always been there and reminded me of God's promises, that it's okay to let others in, as long as I'm keeping God at the center of my life and my future love story. By keeping my heart in check and keeping God at the center, my heart won't be broken. His love is all I need.
I don't know what His plan for my future is. I don't know if He has a husband or kids in my future and I need to learn to be okay with that. His plan for my life is far greater than my own, even when it hurts. The loneliness hurts but through it, I've learned to grow and depend on the One who will always be there when everyone else falls away. This life isn't about me. It's about the Creator who gave me life, the One who leads me in everything I do.
Yes, I desire marriage and kids and a family and everything it entails but I need to trust God to work all of that out in His time. I have always been told that God will fulfill the desires of your heart, so long as you are following Him and trusting Him to work out His plan for your life. That's what I need to remember. I don't need to shut the world out and the hope of my own love story someday so long as I allow God to keep working in my life.
What an amazing reminder of His love and His promises this song gives. When I'm broken and scared and I feel like I can't possibly handle any more, I know He will always be there to pick up the pieces of my heart and my life. He will restore my soul and give me the strength I need. His love is all I need.
I Will Worship You
Aaron Gillepsie
When I’m losing,
When I’m broken
When I’m sinking like a stone
And it feels like I’m alone
I will worship You
When I’m so scared,
Life is unfair
When I’m tired and lose my way,
When I’m feeling so ashamed
I will worship You
You are the anchor to my soul,
Draw me to You and don’t let go
Only Your love can make me whole
Jesus, I worship You
Jesus, I worship You
When I’m dancing,
When I’m hopeful
When I’m feeling mercy’s hand
And I’m living life again
I will worship You
When chains are broken,
When healing is coming
When Your forgiveness floods my heart,
This is my brand new start
I will worship You
You are the anchor to my soul,
Draw me to You and don’t let go
Only Your love can make me whole
Jesus, I worship You
Jesus, I worship You
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, our God reigns
You are the anchor to my soul,
Draw me to You and don’t let go
Only Your love can make me whole
Jesus, I worship You
Jesus, I worship You
Jesus, I worship You
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Food for thought
I've had a lot on my mind recently in every aspect of my life and decided maybe blogging would be the best outlet for it. I encourage any and all feedback as long as it's respectful. I'm genuinely full of questions and am searching for answers and encouragement to try and answer them all. I'll start with the less serious stuff first and then move on to the deeper areas I've got questions about.
1. Finances
I am the worst money manager ever. I vow every year as part of my new year's resolutions that this is the year I will make a budget and stick to it and somehow I find myself living paycheck to paycheck or counting on my financial aid money. After this coming school year, I'm not going to have that to rely on any longer so I need to stop depending on it now. Yes, it's good to have it and stick it in savings incase something happens, but I can't keep counting that as part of my regular income.
With my plan to move to Denver next summer, I need to start to establish some sort of savings account and I need to pay off my credit cards. For those of you who take care of the family finances, what are your tips for staying on a budget, grocery shopping, paying bills, etc.? Do you use any kind of program to help you keep track or do you just use your checkbook? I'm all ears in this department because I've got nothing.
2. Cooking
I told my mom I want to teach myself to cook before I move to Denver next summer. As you all know, I'm the world's pickiest eater so quite honestly, my dinners a lot of times consist of switching off between peanut butter sandwiches, spaghetti with jar sauce, soup, tacos, and anything I can put in the oven/microwave. I love things like mashed potatoes and beef stew and even homemade spaghetti sauce but I have no idea where to even begin to make them myself. I also like burgers and steaks and what not but don't know the first thing about either grilling them or cooking them on the stove. Help! Recipes and tips are encouraged, especially for desserts! haha
3. Weight loss
Thanks to my psoriasis, I haven't been able to work out since the end of May. I have a gym bag packed and ready to go for tomorrow when I get off of work since I've been getting off early so I'm headed to do some cardio and strength training. What are some of your favorite workouts? What are tips for getting the weight off and keeping it off? If I could figure out how to cut the pop out of my diet I would be golden but the caffeine withdrawals are awful! I usually end up caving after about a day of no caffeiene. :-/ I drink a ton of water at work but I usually have some kind of caffeine either first thing in the morning or during my lunch break. If I could train my body to not need it, I know it would be so good for me. I just can't get my mind past the thought that I need caffeiene to survive when I know I really don't.
Realisitically, I'd love to lose three pounds a month, which seems to be pretty average but I'm just stuck at a plateau and can't get over it. I've actually put back on about 10 pounds since I wasn't able to work out and then eating all the time in Denver. I feel so uncomfortable in my body again and all of the smaller size jeans I bought now are too small again. I refuse to buy bigger pants so the weight is just going to have to come off. I just don't know where to start.
4. Spirituality
This is the big one for me. I actually think I'm going to save this entry for tomorrow or later in the week because I want to do some reading before I post the thoughts I'm having. As a teaser and a reminder, I want to remind myself to touch on the idea of three heavens, sexuality, sleeping vs. going to heaven, salvation/judgment day, etc. Yes, I have a reasoning for why I'm going to write about all of this but like I said, I want to do some reading before I post my thinking on these subjects and where they all came from.
I think that's it for right now. I promise a bigger entry on the spiritual issues later this week but any advice on the first three topics is very much welcomed because I need it, especially in the finance area. It's time for some big changes and a new adventure. I'm so ready!
1. Finances
I am the worst money manager ever. I vow every year as part of my new year's resolutions that this is the year I will make a budget and stick to it and somehow I find myself living paycheck to paycheck or counting on my financial aid money. After this coming school year, I'm not going to have that to rely on any longer so I need to stop depending on it now. Yes, it's good to have it and stick it in savings incase something happens, but I can't keep counting that as part of my regular income.
With my plan to move to Denver next summer, I need to start to establish some sort of savings account and I need to pay off my credit cards. For those of you who take care of the family finances, what are your tips for staying on a budget, grocery shopping, paying bills, etc.? Do you use any kind of program to help you keep track or do you just use your checkbook? I'm all ears in this department because I've got nothing.
2. Cooking
I told my mom I want to teach myself to cook before I move to Denver next summer. As you all know, I'm the world's pickiest eater so quite honestly, my dinners a lot of times consist of switching off between peanut butter sandwiches, spaghetti with jar sauce, soup, tacos, and anything I can put in the oven/microwave. I love things like mashed potatoes and beef stew and even homemade spaghetti sauce but I have no idea where to even begin to make them myself. I also like burgers and steaks and what not but don't know the first thing about either grilling them or cooking them on the stove. Help! Recipes and tips are encouraged, especially for desserts! haha
3. Weight loss
Thanks to my psoriasis, I haven't been able to work out since the end of May. I have a gym bag packed and ready to go for tomorrow when I get off of work since I've been getting off early so I'm headed to do some cardio and strength training. What are some of your favorite workouts? What are tips for getting the weight off and keeping it off? If I could figure out how to cut the pop out of my diet I would be golden but the caffeine withdrawals are awful! I usually end up caving after about a day of no caffeiene. :-/ I drink a ton of water at work but I usually have some kind of caffeine either first thing in the morning or during my lunch break. If I could train my body to not need it, I know it would be so good for me. I just can't get my mind past the thought that I need caffeiene to survive when I know I really don't.
Realisitically, I'd love to lose three pounds a month, which seems to be pretty average but I'm just stuck at a plateau and can't get over it. I've actually put back on about 10 pounds since I wasn't able to work out and then eating all the time in Denver. I feel so uncomfortable in my body again and all of the smaller size jeans I bought now are too small again. I refuse to buy bigger pants so the weight is just going to have to come off. I just don't know where to start.
4. Spirituality
This is the big one for me. I actually think I'm going to save this entry for tomorrow or later in the week because I want to do some reading before I post the thoughts I'm having. As a teaser and a reminder, I want to remind myself to touch on the idea of three heavens, sexuality, sleeping vs. going to heaven, salvation/judgment day, etc. Yes, I have a reasoning for why I'm going to write about all of this but like I said, I want to do some reading before I post my thinking on these subjects and where they all came from.
I think that's it for right now. I promise a bigger entry on the spiritual issues later this week but any advice on the first three topics is very much welcomed because I need it, especially in the finance area. It's time for some big changes and a new adventure. I'm so ready!
Monday, July 11, 2011
We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto
This past week has been ridiculously crazy and busy and the weekend ended up being much the same so I decided to wait until today to update since I knew I'd be getting off of work early. This will be pretty lengthy with big stuff scattered in the middle so you actually have to read it to find out the news. ;-)
My drive home from Colorado was...entertaining and emotional. I broke down in tears as soon as I pulled out of the driveway of the boy's house and it took me about 20 minutes to actually get myself under control. I would be good for a couple of hours and then the tears would start again. Leaving Denver broke my heart in half. I didn't expect it to hurt so much but it did.
When I wasn't crying, well, I was getting lost. haha...Typical of course. For anyone who has never driven across the country let me inform you of one thing: there is NOTHING in Kansas. For miles. NOTHING! I was just under a half of a tank of gas at one point and thought for sure I'd be fine for awhile. Oh no...it emptied out quicker than I expected and of course there are no convenient gas stations anywhere in the distance. I had to recalculate my gps to find me the closest gas station and I went on an off highway adventure that took me a good 20 minutes out of my way just to find gas. Once I found it, I found myself driving through small town America, which literally was so tiny they didn't even have need for a traffic light. Oh yes, I'm so serious. People sitting on their front porches were STARING at me and my Ohio license plates as I drove towards the gas station. And of course I have no cell phone reception because I'm in the middle of nowhere so I had to wait an HOUR before I could call my mom and call Mike and tell them about my adventure. It was so ridiculous but so entertaining. Definitely a story I'll have to tell for years.
I have been an emotional wreck in the week since I've been home. I miss my Denver family so much, even though I love being back with my family and my friends. It doesn't help that a couple of my friends are upset with me for a decision I've made. Are you all ready for this??
I'm moving to Denver. I know I've been talking about it for awhile but it's going to happen. After I'm done with school in June, I'm going to quit my job and take the last couple of weeks to tie up loose ends in Ohio and then my plan is to be in Denver by July 1st. Since I'm going out in March for spring break, my hope is to interview like crazy the week I'm out there and find someone who will hold a position for me until I move out there.
If I can't find someone who will hold a position for me, my plan is to apply for my subbing license, something I'm going to start the process on in November. This way, come fall of 2012, I can get myself into districts around the Denver metro area and then have connections for when school counseling positions open. This is all if I can't find a school counseling job right away of course. My plan is to hopefully have a counseling job lined up by the time I move out there in July. I'll of course find a job to get me through the summer (I'm going to need to!) and then come fall I hope to be in a district somewhere.
I'm also going to look into preschool jobs, since that's what I currently do. I don't want to teach preschool anymore after this but if I want to move to Denver, then I have to be willing to take what I can get until I find the job I want. I'm also going to put my resume out there on different career websites and look into using my social work background as well. My hope is that something will pan out so that I can be in Denver next summer.
I know a lot can change in a year but I want this...badly. I have never wanted something as much as I want this move to Denver. It has several of my friends upset but my reaction to that is they'll get over it. My friendships with Denise and Diana and Irene are still as solid as they've ever been, even after moving away. Yes, it's tough but true friends make it through and support each other through everything. If this doesn't work out, then the worst that happens is I move home and find a job in Cincinnati. I'm never going to know if I can make it on my own if I don't try it. I want to do this. I want to break out of my comfortable Ohio bubble and see what else is out there. I want a chance to do something for me for once.
It's not going to be easy to leave Cincinnati. I know that. The day I pull out of my driveway for the last time to start the drive west next summer I'll be in tears. Mike has warned me that the first year away from everything you know is tough. But the difference between me and him? They moved out there not knowing anyone. I have a built in support system already. No, that still doesn't make it easy but it will help. I can do this. I want to do this. I know it won't be easy but I'm ready for the adventure.
Now, on to lighter topics. I'm throwing my sister a baby shower on August 28th! I'm a little nervous because I've never thrown a baby shower before but I think it'll be fun. Her friend Liz is helping me so at least I'm not doing it all alone. I can't believe my sister is halfway through this pregnancy already. I feel like she was just telling me she was pregnant and now she's halfway through! Crazy!
School is going well. I'm starting in on my independent study and studying for my comps exam. I don't expect to pass the first time around but at least it'll give me a feel for what it'll be like. I'm actually at the library now and I'm supposed to be studying but instead I'm updating this. Whoops. haha
The other biggest news: most of my psoriasis has cleared up! Being in Denver in the sun and the dry air for two weeks did wonders for my skin. My upper back, arms, and legs are pretty clear, minus a few spotty patches on the bottoms of my legs. My lower back and stomach still look awful. I need to expose them more to the sun. My plan is to join a tanning bed and go once or twice a week for a few minutes at a time to keep it under control. I really don't want to be on meds for it so if I can clear it up with just tanning and sun exposure, I'm all for it. And don't worry...yes I will be careful with it. Save the lectures on the dangers of tanning. I've gotten enough of them lately. :-P
I think that about does it for a major update for me. I need to get back to studying or at least researching until I head to Tym and Amy's for dinner. If anyone has any suggestions on moving/job applying tips or psoriasis care, I'm all ears. I need all the suggestions I can get!
My drive home from Colorado was...entertaining and emotional. I broke down in tears as soon as I pulled out of the driveway of the boy's house and it took me about 20 minutes to actually get myself under control. I would be good for a couple of hours and then the tears would start again. Leaving Denver broke my heart in half. I didn't expect it to hurt so much but it did.
When I wasn't crying, well, I was getting lost. haha...Typical of course. For anyone who has never driven across the country let me inform you of one thing: there is NOTHING in Kansas. For miles. NOTHING! I was just under a half of a tank of gas at one point and thought for sure I'd be fine for awhile. Oh no...it emptied out quicker than I expected and of course there are no convenient gas stations anywhere in the distance. I had to recalculate my gps to find me the closest gas station and I went on an off highway adventure that took me a good 20 minutes out of my way just to find gas. Once I found it, I found myself driving through small town America, which literally was so tiny they didn't even have need for a traffic light. Oh yes, I'm so serious. People sitting on their front porches were STARING at me and my Ohio license plates as I drove towards the gas station. And of course I have no cell phone reception because I'm in the middle of nowhere so I had to wait an HOUR before I could call my mom and call Mike and tell them about my adventure. It was so ridiculous but so entertaining. Definitely a story I'll have to tell for years.
I have been an emotional wreck in the week since I've been home. I miss my Denver family so much, even though I love being back with my family and my friends. It doesn't help that a couple of my friends are upset with me for a decision I've made. Are you all ready for this??
I'm moving to Denver. I know I've been talking about it for awhile but it's going to happen. After I'm done with school in June, I'm going to quit my job and take the last couple of weeks to tie up loose ends in Ohio and then my plan is to be in Denver by July 1st. Since I'm going out in March for spring break, my hope is to interview like crazy the week I'm out there and find someone who will hold a position for me until I move out there.
If I can't find someone who will hold a position for me, my plan is to apply for my subbing license, something I'm going to start the process on in November. This way, come fall of 2012, I can get myself into districts around the Denver metro area and then have connections for when school counseling positions open. This is all if I can't find a school counseling job right away of course. My plan is to hopefully have a counseling job lined up by the time I move out there in July. I'll of course find a job to get me through the summer (I'm going to need to!) and then come fall I hope to be in a district somewhere.
I'm also going to look into preschool jobs, since that's what I currently do. I don't want to teach preschool anymore after this but if I want to move to Denver, then I have to be willing to take what I can get until I find the job I want. I'm also going to put my resume out there on different career websites and look into using my social work background as well. My hope is that something will pan out so that I can be in Denver next summer.
I know a lot can change in a year but I want this...badly. I have never wanted something as much as I want this move to Denver. It has several of my friends upset but my reaction to that is they'll get over it. My friendships with Denise and Diana and Irene are still as solid as they've ever been, even after moving away. Yes, it's tough but true friends make it through and support each other through everything. If this doesn't work out, then the worst that happens is I move home and find a job in Cincinnati. I'm never going to know if I can make it on my own if I don't try it. I want to do this. I want to break out of my comfortable Ohio bubble and see what else is out there. I want a chance to do something for me for once.
It's not going to be easy to leave Cincinnati. I know that. The day I pull out of my driveway for the last time to start the drive west next summer I'll be in tears. Mike has warned me that the first year away from everything you know is tough. But the difference between me and him? They moved out there not knowing anyone. I have a built in support system already. No, that still doesn't make it easy but it will help. I can do this. I want to do this. I know it won't be easy but I'm ready for the adventure.
Now, on to lighter topics. I'm throwing my sister a baby shower on August 28th! I'm a little nervous because I've never thrown a baby shower before but I think it'll be fun. Her friend Liz is helping me so at least I'm not doing it all alone. I can't believe my sister is halfway through this pregnancy already. I feel like she was just telling me she was pregnant and now she's halfway through! Crazy!
School is going well. I'm starting in on my independent study and studying for my comps exam. I don't expect to pass the first time around but at least it'll give me a feel for what it'll be like. I'm actually at the library now and I'm supposed to be studying but instead I'm updating this. Whoops. haha
The other biggest news: most of my psoriasis has cleared up! Being in Denver in the sun and the dry air for two weeks did wonders for my skin. My upper back, arms, and legs are pretty clear, minus a few spotty patches on the bottoms of my legs. My lower back and stomach still look awful. I need to expose them more to the sun. My plan is to join a tanning bed and go once or twice a week for a few minutes at a time to keep it under control. I really don't want to be on meds for it so if I can clear it up with just tanning and sun exposure, I'm all for it. And don't worry...yes I will be careful with it. Save the lectures on the dangers of tanning. I've gotten enough of them lately. :-P
I think that about does it for a major update for me. I need to get back to studying or at least researching until I head to Tym and Amy's for dinner. If anyone has any suggestions on moving/job applying tips or psoriasis care, I'm all ears. I need all the suggestions I can get!
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