It seems today is a great day to start!

My very first entry...very exciting. I've had this account since August, but for whatever reason I was never quite able to sit down and start writing. I think that maybe it had a lot to do with how much I still needed to recover from the summer. Although I've tried to put it from my mind, I had a very difficult time. In May I was so excited to see another school year end - a school year which by no means had been anything close to great - and I had high hopes for my 3 months off. What ended up happening, however, was that I worked close to 60 hours a week, saw no one, and went no where. On top of that I had some very large decisions to make, and had to deal with some serious illness in my family. I felt as though I had no one, and that I was going nowhere. When this last semester started I was so relieved to say goodbye to summer, but I can see now that it's taken me a long time to get to a peaceful place. I've had so many changes in the last 6 months. Not everything is where it should be, but I'm calm...for the first time in a long time. I feel hopeful about the future, not scared.

Some major changes: Ashley and I moved. This created a lot of stress, and burned many bridges. I can see the mistakes that I made clearly now, but I made a choice. I don't regret it, but I wish that I would have handled some things differently. In spite of this - I love our place! I wish I was slightly closer to campus, but it's a sacrifice that has so far been worth it. Our townhouse comes together a little more each month. The only major project I have left is the basement. I have grand plans for it, but it just requires a lot more time and energy than I've had lately. Living with Ashley is great too. We don't act like friends, but more like the family that we are. At times this means we are capable of making each other angry in a way only family knows how to do...but the rest of the time it's wonderful to have my best friend around. Grady and Kitty coexist somehow. I wish he were nicer to her, but every once in a while, when they think on one is watching, I'll find them cuddling on the couch together. Here's some secret evidence that they didn't want me to see:

So yes, they do love each other like the siblings that they are. He still tries my patience many times every day...because he's a Terrier, he's just about impossible to train. Plus I'm so busy. It will come though.

Work: I lost my job at the insurance agency. For reasons I hardly want to go into, mostly due to the anger it inspires, I'm not going to go completely into it. Suffice it to say they were looking to downsize at the time, and I was the first to go. Financially it hasn't been easy relying solely on Bath and Body Works. This week for instance I'm only scheduled for 1 shift because things have slowed down there so drastically. Of course I've been looking for more work, but it's not easy. I've put in applications and heard nothing. My newest attempt is at Bigby to be a Barista - so cross your fingers for that. Also, at the end of this month I have orientation to start substitute teaching, so I'm excited for that. As soon as possible I'm looking forward to putting my 2 weeks in at BBW. For those of you who know me you know my thoughts on being taken advantage of...

School: Somehow I managed to get an unbelievable schedule this semester. I'll only be taking one class on Tuesday nights. My reasoning for this is because there's only one course offered for my major this semester, and I hardly need to take anymore bs classes. I could have graduated last year, but since I have to follow my program as it is outlined I don't have a choice. At the very least I'm hoping to be able to take some of next falls courses this summer, so that I can free up more time to work. I think I'll enjoy this semester, because I should obviously 4.0 this class. Also, when work gets straightened out I should be able to work 40 hours a week.

Perhaps the most interesting thing going on right now...Love. Of all the things I'm afraid of, new relationships being one of them, I let someone talk me out of being scared. After a somewhat interesting beginning in September, I'm happy to say that things with Will are going great. Since some things are private I'll simply say that it's going very well indeed... :-).

Family and friends: My mom and dad just had their 39th wedding anniversary two days ago. Incredible right? They are truly an inspiration to me, and I hope that someday I can celebrate such a milestone myself. In a world where relationships constantly end, and friendships begin and end, it's comforting to know that some things don't change. Or if they do, they evolve, and you do it together. This idea goes for friendship right now too.

I can't promise I'll update regularly, but I shall certainly try. It's relaxing to release information this way. I'm going to go enjoy the rest of my lazy Sunday now!