This is NOT what it looked like yesterday! Last night, the winds moved this about 10-12 feet, all the way to the fence. This is one of the things that kept my up ALL night. 

This has been a week of learning for me…

…I’ve spent the last three daysworking as a temp at ADP (my future place of employment!!), and have learned a lot about myself. I also have paper cuts on my hands that keep appearing. 🙂 I am truly excited about beginning my career there, and I know that it will be an incredible experience. I did learn this week just how much my hand really is “disabled” and that was incredibly humbling. A lot of the tasks we were assigned this week were nearly impossible for me to do with my right hand, making me realize that it actually is kinda useless at times. I don’t really care that it is–because it is better to have it at 60% than 0%!!–but it was just an awakening, so to speak.

…I’ve been learning about my friends and how I need to “deal” with them, for lack of a better word. What I mean is this: I am the type of person who loves to share with people about my day, my feelings, my frustrations–and for the past 4 years I’ve lived with girls who were the same way. I’m learning that everyone is different (don’t laugh at that–LOL. Not like the preschool lesson!) and that not everyone is like that. Some people like space, and they like to keep things to themselves. It’s so hard for me, though, to truly and genuinely care about someone and want to hear about their lives, yet have them be so quiet about their day, their life, etc. But, I’m learning how to deal with this and how to give space when needed–and not be so sensitive and have my feelings hurt when reactions aren’t as expected. That’s how I can truly show that I care–by learning and doing.

…I’m also focusing this year on becoming more disciplined in many areas in my life. I’ve been working out and have become determined to lose the weight that I need to lose–even when I don’t feel like working out, I am going to do it! I’m becoming more disciplined in health in general–blood sugar, not having dairy products, etc.–and it feels GREAT. 🙂 Also included are daily Bible reading (because it’s been a very long time since I actually did that) and other things.

I’m doing 100% better than I was when I wrote this post, Praise God! Things are really looking up in my life, and I am so thankful. I’ve been to the bottom of the valley, and things can only get better from here. 🙂
Life is good!!

What an absolute tragedy! This accident happened earlier this week in my hometown, and we have known this family very well for years. Please pray for the family as they deal with this unspeakable tragedy!

I had two interviews yesterday at the same company (ADP) and I was informed today that I got the job! Praise the Lord! I start February 6th!!

I’m (almost) employed!!

Oh man–for all you 24 fans out there: Wasn’t the first half of the premiere incredible?! I cannot wait for tonight. This show is too much–definitely too stressful! This is my first season watching it on TV–not on DVD. I’ve been spoiled!

Also, I now have another reason to buy a Toyota Tundra: Jack Bauer drives one. 🙂 LOL–I’m kidding. I do want a Tundra, but have wanted it FAR before Jack Bauer drove one for 30 seconds in Season 5.

This season is going to be absolutely incredible.

I’m ready to go back to the mountains, back into God’s beautiful creation…I am so thankful that the Lord has created such places for us to enjoy and for us to meet with Him there.

It is so nice to escape from the city every once in awhile to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the mountains…maybe I’ll go up this week… 

If I can come up with the money, I have the amazing opportunity to travel to Israel in June for 10 days, with an academic group, to investigate the Israeli/Palestinian conflict first-hand. It is actually an amazing deal, and I know that if the Lord wants me to go, he will allow me to get the time off and the funds necessary.

I know that my parents will LOVE this news, LOL, but this is a place to which I’ve always wanted to go!

In addition to the costs of going, I will also have to consider getting another passport…Arab nations don’t exactly like to see an Israeli stamp in your passport, and I plan on going to more Arab nations in the coming years.

I am so excited about this possible long-awaited opportunity!!