Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

To be fair, I did give it a week. Two, in fact. I had my running shoes laced up 3 times a week at 6:30 in the morning (which seemed SO early... ha). The run/walk intervals were totally doable. "I'm a runner!"

And then 3 things happened in short succession:

Shin splints flared up

We had about 2 weeks notice to move

My job (and schedule) changed drastically

Don't worry, I have already labelled myself a whiny baby. Between resting up to prevent further injury, packing and moving, and getting ready for work at 5:30 am (out the door at 6:30, I laugh at my sleep-deprived self), I decided my delusions of grandiose running accomplishments would have to wait.

Despite the early mornings, I am completely in love with my job. Rather than arriving home mentally stressed, with no sense of accomplishment aside from making it through another day, wondering if I could scrounge up a bottle of wine, now I feel mentally challenged and a true sense of a job well done when I have a good day. Coffee has become my drink of choice, though in a way not by choice. :)

Amidst numerous changes, we're in a good place right now. The coffee probably helps! Maybe later we'll see what puzzle pieces God is putting together but for now we'll take it one day at a time. Sans running shoes.

Entry # Whatever

We're back at home doing fine and dandy. All we got out of Ike were:

1: Five inches of leaves (give or take) all over the yard
2: A lower electricity bill for the month
And 3: Messed up syllabi for the rest of the semester

I'm pleased to report progress on behalf of Adrian (the dog). We finally gave in and took her to the vet (for the second time in 4 months). We left with $150 worth of medicine and flea treatments. :P BUT her scratching no longer keeps us up at night, and we've been diligently re-training her that outside is the place to relieve herself. No new tricks yet, but we might try "Stop digging used tissues out of the trash can." Good girl!

I'm learning that becoming a sign language interpreter is one of the most fun, challenging, and rewarding things I could possibly do. Jason and I attended a pre-Thanksgiving feast at a Deaf church in the area and had a great time. A visiting church from Arkansas entertained us with some deaf "singing."









We're finally making progress in our upstairs half bath! The hideous wallpaper and laminate are gone. In their place: beautiful tile and a decent paint color. (You can check out pictures of our home projects here.)

Well I'm off to pack... Jason's coming to work with me for the weekend while the parents are off in Mexico for a wedding. I predict great fun, and if we're lucky: Jason's first diaper change! ;D

It's Meeee

A year ago I was on a plane back from Maryland, killing my hand. (I wrote for almost the entire flight - two and a half hours. Ouch.) My doodness!

Well I've been out of school for two weeks and have been quite busy being a lazy bum. When I'm not working, that is. I've got two regular babysitting jobs for the summer (praise God!) - one for a family that just welcomed twins into the world on Monday. :)

It's probably apparent that I've been quite behind on everything, and that includes reading, so my quixotic goal for this summer is to read 50 books. (No recommendations needed, thanks. I've got enough for 3 summers.)

And as far as exciting summer plans go, I'll get to meet some old friends for the first time! Bwahaha. I've met some amazing people online and I'm excited to finally get to see 'em face to face. My friend Sarah is planning to drive down to stay a weekend early next month, and then Siara's gonna fly in for a week in July. *is super excited*

With that, I leave you to go babysit. Have a quiet time today! Yes indeed.

Everybody to the Limit

Hello friends!

Good gravy, it's always someone. This is for my cuz Mariah, who is like, super-blogger-woman even though she has two kids. She's a great role model and I totally aspire to be like her. *tear*

I almost had three exams fall on the same day again this week but my algebra teacher moved his, thank God. This is why I have been so noticeably absent. (Mariah noticed, anyway.)

Despite all the studying, I did manage to have two fantastic nights this week. Last night Rebecca and I made a Chilis run and then shopped for dresses. (She found a purty one for Easter... ooo!) Went to lemonade for some Chick-Fil-A. ;) Made some chocolate chip cookies and then the crew came over and partiness ensued. We played some Nerts and some Scrabble and then I brought myself home for a snooze.

Oh yes, I noticed that I never posted the link for the "...So, Don't Be Anxious" sermon I mentioned twenty years ago. But I still heartily recommend it - you can check it out here. Go listen! Go!

It's been a while since I've talked about job stuff too. I never heard from the Christian bookstore and I decided not to really pursue anything else, but I did just hear from a lady who's interested in having me watch her little girl two days a week. I'm going to try that Monday. :)

I'm off to hit the books, but I must say thanks to Rebecca and Matt for making every night feel like spring break! Everybody have a good weekend and eat yummy things.

Manila Envelopes

Can you taste it? I am so close to the end of this algebra stuff. One half of the final exam left. Not like I really have to take the final exam but I think it will help.

Tomorrow I have to get a filling. I could complain about how weak my teeth are despite my diligence in caring for them, and rant about how I'm sick of worrying about my mouth, but... hrm, I just did.

Called the Christian bookstore today - sounds like they are going to be hiring a bit later than they thought. So I can either wait till the end of this month to hear from them or pursue another job now.

I changed my earrings yesterday - that was exciting! Took me about 20 minutes to do my left ear, but I got to wear my neat new hoops. Once I get some camera software working I should have picka-churs.

I also want to thank Rebecca for putting up with me past midnight last night. ;) After a wonderful meeting at the CareNet pregnancy center for our church's ladies ministry, I tagged along with Becca and... bought something fun.

That's about it for now, folks. The Jess factory is getting cranked up to full production these next few days before school starts. We are currently seeking help in the form of lunch or dinner dates, late night hang outs, and salt and vinegar chips.