The End is in SIGHT

Once upon a time, a long long time ago, a old lady decided to go back to school to become a teacher. Almost three years later there was a light at the end of the tunnel. The name of that light is May 4, 2012. Graduation day! I have my final observation for the semester on Monday, and then next semester I do my student teaching M-F and finish with a degree. Unbelievable! I have certainly enjoyed the journey, the learning, the experiences, and even the trial. Most especially I am grateful to my Father in Heaven who has guided my journey each step of the way. I can't believe how He has blessed my life, and I didn't see those blessings until recently, but He is guiding me, and I have to give thanks to Him! I also am grateful for friends and family who have helped me along the way. I could not have done this without them. Lastly, I am grateful for my cohort friends. What an exciting experience to be learning and growing and leading and working with them. Who knew that going back to school would be such a great experience...even if there were times I didn't think it was worth it. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it grows brighter every day. Thanks for reading my gratitude post, I just needed to get it out there.

Understated

To say that I got a sunburn would be an understatement. I don't have any pictures, but I went fishing this past weekend, and...well...I got cooked. I think my brain is even trying to adjust to the extra heat radiating from the part in my hair and surrounding areas (BLAST my THIN hair!!) and my nose. My arms are radiating heat from them. Comments at work today included that I was glowing, Rudolf, and what fun did you have this weekend. One friend gently laid her cool hands on my arms to help me feel more at ease. It could have been worth forgetting the sunscreen had I caught my limit. Instead, my niece and nephew each snagged a crawdad, and I didn't get so much as a nibble. Three hours in the hot sun, and all I'm going to have to show for it in a week is lizard skin and blisters. I guess the weekend wasn't a total bust. I did get to sit in traffic for three hours on the highway 6 road, listen to some good ole' music, and eat too much. All in all, it was a weekend away, and I guess that's all that really counts.

I Passed!

After a very long, difficult semester, I finally got my grades back, and...I passed!! Even better than that, I got an A, A-, 2 B+ and a B. 14 credits and working was difficult, but I did it. Thanks for all the support you have given. It has been very appreciated and needed.

Once

I once was outgoing. I once was funny. I once smiled because it was how I felt. I once was strong.

Once upon a time, the world I knew broke. Once upon a time a new day was a new fear. Once upon a time, I was directionless, lost in the world, and scared.

Today I am building again. I do so slowly, carefully, and with extra caution. Still, the world I face holds many fears, insecurities, and the pains of lonliness. Have you ever wanted the attention of someone so much that when they finally give it, all it brings is tears, fears, and another fall.

Once I felt acceptance and love and friendship. Once I didn't fear every word I spoke would hurt me or those around me. Once I had confidence. Once I was brave.

Once I was.