September 2008 update

It has been almost a year, I am ashamed to say, since I have updated my blog. But when I sit and think about all the things that have happened in this time frame, it makes my head spin and I am not surprised I have not had time to sit down and update my blog.

The beautiful, idyllic picture on the side is actually from Epcot at Disney World. In late November/early December, my friend Cindy, Jess and I went to Disney world for 4 days and then on a 7 night Disney cruise through the Western Caribbean. It was so much fun. We went to several ports of call, but of all of the places we went, the highlight was in Cozumel where we swam with the dolphins. I think if I could live with the dolphins, I would not be disappointed. That was truly an amazing experience that I will cherish. I hope that I get to do it again, but if I don't, I have the most amazing memories that make me smile and take my breath away to think about. It was all I every dreamed it would be and more! Dolphins are truly amazing, beautiful, smart creatures.

I love this picture because I wish I had a green thumb and the ability to be this creative in the landscaping department. I finally bought my first house in May. God has been so good and blessed abundantly. I got an incredible house (I will post some pictures that don't do it justice) with almost half an acre of land. The house is over 1400 sq.ft and has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and a loft. There is a garage, shed and huge yard. The house was almost completely remodeled inside and out and I got many things included with the house because it was an estate sale. Like I said, God was very gracious to me and gave me good gifts and blessed abundantly. I am very happy in my house and very comfortable.

School continues to be fun. I have about a year left before I graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies. I hope to graduate with honors. I will be so disappointed if I do not. In the meantime, I am attempting to get a part-time job in the paralegal field to get my foot in the door and get job related experience.

I decided another big life altering change as well. I took steps to begin the process to be cleared to adopt. I am going to adopt a couple of young children, siblings, from foster care. I will do a foster to adopt process that allows me to get young children and take out the mess of me having to compete with couples. However, the staffing is so poor, there is a backlog of paperwork, so I am still waiting for my home study to be completed. That is basically where they clear my home as being safe and interview me. Everything else has been submitted and cleared. I want the process to speed up, but I know God's timing is always much better than mine, so I am content to wait.

My former roommate, Cindy, got married this past week. It feels strange to have all of my single friends now married, and it is an adjustment, but I am glad for her and glad to see how God supplied my needs for this house so that we both could go down these separate paths in our lives.

I also started my own business in August. I have not done too badly since the beginning. I am pleased with my start. Of course, one always would want a much faster start, but realistically, I am doing quite well. I never imagined myself owning my own company, but I don't know why not since I am such an independent person.

My health has been wonderful until the last couple of months. I have had some health challenges in the last couple months, but then it would not be my life if there were no health challenges would it?

So, as you can see, my year has been filled with activity from vacations, some not even mentioned, to buying a house, moving, unpacking, going to school, going through the adoption process, becoming a business owner and so on. I am sure these things are just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. But that is my year in review. I hope you enjoy the pictures and I am settled in my new homes, so maybe I will be able to post more often and keep things more current...but no promises! LOL