Changing

There are lots of changes going on in my world these days. I suppose it is good that I have always been malleable in that way. Some of the changes going on right now are big and some are small but overall I'm very excited to see what God has in store for me these next few months.

I've had my house on the market since December and have really felt in limbo as to whether or not something would happen. It was a hard decision to make but once the decision was made I felt a great sense of relief and excitement. It has been a frustrating time, waiting and always keeping my house in showing condition; not to mention leaving the house for showings all the time. In the end though, I think it paid off as I have now had an offer on my house.

Even more exciting than that is that I recently became engaged so, wedding plans are now in full swing. Having the prospects of the house taken care of also bring some peace of mind going into the next phase of life. I imagine that as time progresses the wedding planning will feel overwhelming and stressful, but for now it hasn't been bad at all. A big part of that is that Jon is so helpful and wants to be a part of the planning.

Life on the Health front has been a bit of a roller coaster in recent months. No progress has really been made and my insurance company has not ceded to allow me the procedure I need. However, my specialist has referred me to a new specialist whom she is confident will be able to aid in the progression towards a solution. I am confident that in time God will either heal me of what ails me or give me the tools to manage the chronic pain.

A few months ago my friend and colleague told me of her plan to retire at the end of this school year. This came as quite a blow as she has been instrumental in my growth as a teacher since starting at my school. It took quite some time for the shock and sadness of her leaving to wane enough for me to find relief and solace in the fact that I won't have to worry about whether or not I'll be full time in the years ahead. Now, as the year is drawing to it's close and I look towards the unknown territory before me, I'm wishing more and more that I had gleaned even more knowledge from her but at least I know that she will be nearby and will be a valued friend for many years to come.

It seems that Spring has finally found its way to Minnesota after all. I've really been enjoying the warmer temperatures, sunshine, budding trees and greening of the grass. With the onset of Spring it seems that not only are the trees budding but my desire to make more of my photographic endeavors is also blossoming. We'll see what comes of it.

Until next time...whenever it may be :)

It's the little things.

Lately, I'm struck by all the little things, that in the end shouldn't matter much but become so consuming that we can see little else. These things of all shapes and sizes present themselves in a number of ways in my life, but I see it as well in the lives of those around me, the media, politics, etc. For me, it most often presents itself in the form of illness, money (selling my house), work, and self-image. I get caught up in these things all the time, so I know how easy it is to fall into this trap.

It is easy to judge someone else and say that they have it so easy or that they make poor decisions, and that's why they are in the such and such position. It is hard to say, this struggle is just one small part of my life and that what I am going through now does not define who am, who I will be, or even how I need to interact with others. Why is it so easy to be selfish and so hard to be self-less?

We say things that hurt, we complain about the little things, and we don't think about how these things we say and do hurt the ones we love and sometimes people we don't even know. Part of it is human nature to protect ourselves but a lot of it is driven by our society. We live in a society that is always wanting, desiring, and seeking, but I have experienced society that is just the opposite. People will give their last dime to make sure that a need is fulfilled, that not one be left behind. When circumstances do not allow them to give more, they survive on less.

It is the little things; not just the little things that hinder us from looking past ourselves but the little things that lift others up to feel loved, needed and appreciated. A simple gesture, word, or deed can go so far in making someone else have a good day. Everyone has bad days, but don't let the bad days outweigh the good ones. Make it a good one for someone else; it may even make it a good one for you in the process.

Saying goodbye, even for just a short time...

I hear a range of comments about me and my dog all the time. Some say we are like "two peas in a pod", "momma and baby", or "Scooby and Shaggy". My boyfriend says I spoil her rotten, and my best friend says that I understand my dog better than most people understand each other.

Bisous, my dog, was given to me by my best friend as a gift during a very difficult transitional time to help refocus my thoughts on something positive. When I saw the litter of pups it was an instantaneous decision that this cutey would be my new pal. Before long, the two of us were inseparable and have been ever since.

The thing about having Bisous is that she cares for me just as I care for her. When I am sad she comes to me to rub her belly and gives me kisses. When I am sick, she lays with her head on my leg, even if she has just slept the whole night. She is always excited to see me when I come home, whether I have been gone for hours or just five minutes. I tell her all my secrets and she never tells a soul or judges the decisions I make.

I could write a whole book (and have) about the little adventures we've had, the numerous activities we do together, or the little quirks that make her more special than any other companion, but at the moment, I am sad that I have to leave her behind while I take my trip abroad. I've only ever been away from Bisous for five days since I got her almost three years ago, and even then I cried for hours before and after leaving her.

Our family, friends, and loved ones understand that when we leave we will come home again. They may be sad for a bit because they miss us, but a dog cannot understand that. So in leaving her even for a vacation, she does not know why I left or why should could not come with me. If you know me at all, you'd know that Bisous rides with me to almost every place I go. She loves the ride more than I do. Bisous will be in very capable loving hands while I am away, but it does not take the sting of leaving her behind away.

Blogging Newbie - End of Year, New Beginning

So, tomorrow marks the end of another school year, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to take on a new venture. In my case I want to focus on life through my very amateur camera lens. I've always enjoyed taking pictures but have never put a whole lot of thought or time into capturing beautiful images. I have no real desire to take a class at this point but to have some fun.

The summer will give me the time and opportunity to experience God's great creation and capture a few images, thoughts and insights, as well as perhaps a new hobby (i.e. photo-blogging). We'll see how this goes...