Currently Reading The Grapes of Wrath (Penguin Classics) By John Steinbeck, Robert DeMott see related

It's happened again; I can't remember who I have updated regarding my current status...so, here goes...

During the course of Christmas break, I moved into an apartment just north of the city.  It has beautiful hardwood floors, incredible character, and brightly painted rooms.  The heaters make loud noises and our sink drips continually, but I love it.  Please, you'll have to come visit me!  (I realize it's a little ways from Moody and even more so from Holland, but anyone is welcome...well, maybe not ANYONE, but most of you are! ;))

Many of you may have been confused as to my plans because they changed about 34 times.  :)  But, I'm here, and I'm staying!!  I'm very happy to be able to FINALLY report that!  This transition from moody to post-moody has been such a rollercoaster.  In all sincerity, God has been so gracious to me.  I'm living in a place that I love and I get to be around people that I love.  A few weeks ago, I wasn't certain any of my plans were going to fall into place.  Trust has been a significant theme...I suspect it always will be for this doubting girl.   

I'm currently nannying full-time for a 9 month old little girl--Trust me, I've had experience with nannying and this is the PERFECT job for me right now.  It's full days (9-5), but I have Fridays off!!  The little girl is adorable and compared to other kids I've nanny-ed for, a piece of cake.  In translation: I will have a relaxing job that enables me to stay within the counseling field on Fridays (Caris Pregnancy Clinic is only a few blocks away and I'll be joining them as a volunteer...see you friday, Cheryl!), and allows me to pay the bills. 

(If at this point to feel like saying "Praise the Lord" or PTL for short, go for it.  I guess sometimes it's appropriate)

I miss Solheim.  Today I bought one of those exercise balls and weights...watch out.

Oh, does anyone have any book suggestions?  I'm trying to not become a lame person who watches TV every night.

Apartment: check

Job: check

Really, what else can a girl ask for?  I can't believe how God has shown Himself faithful over the last 4 weeks.  You would think that by now I would be able to trust Him to provide for my needs, but somehow I always end up trying to rely on myself.  (that never goes over well)  He has unnecessarily proven Himself again, and I am grateful.  Sometimes I believe I deserve certain things, when in reality, I don't deserve any of this.  But I am thankful.  I am very thankful. 

It's funny to realize how different this stage of life is...for example, my purchases at Wal-Mart last night?  2 curtain rods, a tape measure, and sand paper.  The whole time I was walking through the store, I was thinking that what I really need to save up for is an electric drill.  hehehe...welcome to adulthood. 

Currently Listening These Are Special Times By Celine Dion Samm, this CD is really good--you need to take your fiance's advice see related

For those of you who have time left at Moody (or any other place), don't let insecurities and initial, negative perceptions of others keep you from getting to know them. 

Invest in those around you, because one day you will realize that there were amazing people around you who you never gave a chance.  I don't regret much from my time here...but one thing I do regret is that I held onto insecurities instead of putting myself out there.  Nothing profound here, just simple, ugly pride. 

By the way, this semester has been my favorite.