of friends and family

These past few months have had a lot in store for me. There have been many life changes and I have embraced them as they came. The divorce was painful, as any separation can be, but liveable. I am thankful I got to keep the kids with me and the house that we have all come to call home. It is not a mansion, just a small house that welcomes our friends and family at any time of the day and night. There are a few windows that need to be fixed, the yard needs work, leaves are piling up outside and the wood floors need to be redone. But it's home to the kids and I, and that is what matters.

I am thankful for a job that is not stressful, an office of my own and control over my schedule. I think that, considering everything, God knew I was going to need that when trouble at home hit. All I can say is that although I did like working at the hospital, I don't know if I could have handled that schedule along with all the crap I had to go through these past few months. Having a private office to retreat to was a true blessing. And then having proper breaks and holidays was a bonus. It is worth the one hour commute to get to work. I have taken to listening to audiobooks on the way to work and back home. Two hours a day for four days a week makes for some good progress on audio books. So far I have listened to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Order of the Phoenix and the Half-Blood Prince. I am missing the Goblet of Fire. When I went to check it out at the library, one of the discs was missing and so it has been unavailable since then. I will attempt again to download it from their online audiobooks. I hated skipping a book, but that is how it goes sometimes.

Of the better things that have happened this month, I am thankful and happy for my friends who have been there to listen to me and support me in these difficult times. They are more precious to me than words can say. I am also thankful that I have finally finished my master's in health sciences, it is done and paid for!!! What a relief. I also had the honor of starting this journey and finishing it with my friend Amber who currently teaches in the radiology program at ASU. It was worth all the time and money invested. I love teaching college, and I could not have asked for anything better at this point in my life.

Have a blessed and merry Christmas!