Change.

I've never been a big fan of change.  I'm sure I've mentioned that here before.
I don't rearrange my furniture.  I get in ruts.  I usually keep the same hair color and style.  I'm  little outdated.

But sometimes in life we find ourselves in the middle of a whole lotta change, and we just have to roll with the punches.  Let me tell you what has changed in my life, just in the past six months: 

My marital status, twice: (divorce and then remarriage)

My last name:  (technically twice also. I had my maiden name restored when John and I divorced but didn't officially change anything since I knew I was marrying Byron.)

My job:  I started a new job in October.  Even though it's still in the health care field which I've worked in for almost 7 years now, it's totally different from what I've done before.  For the most part, I love it.  Just last week I had a sweet little old lady hold my hand and tell me there is a special place for me in Heaven.  But, it's definitely challenging as well.

My home:  I moved out to the woods with my love in December.  My husband welcomed me into his beautiful home and I could not love it more.

   



My car:  I kept the car when John and I split, but gave it back to him a few months ago  It needed more work than I wanted to pay for. It wouldn't survive the trips down the long dirt road to our home, anyway.  Now we just use Byron's big red 4x4 truck, which I LOVE.

Pets:  Byron came with a cat and dog, Mama Kitty and Patchy, whom he loves.  Since we got together, we acquired a little ankle-biter dog for me, Mackenzie, and then ended up with Byron's son's dog, Bo.  I adore all of these animals, but Patchy most of all.  He is an American Bulldog, about 11 years old, and just a wonderful animal.

Byron & Mama Kitty

Sweet Patchy

A-dork-able Bo

Crazy Mackenzie

 

Family: I have gained a Mother-in-Law, a stepson, and a brother-in-law.  Also, my stepson has a girlfriend whom we consider another one of our kids.  And a whole, wonderful, loving extended family.

Lifestyle: I now live in a world of hunting and country life.  My husband has outfitted me in head-to-toe camo.  I have learned so much from him.  Our yard attracts turkeys, raccoons, opossums, deer, hogs, coyotes, and who knows what else. I learned how to cook wild hog in the crockpot.
 Yes, these are MY boots on MY feet.

His & Hers Phone Cases

Home.....

        

For a girl who is resistant to change, that is a WHOLE LOTTA CHANGE in a short period of time.
It's no wonder I get a little overwhelmed sometimes.

But there is a contentment in this life that I have never before known.  A security and a feeling of protection and safety.

I guess sometimes.....change really is good.


Linking up with:

   

Mosaic Monday

Just Peeking In...

I miss blogging like crazy!

Just a quick note to let you all know what's going on in my life, now that I am able to do so.

~~~I quit my job!!~~~

Now you may remember that I actually loved my job, and wonder why I'm all happy. But here's the thing = loved the job, hated the workplace. Know what I mean? 'Nough said.

It was one of those situations where I may have went along for a whole lot longer, being unhappy but staying stuck in my rut (you may also remember that I am very resistant to change!).
But a few things happened at work & outside of work that lit a fire under my butt and made me realize it was time to take the plunge.
Thankfully, John was super-supportive.

So, I did it! And then I immediately enrolled in a CNA (certified nursing assistant) course. This will enable me to do a large variety of jobs, but the ones I'm interested in are Home Health Care or Hospice. I'm going to take care of old men! (and women) Originally I only had home health care in mind, but my pastor is very involved with our local hospice and feels pretty certain that he could get me on there. If so, I'm going to try that first. I have had some experience in death & dying working in the ICU, and think I could handle hospice. In fact, I think I'd do a great job there and my pastor is very supportive and encouraging.

This is what I was talking about when I mentioned Serendipity a couple of weeks ago - that soccer mom that I randomly started talking to? A few years ago she did exactly what I had been wanting to do - quit her job (at the same hospital I just left!), got her CNA and went into home health care. She now does home health care privately, she has her own clientele and does very well, and loves what she does. It was one of those almost surreal moments where I knew I was in the right place at the right time! It was like a sign.
Then when I saw my pastor at Elayna's volleyball practice, and told him what I was doing, he told me about hospice, and it was like yet another sign! I am absolutely certain that I am right where God wants me to be right now, and I'm just trying to keep following His lead.

Today is the third day of my CNA course. I will be done on Friday, and then I will take the exam within 3-6 weeks. So far, so good, although getting back into a day shift schedule is super weird and kicking my butt! The classes are all day. Then I'm taking the kids to their sports and doing dinner & all the other usual Mom stuff. So I'm super busy and super tired!

Fortunately there is a Starbucks directly across the street from the school. Also? My blood pressure cuff and stethoscope? PURPLE, baby!!!


The ONE drawback of all of this is that my blogging time is now basically zero. Neither of our computers (PC or laptop) are working, and now that I'm not working I don't have that internet access/time. So, until I get another laptop, netbook, whatever....my blogging will be very few and far between. And since I'm not working at the moment, and when I do start I will take a pay cut initially....that won't be any time very soon.




I miss you all and want to catch up so badly! I'm at the library now, and will do as much catching up as I can (there are no games or practices tonight, hooray!).

So, that's it in a nutshell. There's so much more going on too, we are thoroughly enjoying the fall weather and had a fantastic weekend. The kids' sports are going very well also.
It's all good, except for the bloggy department! So, if you have a spare netbook just lying around, I'll be glad to give you my address. HA!