Thursday, September 22, 2011

...A new season begins

I've gotten a couple of comments lately about my plans.  There are still some people who don't know that I'm staying in Oregon instead of going back to Arizona.  Today's blog will be to update on the last month (I really need to blog more often!) and my reasons for staying in Oregon.

Reason 1 - One of Frances' last requests for me was that I stay at the house until the girls went back to school, which was the week of Labor Day.  I agreed to do so to help Scott deal with everything.  It turns out I wasn't really needed as he is doing a great job being a single daddy.

Reasons 2 and 3 - Rebekah and Sarah.  I didn't want to leave them so close to losing their mommy.  We still get to spend time together as they spent last weekend with Aunt Betty and I.  Also, I am the free babysitter on Mondays when Scott goes to his firefighter drill.

Reason 4 - Not too long before Frances died, I realized one of the reasons that God brought me to Oregon. I found my calling, where my talents lie.  I enjoy taking care of people and I'm good at it.  So I've decided to change my college major (again).  I am changing to Nursing.  This will satisfy my need to take care of people and bring joy to my life.  I don't know what specialty I want to work with, I'm leaning toward respiratory, but that may change as I continue through my studies.  I am enrolled at Portland Community College and start classes on Tuesday, September 27.

If you put it all together it makes sense.  I was adamant that I wanted to start classes this semester, otherwise, I would have put it off and who knows when I would have gone back.  College classes in Arizona started in the middle of August, which would have meant leaving before the girls went back to school, and the girls are really important to me. 

Once the girls were in school and Scott was ready to have me gone, I moved to Aunt Betty's house.  I now have my own room (with a door!) instead of sharing the girls' playroom with them.  Once I was moved, I started working on looking for a job.  I applied at a bunch of places, and got called for an interview with a company called Home Instead Senior Care.  They were looking for part time caregivers.  Interview done, and one week later, I got the call to schedule a day to start my training.  The best part is that they will work around my school schedule. 

So now, my focus is on school and my part time job.  Looking back to see what I did wrong when it came to college, I realized I was focused on my full time job and tried to fit school in around that and maybe that's why I didn't finish.  I have a new mindset now.  I am focused on full time school, with my part time job. 

And I think that's where you come in as my family and friends.  Help keep me accountable to my goal of completing my degree.  Be there for me if I start to struggle in my walk.

I've put the challenge to myself to see this through, will you help me?