What a year. I could leave it at that and let everyone make their own assumptions on what that means but I'll save you all the time and fill you in a bit.
I got a new job at Western Governors University in June when I wasn't even looking for one and it's turned out to be a great blessing. I like who I work with and my pay increased and come January I'll have the opportunity to start in their MBA program, because I'm an employee I'll receive a 75% reduction in tuition. WGU is a non-profit online university that extends the reach of higher learning to rural areas and other under served populations. Check it out at WGU.edu. Anywho, I like my job and at some point, hopefully sooner rather than later, I'll have the opportunity for advancement.
I'm still living with the parents and working on an exit plan for sometime in 2011. I love them and am grateful for the place to live but I want to be on my own again, well not completely on my own I have Bunsen. I came close to buying a home in West Jordan but I pulled the plug when the lending company had me jumping through hoops and bending over backwards to prove that I'm a responsible adult. That gave me time to think about all the repairs that needed to be done and realize I'm only one person and it would cost too much time and money to make it livable. So I'm in the process of looking and waiting for the perfect property that calls out to me.
It's been a little more than a year and a half since my divorce and I've finally come to the place where I have peace in my heart and mind about the whole mess. I look back on the marriage now and know that I learned a lot about myself and relationships. Most importantly I've learned that I'm enough. Just me. What a concept. I'm enough just the way I am. No man necessary. I've learned that I don't need to compromise on what's important to me. There's a reason those things are important.
I'm not angry anymore about what happened. I had the chance to do some soul searching and I'm rebuilding my life one brick at a time. I'm happy and the best is yet to come.
This year I've also had the chance to grow closer to my sister Leslie. She's figuring out her life as a single mom and learning as she goes. I admire her for her faith and dedication. It's never easy when life throws you a curve ball that knocks you on your ass while you're trying to swing at it. I know she'll come out of this with a stronger faith and determination to be the example her kiddos need her to be. LOVE YOU LES!
So that's my life for the most part. I'm happy and I'm glad I can say that. I think that's what I'm most grateful for, well that and my family that helped me to get there. I'm blessed with amazing sisters in Kirsten and Leslie and wonderful nieces and nephews that remind me that life is simple and happiness can be found in a pipe cleaner or a silly band. I guess my parents have a bit to do with it too :) . They have been beyond patient with me and their unconditional love is a model I look to someday be able to emulate.
There was a couple in my parents ward that has shown me what selflessness in a marriage looks like and reminded me at a time when I needed reminding that love is out there and everyone deserves a soul mate. He served his wife whose sight and faculties had left her. He held her hand reassured her when she didn't know where she was. He fed and clothed her. He did everything for his sweetheart Mrs. Pretty. And though who she had been years ago had vanished through the dense fog of dementia his love and dedication to her was as constant at the sun, moon and stars. His sweetheart passed away a few weeks ago but their love goes on and will forever. Everyone who knew them is blessed by seeing their example of Christlike love and service. I want to have that and because of them and my grandparents and parents I know it's possible. Don't forget to remember to love life. There's always something to be grateful for. Even in the midst of utter crap think about how it's fertilizing you and at some point after all the stink of it wears off you'll come out stronger healthier and more beautiful. Allow the master to refine. I love my family, I love my friends, I love my Savior. Happy Thanksgiving all!
