Twice in a week!

Yup, I've found time to blog twice this week.

This blog started a little over a year ago as Luke and I strived to be content with what we have and joyful for today (instead of talking about life AFTER graduation, life WITH a job, etc). How have we done?

Well, I guess this word sums it up: Okay

Gratefulness and contentment are hard concepts to internalize, especially in a society that is always telling you that you need more, faster, newer, better, etc.

It's one thing to know in my head, but to live it is totally different. The towels that would look sooooo nice in my bathroom are clearanced.

But, will it make me happy? (No--happiness can't be purchased, even at Pottery Barn!)

Life after nursing school will be soooo nice--no homework!

But, am I just trading one set of stress for another?

Until I'm physically in the presence of my Maker, I know that I will always struggle with being content with what I have, where I'm at, and the circumstances of life. That doesn't mean that it's wrong to want nice things (like matching towels!), but I need the mental shift in my thinking. I have tried many times in my life to fill a spiritual need with a physical object, and it has yet to work (I kinda highly doubt it will EVER work).

All that being said, I am looking forward to nursing school graduation! But, I'll focus more on the enjoyment of each day and being thankful and grateful for each day!

Still alive

Wow--it has been forever since I updated this blog. And, for the two people who actually care--sorry! I am a big fan of reading other people's blogs, but not so good about updating mine! Sorry!

Life continues to move a break-neck speed for me and my family. I have ONE clinical rotation left in nursing school and then graduation! I have a couple of job leads and had a great interview for my dream job, but the economy in Michigan is so bad that even nurses can't find jobs. Sigh.

On a totally different note....our dishwasher died. The pump no longer works. AGAIN! We replaced this part 1.5 years ago, and now it's broken again. We decided that we are going to replace the dishwasher rather than repair it. Thank goodness for that emergency account (because, in my house, a broken dishwasher IS an emergency!)

On yet a totally different note, I have become pretty "thrifty" over the past few weeks. I am now making all of our own bread, making my own laundry detergent, and I even rinsed out and reused a sandwich bag. I guess the current economy has me thinking of ways to be less wasteful. Of course, I refuse to give up my DVR on the TV (unless it's that or eat!), so I'm not totally thrifty yet!

And, to wrap up this totally random post....I brought both girls to the eye doctor today. Mandy's vision hasn't changed since she got glasses at the age of 3, and Kayla's eyes are still perfect! Kayla was highly traumatized by the doctor wanting to actually look at her (she's a bit on the, um, shy side), but she recovered in time for him to do enough of the exam where he can still bill for it.

I promise it won't be so long before I write again :-)