I've missed you.

It has been a while since I've updated my blog, and I'm not sure why. I really think it's because the end of the summer wasn't super eventful and then work started and I was so busy and overwhelmed that I didn't even want to think about something else. As I've eased into work, I've wanted to work on my blog again but have felt like I "needed" to update 5 plus weeks of my life--which feels overwhelming. So, sitting here on an evening that is becoming damp and cool (really feeling like fall), I've decided to at least say hi again without trying to play major catch up. Instead, I just want to see what ramblings appear and enjoy blogging again. :)

Where to start? Well, this fall has turned into a much more busy fall for our "family" than Ricky or I anticipated. We moved to Portland thinking he would just do some "on call" athletic training and odds and ends until he goes to Umpire school in Florida for 5 weeks in Jan-Feb. Ricky committed to some Saturday work to help pay the bills and then an athletic training position opened at Clackamas High school (5ish minutes from my work). The high school operates differently from his previous job, a lot of which he doesn't care for, but it worked out for him in that they were willing to take him until December (knowing his umpire plans for January). We really felt like, financially, it would be best for him to take the position and it has, ultimately, been what's best for us. But that has meant we have both been working A LOT and our schedules aren't lining up very well (I leave at 7:30 and get home around 4:30, he leaves at 2:30 pm and gets home between 8-11pm). And I miss him. I know it's for the best, and we are thankful that God has provided for us in every transition. But the selfish side hates that he's working so much, and I know he feels the same way. On the fun side, he's still been able to squeeze in some senior picture taking, and I think that's been an enjoyable experience for him.

My job is going great. It's the same and different from what I expected, but all the important pieces are there. I have a great supervisor and a great working environment. I'm getting to do a wide variety of things and expand my skills in lots of directions. I think I'll probably stay in this position one more year and then look for positions in academia. Hopefully, I will have the luxury of targeting my job search to the "region" closer to home.

It seems like now, more than ever, for a lot of reasons Ricky and I are looking forward to moving closer to home. We are in a big transition time in our lives right now but can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We always said we'd start trying for kids once I finish school, which (hopefully) will happen in June. Crazy!! I really can't believe that we are nearing our 10 year high school reunions (Ricky's in 10 and mine in 11). Where does the time go?

In the taekwondo realm, I've been able to start learning some of my new form. I think I like it, but learning new black belt forms is always "interesting." I really miss having a taekwondo school close. I especially miss the teaching piece. It's been such a joy to be a part of so many people's lives (little kids, big kids, and adults) through taekwondo. I love, love, love teaching and watching the students grow. It is my favorite part, and while I'm able to continue to work out with Mr. Duer and learn new material, it is not the same. It confirms in me my desire to keep the teaching part of taekwondo a big part of my life in the future. While I've never really wanted to commit to owning a taekwondo school as my "Job" (because it's my fun thing), I really do miss the "human/teaching" part of it. I have been able to take some fun classes at my local gym (kickboxing and power) that keep me busy, but it doesn't quite fill the void.

Well, this was a longer ramble than I intended. I promise to update more regularly again. :)