Now... where were we?

Okay, first and foremost, let me just go ahead and apologize for not blogging sooner.  I know that I said I would blog often, and I promise I thought I would.  But the past 3 months have been a flurry of activity and travel, soul searching, sale searching, body bronzing (and burning) and Rock Star toes.

But I'm back.  (Shout out to Mrs. Lewis!  While I was visiting my family in Fluvanna earlier this summer, she actually asked me if I had posted another blog - evidence that SOMEONE reads this!  Thanks, Mrs. Lewis!)

So yes, lots happening since my last post back in... April.

First off, I turned "Almost 30" -  29 to be exact.  And to be quite honest, I had a bit of a freak out moment when I realized that this time next year I'll be turning 30, and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up!  Shouldn't I have this all figured out by now?  I mean, I've got two college degrees hanging on my wall (and the student loans to prove 'em), and a professional background that is - um - diverse.  DIVERSE, I say.  Believe me, you should try reading my resume.

When I was a wee gal growing up in Dream-ville, I remember thinking that 22 was the age that I would really be an adult.  I'd have it all figured out by then.  I'd be married with babies, a thriving career, a spotless home and real, grown-up friends.  Ha!  22!  Realistically, 22 found me wrapped up in the whirlwind that is the Miss America experience, traveling across the state of New Mexico on a speaking tour and waving from a convertible in every small town parade you could think of.  WOW - If only I could have been Miss New Mexico at 29 instead of 22!  If I had only known then what I... blah, blah, blah.

ANYWAY, on the morning of my 29th, 

I woke up in a tizzy, and I realized, 

"OH MY GOD, WHAT IN THE WORLD AM I CONTRIBUTING TO THE UNIVERSE?"

Since then, needless to say, I have found myself at a bit of a personal and professional crossroad.

Who do I want to be, and what do I want to do?

As far as my professional tract goes, I'm taking a break.  Thankfully, I've got a super supportive husband who is encouraging me to take the time to really decide what is going to make me happy.  During this time, I've been praying for an incredible experience to reveal itself to me, and I believe the Lord has opened my eyes to something I once dismissed.

One of my favorite reference books.

Once upon a time, while I was in grad-school, I decided that I'd go ahead and obtain my teaching certification, just in case I ever wanted to teach.  Well, I'm super glad I did!  While sitting still and listening for God to tell me where he wanted me, the idea of the education field kept popping up.  I'll be teaching Speech and/or Journalism, and although I'm not sure if I'll start this fall or next, I'm pumped about it.  I'm truly looking forward to such a rewarding experience.

Next up, my personal life.  Bradley and I celebrated two years of wedded bliss in April.  TIME FLIES!  The two of us finally decided to get ourselves healthy and back in shape, and I've been hitting the gym, and he's hitting P90X early in the mornings.  I think we will reward ourselves with a beach vacation sometime soon.  (And no, babe.  I'm not referring to the beaches of Lake Amistad.)

My new runners, and my new best friends.

But perhaps my most important adventure over the summer has been my personal quest to reconnect with my God.  I've started a new daily devotional that is helping me get back into the habit of trusting God and listening for him to direct me.  I even jazzed up my new devotional journal with my "prayer word" - Joy.  It definitely keeps me inspired. :)

The Joy of the Lord is my strength.  Nehemiah 8:10.

Oh yeah, this brings me to another point.  In case you didn't notice, I've changed the title of my blog.  The old one was boring and didn't inspire me at all.  The new one is better and more relevant, I think.

Okay, so those are a few points of interest for the past few months.  On top of this, however, I've had the wonderful fortune of traveling a lot, and spending a great deal of time hosting company at our home here in Fort Worth.  More details on more adventures coming up next...

Ciao, friends!