Almost a year

since I last blogged.  I haven't had an opportunity to do so since the site is blocked on the network at work and I don't use the computer at home when I get home.  A lot has happened since August last year.  I got a new position at work, got in my first ever car accident blemishing my perfect driving record of 16 years, Leland had a rough time in his program and was told he would be kicked out if he didn't do well on his mock oral exam, Tyson has become extra territorial, we were threatened to have to move out if Tyson didn't start "behaving in a normal manner", I received my CHL, my high school soccer team is the TCSAAL State Runner-up, the first group of kids I ever taught graduated high school, and so much more!  I will try to hit some of the more interesting points (maybe not interesting to you, but for my posterity it will be learning points).

Car Accident:

I had this feeling that moving to Houston would not be good for my driving record.  After arriving here, within 2 weeks I was almost t-boned twice while turning left on a green arrow.  In March I was driving to work and decided I was going to go to the Shell station across the highway from work instead of turning to go to work.  There was a truck in front of me so I could fully see the light until the truck turned.  Once the truck turned I saw the light and it turned yellow.  Since I would have stopped in the intersection if I had tried to stop I kept going straight.  I was looking at the light to see if it would turn red, I never saw it coming, BOOM! Airbag deployed, car disabled, slowly crept to the light pole and stopped.  The other car ran the red light to turn left and I hit him.  Thankfully, neither of us was seriously hurt.  But my car, my poor baby Dawson, was totaled.  I didn't think there was that much damage since I was going less than 30mph, but since the car was a hybrid, there are not used parts to rebuild it and everything would have cost more than what the car was worth.  No more baby Dawson, no more amazing gas mileage.  After the reports came in, my insurance company found no fault in me and I was not cited for anything on the scene either, so my insurance will not have a huge impact.  The other guy though was found to not have sufficient coverage (aka no insurance) so I am in the clear.  The saddest part, I was 9 months away from paying Dawson off.  9 months!  I did get a cool scar from the steering wheel cover when the airbag deployed.  The Honda "H" is imprinted on my arm.  It's starting to fade, but if you look at it in the right lighting you can still see it.  It also meant I got a new car after 3 weeks of having one car between the two of us.  the day before I bought my new car, Leland's car literally blew up as I was driving it.  It didn't blow up in the traditional fire and BOOM way, but the engine blew out.  I was driving the car and thankfully Leland was with me and was able to talk me through what I needed to do.  Scary when your car stops in the middle of the U-turn lane as it begins to turn and it's getting dark out.  I am grateful we were both safe and all has turned out well.

I got my Concealed Handgun License!  As an educator in an area of the city where crime is high and you never know what can happen, I am all in favor of teachers being armed on a school campus, IF that teacher has the proper training and licenses.  I even went on a former student's podcast talking about that.  Let the debates begin!

Leland's tough semester.  Last August Leland had to take a mock oral exam after taking all his summer courses.  if he fialed it he would take it again in December.  Well, he failed and had to take it in December.  He failed again and was told if he did not do better in May he was going to be kicked out of the program.  All semester he was enrolled in two graduate school courses while still doing his residency work.  Toughest semester ever!  It paid off and he passed in May and will be in the prgram for one more year then on to a new job, and hopefully a new city.  Maybe San Antonio, fingers crossed!

I got a new position at work in February.  The principal at my campus was moved up to the central office in order to write the grant for the Race to the Top Grant.  We got a new principal and he decided to promote me to the position of AP of Operations and Finance.  I am in charge of HR, Money, Fundraising, CNA/CIP writing, School events, buses, and everything else under the sun that it take to operate a school.  It has been a very eye opening experience and i have learned a lot.  I am grateful for the opportunity to be in this position and learn what I have.

Tyson is finally a much better dog!  He is finally out of his puppy stage and turning into a real dog.  I love it!  He is also starting to become territorial and barking at everything that comes around the apartment.  he is also starting to cover other dog smells with his own.  It can be annoying when he stops every three feet to pee.  At least he is acting like a real dog now.

We are still teaching Primary.  It's been almost a year since receiving that calling.  I am loving the kiddos we have in our class.  They are smart and always ask great questions.  For the most part, they are engaged in the lessons and are learning more about the gospel.

Since Leland and I have been in Houston we have been through many trials.  We have been greatly tested, but greatly blessed as well.  The Lord will not give us anything was can't handle.  He will push us to our limits and a little beyond so we can grow and show our devotion and faith in Him.  As much as I hate the trial, I am able to learn more about myself and my relationship with my husband.  I am so grateful for the things that have happened that have made our relationship stronger. I am grateful for the things that have built my faith and testimony.  The Lord truly does know me and what I need.  Only one more big trial that I am trying to deal with but don't know how I will at this point. Maybe one day I will have the courage to talk about it.  Until that time, I will suffer in silence ;)

As much as I hate Houston I told Leland that we are going to try to make more positive memories of the city for the next year.  So far we have gone to  Dave Matthews concert, gone shopping and I actually found clothes I liked, finding happiness in the little things, and enjoying the limited time each day we have with each other.  The next few things on the list, WICKED, NASA, Kemah, and more exploring the city.  We will get through this crazy next year together and our faith and love will continue to grow.