Currently I am in Casper where it is 1 degree outside. That's right, 1 degree. And with the wind chills it is probably more like -10 or so. We have about 8 inches of snow on the ground. And it's COLD. I don't know if I can emphasize that any more. However, at this time last year in 2009 I never would have imagined I would be spending the next Christmas in Casper Wyoming. How things change. Also, I have spent several weeks here now, and I have realized that I DO like Casper. It's great that there is never really any traffic, getting across town in 10 minutes is quite nice. Also, people are generally friendlier, and I am learning that it's not scary to wave at people or say hi as you walk down the street (or at least acknowlege their presence, which doesn't really happen where I am from...) The scenery is beautiful... earlier in my time here when it wasn't so cold I spent lots and lots of time running with Faulkner. We did some runs near sunrise and sunset, and their "mountain" (which I am learning to appreciate as a real mountain...) is gorgeous. Plus they have a river, and big open skies, there's something about it that is beautiful. I don't think I would have said that 4 or 5 months ago, but the more time I spent here the more I like it. It's nice being able to go running and not have to worry about dodging in and out of traffic/cars, worry about safety (I have never once felt unsafe running by myself here, cannot say the same at home), and something about the higher altitude makes it easier to run farther. Although fighting the wind definitely stinks sometimes. All in all, God is good, I had no idea Mom moving here was ever in his plan, but i've gotta say-- that God knows what he's doing sometimes, and we have to trust in him more!
Also, 2010 was my last full year as a graduate student at UW! I graduate in June of 2011, so just 2 more quarters to go. In 2010 I finished my practicum at Nativity House and started my new practicum at Peace Community Center. I had both good and very frustrating academic experiences: good= finally getting to start my capstone, and frustrating=research sequence and military sw class. Summer quarter is always tough, and I am thrilled to say after doing Summer 2010 classes that is (*hopefully*) my last summer quarter EVER.
2011 should be an exciting year. Finishing up my final practicum (how am I POSSIBLY going to get all those hours done...?), two more quarters of classwork, finishing my capstone, graduation in June. Then after that things are a little more muddy. Find a job (yes). Doing what/where (who knows). Maybe having health insurance (yes, please). Stay in Tacoma, move somewhere else (only time will tell). I will turn 25 in 2011. That's a quarter of a century. I don't know about that.
I am not one to make New Years Resolutions, in fact I usually shy far far away from them. I feel like they are just asking for failure, and then you feel like crap when you don't do them. However, a year from now, looking back on 2011, here are some things I would like to have accomplished:
- run a 10K (but maybe start with a 5K?)
- have a job with health insurance... and maybe some other benefits?
- be able to put money in savings
- at least one road trip to Spokane to visit friendies!
That's all for now. Last blog of 2010. I hope you all have a wonderful start to the New Year.
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