So, you know how they say "today is the first day of the rest of your life?" Well, today really feels like that. Tonight will be the last time I attend a class for my second bachelor's degree. I don't really even have to do anything, just show up and evaluate my classmates' presentations (we did ours last week). But it will be bittersweet. I've spent the better part of two years getting to know these people. A number of us are graduating after this quarter and the rest will finish up in June. Some have become like extended family and it's going to be strange not seeing them for the three months between now and commencement in June. So there's an ending there...But there's a beginning too, because this means that I'm moving on to a new career in IT! I worked an internship last summer and was offered a position with the group I interned with. It's kind of exciting (and yet a little scary, too) to think about. A 40-hour/week job after 20 years of raising children? Ought to be a cakewalk, right? Well, it'll be different, anyway. And hey, it'll be nice to actually be earning money instead of constantly writing tuition checks! I really am looking forward to it.
Today is also my 25th wedding anniversary. Hard to believe it's been that long, and when I think of some of the things we've been through, it's amazing we're both still here to talk about it! Building a house, getting my first degree, having and raising three wonderful children (and all that entails), three brain surgeries in three weeks for me 10 years ago now, David falling off our roof and breaking his leg, the loss of both of our sets of parents... But there's so much to look forward to in the next 25! Being able to travel, spend our free time together, and eventually grandchildren, just to name a few... I'm sure there'll be some rocks in the road too, but hey, after what we've survived in the past 25? With love and faith, I think we'll survive stubbing our toes on those, too.
I'm also about to embark on another exciting new adventure: serving a part-time LDS service mission from home for FamilySearch Support! My papers are in and the call should be coming any time. I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to use both my genealogical research and IT skills in serving the Lord and FamilySearch users in whatever way I'm asked to. I'm a little nervous, but I imagine that's normal. I'm also totally excited to get started! That will have to wait until I get back from my genealogical travels, but what a fun thing to look forward to when I get back!
So, I guess it just seems fitting to feel like I'm on the brink of something. Standing on the edge and looking over (and totally freaked out by the height, by the way). But looking back, I've had an incredible life so far. Challenging, fun, stressful, brilliant, and full of love and laughter! And I'm so looking forward to more of the same to come!
