6 Month Review - Yup, Already

Ahoy Mateys!

It's hard to believe 3 months have past since my last review.  The weather here is in the mid 80's by day and 65-70 at night so it's also hard for this New England girl to believe that it is the middle of October already. 

Since I am off from work today and have yet to take a shower I think I will skip the inclusion of any "selfies" of Jak and I.  As you might recall from the picture I posted in my last review, it didn't turn out all that well anyway.  I suppose my biggest accomplishment and change in the past 3 months is that I'm working now.  For the most part I do like my job.  It's been very busy though and I find when I spend my whole shift running and multitasking, I'm pretty tired when I get home.  I like the people I work with and wear my title as store matriarch with pride.  For the first month I worked there, I was so overwhelmed by the learning curve I put the serious job search on hold.  I have once again resumed looking as I'm not sure I am cut out for this type of work long term.  And perhaps more so, I'm still not making ends meet.  The ends are, however, closer than they were a few months ago.

The 7 month apartment lease I signed when I arrived here runs out in November.  I was given the option to sign another 7 month lease or a 12 month lease.  After weighing the pros and cons I opted for another 7 months.  Although this means my rent will be going up, I don't know what a year from now looks like for me.  It just felt right to pay a little extra and keep my options open.

Yesterday on the radio I heard "The Dance" by Garth Brooks (both song and singer are long time favorites of mine).  Hearing it got me thinking about a sentimental favorite Garth Brooks song, "The River".  When I graduated from high school my mom made me a quilt that was designed after this song.  The pattern of squares form a river diagonally across the quilt with a green shore on one side and blue sky and sunshine on the other.  It even has a turtle on a rock.  For those not familiar with the song, here are the lyrics...

You know a dream is like a river, Ever changing as it flows
And the dreamer's just the vessel, That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you, And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle , Just to stay between the shores.  

(chorus)  And I will sail my vessel, 'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind, These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination, If I never try
So I will sail my vessel, 'Til the river runs dry.  

Too many times we stand aside, And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow, Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline, And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids And dare to dance the tide.  

(chorus) 

And there's bound to be rough waters, And I know I'll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain, I can make it through them all.

(chorus)  

Moving here really is living the dream for me.  And the dream is like a river.  Sometimes it flows smoothly and sometimes it feels like braving the rapids.  Everyday, in some way, it all feels worth it and I am grateful.  "So I will sail my vessel, til the river runs dry."

It's amazing what one can do with some courage, strength and a good support system.  Many thanks to all of you for the love, kindness and encouragement you have shown me (and continue to!) on this journey.  I wholeheartedly encourage all of you to, "Choose to chance the rapids.  And dare to dance the tide."

Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope