The Start of the Semester

Wow! Only two days of classes have been completed and there is already a ton of things I need to get together before I can safely arrive at class again tomorrow.  So far, it appears as though most of my classes are going to be keeping me busy, but once I get into the swing of things, that could easily change. My favorite class is.. ASL of course! I did not realize how much I missed signing this summer, but boy, it is great to be back and talking with my hands. Before I got back, I did not think there would be any time for me to work/volunteer at Happy Hands. I have to say, that's not going to be an option. I must find time to spend there with those beautiful babies! They are so dearly missed!

This semester, Kayla and I have decided to take up kickboxing. Let's just say, after day 2, I have muscles hurting that I was quite certain did not exist. Our goal is to keep it up for at least this semester, but hopefully we will be able to go all school year. We will see and I will keep you updated!

Other than that adventure, there hasn't been too many exciting things happening around here, yet. But here are a few things that have been interesting!

I'm quite certain I need this.

I always feel like somebody's watching meeee

 Tonight, I got to meet up with Kristy the astronaut and Whimsical Whitnei again. I love those girls. Kristy actually made us pancakes for our infamous study nights that never seem to see any books or notes.

Kristy making pancakes!

Look! She made an "S" just for Splendid Stephanie

Mysterious Red Bag

Look at all the fun goodies it contained!

So many, in fact, the bag had to be taped together!

So, if you are wondering what that last picture would be of. Yes, it is a footprint on the windowsill. Now why is it there? Because I crawled through the window when I got back from kickboxing Monday night. That was much faster than walking around to the door. And yes, I am just as surprised as you that I fit.

I am excited and anxious for this semester to take off and really get going. I still absolutely love my decision to major in deaf education, and I am certain it is the right choice for me. Working with deaf children is more than just a job or career path for me, it's truly what I am passionate about. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. Just working with the few children last year, proved to me that I had made the right choice. Now, I have chosen to graduate in three years instead of four, so I am technically considered a junior, which is just mind blowing. That was a decision that I took plenty of time to think over, especially considering all the people telling me to not rush through my school years.

The one thing that I am extra concerned about this semester that was not a concern last year is my Cody time. Last fall, I could go home every other weekend (which I basically did) or he could come see me. He also wasn't doing a whole lot, so when I wasn't in classes, he was generally around to talk to and catch up with. In the spring, he left for boot camp and I didn't have the option for Cody time. I just made sure to check my mailbox every day and send out plenty of letters. This fall, he is busy with Marine stuffs, and I have my own classes and schedule to attend to. It's going to be rough getting the two of us on a similar track that will allow us to talk and "see" each other as much as possible, but I have faith that we will get it all worked out (just in time for it to change).

Cody might not realize this, but he gives me strength that I can't pull from anywhere else, especially when I am away from home. He has always been one to support me and help me through things, even though he doesn't always vocalize this very well.
If everything goes according to plan, I will be in Florida over labor day weekend, getting some real Cody time in. I can't wait! And believe it or not, he is so pumped as well ;-)