A very heavy heart...

Today was a very depressing day. Well, it had some good aspects- I hung out with my mom and we went shopping :) and we made Japanese food at Joe and Candace's house! It was kind of like tapanyaki (sp?) except on pancake griddles, but it still tasted amazing! Anyway, the depressing part of my day was when my mom and I were walking in the Winco parking lot and I saw a man abusing his son. He was right in the middle of the parking lot doing this! I was so shocked and disturbed I couldn't even talk. I think after a few minutes i yelled something at the man, and finally explained to my mom what had happened. I called my brother, who is a cop, to ask him what I should do and he said to call 911. Unfortunately, as I was getting ready to call, they left the parking lot. I'm praying that the boy will be saved from his cruel father. Hopefully his teacher at school or someone will say something.

All of this to say, I am so heartbroken for all of those kids out there with parents who don't think twice about hitting them, or who don't care for and love them. I can't stop thinking about it. I wish there was more that we could do to protect these children! Next time I see anything close to abuse I now know to report it immediately; Im still kicking myself for not thinking fast enough.

This also got me to thinking, not in an insensitive way, of how thankful I am for my own parents. I know that my safety and well-being is always in the forefront of their minds; this is something that has always amazed me because they have six kids and devote so much time and thought for each one of us. In these last few months as I have been moving around quite a bit, my Dad has made it a priority to check my oil every time I come home, and always make sure my car is up to par. I know that I can call him at midnight, which I have, to ask for directions or car advice, and he is always more than willing. My mom is equally there for me. I cannot count how many times I have called her- homesick, stressed, upset, or happy- and she is always there to listen, comfort, or offer advice. The times that I spend with my parents are treasured, and I am so blessed to have them as my mom and dad. :)

This has got me thinking about all the other people in my life that I love and I wish I could keep writing about them! But I must go, I have a dreaded paper to write.

Have a sweet night.

Also, if you ever see or hear any kind of abuse, call 911 immediately. I think we should all be a little more aware of what is going on around us, then maybe we can help. I know I'm going to be. And keep the little boy, and all the other boys and girls with abusive parents in your prayers. They need it.

Packing up and moving to the Beach!!!!

I am sitting in my room with suitcases and boxes surrounding me, overwhelmed with gratitude for the direction God is taking me. A week ago, all I could see was a very hum-drum life in Tehachapi and now Im moving to the beach! I went to San Luis Obispo last week to job hunt, thinking that I would not find anything. To my surprise, the first place I walked into -Forever 21- hired me that same day! I am still trying to get over the shock of getting this job. It's funny how things work out, because I spent three months vigorously searching for a job in Riverside, and the first day I go to SLO I find one! I am so thankful :) After (very unexpectedly) getting a job, I then had to stress about finding a place to live because I start work immediately. My very dear friend, Cara, is staying with a family in Atascadero and they offered to let me stay with them until I am able to find an apartment and roommates. This is seriously a miracle. Im really glad I took online classes this semester because it has made me free to go anywhere. Next semester Ill be going to Cuesta College to take the pre-requisites to get into the nursing program.

Well I better get back to packing, but I'll keep you all updated (if anyone reads this LOL).

Oh, and did I mention that I'm soooooo excited?!!

Anyways...Good Afternoon, Good Evening, and Good Night :)

a little explanation...

So I thought I should probably explain the title of my blog. The title is from a quote in Jane Austen’s “Persuasion” which is one of my favorite books. Yes, I am a romantic. Anyways, I thought it really summed up my situation at the moment. As I will explain, this is not something that I am complaining about or in any way resent. It is simply the direction that God chose to take me on my life. I have been to three different colleges in the last two years and have had my “plan” as you will, not exactly work out. After going to a junior college in Bakersfield, transferring to Liberty University in Virginia, and then moving back to California to go to California Baptist University, I am now back in Tehachapi doing junior college, and planning my next way of escape. As a result of this, I have been sort of “forced into prudence in my youth” by learning to be extremely practical, doing the not so fun thing, and I suppose just really living through the struggles. But I actually would not have it any other way. I have met some amazing people along the way and I know that the direction my life has taken has changed me and shaped me into the person I am today. I also don't think I would be able to relate to others as well if everything had gone my way.

Anywhoooo enough seriousness. This weekend has been really nice. I went down to Riverside and hung out with my sister, brother-in-law, beautiful nice, and one of my best friends. We saw the Decemberists in concert (one of my fave bands), and it was absolutely amazing!!! I am now getting ready to go to San Luis in the morning to go job hunting!!! Please wish me well! I know that whatever happens, happens. But I think it would be awesome to live in SLO. I mean it's the beach, it’s not Tehachapi (not like I have a problem with T-hach, but I’ve kinda lived here most of my whole life and would like to try something new), and hmmm oh yeah the most important part about SLO is it has a nursing program! Yep, I changed my major for the twelfth time and I think this is for good. I really really want to do nursing and I’m just hoping I can get over the blood. But I think it's a good fit.

Well time to pack. Goodnight :)

So I finally started a blog....

Hello all of you three, maybe four, people who will actually read this...

Well I guess this is the thing to do now, so I am making my own blog. My life is just a little crazy at the moment and I thought this might be a good way of keeping track of everything that is happening. It might also keep people up to date on where I am in this world since people still ask me, "Aren't you in Virginia?" Anyways, I look forward to "blogging" with you and will be back soon to talk some more!

Goodnight :)