Sometimes it's good just to sit down and write a little life update. It's just not for my friends, but also for me. I think it's a good reminder of what I'm accomplishing and how I'm feeling... so here's my update :)

1.) I'm not going to Chicago after all. It's really disappointing for a lot of different reasons, but also a relief. I'm disappointed because I worked my entire Spring Break in order to buy a plane ticket. I'm also disappointed because I really wanted to see my friends, I feel like the more time I let pass without seeing them, the more the value of their friendship fades. I knew when I left Australia that it would be hard to maintain relationships with everyone. I was also realistic in realizing that there were some people I wouldn't talk to after we left. But for those important friends who I really desire to stay in touch with, missing out on this trip is truly disappointing. However, I am also relieved. Traveling is exhausting, and with only a month and a half of school left, it's a lot of work to take off for a weekend. I have a ton of projects this quarter and a very large one due right when I would have gotten back from Chicago. So... I wish I was going, but I think I made the right decision. Sarah decided not to go as well, which made it a lot easier for me to say no to the trip. She's moving to Chicago at the end of August, and I fully plan on visiting her then :)

2.) I'm burnt out. I know I'm only 2.5 weeks into the quarter, but I'm just ready to graduate. Last quarter was hard - academically and personally, trying to balance a job, marriage, and being a full-time student is a lot of work. This quarter is academically easier, but I feel like I'm at the point where I'm ready to settle down into a routine. I hate the ups and downs of school work - some days drowning in papers and projects, and other days having nothing to do. I hate working a pointless job. I know it will look good on my resume when I graduate, but I just want a job that means something to me. Or at least has good health insurance! And I really hate not being available to Jon. It's not fair to him that I have to spend my evenings studying, and he's stuck doing chores. I want to live a balanced life in a balanced household with routine and traditions and I don't know. I want to spend quality time with Jon and with my friends and his friends. I want to volunteer and spend time getting more involved in my church and with my small group. I feel like until I graduate, none of that is possible, and I'm worried that my motivation to accomplish all of those things will fade once I'm done with school. Oh life...

3.) My wrist has been hurting again lately. If I had decent insurance, I'd go to the doctor - but until June, I have crappy student insurance that basically covers visits to the school health center. So... prayer for that would be nice.

Welp...

-Kristin