I will find my way, I can go the distance

I love quotes. I think I've shared several here before. When I was thinking of what I was going to post here before I logged in, I had several in mind. And then I saw the quote I have in the corner: "Finding one's own peace is no small task." One of my former professors said that during a lecture, and it stuck with me... just like it's changed the direction of this post.
Not going to lie. Life has been rough lately (although to seem less pessimistic, I will point out that there have been several good moments also), so finding my peace has been next to impossible. We put my 16-year-old dog to sleep almost two months ago (the one I was worried we were going to have to put to sleep a year ago, so at least he had an extra year?) Around the same time, I found out that one of my great-uncles has stage 4 cancer in two places. A week later, my grandfather was taken to the hospital for mini-strokes (and then to a rehabilitation facility). He just returned this week, and it's the first I've seen him since he left town (he was out of town when the strokes happened). While all of this was happening, I was working 6-day weeks (with one exception- the weekend after putting my dog to sleep, I had off). That made it too difficult to go visit him out of state. To top it all off, there have been a few other insane stress situations that have wormed their way into my life (like when my car magically didn't want to start... thankfully it is still under warranty for 1500 more miles or until May, whichever comes first).
It was nice to get a break from everything for a little while. I was in a wedding (#4), and despite knowing only one person other than the bride before the wedding, left the wedding feeling like I'd made lots of friends (even if I won't see them again). Then I left the wedding, skipped returning home to go to the beach with family members. Definitely the best way to get out of the winter doldrums.
Now that I've returned home though, I have to come back to reality and really think through some decisions, which could mean major changes in my life. It's hard to find peace when so many things aren't up to you. [And now to end this with a quote:] However, "I will find my way, I can go the distance. I don't care how far, somehow I'll be strong. I know every mile will be worth my while, I would go most anywhere to find where I belong."

Hello World

I remain convinced that God puts songs in my life for a reason. Frequently while I'm driving, songs will come on that just perfectly capture what I'm feeling, or need to feel, or need to hear.

This week, "Hello World" by Lady Antebellum seems to be coming on the radio (and I should note that I only turn to the country station when 3-4 other stations aren't playing what I want to hear) and on my iTunes shuffle at an alarming rate (note- the shuffle is out of an impressive number of songs too). The last verse leaves me stunned every time. And I just had to share it here.

Hello World - Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum Videos

It goes on and on and on and on...

It's been awhile since I've updated. Work has been crazy, working a fundraiser, a week's worth of ghost tours, and opening an exhibit all in the course of 3 weeks. I did manage to update the work blog though... so at least that's something.

This job has its very interesting moments. I've met some very interesting people throughout the way. As it was just pointed out to me, a year ago, I wouldn't have been able to imagine ever meeting in my life. Mayors, commissioners (state and local), state senators, former ambassadors, etc... who could have imagined that? I'm a dork, and I get excited by this though. Kinda reminds me about my geekout moment at Ft. Campbell when the soldier asked me if I wanted to ride in the big truck. "Are you serious?? I'd love to!!!"

Other than work, there's not much else to report on. I pretty much have only had time to eat, watch tv, and sleep at home! Preparing for lots of upcoming field trips coming through work, and several vacation/ comp days in December. It's no wonder I want November to just go ahead and speed through!!