Life With Jules, and other stuff

As 2022 draws to a close, I think about all of the things I did during the year. It's amazing just how busy I was this year. I made two out of state trips to Texas and South Carolina. Traveled within the state many times for work or personal events. Met some interesting people along the way. Even caught up with family and friends I hadn't seen in years. Here are some highlights: Homossassa Springs, FL at a Vow Renewal ceremony Houston Space Center USS Alabama Memorial Museum I turned 50 this year (2nd from left) Yep, you may call me Madam Vice President, lol Hadn't been here since the early 1980s Cousins!!! VVA National Leadership Conference Falls Park on the Reedy Artemis I finally launched! The man who killed bin Laden Well earned award Sandy keeping warm As you can see, a lot happened this year. And my poor cat! She just couldn't keep warm during our recent cold snap over Christmas. She slept under my blankets 4 nights in a row. Now that the year is coming to an end,...

So much is going on in my life right now. If I were to try and blog about it, I'm afraid that the posts would go on forever and be a jumbled mess. For now, I am going to say that I have a much deeper understanding of "battered woman syndrome". I put it in quotes because I'm not sure if I can classify myself as such, but I have been in a somewhat volatile at times relationship for two years, until last week. Unfortunately, I had to call for help for him. I wasn't going to let him die, if indeed that's what he was trying to do. I'm not necessarily afraid of him, when he's sober. He's a lot of fun to be around, half the time. Sometimes he's a bit frustrating. And when he drinks...let's just say alcohol and uncontrolled diabetes DON'T MIX! Now, he's in a safer place where he can't really harm himself, or me for that matter. As for me, I am trying to just pick up the pieces and keep him in my prayers to God. I pray that God gives...

Well, the year is coming to a close and I really haven't done much on this blog. I feel somewhat ashamed of that, but I must press forward. 2015 began on a sour note for me, personally. Spiritually, I have found that I am taking baby steps, STILL . When will I finally have total discipline to my walk with Christ? I ask for guidance, His plan for my life, on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes I feel like He's there, and others not so much. I know that I have made mistakes this year; who hasn't. I'd like to think I have learned from some of them anyway. So here I sit with 2016 looming around the corner and the only thing I can say is I'm thankful! Yes, I am thankful for the life I have. I have come a long way over the past 12 months in my mental health. Oh, I still have up's and down's. But I am learning to handle them a little better, S.L.O.W.L.Y . I spent much of the first couple of months hiding from the world. I would go to my appointments, work, church, et...

I spent part of Saturday with a friend of mine down in Ellenton and Palmetto. We visited Emerson Point Preserve and the Gamble Mansion & Plantation. Here are some pictures: Emerson Point Preserve & Gamble Mansion VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL You’ll notice in the pictures a stitched piece. I am not sure how old it is, but it’s been preserved nicely.   Also, while at Gamble Mansion I noticed an interesting ...

Yes, the title may seem a bit vague, but you will understand momentarily why it is so. The past couple of weeks have been spent preparing to start a new chapter in my life. I have worked on creating a syllabus, reading on some American history, and preparing notes for lecture. You see, in a few days I begin my part time job as an adjunct professor at a local college. I am super excited about this and hope it works out well enough to lead me into full time teaching. But this is not the possibility to which the title refers. I have also spent a bit of time chatting with someone online. The way we met is through a mutual contact. We actually met for the first time in person today at the airport when I went along with his sister to pick him up. I am not quite sure the reason this person has been brought into my life, but the way I am feeling I can't see why he wouldn't be. I am not quite "giddy as a school girl", but receiving a hug from him seemed right. Is that ev...