...That's been the question in my head for the past few months. As per usual, my thoughts go back and forth. Lots of prayer and lots of Google searching and talking about what is next. More on that in a minute...
Here are a couple picture collages from Sunday. Cutest niece and nephews EVER!! =)
(This one makes me laugh because we were all trying hard to get Kyndal Faith to give us a real smile, so Jace reached over and hugged her. It worked well, but somehow, he forgot to smile himself! Or maybe he was just over taking pics already. LOL)
We had our Easter Sunday lunch at Mama Roja's by Lake Hefner - good food and fun atmosphere!
In other random news, I made an oreo cheesecake last week, and it was awesomesauce! Yay, me!! ;-)
This Easter was also the weekend of 6 career options in 4 days for me. lol Thursday night, I went to the OU Masters of Human Relations free info session. My SNU friend, Annora, is in that program and invited me to check it out. I was surprised to see Emily Dukes on their alumni panel! It's a Master's program with nights, weekends, and online class options that will prepare you for an HR career or to become an LPC. I've strongly considered both of those options through the week (and the five years prior), but after a lot of thought, for a lot of reasons I won't get into here, I really don't see myself going this route (toward counseling or HR).
On Friday, I went to tour the Juvenile Justice Center in OKC with Marilyn, Mom's (and my) court reporter friend that I interned with who used to work with Mom. There is a possible CR position there in July... it would be with a great judge and coworkers, closer to family and in a nice part of town, but the schedule would be significantly less flexible and awesome, and the job security less complete than what I have right now. Not to mention it's literally on the Chesapeake campus, which has some bad vibes for me.) After going back and forth all weekend, I turned that opportunity down, as well. Here's a pic of my what could've been my office... across from the flags, just like my current setup. :)
Saturday night, I had a long talk with Mom and Dad, and again considered the possibility of teaching at CHA. Crazy-strict dresscode aside, there are a number of good things about it, and if I were married, it would be a far more serious consideration. Clearly, I'm not, and the teacher pay there is very poor, so it's barely worth considering. (If that were my dream or life's calling, I would find a way to make it work, but it's really not.)
Saturday night, I was exhausted with all of the above and texted Rachael that we needed to take a year to really prep and take photography classes, then start a photography business together. She could design the sets and do some of the marketing and make fun chalkboards for our photo shoots, and I could take and edit all the pictures and offer my calligraphy services if we got into weddings. There are a number of things about running a business where we would be totally clueless, so it's unlikely to ever happen full-time, but having something creative that is completely ours sounds kinda nice, in theory.
So that brings us to Sunday, where I came back around to Sonography, becoming an ultrasound technician. It's been mentioned to me twice in the past few months, by a nurse friend who said they make more money than her, and by a dental hygienist who said that's a great choice if you want a career that offers good benefits, etc. The idea of transitioning from Stenography to Sonography is kinda funny to me, but it's the most likely path of all the things I've considered. (Apparently, trades are the way to go for me... a very specific career path in a high demand field with good pay still seems far preferable to a generic degree without a clear end game or that ends with me taking a drastic pay cut right after spending crazy time, energy, and money getting through school!!)
My job right now has so many great things going for it -- and I'm glad I finally recognize and fully appreciate that!! Not on that list is the fact that electronic recorders are likely to replace us sometime in the next few years, and I'd like to have a new plan in place and have a chance to sell my CR equipment before that. Since the single men of my generation seem to be in agreement with my two ex-besties about my relational value thus far, I know I'm going to need to choose something where I can make decent money and have good benefits and retirement and such, particularly if adoption is my eventual goal. (And it is.) I also would enjoy a work life with more of a human element to it, and perhaps less hearing about horrific crimes. lol And I have always liked the idea of getting to wear scrubs to work. ;-) So if things remain as they are and if my current career begins to feel threatened, Sonography is an appealing option, particularly the OB/GYN fetal sonography! =D
So there's a mini-update on what's happening (or still very much on hold) in my life. I've had several conversations with other female friends lately, both single and married, who are in a similarly confusing life stage -- just trying to discern what they should be doing and what is the next right step for them. It's a common problem, and I'm thankful to know that and not feel any shame about it. I want to feel settled and confident about my choice, but it's okay that the process takes time. I'm no longer trying to factor in the possibility of marriage. If it happens, fantastic... and if not, I'm smart and capable, and I will be okay!
On that note, I really hate how much women tie their worth to their relationship status. Hate it. I've been very guilty of that in the past, but it's sad and demeaning and ignorant. Even when we feel lonely, we cannot give in to the lie that our single lives are not valuable to God. Or that we don't have purpose apart from being a wife or mom... Let's be stronger than this, ladies! Desiring marriage is good, but let's rise above the temptation to think we can do nothing apart from a husband; that verse just applies to Jesus! =) For anyone who is struggling with this stuff, I get it and I'm sorry. But please know that you matter to God even when it seems that no one else really sees your heart. Your quiet life has purpose even when you feel confused about what you're supposed to do with it. God is there and He is listening, and He will reveal Himself and His plan for you little by little as you keep walking with Him. So calm down and stay the course! You've got this!
In lighter news, this is my screensaver at work right now, and it makes me happy. =)
And here are two random cute pics of the Jaceman to finish things off. Trying on Grandad's cowboy hat (I also love Grandad and Babah's picture wall and Rach's poster in this picture).
He's sing-yelling the "God makes me BRAVE!!" song here, but it looks like he's pulling a Home Alone impression. =)
And that's officially all for today! Congrats to anyone who actually read this entire post... you deserve a medal. lol
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