The sun will come out....

I'm exhausted. We've had rain for two weeks here. I finally saw the sun today for the first time in I don't know when but rain is forecast again for tomorrow. I don't know how much more of this I can take. It greatly affects my mood.

Kayla and I are heading into the home stretch with our court date. She doesn't really like to talk about it much but she's never liked to talk about her feelings. I'm just hoping deep down inside she is okay with everything...or at least somewhat okay. If she's having feelings about her own family, it's hard to tell. Our communication is much better these days, though, than it was this time last year. She tells me her grades as soon as she gets them, even if they're bad. She talks to me about her friends. And on a good day she'll talk to me about the guys she likes. We went to her school's open house last week and I got to meet her teachers. She's doing well so far this year in school. She's taking Spanish and Algebra, both which our high school level classes.

As for me, I'm trying to take advantage of all the time she is at dance class to do some things for myself. Go to the gym, meet friends for dinner or coffee, and I've also started dabbling again in some freelance writing. I used to freelance years ago but then life got in the way and I'm hoping I can get some extra money doing something I enjoy. We'll see where it goes. Life is definitely an adventure now. No two days are the same. And even though I'm constantly tired, I wouldn't change a thing.

Remembering 9/11

I can't believe it's been eight years....this day will always get to me. I was in my first week at a new job in Washington, D.C., one block from the capitol. We thought our city was being bombed and when they finally figured out it was planes and one was heading for the capitol we were told to evacuate immediately. Outside it was utter chaos with everyone trying to get out of downtown D.C. Traffic was in a gridlock and cars were honking their horns. People were screaming and crying on the sidewalk. A couple of co-workers and I got on the subway and headed to Maryland. It was eerily quiet and we all held hands and prayed as we didn't know if someone was going to try to blow up the subway or not. I haven't felt fear like that ever or since and I hope I never do. It is a day I will never forget.

We have a date

October 6 is our finalization date. I can't believe it's almost here after all this time. I'm trying to think of some things to do to celebrate that special day...does anybody have any ideas?

The calm after the storm

There hasn't been much to say lately because things are going pretty smoothly right now. Kayla and I are getting ready to finalize, her attitude has been really good (other than the typical teenage moodiness), she's opening up to me more about what's going on in her life. We've come really far. We're still in therapy for now but the therapist believes we can probably terminate once we finalize and just come back when and if we need her.

I'm settling into my new job. I like it okay but I am considering a big career change. I need to think and pray on that for a while, though. Kayla is doing good in school so far and enjoys her dance classes. The weeks fly by since we go from work to dinner to dance to bed every night. It's a fast-moving routine. Our house is still on the market--things are slow now--but I'm convinced it will work out like it's supposed to.

We are heading to Oklahoma today to see my sister who recently moved there. My parents are joining us there too and we will have a fun few days before the manic Fall season begins. I'm just so glad that life feels pretty calm once more. I didn't know if that would happen a couple of months ago but we made it through. I'm starting to get good at these major life adjustments which is scary coming from me who craves routine and hates change. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds.