Natalie

I’ll take my final exam for the THIRD time this next weekend. I’m extremely nervous because I’ve failed twice now, partially anyway. I’ve passed the questionnaire portion with flying colors, but the actual transcribing portion is getting the better of me. There is a lot riding on this as well. We’ve spent not a HUGE amount of money on this course, but a large amount, for us anyway. I would love to be able to have a stay-at-home job to help support our family. We could get our debts paid off quicker and move into our own home sooner. It would just be a huge relief to pass. Its been two years of studying and I truly hope to pass so it will pay off positively in the end. Joe has been extremely patient and understanding throughout the whole process. He has a lot more faith in me than I do. He’s not so intent on me working, but its something I really would like to do for our family.

 

The really SCARY part about this third time around is, well, its my final time. After 3 strikes, you’re out man. And for those very few people who really do know me, know that this has been a very large hurtle for me to overcome. In my life, I’ve attempted, failed once, and given up – instead of just getting back on the horse and trying again. With this course, I’ve continually gotten back up. This is why it has taken me SO long to get through this course, I keep putting myself down and saying I just can’t do it. I have continued trying though and for that, I am proud of myself. I do hope to complete the course and gain a job, but if I just finish, I will be happy with myself. Thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated. :D Joe is taking a day off so he can watch the kiddos and I can completely dedicate myself to the exam. I am anxious and nervous but very excited. I’m hoping this will open up a new chapter in our lives and help us to move forward and attain the goals which we’ve set for ourselves.

I have a few things in life that I would love to do. I would love to start a small company – sort of like an invitation making type company. I’ve experimented with invitations and announcements for myself and my kids but would love to do it for other people. If you or anyone you know would like to have some invitations (for any event), birth announcements, etc., I would love to make them for an extremely inexpensive amount. I’ll post some examples if anyone is interested.

I would also LOVE to write a book. This isn’t a definite goal, just a dream of mine. I’ve told Joe a few stories of my childhood and the events that occurred while I was growing up and he always tells me I should write a book about my life and one day I just thought, Well, Maybe I should. I plan to dig up my old journals and patch some things together and see what happens. It could be something “Bestseller” or it could just be something my kids can read and have a laugh over. We’ll see.

I want to, one day, DANCE again. I took ballet for 6 years when I was younger and its always been a passion of mine. I love it and when I was doing it, it seemed like the only way to get my emotions out. Things have changed because I have a husband that I communicate with well and have no real need for an out, but it is something that I have always loved doing and it makes me happy. I am on the constant hunt for a studio that I feel will be fun and I believe I have found one. I’m excited about it and hope to start again soon.

PHOTOGRAPHY is a passion of mine as well, but I only enjoy taking photos of the ones I love. I doubt I will ever become a professional photographer or make a business of it. I am so impressed with friends who have such natural talent and have started their own little business. What a great accomplishment. I am, however, extremely excited to see my husband build one of his own passions in photography. He says he’s always loved it, but never really had the knowledge or the equipment to try it out. Now he has a wonderful camera and a few friends & family who have taught him a few pointers and this book about photography that I purchased AGES ago to help him out. Its wonderful to see a talent blossom before your eyes in someone you love dearly. I am so proud of him and I’m very excited to see where this talent and passion takes him.

You’re probably wondering WHY I’m making this post, what is the point? I realized today, that if I want to accomplish these goals in my life I need to write them down. Make goals and let someone else in on the secret so there is some sort of commitment there for me. By letting you know that I have set these goals for myself will help remind me to check back and see if I’ve gotten anything done yet. :D

Thanks for listening