Monday, December 21, 2009

Day of the Decade, Part II

2005
Graduated from college in three years in the spring. My majors were journalism and English. Planned to go to seminary in New Orleans.

Hubby graduated in the summer. He also planned to go to New Orleans.

We moved our belongings to Metairie, La.

Hurricane Katrina blew us away.

Five days later, we got married.

Three weeks after we came back from our honeymoon, we found our first home: a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment.

Started grad school, seeking to get a master’s in English. Hated. Every. Moment.

Started my first “grown-up” job as a reporter. Hated my boss.

Worked on Christmas Eve. Realized I needed to get out of the reporting biz. That wasn’t flying for me.

2006
(My memories are getting better…)

Hubby bought me a puppy – the Superdog.

Got basically kicked out of grad school. Thought life had ended for me. Suffered with feelings of guilt for about a year.

Received a second chance from The Man, who suggested I get my master’s at a nearby HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in something I liked more – mass communications.

Loved my classes.

The Man offered me a job, which would start in 2007.

I pounced.

2007

Began a new job at my alma mater – the third option five years previously.

Loved it.

Hubby started having doubts about his job, due to the lack of pay and ridiculously long hours and travel.

2008
Graduated with my master’s. It was one of the most joyous celebrations of my life.

Started teaching. Felt like a fish out of water (still do).

Hubby announced that the 2008-09 year would be his last with his employer. I was terrified, but I knew he was making the right decision.

Turned in my application for my Ph.D.

2009
Started my Ph.D. work. Was more terrified than ever based on past experiences. Succeeded in my first three classes. Am unimaginably thankful.

Hubby quit his job and started pursuing his master’s. We realized even more how blessed we are that we can make that situation work.

Started running to decrease stress and help me sleep. Signed up for a half-marathon.

Am blessed.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

9 comments:

Kristen said...

Such a fun post idea... so glad things have fallen into place for you and you are happy. Merry Christmas!

Brooke said...

you're half is going to be in 2010 right? way to start out a new decade!! :)

misti said...

I remember your graduation...it was most certainly joyous!

And when y'all got the Vixen...she was too tiny and cute

Rach@In His Hands said...

I love this idea! Although I know I would mess up on the dates!!

Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

So much for being lazy, huh?

Doesn't seem like you could really squash so much into such a relatively short amount of time, but you did and did it well. Congrats!

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
-FringeGirl

septembermom said...

What a great idea for a post! You've accomplished so much. Just think about all that is still to come.

Merry Christmas!!

Jen said...

Isn't it great to look back at all the changes, both good and bad, that have shaped your life? We should all be doing this.

Merry Christmas! May all the fullness of his joy be yours as you celebrate our Savior's birth!

Unknown said...

great blog! found it from musings of a future pastor's wife!! are you doing the rock'n'roll mardi gras half marathon! I'm signed up for that one. it's my first one! love the dedication to the decade idea! mind if i steal it? will have to work on that post! happy new year!

Lisa said...

What a great idea! I am embarrassed as I try to think back and realize how little I am able to piece back together. I'd have to spend quite a bit of time thinking about it. And that is why I blog!

It was neat to see the progression of your life in a quick snapshot like that. God is good!