[ramblings]

I thought I might catch you up on what is new in my life.  As my graduate career comes to a close in a few short weeks, I have been looking for the next adventure to tackle.  I have considered traveling, (I was super jealous of the trip my sister had this semester to Europe) but that wasn't a feasible option $$$, I have considered getting married, but the lack of prospects in my life make that option un-feasible... so finally I decided I should probably get a job.  (because that was the most OBVIOUS choice after spending thousands of dollars on two educations - might as well, right?)
I went to Orlando recently to a conference (NACDA - National Assoc of College Directors of Athletics) and I learned so much.  In fact, I have pages of notes typed up on my computer and I have loved looking back over them and enjoying the lessons all over again.  At the conference, I met with a lot of people from all over the United States and the ones that really made an impact were from Iowa State and South Carolina.  
I decided that I should broaden my horizons, after a less-then-adequate interview (in my mind) at the University of Texas and no luck on the home front at either Baylor or Arkansas with jobs, it was time that I moved out of my comfort zone and branched out - traveled.  In short, interview at schools hundreds of MORE miles away from my family.  
And you know how I feel about that. (the whole leaving the family behind thing is not my forte)  
If you can remember back that far - about two years ago on this blog I was crying about leaving home, and a lover "that I was GOING TO MARRY" (oh how I chuckle at the thought of marrying him - or anyone at this point in my life), and how my first few months in Waco were treacherous.  Now, on top of everything, I am going to travel further away from my family - the family I cried I would "never leave again!".  I must be bonkers, fallen off my rocker, plain flat out crazy.... well, the answer might normally be yes to those phrases, but in this moment my journey seems perfectly reasonable, and a blessing, to be quite honest.  
I will be joining the staff at the University of South Carolina in the marketing department.  Now, I don't really know what that entails and I will be visiting in a couple of weeks to figure that minor part out... but I am excited and ready to hit the ground running.  Columbia seems like a great city with lots to offer and I am excited about a new adventure.  However, today was the first day that I felt a little knot in my throat and began to cry on my short 3 minute drive to work.  I wondered what it would be like to drive to work in Columbia, would I find a church home?, and what about friends - will there be friends there for me?  
I have a peace that all of these questions have a joyful answer, but my humanity keeps fretting.  That is probably why it is 1:35 in the morning, I have taken 3 Benadryl, and am still wide-awake, at this point, I am really just trying to stay up for my 5:30 am workout.  
But please be excited!  Because I am and I know that in a few weeks when I fly out to Columbia to sign a lease and get familiar with the city for a few days I will be less stressed and the sleep-less nights will be over.  I pray that much.  
At least for now, all is well.  My sweet baby boy, Baylor (a dog!), is sleeping soundly next to me, or is having patience as I proof read this post out loud.  It's a great time to be in my shoes - and a fun adventure I have ahead of me.