I'll just dive right in. I finished up last semester well with some successful presentations and all A's! Even more exciting, this is my last semester of classes! When I complete my current courses, I will be able to focus full time on my research. I had a wonderful break between semesters. My parents and sister visited me and we had a wonderful time. Although short, I was very grateful to have the break.
I have made some pretty big changes since my last post. A huge thing for me was that I bought a new (used) car! It is the first big purchase I have made on my own, and I absolutely love it. The peace of mind that comes with driving a car that I don't have to worry about breaking down on me at any minute has greatly decreased my stress. With so many things going on in my life, it was a much needed change!
Another exciting part of my life began on December 29th when Chris and I added a new member to our family! We rescued our 4-year-old beagle, Ellie from the shelter. She was already house/crate trained when we got her, and she is very smart. She has learned so many things already. We are working to take care of her allergies, but other than that she is settling in quite nicely. She does have a stubborn side, but she's so adorable it is impossible to get mad at her. She loves being outside, smelling everything, and chasing anything that moves. She also loves car rides! She is very food-motivated and likes to get into things she isn't supposed to. She doesn't bark often, but her typical beagle bark comes out when there is a stranger at the door or she sees another dog. When we aren't playing outside or with her toys, she likes to sleep. As a matter of fact, she is snoring next to me right now. I'm so happy we adopted her and still can't believe I get to keep her!
Classes so far this semester have been going well. I am taking a course on Non-coding RNAs and a Grant Writing class. I will also have to give my first seminar in April. Wish me luck! Lab has been busy as usual. I am slowly but surely beginning to make some progress. I've had some late nights, but I know it will all be worth it.
I may have gotten a bit off track for a while with my health goals, but I have recently gotten back on track and was able to maintain my weight throughout the holidays. I have lost 13 pounds since I began taking my health seriously in August. I seemed to hit a plateau after correcting my eating and trying to fit exercise in when I could, so I re-evaluated my goals. I realized that I really want to get stronger and that I'm going to have to kick up my exercise a level to continue to lose weight and tone up. I have started to attend fitness classes at the gym, and Ellie and I have been going on runs together. I'm really looking forward to the progress I'm going to be making over the next few months.
My last bible study was absolutely amazing. The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst is a wonderful book and I would highly recommend it. Our current study started this week-we are reading Keep it Shut by Karen Ehman, a study in which we focus on using our words for good and "taming our tongues". As always, I'm looking forward to growing with such a wonderful group of ladies.
I think that's all I have for now. Looking forward to what the future holds! God is good! Thanks for reading and for your continued support on this journey through life!
