Dear Dad,

I know you ask me to update my blog more often so you can keep up with what I'm doing but the past few months I've been busier than I thought it's humanly possible to be. 14 classes this term is seriously stretching my limits. We started our morgue practicum down at the county morgue and wow, I sure chose a *small* county, eh? I've seen the cooler full... that's 300+ bodies. I don't think you can imagine the aroma. You can try but you'll be wrong. It's worse than that. I was pretty nervous about going there and being graded on our work. Once again I'm surprising myself though. I'm actually quite good at it. I guess determination and passion really do come through in things you put your heart & soul into. Never thought I'd find my niche in life but I have. That thrills me.

Both little boys are in the midst of their soccer season so Saturdays & Sundays at home have been quickly occupied with games in frigid or rainy weather. I'm convinced the kick off of the season signals God to bring on ridiculous weather for parents who are obligated to sit on the sidelines, continuing to yell encouraging words regardless of their desire to be sitting in a warm car instead (oh wait, maybe that's just me... my bad).

I am still working at the funeral home but not often. Two to three times a month at most. I wasn't given a definitive but was told last week it's not likely I'll be serving my apprenticeship there as they simply aren't busy enough for the budget to allow it. I'm not taking it personal, they insisted I not, it's no secret I've been an asset to their company. While I do still feel the sting of rejection I'm really focusing on it being a sign there are bigger & better things out there for me. Now I have to set off finding it (which feels like a major pain in the butt!).

The kids are doing great, Garth & I are doing fine... or at least hanging in there. This whole year is a helluva challenge but I can feel the home stretch and can't wait to say I steadfastly finished this race.

B will be 16 in just over a week. Can you think back 16 years ago and ever imagine the life I'm living today? Yeah, me neither. ;)

Love ya!
Marissa

** PS - you & mom really need to get on the texting bandwagon. man that'd make my life easier. please please please think about it. c'mon, all the cool kids/parents are doing it. :)

Neglected.

This blog is becoming neglected.

My 3 week break from school is over. Today starts the second half of school. I'm halfway through this program. I can't believe it. It's gone so fast yet I feel like I've been here forever.

I'm glad to be back but I slept horrible last night. It took me almost the entire 3 weeks to become acclimated back to home and my full time roles there but sleeping here in my little compartment reminded me again how very much this isn't home.

Away I go with this divided life again but it's now the homeward stretch.