Ok... trying to get back (AGAIN)

Avatar for giraffecrazy
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-05-2003
Ok... trying to get back (AGAIN)
6
Fri, 12-22-2006 - 11:24pm

So... not too long after my last post with the good news about starting a divinity graduate program, chaos struck again. I'd tripped and fell on a sidewalk while I was on vacation before orientation. I thought I'd banged up my knees and that was the worst of the damage. A few weeks into the semester, I started suffering from tendinitis in both wrists. I was not able to type or write for about a month! That doesn't work so well when you're in grad school. Bleah!

Good news is, my wrists have healed (for the most part), and I managed to finish the semester! I have two courses with a grade of "incomplete" that I'll finish during the break.

Jan (and others), I'll give you the long version of my story sometime soon. I promise! Short version goes:

* Almost exactly one year ago, my life imploded -- imploded as in when they demolish big tall buildings with explosives.
* January 1, 2005 - I began this year was single, unemployed, broke, car-less, and living with my Mama and Daddy.
* Early-January, I started getting counseling again. I also gave in and started an anti-depressant medication (zoloft) again after 3.5 years off of it.
* Mid-January, realized the zoloft was making me sick, started taking different medication (paxil).
* Late-January / early-February brought MAJOR spiritual awakening -- I credit my best-est girlfriend and my dog with getting me on the right track. Rapidly led to an interest in studying theology.
* Mid-February, my grandad died, but I weathered the loss like a real trooper. This was also when I started telling my closest friends and family that I was thinking about divinity school.
* March through April, working on the divinity school application process -- writing the essay, getting recommendations, campus visit, etc.
* Late April, I first visited the Episcopal church I now attend regularly.
* Mid-May, got my acceptance letter from the school!
* Late-May, began summer school.
* Late-June / Early-July, joined a church and officially became an Episcopalian (my best girlfriend says that sounds like a kind of salamander).
* Mid-August, summer school was finished, and I got A's in two semesters of Hebrew! ...and I went on vacation, during which I fell and unknowingly damaged my wrists. :P
* Late-August, officially began my first year of the three-year M.Div. program.

...and yes, I *do* consider that the "short version". ;)

The one-year anniversary of the life-implosion wasn't easy, but yesterday should have been the worst day of it. Obviously, I survived. :)

More later... I promise!

Shelley

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 12-23-2006 - 12:33am

WB, Shelley! It's always great to have an update.


You have had alot of change in your life. It's good to hear that you have a focus & purpose. I wish you luck in your pastoral endeavors. We care, ya know. Even missed ya in chat, gf! I'll hold you to more of an update;) (((hugs))) jan

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

 

 


 



Avatar for giraffecrazy
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-05-2003
Sat, 12-23-2006 - 12:50am

"pastoral endeavors" !!!!

Whew! Jan, That's a scary phrase to see directed at little ol' me! Yet another adventure in claiming and re-claiming vocabulary, I suppose.

Just imagine how I reacted the first time someone asked me "So, are you going to become an Episcopal priest?" YEIP!!!! I nearly jumped out of my skin! ...and the short answer is "I don't know."

My mouth is still learning to form the phrase "my priest." Somehow, in less than a year, I went to having no minister/pastor/whatever to having four priests. FOUR! One is at my church, one is my advisor, and two are my campus ministers. Four, count 'em, four priests. How does this happen?!

Luckily, all four are some of the most caring, understanding wonderful people I've ever met. Having the support of those folks and the people at my church have added so much support to my life. I think it's a big piece of the "something" that's been missing for a long time.

It's good to be back! Remind me of the chat schedule and I'll be there when I can!

Shelley

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sat, 12-23-2006 - 2:56pm
Wow, Shelley, you've made alot of changes over the last year!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 12-23-2006 - 11:40pm

We'll save ya a seat;)


Chat: Join our Anxiety, Panic, Phobias Chat Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9pm to 11pm
 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 01-20-2007 - 2:38pm
OK! Where are you, Shelley??? Missing ya): jan

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sun, 01-21-2007 - 10:00pm

Thanks for the update!

Sheri Ann