Wintery Weather and Other Things

Now don't get me wrong, I like winter and snow and such, but it has been so cold this winter. Once again, our pipes are frozen and have been all day. I know it's not as cold here as places like Wisconsin or Alaska or other cold northern places, but I'm not enjoying it. The cold hurts my face when I step outside. It's just not nice, rude weather!

So aside from the weather, things are going quite well with my classes. One of the classes isn't really my favorite, but it's required so I'll deal with it. Only 6 more weeks after this one. It wouldn't be so bad, but most of what I've read so far in the book is all stuff that I learned in high school in my business classes. So it's just like a refresher course... but I'll deal.

I'm thinking about summer classes, and if I want to take them. I should so I can get ahead, but do I want to? Probably, I mean what else am I going to do this summer? Even if I just take 1 or 2 classes that will still help me get a little bit ahead. I really want to graduate in less than 4 years. I know I'm going to have to work really hard, but I have all the time in the world right now so I might as well take advantage of it. 

I started a short devotion series yesterday about choosing one word for the year. One word to study, improve upon, share with others... just one word to focus on all year. I haven't chosen my work yet, but I've been thinking of some ideas. I think it's a pretty neat concept to choose one thing to focus on for a whole year. I've never really done it before, but I think it's a great idea. I think it's something I need with starting school. It will help me to keep focus on something other than school. I'll let you know when I choose my word, and why I chose it. Stay tuned for more info in the next few days.

Eagles! They are so beautiful and majestic. Living a long the Mississippi River has it's advantages when it comes to bird watching. Because of how cold it's been this year the river is mostly frozen. There are small areas where the water is accessible and there have been dozens of eagles gathering at those little water holes. Last Sunday we drove downtown after church and saw 17-18 in one area. It's been pretty cool being able to watch them fly around and get fish and stuff. 

Well, I think that's all I have to say for now. I know this was super random, but I'm just trying to get into the habit of writing again, and this is the best place to do it. If you have an idea for my "one word" for the year please leave a comment below.

Etsy Shop Update

I haven't really mentioned my etsy shop for a while now. So I just thought I'd give a little update here. I kind of just quit working on it towards the end of last year because I had other things going on. So far this year I have added several new items though. I have re-listed a few items from last year, but mostly it's all new stuff.
Here's a few pictures of some of my new items....

 

This is a lamp we made to go above my desk in our bedroom. I love it so much, so I decided to post it in the shop as a customizable item. It's got a super industrial feel, but also a little bit rustic(ish) from the weathered wood. I think it would be a great addition to any room.

 

I decided to start selling some of my original artwork. In the past I've only really tried to sell prints, but I decided it would be so much cooler to sell originals. Hopefully others will think it's cool to. ;)

 

This is one of my favorites. I love the Autumn season so much with all the pretty colors, but then we get to winter and it's just white. No fun. So I saved a few leaves from this past Fall and preserved them in these beautiful resin pendants. It's the perfect way to keep a little remnant of Fall with you all year 'round.

That's all I have for now, but I hope you will check out my shop, and find something you like. :)

First Day of Fitness

One of my new goals is to workout every day Monday thru Friday. Today was my first day, and I did it. I only did a very short (5 minute) workout because my knee started hurting, but at least it was something. Tomorrow I should be able to do more than just 5 minutes, but as long as I do something I will be happy with myself. My big goal is to lose about 40-45lbs. But, I'm sure that will take some time. I may start a fitness series here on the blog, but I'm not sure yet. If anything I will at least do some little updates for myself here.

A New Journey

                This week I started my classes with Liberty University Online. These are my very first college classes, and I have to admit I was a bit nervous. But, now that I have my first week almost done, I’m feeling much more confident. I’m sure it’s going to be a struggle at times, but I’m so excited to finally get started on my goals for the future. I am getting my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and will later go on to a masters and eventually a doctorate. Those are, of course, long term goals; but I also have some short term goals.           

                My first goal is to just get through the first two classes. I am taking a total of 4 courses this semester. Two classes the first 8 weeks and two classes the last 8 weeks. I think after getting through the first courses I will be feeling much more confident, and comfortable with online learning. It’s been interesting so far.

                My second goal is to get ahead. The program is set up to take 4 years, but I really want to get it done faster than that. I am planning on taking some classes throughout the summer, and then taking more than 4 courses in the Fall semester. I would like to be able to get my degree in 3 years. I believe if I stay focused and work hard I can get it done.

                My third goal is to get a job. I have been unemployed for far too long. It’s been difficult because I have a few physical limitations that really limit the kind of work I can do. Hopefully, after getting a semester or two of college under my belt, there will be at least a few jobs opportunities open up. I will at least be able do some substitute teaching after I get enough credits. That will be very helpful in getting our debt paid off, and being able to save money for a home in the future.

                Aside from school goals, I have realized another goal I should have: quiet time with God. I really haven’t been doing much reading lately, and I don’t even have a good excuse. Not that any excuse is really a good one, but you know what I mean. I’m home pretty much all the time, and don’t really have that much to do. Sure now I have school, but it doesn’t take up my entire day. Another goal is exercise. I keep telling myself I’m going to start exercising, but it just never happens. It really needs to though. I have a feeling some of my physical problems would improve at least a little if I were more in shape (round doesn’t count).

                My final “goal” is to use this blog more often. It doesn’t really have a central topic or focus other than “The Things Going on in My Mind” which is why it’s called “Into the Mind of a Creative Soul”. I feel like I can post about anything here and it doesn’t have to fit into a certain category. I can write about art, or I can write about Jesus and it’s totally ok. I’m sure there aren’t really that many people that read it any way, but it may be a good place for me to just put my thoughts so I can look back on them later.

                Well I think that’s all I have to say for right now. Who knows, I may write more later… it’s all up to me. Stay tuned for more exciting news about what goes on in my mind. J