Apparently time makes one abent-minded

Okay, I know. I've apparently fallen off the grid for a couple of months. And a busy time it's been.

The winter semester is over, and the spring semester is half done. A year has nearly come and gone. I am no longer a first year student. What a strange feeling that is. I find myself reminiscing on the year gone by and how much I've changed over that short period of time. Mostly, I think every change has been a good one.

When I first came through the doors of the Seminary there were a lot of questions about my ability to actually do the work. There were also a lot of questions along the lines of: "Has what I've learned at my home congregation been a good introduction to the Lutheran beliefs and traditions?" Oddly, all of these questions were answered over time.

I have completed a full academic year of study - successfully. I have proven to myself that I can do the work, and have the ability to be competent about what I have learned. That, in itself, is a terrific confidence booster and strong affirmation. I would say that I have also learned that what I knew about the Lutheran beliefs and traditions has been greatly enhanced and I am looking forward to discovering more as I go along.

The year has been full of great discoveries!
- I have made a whole bunch of friends, who are insightful, passionate, caring, and excellent role models.
- I have discovered new passions in liturgy, homiletics, and church history. All things that I look forward to delving deeper into.
- I have traveled to places that I never would have thought of going, and have been enriched by what I have seen.
- I have become passionate about the role of church in our communities and the role of all members of said church (regardless of position, means, or current understanding).

Interestingly, my desire to prove myself as able has lessened. My need to affirm myself through my grades has all but disappeared. My uncomfortableness about living in constant transition is abating (strange how being forced to live it constantly over 4 or 5 years does that). My insecurity about me is transforming into a confidence to accept myself as I am and as I evolve over time. That is also becoming a trend with dealing with people - I am willing to accept anyone as they are, where they are in their life. I am listening more, and giving "sound" advice less and less (which is a bizarre miracle in itself)!

Some of us have thought that it would be nice to put together a "care package" for the new entering students in the fall. We're thinking that it would be a great way to pass on both helpful and humorous advice without being "we've been there and now know all that there is to know about being a first year. TAKE HEED!!!" :) I am looking forward to coming up with a few ideas.

The year has ended with quite a few hiccups in my desired smooth transition. I lost my car in April. It was a good car. I had gout - not a fun time, and I would wish it on no one. A lot of uncertainty about my finances, but a strong faith that though I worry (A LOT), it has worked out this far and God will provide for what I am to do.

I have been trying to right all the wrongs of past finance mistakes. I got my credit report to investigate what I still need to work on. I got a credit card (after much research and accepting a horrible interest rate). This has been an important step to me because I was so irresponsible with the previous card I had. The limit is quite low (so it can't get out of hand), and I am adamant about paying off the full bill every month (so I don't build up debt by only making minimum payments). Met with my bank to discuss a few discrepancies on the credit report. And I was pleasantly surprised to hear that I am making all the right decisions to fix what I had previously broken, royally. Things are not perfect, certainly, but it's nice to hear that I am doing the right things.

The imperfection brings me to the most recent problem: my car. All joking "about how once you have a car you can never live without one" aside, I have thought really hard about a car, and have determined that it's both a good idea and a practical necessity for me. I have shopped around, discussed loans with the bank, test driven a few cars that I have thought looked good on paper. I have the "misfortune" of being wholly unable to purchase a used car. (Although I may appear nonplussed about this fact, it is still frustrating) I had thought a used car would make the most sense because I have limited finances, but it is paradoxically the worst option in car purchases. A new car it is going to have to be. I admit that I am appalled at the cost of purchasing a car - the darn things are so expensive! But, truth be told, I am happy with the idea because it means having a car that is under warranty when my previous car cost so much in repairs (nigh monthly). Suffice it to say, I am looking at a manageable monthly payment combined with reasonable plate cost. It will be interesting to see how all the investigating turns out.

My summer seems to be stacking up nicely. The boxes have been packed and stored. I am currently living in a practically empty (and very echo-y) residence room. Until Sunday. Then I am off to live on the other side of the city with a kind person who has offered to take me in until I finish my current Hebrew course at LTS. The reason for this move is mainly out of the residence's need for space to rent over the summer. I appreciate and understand wholly, even if it makes my life a little more difficult. After class is over, I am jetting off to BC to spend some time with my family. And I am looking forward to this more and more. Three weeks later I will be back in Saskatchewan - to settle in to my new digs and new responsibilities! I have been hired to be the new Residence Manager for the 2010-2011 academic year. This is great for many reasons, not the least of which is free rooming in a two-bed apartment!

The year has certainly been rewarding and fun. And as I said to another new and dear friend: I hope next year is as much fun, but it would be nice if it were a lot more uneventful!