I’ve been busy lately, but I wanted to catch up with you all.  Aspen has been staying with her grandparents in Utah.  I hear she’s having a great time for her summer vacation.  She’ll be back to start 5^th grade at the end of August.  The trip to Utah was interesting.  My car doesn’t seem to like climbing hills and kept stalling, and on the way back between Cedar City and St. George there was a huge wildfire blocking off the freeway.  This delayed traffic for about 2 hours and I barely made through before they had to re-close the freeway.  I was stuck there and couldn’t even turn around to head to my grandparents’ house in Cedar City.  It was the strangest thing…but I did make it home and am saving my money to buy a new car. 

I’ve been doing well here at work for the health department.  We just received our cost of living increase, and my yearly evaluation is coming up in August.  I’ve also just finished paying off my old tuition to the University of Utah!  This means I can get my transcripts and transfer to UNLV.  I’m very excited about going back to school in January to finish my degree in Biological Sciences/with an Environmental concentration.  I’ve struggled for years as a single mom (married only briefly).  I have been focused on taking care of my child’s needs, and put off finishing my education.  Now I have the opportunity to finish school, and get a promotion at work to boot!  My graduation date will depend on how many of my transferable credits are valid, and my attending part time.  I should be able to finish within the next few years. I’ve waited a long time for this.  I will have to have a huge graduation party when I finally finish my degree (in Utah, because that’s where most of my friends and family are). 

I’ve been focusing more on my health recently.  It’s now been almost 2 and 1/2 years since I quit smoking.  I also have been making diet changes and just finished a 5 day cleansing fast.  I have been practicing Yoga regularly and getting more exercise.  I even started a Belly Dance class.  Its fun and sensual, and a great way to make friends.  It feels great to be in a dance class again…and it’s free through the library.