photo credit: Dainis Matisons
I’m not ready to make a big leap back into blogging again, but I thought I’d make a short update to let people know what’s been going on in my life lately.
First off, I’m back in college. I’m working to get a degree in social work and hope to get a job working with people with mental illnesses. Ideally, I’d love to get a degree in sociology, but short of becoming a professor there just isn’t much you can do with that degree. And we all know about the education budget cuts going on lately…
I’m also working full time. It’s a minimum wage gas station job, which barely pays enough to make the rent and buy groceries. OK, so it actually doesn’t get me enough for that either. Luckily, I’m cheap, resourceful, and get my $57 dollars a month in food stamps to stretch out. Ramen noodles, for breakfast lunch and dinner!
I’ve been putting my (little) free time to good use as much as I can. I joined Circle K International, a community service organization. I signed up to volunteer at a local homeless shelter for children and single mothers. And today I joined in the Occupy Austin protest (a local branch of the Occupy Wall Street protests) by making signs for the protesters in the park. I’m lucky to have this Thursday off, which is when we will take over city hall.
I’ve given up quite a few things as well. Some might have noticed that I’m no longer using Twitter. I do occasionally post on Facebook, though it’s mostly just songs and links to news stories. I’m not putting myself out there right now. I’ve also given up any kind of dating or relationships. I feel like I’ve spent my entire life chasing some man, hoping to find one that will love me just to prove that I’m lovable. So many things I could have been doing with my life, so much time wasted chasing some fairy tale dream.
I’m already 30, going to be 31 in a few months. I feel like I’m a race with the clock to get as much out of life as I can now. Now, before it’s too late. I’m dedicating my time to making myself a better person, to finding out who I really am, to live my passions.
Go on alone, because I won’t follow
But this isn’t giving up no this is letting go
Out with the old dreams I’ve borrowed
The path I carve from here on out will be my own
A path to take me home
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Whitney
on Oct 3rd, 2011
@ 8:33 AM:
I am so happy to hear that you are doing well! I have honestly been thinking of you lately wondering. (I know I’m a total stranger, but I do care) Remain true to yourself and what you believe. Way to go momma!
Whitney´s last blog ..First Month: Homeschooling Fun and Frustrations
Jack
on Oct 3rd, 2011
@ 8:33 AM:
I wish you all the best of luck at school. I hope the communities you’ve found are nourishing and constructive.
I have so much respect and gratitude for every soul involved in the Occupy Together movement- my contribution is limited to sending socks and ramen noodles to NYC. So thank you for doing that.
Jana
on Oct 3rd, 2011
@ 9:44 AM:
School and a full time job. That is plenty to keep you busy! Love your goals and what you are doing to help others. What an incredible person you are, Summer. I’ll continue to pray for you!
Blessings!
Jana
Amber
@ AmberStrocel
on Oct 3rd, 2011
@ 6:14 PM:
I’m glad to hear from you. It sounds like you are in a slightly better place, and that you’re creating your own path as you move forward. I’m thinking of you, and wishing you well, and I know that good things are going to happen for you.
Amber´s last blog ..Becoming Bad Enough: Cutting Back
Brendazzle*
on Oct 3rd, 2011
@ 6:22 PM:
I’m so glad that you’re doing well.
Brendazzle*´s last blog ..sun, surf, and sky
Rose
@ celestialrose
on Oct 4th, 2011
@ 3:42 AM:
It’s good to hear from you. Glad you’re able to keep afloat and good luck with the job, volunteering and education avenues. -hugs-
Rose´s last blog ..Redefinition: Acting Upon the Unexpected
shahar
on Oct 9th, 2011
@ 12:16 PM:
I’m in the middle of my 30′s and I gotta tell ya – I’ve waisted a lot of years for nothing. Offcourse I achived a few things but now I’m starting all over becuase of some things which happened in my life.
But I’m glad this change came in my mid 30′s and not in my 50′s.
Keep up the good work.
shahar´s last blog ..How to produce a great wedding posing photos
Adventures In Babywearing
on Oct 12th, 2011
@ 11:36 PM:
I’ve been thinking about you. I hope all is well. I’m excited you’re in college!
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing´s last blog ..books and covers