Ten Months: November and October

Well, it's November. I can hardly believe it. No, I can't hardly believe it. I really can't believe it. Where did the year go? Next month is Christmas? Just yesterday was October 1st. What is this sorcery? Well, it's here I suppose and that's what counts! It's November, month 6; month of Faith. Good starfish.

October was fun, you guys. I know I didn't post much (okay, not anything), about the self-discipline thing. But trust me, I got up for school on time, have gotten the Little Office back into my schedule, said goodbye to texting and doing homework at the same time, and controlled the intake of Halloween candy! I know.  So hardcore. Not to mention I'm learning how to balance school and family with the very special Nathan. It's been interesting, but I'm learning and balancing everything out!

So now, it's November, the month of Faith. I'm pretty excited, but nervous, too. School's been stressful, as have money, illness, and lack of sleep, but I know that my Mother is here to watch over me, and God has a plan. So that's what this month is about. The constant belief that everything's going to be alright.

Hey, and remember the giraffe? Here's a brief continuation: So, the girl took the boy to Mass for the first time. And he loved it.

God is good.

Ten Months: September Recap

Where did September go? Where did the year go? Holy starfish. Goodness. Well, tomorrow is a new month. A new adventure. A new virtue.

I could have sworn I was supposed to start the virtue of continual mental prayer tomorrow, but I looked at my schedule to make sure and apparently it's self-discipline. That's good. That's quite alright. Especially because my prayer life has lagged and ceased and diminished this month (probably due to my life being so great. Oh, the irony.), I need to get back into the habits of daily prayer.

September has been great, though. Did I tell you I went to Homecoming? Yeah. I did. Well, what happened was God brought the most amazing young man into my life. I believe, firmly, that I am so lucky to have met him. You will, no doubt, be hearing about him, so rest assured.

And patience? Though not always easy, and not always successful, there were times I made myself slow down and wait. Especially at night and in the mornings. Okay, I was still a grouch, but I just kept thinking, "Patience, patience, patience." over and over, even if I was obviously exhausted and just wanted my sister to get into (or out of!) bed without a fuss.

And I started teaching! I now teach 4th grade at my Church, and I love it! I think my kids like me, too, and I think they're learning, which is most important to me. Today was a bit interesting; I won't go into details, but we'll just say it was kind of stressful, to say the least.

I also assist in the Confirmation class, and have gotten all of the students to spiritually adopt children! A few even adopted more than one! I am so proud of them! They're very excited, too, because they receive letters from their children about twice a month. I delivered the first letters last week, and some of the students were very obviously touched. One girl teared up, and a few others sat silently just rereading their letters over and over until class began.

Oh! And I got nominated for Governor's Honors in French! I found that out last week. I am so excited! I'm going to work on my essays today, and have my application in by Tuesday!

And fall started. My favorite season. Hallelujah!

Yeah. September's been good. Now, perhaps October will be just as wonderful. I just need to get my prayer act back together. Yay for self-discipline!

Enjoy this picture of pretty leaves!

10 Months: Introducing Patience

So apparently it's September now? It's ridiculous how fast this year has passed. I really cannot believe it.

But here it is! And with a new month comes another virtue. Month 4: Patience!!!

 Ah, patience. I suppose I'm a pretty patient person (when dealing with human beings) until about 9pm, then little by little it escapes my grasp. My sister, the lovely Samantha, can testify. The hours after 9pm, I know already, will be the hardest for me. That is when I get tired, cranky, and I don't want to be bothered by anyone or anything unless someone is dying.

But August! Like with humility, I believe I could have done better, but I do think I am on the way to becoming the-best-version-of-myself, as Matthew Kelly would say. After about 9pm was, I think, the most "heck to obedience" mentality came in, because, as I said, that's when I transform into a grouch. But, like I said with humility, I do have more time to improve this and I know that God is urging me to, so onward I go!

I am pretty proud to say that not once this year have I taken a short cut on homework. I've done it all, fully and completely! Yes!

Patience, patience, patience. AND WE'RE OFF.