Fun Times

Yay for girl time! I haven't always appreciated the fellowship available with other "girls". I use the term loosely cause I'm the youngest in the group at 23! The last couple of years I have made some really good girl friends, and we would spend Friday nights doing mani's and pedi's, drinking hot drinks and eating together. Not every Friday night, but once every couple of months. Since I have only been here in the "Inland Empire" for a month and a half, I never expected to be able to have a group of girls to hang out with. Well I do! Bible studies, coffee runs, and even a girls spa night! Don't underestimate the effect of spending quality time with other women. Women truly are "herd" creatures - we need time with other women to pamper, talk, and bond.
As I write this my kitchen is a mess (I cleaned it yesterday, I swear!), clean laundry is piled in my living room, there's more laundry in the washer/dryer, the litter box needs to be cleaned... and the list always goes on. But I take the time to write, to do devotions, and journal because I know I need to do that for myself. For my mental health. It is important to take time for yourself - whether to read a book, take a bubble bath (I've learned to like those too), or spend some time with the girls! It all supports mental health - and when it comes down to it, I believe mental health dictates your entire quality of life. It's all about attitude and choices.

Another day, another sunset

Hello again. Today was a decent day. My husband talked with his sister who lives overseas - and we got to hear her baby cooing and babbling in the background! what a blessing! I live for Sabbath - it is such a shelter for me from the week. Worries - be gone! I will not think about you until sunset. Cleaning?! Hah! like that'll happen on my Sabbath. While I have been known to work (as a nurses aide) on Sabbath - I still make the day feel special - special breakfast food, special music, and special thoughts. God knew what he was doing when He made the Sabbath for us - He knew what our lives would become and what we would need. Even from the beginning He took care of us and cared for us!
I need to tell a secret. I don't like people. The official diagnosis for that is "agoraphobia." And I have it, if only mildly - but put me in a room with loud noisy people accomplishing nothing, and I will find a quiet corner, and read a magazine. Like I did tonight at a friends birthday party. I'm not trying to be rude, I just can't take all that noice! My husband thrives on it, so we have to work out compromises - we've had to do this since we started dating. It took him quite awhile to realize that I was serious I couldn't be around people as much as he wanted to be - but I will go out sometimes with him, and other times he goes by himself. Bad wife? maybe a little. Limiting activities does help keep my sanity - and we all know that once that's gone there's no getting any more!

The Start

Hi. I'm RJ and I'm trying to live a better life. Same story as the rest of America, I know. I have Major Depressive Disorder, and if my family tree is any indication, I'm in for the long haul. This doesn't describe me in totality, it is only one description of many. I also am looking forward to starting a career in Nursing, once I pass my liscensing boards. I am still a newlywed, and getting in the hang of being married. I love mission trips, and seeing new parts of the world. I love to cook - and to eat what I cook! This blog will be a combination of all of these - dealing with depression, being marriend and making it work, working as a nurse, traveling and learning more about the world and the people we share it with - and a healthy dose of cooking. I'm looking forward to sharing my life with those that might benefit from it!