It seems that I've been a bit MIA over the past week. Honestly, until I sat down today I hadn't even thought about the blog other than reading you guys' encouraging comments over the week. Blogging, diabetes, all this is just far from my mind these days.

My last blog talked about how I was struggling with some severe loneliness and still very much adjusting to life and its changes. Well, I'm still struggling although I've made some lists, set some goals, and got my head back on my shoulders straight. My stress level hasn't quite caught up yet though.

Today, I went through my graduate program's new student orientation. As I listened to professors and other students, I realized that I was actually concerned that I'd taken on too much. I know that I'm a strong student, but so are a lot of those admitted to the program. And if they were saying working and taking 12 hours was tough, well I didn't want to risk it.

So I decided that I'm going to start out a bit slow with this graduate school thing. I'm taking 9 hours, which is 3 classes. I'll be on campus only two days a week which isn't too bad for my work schedule. And I won't have to stress about as many papers or exams or unpleasant professors. I'm starting slow and seeing how it feels this first semester. I'm not worried about my grades, it's simply a matter of my stress and my health.

I've also set my mind to some things at work that I was really struggling with. Adjusting to the new job has been tough. I'm putting in a lot of effort and feeling a little stuck (because finding hospice volunteers is pretty darn difficult) so my stress level has skyrocketed with everything. I've told myself that I'm taking it one week at a time, getting my 20 hours and not worrying about the rest. In February, I plan to re-evaluate the situation. I'd also like to see about working from home some days, which I think would also help the stress level.

The other big factor in my life right now is my living situation. I have two more weeks to decide if I want to renew my lease or move elsewhere. Honestly, I've got no leaning one way or the other. I'd like to be in a different location (closer to work and Marvin) and in a newer apartment (without all the maintenance issues! and the high utility bills!!), but I'd also really like a roommate. I think.

Part of the problem is that my budget is fairly low since I'm a part-time worker and full-time graduate student. My parents help, which is a big relief. But I can't ask for more just because I'm unhappy with my old digs. Without a roommate, moving doesn't seem to make much sense at this point because I'd either be moving to another old apartment or one that isn't in a decent location. There's still some looking that I plan to do, but at this point I'm very torn on what the right decision might be.

I am definitely making big strides in adjusting to this new life. I found a doctor last week that I thoroughly like and she's recommended a good endo that I plan to see sometime in February. And I'm actively trying to find a church that fits both my sleep schedule and want of a more contemporary atmosphere.

Everything else seems to be a waiting game. Like usual. I'm slowly feeling less stressed, especially after dropping my school hours back, but there is still a lot that I have to get used to in this new place and in this new situation. Marvin is being very supportive through it all and I couldn't be more appreciative of who and how he is. I'm still very excited to be going to Las Vegas soon too.