I’ve neglected this blog. I can admit that I have. But it’s happened for a good reason- I’ve been busy. To be quite honest, school has been kicking my behind. Big time. I mean, it hasn’t been anything that I couldn’t handle, but it’s been a little more than I would choose to handle all at once. I’ve been bombarded with readings, tests, take home exams, more readings, class projects, more readings…and yes, more readings. But it’s all good. I’m keeping my eyes on that May 12, 2007 prize: GRADUATION! However, I will say this- if my first semester at UGA had been like this semester, I’m almost certain that I would have reconsidered the entire idea of a masters program. Good thing the Lord knew what was up before I did…

I’ve been struggling to make decisions about the future. In one of my posts a few weeks back, I wrote of having lots of options and not being sure what to do about all of the options because they could all lead me to the job that I really want to have. However, in a bold move of certainty (if you could call it that), I’ve decided that I won’t go back to school after I finish this May. At least not immediately. It’s about time that I head out into the real world with my shoulders back and my head up, ready for everything that’s coming my way. But, that means that it’s time to start the job search. I suspect that most of next semester’s surprisingly free schedule will be spent at job fairs all over the state of GA. Something different for me, but something exciting nonetheless.

As I think about my future teaching career, I can’t help but feel apprehensive about entering a school setting now. I want to provide my students with the tools that they need for survival, but I also want to be safe. I want to make a difference. I want to be the change that I wish to see in the world. However, all of these school shootings make me VERY nervous. It adds one more thing to the list of things to be concerned about as a teacher. I honestly never thought about safety, but it’s quickly moving to the top of the list.

Something I saw on the news that made me particularly excited was the dedication of a monument to James Meredith at the University of Mississippi. The student paper at Ole Miss, the Daily Mississippian had a number of really good articles about the dedication of the monument. Here are some of those links:

The DM Editorial

The New South Begins…

Meredith Monument Dedicated…

So there we have it…hope all is well with you and yours. Be encouraged!

Lots of things have happened since I’ve last posted here. It’s that time of the year again. School has started, football is in season, work is abundant, sleep is lacking. Yeah. We’re back in full effect here.

So, I celebrated my 23rd birthday on September 12. Yeah, man…the JORDAN birthday (as Sherrell would say). Being 23 is exciting, I suppose. I remember when I was younger, I decided that I wanted to be 23 forever. Now that I’m here, I think I might be willing to reconsider. I’ve had some good years before turning 23. Like, I might do 17 again. That was a good year. Now that I think about it- I’ve had ALL good years. It’s a blessing to have made it this far.

School is in full effect. The papers have started, the reading has gotten out of control, and my sleep is lacking. I’ve sort of gained an appreciation for Starbucks, as well as Hot Corner- this 24 hour coffee shop with comfy couches and WiFi connection. I’ve gotten my first evaluations back from classes and it’s looking like a promising semester. I’m expecting to do well. Keep praying for me.

I got to go home last weekend and spend time with my family which is awesome. Got to see my mom who I hadn’t seen since Christmas 2005. Yeah, it was like that. I love my family and I’m always excited to see them. And I got to see my sissy, who I haven’t seen in a LONG time. It was good to be home.

So now I’m back to my regularly scheduled life. Things are good on this front, and hopefully they are going well with you all who read this. Postings will be more regular. I promise.

“I made it and I’m so thankful. I never could have made it this far without the Lord…”