So once again I find myself beginning a blog after a long absence. What else is new? But in this case, quite a few things are new. 2020 has not turned out to be the year we thought it was going to be.
Probably the biggest thing that happened was the coronavirus. It affected everyone, everywhere, though all differently. We haven't had a pandemic in many, many years, and it seems like a lot of people don't know how or aren't willing to stay safe, for themselves and for the rest of us. I just watched a video on twitter where a man in Alaska LOST HIS MIND when he was not allowed to go without a mask into a Walmart. People are definitely insane, you guys. And this time period has brought a lot of that insanity to the surface.
The next crazy thing started with the tragic and horrible death of George Floyd, and the repercussions of that have certainly not died down. I'll go out on a limb here, and say what I believe: protesting is necessary, and sometimes it is necessary for protesters to defend themselves against the violence of cop crowd control. But there's no excuse for burning random buildings, hurting people, destroying history, and the like. Probably a lot of people (especially in my age bracket) won't support me on that, but it's what I believe.
Here's another thing that won't get much support, but it's also something I believe. I understand the phrase "Black Lives Matter," and what the movement is trying to do. And I know some people respond, not understanding that it may be construed as an insult, or blowing off the problem entirely, with the phrase "All Lives Matter." I understand that this is a phrase that has been used negatively in light of the BLM movement. However! When I personally say it, I do not mean it as a slight to the movement. I mean it from my heart. That all lives do matter, no matter what color, creed, sexuality, or anything else. So when I posted that on Facebook and got a lot of negative flack, I think that people who responded should know me a little bit better than that. Of course I didn't mean it against the movement! What kind of person do you think I am? A sympathetic one. So don't treat me badly for having a big heart. That's not fair or right. Just saying. This is a time that we all need to stand together. And everyone, it seems to me, is having great trouble doing that.
Sorry, rant over! I know it's unlike me to preach in these blogs, but I felt really strongly about those points, and wanted to bring them up. Especially with how relevant they are to right now.
But I digress. This blog is about the Quad Squad, so I had better update you on them! Firstly, my parents. Mom has decided to go to US Nationals this year with TAMAR Indian River, fondly known as Indy. I know she's going to be amazing with this amazing horse, and I can't wait to see the pair of them compete! Shout out to Troy Peterson for all the work he's done for us with this horse. We are so grateful to you and your barn, and to Tamara, who sold us this wonderful horse. We are very lucky to have him, and to count you and your barn among our friends!
Dad has been working from home since March. At first he mainly stayed cooped up in his office with conference calls, but now I see him several times a day, every day, just so we can say hey and chat. It's been wonderful having him home; I can't wait until he retires and belongs to us completely again :-)
I personally have been struggling with the quarantine from the virus. It was fine during the end of the previous school year, when we all went online, because my class still met via Zoom, and I was able to see familiar faces, and distract myself with schoolwork. That all changed during the summer, where I had some very low points, struggling with my depression and anxiety, and especially, loneliness. But I think I have come out of the woods now, and am in a good place. School starting definitely helped!
I am also talking to a really amazing guy. I won't mention his name because that's his business, but I am excited to see where this budding relationship goes. I like him a lot, and have high hopes for this! (Hopefully, I didn't embarrass him!)
I haven't seen much of my friends lately, but Elise is off to grad school for voice in Indiana! Go Elise! Also, Sarah had her second child, a beautiful boy named Carson, and Myrna also had a boy, her first, a strapping young lad named Austin! Rachel is working hard in school as a high school choir director, and her husband Chase is chipping away at getting his degree! I don't know if I have mentioned Colton, my high school friend, in these blogs before, but I am now: he's getting married to a wonderful girl named Christine; they are an amazing and beautiful couple and I'm excited for them! Another name I might not have mentioned is Grant. He is one of my best friends, whom I actually met on a dating website. He is also getting married to Kim, a wonderful woman who is a great match for him! I could not be more excited for, nor more proud of, my friends.
And then there's my crazy group of nurses. Peter is here five days a week, and we sound like an old married couple, playfully bickering constantly, giving each other crap, to see how well the other person will take it, and what ingenious thoughts they will have in response ;-) Not to mention our sarcastic debates! Peter is truly Peter the Great! But if that's the case, I also have Jim the Gentleman, the Amazing Amanda, the Awesome Aubrey, and the far more than Noble Ngozi. I have quite a group of people who take great care of me, physically and mentally, because they inevitably make me laugh every shift. They are all my family.
I started back on my fourth semester of school! After this one, with its two classes, I will be halfway through my Masters! I'm very excited for this semester, as I have some extremely interesting classes: Race and Identity in the Middle Ages, as well as a children's literature course, set in the Golden Age of children's lit: 1850 to 1940. Both of my professors are incredible, one of whom I've had several times before, but couldn't resist taking again, because she frequently opens my eyes and amazes me with new subjects, thoughts, and topics. I think my other professor is going to end up being the same way, from what I've seen so far. He is another very passionate teacher. Those kinds make the best ones!
Also, I have decided after grad school, I would like to try my hand at inspirational speaking. I plan to start with local high schools, and go from there. My messages will be to wear your seatbelt, of course, but also I hope to include messages that show the power of strength, determination, and perseverance. These are the things I can pass on to others, and I really, really want to. Hopefully my endeavor works :-)
That's about all for now :-) surprisingly I haven't got much else to say (I know, I know, it seems unbelievable!). I hope you all are staying safe, happy, and healthy during this difficult time. Remember to wear your masks, whether you like them or not! ;-) It's for the betterment of everyone, which means it's for the betterment of you individually, as well. I love all of you, and I appreciate so much all of the support I get from you guys! And so we go!
