Hey everyone! -Ocean Goddess-

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I have popped in and said hello...so, HELLO! I hope you all are doing well and that you are happy and healthy :)

It's been a while since I have posted or given an update. It seems like nothing much has changed, but at the same time everything feels like it has changed. The last time I posted, my husband and I were seeing a fertility specialist in hopes that we could start building out family. Unfortunately, we have not gotten lucky yet and we are still trying. I did have the surgery I talked about in my last post. I had the procedure done in March, and it went much better than the Doctor's anticipated. Initially, it was thought that my tubes were blocked. However, during surgery my Doctor's discovered that my tubes were not blocked at all. I had several tiny cysts that were removed successfully and the biopsies came back clear (Thank the Lord). The cysts were applying just enough pressure on one of my tubes to make the tube fold over on itself, but once removed that tube opened up and was not damaged in anyway. We are still struggling to get pregnant though, so if you're a prayer warrior we would greatly appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts.

My husband and I moved back at the end of April! We had been wanting to find a new home for a long time, but rent everywhere has drastically gone up. We were fortunate to find a new apartment that has been 100% remodeled with brand new EVERYTHING, for $100 less than what we paid for our last place. Unlike our last apartment, our heat and hot water are not electric and we live on the first floor, so our electric bills have been super cheap. We also were able to consolidate our debt and take out a loan to pay everything off! My husband was hurt pretty bad at work year before last and couldn't work for 10 months. I was the only one with an income and we got really behind on almost all of our bills. Luckily he has made a full recovery (well, almost full recovery) and is back to work. We were able to get back on track and we are finally in a decent place with our finances. His workers comp case went up for review back in January and he was finally awarded a small settlement which gave us the funds to move and replace furniture and kitchen items that we have desperately needed for years. Oh, and there was an added bonus to moving into our new place....my sister is my next door neighbor <3

Last year I started a new job. I was working as an assistant Grower for plant nursery up until December of 22. Unfortunately I lost my job right before Christmas that year. Covid really put a strain on that company with the increased prices of freight and supplies. I was the lowest on the totem because of my tenure, and they made the decision to indefinitely lay off 15 employees. I was blessed to find another job right away with another indoor nursery and was only out of work for 2 weeks. That job wasn't what I had hoped it would be. I spent about 3 months there and then totally changed my career field. In March of last year I took a job as an activity assistant with a local memory care facility, and realized that was my calling. I spent 6 months in memory care and decided I was capable of doing more for people. In August of last year I left that facility and took a position with the company that I am currently working for. I am the activities director for a local assisted living facility, and let me tell you, this is by far the most rewarding and humbling job that I have ever had! I love my residents! I love what I do, and I love making a difference in the lives of my residents. This job has taught me so much about myself, and about life in general. My husband changed careers as well and for about 7 months we actually worked for the same facility. He left a few months ago to work for another establishment, and now he is the head cook/chef for an upscale independent living facility. My husband and I both love what we do, and we are so thankful and blessed to have found our calling, and blessed to have careers that allow us to cover all of our monthly expenses with a little bit left over.

I am so happy to be in a better place (mentally, physically, and emotionally) than I was a year and a half ago. I've been at rock bottom and didn't think there was a way out. I have learned that there is always a way out! It takes dedication and hard work and LOTS of patience. Me as a person and my marriage have been tested so much over these last couple of years and I am proud to say that my husband and I did not give up. We did not give up on ourselves, each other, or our marriage. Life is going to throw obstacles in your way. It's going to test you and your relationships. Hold tight, take things day by day, do what you can and NEVER EVER give up! I think a lot of people get discouraged when life knocks them down (myself included) but if I can offer one piece of advice.....Keep your eyes focused straight ahead. It's easy to feel let down and discouraged when things don't go the way we want or when other people's blessings look better than ours. Blessings come in all shapes, sizes, and circumstances. Our blessings may not look like everyone else's but regardless, WE ARE BLESSED.

Wishing you all blessings, good health, happiness and joy. If you're struggling, please know that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. May life give you all the things you need and all of the things you have been praying for *hugs* -OG-

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