Stress is my middle name.

I have been so STRESSED lately. I feel like it's becoming my middle name these days. I even had a wonderful birthday two weeks ago and haven't had it together to post pictures and blog about it yet! Ugh.

I am taking 14 units this semester while working part time and trying to maintain my marriage and social life. I thought that after five years of not being a full time student that I could handle it now that I was more mature, but turns out, I'm in over my head.

I'm not sorry that I enrolled in 14 units, I'm just sorry that I don't have the discipline that a good student needs to accomplish this amount of course work. I'm taking Math-101, PoliSci-2, Music Appriciation (online) and 3 units of work experience.

My math class was my least favorite going into this semster mostly because I've NEVER been good at math and I HAVE to pass this class to get my AA Degree at the end of this semester. Turns out, I'm doing much better in the class than I had expected, which is a HUGE blessing. I failed my first test but since then I've gotten "B's" or better. Last test I got a 96%!!! That is so rare for me, but I'm thankful! Plus, the instructor will drop our lowest test score or give us the option to not take the final.

PoliSci has been fun. I enjoy the teaching style of my professor, and she is not only knowledgable of her field, she is a practicing attourney too, so we're learning a lot of the "law" that goes behind our politics. Class discussion is great! Can't you just see me in the middle of a debate on anything?!

My music appreciation class is the one I was most looking forward to, and has been the biggest dissapointment and cause of my stress this semester. The instructor has a completely UNREALISTIC expectation of how much homework is appropriate for a 3-unit class and several of the students in the class are frustrated because we're trying so hard to succeed and are not seeing the grade-results we are hoping for. I am actually in the middle of a "formal complaint" process with the Dean of Instruction about this class. Hopefully we can see a change for the better before the end of the semester.

Apart from all the school drama/stress, there is the usual work hours, worship team volunteering and various social events; baby showers, lunch dates with girlfriends, etc. AND we have been working with a realtor to look into buying a home. So, on the 1 day a week that Steven and I both have off, we are trying to find our next home. Hasn't happened yet, but we're sure that God has a place for us somewhere and we will just be faithful in prayer until He reveals it to us.

If you happen to read this blog, or just think about us from time to time, here is a perfect example of how you can be praying for me, and for Steven and I both. Thanks dear ones!

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

A RECIPE EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW:

The most dangerous cake recipe

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

a small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (this can easily serve 2 people, TRUST me!)

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

(thanks to Keirsten Craig for sending me this MOST helpful information!)