Scooby-Doo and Starchy Vegetables

I guess you could say our new life is truly in full swing.

In addition to my class load, I teach four days a week, well into the evenings. Most of my teaching responsibilities are directly related to my position as teaching fellow at SMU. On Monday and Tuesday, I wasn't free to eat (much less cook) dinner until after 8PM. Wednesdays are becoming typified by continuous hallway snacking, since I don't have a moment between 11-2:30 to even think about a meal. I shamelssly pulled a boiled egg out of my backpack today only minutes prior to a meeting and mumbled a half-hearted apology to my nearby classmates. The second-year grad students in my program just smiled an nodded. They get it.

So far the homework load hasn't been too heavy, but I still have about two hours of paperwork, reading, and lesson-planning after dinner. Partially in an effort to stay awake, I have started "watching" multiple Scooby-Doo episodes while I pour over method books, type lesson plans, and send emails late into the evening. In the mornings, I've even been delaying my practice time to 6AM, just to allow myself time to breakfast, sip coffee, and uncover a twenty-minute mystery. (Tyler is getting quite hooked. I practically had to shove him out the door at 5:40AM this morning.) Taking that extra time to "tune out" and relax seems to have helped me focus when it really counts. I am thankful that I've been able to safe-guard my practice goals, even amidst the busyness. I'm aiming for consistency over extremity.

Today I attended a Bible study with a few ladies from church. I am really hoping to keep this a weekly priority as the semester heats up. Due to my class schedule, I can't stay the entire time; I know even an hour of intentional time in the Word with these women will be worth it. Already I felt so blessed by their company, hospitality, and genuine interest in my life. (Amen to GF muffins, a third cup of coffee, and fifty minutes to quiet my heart.)

Today I arrived home just after 7PM - with a ravenous appetite, naturally. I discovered Tyler in the kitchen, standing over a steaming pot, stirring like a madman. When I asked what he was cooking he replied, "Mashed potatoes. I didn't know what other vegetables to cook." He quickly added, "I was hoping you could make a salad?"

Now I know his mama taught him about all things green, but who I am to complain when he went to Walmart and then cooked dinner?

Nothing says, "I love you!" more than that.

How grateful I am for the support I'm receiving from home, at school, within our church community, and across the southern belt of the United States.

And for grilled chicken in the fridge and a pillow calling my name.

Sweet dreams.