I've got friends . . . .

in odd places. Amazing isn't it?

. . . in every branch of the Military and while I support them and their efforts (even though I necessarily don't agree with their choice), I don't support the war.

. . . who I see on a regular basis and we always keep in touch.

. . . who I never see unless they want something or are in trouble and know that I'll listen to that trouble and see if there is anything I can do.

. . . who believe what I love to do is a waste of time.

. . . that think I have all the time in the world to watch their kids on short notice because I'm a teacher, so I automatically know how to take care of kids and because I don't have any kids of my own.

. . .who respect me for what I do and who I am.

. . .who are closer to me than family.

. . .who when I'm around them, it is like having a bunch of kids around and I love every minute of it.

. . .in places that all I have to do is talk to them and I can make the best laid plans fall apart in an instant.

. . .that I've been attracted to since I met them. That doesn't mean "sexually" attracted, but more like "caringly" (yes I made that up and I'm going to use it) and they help light up the room.

Why am I writing this? Strangely enough I've had everything on this list happen to me in the past year or so and I just needed to reflect on a few things. There are a few things that I usually take for granted such as friends who love and care for me like family; and those friends who only use me for what I know and what I can do.

The past month hasn't been the brightest for Jakob and I, but things are beginning to get better; but unfortunately my worrisome attitude isn't going to get any better starting in January. See, Jakob starts his student teaching in January which means he isn't going to be working regularly. Oh, sporadic days here and there (when there isn't any school) but that means that it falls into our savings and my "wages". And since I lost my salary position and had to move to hourly, we've taken a large hit. Oh, I've got friends and my family who will help keep my spirits up and bright for the next few months while this is all going on, but I will be happy when Jakob is finished in April and "graduates" (again) with his teaching license. But then we're back to the uncertainty of him finding a teaching position close enough that we don't have to sell our home (which we technically can't sell for 3 years unless we want to pay back the stimulus money). What I'm hoping for is all the contacts that Jakob has in the film world will start to pay off for him and he and his fight assistants can start something that they've always wanted. We'll just have to see if what I have in mind plans out. And no, I'm not going to say much other than that. I don't want to jinx any of it.