Since writing my last blog post, life has changed, definitely for the better. I continued to pour myself into academics and finally achieved a goal I set in 2009, which was to make the Dean's List at Angelo State. Making this list came after a lot of hard work, dedication, studying, and coffee. It also took discipline and persistence. Honestly, though I had no idea I had even gotten myself on the Dean's List until three months ago, while I was writing a speech. What a nice shock and surprise. Heck, I even managed to do it again for the Spring 2016 semester. Nothing can stop me now.
I took my final dose of the depression medication Lexapro back in August. Half of a pill was too much for me. It was a scary thing to do, deciding to stop, but I haven't looked back. So far, I'm nine months off and doing well. The therapist and even my doctor supported my decision. The one who originally prescribed it is no longer practicing psychiatry due to being in federal prison, and I think he gave me too high of a dosage anyway. 40 milligrams is a lot to handle, and I often remember wondering
during those days if that is what being stoned out of my mind felt like. I do know that the last time I took the pill, I felt as though I was in an alternate universe, and I couldn't understand why I was put on front register at work, knowing I was under the influence. So much for taking the edge off the crying. After that, I decided to handle depression another way, and keeping myself occupied works well.
My GPA is finally high enough for Block, and I'm super excited to get to put my knowledge to use. I'm also excited to not have to retake anymore classes. I am returning to school in July to take my final non-practicum course, then start Block in August. The people I've talked to say its a lot of work, which, I would imagine it is for having to take 18 hours. I've never taken that many classes before, although I have done 15 before. In the meantime, I'm working, trying to earn extra money, or at least put some back every week. I don't know what my transportation issues look like yet, and won't for a while. I'm hoping to have as much control over it as possible. and I'm hoping the practicum people take my lack of car into consideration. I do have a bike now, but my riding skills are practically non-existent. I'm working on it.
All things considered, life is good right now. I am optimistic for what the future holds, and truly feel that I am in a better place now.
