What. A. Week.

Brace yourselves for laughter, I fell down the garage stairs. There are only 4 of them, but they're wooden, and as gravity became more successful, I dropped my cereal bowls, water bottle, and purse. I skinned my shins and knees, and I was able to see 2 toes turning black without my glasses. My ankle was swollen, and I have a welt on my knee. That said, I am fairly certain that if someone recorded this and was on America's Funniest Videos, I would have fallen off the couch laughing, because I'm sure it was quite a sight. My loving husband who thrives on his first aid skills studied my injuries that night, said, "Whoa," and suggested he bandage me up. All my injuries have improved, and I can now walk somewhat normally. What a blessing that, A) I didn't break any bones or hit my face, B) I didn't fall on any garden tools or the car, and C) I was still able to get to work, since my injuries were mostly on my left leg/foot.

Finally, I completed my second to last semester of graduate school, and made all As. It was a little stressful trying to finish all my final papers, but am really proud of myself for submitting everything early and doing a good job. (Insert silent cheer here.) Every time I make an A, I get to buy myself a reward. After not purchasing any kind of shoes in the last 7 years, with the exception of a pair of flip flops from Old Navy 3 years ago for $2, I caved, and went to DSW for shoes. I found some excellent deals, and came in under budget. I replaced some shoes that were grimy and kind of too small, and I invested in a pair my fashionista friends would applaud me for- Yellow strappy heels that I don't look too clumsy walking in. (I made sure to get my walk approved by a coworker I ran in to while there.)

So, in light of such a chaotic week at school and home, I had some moments when I thought I might just lose it. BUT, I remembered to "praise God in this storm," and found things within these chaotic moments to be thankful for, and thankful that I was able to learn something about myself in these lessons. For example, I learned that when I am being verbally attacked to the extreme, I go through some mental stages- shock, surprise, shyness, anger, and lastly self defense. I learned that when someone questions me or my actions, I automatically assume I am wrong, which isn't right. I learned that my quietness in these moments has been such a good thing in the past, as it has allowed me to not say something I will regret, but that my consistent quietness has made me say nothing at all, which is wrong. I can say my opinion, or confront someone, with respect- I know how to do that, I just have chosen not to. I hope this changes.

God plans and allows times like this week for his children to teach us lessons about ourselves, but more importantly, about Him. He never leaves us, and wants us to offer prayer and praise through these lessons. Being Miss Negativity early this week didn't help me one bit, and once I gave it to God, all that negativity was lifted. Try it next time you have a time like this week was for me.