Random update

[raist23m]

Ok.  So things are going well.

I think some of it has to do with skimming a book called "The Secret".  Basically, the essence of "The Secret" is that if you're more positive, the world will respond in kind.  I've been trying to be more positive, and it seems to have worked for the most part.  Since I started really concentrating on it, I've had the following results:
- Back in school

• Elementary Algebra - which is better than the Basic Math I suspected I might need to take.  Good prof.  And I think I even did fairly well on my first test today.
• Texas Government - really cool professor for a subject I was dreading at first, but now it's actually a class I'm enjoying.
• Intro to Media (specifically geared towards radio and television).  The prof is a bit goofy, but a good guy, and knows his stuff.
• Thus far getting good grades in all of my classes.  For sure I even have an A in math, at least until the test I took today is graded.  Even then, I don't see it going lower than a B.

- Replaced my car

• 2001 PT cruiser instead of a 1996 Toyota Tercel.  Lost a bit on gas mileage, but much more comfortable. 
• Paid 2100 less than what dealers were asking for when it comes to a similar car.
• Custom stereo in the new car that plays Rob Zombie, 5FDP, and others with appropriate kick-ass-ness.

- Got a new job.

• still with the state.  Just moved agencies.  I am now an Administrative Technician IV as opposed to a Clerk IV.  A nice 5 pay grade jump.
• Almost 8K more a year.
• The people I'm working with now are simply amazing.  Really positive, professional, and they seem to act like a real team. 

- Have worked some things out with Jacob.

• I've always had problems with my temper, but for some reason, especially lately as Jacob is dealing with becoming a young man and figuring out life, it's been hard to control my temper towards him.  We've set up some rules though that both he and I follow so that we can communicate instead of argue, and it's seemed to help with his homework issues, whining, and the amount of respect he shows me.  Not to mention, it's helped me keep my head cool towards him.  So things are much groovier.  He's a good kid, and I don't want what little time I get to see him being a pain for either/both of us.

- Some family issues I've been concerned about have cleared up a bit.

• The antique desk I inherited from my grandmother has been found, after I'd been told that it was stolen by my aunt and uncle.  Apparently, my brother just hadn't seen it at the back of the storage unit my mom had been renting.  It is now at my sister's house, being properly taken care of.  Hopefully, I'll be able to get it shipped to me at some point in the near future.  
• My brother is getting divorced, and was pretty whacked out for a while.  He is now doing better.  He gets to see his kids (all five of them) regularly, has gotten in shape (lost about 60 pounds, runs daily, eats right, etc... and is generally feeling healthier), and has a plan to get his life back on firm ground again.  I'm happy for him.
• Aunt and Uncle's house burnt down.  While at first this seems bad, the bright side is that they're finally going to build a home that they WANT rather than what they could afford to throw on their place 30 years or so ago.  No pets or people were hurt.  A few replaceable items (old pictures and such that had already been duplicated) and some 25 year old furniture is all that's gone other than the house, which had seen better days.  So basically, they got their old house gone, and plenty of space to build a new house.  Being deacons of the church, they're staying at a church member's rental property for free (except utilities) until they get their new home built.  
• My mom seems a lot happier than she's been in a while.  She's found some sort of peace with my uncle and aunt, where-as there's normally drama.  Happy about this, because frankly, I find drama highly irritating.

Now I just need a nap, and I'll be set.

Oh wait.  It's Saturday.  Thus, it is nap time.  :)