Thursday, August 14, 2008

Monthly Update

Sorry that I only update once or twice a month, but my life is pretty much stable and not much new happens. I'm continuing to wait patiently for my beloved and know that with each passing day I'm that much closer to bodily contact. We should know within a day or two when his 2 week pass is. WooHoo!

New stuff is that

* I have now been married to the most wonderful man on the planet for 17 years! And he sent me a gorgeous diamond pendant since he wasn't here in person. WOW! (Ron and Gloria, you done good!)

* Reggie (Black Ford Ranger) is now in the custody of one Ashleigh Diane South who has given him a sex change and who knows what else! Hopefully "he" survives to her 16th birthday!

* Mark (and Paul) are now in the 40s club (Lori and I paved the way so that it wouldn't be traumatic for them!)

* I love, love, love, love, love Shiatsu and all of the energy work we are doing in my massage class! Can't wait to try some of it out on Mark when he comes home. We learned some cool Hopi Indian "Aura Combing" with feathers and a treatment for insomnia. Also, balanced our Chakras and got our Chi flowing! Really fascinating!

* Finished reading the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer and will probably read them again (since I broke down and bought all 4 of them) before the movie comes out in December (I think that's when) Thanks, Jessica and Lisa, for getting me started! If anyone hasn't read them yet, I highly recommend them - they are pure pleasure and highly addictive!

* Am currently reading several books at once (that's always dangerous!) "The Eagle and the Rose" by Rosemary Altea that was lent to me by one of my massage teachers about a spiritual medium (very riveting!), "The Limehouse Text" by Will Thomas, my new mystery find (this is the third book of a series set in late 1800's London), "Poltergeist" by Kat Richardson, the second in a series started off with "Greywalker" about a PI who died for 2 minutes and now is able to see into the "grey" of the paranormal world, and "Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential" by Caroline Myss, about finding your purpose in life (I got this one at the library's book sale for $1)

* Irvin (my step dad) got through his first set of prostate cancer treatments with flying colors and is on to the next step, which will be a little more intense. Please continue to keep him in your prayers!

* Mom is finally in the realization stage of retirement since the school year started and she didn't have to go back! She's keeping busy, busy, busy with a garden and flea markets.


That's it, I think! More new stuff than I thought. Maybe I should post more often, huh?

Hope all is well! More later!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Books, books, and more books

Okay, here's the book update, since that's pretty much my life right now:

Finished "Proven Guilty" and "White Night" and on waiting list for next Harry Dresden books. I have to say, they just keep getting better and better.

Tried 2 different series of Laurell K Hamilton and just couldn't do either one of them. They sounded like they were going to be good, but there was just way to much sex in them that I couldn't get around it. You know, a little is okay, but when it's chock full, that's not exactly great literature, or even a good story. Sorry, Laurell.

I actually read half of "New Moon" even though I'm still #16 on the hold list. I cheated. The book was on our hold shelf for someone else, but that someone else hadn't picked in up yet, so I read it while at work. Of course, I had to stop and put it back on the hold shelf when I left work and now I'm more anxious than ever to finish it. I even went so far as the book store thinking I might purchase it and the next one, but I decided that even though it was a good read, that I really didn't need to own it. Wow! That's a first! Now we'll have to see how long it takes to get the book, or see if there's another one on the hold shelf, and that there's time at work to continue reading it. I'm curious about the movie that's going to be based on "Twilight" - I saw some of the print ads for it, and just can't imagine that they'll really be able to pull it off, but I could be wrong!) Also picked up a couple of bargain books on Buddhism while I was there. Can't go wrong with bargain books!

Mom and I had a neighborhood yard sale today (in my neighborhood) and we were reminiscing about neighborhood yard sales when I lived in C-ville. Those were the best! It was very toasty and moist today - not too conditions that go very well together (think, soggy toast), but there were lots of people that came through and we had a good time. Of course, what do I do at the neighbors' sales but buy more books! I got a Margaret Atwood one, some big fat book about the CIA (I can't remember the name of it) and "The River Sutra." I'll let you know what I think.

Pretty soon the next book in Christopher Paolini's series will be out and I have that on hold at the bookstore. That one will definitely be a keeper, cause I loved and purchased the first two ("Eragon" and "Eldest")

Finished another set of classes and got A's in both classes again! Yay! That makes all 5 sets of classes on the President's List. Not sure if I can keep this up, but I'm sure going to try! We're finally done with A&P classes, so that's a relief! We'll now be doing mostly massage of different sorts and preparing for our National Board Exam. We're also getting our massage tables that come with our program within the next week or two. Now I need to invest in a massage chair and a rolling stool and a couple of bolsters and I should be in business.

Hope all is well wherever you are! Namaste!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Washington state

Our trip to Washington was fabulous! Pam and Sandi's commitment ceremony was so beautiful up in North Bend with the mountains in the background. The cool weather was not to be found, though, but who cares if it's 92 degrees as long as it's sunny! (evidently it had been months of rain there). I cried happy tears for them and we ate and drank and danced and had lots of fun meeting friends and co-workers. Kudos, girls! Of course, I had to come back to the real world of work and school. Why can't life be one big vacation? Oh, yeah, Eden. Darn you, Adam and Eve!

I have been a reading maniac lately, and NOTHING has gotten done at home. I just can't put them down (and don't want to). Sometimes it's funner living in someone else's fantasy life than in my own real one, but I think that's excusable when one's husband is deployed, don't you think? Ok, I do need to check into reality every once in a while, which I did this morning by working in the yard. My body just does not like hot humid weather and though my intentions were pure, I could not keep going, so even though I only worked out there about an hour and a half I'm now indoors writing you (which is still reality), but there's a book sitting right at my elbow sending out really strong impulses to pick it up. I do need to find some time in the next few days to get a paper and presentation ready for Monday, too. Not nearly as fun, but it will pay dividends in the near future, whereas Harry Dresden probably won't (no probably, Kim, I think I'm becoming delusional).

Anyway, I'm devouring these Harry Dresden books that Mark got me started on. I think I'm on the 9th in the series (Proven Guilty) and already checked out the next one to have ready and waiting. I also have a Laurell K Hamilton book ready, since she was an author mentioned if one likes Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden books. I finally got "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyers and absolutely loved it, so I'm on the waiting list at the library for "New Moon". My niece and a friend at school got me interested in what those were about and they are definitely worth the read (thanks, Lisa and Jess!) And I have a Lama Surya Das book that I purchased while in Washington at an awesome used bookstore "Awakening the Buddha Within." And I can't forget the Elizabeth George book that's been waiting patiently for me to read that I picked up at some point. I love books!

Hope all is well!

Monday, June 23, 2008

Haiku

Sunshine, cool breezes

Cats purr, good book, holding hands

This is my heaven


Saturday, June 21, 2008

Zen thoughts

Here are some Zen thoughts I wanted to share today. Don't worry, I'm not becoming a Buddhist, but there are lots of great ways to focus one's priorities and de-stress one's life through zen teachings. For more ideas visit zenhabits.

My list of small pleasures (things I can sprinkle throughout my day to help me stay positive):
1. giving and receiving a smile
2. petting my cats
3. hearing my husband's voice
4. stretching
5. watching nature
6. caramel
7. rubbing lotion on my hands
8. spontaneously singing
9. breathing deeply
10. laughing

Those are my zen thoughts for today.


Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Getting excited!

I'm getting so excited about seeing Pam and Sandi next week! Yes, next week! I was looking at my calendar today and noticed that mom and I are flying out next Thursday (that's a week from tomorrow!) I had no idea it was that soon. I should have figured, though, since mom called sometime this past weekend wondering what to pack. So this evening I finally had time to look at the weather on line and guess what? 60s and rain! Should have known for WA state. Anyway, I'm excited about the weather. Pam and Sandi probably aren't, since this is their big day and all, but I'm all about 60 degree temperatures in June/July. Though it really hasn't been that bad here in southern Indiana. The past few days have been in the upper 70s, low 80s, and that's decent this time of year for this part of the country. I'm actually still mowing my own lawn, if that says anything to those who know my loathing of hot weather.

I haven't visited Pam in over 2 years, so I'm really looking forward to getting to the northwest, seeing the house, and most especially celebrating their special day with them. I'll finally have an older sister! That takes a lot of pressure off. Of course, Sandi has no idea what I'm talking about since she's an only. Oh, well, it will be a learning experience for her.

Learning lots this 5 weeks of classes. We're learning 4 body systems as well and abdominal, chest, and deep tissue integrated system massage. I'm still not practicing like I should be. Gotta get that together soon so I don't get too far behind with what we're learning. Should be getting my massage table from the school at the beginning of our next set of classes (mid-July). I need to get a massage chair and then I'll be all set.

Work at the library has been good, but crazy. I thought it might slow down during the summer with the kids being out of school and all, but no, it's busier by far. I think the program directors did too good of a job this year with the summer reading programs. That's my guess, since the people with whom I work said it usually isn't like this in the summer. There are programs for the kids, with "prizes" for visiting each library, coupons for reading so much, and drawings for each level they complete. There's also a teen and adult program which have cash prizes, and multiple entries in the drawings for visiting each library as well. We've had so many new patrons, it's unbelievable! So life is definitely not boring at the library.

I've been reading like a mad woman, too. Sometimes 2 and 3 books at a time, which is quite unusual for me. Been reading a series that Mark has with him in Mosul by Jim Butcher about a wizard. Evidently it's a TV series as well, "The Harry Dresden Files." Very good. Then I'm continuing my way through Stuart Woods' Stone Barrington books. Read a young adult book called "Crank" about a girl who visited her dad and started using meth. Very interesting read. Can't remember the author, think it was Ellen something. Reading an Elizabeth George book right now, "With No One as Witness," Becky got me hooked on those. And I'm on the waiting list for another young adult book, "Twilight," that my niece and the person with whom I carpool to school just read. There are two other books in the series with a fourth coming out in August. They've got me curious. So there's no lack of things to read, no chance of being bored.

Gotta go and read for class now.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Update

We're halfway through this separation gig! Yay!!! Which means that I'm halfway through my massage therapy school - yay!!!

Let me update you on my life:

1. I started a new set of classes this past Monday
a. It's going MUCH better than the last two sets of 5 weeks classes!
b. Learning LOTS and loving it again!

2. Had a break from classes the week before last
a. Visited Mark's parents in Holland, MI
b. Saw Mark's brother and his family
c. Read lots and enjoyed not studying for a while

3. Have another break coming up in 2 weeks (I know it's weird, but I need them)
a. Going to Seattle (actually Issaquah), Washington.
b. This one I'll be with my family
c. Going to celebrate Pam and Sandi's commitment! Yay!

4. Everything else is the same ole same ole.
a. Miss Mark
b. Get to talk to him almost every day (whenever the satellite connections cooperate)
c. Love working at the library
d. Staying busy

So, that's my life. Hope all is well with you!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Rough patch

I guess I've had a rough patch here the past few weeks. School is more of a headache than fun, like it was in the beginning. Mostly because it's STILL a NEW program, so every five weeks is a set of NEW hurdles for the NEW teachers and now that we have a NEW director (the first one was just an interim one) things are changing on a daily basis and it's getting OLD.

Also, I miss Mark.

I'm in the rough middle part of both things and it's not too fun.

But I'm hanging in there. So, in case you were wondering, that's life in E-ville.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Insights

I realized that when I only post twice a month, you only get the surface. So this post is to delve a little below the surface and see what's there to see. You may be tempted to put on some snorkeling gear, put I'd recommend full scuba gear. For those of you who know me, I can dive deep before you know it and without realizing it myself sometime. I'd rather you be prepared than have you gasping and choking.

I'm learning to stretch myself beyond my comfort zone with Mark gone. I'm also finding that I'm weak when I try to do this by myself. That may not make sense, but I'm learning that I still need people, that "by myself" doesn't mean that I have to be alone. And that "by myself" physically (ie: Mark halfway around the world) doesn't mean that he's not there spiritually and emotionally. But I've also learned that it helps when I can talk to Mark regularly. That even when we misunderstand each other, just hearing his voice puts a spring in my step and a smile on my face that can't be duplicated.

The other side is that I'm face to face with myself while Mark is away. There's nowhere to hide. And I'm learning that I don't like everything I see. It's the same stuff as when he's here, but I'm realizing that there are things that only I can change. That while I need Mark to be my balance, I can't rely on him to do it all for me. I've always known that. And I don't think I went so far as to actually count on him to do it ALL, but I definitely relied on him to do things that were really out of his realm of influence. So now my task is to get off my butt and do something about these "things."

Of course, I can't do it all myself, either. I must rely on God to help me, but He's not going to do it FOR me, I've got to get the ball rolling and He'll help me direct it to where it needs to go.

So, what are these "things?" Here are a few I feel willing to share:

1. Living a healthy lifestyle
* You'd think after surviving leukemia, I'd have this one down pat, but not so. This is a constant struggle and one I've only had a success with once (when we lived in C-ville.)
* I must learn to make healthy choices in what I eat and in what I do. Exercise is the big hurdle for my sedentary nature. I've done it before, what's it going to take for me to do it for life?

2. Being honest
* With myself and with others

3. Doing things (ie: following through with commitments) even when I don't feel like it
* I know that this is a byproduct of depression
* I also know that by doing things when I don't feel like it I'll start to feel better and want to do things. It's one of those vicious circles, but one I've got to start being proactive about and not be a victim of my feelings

4. Addressing difficult issues with loved ones, rather than avoiding them and hoping they'll go away
* Again, you see a pattern of avoidance developing here.

5. Striving for perfection without beating myself up for not reaching it
* This one is a constant battle for me, and is going to continue to be.

Now, don't get depressed reading this. Life is not hopeless and bleak. Actually it's full and exciting! A constant challenge that has a new start every day. Staying positive and finding the good in things is something that keeps me going. When you start hearing negative, negative, negative come out of my mouth, that's when you need to start to worry. And then, all you have to do is point out the silver lining, help me see the sun above the clouds, that kind of thing, and I'll be fine. No rose-colored glasses, but knowing life is not all doom and gloom.

Thanks for listening. Maybe this was more than you wanted. Just thought I'd let you know what's going on inside, instead of just keeping you informed of my day to day happenings with work and school.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Yeah, I know . . .

Yeah, I know, not keeping up with the posts. Sorry, but it's the same ole, same ole around here! The good news is that Mark and I are able to talk more regularly now (read his blog) so I'm doing a lot better on the day to day stuff. There's just something about hearing his voice that keeps my spirit soaring. I don't know how folks did it way back when.

Time is flying and that's awesome!!! Almost a third of the way through this separation gig. Yay!!! I know it's far from over, and I know that there are going to be some rough patches, but it feels doable.

A friend took me around E-ville to some great bargain stores yesterday and I got even more books. (Imagine that!) Book Broker on Covert Ave! Awesome!!! Hardback books for $1.50! Woohoo!!! A couple of consignment shops that I'll have to share with mom and Irvin, too. I had tons of fun and really didn't end up spending that much. Now that's the way I need to shop! Of course, with the other books I purchased and the library at my disposal, there's no way I'm going to be finishing them any time soon. So many books, so little time!

And next weeks is finals week (again!) Five week classes go by super quickly! So far, so good on my grades for this five weeks, but I'd love to ace these finals! A little nervous about the hands-on final on Tuesday. I did get a practice session in on one of my unsuspecting friends, but that's it. Need to somehow get more practice in so that I'm more confident about my skills going into these finals. I have a couple more takers, it's just finding the time to coordinate schedules.

The big to do around here this weekend is the earthquake we felt early Friday morning (4:30 a.m. or so) and then the after shock around 10:15 a.m. Chi and I both were roused from our slumber (which is a big feat for one, let alone both!) by the weirdest, longest lasting sounds, and neither one of us could figure it out. I immediately thought of the furnace, and went down to look. By the time I did that, all was still again. Looked outside and could see no large vehicles or drilling going on, so decided it wasn't anything to worry about. Then when I was leaving a message with a friend, it happened again, though not as long this time. Again, I checked the furnace and looked outside. Nothing. I guess I'm a little slow, but "earthquake" never once entered my brain. Wasn't until friend called back that i found out that's what it was. It sure wasn't like any earthquake I remember experiencing before (not that I've experienced many, maybe 3 in my life.) Nothing rattled, and there was a low toned, loud rumbling. Very weird.

So that's the news from southern Indiana. Talk at ya later.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

April has arrived!

And so has Mark! Actually he arrived in Iraq about 6 days ago, but I first got to hear his voice yesterday. He's doing well, sounded good. I'm sure he'll be posting here pretty soon. They are waiting on internet connections to be set up in their "rooms" so as soon as that happens, I'm sure we'll all get to hear from him on a more regular basis. It sounds like he's going to be having 10 hour work days, lives 1/2 mile from where his office is set up, and has his own vehicle (not sure how he managed that one!) They are still in the process of being handed things over from the troops that are getting ready to leave.

Trying to keep things going here at home is proving to be a challenge. I have three vehicles that need to be serviced, but taxes are due and even though Mark's extra pay kicked in, I don't know how to get it transferred from savings to checking without messing things up that are already in place for this to take place. Needless to say, I sent Mark quite a few e-mails in the past few hours! I'm sure he'll know what to do, but that's the thing: I should be able to handle that by myself!

I'm a little frustrated with school right now, but I'm trying to weather the little storms that keep the water of learning unstable. Not the school work, per se, but the annoying changes that keep occurring since this is a new program. I really don't mind some wind and rain, that's to be expected, but I sometimes feel as if this program was not as well thought out as it should have been. Oh, well. I'm learning and growing and will be a licensed massage therapist someday, looking back on this as a little wave in the ocean of life. (How's that for you literary folk?)

Speaking of literature, I've read some good books lately (yes, in the midst of muscle cells, musculoskeletal pathology, and massage techniques, I do find time to sink my teeth into a nice book every now and then.) And I've also purchased some future reading.
Matthew Kelly's book "The Seven Levels of Intimacy" is a good self-help book for improving the relationships in your life. His thoughts dove-tail nicely with the law of attraction, but somehow have a more down-to-earth practicality to them.
Michael Dibdin's Aurelio Zen books are progressing nicely (I just finished the 5th book in the series and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of number 6 from Interlibrary loan, since our library system somehow missed that one.) They are different from the usual mystery/crime novel, and have me enmeshed in Italian life and intrigue.
I'm into the third book of Donita K Paul's dragon series (read DragonSpell and DragonQuest, now reading DragonKnight). This is a totally different fantasy world that has captured my imagination.
My future reading purchases were "'Tis" which follows "Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt, "A Monk Swimming" by his brother Malachy McCourt, and "The City of Falling Angels" which is by the author of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," by John Berendt. "Angela's Ashes" and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" were both recommended by other people, are both nonfiction that read like fiction, and are books that I probably wouldn't have picked up on my own. Obviously, they captured my attention enough to read more!

I've been healthy (no colds or flus lately), but still not motivated enough to establish an exercise routine in my schedule. I really need to do something like that when I'm done posting, actually. If I listened to Matthew Kelly (and mark3200) I'd know that this is something I need to do to become the-best-version-of-myself. So when am I going to start listening? Or when am I going to stop listening and start doing? Today's gotta be the day! I'll keep you posted!


Tuesday, March 25, 2008

New experiences!

I'm so glad to be back at school this week! Last week was Spring Break at school and I slept too much and did too little! Not a good combination!

I did get to experience some new things, though, which was nice. I learned how to use skype.com thanks to one of my wonderful sisters. It was so cool to be able to see her as we talked! That means it's going to be even cooler when Mark gets to Iraq and I'm able to see him when we talk. (no offense, sis!)

Another new thing was burning CDs. Believe it or not, that's not something I have ever done. Mark's the techno whiz in our family, so he does that kind of thing for me when I want it done. But I actually did it. There was a little glitch after the first one, but I got over it! Yay, Kim!!!

I don't know what it is about experiencing and learning new things, but I like it! It makes me feel like I'm living and not laying around doing nothing. It makes me feel purposeful (if that's a word). I think that's one of the reasons I'm enjoying being in school and having a new job. I'm learning and experiencing new things every day. Which is way cool for me!

And I'm getting better about Mark being overseas. He's getting to start what he's been training for pretty soon and I'm excited for him, so that helps. I know that sounds weird to those of you who aren't married to a military person, but it really does help me deal with the situation. If he's happy, then I'm happy. Corny, but true!

My massage therapy program is going well. I'm loving it and really needing people on whom to practice. I have a massage table, so now I just need takers on people being my guinea pigs. So far, it's been mom. Thanks, mom! We're learning arms, hands, legs and feet this round, though we won't really get to start doing this until Thursday. I'm excited! We're getting closer and closer to knowing the entire body from head to toe.

The coolest thing is that I'll know it by the time Mark gets home from Iraq and can help him recuperate from having to wear all of that body armor and slinging weapons in the desert heat. Yay! It seems like such a long way away in some respects, but it's almost April, which means the year is almost a fourth of the way over. Gotta look at the positives!

I've been a little withdrawn when I've not been in school or at work lately. I think that's normal, but I know that I should probably make myself get "out there" even though I feel like being by myself, just so that it doesn't develop into something. It's scary sometime how much I like just being by myself. The good thing is that I do enjoy school and work and do get up and out for those things.

Thanks for the listen! I appreciate your thoughts and prayers! They are working, so keep them up, please!

Luv ya!!!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

It's been a while!

Yeah, I know, it's been a while since I've posted. I saw Mark and it was wonderful and then I had lots of school to catch up on and then I had finals to take and now I'm on spring break.

Mark is now somewhere in Kuwait, getting used to the climate and adapting to a new situation. Then in few weeks he'll be in Iraq, getting used to the climate and adapting to an entirely new situation. Please continue to keep him in your prayers!

This past week has been my roughest so far since Mark left in January. Not sure why, but I'm hanging in there! Lots of good stuff going on, though. Went with Angela to look for wedding dresses and she found one and it's absolutely gorgeous! Now we know what to look for for us bride's maids and matrons. Got plane tickets for Pam and Sandi's get together this summer in Seattle. Can't wait! For one: I haven't been out there in a couple of years. For two: I just think it's an awesome thing! For three: It'll be a good way to spend my summer break from school so that I'm not pining away by myself. Probably not going to be able to do a DMB gig this summer, due to schedules for school and work, but that's okay. I got a double dose last summer.

Anyway, I wanted to let you all know that I'm still alive and well! Love ya!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

6 more days!

Only 6 more days until I get to see my beautiful husband! These past few days have been a little hard, since Mark's in his last week of training and they've turned up the heat, he doesn't have the free time like he had before, so we haven't been able to talk daily. I'm still getting over this flu that hit me like a ton a bricks, too. And the weather's been interesting, to say the least. All in all, I'm totally ready for March to be here.

But I have to tell you that there's so much to be thankful for, through all of these trials.
* I have a wonderful husband to miss.
* The ice on the trees is gorgeous when the sun is shining through the branches.
* We haven't lost power through all of the weird February weather, so it's been nice and toasty at home.
* There are plenty of books to read.
* I love my job!!!
* School is challenging, but totally awesome!!!
* I get to see Mark in 6 days!!!!!!!!

So, life is good!
Take a moment to smile at someone today! Give 'em a great big grin! It'll brighten even the darkest day!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Intensity in Ten Cities

Little did I know when I said that this next 5 weeks of classes would be intense that it would be INTENSE. I'm coming across some challenges that seem insurmountable, but that I know will be overcome with prayer, persistence, and patience.

Last week started with a snow/ice storm that moved in Monday afternoon and school was closed Tuesday and Wednesday. The program I'm in is based on contact hours, not credit hours, so we have to make up the hours that the school was closed. I thought that we would be doing this as a class on Fridays to make up the time, like we did when the school was closed for Martin Luther King, Jr Day, but quickly found out that we are responsible to make up these hours on our own during the afternoon or night classes. I was not happy for a few hours, but soon accepted it and figured out how I was going to go about doing that. You see, this 5 weeks of classes, I'm already going to be missing 3 days of class when I go down to Georgia to visit Mark on his 4 day pass before they head overseas, so now I was responsible for 5 days to make up.

Yesterday afternoon I made up one of the snow days! Yay! Yesterday morning I woke up after an incredible weekend at a CRHP retreat at church with some drainage down my throat and a slight cough. This increased in intensity throughout the day yesterday and by the time I got home I was running a low grade fever. So, I called in to work, took some medicine and went to bed. But that didn't seem to do the trick, because this morning I woke up with that low grade fever lingering, feeling achy, and sneezing in addition to coughing. Fun, fun! Guess what? Another day of school missed (and this one was a double whammy because it was going to be a make up day for the other snow day). I'm trying not to despair, but it's very tempting. I have to keep reminding myself that it's worth the extra effort! Today, I've been sleeping and drinking lots of water! Tomorrow is another day!

I've also over-extended myself with responsibilities at church, and I'm not going to be able to facilitate a Why Catholic? group like I wanted. It's hard to ask for help when I do this to myself, but I have actually asked a couple of people in the group to see if they are felt led to take over this responsibility for me. I simply cannot be two places at once, and that is what is happening. It's a humbling position to be in.

The good thing is that it's getting closer to the time when Mark and I get to see each other! 10 days! Woohoo!

I want to thank those of you who read this blog and leave a comment. It is reassuring and helps more than you can ever know! Just to know that people are there knowing what I'm going through and encouraging me to keep going is an incredible help! I know that I'm not a super-blogger, and that is not the intent. But this is my way to talk about my thoughts and feelings in having Mark mobilized and my way to share with more people than I have time to e-mail individually. So when you leave a comment, it makes it a two way street, rather than a one way one. Thanks!!!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Free Day!

Lookie here! I'm posting! Still not used to this blogging gig, but I'm doing it for ya'll who are reading. (Ya'll is a southern term meaning you guys). I don't believe I'm sounding like a Kentuckian yet, but let me tell you, it's real tempting!

Finished my first five weeks of classes with all A's! WOOHOO! So I'm celebrating today by doing absolutely nothing! Ok, not absolutely nothing, but nothing scheduled or mandatory or responsible. I slept in late and finished a book I came across at the library called Dragonspell by Donita K Paul. (Sis, you were right about being able to find LOTS of books at the library! I've checked out more since I've been working than I have since I've lived in E-ville!) I e-mailed Mark and now I'm posting. Later I'll start another book Ratking by Michael Dibdin and maybe watch a little CSI: Miami. These days don't come along so often anymore, so I'm taking full advantage when they do.

It's so nice to be content with my life choices for a change! I think this time of change in my life came at just the right time - or I was in danger of becoming an ole curmudgeon. Just ask Mark, I was getting pretty close there for a while!

My next five weeks of classes are going to be a bit more intense. We learned 8 muscle sets this first five weeks and we're going to be learning 20 new muscle sets this next five weeks! The good news is that we're going to be learning how to massage the back! I'm looking forward to that a lot since that's where my stress seems to settle. So after this set of classes I'll be able to do the whole backside of the body - WooHoo! And I'll need to practice, too, so don't be shy!

Peace and Joy!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Happy Groundhog Day!!!

Today is Groundhog Day, isn't it? And I believe Mr. Austrohoosier has a birthday today, too!! Happy B-day to you!!!

I'm home today loving life! Laundry is going full tilt and the house is shaping back together into a habitable domain after a week of happily running to and fro. Next week is the last week of my first set of massage therapy classes! Wow, that went fast! The good thing about 5 week classes is that you see immediate results. That's also what I like about my new job in the library. I'm learning something new everyday and I feel like I can walk on the moon if I want! (Fortunately, I don't want.) And the BEST part of life is that I get to talk to Mark almost everyday!!! Woohoo!!!

Most of the time I bemoan the fact that life goes by too fast for my taste, but I'm relishing in the speed now. Faster, time, faster! Cause the faster it goes, the closer it is to being with my beloved again! That's when I'll want life to s .. l .. o .. w w .. a .. y d .. o .. w .. n .

Reading "Eat, Pray, Love" right now thanks to Kelly (I bet you didn't know that, did you?) Only on the "Eat" part right now, but I'm loving every minute of it. And I know it's going to keep getting better. (No, I didn't read the last page, I'm just psychic that way!)

Did yoga this afternoon! I really need to do that more often, but I rejoice every time I do make time for it. Feel my body toning up with doing massage, now I just have to get some of these pounds off and I'll be doing fine. And I will, I just know I will! There's a healthy, fit person underneath this accumulated stress that I'm shedding, and she's a beauty, let me tell ya!

Namaste

Saturday, January 26, 2008

I'm updating!

Good Morning!

I've been such a good girl these past few weeks, except for updating this here blog. So today's the day. LOTS has been happening during this wonderful month of January and I have a limited time to post, since I have my first full day of work in a less than an hour, but I can at least go over the basics and get you caught up on my life.

School: Love it! I've gotten up in time every day! Yay! We started actually practicing massage strokes on the legs at the beginning of the second week of classes. There's lots to learn, but I'm loving every minute of it!

Work: I was recently hired as a part time circulation clerk at the North Park branch library here in Evansville. Three days during the week for four hours a day and then every other Friday/Saturday for the whole day. So far I've worked two afternoons and today is my first full day. There's lots to learn there, too, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it. The exciting thing is that the library is in the same neighborhood as my church, so I see people I know!

Mark: We get to talk pretty much everyday! It's great to be able to hear his voice and be able to share each other's daily stuff. Since he doesn't have access to his blog, he e-mails it to me and I post it for him. Then when someone responds, I send it to him. So, he does get emails right now, if you want to send him a note. It's at mark.south@us.army.mil

God is taking good care of me and helping me to stretch and grow and love life! I miss Mark, but the good thing is that I get to see him at the beginning of March for a few days before they head overseas. So, keep praying, cause it's working!

I'll try to post more often, Kelly!!!

Monday, January 7, 2008

Beginnings

It's early morning and I'm up and ready to begin a new phase in my life. It took three alarms, but I'm really awake and with enough time to post! I'm a little nervous, not knowing what to expect, but my excitement is overcoming my anxiety. Life is full of possibilities and God has led me on this new endeavor of becoming a massage therapist. Classes are going to be so totally different than anything I've had so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this new style fits me. I think I'm really going to enjoy "hands-on" learning!

So far it's been kinda lonely around the house, but I've been keeping busy and friends have been calling and inviting me places (thanks, friends!). Conversations with Mark have lessened as he adjusts to a new environment and routine, but I know that he is well, and they are keeping them very busy!

Epiphany was yesterday and the homily was very appropriate to our situation right now. Mark is following his star, leaving behind family and friends to pursue that which he is called to do. I am so very proud of him for his dedication to "duty, honor, country" and for being an example to me that I can pursue my dreams.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

We've said, "Goodbye"

What can I say? These past couple of days have been difficult, but not terrible. Fortunately I had my mom with me after leaving Mark in Indy, so I made it home in one piece. I'm really doing fine so far. We've said, "Goodbye," but I know it's not the final farewell. And we've been texting each other today, so he's not really gone.

My niece said it best when she said, "Pretty soon you'll be visiting him in Georgia, and then pretty soon he'll be home on leave, and then before you know it, he'll be back." What wisdom from a 13 year old! She's been through this before, so if anyone knows, she does. And her dad was gone longer than Mark will be.

And God's taking care of me already. Yesterday I was called in for an interview this afternoon and then after that I go to school for an orientation. Please pray that this interview goes well and that this is THE job! I really need something soon!