Haiku

Sunshine, cool breezes

Cats purr, good book, holding hands

This is my heaven

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.

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.

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!