It's mine so hush...

Hard to believe that this part of my journey has come to an end.  It all began in the spring of 2009, on somewhat of a whim.  I was leaving a job that I had once loved very much.  I was feeling angry and hurt about what the new leadership was choosing to enact and knew that leaving was my only choice.    At the same time that this important part of my life was ending, I was also preparing for the new life adventure of getting married.  I wasn't sure what the future held for me professionally, and I knew that I wanted a change. I had talked with my friends and colleagues about what my next steps might be.  I was trying to determine where I wanted to go, if I wanted to stay in the domestic violence field or if I wanted to explore something totally different.  As I continued to apply and interview for jobs, I kept getting feedback that I was qualified, and that what social services agencies wanted were MSW's that could supervise interns and staff. ...

I am studying for my LCSW exam.  I am actually scheduled to take it in the near future.  I am really nervous that I am going to fail it, so I haven't really told anyone.  That's the great thing about having a blog that not many people read.  I am able to get this out of my head, take a few deep breaths and just keep STUDYING!!

I did yoga for the first time today in a couple months and I am pretty sure that I pulled my armpit muscle.  I got use to a  fat yoga class  that was both challenging and restorative.  Unfortunately due to my new work schedule I can't make it those classes, so I was stuck with a gym class. It wasn't awful.  It was a small class.  The instructor was more woo than gym rat, which I totally appreciated.  There was no body diversity in the class, which was a bummer.  Otherwise it was an ok replacement for what I really wanted.  And truthfully, my body has been telling me for a few weeks now that it needs to move. Photo from the Internet

It's Christmas morning 2013. I am working this year, which I haven't done in a very long time.  I am pretty ambivalent about working today.  We didn't have any plans this year and I really miss my family. Having split custody makes holidays challenging.  Unfortunately we have exchange day  for my step-son, the day after Christmas.  This has meant that last four years we have had to shorten or not take trips.  One year we were going to take him to Alaska to spend a week with my family and have a white Christmas, however his mother was not willing to be flexible and getting back the day after was just going to be too expensive.  Last year we drove home from my parents two hours away,  right after dinner.  It just hasn't been the same. I miss gathering with my family and extended family.  I miss weeks of holiday parties leading up to Christmas.  I miss caroling with friends.  I miss watching cheesy movies together as a family....

I'm really excited to be moving to a new position in my company. This will allow me opportunity to utilize my days differently. One of these great opportunities is getting to cook more. So I'm practicing today. I've made a pot of homemade veggi chili with vegetables from my garden. Now I just can't wait to get home to try it!

Tomorrow is the kiddo's first day of high school.  I still can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that he will be a freshman, and can only imagine how is Dad feels.  They came into my life the summer before 4th grade.  I know he is really nervous.  It's high school and a new school to top it off. I have so many hopes for him.  I hope he thrives in high school.  I hope he finally makes friends that he can build life long friendships with.  I hope that he finds interests that will carry him into adulthood.  I hope that he laughs, struggles and is successful.  I hope he continues to build on his fragile self-esteem.  I hope he makes good and responsible decisions, and when he doesn't that we will be able to guide him back with love and respect.  I hope this year is the first of many successes for our sweet son.

Homemade lasagna with tomatoes and kale fresh from the garden. It really doesn't get better than this...