Love

The saying "you can't live by love alone" is certainly wrong; for me anyways. I returned from a week away in Wisconsin to a gigantic Josie hug the minute I put down my suitcase. Followed shortly by a wonderful hug from Stacy. I had a great time with brothers, sister, niece, and Aunt Nancy. They might have wearied at yet another Jack and Josie story but what can I say--they're the light of my life. Jack kept introducing himself to me while he was eating dinner and when he was done kept leaving the room and coming back to stand next to me; sitting on my lap while I was reading Josie a story. This is heaven with a capital "H"!

I don't want to leave Stacy out and even Matt who offered me a piece of pumpkin pie before Sally got into it. It's just good to be back in the fold. Even Sally jumped into my lap and couldn't stop smelling Marley; something Marley had been doing while I was at Dave and Therese's.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to count your blessings. I have so many. Something to sustain me while I'm looking for a job and all the other day-to-day things I need to do.

Back of the Bus

Here I am again; in another chorus and loving it. Today was our second rehearsal and I settled myself comfortably right next to the beautiful baby grand piano thinking I could watch the accompanist play while we sang. No luck; they arranged the sections by height. Guess what? I'm one of the tallest. It seems the taller girls are a little more friendly. My only concern is that the bleachers that we stand on will be high and I'm a little height challenged.

My new life is very exciting. I'm joining a few things and getting involved in the art community. Tomorrow I'm off to Wisconsin to spend Thanksgiving with my brothers and sister. Something I haven't done for a long time. Something I'll be able to enjoy because there'll be no restrictions.

I love to be able to do things because I want to do them; they're something I choose to do. That being said; I'm not really choosing a job but it's a necessary thing to help support myself and my art. I'm still looking and there might be some possibilities.

Back to the chorus. I walked to the rehearsal and enjoyed the warm weather; that's nice in late November. I really enjoyed looking at the different colored leaves. I haven't seen a lot of fall color in a while. The two trees in New Mexico don't have many leaves to drop.

Modern Conveniences

I can't believe I'm using a bread machine. How I've fallen prey to a convenient, time-saving device when I love to get my hands on the dough and knead--it's only ten minutes! I vowed to never even use the dough hooks on the Kitchenaid mixer; that, I've managed to accomplish.

Even a friendly I'll make bread in the machine and you make it your way challenge has fallen by the wayside. I've come to realize that using a machine and still being able to get dinner together; wrangle a dog and a two year old is invaluable. I'm not saying for sure but maybe when I get into my own house I may revert back to the time honored traditions of baking bread. Does old dog and new tricks ring a bell?

I will get my hands on some dough in a few days when I make rolls for the Thanksgiving feast in Wisconsin so it isn't a total loss.

Intention

Coming up on my three month anniversary of my new life. I was gung ho at the beginning but now I've kind of been slipping into my old habits. If writing down that I intend to get back to focusing helps--here it is.

No more saying it's too cold to get my swimsuit on and go to the Y at 9 a.m. to water aerobics class; no more excuses when I should take a walk instead of vegetate in front of the television; and now I have a snazzy new yoga outfit that will certainly help my intention with practicing.

I'm grateful for all the wonderful things that have been happening in my life. I intend to remember that I'm driving this bus of my life and I choose it's direction; not the things that are or are not happening to me.

Heinz 57

Today I'm like Heinz-57 varieties. Also known as the big 5-7; a birthday. It's a milestone not because of the number but because of where I am--in a VERY happy place. With my family who loves me; with grandchildren who write me wonderful birthday cards, etc.

It was the first birthday that was celebrated with a little nudie two-year old grandson in potty training mode running around the breakfast table singing happy birthday to me. Now who could top that?

Of course there was Josie spying me getting dressed and she promptly told me how big I was. The she started singing a song saying Mommy was thin, Daddy was thin, she was thin and Jack was thin and after much tactful thinking said Grammo was a little thin. Not that she was wrong. Should be my motivation. I mean, it is a fact.

Today, it's early in the celebration so who knows what other fun things will happen. A movie, Goodwill (my newest stomping grounds) and the book store were suggested.

La, La, La, La

Yesterday was my first symphony chorus rehearsal. I was a bit apprehensive because I've been doing more croaking it seems than singing. Maybe my voice was changing? Despite leaving half of my music at home; it went great! I even did parts of the Messiah that I didn't quite get the last time I did it (at least 20 years ago), and I was able to hit notes that were a little high. I did get a bit of a complex when the woman I was sitting with when I first got there; changed seats when we all went back into the room after separating by parts. She also cowered like I hit her while rehearsing our parts; I know I was singing the right notes and I showered.

It's kind of like speedchoiring. There are only six rehearsals. It's a chance to get to know 117 new people. One I already know from water aerobics at the Y-small town.

I'm really hyped about singing with an orchestra. Especially the Hallelujah Chorus. I hope the trumpeter is practicing his solo--my ALL time favorite part of the song.

Saved Myself $150

I was desperate; should I call the Geek Squad; should I patiently wait for someone to come and help me with my computer? I swear I tried this before and it didn't work but I plugged Stacy's modem directly into my computer and it worked. I am a happy camper now. Now there is lots of work to do on my website. I did some updating but I missed a few things.

I'm getting myself into the art community. Last night I went to the Athens Art Association meeting. It's good for networking and they have member shows that I"ll be able to participate in.

Sunday I'll go to my first rehearsal of the Athens Symphony Chorus. I'm exited to sing with an orchestra again.

I'm still walking but I haven't been using my Y membership as religiously. I will, if writing about it makes it so.