Journal 5 May 2008

15 years ago

It's not unusual to be surprised over my final grades when a semester ends. I usually squeak by with 2 As or an A and a B. This time I made a B and a C. It could've been a C and D, easily. So I'll take it. I was really sweating having to take either or both of the classes again, as time and money are important factors here. I am still sighing heavily with relief from last Wednesday night. After we asked and found out even if you make a D, we found out it's the overall major in which you need to have a C average, not every class. My deep breathing is even greater since my grades are better than I'd dreaded. Much more palatable! All fine and good, but happier more so, with the break I now have. I need to fill out my from for "intent to graduate", apply for aid, and register for Fall 2008, but that can all wait until late June/early July. Back-burner city!!!!

I was pushing so hard to get to where I could do nothing if I so chose, that it is exactly what I did this weekend. On Saturday, I sat on the patio with the cool breeze blowing, sun on my face, playing name that tune game on the SATCO patio with Ed. Ah. Sunday, I gardened. My wrist is killing me, sorry, but I was enjoying it so much! My true objective was to dig, dig, dig my hands and fingers into the soil. I now have two overhauled beds, though :). There's more to be done, but it's getting there. Nice black, loamy soil. Hostas in the shade now, cannas in the sun, and no weeds. Much mo' better. I also planted the blue and yellow irises, blue Muscari and white Iberis in one spot ready for next spring. Eternal gardeners hope and anticipation. Lulled into shaded peace, I would first sit in the grass, then the step looking at the house, then the swing facing in the street. I listened to the rhythms of life. Dude across the street was slinging his ax whacking out a stump, birds twittered songs, people walking dogs, kids eating ice cream cones (we live three houses down from the local dairy dip), just watching it all. Never once did I let myself slip into what should I be doing, what is lacking, etc. And about 1/4 way into relaxing, I no longer had to fight the urge to work. LF came over where to was and said, "Oh yea, I said I was going to garden today." (he has his own flowerbed to do with what he wills) and I said, "No. There comes a time in gardening to only sit and look at the flowers, watch them sway in the breeze, see the sun dapple their leaves. It's a part of the objective (your hope has come to fruition)." He stopped to smell the sunset colored rose, skipped off merrily, and I was pleased to see he may learn it earlier than I.

We plan to finish the bathroom soon. We've been letting the house slip into oblivion, me from school/work, and from his distaste for remodeling lately. He decided to get back on that horse and now has finished the under-house plumbing. We ordered the faucets and now he can finish the up-top plumbing. By the end of the week, we'll be putting up drywall (since all the wiring and plumbing will be done enough to cover it), put the sink, toilet and lights up, with tiling left. I imagine that will be lengthy since it's pretty much the whole dang room! Ok, maybe that's an exaggeration, the tub surround and floor, which seems like the whole room. But for now, I'll listen to jazz and breathe deeply some more, happy with my new plateau, and the ability to only watch for a bit.

Comments (4)

mawheel
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Congratulations on your grades. You have a right to relax for awhile--although for me, getting dirt under my fingernails as I plant flowers is NOT relaxing. :>) I've posted before about your incredible amount of energy. Long may it last.

My sense of accomplishment for today is that I was a first time blood donor. 75 1/2 may be a little late to start, but, hey, in this case, better late than never.
jazmynsmom
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Congrats on a weekend of hard-earned laurel resting, Robin! I didn't have any planting to do in my own yard this weekend, but my non-gardening neighbor received some Oriental Lilies as a gift, and since I enjoy her company, I nagged her into letting me help her clean out a bed and planting them with (for) her. Halfway though it she said "You know, this is sort of fun! I can see why you enjoy it. I just grinned, fired up my drill with the auger attachment, and planted the lilies.

Gergiovden still isn't until tomorrow, yet I can hardly walk from having celebrated it so heartily on Saturday. What is Gergiovden, you ask? It's what Bulgarians call St. George's Day. (The English celebrate it on the 23rd of April, and he's the patron saint of England, which I don't understand, since he never set foot on their soil... I digress). Anyway, Bulgarians celebrate this by roasting a whole spring lamb (two, in the case of the party I went to) and, well, just partying.

There was excellent food, plenty of drink (and a designated driver) and great company. We started at 2:30, and I didn't get home until after 1:00. Ouch. We ate, we laughed, we danced (and danced, and danced...) at one point I even joined in a rather competitive game of hopscotch... which was interesting, as I was wearing those turquoise high heels with my jeans. I thoroughly enjoy this group of friends, and I'm looking forward to the week in Sophia Steve and I have planned this August. Though I'll have to pack plenty of Ibuprofen, because I'm never as sore as the morning after dancing with these fools!

By the way, Gandle, Gergiovden is also the Bulgarian Name Day for everybody named George, and all derevatives thereof. Name Days are bigger than birthdays to Bulgarians, and your house should always be clean on yours, as everyone has an open (unspoken) invitation (obligation?) to drop by and give you gifts. Perhaps it's not too late for Leonne to make lamb for tomorrow's dinner? Perhaps you can still educate your friends on their behavioral obligations for your special day tomorrow?

Last night I picked Steve up at the airport from his multi-city eight day (work-inspired) tour. While in Prague, he spent much of his free time shopping for a gift for me and came home with a beautiful crystal necklace. I'm not much of a jewelry hound, and admit to being more than a little off-put by the trophy-like manner in which many of my peers discuss jewelry... but his gift was endearing beyond belief.

He put so much effort into selecting it, and was so unsure of himself when he presented it to me. He even suggested that if I hated it, I could give it away as a "white elephant." (Not on your life!) It's beautiful and the sentiment behind it is heart-warming. I made sure I praised him enough that he knows I'm touched... but not so much that he feels obligated to repeat this gesture every time he travels.

Oh, and my sister and her new family member are doing very well. Here's a photo of her {{gwi:159331}} meeting one another for the first time in the arms of their father. (For the record, I misspelled Dylan's name in my earlier posts.) Life is good. :o)
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rob333 (zone 7b)
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
mwheel, that's a great thing to share; I'm proud of you. I have to admit I still haven't done it. (Which is more shameful than most because I work in a level 1 trauma center, level 1 burn center, is important regionally, and I have loads of chances to do so). As an explanation, I was too small for the longest time, then I got a tumor which required my blood to be drawn on an ongoing basis (read weekly here), which makes me almost pass out 1/2 of the time, and, well, I am just a big baby. Sounds like it's time get on that horse now since I am ample size now and not getting poked any more.

Yea Michelle! I didn't need the picture since those shoes are emblazoned on my brain :) When you gonna throw another party of your own?
sheila
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Michelle, George is the patron saint of many countries - in Britain he was really pushed by the Crusaders when they got back - although he pre-dates the Norman Conquest. I think George really got up a head of steam in the 14th Century.

I figure everyone was just looking for insurance if a dragon ever showed up again. George slaying a dragon is a wonderful subject for paintings and coins of the realm.

Journal 5 May 2008

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mawheel

jazmynsmom

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rob333 (zone 7b)
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Journal 5 May 2008

Comments (4)

mawheel

jazmynsmom

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rob333 (zone 7b)Original Author

sheila

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rob333 (zone 7b)
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