How much time????

So I had coffee with one of my best friends this afternoon and the conversation briefly came to the topic of blogs. I did a mental palm thump to the forehead as I realized that I have not made any posts in quite a few months. So here I am.
Updates....
Still off work because of my wrist. My physical therapy appointment yesterday was a let down and relief at the same time. My doctor had be start that up again six weeks ago. The last several appointments have taken me two to three days to recover. Not a good sign. So my therapist has written a report to my doctor, which I will see next week. So for the second time I have had to quit therapy because its only causing me more pain. The most frustrating thing is that I have all this pain but there's no medical tests/proof that something is wrong. I HATE IT!!!! We'll see what my doctor will say next.
All of my time has been spent working on my novel and peer reviewing on a writer's site. I needed this so much. After spending so much time working and reading my own novel, I new I was missing something. And everyone has been great about giving me feedback--something I've been starving for. My two big problems: POV hopping in scenes and redundancy. Now that I know these two things, I think that my story has been tightening up very nicely. I'm excited!
But the biggest news that's driving me is the fact that I've signed up for a writer's convention for the end of next month. I get to speak with an agent and an editor. (That is what all my attention to my writing is for). I still have every hope that soon I will pick up an agent. And by the end of the year I have a publishing house who wants to sign me. We will see how everything turns out. But the one thing that I steadfastly believe is that without "soon" goals, they will never be reached. So I'm shooting for the "soon".
The only excitement I've had in my personal life is the fact that some strange man approached my in a Fred Meyer parking lot as I was getting into my car. The weather was nice, so my window was cracked. But the moment I saw him heading to me, I put my key in the ignition and started my engine. Which was a good thing. The guy actually had the balls to shove his hand through my window to shake my hand while he introduced himself. In freaky situations like this I have no problem lying and telling men that I'm seeing someone. I can be nice and it gives him an easy out--no one has hurt feelings. Not this guy. He shoved his hand through my window again!!!! This time to give me his business card, "in case you change your mind." What was going through his mind?!!! He broke so many rules. 1) NEVER invade the safety of a woman's car. 2) NEVER move in on another man's woman--unless you want her to think that you have little opinion of relationships! (Even if it's an imaginary relationship.) The other rules don't matter because those two are cardinal rules. On the plus side, I do have to give him a point for persistence. But the freakiness factor wins out!!!!
I've had the relapse a thought that I had years ago. I think it would be fun to hit the matchmaking festival in Ireland. If nothing else, it would prove to be some great entertainment. Besides, at least then you're like 99% sure that they are NOT married, but want to be married. Oh well.... Who said life was boring????

"Is anyone listening?"

(This is something that I posted on a discussion board and believe that I needed to add this here as well.)

If anyone has watched the news the last couple of days it is hard to miss one of the most impactful topics covered nationwide, a video a California high school class recorded about how the economy has impacted their lives entitled: Is anyone listening? Each and every time I see a news broadcast on these high schoolers I never fail to tear up because what they are going through now, I lived through nearly 20 years ago. Following is my story and how God brought my family through. Even though the President says that he is listening, NO ONE listens like our God listens!!!!
I don't remember how it all started or even why, but by the time I was in the fourth grade I knew one thing about my family--we definitely did not have enough money to live in a two bedroom apartment for a family of five. Since I was a child, I thought everything was normal. I thought my parents refusal of things that we asked for was the typical parental denial. The first day that I realized that something was wrong was not with the trips that we made to the food bank or the fact that we had to eat things that we did not like (just because it was the only food given to us). No, the first day that I found out that something was financially wrong with my family was the night when my mother sat me down at the dinner table with my two younger sisters and put our plates in front of us. As I complained and cried about how I HATED brussel sprouts my mother and father left the room. It was the first and only time that I ever remember that my parents did not eat a meal with us. I knew that something was wrong but I was too young to understand what was going on.It was not until years later that I began to learn little bits of information here and there about that period in time of my life. My dad was in school and working. My mother held down multiple jobs. All of this was to scrape together what we needed to live. Even though my parents went to the government for help they said that my parents made to much money for government paid housing. We could not put enough food on the table and yet my parents made to much money! I do not even know other aide my parents were turned down from. Nor do I know just how bad off we were. I am inclined to think that we were probably close to be homeless ourselves. But what I know is that the government never helped my family. (And despite the promises that our President is making in front of the cameras, I seriously doubt that the government will help any of the families today.)BUT HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS!From that moment in the early years of my life, I became aware of how much God looked after me and my family. We were definitely poor for many years. So much so that when I first heard of tithing (I grew up going to church ever since I was a baby) and the promises that God made in His Word pertaining to tithing I knew that I had nothing to lose. Things could really not get much worse for me or what I knew of my family life. I WAS DESPERATE! So I chose to tithe on my allowance (a couple of dollars a week for doing work around the house). I was the first person in my family to regularly tithe. Not long after I began tithing, I noticed that my mother began to faithfully tithe. I do not know how long it took God to begin to change things, but I KNOW that from that first day that I tithed and my parents tithed that our family life totally changed.Over the years my family has seen financial blessing that supersede anything that we had in the past. I have never been without work. Sure there have been times where I've sweated it and fought with my flesh about whether or not I could "afford" to tithe for one week. The times where I overcame my flesh God came through immediately. The times where I withheld my tithe, I felt the pinch for a short season. I never chose to skip two tithes because I KNOW how God works through my giving. And God has never failed me financially.MORE GOOD NEWS!Over a year ago I injured myself at work. In April I will be off work, because of the injury, for a year. I struggled like no other period in my life because of what seemed like an injustice (so much so that early on I was seriously angry at the situation), but God has still never left me financially. He continues to provide for me just as He has for nearly two decades. Even though I have mixed feelings about the pain that I continue to go through, my greatest blessing is that I have never had to serious feel the economic pinch. I have not had to drive to work each day wondering if it was my last. I do not believe that God orchestrated my injury to take care of my finances, but He has used the event to take care of me in a season where our nation is struggling.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE FEELING THE ECONOMIC PINCH, whether you have told anyone or not, I plead with you to trust God in this matter!!!What ever little that you receive right now, trust God, put God to the test! GOD WILL NEVER FAIL YOU! In fact I can say with all assurity that God is more in the financial business than ever before. For the first time in my life I have been able to give more than just my tithe to God regularly and faithfully. And the best part is that the digits that represent the amount of money that you give in tithe (and offering--anything beyond the tithe) does not matter one bit to God! Remember the widow who gave two minas and Jesus praised her for given more than the wealthy men! Don't neglect your tithe and I promise that God will bring you through this economic season like you will never imagine!
God Bless!

Personal Life vs. Writing Life

So even though I've been working on my novel, and friend of mine says that is a good enough reason why I haven't kept up with my blogging, it still kind of bothers me that I haven't blogged. Not that I'm getting after myself about it or anything, it's just a reflection of my life right now. It seems like I'm so focused on writing that the rest of my life is put on hold (as in lock it away in a closet and lose the key until you get around to getting a metal detector to find it again). I've never been one to put life on hold. I've always been the go getter and if life doesn't happen then shove that square peg in the round hole and make life happen. Kind of sick huh? Well at least my life entertains me. :)
Or in many cases it doesn't. The main one being that pretty much all of my single friends, or those who were single that I spent quite a bit of time with in the last five years, are all married. You know what? It gets kind of old finding out through other people that so and so got married and you never heard a word from them. To top it off, it could be a year or two after the fact. It's really like WTF?
Even the singles group that I've joined last fall has not really been panning out. And I can't figure that one out at all. You look nice, are a great conversationalist, have good manners, help others to make them more comfortable in a group setting, be optimistic... and all there is to show about it all is that you were not the one standing alone along the wall having a pity party or feeling horrible. With a man or two there's all the signs that he's OBVIOUSLY interested in you--all the major cues are there so that there's no confusion on the matter and then they disappear never to be seen or heard from again.
Is it really any wonder why I have locked my personal life away and focused on my novel??? At least if I'm going to imagine anything is going to happen there's some sort of results, something to show. :) Ha!!!!
But I really do love the time that I have to write. My story has literally become my baby. I continue to tweak it to bring out the best and try to make it fluid. And I fall in love with it more and more. Then I hear from my aunt, who is test reading a draft. She was nice and polite about it, but the bottom line was that she said it did not pique her interest. Oh, I can't even begin to explain the first few hours after I read her note. I was crushed. I actually thought that one of my BFFs might have been generously nice with me when she read the earlier draft that preceded the one that I'm sending to my general readers. Then I opened my files to relook at the chapters that my aunt read and had a what-the-hell moment. My story is most certainly not boring, I still think it's relevant and will sell quite well once it gets a publishing home!!! Even though my aunt is quite well read, I know that she has a different reading style than mine. Besides the point, she said that it didn't grab her, not that it was poorly written. It just means that we have different tastes. (And I need to state that at no point was I ever angry at my aunt. I just value her opinion, which is why I gave her a copy to read. And if she chooses to continue to read the story and finish it, then she can offer me an insight that my fantasy reading friends may not have.) But that being said, this revision that I am working on is taking for-ev-er. The previous draft took less than a month. This draft is already at a month and a half and I'm nearly 3/4 of the way through. It was just a little discouraging that the process is slowing down a bit. But not that I would change it for the world. There have been some things that I added to the story that I would never have added (which add so much depth and flavour) if I had done a quicker revision. The only problem is that I can't keep a fluid line in my head working at this pace. When I was cranking anywhere up to 7 chapters a day I had a great time line in my head to keep track of things. It's not so much that way now. But I guess that is all right. Things worked earlier. Right now the righting feels like making 300 count Egyptian weave cotton sheets as apposed to the K-Mart Special brand on sale. I'm making things tighter.
Oh! Besides that, I've been doing some work drawing again. It's visual aids for me to keep images concrete--rooms, buildings, dresses, etc. I'm excited about that because it has been several years since I last picked up a pencil to sketch and draw. A BFF saw my work on gowns and she already picked out her favorite one. :) It makes me happy. I'm doing it for myself, but I keep thinking in the back of my head that I would like to see if it were possible to have my book published with a couple of drawings. We will find out when I get to that stage. But a few of my friends have been telling me that whether they get published or not, I just need to put them up on my web page for my books. I didn't have to think to tell them that of course I had thought about doing that and had no problem with that idea.
Well this is getting long and I am already cutting into my evening writing time. So I'll have to come back and finish writing another time.

Things Really Do Get Better

Okay, so today I finally have proof that those moments where you think that you've had the worlds wost moment and that you will never survive... it is so wrong.
I think I was about seven when I got my first baby sitting job. The boy that I was watching was a neighbor. What I don't remember was if it was during a baby sitting job or if it happened just one day when I way playing with the boy outside. But I was holding the boy and accidentally dropped him on the concrete patio. The worst part was that he landed on his head. I was so upset that I ran home and cried for hours. There was no harm that was done. The boy didn't even have to go to the hospital. But I thought it was the end of the world. Literally. I also thought that I would never baby sit again.
Yeah that never happened!!!!
Well tonight I was watching my youngest nephew. We were playing on the sofa. I had a pillow and had a one way pillow fight with him (he's a year and a half and he thinks it's the greatest thing ever). Well I put the pillow down on the sofa and my nephew threw himself down on the pillow. Well when he did he totally smacked his head on the edge of a little side table right next to the sofa. At first I thought that he just smacked his head, like he's done a few times before in the past. It wasn't until he sat up that I saw blood start to drip down his forehead. It turned out that he hit the corner of the table.
The good news is that he was alright. About a half hour later he was back to throwing himself around on the sofa again. But as I held my nephew and comforted him while I gathered supplies to clean the wound I was reminded of that boy that I dropped on his head. I smiled at the memory, not because these two boys got hurt, but because of the difference in my reaction. Knowing first aid is a great thing to know, but that's not my point either. It's just those little moments in life where things happen. Many times we think it's the end of the world. Where nothing could possibly get worst. But the truth of the matter is that crap happens in life and we have a choice in how we can respond to it. We can run away and cry or we can act.
No matter what life throws at us, no matter how difficult things appear at the time, sometimes we just need to be the nurse. We just need to pick up (what ever it is that hurts) and be the comfort--things are going to be all right. My nephew was no doubt in pain and shocked, but his Tia was there to hold him, comfort him, tell him things were going to be all right, and even joke with him. (Yes, I did tell him several times that I thought that this was only the first of the little bumps and scrapes that he'd get into, all the while laughing.) I figured that the one thing that I could teach him right now is that we do get hurt, but it's alright to laugh it off. He even did a great job while I was gathering supplies to tend to his little gash. The sight of blood didn't bother him. And when he felt some dripping down his forehead he'd lean forward to tell me that he needed his forehead blotted. No, it wasn't as bad as what this probably sounds like. But I've seen how my niece and oldest nephew react to blood. And this little guy was such the trooper and brave. By all rights, this was his first serious accident and he didn't let it cripple him.
I like it when I can learn something from a child!

The Writer Is Back

There's a great reason why I haven't posted anything recently... I was working non-stop on my novel: Dreamer's Heir and finished it around 3 am three days ago!!!!! I am so excited! The whole story is sooo much better than what I had imagined when I first began this story well over five years ago. I had known that this would be the first book to start it all for me as a published writer. And until now I was frustrated with why I couldn't find a publisher for it a few years back and how I totally disliked it. I guess that should have been my sign that the book was not ready for publication--a writer should NEVER publish what they hate. Now I completely love it. My characters make me so excited. I just can't wait to get through one revision so I can have my test readers read it. (Mainly because while they read book 1 I will be using my time wisely and starting book 2).

So a little bit about what has been happening while I was writing....

Two weeks ago I had an amazing experience at church, actually two experiences, but on the same day.

ONE, I had a moment where I came to peace with all the stuff that has been happening with my wrist. (I am still not able to work.) But while I do not believe that God causes bad things (like this) to happen in my life, I do believe that he can use the bad to make good things happen. I had been struggling for many many years with trying to find time to write around work. So in my moment with God, I learned that he is using this situation to give me the gift of time to write. I never really understood until then just how precious the gift of time is. I have spent my whole life trying to do things and get somewhere that I totally forgot what it having time means. Where you can have a period of time to absolutely do anything with it that you want to do, that you have not been able to do. (Thus my excitement that I mentioned above. In a month's period of time I completely rewrote my book where 3/4 of the material is new and I've added nearly 300 pages in length.) This is such an amazing gift that I wish that everyone could enjoy!!!!

TWO, I had one of those amazing moments teaching my kindergartners in Sunday School. At the end of class I had one little boy who came up to me and told me, "Miss Leah, did you know that there are two Gods?" My first thought was how children often think that God and Jesus are two separate entities (not able to grasp the concept of the Trinity). So I smiled and asked him why he thought there were two Gods. He told me, "There's God and you." It was one of those "Ohhhh" moments for me. My reaction was explaining to him that I just work for God. He didn't quite get the concept of that until I explained to him that I teach him what God wants him to learn. When he finally understood what I told him he told me about how his dad beat his mom the other night. It broke my heart because there's not much that I can personally do. All I could do was pray with him and just show him love. And off he ran to join the rest of the class. It was not until after class when I told my director about how he said I was God that I finally learned what he had meant. My director took it from a different perspective. She did the whole "Ohhh" and then said that is the greatest compliment to receive from the children because it's vocalized proof that I have become Christ like to the children. It's not too often that I can even come close to admit that I am anything like Christ because I know my flaws and weaknesses. So for one more brief moment I got to learn that I am doing what I am meant to do, that I am accomplishing that, and I'm making the most with what I have been given.

So the Tuesday after that I had an appointment with a second doctor to get a second opinion on my wrist. It was interesting because my attending physician was at a complete loss as to what is wrong with my wrist. This second doctor took one look at my x-rays and saw that my bones are too far apart and is most likely causing my pain. That and even though my MRIs have been negative does not mean that there is not the possibility that there is a tear in my cartilage (since that is where my pain is coming from), it just means that at the time of the MRIs that any possible tear, the flap could have been down, not showing a thing. So for a total of about 5 weeks I'm supposed to keep my wrist secured in a brace/splint to try to lessen the gap between my bones. (As of right now at times my pain has greatly increased, but I have found my first painless times for the first time in a long time while I am in the brace.) The doctor's guess is that if the gap is taken away, my pain should go away. At my next appointment, if the gap is smaller the doctor sees that as a step in the right direction. It could mean more time in the brace or even the possibility of being put into a full arm cast. Now that idea is not what I'm looking for. Quite frankly, I hate casts on the arm. Showering is pretty horrible. So if I can avoid that, I'd much prefer it.

I've also joined with a dinner drama group. That's a riot already because so far I've been able to cause a lot of reactions from my acting; bringing men to tears and causing the greatest amounts of laughter. That last one is the most memorable to me because I've never thought of myself as a comedic actor. But with this role that I was given, the team start impersonating me in anticipation when I'm taking the stage for rehearsal. I'm beginning to see my gifts in a new light, as an actress. But what I find exciting is that there are new people who are now supporting me as a writer. I have a few test readers from this group. But also the husband/wife team who head up this troupe are anxious for me to start writing for the group. It's been a while since I've done script writing, but I'm kinda excited to get back into it. Mainly just to keep my writing skills flexible and adaptable for many areas. While novel writing is what I want to one day soon be my bread and butter maker, I don't want to limit myself just to that. My main reason being because I have a few book ideas that I would love to see on the silver screen. It would be great to be the writer for the screen adaptation. I can use the film to enhance the book(s) and bring out more of the story that just doesn't quite work for the pacing of the novel. So now is a good time to begin some strength training for script writing (start small and train myself up to the larger project).

I'm sure that I could go on with an update but that would be too long. And quite frankly I really should just start writing more frequently again to prevent these long posts. Sorry. :)

Fortune Cookie

Okay, so I just had to come on and write after I had Chinese for lunch and read my fortune. I don't take much heed of fortunes, especially the mass produced ones for mass production. But they are entertaining. But this one was just so hilarious! This was the first time that I found one with a typo! So I'm re-writing it here and the typo is exactly as it reads.

You know what you what - get to work and make it materialize.

I do have to admit that I was surprised by the coincidence of that message being in my cookie, though. Seeing how for about a week and a half now, I have been working practically non-stop on my novel. I want to be published badly. And it's not so that I can go to book stores, find my book, and yell, "This is my book!" Although, now that I think about it..... Ha! Just kidding. I write for me. And the people who matter most to me already read what I write. It's just the thought of having my work in print that gives it a sense of finality. In college I would write and the finality was the grade. Since I don't get graded anymore... that leaves publication. Oh and the sense of accomplishment! Now I can't deny that I want that. There are certain people that I sometimes pretend that I am looking through their eyes and see that they wonder what it is that I do with myself. And there's no sense in denying the fact that even though my mother loves me, I'm certain that she thinks that I flounder too much in life. The funny thing is that I don't see myself as floundering. There is just so much to life and I want to absorb it all. Being off of work with my wrist has shown me that much about life. Sometimes I get too serious and focused that life passes by. So not having my nose to the grindstone has been such a blessing. But now I'm trailing off.
The other night my mother came to visit with me while I was writing. I took a little break and we talked about my writing. Not that I could tell her much about what I am working on. (It is amazing how this novel has evolved since I first wrote it many years ago. It keeps changing so much that I don't know what is going to happen until it comes on my screen.) And it was one of those rare tender moments between us. My writing has probably been one of the few things that my mother has ever truly supported me 100% ever since the time I first began writing. But that night, I felt her love and her hopes. It all came across to me that she sees that my writing is the part of me that I was destined to express and produce.
So while I am writing this I am taking a break from writing Chapter 21. Actually I stopped working on it a quarter after two this morning. Things were not feeling right at all. And that bothered me. In the scene that I had just wrote, my hero looked like a complete wimp. I kind of put him in an impossible situation (a new idea) and have been trying to make it work. It's playing with how a man responds when expectations of a personal nature are placed on him by a female relation. This is a difficult train of thought to produce in a book because my brain is so female. But I want him to be real. And I like the idea of this situation because it will come full circle for the climax of the book. But on the plus side, last night I thought of a better title for my novel. Since it's conception it's been called "Weaver's Apprentice". In the original form it sort of made since. I have long been dissatisfied with the title, because it no longer fit. And with the new revisions and addition, it most certainly did not fit. But "The Dreamer's Heir" fits so much better. And unfortunately any of my friends reading this and my manuscript, I know they have not yet come to the section of chapters where this will make sense. But I like the new title nonetheless.
As a final thought and side note, there have been two CDs that I have been helplessly addicted to while writing: Josh Groban (2001 self titled CD) and Celtic Woman (The New Journey, 2007). I have been listening to them non-stop and continued to be inspired by them! Josh Groban is the newest to my play list and I am in love with his voice. Now that is how a man should sound!!!!!!

Happy New Year!

Okay, so this is a bit late being posted. New Year's Eve I spent finishing up reading the Twilight Saga. I don't remember ever being so addicted to a series of books before! I read all four books in less than six days. And I wanted to read them all over from the beginning again. I never want to do that. Usually I have to wait a year or more before I even think about rereading a book, if I ever do. But there are so many other things that I need to do. This for one. But more importantly I need to get back to working on my own book. I'm about two thirds of the way through completing chapter eleven. And I'm feeling a three way pull in my "stuck" feeling. There are only a couple of scenes left in my memory from the previous revision (that got lost with my computer crash), but I need to find the right pacing to put them back into the story. And my problem right now is the pacing. The biggest help in this issue is the fact that the world of the gods fall in a completely different time span as the mortal world. So everything that had originally been slow (or other problems) can now be remedied. But I love the world of the gods so much that I want to spend more time with them than I am actually able to do. Anyway, the other stuck is that, I need to change the original story to fit with everything that is new. And that's the hardest part, even though it is the most necessary. The characters are different then who they were when I first created them. It's not so much as frustration that I feel as much as feeling my brain slow down, way down, as it processes everything. Sometimes it I am sitting in front of my computer and find myself wandering into some fictitious location just to pace and think. It's quite actually funny now that I think about it and am not living it. I create a place for my mind to think out the answers to a creative problem! Whose brain does that???? Leave it to me, I guess. :)
So on New Years Eve my brother-in-law asked my sister and me what our resolutions are for this year. It turns out that none of us really believe in resolutions. For me, it's just too easy to say you resolute to do something, but a day, a week, or a month goes by and you forget or drop it. And yet it's funny, because last year I thought long and hard and did give myself a resolution. At the end of January last year, I decided to work on losing the weight that I've put on since High School. I know very ambitious. But I was a healthy weight. (Not that I've looked bad these last ten twelve years. Dang! Has it been that long?) And I must say that I really do love one of my best friends. Whenever we talk about weight, she's always told me that I don't show it. I have no doubt of her sincerity. Love ya! Anyway, I decided to do this for me. So at the beginning of 2008 I had weighed myself in at about 285 pounds--I know bad, very bad. But yesterday, I weighed myself for 2009 and I'm now down to 225. Last year I lost and kept off 60 lbs.!!!! That made me so happy. The best part about that is that I lost all that weight when I spent over half the year recovering from a surgery and still not able to do a lot of physical things. Usually the general trend, when this kind of lifestyle change happens in people, is that they gain a lot of weight. So I am very proud of myself.
This year... I want to keep working my weight down. I figure that I have a ball park of about another 50 lbs to lose to be back down to my high school weight. After last year, this is totally doable. Really, all I have to do is lose one pound a week this next year. Anyway, enough about that. There is one goal for this year that I am really working toward. I need this novel finished and out of my hands so I can move on to the next story. So the moment I am finished with this book, it will be sent off to find an agent. I have every confidence that this book can land a huge publishing house, which is what I want. So by the end of the year I will find an agent for this book. And it is my hope that also at the end of this year that I will be (or have already) signing a contract for its publication.
So here, I raise a toast to myself--to my health and the realization of a dream come true!

Pen to Paper

I figured that I shouldn't go too long before putting another entry in here. I've been writing this whole week, the first time in a little over a month. Honestly, nothing gives you a rush like putting out anywhere from one chapter to three chapters a day! It's so exhilarating. Especially seeing how I've been working on a book that I really didn't care too much about. The new characters and scenes have caused me to fall in love with it so much more that I thought possible with this book. In the original version, I've just started to rewrite chapter two. In the new transcript, that is now chapter eight. It's not just the addition of chapters, characters, scenes.... My chapters are generally coming out twice the length--which I personally love. I never wanted to be one of those short 100-200 page writers. Mainly because I've found that those book really have no story to tell. And that's not who I am. I want to create, really create. I want stories that feel real. Okay maybe there's no such thing as a novel feeling real. But I know the books where you fly through the pages because you're so wrapped up in what is happening. That is what I want. Maybe that is what is forming. I certainly hope so.
I have one of my best friends reading my chapters as I finish them. She has been adding invaluable perspective for me. Normally when I edit, I edit myself with an unrestrained hand so that I can have the best possible product. This is my first friend who has written notes back to me in the same manner that I edit and I love it! I might be doing her an injustice in letting her read an un-proofed story. But on the other hand, she's given me more things to think about when I finish this round of writing and start proofing. Then again, maybe it may not be such an injustice. She already volunteered to be a beta-reader when I need one (which would be right before I go for that agent contract). So that 's real good to know--she wants to read it again! Maybe that just means something to me because I don't re-read books 98% of the time. But I do know that those of my friends who do re-read do so because they love the story. So that is a compliment.
Well the comments that I have been getting back have sparked the idea to start a new blog that keeps track of what's happening with my writing life. The only problem is that the only way that I foresee it in my mind as working is if I make a web page, since it will be easier to find things that way. I just don't know though. I really need to think about it some more. Despite the fact that I am excited to create it, because the comments that my friend is making would make a great Q & A page. Then I could also put pages of additional information that may or maybe not make it in the appendix of the book (I haven't decided on that part of the book, and may not have an answer until I hear from an agent or publisher). But it would be great fun to have a web page already established for readers to go to. I guess one of the next books I check out from the library will be web pages for dummies. :)

Too Busy to Fall Off the Face of the Earth

Wow! It's been nearly a month since I've last written. How time flies!
I'm halfway through a run for the Musical "Joy to the Children". It's only been after the first few performances that I really began to enjoy the role that I was given. It's been a long haul. At first I was given the role of Mrs. Stone, which I really wanted and gave me the second most stage time for women's roles. But early on, I thought it would be a good thing to let the director in on my medical thoughts (about my wrist), which I wrote about already. I didn't know how much it would bother me that I got pulled from that role and got re-casted as Mother Abigail (a German Mother Superior). I actually cried quite a bit when no one was looking. But I didn't keep my thoughts to myself. Those in the cast who I did talk to about how I was feeling were really supportive, letting me know that they thought I did the right thing too, even though when it all came down to it nothing has indeed interfered with my ability to be in the play. But it still killed my heart when I saw the costume that would have been mine. It was everything in a dress that I have always wanted to to wear. So of course I was disappointed. And disappointment does not go well in the attempt of preventing a bad attitude. It's a huge compliment that my director has every confidence in my ability. She did not give me my lines until the dress rehearsal before we opened our doors to our first audience (our invited dress rehearsal). That night I had no costume, when at the time I was slotted to have three. In fact that night I had to go to the seamstress and toss together a costume our of odds and ends that we had in our collection. (On the bright side, there have been a number of people who have commented that it is one of their favorite costumes in the production.) If that were not enough, I was also supposed to be fitted with a microphone for the rehearsal. The sound men didn't have one for me and were unaware that I needed one, because my lines were not written in the original script. I honestly don't know why I have to go through these cycles of feeling like I'm overlooked (and those of you who know me know how much of a lark that is since there really is no way that I can every physically or personality wise ever be overlooked). And I know that I am not generally a person that people describe as having a bad attitude, but I had one that night. I thought it was fitting that I was a nun, because my attitude was fitting for spending some time in purgatory for. (That thought was the only one that could bring me to laugh, let alone smile.) But I worked hard on my thoughts and attitude. My thoughts effect me. But my attitude effect others. Our official opening night, I got over myself for the most part. But for the first time I got praised, in a long time, for my theatrical talent. My director took time out of running around and seeing to a billion different things to tell me that she loves how the character has formed and really appreciated me and my ability to fill the awkward dead space of on stage transitions. So it turns out that the one thing that set off my attitude struggle (having to wait for the last minute to get everything that needed for my role--costume, lines) was the one thing that is my niche in the company. I do have an ability to pull off improve and think quickly on my feet. It drives me crazy in cases like this when we are trying to pull off 5th Ave. caliber production quality. But my director sees it in me and has never worried about me in the two productions I've been with her. Rather she puts more confidence in me. So in this area, I can think of no other compliment that rates higher than that.

Yesterday I had a PCE test for my wrist, compliments of L&I. I had to go through the examination for L&I and my vocational councilor to see how much I am able to work. I am not quite sure why this testing, because the results were nothing new compared to what I've been telling them. My results are that the only thing that I'm fit for right now is sedentary work (translation, there's next to nothing I can do). I had to refrain from being sarcastic and saying, "Ya think?" I'm not fit for light duty, let alone for my normal work which I found out is classified as Moderate (meaning having to lift up to 50 pounds). But on the bright side, there is the recorded tests that prove what I have been saying all this time.
Now I just need my other tests to sh0w what the heck is wrong with me. Last week was my appointment to go over the results of my MRI. It showed nothing, yet again. My doctor can only come up with sprain as a diagnosis, although he put it to me that I can seek a second opinion, because someone else might see something else. There was a little something on the MRI, but my doctor is calling it scar tissue. It very well could be. I'm not arguing that. I just want to know what is wrong. With this kind of pain, there has to be something wrong. There has to be an explanation, because this kind of pain does not happen just to happen. I want to know what is wrong.
I guess it's not so much the fact of still being in pain. What I'm struggling with the most, the
#1 reason behind my growing madness in this whole area is the fact that I can't do the things that I like doing, that are things that help define who I am. I'm struggling the most in not being able to create (which happens in many different forms). I hate the sedentary life!!!! I want to do. I want to make. I want to be the normal me.
Well, that's the step I'm in the middle of right now, going through all the hoops to get into the office of another doctor to get a second opinion.

Last night was my scheduled event with EY of coffee and dinner with the discussion of Ken Gaub's book, Re-arranging Your Mental Furniture. Fitting, I know. Anyway, there was only one person who showed up, an older woman. She was interesting. I'm not certain I understand how a person can be a professional councilor and yet be a cynic. It boggles my mind. Her biggest complaint is that with everyone in EY, no one shows up for anything. In fact that is starting to turn into the pattern with every other member that I talk with. In fact there was one man who had two weeks ago left a message on my phone about his memories of when 200 people would show up for an event, and now nothing. He didn't have an answer or any ideas to get the turn outs, yet he wanted to talk with me about it. I could be really off my rocker, but the way that he phrased his message and tone of voice, it sounded like he was trying to make me the saviour of the EY dating scene/events. It has to be my imagination, because that's not who I am. I just want to meet people. I want to do things. But since there's not many movers and shakers, there's not much going on. And being a go-getter, I make plans. But I don't want things to keep in the pattern that I'm seeing. I want to be around large groups of people. So of course I'm going to be thinking of ways to draw a larger crowd. But really what I am most curious about is what it will take to get people to get off their butts and go to events.
I do have an idea that I got today. But I have to develop it more. I'm thinking what could be a big hit is to have a cooking competition with prizes. What I know is that I will need to go into the office and have a talk about this. There's no way that this will be small scale. At least not with the ideas that I have running in my head.

My First... (read to find the answer)

The drama with my wrist injury continues, even today. And anyone who has gone through lengthy medical problems understand when I say that it's so very important for distractions. Otherwise, your emotions get the better of you. So I only came on to write about a victory last night, which was every inch of a distraction that I needed. I cooked my first duck!
I know, I know... that is definitely the last thing anyone would guess as being a victory. But cooking has always been a distraction of mine. And unfortunately it's a distraction that I don't get to partake of because of this stupid injury. But the duck was a victory for a few reasons. First, I've only eaten duck once. My knowledge of this meat product is pretty much boiled down to the fact that I like the slightly gamy flavour of this particular poultry. Second, my family never cooked duck, ever. So I've got bragging rights for being the first! In fact, my whole family had an upturned nose when I told them I wanted to cook a duck. My sisters haven't had duck before. My dad ordered it once in a restaurant and my mom sampled from his plate. So not only did I get bragging rights for cooking something no one in my family has cooked before, I also get bragging rights because the duck came out amazingly well for the first time. And in the case you were interested in the pairings for duck, steamed asparagus and mashed potatoes went great with the duck! The biggest victory was just the ability to cook. Yes, I was in pain while cooking, even though doing about 85% everything left handed. But I had to do it. I hate not being able to do anything. I hate having to give up many of the things I love to do. So just to put my will over pain was satisfying. I'm not cooking today, or probably for the rest of the week. But I can hold my head up high and say that I cooked a duck!

The Long Road

I was upset yesterday by the appointment I had with my doctor, for my wrist. For the longest time my doctor was unsure what was causing problems. Now he walked into the room with his mind made up that what I have is just a second degree sprain. I couldn't believe what he said! Growing up playing sports, I've had all three degrees of sprains. From all the doctors I've talked to over the years, sprains never took over three months to heal. So here I have a wrist injury from mid-way through February, and I'm six and a half months over a surgery (where over two months was spent with my wrist in a cast and completely immobilized). There's no way in my mind I can comprehend a sprain being the diagnosis for what is wrong with me since I am still having a great deal amount of pain. My doctor was all set to pretty much sign me off and re-examine everything this upcoming spring. I wanted to cry. Here I am where not even Tylenol takes the edge off of my pain, and my doctor wants to wait. All I could do was say that I understood what he was saying but it really concerned me that with the amount of pain that I have and he wants me to wait. He said that he'd go through with a second MRI if I really wanted it, but he doesn't expect it to show up anything to show up since nothing showed up last time. And all this is after he poked and prodded my wrist yet again and I still have a hot spot that makes me jump with pain. I never did go to medical school, but I have reasons to doubt just about everything from this appointment. Not only is it that I doubt it's a sprain that I'm suffering, but I really am starting to believe that there is something wrong with the cartilage. That's where all my pain is coming from. What I don't understand is why there is so much pain there when in the surgery my doctor had cleaned up the fraying that had been in my cartilage. The other reason why I think there is something else that is wrong is the fact that I had to come off of physical therapy because the pain was getting worse. That just doesn't happen with a sprain--this much I do know from experience. Well my second MRI was accepted by L&I today and I have it scheduled for next week. I just won't be able to get in to see my doctor again to go over the results until the first week of December. I am becoming so emotionally drained with this whole issue. I want to get better. I want to be healed. I want a normal life back again.
This week I was asked to write up a description of Kindergartners learning styles and what not for the manual for our children's ministry. That was the highlight of my week so far. After three years of working with Kindergartners, this is the first practical thing that I have had the opportunity to do with what I've learned to help other people working with Kindergartners. Most of the adults that I know are nervous with working with this age group. So my whole goal was to give them the information to make them excited to work with this age and do it most successfully. Kindergartners are really great to work with. Other than that, the other project that I've started this week is a quarter's worth of curriculum. I've got some great ideas going, so once I get all the written parts down, and even start putting together some of the visuals (such as power point), I will be able to pitch my ideas with Naara. What I am looking forward to is giving the curriculum a run through. Then make any tweaks that may be necessary. After that, I will be able to market it. Who would have thought that the first thing to possibly get published will be a children's church curriculum? But I do love doing things like this for the kids! They are really great to work with.

Night At The SAM

It really is funny how anticipation works in relation to the world around us! So today was the first day of the rainy season, where the rain just came down like none other. To top it all off, there was traffic problems all day long! Those are not the two things that you want to happen when you plan an event for people to show up to after work. And yet that is what I got. I had ten people confirm that they were going to show up for the museum. Out of those only one showed up, one of the women. Although two men showed up who had not talked to me at all before the event to let me know they were coming. I do have to be fair though, I just got a message from one of the original museum goers, and he said that he showed up with another person, but he didn't remember to take my number with him so they couldn't meet up with us. So in essence there were a grand total of 6 of us (in a round about way). But that didn't bother me at all. I was there mainly for the museum, and meet new people. On both counts I was well pleased.

Oh but don't get me wrong, there was plenty of interesting things that happened. When I had met at the EY office to meet up with the two people who wanted to carpool (neither showed), there was a man there who wanted to go. And right away he showed an instant liking to me. Now in the past, when a man like him with whom I have absolutely no chemistry with showed that much interest in me, it never sat well with me and freaked me out. I was rather happy that I don't have that reaction anymore. Besides, with the background checks that EY sends everyone through, that helps a whole lot. So anyway, I had my carpool buddy to get into Seattle. Honestly, I was thinking of a way to have someone else take him back to the office. That didn't happen but more on that later. Finding the museum was easy (parking and all), but it wasn't easy to find everyone who was supposed to be there (because they weren't there). So me, being me and hoping not to spend the entire evening with this man, I began to go around to everyone who looked like they were waiting for someone and I asked them if they were with EY. Yes, there were some funny expressions and I had to explain that I was with a singles group, thank them and then walk away. If nothing else, I made a few people's wait a little better. In fact, the last man that I asked told me he wasn't but that he wished he was. That earned a smile and a blush from me. :) But there was one man was a few feet away, waiting, that felt like he might be with us, and when he fished in his pocket for a piece of paper, I decided to go up to him and ask. He was and told me that he was about ready to come over and ask me as well. At this point it was just me and my carpool buddy, and I tell you what! Being the hostess, I introduced them and I never felt the combination of sparks and awkwardness like I did at that moment. I think my carpool buddy was looking forward to having me to himself and he didn't like the idea of this new man joining us. But on the other hand, I felt a little connection with this new man and we started a conversation that was much easier than with the other man. Besides that, he also looked interested in me (I'll just call him Red from now on just to distinguish between the two--yeah for anonymity). So needless to say this was the first time where I've ever been in the situation where I've been with two men at the same time, in the same place, and there being that awkwardness. I've always wanted to know what that feels like. Now I do. And I'm not sure if I want to feel that again. So it was a very good thing that the lady from the original list showed up, because that took the edge off of the tension. There were a couple of times where Red would come over and look at the same exhibit with me, although keeping a small distance. We did have a small conversation when we were further down a hall than our other two companions. It really was an awkward situation (especially now that I've read his profile and found out that Red is one of those shy men). Of course he really wouldn't try a conversation with the other man nearby. In fact, anytime the other man saw that Red was near (on a few occasions), he would also come over as well. Oh, and that awkwardness never really went away! It only got worse, when it was time to leave. Red was parked on the same level in the parking garage and we were. As I tried to say goodbye to Red, he perked up and it looked like we could have had a conversation, but there was the other man who was quite smug in that we were riding together. And I didn't look to see, but his expression to Red could not have been good at all. I was in a sense rather embarrassed. Red is a sweet heart and I would rather like to have a conversation with him, without a third wheel.
I wish the story ended there. But it didn't. There was the drive back to the EY office. I knew what was coming. I could smell it coming a mile away. We were a few minutes from the office when he asked me if I had dinner before the museum. Thank you God I did!!!! I told him that I had, and yet he still asked if I would go out and have something to eat with him tonight. I told him I had to be getting home. I didn't tell him it was because I wanted to see my family or to find out what had happened on Survivor Gabon. I'll save men their dignity. But it didn't even stop there. When we pulled up in the parking lot, he didn't get out right away. He asked me if we could go out on another time. Thank you God, again, that I am busy with the musical!!!! I told him that I'd have to get back to him on that one since I am busy. He knew about the musical. And yes, I am too nice. I should have just flat out told him that there would be no chance of that happening. But I did want him out of my car. And I knew that was the only option I had. So now I have to find ways of being nice and yet keeping my distance from him so I don't encourage him any further. Which could be a problem. If I do another event and not tell him about it, and he finds out about it anyway, that would not be good whatsoever. Well, here's hoping that I find a man soon who puts me "on hold" than I can still be nice and not totally devastate him.

Polls vs. Absentee

In the day and age where everything is turning toward Absentee balloting instead of people going to the polls, I am proud to say that I am one of the few who still enjoys going to the polls! Yes, Absentee balloting makes it more convenient for more people to vote, there is just something about going to the polls. It's the community showing up to do something, make their voice be heard.
But above all, I had an amazing experience this year at the polls. There was a teenager who showed up to vote for the first time. After now voting in my 4th Presidential election, it was great seeing someone show up excited and nervous both that the same time. I was in line behind this young woman, waiting for the one electronic booths (for as much as everyone hates these things, I love them! I'm a button pusher to begin with. And I know my vote will count right away because it's already in the system counted when the polls close). I got to tell her my secret of quick voting by making all my decisions at home with the voter's pamphlet, that way all I have to do when I show up to vote is check the boxes I want and in less than five minutes be on my way. She was interested in this and told me that she wanted to that but she didn't know what she was voting for. When she asked her mother, she didn't know either, and her mother's response was just to do her best. So while we were waiting in line, I told the young woman what all the codes and numbers on her voter's card meant. So now, the next time there is an election, this young woman will know exactly what she will be voting for before she goes to the polls. Who knows, maybe she will pass that information on to her mother. It's things like this that makes community so very important! When the community comes together and do things together, information gets passed around so that everyone becomes more educated. It does not matter as much as what a person is convicted to believe and vote--not everyone believes the same thing. But it's important that everyone knows everything in a timely manner to make the best decision for themselves. And I was excited to be a part of that!

I'll be the first to admit that I was one of those voters who did not know until the night before who they would vote for President. Early on in the campaign, I preferred Obama. Then there were the Presidential debates and the VP debate. The more that I learned about the candidates' opinions and pet projects/policies I began to watch them and how they answered the questions. That was what kept me in the middle of indecision for so long. And I was disappointed when Obama finally answered the bating question of McCain--what is the fine for not being (health)insured. Obama finally answered that Joe the Plumber would not be fined a single cent. What kind of fine is that! It screamed with indecision and placation for the vote! Obama said that Joe the Plumber would not be fined because he fell under the $250,000 mark. The problem with that is that Obama was wrong. On a news report on TV, interviewing Joe the Plumber, Joe told America that the business he wanted to buy was $260,000. That's well above Obama's mark. Now either Obama was misinformed and guilty of not doing proper research to make his points. Or under Obama we will once again have many forms of relief for the "wealthy" (over the mark). There are many policies that Obama has in mind that I disagree with. And health care is one of them, if not the number one. I think it is the greatest travesty to have the government controlling health care. It has not answered the issues in other countries (Canada and Europe) who have installed such measures themselves. Neither does it give the doctors that we train in the states, the incentive to stay in country for their practices. I am sad to say that most of our talented (new and upcoming) doctors will be going overseas where they have better incentives. But I'm going to stop here. The lessons I have been recently been teaching my Sunday School students have been respecting those in authority. Obama is our newly elected President and I find myself on a fine line of not being all together respectful. But you can rest assure that I will not stand quietly for policies that I do not agree with. Thank God we live in a democratic country where the voice of the people are still heard. I greatly dislike it when the House, Senate, and President are all from the same Party, because they will always do great damage--whether Republican or Democratical. I pray that our representatives continue to listen to their constituents even though there is not another election for two years. Don't get me wrong. I am not disappointed in the presidential race (seeing how I wasn't clearly one way or the other). I think it is way past time for a black man to become president. (It's past time for women and other minorities to be president as well.) The US is far behind in countries being led by a diverse group of people. It is history in the making. I am just fed up with the government screwing everything up for the people, carelessly spending money, and not being held accountable for anything by anyone. There is not a political party that can answer this woe. We need a collection of people with integrity running in offices. I am just patriotic and want what's best for the people!!! It's time for the government to work for the people, rather than the government running the people.

Being My Own PR Person

So the last few nights I've stayed up late going through the directory at Equally Yoked and emailing people who state that they like art, personally inviting them to the event that I have scheduled at the SAM. Yes, the event is posted on the two event guides, but I wanted to bring it to the attention to those who either glossed over it or haven't been reading the guides. This will be my first event that I head up, and being the over achiever that I am, I want there to be as many people there as possible. So that means that I scanned through over 1700 profiles. I thought I was going to go cross-eyed, that first night (making it through A-the begging of R names). But it was worth it. In less than 24 hours, five people from the first night's bunch got back to me, saying they would be coming. So that's a good start. Besides, it's always great when you know you're not going to be the only person at the rendez-vous point! So sometimes it means going out there and rounding up the people. But the way that I look at it, if a group leader were to send me a message inviting me to come, I'd make more of an effort to (try to) make it. So here's looking to a great turnout!

Nothing new with the wrist. I've regressed to having to wear a wrist brace quite a bit more than I've ever had to do since the surgery. Not very encouraging. But next week I have the consultation appointment with another doctor for a second opinion.
Last week I had an appointment with a vocational counselor, through L&I. That was actually an emotional roller coaster for me. First of all, I had tried putting it off because it's too early for me to even consider going back to work, with the state of my wrist. L&I though otherwise, and so I had to do it. The vocational counselor thought that it was too early as well. In fact, she thought that from what she's seen of my file that she's leaning towards expecting another surgery. She was even talking about the procedure of what will happen when the doctor might say that there's nothing more he can do for me medically. Now that's nothing anyone wants to hear. Sure compensation would be good, but I'd rather have a healthy and pain free wrist right now. I'm leaving out a lot of that conversation because I really don't want to start crying again. I'd like an end to all of this, but I'm not delusional enough to tell myself there is an end in sight. And because I can't see the end, that's frightening enough on it's own. But I can say there was a good thing that happened in the appointment with the vocational counselor. I was able to talk to her about my concerns every time I hear the words about returning to work for light duty. For the first time I saw that I had finally forgiven everyone involved for what happened the day before my surgery. I was able to talk to the counselor about the challenges that I had to go through the whole time I was working while injured and how the cafe I was in was not a good environment. In fact, for the first time I was able to look back through the whole ordeal and see how others were observing what was going on. No one was able to work with me because they did not take the moment to see how my injury was effecting me. I tried to work at a level where my injury would be least invasive to the team, but because of that, they expected me to work uninjured. And I think that was what caused the failure. Am I still leery in returning back to working with them, oh yes. But I no longer have that worry. My doctor is looking out for me. And now I have my vocational counselor to look after me.
Now on to the personal....
I had a great time going to the corn maze! How I love making a way through mazes in the dark. So meeting a whole new group of people, always brings out the nerves, but these people were a great bunch--when I learned when I could be myself around them and not think too much about it. For example, (the mazes were at Merris Farms) there was a live band that was playing. As we walked passed them I joined in singing with the songs and doing a little a dance. The funny thing was everyone else joined in on the singing and dancing. That kind of tempered down a little when someone noticed that were turned into the entertainment of an older couple. We only kept on because I didn't care what the older couple thought. I was having fun and do it by myself anyway. Although I was glad that I didn't have to do it on my own. It's always more fun when others join in.
It was great for my ego to go out. There were three men who showed up. Two of them had at one point in our conversations told me that I was beautiful. Yes, that is definitely good for the ego. But honestly, the best part was that they were genuine compliments and not just lines to get into my pants. That and for once, it was not a problem that I've used my brain and have opinions. In fact one conversation had it where everyone has to have opinions. So here it is, I found a group of people where I can fit in with. That's always been a hard thing for me. I'm not the typical traditional girly type of woman. And that has always been a problem. But the men that I was talking with, they were sure of themselves (had a healthy confidence level). So here, I had a night with some real men. And that was reason enough for me to pay attention to my own feelings and desires. Especially when there was one of the men that we kept running into each other through out the night. That and there were a couple of times where he had actually put his hand gently on my lower back to help not running smack dab into me or to direct me through the maze. It had been waaay too long since I've been touched there and that was driving me crazy. And not in the bad sense, which is my problem. I'm a touch kind of girl. So touch is something I can easily lose my head over and therefore something that I have to watch and make sure that I don't do just that. That aside, that night was a great night. It just felt good to get out and do something.
So I made my plans for group activities for November and December. I couldn't make my schedule work for the EMP/SFM, so I have the SAM (Seattle Art Museum) instead, which I'm looking forward to. That is going to be a fun event, since there are quite a few interesting displays going on. That is for next month. In December I have a little get together scheduled to talk about a book and have a little Christmas party. So now, I've been initiated in leading group activities. I can't wait to see how that will all turn out. But hey, as long as I have fun, I'm sure it will translate.

The View From Upside Down

After a small break, to regroup, I decided it was time to write again.
The wrist... well this last week I had the appointment with my doctor. He didn't see the bone scan as a problem with the cartilage. Instead, to his eyes the afflicted area is where the pins were in my wrist. But that doesn't change the fact that he's at a loss as to what is going on. He's concerned with the pain. For that I am very grateful that my doctor is looking out for me. I just wish there was a definitive answer to what is wrong. It makes things a whole lot easier (for instance I finally had a talk today with my director, for the play I am in this December. But I'll talk more about this in just a moment). So now the whole plan with the doctor is that I'm scheduled for a second opinion with one of the other doctors in his office. I keep telling myself that this is good because now there is two sets of eyes and two brains now working on this. I just hate the fact that I have a mystery injury. (Although I'm not alone in this area since daddy and I have pretty similar health and medical experiences--we don't get the common stuff, it's always the tough ones that stump doctors.) This will all happen at the beginning of November. Other than that, and depending on what the second doctor thinks, the next plan is another MRI. There's no talk of another surgery yet. It's just disenheartening when you can see just how baffled your doctor is. Because it's bad enough when you are personally at a loss. But when you see that the expert is at a loss, all of a sudden no one is in control. The only thing that keeps me sane is my faith in God. Because my history has proven time and time again that even when things are out of my control, they have never been out of God's control. Just like at many other times, I just wish I knew what God knows/sees. Having a little bit more knowledge would help out quite a lot!
Okay, so the director... It was hard enough the first time, to tell her (give her the heads up) that something was going on medically with my wrist and I wasn't too sure what to expect. But there's no way I'm going to put the production in a position where at the last minute I can't fulfill my obligation. And that pain of being honest hit me again today, albeit not as bad at the when I first talked to the director about this. It was just hard today because she told me how much that she loves working with me. And if I knew what was happening with my wrist I could have told her more and help her think ahead and plan. But I can't. My two scheduled doctors' appointments are the first two weeks of November. The MRI could be another week or two after that. Worst case scenario would be a surgery scheduled shortly after the MRI. That would put that at about the time of opening weekend, if not the week before. So you see the delima. And I really do want this role. But I guess I should be focusing on the best case scenario which would be that nothing happens until after the musical. And the director said that she just didn't want to have me in a position of being stressed out about having to be stage presentable. This makes me very thankful that I have a wonderful director--while I'm concerned on what will be best for the production, she keeps turning it back to what is good for me and my health. She is a great woman! But I just have to trust that this too will just work out.
On to my dating/social life.... This was my first week with Equally Yoked. It's been a little while since I've been at this weird level of mixed excitement and nervousness. I'll admit to it--because I am able to, I have checked out the "competition". I was curious. With the dating sites I was with before I had no idea what types of women that the men I was matched with were seeing. After all I never did see myself as the pretty girl in grade school, junior high or even high school. In college I thought I had a little bit of a cuteness factor. It was all the analyzing in combination with what I knew what my height was. I didn't think that I could compare with the button cute short little things that just oozed with damsel-in-distress-femininity. I learned a few years ago that I don't have to be the damsel-in-distress. I just have to be me. Frankly I have never seen the beauty and confidence come out of me until the beginning of this last summer, when I drastically changed my hair coloring. I guess it's just the fact that I went with a style that is not "fashionable" but I pull off remarkably well--it's done something for my confidence I guess. Now I get to test drive it in a large social setting. I have a great picture on line. The picture though, has only gotten the attention of one man (at this moment). And this is where all the nerves come in. He's 48 and has two children, 19 and 17. I'm nervous because I'm closer in age to his children than I am with him. And it begs the question--what is it that he's thinking? I mean 18 years is a big difference in age for me now that I think about it. I mean after all my parents are 53. Sure there have been times where people (like hospital staff) thought that I was married to my dad (for whatever reason that was about). I'm okay with the thought of dating a man in his early 40's. But once I start thinking of even mid-40's I get nervous. Maybe it's because I've never wanted to be a trophy wife. I've enjoyed having a brain and personality. I don't want to just be dangled from the arm as proof of masculinity. Besides that, I really want to have children of my own and men that much older are not generally thinking about children at all. The other thing that makes me nervous is the fact that I've also begun looking at men a few years younger than me. And just the though of being a handful of years older myself--I just don't know if I have what it takes to be a cougar. And I never thought I would ever put me as the noun in the same sentence with being a cougar! It's foreign territory!! Anyway, I need away from this subject.
So this week I went to the bible study. And the one cliche that I run into the vast majority of the time when people learn my name, I got asked yet again. So, are you really a princess then? This time I fought hard to not get irritated by it or make some smart ass comment steeped with sarcasm. Instead, I went a different route and said that my family accuse me of being one. (Which they have a time or two.) That produced laughs all around the group. I have to admit that made me feel a little better about the question. I'd rather have people laugh than get the wrong impression about me. Anyway, as it turns out, that question was asked by the man who lead this week's bible study, and turns out to be a single pastor in the program as well. Not so bad, but the tone of the whole study kind of irritated me because a lot of the opinions being thrown out were contrary to what I've learned and studied myself. And one thing that gets me angry quicker than anything else is when Christians rationalize (or sound like it) that God wants all believers to live simply, maybe not poor, but not rich either. There is no scriptural basis for that thought. That was the tenure being taken with the Old Testament scriptures being read. So when my time came where I could speak, I brought everything into context with the Old Testament thinkology of the Israelites--that wealth was the outward sign of God's blessing on believers. That the wealthy had to be righteous. One of the men in the group took notes at one point, suddenly interested in what was being said. The pastor perked up--after I was finished, he went off of what I said to expound on a thought or two. One of the ladies, who works in the office and previously led a study, her eyes lit up as well. I kind of wanted to kick myself afterward, because whenever I speak up like that, there's no hiding in the corners for me, no blending in. As if I ever blended into anything. But this was my first group activity, and I couldn't last and hour and half without opening my mouth. But I think the true reason behind my wanting to kick myself is the compliment I received after I got done speaking. The pastor looked intently at me and told me that I was indeed a princess because of the manner in which I spoke. The way that he phrased it did not come out the way that he intended it to come out. I saw the look and knew the meaning that the laid behind the phrasing that did come out. The pastor did a little shuffle to make the correction--that God being King, I spoke like His true daughter, a princess. One of the other men helped with the correction, by saying that we were all princesses. Getting his footing back, and in attempt to incorporate humor, the pastor said that the man was definitely a princess. The man then continued the joke by commenting on how he needed to find his pink tutu. There were a couple of laughs and the subject drastically changed directions.
For other group outings, I have one planned for tomorrow at a corn maze. Another one in a couple of weeks for an evening sail. I need to get plans turned in for an outing to the EMP/Sci-Fi Museum. And then I'm thinking about continuing with the weekly bible studies (despite the uncomfortable moment at this last one). And we will see what will happen next. I just want to increase my social life and activity. I just need out of the house and meet people. I guess I can safely say that I am indeed meeting new people. Now, just to find the man that I've been waiting for all these years.

My Weakness

(Forgive me. A lot of what I just wrote below is just a lot of thinking release. I have no idea how much sense it will make, if any at all. I just need to get it all out of my head.)
So the last few days I've been having to deal with my one weakness, things happening beyond control. It's not like I'm a classic control freak, but I do have to admit I like it when things move smoothly. If they move smoothly under someone else's watch, I'm totally okay with that. But if things are not moving smoothly I have no problem stepping up to try to get things going again. In fact, over the last few years, I've grown in letting others take things over. But this is not the issue that I wanted to address, because there has not been a person who's botched it. It's the loss of control because life happens. Yes, there is no way of preventing that. But there is a way to turn situations around to find some good in them. And this is one situation I'm not sure if it can be spun into a good light.
A few weeks ago, I thought there might be something more wrong with my wrist. And I mentioned that before. I think I even mentioned about how I sent off those emails about the play and teaching. The funny thing is that I've gotten no response back on those. But I did have that bone scan today. On the bright side, my circulation is good. So that means that the pain I have is not because of inflammation. On the other side, the scan did show that there is something wrong in the joint--but this I already knew. There is now just a bit of clinical evidence. And that is good. It's something that can be seen. What's not so good... the doctor who oversaw the scan, it is his opinion that the problem is in the cartilage. This I don't know how to process. After all my doctor, he checked both sides of the cartilage when he operated on me back in April. And it was his opinion that there was nothing wrong with it then, that it was perfectly fine. So now there's the wait for about a week and a half until I can get in to see my doctor and find out what his take is on this scan.
All in all that should be good news. There's proof that there's something wrong. My prayers are being answered. I'm still okay with the idea of a second surgery. What I have not been okay with is the fact that with this option, I have had to move backwards in so many areas. I am not working and can't look for employment. (But on the bright side, the employment agency I had been in touch with said they will keep my information and all I have to do is give them a call when things get taken care of.) But I am still in the dark as to what will happen with the play. And I will have to take time away from my class. Even though in my heart, I know all of this is just a temporary setback, it's not clear forward movement.
Speaking of forward movement.... I'm not sure what to do at all with that guy that I really like. We were supposed to get together next week, but I've not heard anything from him in about two weeks now. I just don't get it at all! On one hand there's every indication that he likes me. Then on the other, it's clear that he's not taken with me. Because if he truly was taken, he'd be calling, emailing, or something frequently. I had such hope that this man was potentially something. But I'm beginning to think otherwise. And that hurts. It hurts a lot. Not devastatingly so, but it still hurts. Tonight I texted him if the plans were still on. So far no word. If I don't hear anything in a day or two, I'll flat out ask him if we are even talking anymore (just to have some closure).
I want and deserve someone to be crazy for me. So I put myself out there again. Not even an hour ago, I looked into Equally Yolked. I just need to get out and socialize, have fun, meet lots of men in person. In person for me is really good anyway. Besides that, this company actually interviews people in person before they become members. They weed out the married men and their profiles list marital history. That takes a load off of my mind. It's one less thing to have floating around. Besides, I have to do something. I'm not meeting anyone and that has to change.

The Good of Teaching

Even though I just finished a post, I needed to write another one, focusing on something good to uplift myself. Besides, what I'm about to write is good news that needs to be separate from what happened today. This past Sunday, after my kids were picked up from class, one of the other teachers pulled me aside and paid me the biggest complement that I've received in a long time!
The other week, while I was playing hookey to catch Phantom of the Opera, James took over my kindergarten class. When James pulled me aside, we had just finished our fourth week/lesson of this new year, with the new kindergarten classes. (James teaches the 9 am class, while I take the 11 am class.) He had filled in for me and had an amazing time with my kids. In fact, he told me that my kids were not only well behaved (which is a challenge for any kindergartner) but were so attentive. They answered all of his questions and he even had to think of harder questions for them! James complimented my teaching, and that he wants to now sit in on my classes, because my kids challenged him! He wants to up his game in teaching his class, all because of what he saw in my class! Oh it took everything in my to smile and accept the praise, because all I wanted to do was cry with the mixture of my emotions. I mean that is high praise to hear that from another teacher--that you are doing such a good job that they want to study you and model their own teaching after you. And at the same time I wanted to cry with relief because I was struggling to make a connection with my class that I have. I always end on such a high note with my classes at the end of each year. But this year, for some reason was hard to start brand new from scratch. My kids are great. In face one of the boys called me over during craft this last week to tell me that he loved me. Then there are a few who are just hard to reach. My connection isn't as easy this year as it has been in the past. And so I've been thinking that my kids weren't getting anything from me. Then to hear from James that they are indeed learning.... Honestly, all I want to do is gather my class together and give them all the biggest group hug ever! In fact, I'm probably loving this group more than the previous ones. And that's hard to say because I always love my kids. That's never an option (you never know who needs it or when they need it).
Maybe the real reason why I wanted to cry was because I've been struggling with the guilt of not giving my class as much of my everything that I usually put in. I've been torn in so many directions with my thoughts and attention. One, there's a man that I really like. And every female knows that once you start to like someone, you're thoughts tend to drift in their direction. Two, the whole wrist thing; work, pain, trying to get better, feeling exhausted because your body knows that there's something wrong, etc. Three, learning new computer programs to get a better job (in a different direction). Four, wanting to write and all that is involved in writing. Five, just wanting to veg out to give your brain a break for everything (and yes, I do suppose I think too much). Six, picking up a role in a musical. Honestly, to the casual observer, it would be easy for someone to say that I don't do a thing. But even this short list right now blows my own mind at just how much I'm doing. And there are things that I know I have not listed here. Then there is the list of things that I know I need to do but just haven't gotten around to doing. But none of this is really any different than before I got injured. I just feel like I'm out of balance, like learning how to juggle in a new stance--in this instance it would probably be on my head! It's frustrating learning a new stance. And of course it would seem like I don't have enough time for things. I just feel bad, because I want to give more time for my class. They are the only children that I have right now, other than my niece and nephews. I just want to give them more. But I feel so drained. I want to give my class more, because I know the impact that I can have. I never know the full impact that I get the privilege of having in their lives. But I do know that I do get to be impactfull. And they are so young. And they have so much potential. The way that I get to change the world on a regular basis is by showing those kids that they can impact the world right now themselves. They don't have to be adults to change the world. The world is theirs, right now! And I know that because I looked for ways to impact the world when I was younger. There is a way. And I have every intention of letting those kids know that they can change the world. They have the power to do great things right now! And I so want them to know that and do those great things!!! They are not just "children", they are so much more! Maybe I'm under the delusion that the more that I put into them the more they will pour out. But it's not a delusion. It's a principle truth. The water you pour into a glass, the more water pours out of the cup. I just want to give them more.

Learning to float on the waves of life

So today I had another doctor's appointment for my wrist. Just when I think I'm ready to start getting my life back on track for being normal, guess what? Yep. Not a chance! Ever since I started to spend time learning Excel in order to get a job as an administrative assistant, I started to have wrist pains constantly again. Definitely not a feeling that I like at all. Then everything went over the edge when I helped a best friend move. Her and her husband were great (as well as their mothers), refusing to let me over exert myself. (The funny thing is that I really would have. I guess you guys know me quite well! ;) I love having people look out for me and stop me from doing something that is stupid and will hurt me in the end. But at the same time I'm still frustrated in breaking my tendency to push the limits. Oh I love you guys! And yet, I still hide so much within myself. I hate having to admit that I can't do something. My brain has been trained and even brainwashed to think that it's a weakness, to not be able to do something. I guess it's because after all this time, I still believe that I have to prove something. But who am I proving it to? Only myself. To those that it truly matters, I don't have to prove anything to them. They know me. And I want to ask why do I have to prove things to myself, but I already know the answer. I know I am always proving to myself that I'm not a helpless female. And I know if those who know me well were to read this, they would bust up in laughter, because they know I'm a far cry from being a helpless female. A far cry! I am anything but. So why am I so preoccupied with not being weak? This I do not know. Hey I would enjoy anyone's feedback on that one. All I know is that my whole life has been turned upside down since near the beginning of this year, since I hurt my wrist. I've had to change. There's been no questions or skirting the issue about that. And what I have not told a living person is that the change has scared me! It scares me to have to admit that I can't take care of everything myself. It scares me that I have to have other people to help look after me. Flat out, it scares me that I have to be looked after! I should be touched that there are people in my life who want to look after me and who do. I am blessed in that respect. But it doesn't change the fact that this is new territory for me and it scares me.
So for a few weeks now I've had the suspicion that there's something more wrong with my wrist. I got the inkling when in physical therapy I've plateaued and have not been able to progress past the two pound weight in strength training. Then for the last week and a half I've been having pain in the center of my wrist, a different location from before the surgery and even the recovery of the area operated on. Today, my doctor looked at my wrist and saw that there was something wrong, when he was manipulating my joint. I was having pain that when he tweaked it in certain areas, I would nearly try to slide out of the chair and go to the floor. Not a good sign at all. And yet the x-rays were showing nothing, not even the ones that were taken today. And he had checked my cartilage in the surgery and didn't see any damage. So he was at a complete loss as to what was going on. The only option I had was to pray (while waiting for the x-rays) that whatever is wrong will show up somehow an that the doctor gets ideas on what to look for and how to look for them. I really do love that prayer works. By the end of the appointment, my doctor started to have ideas on what to do just pop into his head. So instead of being clueless, there was a plan starting to form in his mind. And I know that only came from prayer!
Now all that I know is that sometime in the next two weeks I will have a bone scan and another appointment with my doctor. If that doesn't show anything (but I hope that it does), the next idea the doctor had will be going in to have another MRI taken. So now begins the session(s) of test(s) again. I have a feeling that I will probably go in for another surgery. And this time, I am okay with that. I am not afraid of that option this time. (I think it helps that the last surgery went well and there was a marked improvement.) Now I'm dealing with my life being turned upside down one more time. (Or does this make it turned right side up? :) I wish I could make myself laugh right now. I don't like uncertainty. And now that I have things happening in my life again, I don't want to lose any of it. There was one man who I talked to briefly on line that once he found out that I was off work because of my surgery, he turned nasty on me--making comments that pretty much sounded like he was calling me lazy among other things. And anyone who knows me knows that the farthest from the truth. But I don't like people thinking things like that about me. And I don't want anyone else to think that about me (it hurts). Today I also had to send off an email to the director of the musical that I just got casted into, letting them know what I found out. And of course out of the good of the play, I had to say that I'm aware of the fact that for the good of the musical I will stand by the decision if they so decide to take me out and recast the role. I really don't want that to happen. But depending on what goes on, it might interfere with the rehearsals and it was made clear that there is a cost to be in the production. I already knew that and know it in my head and heart. But it doesn't stop me from still wanting to be in it. Then I also had to send off an email to the Director of the children's ministry at church. We're just a few weeks into a new year, and I have new kindergartners. I don't want to be out and away from them. I love those kids! But there's that possibility. It just hurts that once I get some normalcy back in my life, I have to let it all go again. I hate letting go of things in life. I want to keep normalcy tight and close to me. A normal life is good. But even I know you can't cling to life when stuff happens. There are times where you have to let go and float on the waves as they come. After all it's easier to float with the waves than to struggle against them and choke on the waves that are stronger than you.

Oh To Trust....

The one thing that has always frustrated me is the fact that I feel something before I understand why it is that I feel it. A simple example... the story I have been working off and on for the last few years, I've hated. I never knew why until my hard drive crashed and I lost the revisions I had made. Then with the new hard drive and having to literally recreate from what seemed like skeletons, I finally found love in my craft. I finally saw where it was meant to go. I don't have all the answers for it (even now) but I see the life behind it. And now I'm in love with the story again. An example of pure relief... on meeting a man for the first time, I can pretty much tell right away if there's potential. Most times than not there's no potential. I save myself some time and heartache. Oh I've still had a bit of both. But I've could have had a whole lot more. (Thank you that never happened!) Now I've spent most of my life working on not being bound by fear. I've never liked being immobilized by fear. It's an awful feeling that always harms someone more than help them. So I've been talking with a pretty amazing man for nearly two months now. I was totally excited from the first moment. He has the best personality I have ever seen in a man. So of course I was elated when he suggested our first date. Which was quickly followed by a deflation when I learned I had to wait three weeks to finally meet him in person. Patience has always been something I've had to work on my whole life (but more on this later). I was frustrated and didn't understand at the time. But today I can say with my whole heart that I'm glad our first date took so long in coming. If for no other reason than this number one reason (although there are a few others), there has been changes that was brought into my life because of this man. At the beginning of these changes I will hands down tell you that I don't like the changes. But they grown on me as I get use to them--because these changes have been systematically breaking down the defenses that I put up in my life (for good or bad) to protect myself. Yea for being a strong willed Ms. Personality. The last two weeks I was going crazy, straight out of my mind, and I didn't understand why I was feeling like this. Today, actually about an hour ago, it finally hit me what it was that I was really feeling. I was very young when I learned that I couldn't trust people. In fact I had to learn to take care of myself and protect myself, because more times than not, there was not a person to take care of me like I knew and even felt like I needed to be taken care of. I was not aware of how bad that got until about five years ago when I first started up in Master's Commission. Those are two years of my life that I would NEVER trade for a thing in this life. From day one I had to learn how to start trusting people again. One can not be in Master's and last long without trusting (well I guess you can, but you'd be miserable in the process). In those two years there was stuff that went on where trust was broken and even situations that were out of my control. But there were people who knew me and cared. They gave me the space that I needed, but at the same time kept a watchful eye on me. They were there whenever I asked them to be, and in those times they never let me down. For those, my dear friends, I learned how to give people a moderate level of trust from the beginning. I learned how to open myself up to others again, instead of standing behind a fortress not trusting a single soul. And all that was leading up to this moment, for this man. This is the first man, no the first person that I have willingly allowed myself to blindly trust, like a child, like I haven't trusted since I was a little girl. And it scares me to no end! This is a level of trust that usually takes people years to obtain by proving themselves. And I haven't given this trust willy nilly, which makes this even scarier for me. It's a calculated trust. Right now I can assure you that this level of trust will either bring the most amazing thing into my life, or it will be the largest crash and burn in recorded history (at least my history)! I was not able to describe why I felt so nervous and scared all while at the same time so excited and hopeful. And now I know. While I am hopeful and have my faith firmly placed in that I am doing the right thing and that I'm on my way to something amazing, I have to walk this faith knowing full well what the price is. I live every day knowing that I have crossed the line and handed someone the power to hurt me if he ever chose to do so. I pray he never does. In fact, each day I pray that he's deserving of this power. He has something that no other man or woman has ever had before.