thought for the day

It's interesting how things have changed in many ways for me in the past year.  It was one year ago today that i was relieved of my duties at Peppermoon.  Let me say that it was a very good parting. No bitterness on either end and i believe we were all relieved that it went so well.  It was time for a change for both myself and the company.  And, even thought i have not seen many of my former coworkers in the past year, i still keep up with them as best as i can.

i never thought that i would be going back to school at my age, but last August, there i was back at UNCG.  And, admittedly, i was both excited and intimidated.  i had not been in a classroom for almost 20 years.  It was nice to see that there were many adults on campus...returning students, i mean, not the professors.  It was odd, though, that i was older than several of my professors lol  Anyway, it was definitely an adjustment in my life.  i had to relearn how to learn, how to study, how to keep up.  i was not always successful, but i did the best that i could.

Being back out in life without a safety net, so to speak, has also made me look at my surroundings.  i love my things, but they are not as important to me as they use to be.  And it's easier for me to let go of them.  In an effort not to waste time when i was not on campus, i have been trying to clean things out around the house and get rid of stuff.  i am not always successful at it, but i am a hell of a lot better than i used to be!

There have been ups and downs, definitely.  And i think they were more accentuated because my life has changed its path.  My 40th birthday was a bust, saved only by Michael and Bethann.  Other than spending time with our families, the Christmas season was a huge disappointment for me.  And i felt more isolated this year during the winter weather.  In the past, i enjoyed getting a day off of work because i was still getting paid. Now, that i'm forking over money to go to school, i did not particularly like missing my classes and playing catch up on account of Mother Nature.  On the plus side, Michael planned, with the help of his parents and some good friends, a trip to Disney World for us and it was amazing!  i felt just like a kid again.  We had a blast and i can't wait til we go again or get jobs their, whichever comes first!  the whole experience was so invigorating and i could not have asked for a better vacation.  And i also realized, thanks to school, that i actually enjoy learning.  Once again, i don't know if it is because i'm going into debt to get an education, but i'm paying more attention and actually enjoying reading, homework and figuring things out.

So, needless to say, it has been a good year for me, in the long run.  Let's hope the next one is even better!

Cheers