Final's Week

It's the second day of final's week! Yipee!!!! I LOVE final's week b/c it means the end is almost near. I've always felt that way...even when i was taking classes. I just loved final's week and all it's drama, stress, cramming, late nights, coffee overloads. It all built up to successes, relief, lightness of spirit, spring fever, finality.

Including today, i have 9 days left at USD. OMG. Since April, time has escaped me. Seems like yesterday was just April 15th and this weekend had to have been April 1st. Right?! The other day i was walking downtown to rent some movies, and i was thinking about how easy it would be to stay here. I absolutely love my apt, but i bet i could afford a cute little house that's ALL mine. And it's great to walk or ride my bike downtown or to campus in a matter of minutes. Jones Food Center is my haven, loaded w/ organic and all-natural foods and Mister Smith's breads! To die for. Vermtown is lovely in the summer....serene, quiet, lazy. Carey's back porch patio is the place to be any day of the week...or night for that matter. No pushing your way to the bar, and every friday happy hour includes music! I plant a garden filled w/ veggies and loaded with flowers. I could participate in the Farmers Market. My job at USD would be mine for as long as i'd want.

But i wouldn't be happy, not completely happy anyway. I would continually wrestle w/ my soul, the need to do something more, to fulfill my passion for alternative healthcare, the desire to travel and learn and explore. And that's why i know i'm making the right decision. As scary as the unknown will be....as overwhelming as this process has been....as sad as i'll be for leaving those dear to my heart and the familiar....all those things pale in comparison to what i'll be doing, and who i'll become, and what i'll do w/ that knowledge once i return.

I'm struggling with saying good-bye. But the great thing about saying good-bye is knowing i'll say hello again really soon!

Getting prepared

So i think i'm fairly prepared...item-wise...for my upcoming trip. I have a solar powered battery charger that also charges cells phones, iPods and the like. Very cool! I have a Tivoli radio, which will serve as externals speakers for my iPod and claims to bring in major radio stations. It's cobalt blue w/ cherry wood. I have a voltage transformer and converter set...ya know for my hair dryer and straightening iron! (hehehe) I have work clothes, casual clothes, work-out clothes, dressy clothes. I'm taking my y0ga mat for sanity. My camera will capture my new home, neighbors and friends. A journal for ocassional lunatic rantings, frustrating days, and memorable, satisfying moments.
The thing i'm most struggling with: What shoes do i bring and which ones stay behind, getting packed away and never seeing my feet for 2 years? Dilemmas! I bought a pair of Keen sandals. I'm taking my running shoes. They recommend a good pair or 2 of casual walking shoes. Check. Check. Check. But what about going-out shoes? And the shoes I'll wear w/ my dress for the Swearing-in ceremony? And the shoes for social gatherings? I know, the drama! In all honesty, i'm (mostly) kidding. Okay, so i have a guilty pleasure for fashion and a small obsession for shoes. Really, i'm worried about what pair of cute, sexy shoes to take w/ me even though i say it's important. Can you say distration?! Have you noticed i'm NOT talking about if i'm mentally or emotionally prepared for this trip. Well....i'm saving that for another day.

So I'm Employee of the Month?

It's kinda comical.....oh and i don't like my picture. Does anyone ever?
http://usd.edu/press/news/news.cfm?nid=1301&uid=user

Gramms

My gramma died on monday evening. She was 96 years young, and up until about 2 years ago, was still spunky and spirited as anyone. She lived an inspiring life...living it by example, never wanting praise for anything. She raised 11 beautiful children, burying one. She lost her husband over 20 years ago but never seemed broken by it. Margaret was tough, a stiff upper-lipped Norweigan. She worked when she was tired; she sewed even though her fingers were worn; she made feasts for her family when there was little to put on the table; she believed in education, advocating her children's schooling, while fighting judgement for her decisions. I knew her as a go-getter, a feminist in her own way, a tireless gramma, a lover of life, a lover of folks dear to her heart. I never knew her to be fearful; she just did what needed to be done because it needed to be done. She lived in the present. She lived in the now, while not forgetting where she came from or the people from her past who helped shape her. Growing up, I aspired to live my life the way she lived her's: to be a hard worker without complaint, to sacrifice for family, to remain physically and mentally active, to live life every day, to love life every day. And from her example, I learned it was okay to be who I wanted to be; it was okay do what I wanted to do...to do what made me happy. Margaret had a remarkable soul. I will take her with on my life journey, to help guide me, to give me comfort, to continue inspiring me. I won't need to miss her for she lives on in her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is alive in my heart and memories. She leaves quite a legacy, one I'm proud to belong to.

Speak the Truth

Speak the Truth...
even if it hurts
even though it causes pain
even if it others turn away
even if you are alone in your words.
Speak the Truth from your heart
with loving kindness.
You cannot go wrong.

from Good Earth Tea

Trust thyself
only, and
another shall
not betray thee.

~Thomas Fuller

Strength

You Are Strength

You represent both fiery energy and steadfast will. You are innocent and naive - yet unafraid and undaunted. Perhaps you don't have the most powerful physical strength...But your mental powers make up for any amount of muscle.

Your fortune: Lately, you have been a pillar of ethics and moral strength. And while things may be difficult, your faith in yourself will come through. You may need to conquer the animalistic nature of yourself or others, with gentle force. Although this may seem like the darkest hour for you, victory is near.