A good friend of mine said that I need to return to the discipline of blogging, and I agree with him. I think one thing that will help me with this is changing my post deadline. The way that classes are now, trying to use Wednesday as anchor day is no longer viable. So, you will notice that I changed the column over there --> to simply "Word of the Week." I want and need (for my 101) to keep up the discipline of learning new words and incorporating them into my vocabulary.
I am committing to the end of this year (maybe longer, but baby steps...) to pick back up on my once-a-week posting habits. I actually do miss writing here and want to return to some normalcy. Although, part of my GMLRC 2011 calls for a better focus on school, I also need to ply those things that are outside of school that are important and keep me strong/sane. This blog is one of them.
So, quick updates/check in(s):
*The half-marathon went well. I have been having some serious digestive issues and, as a result, stopped training a few weeks out from the race. The longest that I ran in my training was 6 miles. I was really nervous about the race, because I hadn't gotten to the recommended 75% of the race training that I should have. So, I prepared myself mentally by giving myself permission to walk portions of the race if I felt I couldn't power through. I am happy to report that I was able to run (actually jog) the full race. My time wasn't that great (just a little over a 12 minutes mile, but was more concerned with finishing than doing so quickly. I was crazy sore for the first few days, but recovered soon there after.
*Cool opportunities: I have had some pretty cool opportunities in the past month. [1] I was asked to fill in on a salsa performance. That was pretty cool. I am no where near performance level, but felt super honored that I would even be considered. [2] I was invited to read a set of poems on a radio show here in Athens. I was very nervous about it, but I think it went well. (I'll post a link to the archive of it on the next blog entry, if you are interested). [3] I was invited to speak at church for laity Sunday. Again, not worthy, but humbled by the invitation and opportunity.
*Affection: I had a (longer than it needed to be) separation period from a guy that I was exploring the possibility of dating with. He was a great guy in a lot of respects and will make a pretty cool mark on this world if he persists in pursuing his dreams, but we were not a good fit to be a couple. About a month after the final nail in that coffin had been inserted, I met a guy who, in a lot of different ways, has reminded me that waiting for a compatible match is a worthwhile endeavor. (Not that I had been quick to jump into a relationship before. I mean, come on, I had my 6 year singleversary in August). After a period of getting to know each other we decided to make it official. This is kind of a big deal and kind of not for me. It's kind of a big deal that I have met someone on which to bestow the title I have been so stingy about giving out, and in that I really think he is such a great human being. But not such a big deal that I have any grandiose dreams about it all. I am excited for the journey and plan to fully enjoy it despite what the end game is (be it separation of unionization).
*Friendship: I have been a terrible friend lately. Like this blog, poetry, and a few other things... I let my friendships get pushed aside in the storm of life. I HAVE to do better. My friends are my lifeblood and I need to show them how much they mean to be by continuing to invest in them. GMLRC 2011 has to be holistic!
*Spiritually/Emotionally: I have finally stopped throwing my temper tantrum with God. I had gotten into that little kid's mindset that God's "nos" or withholdings in my life were a sign of how little importance I am to him. I vacillated between that and feeling guilty that I did not have the stick-to-itness to love Him and do right by Him in spite of. It's a whole long and complicated thing, but I am more convinced now than ever before that His love is "steady and unchanging...when I am surrounded, His love carries me." Consequently, I have felt much more at peace about my life and the circumstances surrounding it.
Well, I came back with a vengeance. This post was LOOOOOOOONG. Thanks, KAB, for putting a fire under my bottom.
