ah

"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry."

There it is in a nutshell, fans. My 'best-laid plans' have certainly gone amuck. I've been trying to sit down and write out some details of The Plan, but...for the faith two or three who read this...it has not happened. I notice that I need to get things down no only for my benefit of airing but of seeing it in black and white -- a commitment so-to-speak.

Alas, I have not been able to do it up to this point. School finals are starting this week (yes -- a prof is being absoLUTELY wonderful, letting us do our final ahead of schedule...frees him up too!) and I'll only have one more on the 17th. Once that's over...watch out world!!! :)

I'm recording a few songs this Thurs. It's quite professional. I've hired our wonderful jazz piano teach. for a couple hours. Keep your fingers crossed!! I'm actually really excited about it...woot!

Alright...I've just found out I have a meeting scheduled earlier than I thought and have to readjust the day. Until later....

stuff

So, I've been thinking...and working, which is why I haven't written anything lately.

I've been thinking that I really need to whip myself into shape (in more ways than one but, we'll stick to how it relates to music for now). I've had severe "lack of confidence" issues with singing and I'm not entirely sure why. I've come up with a couple things:

1. I'm waiting to be torn apart by teachers or 'pros' who hear me at USM.
2. I'm thinking that other students are picking me apart.

These bring up the question: Why do I CARE about Nos. 1 and 2 at all? Why am I allowing others' opinion(s) dictate how I feel about my abilities? and..Why do I think, for one moment, that they even know what they're talking about? (I'm not talking technique here). I know what I feel inside. I know what I'm thinking. I know what I can do better than anyone. How come I just "don't give a rat's ass"?! grrr...just thinking about this makes me angry

My biggest issue is wanting to please everyone. Impossible. Why try? Because it's been ingrained in me since childhood. So, (inserts another "why" question here) Why do I allow it to have control over me now?

Alright. I've asked the questions. I don't have all the answers to them. This blog has served many purposes. For now, it will serve as vehicle of exploration and setting goals for myself in music. What do I want to do with my singing? Where do I want to be in 5 yrs.? ,etc....

What is certain is:

1. God gave me this voice. He does not want it wasted. It is not mine and I cannot keep it to myself any longer.

2. I am ready to reach for the prize, whatever that is -- wherever it brings me, for the first time in my life. And...only for me and not because someone wants me to.

I'm scared out of my cotton-pickin' wits, but I'm going to do it anyway.

http://www.myspace.com/maraonly

My Dad, My Hero

my dad
my hero
watching you
fall
shake
quake
from the weakness that is overtaking you
rips my heart in two

my hero
my dad
you are
strong
steadfast
courageous
you were the one who carried me through

the body dies
it creaks
it groans
from age, ware and tare

we rail at its injustice
as it takes over
leaving you feeling
helpless
useless
unable to be as before
oh, how dare!

yet...through it all
you shine bright
illuminating
revealing
what your mouth cannot share

your eyes tell your story
fear
sorrow
yet...there is strength
love
peace
knowing
that you have never have to worry

you are
my dad
my confidant
you will remain as you always were
a man of
truth
integrity
complete and sure

you are
my dad
my friend
.....my hero

--mjr 2008

things

I'm starting to question myself again. I cannot pin down what it is I want. So much has happened and I'm struggling, trying to keep my world on its axis. There's a poem lurking deep inside me and I wonder if I should just let it flow. Oh, how I wish things would start making sense....

rain pours
soaking the soul
there's nothing to see but gray..

soul longs
to fly among
but cannot find its way..

sun shines
behind the lines
"I will not come out today."

school and STILL more about snakes! (sigh)

So, there I was, standing in line hoping to get my school schedule at USM straightened out and the woman behind the desk looks past the person in front of me and shrieks, "It's the snake lady!" I'm telling you! What next? Sure, Dr. Bob (the groovy prof of chorale, etc.) asked me about it in the stairwell, but he didn't scream at me! Oh, joy!

Is it naive of me to think that all that hoopla would be water over the dam now? Probably. One thing it did help was getting me the attention I'd hoped I would have received LAST year with the same issues dealing with the same people. Curse. Grumble. Mutter-sputter.

I go down to my tenant's apt. to fix a door problem and am reminded of Mr. Snake yet again because AJ has his 2.5-3 foot long boa (safely ensconced, I'm assured) just behind me in a tank. I try not to shudder all the while asking myself why I allowed him to bring it in AFTER I had the washing machine episode. Stamped on forehead: SUCKER!

Another day in the life...

on to becoming a star -- hopefully, a singing one this time. heh heh

no snakes...what now?

I have to say that I'm relieved that the snake story is finally down to a dull roar. It certainly was exciting...to say the least, but I'm ready for some other excitement now. :)

School is starting back up in a couple weeks and I'm looking forward to the focus of choice: jazz vocal concentration and languages. Once German is tucked firmly under my belt, it's on to Portuguese -- here's hoping there are classes at USM for that. If not -- I'll have to go elsewhere. I'd had to lose what little I've got of that. Other than singing, speaking another language is something I've always wanted to excel at. 

Singing brings me to writing, which brings me to Em's wedding tomorrow. I wrote something, at her request, for her wedding and I'm suddenly unsure. Will it be OK? Will it be good enough? Will she .... ??? Oh, it just keeps going...on and on in my brain. She may not even have her wits about her to even hear it, which may be a good thing. It's the processional and no one really pays attention to that do they?! :)

I cannot identify what I am feeling. It is too much and I am at a complete loss...

My! How quickly thoughts and emotions can change in an instant.

the end of snakes?

Just finished an interview with Jay Thomas this morning and I have to say I was a little deflated. I'm not exactly sure why...I just was. They called about 15 mins. later than scheduled (granted, things happen and other interviews can run over -- I mean, it's HIS show after all...he can take as long as he wants) and I waited for another few mins. while he finished up his interview before mine. I'm not sure I wanted to hear all that. F-bombs were flying like they were going out of style. (Pete said it was most likely a satellite broadcast which might explain the free flying f's.)

Anyhoo -- they finally got to me and it lasted no more than 5 mins. He did most of the talking -- again, fine. It's his show. -- so, there (1) wasn't much to say and (2) there was little time to talk about the whole episode because he was already on the next subject. It just felt really weird.

I have to say that the interviews I did with The Moffit and Frankie Show in Kansas City and The 2 Dorks in Iowa were much more enjoyable. Heck, even the one here in my hometown, WJBQ in Portland, was more entertaining. Ah well, what do you expect? After all, it's old news by now....and that's probably a good thing. :)

check out these guys:
http://www.2dorks.com/
http://www.kcfx.com/
http://www.wjbq.com/ (Lori, Meredeth and Jeff are a hoot!! LOVE YOU, GUYS!! :) )

When all is said and done -- it was a ride!! I was on the local (WMTW 8) and national (Good Morning America) news! Heck, it even went world-wide! Can't beat that with a stick now can you? :) My friend in Australia couldn't believe it and said the story was other there as well -- she emailed everyone she knew too..heh heh...wow! Crazy times here in Gorham, Maine!

snake adventures....

It looks like my 15 mins. of fame have come and gone. I can't say that I'm not relieved. I'm not a snake lover and having to relive the entire episode of finding a python in my washing machine is not something I relish. Frankly, why couldn't have been for a short story or song I wrote and published? :) Such is life.

I have laundry to do today and I'm a bit wary. No reason I should be -- I just am. It will pass, I'm sure. In the meantime I really will be doing what I told the reporter I would do: Checking EVERY possible opening/crevasse there is to be seen before I plunge unseeingly....again.

It looks like an eventful day. I'm getting to projects that took a back burner since my trip to Colorado, of which I haven't had the chance to write about yet. Golly! I better get on that. :) I went to see my dear friend Trish and her mountains. They took my breath away...literally! heh heh So much for adjusting quickly to high altitudes without too much ado. No matter. I was able to see her again and meet Pete. In my (humble, as always) opinion, I got the better end of the deal. :-D

tot ziens!

snake in my washing machine...

UPDATE, July 22: Just talked with my dad today and he was chatting with a guy at work who has snakes as pets (shudder). The guy told him that coming through the drain was absolutely credible. He's found his in places that no one would think and says, "If they want to get some place, they will." Apparently, "where there's a will, there's a way." (shudders again)

*****

UPDATE, July 19: I may have an idea about how the python could have entered. Of course, the itty-bitty tubes would be impossible for such a snake to enter -- that's a given. BUT...it could have slithered through the drain pipe. I mean, the PVC piping is definitely big enough for a python to enter, especially since its state of being dehydrated and hungry. What do you think???

*****

UPDATE 11:45am: Just talked with a radio DJ who is/was also a plumber and we came to the conclusion that, since the possibility is slight -- that the python traveled through the water pipes it IS possible that it COULD have come up through the old walls and somehow got in through the back of my washer. (NOTE: Snake handler was the one who said it came through the pipes!!!!!) I still don't see how, but it could have been that way. OR somehow, the python got in via the PVC piping which is a lot bigger. Still, it's a mystery!! ?????

*****
Just read some comments from "professional plumbers" who say,

"As a professional plumber there is no way possible a snake could get into a pressurerised water pipe. I also see no way that a snake could get through the pump motor that discharges the water out of the washing machine, or through the 1/2 inch water lines or the selinoid valves in the washing machine. I see no way possible that a snake could do what this article says. Espically a python that is probibly 2 1/2 inches in diameter" Jenn


Well, all I have to say, Miss Imaprofessionalplumber is...It was THERE and it didn't crawl in through the bloomin' window! So YOU explain to me how is wasn't possible?! My new plumbing is big enough to have 'housed' it...I TOUCHED IT! So THERE! (I know...real mature, huh? It just irks me how some people just "know"!) Idiots!! Especially Rusty here who adds,

"In water pipe? Ask any plumber.... a little suspicious to me."

BAH!

Gorham woman finds snake washing machine...that would be me

OK -- so, I'm on the news everywhere.

It's crazy!

I'm going to have to put the phone on mute or something for getting so many calls. People are starting to lie about who they are (thankfully, this has happened only once) and it's not funny. I had an interview scheduled with one radio station and another led me to believe it was they who were the right station...aargh!

Anyway -- here is the whole story. You know, the one without editing....

Wednesday, July 16, I bring my laundry down to wash. There is nothing unusual in or around my laundry basket and/or washer and dryer. I put it in and wash. The washing machine stops and I forget about it until approximately and hour later. It is somewhere before or just after 2:00 pm and I reach in the washing machine, without looking, and start unloading.

I never dry my jeans (for comfort issues) so, I laid them out to air dry. I immediately reach back in and grab onto something solid. A movement catches my eye to my right (about 1 foot from my forearm) and I see a snake head, tongue slither, starting to come out of the wash tub. Time seems to have slowed down to a crawl and I gasp, jump back and stare! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!! A SNAKE is in my washing machine! For some reason, I have the where-with-all to slowly lower the lid. Apparently, I'm still humane during a major shock that has taken my breath away.

I went around to my kitchen to where my Pomeranian (Mocha) is safely hemmed in and start to dry sob (probably hyperventilating while trying to determine whether or not to cry). My brain starts kicking in and I'm starting to ask myself how in the world a large snake could get into my washing machine.

This is the question that everyone is asking and there is already a LOT of speculation and incredulity. Why not? I was asking myself the exact same thing. Now, I am not versed in reptile-ology, but I DO know I didn't place it there. I would never TOUCH a snake, no matter its size. (shudder) I immediately thought it might be my roommate's fiance's pet snake, Sierra and contacted her. He had it up (from Mass.) with him on Monday and neighbor's saw him with it. Em, my roommate, made him keep it outside (rightfully so) and said that he took it back with him.

Another possibility was my new tenant, who is not even moved in yet. He asked if it would be OK to have his pet snake in the apartment downstairs. I hemmed because I'm not fond of the idea. He assured me that it would be tightly ensconced in it's cage...aquarium...whatever. So, he was the next person I thought of. I promptly dismissed it because his snake is till in Pownal...too far away from here (phew!). I eventually called him to see if he could possibly take it out when I couldn't find anyone less expensive to remove the snake.

I made several phone calls before resorting to the TV stations. My vet. The animal hospital down the road. The town office. The police department. Animal control (they don't remove snakes...what??!!!). Private snake remover guy (too expensive -- after all, I am a private voice teacher who's budget is pretty well planned ahead and doesn't allow for a casual dropping down of $75 or more at a moment's notice). Finally, (at the suggestion of my hero, Pete!!) TV stations. After all, they have connections...right?!. At this point, I just want it to be GONE!

I got a response from the ABC affiliated local station here who wanted to come and check it out smelling a possible story. Meanwhile, I'm still alone (yes, for those scoffers out there - I was completely alone) in my apartment 1 hour AFTER finding it. My mother was curious and came in for the last half hour before the news team came. I kept washing my hands because I couldn't get over the fact that I actually touched the darn thing.

I realize people dismissed it as, "Oh, she's a woman -- she'd think ANY snake was a big one." Obviously, I do not exaggerate! Of course, it being coiled around the wringer, it was hard to tell, but I told those I talked with that it was about 3-4 feet long and 3 inches in diameter. It looked black and gray to me at first but, then, I didn't look again to see (shudder) that it was actually brown/tan. UGH! It had yellow-orange eyes...creepy!

No one knew how long the snake was or what type of snake until Richard, from Lewiston, came to get it out (he was referred to me by the TV station) and was willing to take it off my hands for less than the first guy and split it into two payments -- much appreciated. He arrived somewhere between 6:30pm and 7:00pm.

While waiting for Richard to come, the evening crew decided they wanted to broadcast it live for the 11:00pm news and arrived to "take over" for the day crew. They were all wonderful! The people at WMTW here in Maine are fabulous. I don't know what I would have done without their quick response and help. It was also comforting to find that the camera guy afraid of snakes. Even so, he did a great job at capturing the sight. Kudos!!

My roommate arrived followed shortly by my new tenant who came after I called to tell him he did not need to come after all to help. He was curious to see it for himself. After all, he owns a small one himself. Why not? Actually, I am glad he was here because (and they omitted this on TV -- probably because it would have changed Richard's image a little) he had to help Richard get it into the bag he brought to take it away in.

As Richard starts pulling up the snake (later identified as a reticulated python), it keeps coming and coming! The whole room is shocked (you can hear my mother exclaiming, "Oh, my stars and garters!" in the background! heh heh) by its length. Richard announces that it is 8 feet long, hungry and very dehydrated, explaining the reason why it is much skinnier than it normally would have been (shudders again) under normal circumstances. The python starts wrapping itself around Richard's arm as he gets the bag to place the snake in. It goes into the bag, but comes right back out, falling to the floor, moving in our direction. Richard holds onto the tail and promptly puts the bag down to regain control of the python. AJ, my new tenant, puts his gloves on (he came prepared) and starts helping Richard place the python into the bag. After a few minutes, the python is secure.

(SIGH!)

I talked a little more with Richard when he came back up from putting the python in his truck and got a bit watery in the eye thinking about the whole thing again. I told him how much I appreciated his willingness to help me the way he did and for taking two payments for his services. I noticed in the Sun Journal that he was quoted as saying, "she was still crying (about it) when I left." Er....let's get it right, bucko...I was not crying! Men! After all that and I'm still a little woman who goes into hysterics at the littlest snake!!!! HUMBUG! Yes, he did have more sympathy for the python than me, but that's ok....it's his job and passion. I can respect that as a voice teacher who literally sings for her supper, but gimme a break, will ya?! YEESH! As much as I am good in a crisis I am still allowed to be totally FREAKED OUT once in a while!

Well, there you have it. The truth as it happened.

I am without a python and glad that "Maytag" (jokingly named by the Gorham Times people) is safe and sound and being well taken care of. For those interested, he will be on display at York Wild Animal Kingdom. Go take a gander. But, don't be expecting to see me there. I've already had my close encounter......

garsh

I am trying not to let the waters of life drown me (doesn't that sound poetic?!), but sometime it's difficult...I tell ya!

Just when I thought that I'd FINALLY made the right decision on tenants for my 2bdrm. apt....they call yesterday (move in date was the 1st of July) and said they broke up!! I'm, like, WHAT?! Now, I'm mad-dashing around trying to fill the apt. by the first! I didn't break down, but I cannot live another month like this one -- no money to pay the mortgage, etc.! I had to use my credit card for the first time to pay two bills! it's mortifying!

I can't help but wonder aloud, "Dear God, why aren't You giving me the money to pay for the house?" etc., etc., etc,... I'm not good in the trust department...obviously

parents

It's hard watching your parents age. It didn't really hit me until this last year seeing dad decline and being diagnosed with Parkinson's. Mom's dementia didn't come as a total surprise, but it is also getting worse and I can see that they're going to need my sister and I more than ever. I remember my counselor told me that I should ease up on the care taking a few years ago because (and he was so right),"They're going to need you more as they get older so, take time for yourself now." I have no problem doing what I need to do for them. My Land! They've given so much to us for so many years -- it's about time they got a little payback so-to-speak.

They're brave and precious. My only wish for them is that when it's time for them to pass over to heaven that they do so w/out pain and earthly cares. I also pray that God will grant me enough income (although no one wants to hire me!!!!!) to be able to give more financial support to them when it is necessary.

I've gotten one of the apartments filled (thank God!) and I have a good lead on the other, which is a two-bedroom. Keep your fingers crossed!!

tootles!

such is life

Dad is home from the hospital, thank the Lord. We got him last night and he's already trying to do too much (sigh). What is it about fathers who think they're indestructible? No matter -- it's good to have him home feeling and looking a whole lot better than when took him Saturday.

It was a loaded day, though. I had a good heart-to-heart w/my roomie and feel we've reached a deeper level in our friendship. I love her to pieces and sure will miss her when she gets married this August. I wish her happiness and beyond! :)

One of my tenants gave me their notice, but broke the agreement by not giving me the written notice for 30 days AND they expect their entire deposit the day they move out. Well, thank God I have all the signed Rental Agreements on file and any other info related to their tenancy. The husband lambasted me when I gave him my written reply. Called me a jackass so many times -- I almost wanted to suggest another adjective so I wouldn't be bored. He seems to know all about my life -- what I do for work and how much money that brings in all the while forgetting that I got stuck with a 12,000.00 bill from the oil leak bequeathed to me by the previous owner (what?! you mean I STILL owe it to him to replace all the things he never told me about? let him deal with his blasted plugged-with-too-much-hair-because-I-didn't-care bathtub!!) -- and what I should have done to the house in my first year of ownership. All I can say is: It must be nice to know it all. Sadly, he just confirmed that he is a ... well, I'll be kind and use his extensive knowledge of descriptive adjectives ... jackass....bless his heart.

Shaking off the ignorance of idiots...I'm on to ... er... WORKING and getting finding out how the 'rents are faring all the while trying not to roast or melt, rather, in this muggy heat...

time passes...

I realize it's been a long time since I wrote, but a lot of things have been happening. Some good. Some bad.

1-school is out and I finished the semester. I didn't pass everything the way I would have liked to, but it's over and now I can move on to what I've been wishing/hoping to do for ages. Music/Languages!! I'm VERY excited about getting back into German and delving into the "new" world of jazz vocal performance! here's a taste of what I'm doing: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=365965598

2-mom went into the hospital May 2 with a heart attack. They put a stent in -- 90% blocked artery. Very scary there for a bit. She's doing well, though and that's great. Just more exercise and eating right...how droll, huh?

3-a tenant left and have been trying to fill the space. I think I have a couple that will definitely sign on this coming Tues. (June 10th) so that will be a HUGE relief. Though, I still do not know how I'm going to pay for my second mortgage. I don't make enough to do it on my own -- talk about scary....

4-dad decided he wanted equal time in the hospital and went in yesterday not able to breath...said his lungs hurt. They ruled out heart attack (we had an idea that wasn't it) and found a small blood clot on his lung and a lot of pollops???/growths in his lungs as well. When we left him, they had called a lung specialist to come in....we'll find out more today.

other than that -- I'm just trying to keep my head afloat and figure out how to completely put my trust in God -- especially about paying the bills!! I can't even get a summer job!!! what the heck is going on!! ROAR! :) OK, trust...right.

hectic

Things have been hectic. I've not had a decent hour to call my own nowadays, but that's to be expected for the end of the semester...or so I'm told. I appreciate that I have work study. I mean -- who wouldn't want a nice cushy job like handling tickets at the School of Music box office or ushering concerts you get to attend for free? Or occasionally see a theater performance free? Can't get any better you say? Well, this fall I'll be working the office scheduling all the dudes and dudettes to work those concerts/shows and I'll get credit for doing it. Not bad, huh? Actually, I'm really looking forward to that because (1) I won't have to be out at all hours of the nice (such a homebody) and (2) I'll be able to have work be 'central', easy and fit nicely into my school/work schedule as well as giving me a life!! :)

I'm also excited about the the fall/spring '08/'09 year because I'll be doing what I set out to do: study music and languages (starting up with German). I can't WAIT!! :) After sitting through 4+ classes of core curriculum, I thought, "Why am I doing this? I already have a degree. Why am I wasting time sitting in a class that does not serve my goals?" This brought me to basics again -- go to school for what you WANT to study, Mara...duh! :) After all, I'm not 18. I've already lived that first half of my life. Now, it's time for me to do what I want to do, not what I 'should' do!! Yup! I'm excited! :)

stay tuned....

been busy...

It's school break and I'm SOOO glad! I've been swamped with so many things my head is spinning (wouldn't be surprised if it was literally!). The plan is to catch up with studying that I've neglected because of...well...family circumstances and just plain, "I don't care." It's horrible to admit, but this semester has been a drag. I wonder if it's because I've decided on a specific direction and that is part of what has me itching to get this one over with. I want to start .. NOW!! UGH! I'm so impatient some times...blah! :-/ No matter... I WILL hit the books and be thankful that I passed my classes...hopefully...

You know, the more I think about it, the more I think it also has something to do with the fact that we've had a long winter here. Sure, it's spring now, but we still have a few feet of snow on the ground and it's 23 degrees this morning!! It's supposed to warm up, be snow-free and trees showing buds. But....NOOOOO...it has to be frigid and depressingly bare. Save me!

At least my indoor plants are thriving. This Christmas Cactus is only supposed to bloom (so I'm told) at...you guessed it...Christmas time, but here it is on it's second bloom and I'm also on my THIRD!! I'm so excited. What do you think?? Pretty, huh?

On a more serious note: My parents' health is failing. My dad, after a second opinion, has Parkinson's and my mother has bee "officially" diagnosed with dementia..not the "kind that indicates Alzheimer's" but the frontal lobe kind. We got the news before Christmas, but we thought Dad's Parkinson's was something else. Apparently not. We've been sitting down and talking with them about living/housing ideas without them thinking we're trying to take over. They know this, for which I'm SO grateful for, but it's hard sitting there talking about wills and hearing your brother only talk about dad's guns, tools and selling up the family home so he can get his share. I wonder sometimes if he even has a clue. (sigh) Melanie (my sis) and I have been talking about several living combinations...one including them staying here in a downstairs apt. They'd rather stay in their home (who wouldn't??) and Mel says she would live with them so that we could get income by renting out the trailer where she lives now. Golly! I HATE talking things like this, but it's reality even though I hate it. :*(

Which brings me up to something that's been on my mind and heart a LOT lately. I've faced the fact that I'm going to be devastated when dad dies..even now..it's hard to keep the tears from falling. Death is a part of life, but it sucks. He's the only one I "mentally and emotionally" connect with and I'm not sure what I'll do w/o him. Yes, I'm a survivor, but I know that I won't be able to do it without help. So, for those of you who read this...please pray that someone who suits me best comes along soon, won't you? As much as I hate to admit it, I need someone to lean on this time......

it's been a while

I can't believe it's been this long since I updated my blog. There's been some good things and bad. I wish that the bad didn't include things financial, but it does and therefore I'll have to roll with the punches.

I hate finding out that I'll have to pay taxes this year. I was extremely disappointed. I have NO idea how I'm going to pay them. I don't have a pot to pee in, let alone the money to buy the necessities of life. I have an oil bill that cannot seem to get below $1000 and my CMP bill came in at over $100! Talk about a shock. The first thing I did was break down and bawled. I can't believe that this is happening...again. The story of my life, folks.

While trying not to be completely depressed about my financial woes, I DO have a happy note. I've been talking with someone (yes, a boy) and we "hung" out via online (yes, we chat -- 6 mos. now -- funny how time flies) most of the day yesterday talking and playing games. Sounds crazy I'm sure, but it was very nice and just what I needed. He always makes me smile and I enjoy his company, such as it can be since he lives across the country (till spring, that is). He really is a nice man. One day at a time....

The main thing I'm trying to do is trust God...period. Nothing takes Him by surprise, as it shouldn't me either. Unfortunately, I DO get sideswiped and I fail miserably at the trust thing. I can only hope that I'll surrender what fear I need to sooner than I have in the past. Whoever thought living by faith was easy.... send 'em over -- I'll set 'em straight spit-spot!

Oh yeah -- and I'm trying to stay afloat in school too. Not an easy task along with working and silly work study that is supposed to be helping me pay for school and actually pays my other bills. (sigh)

Hope to stay current from now on, but life has a way of taking over sometimes. Nevertheless, I will try. :) Off to finish watching The Mummy -- a movie that never fails to put me into a good mood.

going back to school

Tomorrow is the first day back to school and it looks like it might be a snow day. Funny if it works out that way. I mean -- we've been waiting to start back up and then this blizzard comes along. I'll be watching the cancellations fo sho!

I won't complain though -- at least it's at the beginning, right?

Mom and Dad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past Friday. It's amazing and I'm proud of them. Here they are, 50 yrs. later more in love with each other than before. Gives me hope. :)

Been talking with someone for about 5 months. He's really nice and I think he likes me too. Unfortunately, he's out of state...but he plans on moving back to Maine in the spring. Who knows? He's nice and makes me laugh -- I like him.

The Patriots are winning like gangbusters and it's exciting! Never thought I'd be "in to" sports, but I don't mind watching football or baseball. Prefer live baseball, but oh well. :)

boy! I've just run out of things to say -- I usually have to just stop myself. ha! Hope you enjoy -- whoever reads this droll blog of mine.

later fans

vacation

This is the last week of vacation and I haven't done a cotton-pickin' thing that's been productive other than go to PROP this afternoon to see about fuel assistance. I'm hoping that they approve me again this year and that they come through with help for CMP and Portland Water. That would certainly be a help and welcomed relief. It's been hard and I'm in the midst of trying to trust God for sending help -- providing for me, as He promises. Very hard for me for some reason.

Last week I was sick all week - not a fun way to spend my school vacation, but at least I wasn't missing any school because of it. It was horrible though. I had this horrible dizziness that lasted for at least 4 days on top of a cold. It was dreadful. If it was only just the cold, it wouldn't have been so bad, but that dizziness was really hard to live with. I couldn't go too long without having to lie down. NOT fun.

This morning, I stayed in bed till almost 8am. I was awake before, but didn't feel like getting up. Well, it IS vacation after all. ;)

I've got to pick up some projects like crocheting soon. I didn't even get any blankets to the Peabody House this past December and I don't like that. I didn't do ANYthing for charity -- or hardly anything. Horrible feeling.

I've been here at the house for a year and it's great. Doesn't feel that long and doesn't seem like a reality even now. But, what a joy it is -- even with some of the bad that's happened. God is GOOD!!!

school

ps: I passed most all my classes (the one I'll have to take over is just one credit and hard -- ear training...ugh!! that was no surprise, though -- never did well on the dictations!!) and I'm on to the next semester with pretty decent grade considering how blasted hard it was!! Praise God!!!

I MADE IT!!

2008

Happy New Year!

2008 has certainly started with a bang....she said sarcastically. Truth is, I got hit with bug that included dizziness which left me homebound after Kara's wedding. I felt I was coming down with something that afternoon, but would NOT have missed that wedding for the world!! (She was absolute GORGEOUS -- so beautiful and princess-like.) If the wedding photos hadn't taken so long and I wasn't feeling badly, I would have stayed to get more hugs in from my beautiful girls. Oh, they've grown up so beautiful. Definitely the "rule the world" types fo sho!! ;) Good time and good cheese cake, which was my consolation of not getting to spend more time with Kara, Bep and Chel. :-D What a way to go! heh heh

Today, I went to a brunch and, even though I was still feeling a bit off, it was a good time. I'm glad I pushed through the fog and went. Marilyn and Anne always make me feel better!!!!

And, speaking of feeling better, the headache is leaving (thank the Lord) and my dizziness is starting to go away!!! Yipeeeeee! Terrible feeling, that.

I've made no NY's resolutions and probably wont, since none of us seems to be able to stick to 'em for long anyway. Suffice it to say, I intend on taking all opportunities that come my way -- especially if they better me and enrich my life!!

Now, off to finish watching Jane Eyre. Life really is good.