By the way...I'm okay!

Just another fly by post to say I'm doing well, and to thank folks who've shot me an email to make sure I'm okay.  I had last week off for spring break, and it was glorious.  I really used the time to get myself solidly back in my exercise routine - doing lots of walking and starting to do a Pilates DVD I've had for about 3 years and never had peeled the original cellophane from!  I've continued the exercise this week now that I'm back to work and I know it's helping me feel more energetic and positive.

The week off was also therapeutic for my mind and spirit.  I had ample time to read, meditate, allow myself to continue to process and grieve the loss of our dear pup, enjoy friends...just BE.  I'm sure it's been said in other places, but it was in AA I first heard that we have to remember that we're human BEINGS, not human DOINGS.  I tend to be an activity junkie - scheduling myself to the max with activities of all kinds.  I see this as yet another way I scramble to avoid being alone with myself.  AND YET...solitude and quiet are 2 qualities I crave most to add to my life.  The meditation I've been practicing is beginning to really help me find comfort and calm that extend to my day to day life.  A very positive benefit, indeed.

Speaking of solitude, I am home alone until Saturday evening, and without even the dog, more alone than at any time in the last 11 years.  Our 24 y/o son who was here for about 7 months working, saving money and being quite delightful, left Monday morning to begin a drive out to California, where he's going to work on an organic farm through October. While it was hard to say goodbye to him, it's great to see him pursuing something he's been researching and wanting to do for over a year.  In exchange for his work, he's provided room, board and a small weekly stipend.  Also, the drive will afford hihttp://fatgirldivesin.blogspot.com/m views of much of the country he hasn't yet seen.  Of course, Mom will be happy once I know he's arrived at his destination in the Sacramento Valley!

Anyway, then Tuesday morning I deposited hubby at the airport for a business trip to Texas, so it's bachelorette time for me.  As I've said before, being home alone always helps me do better with my eating for some reason.  It's a heady feeling of independence and not having to do anything (like cooking!) unless I want to.  But it is strange not having a big dog to serve as my best guardian and protector.  Lou was a big barker, so if even a squirrel, or God forbid a cat, set paw into our yard, Lou steadfastly guarded his territory (and his mommy - me) with gales of hysterical barking, sending would be intruders high-tailing it away. 

At the end of next week, hubby and I will be traveling to Atlanta for our youngest son's college graduation.  We'll be there for a whole week, getting our son packed up to return to Philly with us (where he will hopefully find a REAL job as opposed to working in the deli at the local Acme store!).  Also, my husband's whole family lives in Atlanta so we'll be seeing them a lot.  I genuinely love my in-laws and have great relationships with them, but I always have angst of weighing more than I should/would/could - an issue which is in my mind only.  Anyone who has read my blog for very long knows I always stress about this when we go to Atlanta, because I swear this family has more thin and highly attractive members than a supermodel's.  It will all be fine, and I think I'm less worried about that piece than I have been before.  Ahh,ever-elusive self acceptance.  It's definitely aided by knowing I'm doing what I can to get as fit and healthy as possible.

While in Atlanta, I'm planning to have dinner with fellow bloggers Tammy and Tina.  I met Tammy during my last visit, and can't wait to meet Tina as well. It's awesome to meet up with bloggers  "in the flesh"! 

So those are the highpoints from my little corner of blogdom.  We're expecting terrible storms and winds this morning, so getting our wheel chair bound clients off vans and inside at work should be an experience!  Happy Pre-Friday, all.