My Projects

1. Archery
2. Ice Skating
3. Medieval Garb
4. Photo Album / Scrapbooking
5. Drawing
6. Intensive Journal Summary
7. Intensive Journaling
8. Charity's End Web Site
9. Story Telling
10. Guitar and Violin
11. Tarot
12. Mythology Group
13. Knitting
14. New Media Design
15. Motherhood
16. Loving What Is Inquiry
17. Race Walking
18. Photo Journalism – Lafayette's Back Alleys

My SCA Medieval Garb

Completed

• Brown velvet tunic with cream underskirt.
• White early Tudor with blue underskirt.
• Maroon early Tudor with gold underskirt.
• Black dress.
• Short red tunic, heavily embroidered, with sage green underdress and medieval print sleeves.
• Blue tunic embroidered with white leaves, with red underdress.
• Dark blue cote with white hem and red sleeves.
• Cream tunic with brown trim and brown underdress.
• Various skirt/vest/ combinations.
• Blue dress with red heraldic tabard.
• Red dress with lavender underskirt and blue tabard.
• Five cloaks.

In various stages of completion

• Black and maroon Italian Ren.
• Sage green cote with quilted jacket.
• Black cote with beaded underdress.
• Maroon with lace-up front and white brocade underskirt.

Off They Go

Tuesday, July 21, 2004
I took the family -- sans Rhiannan, of course -- to the airport today and sent them off to Florida. They will play in the sand and surf for a week. Their cousins Alexandria and Graham are there. They should have a great time. I'm so proud of Melanie and Karen. They are so tall and pretty! I stood on the bridge above while they went through the security line below. They looked up at me through the glass roof while they descended down the escalator to the shuttle. Right before they disappeared, I mouthed "You're pretty" to them.

I'm very much looking forward to spending a week on my own. I spent the evening very pleasurably. First, I went to my Dad's, where we stuffed ourselves with steak, corn and mangoes. Back at home, I read Stephen Crane's poetry aloud to myself, thinking frequently of Joe and of Rhiannon. Then I went jogging, took a bath by candlelight, and went to bed.

Joe and Rhiannon are my two great loves. Carrie B. was too, though, wasn't she? I loved her with all my heart. And she broke it.

You know what I want? To be able to say, "I loved. I loved deeply and madly and truly." Whitney Houston: "Didn't we almost have it all? The ride with you was worth the fall."

Thursday, July 22, 2004
Saw Joe today as we both headed off to work. He was getting into his car as I drove by. That guy is getting balder and balder. He pretended he didn't see me, and I didn't slow down to say hi. I'm still obsessed by him. Because I'm an idiot. Because my marriage isn't any good and I have nobody else to think of. Because I felt a deep connection with him.

Life is an adventure. You don't always know what will happen or how things will turn out. You marry and it turns bad. You fall for someone else, who maybe falls for you, but it doesn't go anywhere. That's my adventure, anyway.

Friday, July 23, 2004
Quarterly department staff retreat this morning. What a waste of time. Blah blah blah. Endless talk. It wasn't completely horrible, though. I sat next to Sam S. and we amused ourselves whispering funny comments to each other.

Three day weekend, July 24-26, 2004
What a great weekend. I made it a three day weekend by calling in sick Monday. (Couldn't sleep Sunday night so it wasn't too much of a lie.) I spent the weekend alone, mostly, reveling in my solitude and in my ability to go and do whatever I wanted. I finished a beautiful garb dress. I worked in the extra room downstairs, getting it cleaned out so it can be our family room. I bought a computer desk to put down there. I bought a portable archery target, set it up in the backyard and did some shooting. I had the most wonderful time ice-skating. I'm feeling more and more the way I want to feel out there -- like I'm dancing. I talked to Tess, got a massage from Maria, talked with Raul, who showed me SoulSeek, and visited with Dad. I spent four hours with the JCMG chat room crew on Saturday night. We have a lot of fun in there. We crack ourselves up. I jogged every day. I watched some Fellowship of the Ring and read some Harry Potter. Life is good. Very very good.

July 27, 2004
I spent another sleepless night last night. My back is bothering me. It's jumpy. So I spent the night trying various ways to work out the kinks. Unsuccessfully. They are still in there. Which means a sleepless night is in store for me tonight.

The lack of sleep bothers me greatly, mostly, I think, because of the lack of control I have with it. It's one thing to stay up till the wee hours reading and then be dead tired the next day, as I often do. But at least when reading, I know I can grab a few hours of zzzz's. With my back bothering me, I don't even get that. It's making me feel crazy, as though eternity were closing in upon me as the hours of darkness stretch out. Despair. Blackness. My death approaches, and I haven't figured life out yet.

July 28, 2004
You know what else I want? To serve. To make the world better by my passing through it.

Lovely Day

Lovely morning. I awoke from a wonderful dream, all about being part of a fun and loving family. Then I had a delicious breakfast of fried mushrooms on toast with a scrambled egg and coffee which I ate on the back porch. Afterwards I sat there lazily, reading the paper and enjoying the sunshine. Suddenly the dead bird moved! The cat killed it two days ago and left its body on the lawn. Oh my god! It's still alive! Then I saw the snake. It had ahold of the body and was moving it across the lawn toward the bushes. It made quite a bit of progress before it hit a tough spot and gave up. I finished the job for it -- I picked up the remains and threw them in the bushes. Bon apetit, snake.

I watched The Virgin Suicides with Kendall. It gave me alot to think about -- the relationship of parents and teens, of girls and boys, and of grownups to each other and themselves. It's tough, all the worrying I do about my kids. I should just eash off, trust them a little. Except they might do something dumb! Something irrevocable. Emotional hurts and physical hurts can last for a very long time. Anyway, Kendall is a great kid. I'm glad I've got her for my daughter.

Every evening, when I sit on my bed for some quiet contemplation, I feel a happy fullness. My heart swells with gladness. I love this life, warts and all. I love being alive. I don't have all the answers. Hell, I don't have any answers at all, but I love being part of it all the same.

You don't have to do anything

Here's a truth I've realized: You don't have to do anything except live with the consequences of your actions.

You don't have to work, or play, or learnthis or that, or be successful, or do anything at all with your life. You don't! But you do have to life with whatever you've chosen. If you've chosen to read, you won't ice skate. If you chose the beach, you don't have the mountains.

It doesn't matter what you choose. Choose anything you want! They are all good.

Here's another "have to" I heard somewhere that I really like:

There are only two things you have to do: 1) Die. 2) Live until then.

I find these words cut to the heart of the matter.

New Job

Tomorrow I begin my new job as an XSLT developer. I don't feel ready.This is NOT going to work.

Where am I going with my life? What do I WANT? What do I want to be?

Let's do The Work on this: I need to make something of my life. Is this true?

Answer: Maybe, maybe not. Does it matter if I've written a bok, or raised good kids, or been responsible? Answer: I can't know. I'll never know. Maybe yes, maybe no. I do not know if what I do is ultimately good or bad. How would you judge it? By the effect my life has had on others. The bigger the effect the better. The better their lives are, the better I've done.

So who's judging? God? Others? Yes, others. History judges. If my name is in the history books then my life will have been worthwhile.

No, Daisy, then your life will have been noteworthy. It's not necessarily the same thing. Besides, why care what the history books say? I do, because then others will remember me. I'll have achieved some level of immortality. Like in Goodbye Mr. Chips. He remembered all the kids. Someone will have said of me, I remember you; I see you; I love the manifestation of the divine that is you.

I need to make something of my life. Is this true?

Answer: Yes, it's true. But I can't ever know if I have succeeded. Therefore, I must life by my own lights and trust the universe. I am the only judge of whether I have succeeded or not. I need to feel I've made something of my life, I need to be proud of me, I need to feel like I've made a difference. That's how I'll judge -- my looking within at my own reactions to what I've done.

Busy busy busy day

It's amazing how quickly the day goes by. I got almost nothing done again. My list of babysteps toward goals is the first thing I set aside. Didn't meditate, didn't draw, didn't do tarot. Yet I was busy all day!

I walked the dog, cleaned the back porch, made food of various kinds, took Michaela to Walmart for camp stuff, talked to Mike H, took a short nap, read some Loving-What-Is posts, went to the grocery store for picnic food, and knitted a few lines. When evening came, it was off to Grampa's for BBQ and fireworks. Maria, Raul and Anne-Marie came and we all had a wonderful time.

I've come up with a whole bunch of things I can do inquiry on:

I need to know what life is about
I need to have friends
I need to know what to do with this life
I need to build a strong family
I have control over my life
I should be different than I am

I believe these are true, but are they really? I love this inquiry program. It's fantastic, wonderful, freeing. My life is wonderful and interesting.

I've started Victoria Principal's 30-Day Diet. I don't get to eat much, let me tell you. Unfortunately we've had BBQ's each evening since I started, and I was
forced to each much more than allowed. But each day dawns anew, and with it a fresh chance to starve myself.

Friday, July 2, 2004
I am really disgusted with my body. My lower half is shot to hell. God, I can't stand to look at myself. Thick waist, fat rear end, heavy thighs. Sickening. I keep starting various programs, and I keep failing. This weekend I'm starting another one -- Victoria Principal's 30-day Bikini Diet.

Sunday, July 4, 2004
I'm not doing too well with Victoria Principal's 30-day Bikini Diet. She prescribes VERY FEW calories so I'm very hungry. I did very good for the morning and afternoon, then stuffed myself in the evening. Hmmmm. I'll try again tomorrow.

Monday, July 5, 2004
I start my new job today down at ITS (Information Technology Services). I'll be job-sharing between that one as an XSLT developer and this one as an HTML developer. So where are my bosses, who presumably are going to help the transition? They are not here. Further, this whole XSLT thing is very new to me, and I'm not very good at it yet. Therefore, I'm VERY NERVOUS. I'm so nervous I can hardly think straight.

Month of June 2004

Tuesday, June 1, 2004
Don and I are doing a little better. We are actually talking to one another, chatting about this and that. I'm still mad that he doesn't contribute financially. Here's a radical idea: What if I gave that thought up completely? What if it was okay with me that he not give money? Answer: Then I would be letting myself be taken advantage of.Question: So what? Answer: Then the marriage wouldn't be much of a partnership.

Wednesday, June 2, 2004
I did not lose six pounds last month like I said I was going to. Bad Daisy! I MUST lost the weight this month. My summer shorts are all uncomfortably tight.

Also this month, I'm going to work hard on all the things I want to learn and do. Mastery, that's my goal. Life is so much more enjoyable when you're good at things.

I got off to a good start today. I finished my first knitting project. It's a dishrag. A 100% cotton, hand-knitted, very large dishrag. If you paid me $3/hour to knit that dishrag, then that would be a $12 dishrag you've got there.

Wednesday, June 9, 2004
Michaela spent the previous week in Minnesota with her cousins. She flew home today in the company of my sister, who had to leave the party early to get back to work. She's the sweetest person imaginable, and an air traffic controller in Albuquerque. In other words, she works for the FAA, which has oversees all the airports in the country. She wore her employee tag around her neck. She said it's not necessary, but she's found she gets better treatment when she does. She also said it's kinda fun walking around the airport, knowing that she's got authority over pretty much everyone there.

Thursday, June 10, 2004
My life is so great I can't believe it. I'm doing so many cool things, and cool things happen to me. This evening, Kendall had a bunch of her friends over to watch movies. They are all great kids. I went to archery practice, where I bruised my arm up real nice and had a nice solo chat with Simon, who I greatly admire. Back at home, I watched the rest of Peter Pan with the kids. What a great movie -- so much sexual symbolism and nuance. Then I read and went to bed where I dreamed happy dreams.

Friday, June 11, 2004
At work, I watched Reagan's funeral with a few co-workers. We were all teary eyed. Also, the main characters from HMS Pinafore were in the photography studio for pictures. The sailor looks very much like Joe. It was hard to look at him. I hope he didn't notice me staring. Joe is in the past, where he belongs, and I'm glad. His memory is all warm and fuzzy. I still love him, but it is more love of an idea than a real person.

Thursday, June 17, 2004
That cute guy from down the hall just walked by. He looked in my office, too, as he went by. I sure hope I looked good. I bet I don't. I think he has a slight crush on me, just like I have on him. We're similar types -- quiet with bright eyes.

One of the members of a list I'm on shared part of a story with us: A Dog's Tale by Mark Twain. I found the whole thing online. Here's a link: A Dog's Tale. Don't read it unless you've got a box of Kleenex handy.

I'm listening to music from the Cowboy Cultural Society (www.cowboyculturalsociety.com). It's great. I love this kind of stuff.

Monday, June 21, 2004
First day of uPortal seminar. Ive been tapped to be the XSLT queen at work, working on our new student and faculty portal. I've no idea what the whole thing is about; hence my presence here. It's all beginning to make sense. Meals and snacks are included in the fee, and boy, does this place do them right. The delicous meals start with a soup or salad and finish with dessert, all gourmet and of huge portions. I'm stuffed.

Rhiannon comes home today for a week's vacation. Yea! After the seminar finishes, I've the rest of the week off.

Monday, June 28, 2004
What a great week. Rhiannon was a loving, wonderful, fun presence. She chose to hang around with us rather than going up to town to see her boyfriend. That can mean only one thing -- they've broken up. That's too bad. She didn't talk about it. I hope she's not taking it too hard.

So I got her full time. We watched movies, played games, and ate out. We went to several extended family dinner parties. She treated us all to jalepeno poppers at Beau Jo's afrer which we walked on the mall -- a new family tradition. She and I went to the Cheesecake Factory for dessert. They must have twenty different kinds of cheesecake there. I've had several of the flavors now, and I can most definitely say that cheesecake reaches the pinnacle of perfection when it is simple. If you are searching for perfection in a cheesecake, choose simplicity. Most everything else is downhill.

The new Michael Moore movie, Farenheit 9/11, is out. I've seen his 'Roger and Me' and 'Bowling for Columbine.' Both are an outrageous mix of half-truths, exaggerations, manipulations, outright lies, editing so tight that truth is left behind, and shock-jock reporting. I can't imagine that Faranheit 9/11 is any different.

Month of May 2004

Saturday, May 1, 2004
Quest for the Unicorn's Horn. I went for the morning and I did okay. I worked Troll for a while which gave me an opportunity to meet people. I very much enjoyed that. I also talked to Cecily at length and chatted with Lia and Reshana. I danced in the Maypole dance which was a lot of fun. I didn't sing to the Baronness, which I should have done, if only to practice my song in front of an audience so I can sing it at a bardic sometime. Plus I would have won a token. I was overcome with panic several times. I look out over the field and think "Oh my god, who am I going to talk to next." These SCA events are good for me. They force me to get out with people. Someday I'll even be successful!

In the evening I visited my YahooGroup chat room. It's something I do every Saturday. I'm getting to know the girls--it's mostly girls, with the occasional male sprinkled here and there. Nice chat tonight as usual. Charlie confessed that he had never been intimate with a woman. Tami told us a story from her crazy younger days. Jan and Kione contributed wise words. Sue and Sabrina were there, too; the whole gang.

Sunday, May 2, 2004
Slept late, then did chores with the girls, then popped to the library with Kendra for a couple hours, then went by myself to Dad's for a short visit. Mary and Ray were there with their kids. Mary wants to learn to knit. I told her I'd teach her. Not that I'm any good but I do know how to cast on, how to knit and how to purl. I'm going to research medieval knitting. Apparently it came to Europe from Arabia through Spain. Excellent. My persona is Spanish. Spanish knitting will be an excellent bit of history to specialize in.

I've decided to lose six pounds by the end of this month. At 5'6" and 128 lbs I'm not overweight by any means. However, my best weight is 120. I've been slowly inching up over the winter, and now my jeans no longer fit. A few extra pounds makes a big difference, especially when they are all in your ass.

Monday, May 3, 2004
I feel grumpy. I don't know why. Just grumpy. Like no one likes me and I like no one. I huddled in my office all day. Toward the end I finally forced myself to make a connection. I talked to one of my co-workers about his weekend. I usually expect people to run away from me, so while he was talking I kept wondering when he would quit and beat a retreat. He didn't though. He stayed and kept chatting. I'd better do The Work on the belief that no one wants to talk to me.

Michaela was angry at me yesterday because of a punishment I enforced. Today she's better. We had a nice time talking and laughing this evening. She told me about her day.

I was thinking today about how wonderful it has been to have three neat kids. I've been so lucky to be their mom. Each year has been a precious jewel. I wrote these things in my journal and read them aloud to M and K as I wrote. K said it was silly and bit me on the shoulder. (She always does that. It's a love bite.) Then she went and got her homework -- Latin translation -- and read it to me. So I think she liked what I was writing.

Tuesday, May 4 , 2004
I got a lot of things on my to-do list done today, which always makes me feel good. I hemmed the red garb skirt, uploaded another picture to humanclock.com, called my sister, exercised, etc.

Suddenly I feel really fat. It hasn't happened suddenly; my weight has been inching up all winter. But now I can't stand it. Most of my jeans don't fit. My waist is disgustingly thick. My legs are out of shape. My butt is blobby. And yet my upper body is too skinny. My arms are toothpicks. I know the solution: become a swimmer. That will increase chest circumference and muscle mass, giving me a much more balanced look. Maybe I'll have time once my class is over.

Wednesday, May 5 , 2004
Drawing class today. We've got four pictures due next Monday. My pics are Waterfall, The Land of Fruit, Nude 1 (Graphite) and Nude 2 (Charcoal). I'm not done with any of them but they are coming along nicely. The teacher complimented me on my work; said I was drawing with much more confidence this semester than last. It's true.

Drawing class is a very nice class. Did I connect with anyone in class today? Well, I talked with Jerry and Leroy a little. I avoided contact with Billy when I was sitting outside on the steps, but that's only because I was singing a sad song to myself when he came out, and thinking about my dead mother and how wrong I was to resent her all those years. I was sniffling a little and wasn't ready for company.

Thursday, May 6 , 2004
Michaela is failing freshman French. Seems like she's always been failing one course or another, sometimes several at a time, ever since middle school. She's a smart little thing, too, but she just doesn't take school seriously. Missing assignments? Who cares? For Michaela, school is the place you go to be with your friends.

I spent an enjoyable evening at Dad's. Cleopatra with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton was on TV so we watched that for a while. The porch was swarming with mosquitos. They plastered themselves up against the windows. I felt like I was living in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. We also discussed Nan-isms -- the good advice Nan, his mother, had to say. For example:

• Deny it. Even if you're caught bare-assed naked in bed with someone else, deny it. They want to believe you.
• Virtue often gets the credit that should really go to cold feet.
• When you are breaking the law, commit the deed to memory. Don't take pictures to better remember the fun.

I've signed up for the Shyness Group on Yahoo.com. I'm looking forward to sharing painful stores of social anxiety with all the other members. Hurray!

Weekend, May 7-9 , 2004
Enjoyable weekend. Saturday I went down to my brother Ray's to celebrate his son's First Communion. Several other friends of his were there that I did not know. I didn't experience the panic that I did when I went to Tess's a couple weeks ago. However, I didn't talk to them much at all. I just didn't bother myself to do so. Sunday I went to my sister Maria's to teach her how to knit. By the end of the session she was casting on successfully. She said I changed her life. She had been so afraid of the difficulties of knitting that she was psychologically blocked. I cured that.

Rhiannan bought me a spa trip for Mother's Day. She arranged the whole thing long distance from Maryland. It started at 5:30. I went up to town a bit early so I'd have time to find the place. It was near the library. A public jam session was taking place on the lawn, with percussion and dancing. I joined in for a bit, then it was off to the spa where I soaked in a whirlpool for a while, then got an hour-long massage. It was wonderful. Afterward I stopped at a deli to pick up a bite to eat. There was a cute young guy behind the counter who gave me the most wonderful smile. Like he thought I was the most wonderful thing ever. I was confused. Why was he smiling like that? Was I particularly beautiful at that moment because of the massage? He was both cuter and younger than I, and I did not feel worthy of his smile. I was much too embarrassed to connect with him. Afterwards I regretted my embarrassment. From now on I vow to always smile back. If something's going to happen, let it happen!

Monday, May 10 , 2004
I'm now the proud owner of a padded bra. It gives me an excellent profile. Quite impressive!

Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Michaela showed me a message her friend wrote to her. It's in Leet. Can you read it?

/\/\1(-43_4
-3__0 /\/\1(-43_4! -333-333! _33+!!! 15/\/'+ "7" = +0 "+"? 6222! +-15 15 +235 =_/\/, /\/0/\/? 3_3_6-! 1 4+3 /\/\33535 =02 3234<=45+!!! /\/\\/\/4-4-4!!!! \/\/3__, 1 +-1/\/< +-15 1s 3/\/0_6- _33+ =02 +0)4`/! `/0_'23 4 +0)4`/!!! 3\/\/4-4-4444!!! >< - )34+-!!! 3`/3`/3!!!
~ <4+`/

Translation:
Hello Michaela! Hee-Hee! Leet!!! Isn't "7" = to "+"? Grrr! This is tres fun, non? Bleugh! I ate meeses for breakfast!!! Mwahaha!!!! Well, I think this is enough leet for today! You're a today!!! Bwahahaaaa!!! X-Death!!! ByBye!!!~Katy

Thursday, May 13, 2004
Today I'm wearing a bra that holds the girls snugly and close to my chest. Quite a different look. Boyish, really.

I've got a great weekend planned. Archery tonight, knitting party with Maria on Friday, a night at the symphony on Saturday, and ice skating Sunday. Plus reading, drawing, sewing, a little Firefly, some domesticity and some garden work. Sweet!

Friday, May 14, 2004
I was so up this morning. I was flying. I had a wonderful time at archery last night. I didn't do so hot, but I enjoyed being with everybody. And I dreamed about Simon, our archery master. And I was excited about knitting with Maria and her kids. So emotionally I was soaring. But now I've crashed. I feel tired, a bit down, and I'm wondering how I'll have the energy to get through the rest of the day. My weekend plans don't seem so interesting to me as they did yesterday. I think I'll take a nap when I get home. A nap sounds delicious.

Weekend, May 14-16, 2004
Weekend nice. I had a great time knitting with Maria on Friday. Saturday's highlights included a phone conversation with Rhiannon, online myth group chat and a evening at the symphony. Sunday was all about iceskating, cookie making with Sara and dinner out with Michaela, after which we rented Big Fish and stayed up way too late.

Tuesday, May 18, 2004
I have got a ton of half-finished garb to complete and it's taking me forever to get it done. However, I did make a little progress this evening, plus I figured out how to get the straps attached on my quiver. Did I tell you about my quiver? It's a mailing tube covered with red faux snakeskin. Boy, is it beautiful. Also this evening: watched American Idol with Kendall, which was a lot of fun. Fantasia was the strongest singer this evening. She's very good, but she gets a blank look on her face when she sings. It's very odd. Plus she's about as graceful as a scarecrow. The other two contestants did not do well this evening.

Wednesday, May 18, 2004
Here's the plan for tonight: Make a tunic top from the cream and white striped material. Finish quiver.

Thursday, May 27, 2004
The tunic top turned out terrible. I threw it away. No big loss, as the material was $1/yard scratchy polyester. The quiver is great. The quiver is wonderful. I love the quiver.

I've been thinking about my mom. What did it feel like to be so sick? Did she know her death was coming closer? Did she know that she wouldn't be coming back from the hospital?
I was there with her when she died. I held her hand and smoothed her hair, which was more physical contact with her than I ever remember getting. She liked me okay, I guess, but I don't know if she loved me. She probably wanted to but couldn't. Maybe she was just undemonstrative, maybe she couldn't give to me what she never got from her own mom, maybe she was just too overwhelmed by the number of children she had and the difficulty of marriage with my dad.

I didn't know all that as a child, though. I resented her and resented her and resented her.

Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-31, 2004
So how did I do this weekend? Can I count this weekend as successful? Did I meet my watchwords? Did I move toward my goals?

Watchwords: Excitement - Learning - Connection - Authenticity - Mastery - Industry - Awareness

I watched American Beauty with Michaela then looked up the symbolism on the Internet. Roses constricted, roses wild and untamed. I babysat for Tess so she could have some time alone with daughter Emily. Babysitting for Tess is a mind-blowing experience. She's got 9 kids. I went to a party celebrating my nephew's first communion. I got there before anyone else I knew, and while I stood there by myself panic and fear began to descend upon me. Luckily a friendly person with whom I had a slight acquaintance made conversation with me. Then my siblings showed up and I talked with them at length. What else did I do? I drove to the ice rink to skate but it was closed for the holiday. I watched the Indy 500 with Don up till it was rained out. I took Michaela shopping. I enjoyed breakfasts on the porch. I took the family out to Efrain's for our first local restaurant tasting party. I knitted. I worked on garb. I went jogging twice. I attended JCMG chat on Saturday night and talked to everyone for a couple hours. I found a place to shoot arrows nearby. I walked the dog. I watched a Firefly episode. I read XSLT for Dummies. I read a bit of Mythic Image. I drove with Kendall, who is working on her license.

So I had a nice, busy, enjoyable weekend. Once I felt overwhelming panic, but more often I was filled to overflowing with fullness and love.

Month of April 2004

Thursday, April 1, 2004
Morning: I'm sitting down to breakfast in front of my computer. I've got melty Brie on crunchy rice cakes, juicy orange slices and a rich hot carob with steamed milk. The Astronauts are singing retro music on my CD player. Web sites beckon. It's a great morning!

Day: Kendall and her friend Dana pulled a funny April Fool's Day prank today. They scraped the white filling out of Oreos and replaced it with toothpaste. Then they went around school offering the cookies to all of their friends. They still had cookies when English class came around, so they placed the cookies on a plate for everyone to help themselves. Everyone did. They'd take a bite, then spit it out, yelling "What the hell is in these cookies?" It was great.

Evening: The family is assembling for Nan's funeral. Uncle Allen arrived today with Bonnie, Amanda and Kyle. We had a wonderful gourmet dinner at Dad's, prepared by Allen. Lots of talk, laughter and very good food.

Thursday, April 8, 2004
Archery practice this evening. I love these and today was a good one. Because I'm not so good with people sometimes, I pulled a Tarot card before I went to answer the question "What personality trait should I embody in order to be most successful tonight?" I drew the Hermit, which to me means, "Let your light shine." In addition, the Hermit is kind of "my card," that is, it represents me, both numerologically and in personality. Be yourself, said the Tarot. Don't try to be what you're not. Let who you are shine through. So I did and I had a wonderful time. I did fairly well shooting, too. I love this sport!

Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Did I tell you that Rhiannon ran up a huge medical bill while she was camping with the Rainbow Family? She contracted an ear infection, probably the second ear infection of her entire life, and of course she gets it while she's out traveling with people who don't do health care. They tried to cure it with natural remedies but it didn't respond to treatment. Finally she couldn't take the pain anymore and went to the Gila Regional Medical Center Emergency Room to see a doctor. The emergency room is where indigent people get their health care, and a very expensive place to get health care it is. The doctor was with her for fifteen minutes at most but still had no problem billing us $500.00. Fucking highway robbery. She gave them a fake name and SSN so I can't put it on my health insurance. The whole thing was giving me bad dreams -- not because I'm so incredibly honest, but because I didn't want to get in trouble or have Rhiannon get in trouble for skipping out on the bill. So anyway, she's going to pay me $25/month till it's paid back.

Wednesday, April 14, 2004
I've made a vow to draw every day this week. I'll never get better if I don't practice. So far, so good. It's incredible to see something come to life on paper.

I'm listening to an excellent country station just now. Great mix of new songs and oldies. I'm hearing some I haven't heard in years.

Weekend, April 17-18, 2004
I went to a seminar this weekend. It was about "The Work of Byron Katie" and was quite interesting. I went because I heard that this process uses "Inquiry" and "The Work" which are the same words that the Diamond Approach uses. I was hoping to learn the method in a much cheaper way than having to learn it at the Ridhwan Foundation. I've decided not to join the Foundation, by the way, because of the immense amount of money required. My alarm bells were going off. There's probably a scam in there somewhere. Religion should be free. I will, however, continue to read the books and perhaps follow this way on my own. But I'm not going to fork over thousands of dollars per year for the next ten years.

At Byron Katie's seminar I learned that there's another side to the beliefs that we hold true. We believe such things as "My dad is an asshole" or "My mother didn't love me or "I'll never get my emotional needs met" (my particular favorite). Then we filter everything we see through these beliefs. Katie taught us how to question our beliefs, to see them from a different perspective, and to replace them if necessary with beliefs that are more true. I have a lot to work through and so my journal will be very interesting in these coming months. I met a nice man named David who I hope to see again, friendship-wise. He was one of my partners during the facilitator/client sessions. Perhaps we'll meet at one of the inquiry circles in the area. I did not go intending to make any friends, however, and I pretty much kept to myself emotionally. All around me people were connecting and bonding, but I didn't let myself be a part of that. I figured I'd never see these people again, so why bother? (That's probably a belief that I should work through.)

The belief I was working on with David was "My husband should support his family." That can be turned around by saying, "I should support my family" or "His family should support my husband or "My husband shouldn't support his family"." Eye opening statements, the first two, as they do contain truth. I can't see the truth in the last statement unless I give up an underlying belief in the roles of men and women, of husbands and wives, of fathers and mothers.
Here are the four questions you ask of your belief when doing The Work:

1. Is it true?
2. Is it absolutely true?
3. How do you react when you think that thought?
4. Who would you be without the thought?

Then you turn the thought around, i.e., think of its opposite. Is this new thought true in any way? Can you find another turnaround and if so, is this thought true? Find three ways that these new thoughts are true.

Monday, April 19, 2004
I purchased two more tarot decks, even though I said I wouldn't buy any. I bought "Tarot of the Cloisters" because I've always wanted it and Kendall encouraged me, and I bought "Tarot Prediction Deck" because it has pips for the minor arcana. I want a deck that le'ts me interpret the minor arcana the way I want to.

Pat at work and I had a nice talk about spiritual teachers. She was involved in the Diamond Approach for a little. She told me a little about Gurdjieff, who I will read. She would have gone to the Byron Katie's seminar if she'd known about it.

Tuesday, April 20, 2004
I bought a great book at lunch called "Six Ways of Being Religious." Not that I don't already have a lot of books to read. I need to find some medieval specialty, as well, so I have something to talk about with these medieval re-enactment people I hang around with sometimes.

Wednesday, April 21, 2004
"Six Ways of Being Religious" is incredible. Not only that, it goes for $55 on Amazon.com but I spent only $8 for it.

The six ways are:

1. Way of Right Action
2. Way of Sacred Right
3. Way of Reasoned Inquiry
4. Way of Mystical Quest
5. Way of Shamanic Meditation
6. Way of Devotion

We will be looking at Christianity and Buddhism in light of these ways. I like the book very much so far. It seems to be respectful of all religions, most especially in letting them describe themselves rather than looking at them through the lens of Christianity as many Western thinkers have tended to do.

Thursday, April 22, 2004
Oh for heaven's sake, guess who just called me. Joe. He was bored and wanted to chat. So we chatted. I guess that is what I get from him, isn't it? Calls when he needs to pass a bit of time. I had been wondering if and when he'd call. It has been such a struggle for me to get him out of my head. I think about him everyday, but want him to be gone forever! When I catch myself thinking of him, I give myself a slap on the arm in an attempt to associate pain with Joe. Not that I don't already have that association. My relationship with him has been nothing but pain.

Friday, April 23, 2004
Every now and then I think, "I've got to get a handle on this Freud guy. He's been such a big influence in the world of psychology" so I sit down to read his work, but I never get very far before I think, "I bet Freud abused his kids and slept with his clients as well, and he made up this big theory in order to justify his behavior."

An acquaintance showed me a paper he'd written analyzing Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets from a Freudian perspective. His analysis really turned my stomach. It was sick. "Too many flying dicks," as another acquaintance said.

It has been said that psychological theories are nothing more than personal confessions. If so, then Freud must have had huge sexual hang-ups. I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out that he engaged in deviant sexual behavior. I have become a Freud skeptic in a big way.

Sunday, April 25, 2004
Confirmation party for my niece Emily at her house. Tons of people, none of whom I knew. I wandered about feeling a bit panicked. I did manage to get a good conversation going with Emily's other grandpa, all about Cuba and cigars, quite interesting, really, and I was enjoying myself, but then Emily's mother Tess came over. She interrupted us and the flow never came back. I also tried to start a conversation with two gentlemen I was sitting next to while eating but it never really got anywhere. Tough crowd. Panic was descending on me, enveloping and overwhelming me. I was about to go home when my side of the family showed up. Hallelujah!

Wednesday, April 28, 2004
I'm in the middle of making a quiver and a new garb dress. Both are beautiful. Both are low-budget. The quiver is made of a mailing tube covered in red faux snakeskin from the Salvation Army. It is so beautiful it makes me drool. The garb is made from $1/yard navy and black stuff from Walmart that crinkled up along its length when washed. It's beautifully heavy, has a fantastic drape, and the crinkles give it some natural stretch. Plus it feels wonderful. I've put on a medieval-looking metal closure and cream silk sleeves, also from the Salvation Army. I'll wear the gown under a red tabard appliqued with a gold fleur-de-lys. I'd estimate the cost of the materials for this project at $10.

I don't know why I get so excited about making garb and going camping with the SCA. I don't really know anyone. Rhiannon, by the way, wants me to go to Pennsic with her this summer. It would be very fun and very expensive, what with plane tickets, car rental and eating out. I just might do it.

Thursday, April 29, 2004
Life is so great I can't even believe it. I spent the evening with my father and his girlfriend. (Did I mention that she looks just like my mother, may she rest in peace?) We had a wonderful time talking and joking. Later my uncle called from California. He's a great big guy who loves life in a great big way; it was great to hear from him. Dad and I got a lot done. While going through all the papers we found some old photos of people we've loved. We agreed, "It's been great. This life has been a good one."

Two newborn babies lay side by side in their hospital cribs. They looked at one another before they were taken away to their homes and families. Ninety years later, they again lay side by side in the hospital, this time on their death beds. One looked at the other and said, "So, what'd ya think?"

I think it has been great. I think it has been worth it. Right this minute is worth it. It's snowing outside, classical music is on the boom box, and I've got a good job and a good weekend planned. And I'm wearing a Fred Flintstones tie.

Friday, April 30, 2004
I was the staff liaison for our SCA revel tonight. About ten people showed up. We made hobby horses, worked on various projects, and talked. I still get overcome with panic sometimes, even though I've been in the group for a year! I've GOT to overcome this! Too bad I don't know how. Anyway, I sat near the center of the circled tables, hemming my gown, laughing and making comments when appropriate. I didn't command much attention. Sometimes I wish I could think of something to say, but I just can't. It's my own fault. I haven't researched the Middle Ages or come up with any good stories to relate. One can't say anything when one has nothing to say, after all. The rule for social gatherings is PREPARE. It's a rule I usually break.

Month of March 2004

Wednesday, March 1, 2004
What do you do when everything crumbles around you? When the things you thought were true turn out to be empty shells? When you thought you were on the right track but it leads into brambles?

Everything -- Christianity, the tarot, mythology, psychology -- is full of wrong turns and false teachings. What is there? What do you base your life upon? How do you know what is worthwhile?

Thursday, March 11, 2004
Archery practice. Had an excellent time. Max and Simon and I stayed on a bit after everyone else had left. They talked, I listened and occasionally made a comment or asked a question. I admire them both so much. They are so knowledgeable. And Simon is like the perfect guy, for me, anyway. He's soft-spoken, yet very intelligent, knowledgeable, centered and self-confident. Boy, I wish I was like him.

Friday, March 12, 2004
Evaluation at work today. I HATE evaluations because I know I'm not working up to my potential. I know I could be working harder. I waste several hours a day goofing around. I could be focusing on my work, improving, talking to people. As it turns out, though, my boss and our clients are very happy with the work I've been doing. They say I'm quick, thorough and responsive. Which is true. I'm all that. I'm just not as good as I could be.

Joe called while I was in the evaluation meeting. I wonder why? My feelings for him fluctuate. My loving feelings for him are always coming back, and I'm always having to pep-talk myself out of them. I'm always having to remind myself, "Keep in mind, Charity, that you don't want to engage in sodomy" and "He wants a family. You can't give him that."

Joe called back. He called to tell me he talked to my husband this morning. Don called him at work, not knowing it was him, looking for a car part.

I can feel myself slipping into "Nobody Loves Me" mode. The world is starting to feel bleak and empty. I refuse to go there. I'm going to think about who I can love, who I can reach out to and have fun with. Maybe I can beat this.

I need a way to think about him.

Wednesday, March 17, 2004
I was bored out of my mind at art class today. We did a critique of our work. Each of us put up what we've done so far this semester, then talked about our work and solicited comments. Rachel, who is not very good, always has an awful lot to say about her work. Dion, who is excellent, has very little. Too bad everybody's not like him. Our teacher also does a lot of talking talking talking. I was being driven bonkers.

Weekend, March 20-21, 2004
I took Kendra and Michaela up to Glenwood Springs for a long weekend exploring Colorado's geology. We had a great time. We hit the Hot Springs for which Glenwood is famous (very popular but very overrated), hiked aways along Glenwood Canyon, and spent an hour or two in the Vapor Caves, which are dark, steamy, small underground caves. They are just a natural underground sauna, and more "real" than the Hot Springs were. We breakfasted in a local diner and vowed to always eat in local diners. No national chains for us. We also went up to Aspen, where we poked around an art gallery and got ice cream. Besides original work in the gallery, there was lots in the style of some master or another. We felt very intelligent being able to point out Klimpt, Van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso. We listened to the girls' CDs the whole time. I liked Fountains of Wayne and said I was going to buy them but Michaela said I wasn't allowed to like her music.

Wednesday, March 24, 2004
There are no messages in the cards.

Thursday, March 25, 2004
Life completely and totally sucks. No one cares one bit about me. I talk and people ignore me. More specifically, I post messages on my yahoo groups and no one talks back. I'm Miss Invisible. Why do I spend so much time thinking about how to make my life worthwhile? It never will be, not to anyone. Who cares what I have to say? No one but myself.

You know what. I have such a hard time connecting with people because my mom didn't connect with me. I felt pretty rejected by her and I can't get over it enough to make connections with others. (Her mom did it to her, too, and she had plenty of her own troubles, so I'm not blaming her; that's just how it is.) I am hugely driven by fear of rejection which I cannot get over no matter how much I try. I determined that I would make sure my kids had a solid base and a strong connection with me so that they could go out into the world and make friends. And it worked! Each of them has friends that they hang out with and talk to on the phone. And you know what? I'm jealous! They have what I want. They have what I cannot get.

Sometimes I feel like I'm just waiting for death. I haven't figured out the purpose of life. I probably never will. I'll just drift on through until I'm finally dead.

Weekend, March 26-28, 2004
Busy busy busy. First, a wonderful thing: Rhiannon came home. She came in for the weekend to surprise her boyfriend for his birthday. I picked her up at the airport and was lucky enough to get to spend Friday with her. She was full of stories of her adventures in AmeriCorps. We got her hair cut, bought material for pajama pants (she'd promised pajama pants for two friends in Maryland) and out to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, an expensive place that specializes in cheesecake, as you might guess. With cheesecake, I discovered, less is more. The restaurant did things to their cheesecakes that shouldn't be visited upon anyone. Mix-ins, for example, are just wrong.

On Saturday and Sunday Rhiannon disappeared to Boulder to hang out with her boyfriend. She brought him home Sunday evening for a visit. What a cutie!

Saturday night I went on-line and spent a few hours with my mythology group chat room. I've only been three times but I'm getting to know and like those people. Sunday I again went to the "Acoustic Brunch" at a coffee house up the street. I love these brunches. I sit at a cozy table, eating quiche, reading a book and listening to live acoustic guitar music performed by a lone artist.

Monday, March 29, 2004
My mother's birthday, may she rest in peace. Rhiannon has gone back home. She is just the neatest thing. She's gone and I miss her.

God, it's pathetic that my children are my social life. I have no one to hang out with but them. Yes, I know, I built my life this way so I have no one to blame but myself. Soon they'll be gone and I'll rebuild.

I'm not really interesting in rebuilding with my husband. He's boring and unintelligent. We haven't had a conversation in years. We have nothing to say to one another. Not only that, I just don't like the guy anymore.

Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Went to Dad's house last night to pay bills and get some tax work done. It's always so nice to be there. I'm very aware that I won't have these times with him forever. Ramona came in from Albuquerque around 10:30 with her kids and dogs. She's come for Nan's interment which will be Saturday. She's got a new Chihuahua. Boy, is it cute. It's like a little rat.

Month of February 2004

Sunday, February 8, 2004
I haven't written yet anything this month because I'm just not in the mood for whining and complaining about my troubles.

I had a nice day today. After chores and the grocery store, I went to the library for a free concert of classical and romantic period guitar solos. Very nice. Later I went down to Tess's to give little Michael a present. He's three and boy is he a doll. I'm in love with him. He's got the look I really like in men -- fair skin, dark curly hair, dark eyes. (FYI: Joe has that look, Don doesn't) His favorite birthday present was a piggy bank and bag of pennies and nickles, from Grandpa. Michael, apparently, likes money and takes it from wherever he can find it -- mommy's purse, his sibling's piggy banks, etc. When he'd put his coins in his new bank, I shook it saying "Money Money Money" and he thought that was great.

Kendall, Michaela and I are having a nice time together, just hanging around. They come into my room and into the kitchen to talk to me. We watched Clueless together yesterday. Very cute movie. With Rhiannon gone there's more space for them.

Okay, here comes a complaint: My brother's been telling me about a marriage retreat coming up in our area called Retrouville. It is designed especially for troubled marriages. He knows of my troubles and is encouraging me to go, but you know what? As long as Don doesn't care to contribute financially to the family, I'm not interested in working out our differences. I'm just not. I don't care to have a good relationship with a freeloader.

Tuesday, February 10, 2004
In all honesty, he's not a total freeloader. I can count on him to keep my car going -- my '74 Saab 900 which he fixed up for me. All we have is very old Saabs because that's all he can work on. And what's weird is that even though he works on old cars all day and into the night, most of our cars don't work that well. I had to rent a car to go down to New Mexico to get Rhiannon because he didn't think mine could make the trip. What does he really do out in the garage all day?

On another note: I am such an idiot. I'm given many many opportunities to get to know people and I usually don't take them because I'm always thinking about how insecure I am. So today, there I am in the same room with Deborah Jinn, MacArthur winner and possible future Nobel prize winner, creator of the Fermionic Condensate, a new form of matter. It was a small room and there's weren't many of us, but I didn't say anything to her, not even "Congratulations."

Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Drawing class this semester is very different from last semester. There are a lot of loudmouth know-it-alls in there this time. It's hard to get a word in edgewise. One girl, Rachel, had a lot to say during the critique about her work and other's work too. Too bad her work wasn't very good. My scribble picture, Still Life in Blue, turned out very well. I am proud of it.

I'm doing Tarot more consistently. I bought four new decks in the past few days. I can't help myself! I'm working with the Voyager Tarot just now -- a busy, jumbled deck, not nearly as beautiful as most reviews say, but I am getting helpful readings. I've also been studying Tarot spreads. I usually do a one-card spread because I'm such a newbie at this - ask a question, draw a card for the answer - but I've learned a little more and and am trying spreads with more cards now. I did a five-card spread on Tuesday on the situation with Joe and me. Yes, I know, I promised to never think of him again and obviously doing a Tarot reading on him doesn't help me toward my goal, however, it is a very interesting subject and a fun one for readings.

I did a "Past Present Future" reading with five cards and my Hanson-Roberts deck.

1	2	3	4	5
More Distant Past	Recent Past	Present	Immediate Future	More Distant Future
I drew:
Judgment (judgment, redemption)	Nine of Swords (guilt, worry, anxiety)	The Devil	Seven of Cups (choice, addiction)	Page of Swords (challenge)

Pretty incredible reading. The past HAS been one of both judgment and redemption -- he angry at me for being less than perfect, me feeling like my whole world is fixed because he's in it. And that Devil -- whatever else it means, it's got a picture of an estranged couple on it. Apparently I'll have to make some kind of choice in the near future. He may be getting in touch with me. This will lead to a challenge to my integrity.

Thursday, February 12, 2004
So, guess who called and left a message on my machine? There it is -- an opportunity to make a choice -- to see him or not. Well, if the future is any indication of the past, seeing Joe will lead to a period of emotional turmoil which I will have to work hard to overcome. It won't lead to a relationship of any kind. He probably called because he wants something. Therefore let's not bother.

Friday, February 13, 2004
Chili party today at work. Everyone who wanted to brought a pot of chili to share. We stuffed ourselves while three judges decided the best of the chilis. I brought a batch using a recipe I'd found on the internet. It was pretty good but it didn't win anything. It had lots of secret ingredients: brown sugar, beer, coffee and cocoa powder. I think I'll call it "Chili with Four Secret Ingredients" from now on. It will be my special recipe.

Sunday, February 15, 2004
I have been thinking that I'd follow the Diamond Approach as a spiritual path but I've discovered I can't afford it. They want money, and lots of it: $100 to join, $170 per month thereafter, individual sessions extra. Sheesh. I could be a Christian for nothing. Maybe spiritual paths are stupid. I definitely reject any spiritual path that leads to "God" since there's nobody there and if there were I wouldn't worship it.

I've been thinking something else -- that my marriage has put me in survival mode. All I want to do is survive: survive his bad moods, survive his verbal attacks, survive the lack of money, survive the loneliness. There's no growth, no self-actualization, no love or self-esteem. And I get all this because I married a Christian. You see why I've left Christianity.

Though, in all honesty, he tries. He struggles with depression and with being unable to cope with the pressures of his life, but he does try. Sometimes.

Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Art class is good. I finished Incoming Globes and am very proud of it. The other students are a talky bunch and I am having a good time in there.

There is no answer to be found in the cards, or in the stars, or in divination of any sort. The answer is within you or it is no where.

I wish Joe loved me. I wish that, 20 years ago, I'd moved back to California and married John.

But he doesn't and I didn't and there's nothing I can do about it.

Friday, February 20, 2004
I complain a lot about Don in this journal but here's a secret. He loves me more than I love him. He always has. He loved me first and when he's in a good mood, he loves me still. It was his love for me that sparked and fed mine for him, and when he turned mean, his bad tempers killed off the love I had.

Little Willie Poems

It was my mother who taught me the Little Willie poems. I post them here in her memory.

Willie in the best of sashes,
Fell in the fire and burned to ashes.
By and by the room grew chilly
Because no one wanted to poke up Willie.

Willie with a thirst for gore,
Nailed the baby to the door.
Mother said, with humor quaint:
"Careful, Will, don't scratch the paint."

Little Willie from the mirror
Licked the mercury all off
Thinking in his childish error
It would cure his whooping cough.
At the funeral, Willie's mother
Smartly said to Mrs. Brown,
"Twas a chilly day for Willie
When the mercury went down!"

Little Willie on the tracks
Didn't hear the engine squeal.
Now the engine's coming back
Scraping Willie off the wheel.

Willie poisoned Auntie's tea.
Auntie died in agony.
Uncle came and looked quite vexed.
"Really, Will," said he, "What next?"

Willie, I regret to state,
Cut his sister into bait.
We miss her when it's time to dine,
But Willie's fish taste simply fine.

Willie fell down the elevator,
Wasn't found till six days later.
Then the neighbors sniffed, "Gee whiz!
What a spoiled child Willie is."

Willie bashed open baby's head
To see if brains are gray or red.
What a naughty boy is he
He shall have no jam for tea.

Willie in the cauldron fell;
See the grief on mother's brow.
Mother loved her darling well;
Willie's quite hard-boiled by now.

Willie and two other brats
Licked up all the Rough-on-Rats.
Father said, when mother cried,
"Never mind, they'll die outside."

Into the family drinking well
Willie pushed his sister Nell.
She's there yet, because it kilt her
Now we'll have to buy a filter.

Little Willie, mean as hell,
Threw his sister in the well.
Said his mother when drawing water,
"Sure is hard to raise a daughter."

Little Willie hung his sister.
She was dead before we missed her.
"Willie's always up to tricks.
Ain't he cute! He's only six."

Little Willie's dead and gone.
His face we'll see no more.
For what he thought was H2O
Was H2SO4.

Willie saw some dynamite,
Couldn't understand it quite.
Curiosity never pays;
It rained Willie seven days.

Month of January 2004

Thursday, January 1, 2004
Today was a GREAT day! I got Rhiannon back and I overcame a challenge.

I got up early (not easy, as I'd stayed up till 12:30) and headed down the road to Silver City, New Mexico, ten hours away. God, I hate long road trips. I can't stand being bored for so many hours on end. I was having a very difficult time of it till I realized I should treat it as a challenge, as something to be successful at. Once I decided to win I did much better. I "danced" to lively music, listened to books on tape and did lots of thinking. You know what else I did? Well, no, I won't tell you. :-)

I put Rhiannon up at the EconoLodge yesterday and there she was awaiting my arrival. She had homemade dreadlocks ("dread" being a fitting description) and many tales of her adventures with the Rainbow Family. She had a wonderful time and is looking forward to going back.

She contracted an ear infection while she was gone. Natural remedies had no effect on it. After a week of pain she went in to the local emergency room where she received treatment and a prescription for antibiotics. She gave the hospital a fake name and address. She "spainged" to pay for the antibiotics. That's a contraction of "spare change." It means to beg. I'm much more willing to give to beggars I meet now that my own daughter has had to beg for medicine money.

Sunday, January 4, 2004
Went ice skating. By myself. I love the feel of balance, grace and speed.

Tuesday, January 6, 2004
The whole family went to see Return of the King and we greatly enjoyed it. The director did a good job bringing Tolkien's story to the screen. Don and Rhiannon went in one car, me and K and M in another. We met at the theatre. It was kind of a father/daughter outing for Don and Rhiannon.

Wednesday, January 7, 2004
Joe called. He wanted something -- to be able to use me as a reference on his lease application. I said sure. He must not know a soul if he has to use me. He said he hadn't seen me for a while and I should stop by. I said I would sometime when I was out walking the dog. That was a lie, though. I don't ever intend to see him again. He made a few sexually tinged comments, as usual. He must think I'm a slut, talking to me like that.

Thursday, January 8, 2004
I'm sick. Sick sick sick. I have a cold. But I'm at work anyway. And in spite of my illness, life is good. I have a sunny office, nice co-workers, a cup of hot tea and Mozart on the boom box.

Friday, January 9, 2004
Dinner at the Pearl Wok in remembrance of Mom who passed away three years ago today. Earlier today the siblings had a heated e-mail discussion about whether the grandkids should come. Not a problem for me; my kids are teens. Everyone else's are early elementary and preschool. In the end, I brought mine, Maria brought hers, Ray brought his, Tess left her eight at home (thank goodness), Rick didn't come at all. Ray's boys were getting pretty restless toward the end so I took them outside where we all ran around and had a wonderful time.

Sunday, January 11, 2004
I had a wonderful time at the local library listening to a folk singer. Sadly, I fell into despair when I got home and I found my husband watching TV, the kids tapping away at their computers and the kitchen a mess. I'm supposed to make dinner in that? I enjoy cooking for everyone but not when I'm treated with such disrespect. I felt like I was the only one who cared at all about family matters. It seemed like everyone was busy at their own selfish pursuits leaving Mom the house elf to make sure the day-to-day necessities were taken care of. I moped around until I began to cry then got back in my car and went for a long drive. Nothing had changed when I got back except that everyone had wondered where I was. I told Don to take some responsibility. He started the dishes and that made me feel a lot better. We all watched a movie and that time of togetherness made me feel better, too. You know what, though? Don never did actually do the dishes. He only filled the sink with hot soapy water.

Monday, January 12, 2004
Good family day. The kitchen was clean when I got home from work. Don was in a good mood and interacted cheerily with the children and myself. Rhiannon later commented on the fact that he's been happier lately.

She's been reading a Richard Feynman book which has inspired her to learn everything about everything. I took her to the library so she could begin to fulfill this goal. We checked out tons of books. Back at home we watched the specials on the Pirates of the Caribbean DVD.

From a review on Amazon.com of Why God Won't Go Away: 'The larger question, that of whether the mystical experience is the experience of a transcendent other, remains unanswered. Evolution, being based on chance, even if the die are somewhat loaded, can err and produce a brain fixated on worshiping its own illusions. On the other hand, mystics may be in a position similar to that of the first amoeba to sense light. "I 'see' things," she tells her psychiatrist, "before I bump into them." The good amoeba doctor wisely prescribes a medication to rid her of such experiences.'

Wednesday, January 14, 2004
I've been working in my Intensive Journal, going over the Early Marriage Steppingstone Period. I find that from the beginning Don has not been a good provider, has never intended to be a good provider, has always been willing to let me work while he "finds" himself. How in the world did I miss that before I married him?

What I wanted, when I married, was a man who would be a good husband and father, interested in children, capable of making a living, a Christian who was committed to doing what's right and to continued spiritual growth. I didn't get that. What Don wanted was a woman who would work side by side with him and help him in his job. I have to tell you, I tried for thirteen years. I worked in his business but I'll never do that again. He was constantly angry with me, blamed me for what went wrong, and never concerned himself with the money side of things. He worked 70 hours a week and was upset that I didn't put in the kind of hours he did. The children pretty much grew up without him.

Thursday, January 15, 2004
Archery with the SCA. I took Rhiannon and we had a ton of fun. I've mentioned my feelings about medieval re-enactment (it's silly) but I like archery and it's nice having people to do it with.

I'm reading several fantastic books right now: Fourteen, Growing Up Alone in a Crowd; The Power of Secular Humanism; What Makes the Great Great.

Friday, January 16, 2004
My niece Sara completed her accredited homeschool kindergarten program this morning. On Monday she begins first grade. I gave her Dr. Seuss's The Foot Book as a graduation present. I wish . . . I wish I had homeschooled. I read all about it. I wish I had had my husband's backing for the things I tried to do with the children.

As you, dear reader, think about homeschooling, think: I wonder what would have helped me more, better socialization or a closer bond with my mother and father?

I've been listening to all my CD's, one by one. It's kinda cool. Once I'm done here, I think I'll work through the CD's at my local library. They've got a large collection.

Thursday, January 22, 2004
A very bad evening. I'm angry at Rhiannon. I'm angry because she was gone all day yesterday and all day today; angry because she wants to be away from the house rather than at home; angry because she has friends to hang with while I have none; angry because she is everything and I am nothing; angry because I need her so much just when I'm supposed to be letting her go.

We had an argument over something small -- what the AmeriCorps handbook says about meals. We both left mad.

I thought, so long ago, that I was raising my future best friend so I had to do a good job of it. Now I see how impossible that idea was. She's all raised but we can't be friends. I can't sustain a friendship. I've got nothing to offer. There's no one here to be friends with.

I wish I could be a healthy happy mom. I could when the children were small. Now they've grown healthy and happy themselves. I can't pretend anymore. The truth is coming out: I'm not worthy of them, not good enough to be their friend, not interesting or exciting enough.

I'm going to run away. I'll smash all the furniture and burn it out back. I'll cut myself. I want to cut myself.

Friday, January 23, 2004
Okay, that was pitiful.

I'm reading two very cool books: Kinship with All Life by J. Allen Boone and Civility Rediscovered by Scott Peck. The first is inspiring, the second eye-opening.

I popped into my favorite thrift store at lunch for some shopping therapy. Thrift store shopping is such a wonderful treasure hunt. It is so much more thrilling than retail shopping because of the chance that one might find something really neat for really cheap. Today I got a $20 Barbie doll in a very pretty dress for a quarter (inspiration for my Barbie sewing), a black leather jacket, colorful mugs for the office kitchen and a steamer for giving oneself facials. Why does the acquisition of yet more material things make you feel so good?

Monday, January 26, 2004
Got up VERY EARLY this morning (3:30 a.m.!) in order to take Rhiannon to the airport for her 7:00 flight. She's off to Maryland and to the NCCC! I'll sure miss her and her sense of fun and adventure. At the same time, I'm very glad she's gone. It's been very hard for me, letting go, letting her grow up. It's been hard on her too, poor thing. Also, with her gone I won't be comparing myself to her so much. She's got friends and excitement and can come and go as she pleases. She's bubbly and loves life. She's not an old dodo head like me.

Don drove, which means of course that we were alone in the car together on the trip back. Which means it was very quiet in the car as we have nothing to say to one another.

Tonight was the first drawing class of the semester. I had a great time. Emma, Cole, Robert and Greg are back. I met one new person and look forward to meeting a lot more in the coming weeks.

Drawing is still somewhat painful for me but I plan on sticking with it till I'm pretty good. Like sewing, it takes a lot of patience which I don't have a lot of.

Rhiannon called in the evening to say she was settled in. Unfortunately I missed her as I was at class.

Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Rhiannon called again because she felt like chatting. She filled me in on what it's like so far. She's having a great time. She's living in a one-bathroom house with six other girls. There are plenty of other kids on base. She and her roommates agree that all the guys are hot. They'll be in training for a few weeks, then off on volunteer assignments.

Wednesday, January 28, 2004
My birthday! I was given a wonderful gift many years ago -- the gift of life. I know that sounds corny, and I know that I've had my difficulties, but on whole, life is a wonderful adventure and I am really glad to be alive.

Drawing class today. Boy, do I like drawing class. I'm in Drawing II. Emma and Cole from last semester have returned as well. Emma and I have opted to repeat the Drawing I curriculum. I am very glad I'm doing that. I am still a shaky drawer and this is building my confidence. We go into the big room with all the other Drawing I kids. It's great to have so many other beginning drawing students around. There are some nice friendly people in there and it already feels warm and welcoming, perhaps because I'm more open to it, more warm and welcoming myself. I started talking to other students on the first day, thereby setting the example.

Month of December 2003

Monday, December 1, 2003
Professor Rogers, my old philosophy professor, called me from Mexico this morning. He retired there about six years ago. He received my letter last week and called then but I was out for the Thanksgiving holiday. We're going to get together at Christmas when he comes up to visit his son and daughter who live in Lafayette. It was very nice to hear from him, though I think his crush on me may be alive and well. When I see him I am going to pick his brains about the Meaning Of It All. Oh, he's also calling again next Monday.

In art class, Lee was very upset. His father's leukemia has flared up. His father may be dying. Lee is a good artist and a role-player. I like the guy.

Stopped at dad's on the way home and looked through more boxes of pictures. Those shoeboxes contain our family's life story. It's all there, starting with Mom and Dad's courtship and wedding, then the babies, the vacations, the adventures, the sports, the prom dates, the grandbabies, the wonderful wonderful times. It's been great, our life. Those pictures in those boxes prove it wasn't all a dream. It wasn't all a dream.

Tuesday, December 2, 2003
Rhiannon has made new plans. She wants to go on a road trip with some people she's just met. They'll travel to LA by car and get their food from soup kitchens. She's talked about it with a lot of people, most of whom say they think it's a bad idea. They've given her plenty of warnings.

She and I talked about all the dangers. I think the trip sounds very different and exciting, which makes me a very poor person to talk her out of it. She said many convincing things, including that she doesn't want to live with regrets and if she doesn't take this opportunity, it will be a regret.

Important for her to know: I love her more than any of her new friends do. I want the best for her, which they don't. Also, I'm very very proud of her. I want to see her reach her star. I don't want her to do anything that is going to get in the way of that.

Rhiannon deleted pages from her livejournal today. I guess she didn't go to work after all. She stayed home and updated her site. Does she suspect I've read it? The entry about why she wants to go roadtripping is gone, as is the one saying she is in love, the one about her Christmastime drug trip and also her very angry entry about her father, reproduced here. Darn it. I should have copied them all

Let's see if I can remember the latest one. She wrote on December 2 that Damien is in love with Annie. Annie is his one true love. He visited her over Thanksgiving break and was so happy when he got back. He feeds off other people's energy, he said, and there's nothing here for him. What a slap in the face that must have been to Rhiannon, the most high-energy person I know. Rhiannon is heartbroken. She loved him unconditionally, the way people want to be loved. Rhiannon did so much for Damien. She made him breakfast. She made his bed. She loved loving him. She knows he didn't love her back. They were friends with benefits. She thought - and still thinks -- that he is the most incredible person ever. He kept the dark away for her.

And I understand that. I still think Joe is wonderful. When he spoke I could bear my troubles. With him the future was bright, shiny, worth living for. With him I didn't envy the dead animals on the side of the road. I still think of him. But men love bitches, don't they? So I can't - won't - debase myself for him. If only Rhiannon wouldn't for Damien.

Fuck you
how dare you
every beginning
every end
and you're dead.

You died a long time ago
you just don't know it.

And she can't save you,
so Throw your own
FUCKING
life Preserver.
(by Rhiannon about Damien)

So anyway, broken-hearted Rhiannon met Clark while waiting at the bus stop. Clark invited her to go on a roadtrip to California with his group. He's a part of the Rainbow Family. She could live the life of the homeless (which she has asked to do before); she could escape her heartbreak; she could have an adventure before she goes to AmeriCorps; she could get away from her dysfunctional home.

She could complete her self-destruction.

Rhiannon is so melodramatic. She feels things deeply. She's happy happy happy or she's in the depths of despair. I'm worried about what she might do when she's in those depths.

I have no idea if I should let go or hold on more tightly. What would be best for her?

Letting go, I think. Letting her take a trip to California with people she doesn't even know. Hippie children. Rainbow kids. They'll be living off of handouts and soup kitchens and odd jobs.

Let her go, Charity. And let go of her.

Thursday, December 4, 2003
Rhiannon brought Clark to meet us. I like the fellow. Don was a complete ass. He embarrassed me and Rhiannon by being critical that the guy doesn't have a job. Yes, really. Don. The man who hasn't contributed financially to his family for eleven months. He was critical that Clark doesn't pull his own weight, doesn't conform to society's standards and doesn't have car insurance. How serendipitous that our car insurance bill came yesterday. I'm giving it to Don to pay.

Rhiannon wanted to leave immediately. She felt she couldn't stand it here one more minute. No you can't, I said, but I don't blame her.

Friday, December 5, 2003
Nan's funeral mass. A wonderful experience, as funerals often are. The family gathers from all around. Those there:
• Connie, daughter of her sister Burton and mother of my old buddy Eden. Connie has five kids by five dads.
• Ronaldo, son of her sister Emma Jean with wife Joyce who cared for Emma Jean until she died.
• Rhonda, grandchild of her sister Emma Jean, a real fireball.
• Christine, granchild of her sister Rosalie, who I hadn't met before.

We talked about all the other family members, of course. There are bunches and bunches. Nan had 8 siblings so there are many cousins and second cousins, some we know and some we don't. Read Nan's obit.

Saturday, December 6, 2003
Took Rhiannon to Boulder to meet up with Clark. She's gone. Afterward I cried about the things I forgot to say.

I said, "Don't forget to write," and "Promise to come back."

My mind was so full of last minute worries that I forgot to say, "I love you." I forgot to say "I'll miss you." I forgot to say "I know this adventure will be a great success."

Monday, December 8, 2003
Rhiannon is gone. Rhiannon is gone and Nan is dead. Nan was a vivacious charming incredible person; not the type that is attracted to people like me. My type is invisible to her type. I don't miss her.

Rhiannon I miss. Rhiannon I cry for. Emanuel Swedenborg said the heaven we go to is the one we choose. I choose Rhiannon's heaven. What can I do to be worthy of Rhiannon's heaven?

Tuesday, December 9, 2003
She lied, you know. She always lied. She could never tell me the truth. That's understandable, I suppose. What teenager ever tells the truth when she is getting involved in sex and drugs and self-mutilation and ditching classes? Rhiannon is self-destructing. Of course she couldn't tell me.

Today's connections: Linda and Sam, both co-workers. Linda's daughter is off at college. Linda still cries every now and then but she's getting better. Sam doesn't have kids but he commiserates with me.

I'm surrounded by love, if I would only let it in.

You know what? All I've ever wanted was the wrong thing. I wanted to be a sweet feminine wife to a strong Christian man. Instead I got Don. I wanted to build a strong family. I worked hard at that and was successful except for one thing: my husband. He didn't want a strong family and refused to build one with me. When I started this, 19 years ago, I hadn't realized that when the kids grow up and leave then you are left with NOTHING. I've been duped. I was wrong all along. Family turns to dust, to sand, to ashes.

As I wrote that Kendall, who is 16, came in. She had just finished her math -- 3 hours worth! -- and needed to decompress. I scratched her back while she talked. After a while I said I needed to go take my bath but she said, "Nooooo! We aren't done talking!" So we talked more.

Perhaps my goal of building a strong family was wrong. Perhaps, like Don said, I should be building strong individuals.

Wednesday, December 10, 2003
I dream about Joe sometimes and I torture myself by driving by his new apartment just up our street. Why do I do that to myself?

Because it gives me strong emotion and emotion is what makes you seem alive. There's more, though. It's because I cherish the hope that he'll come out, will be glad to see me, and we'll be friends forever. I know what I'll say if I see him. "So you live on my street now," I'll say. "The universe has the most incredible sense of humor. What a practical joker it is!"

Art class today was wonderful. It's our last one. I've loved getting to know Cole and Lee and Robert and Emma. Drawing is painful but maybe someday I'll be able to call myself an artist.

Thursday, December 11, 2003
A thought: I stayed with Don so the girls would have some interaction with their father. He's been very difficult and moody, though, and Rhiannon doesn't like to be home because of him. So, if she won't ever come home again because her dad's here then I made a huge mistake by staying. If Rhiannon is gone for good then I no longer have to protect the integrity of the family with my silence. The integrity of the family has been breached. And face it, she's gone for good. Even if she's fine and safe and warm and happy, even if she comes back, she's gone for good. I no longer need to protect the family. Now I protect myself.

I had a good day today. Here's how you tell a good day (if you are me):

• You had an important insight, or
  
• You connected with others, or
  
• You enjoyed the outdoors, or
  
• You were productive and got things done, or
  
• You had some excitement, or
  
• You exhibited self-confidence

Today I connected with others, had an important insight and enjoyed some excitement, as follows:

Connection: Shared my concerns about Rhiannon and discussed the joys and sorrows of being a mother with others at our office Christmas party. It was wonderful connecting with others the way I have been able to lately. Rhiannon's departure has forced me to reach out to others for courage and comfort. I talked with Lynn, Linda, Polly and Amy and found I'm not alone.

Insight: While driving home, I pondered something I'd read by Paulo Coelho and realized that every day we choose how we will react to the things that happen to us. We choose how we will feel, how we will act and what we will do. It's not our circumstances that make us happy or sad, it's the way we decide to react to them. It's our choice to be happy or sad. It's our choice to take action or to be passive.

Excitement: As I drove down my street I thought, Someday I'll drive down here and Joe will be there. I'll stop and say hello. We'll talk and then we'll be friends again. I knew without a doubt that it would happen someday when the time was right.

So the time was right tonight. He was there, getting out of his car. I stopped and said hello. We talked. He invited me up. I couldn't, I had to go home. "We've had our issues," I said, "but do you want to try to be friends?" He said yes, he liked talking to me. I'll visit him sometime. Apartment F2.

Friday, December 12, 2003
Now begins the agonizing. Should I go? Shouldn't I go? When should I go? Does he really want to be friends? Can I handle friendship or would I always be wanting him to love me, always wanting to be in his arms and his bed, always feeling insecure because I'm not as beautiful as he? I passed a miserable night last night. I couldn't sleep as I was too excited/upset by the thought of seeing Joe. Is there a word for what I feel? (consults thesaurus) Yes, it's agitated.

If I go, I'll go Sunday. I don't want to seem too eager.

Though it's easier to not bother. Way way way easier. I'm going to forget the whole thing. I'm not going at all.

Okay. Guess who called as I wrote that? He wants me to come tonight. Guess what I said? I said I'd come.

LATER: I popped in to Joe's place around 8:00 and stayed for an hour. We watched TV and chatted. His place is a mess. Imagine living with a slob. He said he worshipped me at our old place of employment. His feelings were so strong that he couldn't possibly talk to me. He'd put the radio on stations that he thought I'd like. He thought I was so beautiful, so perfect. When he found I was unhappy in my marriage I fell in his esteem. He even felt hostility toward me for it, because he'd thought Don and I had the perfect union.

He's probably one of those types you read about in old novels, such as Tess of the D'ubervilles, in which the man pressures the woman for sex and after she gives in despises her. She's no longer pure. It's all HER fault.

He was affectionate. He touched me several times in an affectionate way. "What's this?" I said, removing his hand. I said it was presumptuous. Has he forgotten he said we were incompatible; that he had been grasping at straws? I didn't say that but I wish now I had. Things may have turned out different. We might have dealt with issues.

It was wonderful being with him, talking about our feelings for each other and feeling that incredible chemistry we have, him looking at me with those big brown eyes and 100-watt smile. But you know how I feel about him right now? Like I don't trust him. Who knows what mood swing he'll have next? Probably right now he's regretting our talk and the sweet things he said. I bet I don't hear from him for a month. Or six.

Saturday, December 13, 2003
I awoke this morning with a song on my lips. Literally. I was singing before I got out of bed. Here's why I like Joe: because I'm happy when we are together and that happiness spreads to all areas of my life. My troubles become bearable. My entire life improves. I stop being angry at Don. I'm too happy for anger.

In the evening I went to a Christmas concert by the Broomfield Symphony Orchestra then afterwards out with the orchestra for coffee. Beautiful music. Had a good time.

Sunday, December 14, 2003
A nice day, mostly. I woke up filled with longing for Joe (that shows you what a loser I am). As I lay in bed, my sister called to invite me for breakfast and tea. We had a lot of fun talking, playing with her little ones and looking at cookie recipes. She gave me a plate of Christmas cookies and the movie White Christmas. ("Sisters, sisters, never were there such devoted sisters...")

Around 2:00 I called Joe to say I was going to take the dog for a walk around the block and would he like to come. He said no, he was pooped and was just lying down for a nap but thanks for thinking of him. So then I felt embarrassed and stupid, like I'd been too open and aggressive.

Here's what I think: I think he'll run. We've had three special and intimate times now, and after each of the previous two, he's disappeared. I may not hear from him for months.

I spent the evening reading over my diaries of the past two years in which I yearn constantly for Joe. And here I am, going right back to that kind of behavior. I thought I could be just friends with him but I can't. I want him too badly.

Monday, December 15, 2003
Cookie exchange at work today. I contributed two dozen delicious rich moist brownies, made from scratch using only the best ingredients, covered with a frosting made of chocolate and cream, and sprinkled with crushed candy cane. I received many wonderful cookies in exchange, including fruit cake cookies, ginger cookies, and pineapple macademia nut shortbread. Life is delicious.

Life is also melodious. As I work I'm listening to a CD of my cousin Connie MacNamee, who sings professionally in New York, crooning some jazz tunes. She's great and so's the band.

Tuesday, December 16, 2003
I read something funny about Saddam Hussein's capture. When he emerged from his hidey-hole, he said "I'm Saddam Hussein. I am the president of Iraq and I am willing to negotiate." And then the response from U.S. soldiers was, "President Bush sends his regards."

I was very wrong to think that Joe and I could ever be anything to each other. We can't be friends because he comes on to me when we're together, and we can't be lovers because he doesn't call when we're apart. I was wrong to go over to his apartment and I won't do it again.

Meanwhile Don is trying to be friends but I am rebuffing him. There's no possibility of reconciliation between us as long as he doesn't care to get a job.

Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Today's insight: Who we are depends partly on who we're with.

I'm reading Herman Hesse's Siddhartha. What a pompous, arrogant ass that fellow is. It's all about him, isn't it? I've reached the second to last chapter but Siddhartha has yet to learn humility and love. Further, I don't agree that the study and experience of sex is properly a spiritual path. In real life, sex for sex's sake ignores biological realities, spurns nature's sacred cycle, and leads inexorably to the exploitation of women.

Thursday, December 18, 2003
Today was a very emotional day.

First, I still haven't heard from Rhiannon. It's been almost a week. I've done well thus far in trusting that she is fine, but today I am worried. I've got that sick-to-your-stomach feeling right now. Rhiannon, please be okay.

Second, I had lunch with my old philosophy teacher, Professor Rogers, who I hadn't seen in 20 years. He's approximately 80 now, and the years are beginning to tell on him. We had a great time talking and laughing like we used to so long ago. I asked him my question, "What is the meaning of life?" He said that it is not a good question. It should be individualized: "What is the meaning of life for me?" I told him all my troubles. It was wonderful having such a sympathetic listener. He asked if Don and I do this happy back and forth banter that he and I do. (We don't, and didn't even when we were getting along). I feel as though he's given me my happy girlish self back to me, simply because he knew me back when I was. He saved the memory of me, for me, and gave it back as a gift.

Third: I was sick in the evening, though I think it was a reaction to the emotion of the day. I collapsed in fatigue around 6:00 and dreamed of girls with worms crawling in their hair.

Complete change of subject: Did you know there's a word for "throw out of a window?" (Defenestrate)

Friday, December 19, 2003
Perhaps Rhiannon will be like Siddartha, who left home to follow an ascetic path and neither returned nor sent word to his aging father as to his whereabouts or circumstances.

Had a wonderful evening. Michaela and I went to my sister Tess's and hung out with her family. We helped decorate the Christmas tree, read her new Harry Potter analysis which she hopes to have published, played the computer with the kids, read to them and played played played. It was great. Little Michael, who's almost 2, had a lot to say to me, most of it unintelligible, but he sure is a cutie pie.

Saturday, December 19, 2003
Rhiannon called! We were out Christmas shopping but she left a message. She reports that she's not dead yet. She's still in Taos and is having a wonderful time. She's picked up a new puppy named Nick and is off Monday to California to attend a Rainbow Gathering.

Meanwhile, I'm transitioning from being a mom to being a person. Twenty years ago I had my whole life in front of me. I was graduating from college, about to be married, and the world was my oyster. Now what's in store for me? I asked that question of the Tarot and drew the Six of Wands, which signifies victory and acclaim. What an encouraging card! I take it to mean that success will be mine (once I decide what I'm going to do and work hard at it!)

Sunday, December 19, 2003
Happy day. I took our dog to the Bookworm, a used book store. She got to come in and had a great time looking around and meeting people. Afterword I picked up Kendall from her snowboarding trip and then Michaela and I went to Grandpa's to get ready for Christmas. I helped decorate the tree that Don had brought over while Michaela practiced Christmas music with the band. Emily's on piano, Tommy guitar, Michaela and Grandpa violin and Anne Marie cello. I watched and soaked up the beautiful music.

Monday, December 19, 2003
Lunch with my professor again. We did several things together when I was an undergrad, including hikes, lunches and outings. Stupid and naive of me, I know. He had pretty strong feelings for me. Apparently he had a bit of a thing for twenty-year-olds. He married (and divorced) two of them. I am feeling very uncomfortable right now. I shall have to be authentic. I shall have to say that I don't share his feelings and never did. Well, being authentic is something I should have learned long ago. Time to practice it. If there is ONE THING I should develop in this lifetime, it is the courage to be authentic.

He showered me with books. He wants to take me to Spain. Said he wants to work on improving my mind. He is laboring under the impression that I don't do anything but work and go home to make dinner. I must give him a list of the books I've read and the things I've done since I last saw him.

Wednesday, December 24, 2003
I haven't felt much like doing Christmas this year, except for the present giving part of it. I haven't decorated or baked or done our usual advent readings. The girls wanted a tree, however, so today Don picked up a good Christmas tree for half off. He and the girls put it up and decorated it. In the evening we went to my father's for our traditional Christmas eve celebrations. A couple of my siblings bowed out, opting to begin their own traditions instead. Karen was upset about the change in tradition. Upon hearing of it, she said, "What? That's crap! Then I'm not going!" I still chuckle about that reaction.

Thursday, December 25, 2003
Christmas.

Monday, December 29, 2003
Our 19th anniversary. We did nothing. Scarcely spoke, even, which isn't unusual because we scarcely speak ever. There are things to talk about but I can't. Too painful.

What if I'd had a crystal ball 19 years ago? What if I'd known: "Marry Don and you spend a few years on welfare. You won't be able to stay home with the children. You will go for years without talking to him beyond 'Good morning.' You will go to church by yourself until you finally give up the faith altogether."

I would have been a bit more forceful that he leave me alone.

Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Rhiannon called this evening from a hospital in Silver City, New Mexico. She's got an ear infection, she's broke and she's ready to come home. She's been ready to come home for a while, but every time they head off to the bus station the car breaks down. Rhiannon has been helping pay for repairs and now she has no money left. Grandpa is going down to Albuquerque on New Year's. I told her I'd come too. We'll pick her up together and make a party of it.

Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Turns out Silver City is at least four hours from Albuquerque. I won't go with Grandpa, I'll go by myself and meet up with Grandpa later. I'll leave VERY EARLY tomorrow as it's a ten hour drive. We'll go out to dinner, maybe take in a movie, stay overnight in a motel, then head back to Albuquerque on Friday.