Joy is a muse unlike any other. For me her mystery unfathomable. Billy was as sweetheart tonight - all ears; and heart. Thank you.

Packed and ready to go I await sleep like looking forward to chores. I want it to start already - and yet already it has surely started. The past two or more weeks have provided endless distraction; my workload finally being what I'd hoped it would be. Busy - yes, but teaching! Oh how I love to teach. I had two classes these past two weeks and my voice is still recovering from the strain. I hadn't realized how easy it was to strain and tire without regular exercise. So many many weeks of silence at work left me ill prepared for talking 4-days non-stop one week after another. And so I gargled, sucked lozenges, and kept quiet each evening - resting.

The company moves forward with the separation plans -- the goal of independence in 2003 looking ever so much more a reality. Some changes a bit more challenging than others to adjust to - new computer networks, new business relationships, new benefits, new methods and accesses. It'll all be for the good and while I see the long path we must take, I know it will go rewarded fairly.

My personal world mutates with no more programming and no less preparedness yet still the stress of these things (which of every right appear should be under my control). Clearly there's seldom enough money to meet the daily demands, but when the unusual demands come forth demanding attention, then one feels a strong desire to run off and join Cirque du Soleil (which by the way is coming to Houston in March'03). $1400 dental, $300 Dryer remodel, $1500 auto, $?? two doors to replace, $3900 visa loan (needs to be paid NOW!), increasing insurance costs x3, $300 cover for hot tub, $200/moth medication cost, $?? recarpet the house/or put in hardwoods, $225 fix the patio gate, and school registration $800+ for each class. It's clear it won't end and so I did some Christmas shopping. Got my gifts for the outta towners, the international gifts left in the post today - plenty of time. (I think that adds up to well over $9,000 due NOW.) ha! The other to-be-mailed gifts will go out in December when I return. Some things may have to be small and hand made - there's no room for opulence here.

I so much look forward to seeing Russ and just chatting with him. The trip to Halloween was a bit too rushed and although we had time to chat on the long drive o'er and back it didn't feel long and relaxed. I'm bringing a couple of good books, and if I finish them, I'll shop for more. My car goes in the shop tomorrow and I'll have to await to hear from them of an estimate of all the things wrong - surely there will be far far far more things wrong than I have the means (or patience) to have them do prior to my return - - but the car MUST be able to pass inspection.

And then we'll pop o'er for a day or three to see the who lot there - it'll be good to see the nieces and nephew and how they've grown - and my sis should be there too (haven't seen her since last Christmas).

and so I'm tired - off to dream of my few days laying in the shadows reading and daydreaming a bit perhaps.

I'll tell you 'bout it when I get back!

geoffy
:{)>geoffy :{)>

updated: November 20, 2002

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