And Suddenly...

My curls came back. Not tight curls, but curls nonetheless. Were they merely hiding until they deemed California safe? Who knows? I did notice my weird Jackie O flip was completely untameable so before reaching for the hair dryer, I found myself scrunching my hair with my Aveda curl hair stuff, imagining the worst. Maybe it was a brief one day appearance, maybe all of the chlorine triggered happy childhood memories for the curls, but I really missed them, so I hope they come back again.

Other than this, the weekend was good. For (I think) the first time ever, I went out both Friday and Saturday nights in Santa Barbara. It wasn't a pub crawl by any means, but it was a start. Could I possibly have a social life? It is daunting.

I also had the supreme pleasure (though I am slightly embarassed to admit this) of watching a My Boys marathon. I am so glad the show is coming back. Yay TBS!

A Calming Influence

There is nothing like sitting on a beach and listening to the waves crash against the sand. I spent the afternoon reading (for fun!) at the beach and felt like a new person. It lulls you like few things can.
So graduate school is tough and the last year has been a bear, but I am here for a reason. Maybe it's the beach, maybe it's the people, maybe it's another experience. While I am here, I mine as well enjoy it.
So, if you talk to me and I am frazzled or eeyore-ey, just tell me to get to the beach, or better yet, get thee to a beach. More often than not, it will at least steady my breathing. Sometimes that's all you need...

Summertime

Well, I am starting to adjust the new rhythms of summer. Changing in and out of swimsuits, slathering on sunblock, the smell of chlorine. I finished Session 1 of swim lessons. The highlight being the last day and receiving a card from the red-haired boy that said (in neatly penned parent's handwriting): If I ever came up for air, I would thank you for being such a great teacher.
Gotta appreciate their sense of humor and acknowledgement.
The next session I have mainly older children and one class of Level 1's which I quickly forgave. I knew it couldn't be perfect.
The other big change is the change of attitude, the attempt to accept the unknowable and willingness to be surprised, trying to drop expectation and rid myself of worrying about the future as I am not sure what it holds and where I will end up. Sounds deeper than I mean it to, but it's something I am trying for. We'll see how long I can hold onto it.
As for today, my banana bread is baking in the oven and then I am off to the farmer's market. Don't need too much but it's always fun to see the people and the colorful produce.
After that, we'll see where the weekend takes me...

Sweet Justice

Some say the life is not fair. To those people I say have patience. Bill's TV and Audio, the TV repair shop that caused me so much strife in the fall quarter, went out of business last week. They called (again) to ask me to pick up my TV because they were closing their doors. Since they liked having the TV around so much in the Fall, I decided they probably didn't really want me to pick it up. I knew how much they liked it so I let them keep the broken thing.
Next on my black list is Orbitz. Don't let them convince you to take a voucher. That was my mistake. Luckily I was able to get a reasonably priced ticket at Expedia for my trip in August. Justice may take longer in this case, but I have faith. Just like I have faith that the rambunctious red headed boy in my swim lessons will someday endure similar headaches from children. All in time, my friend, all in time.