If Your Friends Are There, Then Everything's Alright.

I just got off the phone with Annie Grace.  She is one of the most incredible people I've ever known.  I love when there's someone who you laugh with, even when things are rough or challenging or even shitty.  That's the kind of friend Annie Grace is.  We crack each other up, even when we ourselves are mired in crap!

I got a lot done today, including scrubbing floors and doing laundry.  I also started working on a big project that will keep me busy through September.  More on this later.

School starts tomorrow-- the first official day with students.  I'm so excited to get back into the swing of things with them.  I loved my summer and enjoyed the time off, but I was a little on the lazy side and even bored at times.  I'm thankful to have a job I love, and I look forward to going back to work!

OMG! Dear Blog, Can You Ever Forgive Me?

I have been an absent blogger for nearly two whole years! I decided it was time I return... there is so much going on in my life! A quick recap of where I am now...

Romance: none. Looking, but not too desperately.

Pets: my dear Bailey is gone. He was quite ill and passed away in March of 2009. In April of 2010 I got custody of Muffin, my friend's 15-year-old cat. (My friend was moving and couldn't keep the cat, so I volunteered to adopt her. That is she in the picture. She is absolutely adorable and loves me.

Career: heaven. I'm teaching once again-- where I belonged all along. I'm in a middle school, with 6th, 7th and 8th graders, teaching music and technology. Love it. Truly.

Show Biz: I'm in rehearsals for a production of "Doubt" by John Patrick Shanley. The film starred Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. I'm in the Hoffman role. Totally excited about this. We open in October.

Health: best it has been in years. I quit smoking after 25 years! If you need help quitting, go with Chantix. Absolutely incredible. I literally stopped one day in June after a week on the Chantix and haven't gone back since. It's gross to me. AND I have lost 7 pounds. And started yoga. And soon will be on the treadmill regularly. And I'm eating better and drinking a whole lot less Diet Coke.

There's lots of other stuff going on, but I'll get to that gradually. I have huge stuff I haven't even shared with my nearest and dearest yet. But in general , life is great.