Beyond the headline

While I knew the procedure was fairly safe, I still have four tiny incisions on my abdomen from the surgery. It lasted only 30 minutes and the surgeon removed the organ that, holistically, is the center of remorse. If you believe in that sort of stuff. Which I guess in theory, means I rid my body of remorse, yes? YES! My fiancé was wonderful through it all–keeping me in high spirits before, caring so sweetly after. Also: not lifting 10 pounds for six weeks SUCKS.

I’ve spent the last two weeks either a) pumped full of pain killers and on a happy planet b) planning a career around bilingualism and journalism (why not combine them, eh?) c) wedding planning or d) watching cheesy romantic comedies. The last is by far the most shocking because for those of you who know me, know that I’m a horror fan.

Maybe it’s the surgery or the holidays or the wedding, but I want to focus on all things happy right now. Which makes a whole lot of sense if you think about this: for five years I wrote mostly about crime, death, justice, tragedies, and catastrophes.

It was difficult to stay positive and happy and good when surrounded by so much….ugly. I wonder if I delved into that sort of genre to prepare myself for the worst because then really, I wouldn’t ever be surprised or disappointed. I couldn’t be shocked at the behavior of those closest to me because I had already seen the worst that people could do. (Dead wrong.) I even had nightmares about some of the things I reported. While I loved, like with my whole heart LOVED, reporting, it just wasn’t for me anymore. But again, for those that know me, I’ll always be a writer.

Region 13 accepted me into their alternative bilingual certification program. I’ve had several people ask me if I’m going to be happy teaching. I’m not a fortune teller. I can only do what makes me happiest right now. Who wouldn’t love to teach? Kids are beautiful, innocent, and of course, the future. Spending time with them makes me happy. Speaking Spanish makes me VERY happy.

All about the HAPPY in this post, aren’t I? Well, in that case…here are some other things that have made me happy these last few weeks:

Zombie makeup, Thanksgiving with my future in-laws, wedding invitations, Ugly pug sweaters, bridal portraits, BAKING, Ainjel Emme’s music, many pregnancy announcements, Amy Minnie, sweaters and knee-high boots. And  this photo:

I’m liking the word transitory. It’s the one I would choose if I had to describe myself in one word. I found the quote “Life is transitory,” the other day.

Several amazing opportunities have flourished recently and I’m crossing every finger and toe (well, trying to anyway) in hopes that one is right for me. I set out on this post-journalistic journey to find something that would challenge and push me past my comfort zone of a cushy career. I want to be pushed and pulled and thrown into something unfamiliar. *

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On to my second night of boot camp. My calves are still SO. SORE. Tis nothing but weakness leaving the body. Or an excuse to drink wine, really….

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*By the way, having your own blog means you can write run-on sentences at will EVEN IF you are a writer by trade, mmmmmKay?**

**Also, you can have your own footnotes. Fun stuff.

Pugnacio

This is my dear Señor Pugnacio. He’s the main reason I couldn’t work from home. He will jump up on the couch, sit next to me, and stare at me with this expression. There’s usually a snort or a sigh thrown in — likely both…It’s impossible to ignore him.

Other things that are impossible for me to ignore:

*My body clock wants to wake me at 6 a.m.

*I start fitness boot camp on Monday.

*I need to get my wedding dress altered (know of a good alterations store?).

*Pugnacio snoring…like sawing LOGS, I tell you.

*Freelance deadline (yes, already).

*Procrastination. HAI. I’ve always worked best with it.

*I’m a bit delirious. That’s what not enough sleep and too many “Hi, nice to meet you’s” will do to you.