Cool Weather

It's a cool 60-something degrees on this beautiful Sunday morning. Golly, (yes, I just used that term) it sure is nice to wake up bundled up in your sheets with the fresh outdoor air brushing your cheek (CHEESE-AY! But soooo nice).

Yester-DAY was super hot and I wondered, goodness are we ever going to get to experience a little bit of autumn weather in Miami? Well, not exactly but close enough. We went from burning up like the lady in Terminator, to Chilly Willy. It's not ideal but it's so relaxing. I love seasons. And as Daniel Tosh says, "That's why I live in a place that skips the shitty ones." I don't necessarily think there are such, but Miami is kind of a two weather-ed animal. HOT/RAINY or COOL/VERGE OF COLD. I enjoy all of these. I do wish I got to see leaves change but I have the comfort of knowing it's happening right now somewhere. (I close my eyes to hear a lone leaf fall off a redwood.- Ah, if only.)

I'm sitting in the master bedroom staring out my 5th floor window and I see lots of green, maybe a smidge of yellow, but I feel the cold air. Fall has at last come to Miami. It might be shortlived but break out your turtle necks and long boots. Even if it's just for a day.

Sitting here typing with my purple fingers, I feel at peace. It's Sunday, there's no school for the kids tomorrow and so I'll enjoy some quiet time to catch up on grading... in essence I am not concerned about whether I'm behind on something or my lesson plans haven't been drawn up yet. I know I am the architect of my destiny and I will get these things done. As a friend of mine likes to say, "Future Elaine will deal with this." It's not a nod to procrastination, it's an awareness that I will do what needs to be done but right now I have to enjoy what's happening. I'm exhilarated, not sleepy, I am kind of in the mood to kick back in a hoodie at the beach. But I think I'll sit here. Still.

I hate getting all hippie-like. But I am just feeling it, man! So great to not let everyday tedious stresses get to you, especially when we're all full to the brim of crazy on an everyday basis.

I've come to learn that there are three sounds I love.

Silence- because I notice I don't come by enough of it anymore. There's something soothing about complete silence, if you don't let it scare you.

Great conversation- because nothing is as engaging as listening to your parents talk about their youth, or historical facts about people and places you love, or reminiscing or hatching new plans of adventure with friends.

Music- when you don't necassarily want to turn to anyone or don't want to think about anything specific; immersing yourself in music is probably the greatest place on Earth to go. Regardless of the songs, Metallica, 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, or Enya. Music is universal and it helps you create your own personal universe.

I feel so at ease, I wonder if I'm on a trip of some sort? (SAY NO TO DRUGS KIDS!!!)

NO Twitter, No Facebook, or Myspace updates to send out, my phone is on vibrate in another room of the house. Even my little doggie is lounging.

Two words: Good Times.

When Things Are Good

You know how David Letterman has a top 10? Here was mine in November 2007

Original Blog Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2007

TEN THINGS I'M PSYCHED ABOUT (Thanks for the idea Anne)

1. Thanksgiving- my first in my new home!! And the first traditional one in a LONG time!

2. HODGEPODGE Thanksgiving party that weekend. Thanks for the title Jackster.

3. Disney on the 16th! Visiting Heather and seeing my new place.... :)

4. Having my wisdom teeth pulled (I know it sounds awful - but hey it's one less worry!!)

5. Talking to Whitney and Anne about possible summer plans to be in Orlando and Miami, and LOS CAYOS!

6. PASSING MY FLORIDA TEACHER CERTIFICATION EXAM!!! I mean when I was in that testing room and the guy next to me told me he'd taken it 9 TIMES! CONFIDENT:SHATTERED! FACT! But I passed ANYWAY! TAKE THAT LOSER GUY! I mean I feel bad for him, but really. NO need to bum me out DUDE!

7. MY Bedroom and that fact that I actually LIVE in it now! Although it's probably going to be short-lived but I mean I would've hated saying, "Yea, I never lived in MY OWN Bedroom, before I moved to Orlando!"

8. NOT OVERDRAFTING- In a world where purchases are so often made without sufficient funds, I'm proud to say, I am KEEPING a checkbook, and it's GOING A-OK.

9. MY GREAT SUPPORTIVE FAMILY! Who no matter what believes in me, and feels so great to have in my life as the once constant no matter what comes.

10. My friends, who are so great, whenever I need them or want them, they're there. They love me even when I'm broke, or in a bummed mood. Through the good and bad, and the ugly.

Life it's really great- even when it's bad- but right now it's pretty good. By right now, I mean, AU JOURD'HUI.

Update: Thanksgiving was beautiful, minus a minor event with the association meeting during my Macy's T-Day Parade.

HodgePodge party never went down, but it's OK. I still live in said bedroom however plans to move to Orlando are always playing in my mind. It's been a long time since my days of overdraft, but it happens occasionally, it's still a work in progress. My family is still great. Like anyone else we have ups and downs but during the holidays we're fantastic. My friends also have highs and lows, but there's good in each of them. Life is great now too, which I can never take for granted.