Moving ahead

Well, I'm taking some new steps since the new year. I've set goals to continue to work on running in a 5 K in February, learning Mandarin, and getting a volunteer job. I'm really not sure of what kind of volunteer job I want. The Literacy Center here need volunteers tutors, but I did a year there in the past and after 37+ years in education I feel I'm ready to try something else. So I called and left and inquiry with our United Senior Services office. No one was in, but if they don't call back in a couple days I am going to take that as a sign and ask about volunteering at the State Park near here. I want to be partially with people since I am now alone a lot. I don't want to sit by myself as the state historical society site would want me to. It probably would be good if I could visit shut in older people who are lonely since that may be me some day. I am still teaching in elementary private school 2 days per week. I think I am going to try to keep this job next year if my tax man says I can afford to work part time. I am tired and don't really want to go back to the 50 or 60 hours per week a high school job would require. 
When it is Spring I hope to be gardening and keeping bees. I don't want to get real busy, but a bit more to do would be good now.
I am so grateful to have my house, my animals and friends and family. This grieif is still almost more than I can bear at times but there are some good times too.  I am trying to stay busy and useful while still leaving time for study, reflection and relaxation. It is hard being in the house a lot in wet or icy cold weather. I like being able to get out. I have the feeling that J and I will get through this. We got through a lot of other crap during our marriage and I am beginning to feel confident we can get through this. In a way, I wish I knew how long, but I guess that's not part of the deal. But on the bright side, like a lot of other widows, I've totally lost my fear of death. I'm not suicidal, but when the time comes - bring it on!
Well, I have a step daughter's birthday to plan, a Chinese lesson to study and exercises to do - I better get going! 
I'm grateful for:
 a beautiful sunrise
dogs and cats
families and friends
work
a car that runs
healthy
food to eat
telephone
email
Internet
My God and my honey
 

Replies

jremee
jremee

Wow - learning Mandarin - I am impressed! Also - bee keeping! Interesting! You go girl! :)
lovelos
lovelos

Nice to read how far you have come my friend. I think back to the days we couldn`t even figure out how to take our next breath and we definately have made progress since those early months. I am so glad you are having some good times amongst the grief. May we both have many more good times and less pain in our future and find a way to fill those empty days, Hugs Lu Ann
Joely
Joely

Edith, sounds like you are keeping busy most of the time. That is a good thing. Glad you sound better than the last time I read one of your journal entries.
Hope you have a Blessed New Year!
Hugs,Joely
gone2soon
gone2soon

Edith, glad to read this journal and to see how far you have come. I enjoyed poem. Wishing us all peace and comfort. Hugs, Anne
edithbathgate
edithbathgate

Thanks to you all. You don\'t know how much you mean to me!
doyew
doyew

You do so many interesting things -- that\'s great! More power to you in learning Mandarin, your volunteer position, and a grateful attitude!
Hugs - Doye
lovedaisies
lovedaisies

It is so hard at times to motivate ourselves----you have wonderful plans!
Big hugs, Sal
KittyKai
KittyKai

\'Enjoyed reading your journal. I was a student life counselor and retired to the Coast with my husband, then he passed away! I was badly spoiled as a wife, still not used to going it alone. Right now I am battling moles out in the yard! That was my husband\'s job. ~~Sigh~~ Patty