Blabbing/Venting

So I know there are a lot of things happening for me this week. However, I'd really like it if I could take the "handle it as it comes" approach. I can't do anything about my mediation that's scheduled for Tuesday until, duh, Tuesday. I can't figure out a piano accompaniment for a last-minute gig scheduled for Thursday until tomorrow. I can't get the knots out of my shoulders and back until I can actually relax and get someone to help me with that (Saturday or Monday, Lisa will call me back). And I can't get my mind to calm down, relax, enjoy what I can right now, focus on some other things that need done, and calm my stomach until.... ??? It's all over? School doesn't really bother me. I know I'll find a solution for that tomorrow. Not a problem. Tuesday bothers me. That I'm unsure about the outcome. That I don't want to go to trial. That I can't afford shit right now because I have to put pennies away for my lawyer, ESPECIALLY if we're going to trial. And mostly that I'm this upset about something that I don't want to be. I'm trying very hard to distract myself from it, and it keeps gnawing away at me, expressing itself when I think I have some sort of control over it.

I know, Mom. He's controlling me again because I can't get my own emotions under control. I'm still pissed about DAD. How do you stop letting something erode away in you when there seems to be no closure? How do you bring closure to something that will probably never be closed? I don't have the time or the funds to take a year to find happiness for myself, like Elizabeth Gilbert in "Eat, Pray, Love". Great book, by the way. It gives me hope that I will be able to provide myself with some kind calm and, for lack of a better word, closure at some point in my life. I know I can be very patient, but lately that has not been a great talent of mine. I feel like I've been patient long enough.

Well that sounds familiar. I think I heard myself say that several times to myself a couple of years ago. Most memorably around July of 2006.

So that leaves me with what? Plans of action. I know dates, times, and hopefully that means that in less than 20 days I will officially be known by my maiden name again. I'll try to focus on that fact (hopefully fact). So take Coda out. See friends. Enjoy company and try to distract my brain for the next 45 hours.

Someone call me and remind me to cry Monday night. I don't want to burst into tears on Tuesday (which is likely). We all know how much I love conflict.

Lazy Dog

So the Gabriel/Gehrman family has begun a fitness challenge to last up to Christmas. Walk/Jog (or bike or play tennis at the equivalent) 7 miles each week. So long as you complete that weekly, you win! I love it. I get to take Coda out and... well... drag her up the last hill every time we do a certain route because she is apparently not capable of withstanding the Texas heat AND walking 3 miles. I'm going to have to start walking with her every other day and going on my own to get my heartrate up for the required amount of time. I want to lose 10 lbs. by Xmas. How do you get the dog to keep up with you??? She's a young'un! Just over a year with GREYHOUND in her blood! Crazy mutt. Love her though! She keeps me entertained. =)

Mediation

October 2nd at 1:00 PM. If that doesn't end it, the trial date is October 15th. Pray for the former to be successful.

Labor Day

How much do I love my family??? A whole heck of a lot! The Orenders invited me out to their lake home in Possum Kingdom for Labor Day weekend. I read more in 2 days then I had been able to read in 3 weeks. We swam, boated, jet skiied, and RELAXED! Oh yeah. And we ate a lot, too. =) Thanks to Carol and Bill for inviting me, and it's ALWAYS fun to hang with the cousins! The babies grow up so fast!!!


Katy had her friend Kelly out from Chicago - the bunkhouse was the place to be!


Connor's already taking charge of his younger cousin, Liam.


"The Beast" kills your thighs. Can I get a witness, Katy and Kelly???


Father and son are WAY TOO CUTE.


The Girls at the Lake House!

It has to be said again... I love my family!

PS: More pictures are on my Facebook site... go here - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=723290963

Collin County Courthouse

I missed the 4th day of school today for a 30 minute stint in Collin County's newest courthouse up in McKinney. While I am content and, I can't think of a good word... satisfied? We'll go with it. Satisfied that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, I am perturbed that this light hasn't blinded me yet. WHY is there so much conflict over reason? WHY is there NO conflict when reason is trying to be had??? There isn't any because it becomes a one-sided argument. Not even that. A one-sided attempt at discussion. I feel as though this thing that has been haunting me is STILL THERE. I want it gone. It should have been gone months ago, as Texas law says it can be. Folks, mediation is supposed to occur before Sept. 15th (that's what the order said, anyhow) and a trial has been set (if needed) for October 15th. Friends in the area, you can bet there will be a get-together that coming weekend. Be ready for celebration, because if it doesn't happen then, it had better have happened in September (how awesome would that be???). I already have students calling me by my maiden name. It has a wonderful ring to it.

The First Day

It's over. The first day of school is FINISHED! Amen to that. I have some very sweet 6th graders, awesome 8th graders, and TALKATIVE 7th graders. And my boy's choir? 19 males and hopefully still counting. I am PUMPED UP for this year! We have some awesome things planned, and if all goes as well as we're planning them we are going to have a blast of a year. 1st place ratings, here we come! Just thought you'd all like to know how the first day went. We sing and move my furniture tomorrow. =)

Rimelspach-Gupta Wedding

I know you are all interested in hearing about my friend's wedding, so here you go! Jennifer's wedding was AMAZING! I strongly suggest attending a Hindu ceremony at some point in your life - very beautiful and so much fun! And the Gupta's would definitely give the Lindsay's a run for their money out on the dance floor! Below are some pics, and more are on my Facebook page.


Jennifer and Pankaj are so beautiful together!


Seriously, Jennifer was adorned head to toe in her wedding lenga. GORGEOUS.


Pankaj rode on this fine stead for the processional while we danced in front of him with the musicians around the temple.


Speaking of dancing... =)


Jennifer and Pankaj recessing after the enchange of rings. Absolutely an amazing wedding.

Post-Op

So. I had my splints and stitch (that's right, 1 stitch) removed out of my nose today. Splints? OK. Sore to get out (they're about 1/2 in. tall and 2-3 in. long), but a relief. Stitch? I cried. I cried and I needed a couple of minutes before they took out the splints. That front part inside your nose is SENSITIVE! Mom says I need to learn more breathing techniques.

But they're out! And I can already feel a difference. YIPPEE! So thanks for the prayers and thoughts and well-wishes (and putting up with my drug-induced poetry, if you can call it poetry). Next week they finish cleaning out my sinuses and I'll be done! I'm very glad to be in the upside of recovery now. Puking and oozing (that's for you, Stacy) in Erin's bedroom was not the highlight of my stay at the Orenders. Seeing Erin bring me a cheeseburger when I could handle it WAS! And the toy? I'm playing with it, don't you worry, Erin! =)

I'll update you with more later! Ciao!

Ode to My Nose

Oh, thou great and amazing organ-thingy!
You that causes me to smell the sweet scents of roses, lilacs, and Coda's breath!
You that have caused me so much congestion and suffering (and medical bills) throughout the ages...
You are my nose!

One of the Five Senses you are truly a work of art,
And those who have studied you are awed by your amazing works.
The scents you scent,
The odors you open my eyes to,
The aromas you arouse in my brain are innumberable.

And yet you torment me, nose.

Though you are supposedly healing, I can not even smell tuna.
Though you are supposedly healing, I can not breathe through my left nostril.
Though you are supposedly healing, I am still wiping up the oozes from your olefactories.

But you ARE healing.
You ARE progressing.
You ARE becoming better, and though there is pain, it is a healing pain.

And so I ask...
Do not mock my inability to spell or use correct vocabulary words or even to create bad poetry, but rejoice with me for a better, healthier nose!

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I'll be able to breathe...

Tomorrow! It's only a daaaaaaaaay, aaaaaaaaaaaa-waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!! Yes folks, tomorrow is the big day. Surgery on my sinuses around 7:30 AM. How pumped am I? Considering I won't be able to breathe out of my nose for a week, not sing for a few weeks, but then know what it's like to actually not have an infection all the time, PRETTY DARN PUMPED UP!

And I'll look great too, because I finally did it and got professional highlights (and lowlights!!!) in my hair. Don't worry, I will post a pic. It's HOTT.

Sorry if you don't hear from me for awhile, however I'll be hopped up on drugs. Who-hoo!

Update for Stacy

This is for you, Stacy. As I sit here in Cleveland, awaiting the arrival of my luggage from DFW (long story) I decided to check out my blog. Let's see if I can tell you what's going on here... arrived, was picked up by the groom's friend, checked into the hotel, went back to the airport to pick up more people, ate lunch, and am now waiting to head back, yet again, to the airport to see if my clothes and everything else made it on the last flight from Dallas.

Coda's great - she has surpassed the 60 lbs. mark and survived a bout with allergies and eye drops.

Kyle's getting settled into Dallas and is searching for jobs as I type. How many interviews will he have, folks? We shall see! He's working hard at it though - go Kyle go!

Alright. What's happening with ya'll?? =)

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to my favorite puppy, Coda! We went to the dog park today in celebration of her 1 year old self! She loved it. Now she's pooped out and is lying in front of the door (coolest spot in the apartment). So yes - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY GIRL!!!

Renee Update

THANK YOU for your prayers! Renee's surgery was completed today and as far as anyone can tell was 100% successful. I appreciate all your support - I'll let you know if anything else pops up. THANK YOU!!!

Prayer Request

Hey there, friends and fam! Just wanted to post this prayer request for my friend Renee in Minnesota. She's currently in the hospital, most likely to have surgery on her brain to fix a disformed blood vessel on Friday. Prayers and good thoughts that the procedure will go well, that the doctors are able to fix the vessel, and that Renee is feeling better. The blood vessel has begun to leak, causing horrible headaches. Thanks for your prayers! I appreciate them, as does Renee!

Toy? What Toy?

You see it. The one draped across your face! But maybe you don't notice it because you're still out of breath and paying WAY too much attention to mom as you've been playing with the laser pointer. That thing turns you into a one-minded-dog. I love it. And this picture.

Coda Update

She loves the summertime - and she gets tired out easily. How can I tell when she's tired? When she pants with her toungue hanging out the side of her mouth rather than the front. She's too cute.

Here she is taking advantage of the Texas sun...



And she graduated Beginner Training!!! What a gal.



And I can't leave this one out just because it's hilarious to me. Besides the turquoise eyes, she's rather adorable!

Yippee!!!

Congratulations to my little sister, Alyse! She and her boyfriend Jeff are now engaged to be married! I am so excited - Jeff is an awesome guy and couldn't have a better gal than lil' Peasers. You can read about there engagement at http://alyseinaustin.blogspot.com. They are way too cute.

PS: I got a MacBook this weekend! Anyone know why Blogger's entire editing bar (the one that allows you to create links, etc.) doesn't appear? I love the computer, and it'll help the new business (www.marykay.com/kgabriel), but why the disappearing bar???

I detest mosquitoes. IMMENSLEY. Why, you might ask? Mostly because Coda likes to run where they like to exist. And guess who they like to bite?! ME!!! I have lost count as to how many bites I have on my body. I just keep itching. And trying not to scratch.

I just wanted to fill you in.

Mary Kay

I've done it. I've signed myself over to Mary Kay Cosmetics. And you know what? I'm really excited about i! I was looking for a part-time job this summer but was dreading the thought of another retail position that worked me on their part-time hours (usually about 30-35/week - NOT what I want) and that I wouldn't be able to work a Musical Theatre camp with my friend! So now I've found the gig that will work on my time and allow me to work as much or as little as I want. Though I'll admit I'm thinking I will work some more on it - I'm liking what I see so far!

So yeah. Now that I've gone and become a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant (HAHAHA - ME a beauty consultant!!!) I'm going to ask a favor. If you want to try something, let me know. If you want to have a party (in TX, thank you) I would be really happy to do that for you because I have NO experience. You'd be training me in. Otherwise, I don't know which of you use this product or not, but if you do, my website is www.marykay.com/kgabriel. Thanks for being the patient and supportive people you are and reading my shpeel. Stacy, tell me how to spell that. =)

Oh yeah. I get to go by GABRIEL!!! Not official yet - don't get too excited. I'm already chomping at the bit.

Joke

So through the email chain of the Gehrman/Gabriel Girls there was a list of items posted that could make for good blog posts. One such suggestion was jokes! I was reminded of a time when I taught Music History...

"What's Beethoven's favorite fruit?"

"BA-NA-NA-NAAAAA!" sung to the tune of his 5th Symphony opening.

Maybe I shouldn't post jokes on my blog.