Hanging in there...and then some!

Yup, still in school! I actually missed work today because I had so much homework! Its not just the school work...I'm neglecting my household chores as well. Glen helps as much as he can, however, there are certain things I would rather do myself, like grocery shop. Glen does laundry (I sort it!), and he'll cook pretty much anything. He's actually gotten pretty good at it. He'll vacuum - I pretty much do all else, dust, clean toilets, change sheets, clean the fridge, floors, etc. When I'm behind on chores, it seems chores is at the forefront of my thoughts daily...add to that school and work...ugh!

My sister and I went to the football game on Saturday afternoon. I went to school from 9 am to 1 pm, then headed straight to the game after stopping for a bite to eat. It was really warm, even though a nice breeze was blowing. As soon as the sun went down, though, it got really cool, like very cool...58-60F...with a breeze. We stayed until the end, then headed out to dinner at a nice little Italian place on 4th Avenue, Caruso's! Its locally owned, has been around forever, and serves really good, authentic food. I had the cheese and spinach manicotti; my sister had the spaghetti with meat sauce - throw in a couple of salads, lotsa garlic bread and it was a delish meal! My sis had wine, alas, I could not as I was driving, but I did have a nice cup of coffee, ok, two cups, and then I took her home. I was home, in bed, by 10 pm! Oh, and sis had dessert...not a bad night for her...wine AND dessert! Oh, yeah, and we won!! We have a bye this week, then homecoming on 11/7.

On Sunday, I volunteered at a triathlon event on the university campus. Athletes swam, rode a bike and then ran the final leg. We were set up with massage tables offering free massages to the athletes, whether it was pre or post event, we were there, ready! I did check in and guided athletes to open tables. Not a single pre-event massage - it was pretty chilly in the morning, but we had plenty of post event athletes...just massaging legs, some pec muscles...mostly relaxation techniques. From the chatter I heard from athletes, family and friends, it was a well sponsored event. Nothing like the PF Chang Rock n Roll Marathon which is coming up in Phoenix in January that is just crazy crowded P F Changs Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon - Phoenix Arizona Marathon Don't think I'll be going to that one! Tucson is hosting the El Tour de Tucson in November, a 109 mile bike race that circles the perimeter of Tucson, and we will be doing massages at that event in lieu of our Saturday class! It is exciting to be a part of a sports event, however, I know just enough technique to hurt someone! Not really, but I haven't actually put my hands on anyone yet in that type of venue...but you only take that first step once, and then you're an old pro!! Breathe....

Not much of a Halloween person...never have been. I'm too much of a scaredy cat!! We don't have street lights so we hardly ever get any kids in the neighborhood. Every year, though, I still buy candy, always making sure to buy what we like because chances are we will end up eating it! I wanted to go to a Halloween party at one of the resorts where one of my fav bands is playing, but my sister will be out of town, ghost hunting. She and some girlfriends are on a quest to find a ghost at some of the haunted hotels and venues in Arizona. So far, they haven't seen anything, but they've gotten some weird vibes or their electronics cease to work! They will be in Tombstone - that alone is scary - on Friday night, then in Douglas on Saturday night. The Gadsden Hotel in Douglas is said to be haunted. Haunts & History I've never been to Douglas, but sounds like fun...ghosts notwithstanding!!

I'm going to do one last run through my notes for class tonight - test in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology on cells...ugh! Talk soon...

Where I've been...

One down, 3 to go...quarters of school, that is! I just completed 11 weeks of Massage Therapy school. Hard to believe that in mid-July, I was a naive student, never having a full body massage without my panties (I know, TMI!), and here I am now, disrobing with people I didn't know 3 months ago! It is truly a great program with an accredited institution, and that is all they do - Massage Therapy instruction. I looked at another school in town, the one my son graduated from 2 years ago, and it was less expensive, however, the school I chose, is preferred and recognized by my workplace. I work at a premiere health resort, and if its good enough for them, its good enough for me! Anyway, I managed 2 A's, and 2 B's. Surprisingly, one of the B's (88%) was in Muscles and Kinesiology - not bad for a gal that's been out of school for well over 30+ years! Second quarter begins 10/5 and goes through mid-December. The classes will become increasingly difficult, I'm sure, plus a Saturday class has been added to the curriculum.

I received my massage table mid quarter, and I need to practice, however, when do I have time??!! Between work, school, and just life in general, I am one busy girl! Glen agreed to let me practice on him a couple of weeks ago, and he said "ouch" too many times. His feedback was "when the client says ouch, you should probably stop!" What!!?? I can fix your tight fascia! I can alleviate muscle tightness by loosening the fibers by working them in different directions! Needless to say, Glen will not be a guinea pig for future practice. He is not cooperative!

Work has picked up gradually, and we are heading into the high season. Occupancy a couple of weeks ago was at 80%!! Whoo hoo...we haven't been at that level for at least 15-18 months! I attended a guest lecture yesterday by a staff clairvoyant, and there were about 25 guests. During the summer, lectures were mostly attended by staff to fill seats, maybe 5-6 people.

Anyway, just checking in. I hope to write more in the next couple of weeks, but if I don't, you know where I am!! Talk soon...