Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Hodge Podge II

I finished reading my first book in my new adventure called READING last night! I read "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston. I tell you what fellow bloggers, that was an EXCELLENT read for someone such as myself who is not an avid reader, but has a great imagination. It was almost as I felt each and every one of Janie Crawford's emotions as she ventured through life wondering if she'd ever find and/experience the one thing many people think they know about and have no clue...LOVE.

It is almost time for me to take my big trip to Myrtle Beach (road trip), and woe is me! I loathe packing and everything associated with it! The kids are excited about the chance to see the ocean (because I keep telling them that it in no way resembles the lake, and the beauty is almost inexplicable), so I am trying to use that as a reason to keep me motivated...that and the fact that I get a couple of days off work, and get the chance to go somewhere I haven't been before!


The swimming lessons are over and guess what...I didn't sink! By the last class, I didn't have my lifebelt on nor the 3 or 4 floaties that I used under my belly! I just used the little bar out in front as I practiced my kick motion, began a few freestyle strokes, and guess what?? I was brave enough to go under water!!! That is huge for someone who has/had fears such as I do! That's another thing that excites me about going to Myrtle Beach, I will be able to go in the water! And you know what else...I think I am going to sign up for the next round of lessons...it is MOST DEFINITELY WORTH IT!

I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I have been a waitress, bank teller, Secretary, Case Manager, Trainer, Teacher, and now being a Program Manager, I am STILL not feeling this sense of wanting to retire from here! This is a matter of urgency since the age of 30 is right around the corner, and I have an MBA that I am not putting to good use! Entrepreneurship (then benefits cost and arm and a leg)? Go back to something I've done previously (which Teaching is the only thing that appeals-NEITHER of those things are very fruitful on the income end)? Go back to school (I fear that I will already be paying back student loans in the after-life)? Who knows?

Where in the hell is Mr. Right? Even my kids are starting to notice that I need someone in my life...I don't know if that's because they are tired of me hanging out with them or what! You know it's bad when your 7-year old looks at you and asks, "Do you date much?"

I also have to birthday blues...June 3rd is that famous day, and I feel the depression and anxiety seeping through my pores.

In your comments, suggestions on my next read; traveling tips; career advice; where to look; and pick-me-ups...

27 comments:

Dagromm said...

Good for you on learning to swim. Most people won't commit to something that scares them, that says a lot about your character.

As far as work, I would say to look at the jobs that you've had and what your priorities are (making money, time off with your kids, flexibility in schedule, advancement opps, stability, retirement, whatever). Then look for jobs and companies that would provide you with those things. When you have that in line, it becomes easier to commit yourself to a job.

I'm not sure that I'm the right person to advise you on books. I know what I like and if you're interested, then I would suggest the Harry Potter books. They are much better than the films (like most books). They are not in depth introspective reads however, so if you're looking for something a little deeper than I understand.

Tera said...

Dagromm~Thanks for the encouragement and the advice! You're not the first person to suggest Harry Potter...I might have to give those books a look-see!!! :)

heather said...

yet another vote for harry, the series has the added benifit of being one you can read with your kids. :-)
don't stress about the birthday. there's nothing wrong with getting older. besides, it's not like you can stop it so you might as well embrace it. besides, you've got a long way to go before you catch up to me. ;-)

Tera said...

Heather~Thanks! And of course you're right about the age thing, but every time I hear my knees crack, and am utterly winded after climbing 10 little steps, it's hard NOT to be depressed! :)

Dagromm said...

Plus you'll get to watch more Wheel of Fortune.

Tera said...

Dagromm~I am assuming that may in some way be correlated with Harry Potter????

Dagromm said...

No, just to getting old. I thought that's what all old people did.

fringes said...

I don't think I missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune ever until my grandmother died. We loved that show.

I can't really help you with the Mr Right situation. I've dated so many crazy people, I'm surprised I'm still alive. So, uh, keep hope alive? That's all I got for now.

EsLocura said...

I vote for both harry and wheel of fortune. as for travel, if you are ever in Puerto Rico, let's meet for drinks, as for Mr. right .. who the hell knows, birthdays, grin and deal, it happens to all of us.

Nance said...

congrats on the swimming lessons! you're my hero. as far as reading goes, i haven't read the harry potter series--it's not my kind of a read--but if you liked hurston, you might like some other classic literature, too. what kind of book are you looking for? give me some idea and i'll give you a couple of titles. love story? historical? mystery? what? i love recommending books.

Nina said...

Tera, I'm proud of you!! You finished the swimming lessons and you didn't sink. Or drown! YEAH!!!
And you finished a book! I say go for a Dan Brown book or go ahead and tackle the Harry Potter series, I think you'll love it!
A man...stop looking and he'll fall from the sky right into your lap. At least that's how I found my hubby :)
Your job...it's okay to not want to retire from anywhere. Our generation doesn't seen to do that.

Tera said...

Dagromm~LOL! I pretty much thought that's what you meant...I was thinking OMG what is this foreign language you speak?!?! Actually being home BEFORE 7 p.m. (which is when WOF comes on around here) is almost INCONCEIVABLE in my world!!! LOL! :)

Fringes~I miss those days of watching WOF with Grandma! And hey, tell me about it...Mr. "Wrong" AKA Mr. Crazy is someone that I am most DEFINITELY familiar with!

Es~My friend is of PR decent, and she and I actually used to have conversations about coming down! Maybe we need to restart those!!! I guess consensus of the group is that old age is INEVITABLE, and I need to quit with my pity party! LOL!

Nance~Thanks...I feel awesome about it too! As far as reading, since I'm not an avid reader, I don't know what I like yet. Nina suggested a couple and I am currently reading "Milk in My Coffee" by EJD...Fringe also suggested "Temple of My Familiar" by Alice Walker which I think I'll start next! Maybe I'll have a better gauge by then, and I'll let you know! :)

Nina~I knew you'd be proud! And yes, I will wait, wait patiently! :) And hey, reading isn't so bad after all!

Nina said...

You're going to LOVE Milk in My Coffee!!!! I'm reading an Eric Jermone Dickey book right now too!

Tera said...

Nina~I can tell! I am ever so excited!

Q said...

I had a 7 year old ask me if I dated much one time. Of course it wasn't mine, since I have no children. And it turns out she was totally trying to pick me up. That made my answer of "when I run into the right lady *Makes pistol with hand and points it at her" that much more awkward. Luckily the cops totally understood the misunderstanding and after a severe beating I did too.

Tera said...

Q~First of all, WELCOME! Secondly, are you serious??? I am in tears laughing about this one!!! Uh...(clearing my throat) of course considering you were okay after the "beating." I just can't believe this one!

Q said...

I am always serious. Or something close. Well maybe not always. Okay so I am not really ever that serious, but there is truth behind all fiction. Yeah I know that is a flat out lie but I...

Tera said...

Q~LOL! Now that's more like it!

Susan said...

If you find a place where all the Mr. Rights hang out, hook a girl up. I've been looking but I'm pretty much convinced he's a ninja.

I love Myrtle Beach!I hope you have a great trip!

Tera said...

Susan~Girl I know that's right...and you do the same!!! LOL @ Ninja!!!

Thanks Susan, I hear it's a blast!!!

Lisa Johnson said...

I really liked that book too. It's a classic. The book that I just finished was "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran. Another classic and a very quick read. I'm probably going to talk about it in a post soon, but I highly recommend it.

And turning 30, well you're a youngster! Don't sweat it! Enjoy your vacation and I'm so glad you're swimming now! : )

Tera said...

Anali~Thanks for the suggestion, I will add it to the list! I know, and actually, I'll be a year less than 30 ;) but I know that I need to get over it!

Of course I'm not swimming like a fish yet, but what a way to start the summer this year...It is definitely an esteem booster! :)

Tera said...

Oh my goodness Nina!!!! Way to scare me right before I leave!!!! Ewwww!

heather said...

heya tera, just stopping in to wish you a happy mom's day. enjoy! :-)

Tera said...

Thanks Heather!!! Happy Mother's Day to you too!!!! :)

briliantdonkey said...

Found my way here via Heathers blog. Don't hold it against her though. Well on second thought go ahead and hold it against her just don't tell her I said so. I see a TON of familiar faces so I guess it is safe to say I am just late to the party. Hard to make a specific reccomendation without knowing what kind of books you like. If you like movies though, I am fairly sure once you have started reading you wont stop. With very VERY few exceptions there is no such thing as a movie that turns out better than it's corresponding book. A few suggestions:

thriller/mystery:
James patterson- "along came a spider", or "Kiss the girls"

Phillip Margolin- Gone but not forgotten(one of my all time favorites)

Scarey/Horror:

Stephen King-LOTS of good ones but "The Stand" is one of his best but it is HUGE. "Misery", "The dark half", "it" are great as well and more managable.

Fantasy: Harry potter is a good choice though Ive never gotten that into it(I am in the minority)and your kids will like it. "The lion the witch and the wardrobe" (kids will like it and you may as well)......Lord of the Rings is awesome but beyond huge.....

I could go on but I will shut up.

btw, Hi I am bd, some would say I am longwinded.

BD

Tera said...

BD~Welcome! Thanks for the abundance of great suggestions! I guess I better stay on the ball! :)