Slow down, World...let me catch up!

I have no idea where the last two weeks have gone or if anything else has happened in the word outside of the track at 8th Street. All of my days have run together...Now that the visit of the Wall is over and done with, I have learned several things:
1- I learned that delegation on a huge project such as bringing the Wall to Tifton is an essential thing. Once I got the hang of it, it wasn't hard to say" Okay...why don't (insert name) take care of (insert task or assignment)
2- I learned that although I have been back in Tifton since 1991, I truly feel that Tifton is my hometown now. I have met so many cool people while putting the Wall project together. I know that I would never have met them any other way because most people do not come to my classroom "on purpse."
3- I learned that there is no time limit on grieving or healing from the loss of a loved one. I watched miracles happen in people's lives because of their visit to The Wall or their involvement in bringing it here.
4- I learned that Tifton is full of who appear "ordinary" at first glance, but when they begin to talk of their service, jobs, experiences in the military, some as far back as WWII, they become extraordinary heroes in my eyes and I have come to love this segment of Tifton's society.
5-I have learned that it s a humbling experience to be the mouthpiece for a project that involves an entire community.
6-I have learned that-given a chance to become involved-middle school aged kids can step up to the plate and be more than they thought they could be. Many of my students matured right in front of my eyes while helping me during the 10 days of events before, during and after the Wall's visit.
7-I learned that sometimes you just need to do something because it is the "right" thing to do. Giving of yourself-your time, your energy and your talents-can seem draining during the "giving" proces, but oh, the blessings are so sweet and special that it becomes difficult to remember the sacrifices made.
8- I learned that I have a whole new set of friends. These friends are ones I made on my own. They are not all my friends just because of who I am related to...they are my friends because they like me for myself!
9-I learned to step outside my "comfort zone" and push myself to dream.
10-I learned just how much my Heavenly Father has a hand in the "everyday" things that just happen to connect, solve or transform situations that seem totally unrelated at first.
I have more to share about my Wall journey...so stay tuned...

Perseverance in spite of difficulties...

I learned again this weekend that there are still trials I need to go through before the chapter of my life with Don is at an end. I learned that our court date is also the same day as the Moving Wall will be escorted and put up. The time for the court hearing is at the same time as the escort. As the court date seems to be out of my control, I have decided several things.
First... even if I do appear at the courthouse, nothing will change the inevitable result. As Don said on Saturday (with no remorse) "that was the day he was given and frankly he wants to get "this" over with as soon as possible."
Second... I truly believe that the man I feel in love with and have spent the last six years with died on that operating table at Phoebe Putney in April. I do not recognize the person who is in Florida now.
Third...As I sat in church today, I looked around and realized that I was physically alone. However, I was comforted in the fact that I was where I was supposed to be at the time I was supposed to be. All the lessons and talks seemed to have something applicable to my situation at this time. I felt grateful that the Gospel was such an important, stable part of my life and has been for years.
Don seems to have given up on that part of his life and although I love him with all my heart, I also realize that I cannot control his salvation-only mine. I feel great sadness when I think of him these days. I can truly understand how the prophets of old felt when they told the people of the calamities to come if they continued to turn away from the Lord-and the people continued in their sins.
I am by no means a perfect human being. But this summer, through this trial, I have come to realize that I am not a bad person. I have done alot of things that I am proud of. My task now is to persevere through this trial, try to keep myself grounded in the good thins in my life such as my family, the Gospel and my job and to try to learn the lessons my Father in Heaven has chosen for me to learn.

I have a confusion...

This weekend I did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING INVOLVING ANYTHING WITH SCHOOL! Oh, I had "stuff" I should have and could have done, but, you see....what happened was this....
I woke up Saturday morning about 11:00! When I woke up, I actually had a major headache and thought about staying in bed all day. But I have discovered these days if I spend too much time in bed, I can easily start thinking about things that depress me. So I forced myself to get up...
I took a shower and then something magical happened!! As I started to pick up odds and ends around the house, one thing led to another and I got more energized. By the time I went to bed, I realized I had turned into a DOMESTIC GODDESS! I made 28 individual meals of chicken/broccoli/rice casserole, stuffed pepper casserole, and chines casserole. I organized all my food in my pantry. I vacuumed and mopped my floors. (I even cleaned and washed the removable dust catcher in the vacuum cleaner.) I have no dirty laundry now. All my clothes are organized in either the closet or the dresser drawers. I even folded my garments and I rarely do that! I gave Lacey a bath in the kitchen sink this evening and she is nice and fluffy and clean smelling.
I had a visit from the Sisters this evening and was able to give them some fresh "goodies" for breakfast, lunch and dinner this next week.
I guess my reason for this blog is not to make me seem "Superwoman", but to let "the world" know that I have had a wonderful weekend, felt totally productive and energized and basically spent the entire weekend by myself. I realized that I can have happiness in my home-all by myself! What a difference a few months and a change in attitude can make. I think I am on my way to recovery from my latest heartache...and it feels wonderful!