With a Mix of Sun and Clouds
Good things:
Halfway through school.
Watching my niece and nephew tonight.
Niece turns 2 today.
Made it through this round of cuts.
It’s Friday!
Not-so-good-things:
Halfway through summer.
Bad posture.
Haven’t seen a new movie in Idon’tknowwhen.
My hair needs to grow about another inch before I can pull it back, yet the heat makes me want to cut it off.
Sometimes I hate driving. If I were rich, I would have a car – probably not a limo, but something comfortable and roomy – and someone to drive me around.
I also sometimes hate other drivers. No, mostly I just hate stupid people and sometimes they drive. Around me. I hate when people can’t figure out to get over because the lane ahead is blocked, and when people cut me off.
Yesterday, I saw a motorcyclist traveling in one lane of two lanes going the same direction. He decided the car in front of him wasn’t going fast enough, so he passed on the dotted line between the two lanes of traffic. This ruins my theory about motorcyclists being the safes ones and other drivers being unsafe.
Roadkill kind of fascinates me. When I see an animal curled up in the road or by the side of the road, I wonder what happened. Did they just get nicked by a car tire – enough to kill them, but not enough for blood and guts? Or was it the end of their life anyway and that’s where they chose to die – kind of a roadside memorial to themselves?
I text when I’m driving.
Last night, in class, we learned about trigger points. Interesting. I need to practice.
Monday, I went to a local hospital and met with a massage therapist. I got some good information just talking to her. The person in charge is going to set me up to work on the staff at their lunchtime. I took a few days off this summer specifically to work on practice and homework, so I gave her those as days I could come in.
This weekend was a homework-fest. I worked really hard to get ahead on the bigger projects. I need to get started on my paper and just keep up on my regular homework. I still feel pretty good about all of it.
Saturday night, E and I went to a cook-out/cook-off that some friends of ours were having. They’ve been doing this for a long time. Last year was our first year and we were spectators, and this year we participated. This year’s theme was beef.
Here’s what happens: Everyone who is participating brings their grills and everything they need to grill their meat. Food is to be ready at 6pm. At the appropriate time for each person, they begin grilling. Everyone has a different recipe, different grill, etc. The time between 5:30-6 was pretty hectic. We eat at 6, and then vote. They’ve also added contests for side dish and dessert so there is a LOT of food.
E and I made beef gyros and they were delicious. Seriously, the spices from the marinade mixed with the cucumber sauce and had a little party in my mouth. I couldn’t believe how well everything turned out. Except we didn’t win. Oh well. Next year is pork. And I might have to throw a dessert entry in there.
To eat a leftover wrap and Doritos for breakfast.
To realize you’ve used your espresso machine, oh, about 5 times in a year, and that it’s ok to try to sell it a someone’s garage sale.
To be mad that the school’s program director called every student but you for a community event.
To look forward to school being over.
To want to spend money on new clothes, shoes, and appliances even though you won’t because the job situation is still unstable.
To be kind of pissed when people cancel at the last minute (or forget to call to cancel) a massage appointment – even if it is free. Courtesy, people!
To want a vacation!
Last night’s class was good. My first practical exam is next week and I feel ready for it. I also have a written exam and should do fine on that too.
I was paired up with the only girl in class younger than I. I’ll call her L. I have no idea what L’s past was like, but she has many many many cut scars all over her forearms. She is quiet and tentative, and I know she really wants to learn massage (not just pass the class so she can go wreak havoc on innocent people for money). We did full body Swedish – unguided. Meaning the instructor wasn’t saying, Ok, now let’s do this, now let’s do this. So, I worked first, and I think I did a pretty good job. Then, on L’s turn to work on me, I tried to be really supportive and help her through the stretches (seems like the class is having trouble with these and I don’t know why). She did a good job. I could tell when she got nervous or unsure because her touch went from confident and strong to weak and timid. Once I told her to take a deep breath and just relax. We stayed late to make sure she could practice the arm stretches.
Afterwards, she thanked me for helping her and I told her that she did a fine job. She said that she really respected my opinion because she could tell I really wanted to learn it too. I think at least half of the class is only in it for the money. Which brings me to my next story…
Another lady in the class – D – is a beautician (her word, I’m not sure what all that encompasses). She already works at a salon and wants to add massage to her skills to make more money (also her words). She HATES getting a massage. I’m afraid to partner with her b/c she is just going to hate it anyway. And, I guess, hating to receive doesn’t mean someone can’t give a good massage. But considering she was also one of the ones copying answers from someone else’s take home test…I’m not sure she cares about learning.
Anyway, she got partnered with creepy guy last night. Ha! I can’t tell you how funny I thought that was. Creepy guy who thought he was so great and gave the best massages was now being worked on by someone who really didn’t know what she was doing. She practiced on him the whole time and I lost track of how many times he said Ow. It made me happy in a really petty way.
On the other hand, I’m pretty sure this woman won’t outright fail the class, so she will be free to wreak havoc on innocent people for money. Beware!
