New Year, New Blog

Another year, another Blog site. This service is much more cushy than the first for any of you who remember the Livejournal site. See http://flying-carpet.livejournal.com/ to reminisce. Most importantly it includes spell check. I used to write my blogs in Word, spell check them, then paste them into the journal.

My last blog appears to be March 23rd, 2005. How shameful. Here are the highlights and lowlights from the past calendar year. I'm still working at the prison, all nights, still doing the 6 12s and 7 days off. The most significant change is that I left Eric in June. We have been living apart and legally separated since July. I am currently in the process of filing for divorce. Eric is doing well all things considered. He lost his job of 10 years at UVA and is currently applying to graduate programs in conducting. Last I heard he did not get auditions from most of the schools, but he got an audition at Michigan, so he is holding out hope for that opportunity. He applied to a small school somewhere around here in the valley, the name escapes me, as a safe school. I really hope Michigan works out for him, the guy deserves a break.

After Eric, I started to date an officer at the prison, let's call him Mike, who had his charm, but also sported a significant drinking problem. Ok, a very serious drinking problem. I dumped him once but then backslid. When I backslid I knew nothing good would come of it, but I really could not cope with being alone. I know that sounds so cliche, but that was my reality at the time. I started writting in my journal again at this point, to help myself when I broke free again. I had kept a written journal from 1997 till 2002ish. Eric's paranoia and nursing school finally killed that practice. So I started writing again and now I go back and re-read those entries when I am feeling weak.

As part of my New Years resolution I broke up with Mike. This required three efforts over a 4 day period. I consider January 4th my official release date. I am stronger now with more fabulous local gal pals, my journal, and some crucial self-help books. After several consultations I decided not to date for 3 months. Those of you who have known me for awhile know that this will be about three times longer than I have ever gone since high school. Last time I broke up with the officer I tried to get right out there and gave out my number, but this caused me more anxiety in the end.

Also for New Years I have decided to go total vegetarian. This is something in the yoga lifestyle that I have resisted for quite some time. I almost feel like the decision was made for me in a way. I was eating less and less meat, when I did eat meat it was making me feel very heavy in my yoga practice and at work. So I have decided to go all veg. Not vegan mind you, this girl needs her cheese.

So, I am striking out on my own for the first time really. I don't mind going out on my own, but so far I have been sticking close to home and doing some serious processing and catch-up housework. I want to be committed to this new blog in the new year, so look for updates frequently. Please send threatening emails if things drop off.