H just moved out, 13 months post-bomb

[Dawn of Hope]

Hi, MWG, thanks. I do definitely feel better than I did at the bomb, and I recovered from the smaller bombs faster (I think drugs made a big difference here!). Overall the trend is slow improvement, although I do have ups and downs.

I will start teaching a calligraphy class again on Wednesday, and I am adding the option for students who have taken my beginning class to continue on (since all of my students last time begged me to offer a continuing class) , so I have a few things to do in preparation for that; primarily preparing exemplars for the new lettering style I am going to teach them.

I have learned so much from my students, and I have discovered that I really enjoy teaching these classes! In fact, it is the ONLY waking time I've had since the bomb that I have not thought about H or the wreck of our M for an entire two-hour span! Hmmm, maybe that's one of the reasons I enjoy the teaching?! I definitely haven't mastered thought-stopping; I guess I need to practice it more. I probably rely too much on my ADs to get me into a better frame of mind, and it would be better for me to take more active steps toward improvement in my attitude. Speaking of which...I am procrastinating on finding a new therapist. I want someone who does solution-based therapy, is pro-marriage, and also does cognitive behavioral therapy. I'm also wondering how I will pay for all of it. My insurance covers a good bit, but I still have to pay a chunk of change for each visit.

The weather forecast predicted that it would be partly cloudy today, but as far as I can see from indoors, there isn't a cloud in the sky. I'm up a lot earlier than usual, so it's the middle of the day and the sun is shining brightly, so even though it's right at freezing temperature, I think I will go for a little walk, try to get some vitamin D and help with the SAD, which I suspect I have (on top of standard clinical depression that sits on my shoulders year-round).

Peace,
Dawn