Whew!

I just got done with a very stressful week, full of reminders that my time management skills need to be dusted off. I had assignments due in every class, and also the internship and some extra training. I had that low level adrenaline feel all week...but am done with homework, thankfully! This weekend, I have my should list: I should clean the house, I should clean up the yard, I should go shopping, I should bring out my fall and winter wardrobe...but the other shoulds? I should go the Farmer's Market, I should see my family, I should take a drive and check out the fall colors...a lot to achieve in a little time.

The internship is going well, but it has been a very emotional experience so far. Learning about domestic violence in all its down and dirty details has wiped me out. So...I should take good care of myself emotionally and physically before another week of busyness rears its monstrous head.

It is about time!

I haven't written in quite a while. Things have been a bit busy, well...busier than normal, anyway. But this will be the new normal-juggling my time with classes, homework, the internship, seeing friends and family, and staying on top of the housework. I am exhausted just thinking about it all. I am however looking forward to routine. Knowing what Monday-Friday looks like with variation on the weekends. Chester is looking forward to routine, too. He likes knowing what we do and when we will do it. Stan, not so much. He just does whatever Chester does.

I had orientation at DU on Thursday. It is great to finally be starting this new chapter. I think the program will be intense...learning how to counsel and care for others, all the while discovering all sorts of new things about myself. Some of us participated in a service day on Friday. My group went to the Food Bank of the Rockies and did a variety of tasks. I helped sort items and box them. I met a few nice people and felt good about spending the morning in service. This week I am tackling some homework and I start my internship tomorrow.

I have been staying on top of golfing, though whether I am improving is another question. It is a good way to get out some stress and have a little fun. Although...I think my friend Liz will be my permanent golf partner. Both of us play pretty much at the same level. I am going out with my friend Amy on Friday to Harvard Gulch...I have warned her about my low level skill and she has assured me it is okay. Amy...if you are reading...you have until Friday to back out!

All things good

It has been a busy week. I spent Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in Winter Park. Liz was supposed to stay the entire time with me, but she left early to tend to a sick grandbaby. So, I had some much needed quiet time. The weather was cool on Monday so I stayed in most of the day, watched some TV, read a book, but made it out and about to the ski area. Here are some pretty potted flowers around the main square:

Dad came up Tuesday and we had a great day. We walked along the Fraser River Trail. We had lunch. We shopped. We visited Devil's Thumb Ranch. It was a beautiful day and the sun shone for most of it. I spent the afternoon and evening on Liz's balcony with this view:

Wednesday morning I checked email before leaving and heard from my friend Aimee. Her dog, Monty, was diagnosed last week with lymphoma. She was distraught all week, trying to figure out whether to treat or let him go (he is almost 10). Prognosis is good with treatment, about another year or so, and he is doing so well she thinks she will treat with chemo. We went to Wash Park last night, where Aimee and Monty roam daily, for some pictures. Here is the distinguished boy:

It has been hard for me to watch her go through this emotional process...she is single and Monty is her baby. I have spent ample amounts of time with both of them, and know they are very, very close. So, I hope whatever she chooses to do will bring her some peace. We sat on her front porch last night after the photo shoot and I couldn't help but take a picture of her beautiful French Country style...

The weekend has been relaxing and the weather a welcome reprieve from the heat. Today I will go to Mom and Dad's for a little bbq and then meander about the house. School starts in a week and I have lots to do to prepare for it. I finally bought my books today and saved around $50 ordering on Amazon instead of going to the bookstore.

Enjoy your three day weekend, my friends.