free time

Today is the first day of my three weeks of "free" time. Last day of therapy with my counselor at school -- she said "call me in the fall" if I wanted to. Good "final" session. Exams ended last Friday -- I was done Thursday (brutal ecumenical theologies exam -- rumor is already the grades will be curved). Margarita party Friday night (el seis de mayo -- can't drink while studying for exams!), Saturday a day of driving kids to activities -- hubby went hiking on a section of the Appalachian Trail -- also got to see his mom the day before Mother's Day.

Mother's Day, ah, yes. Holiday of high expectations and little results. No biggie, as long as I keep myself busy. Was gone from the house for 11 hours -- worship about 2 hours away -- Kenyan preacher -- coffee/tea at a friend's house with 3 Kenyans -- then Sunday dinner at a different friend's house with 5 Kenyans and about 25 other Presbyterians/fellow Kenya travelers. Nice to catch up with everyone. I was interested to note that there was no prayer at the gathering (unless we arrived after they had it, but I suspect there was none -- difference is, I probably wouldn't have noticed that -- or cared -- a few short years ago!).

Now have lots of plans to do wonderfully organizing activities, maybe even paint some rooms in my house....we'll see how much I get accomplished. Have a cousin's baby's baptism to attend, a nephew's college graduation to attend, a co-worker of hubby's wedding to attend, oldest's birthday party re-scheduled (cuz of rain) and final rowing regatta scheduled, 3 more meetings with the Kenyans to attend (one I am to chair!).... I am tired just trying to keep everything straight, even on my calendar. Have "penciled in" two different friends for coffee -- hope to be able to see them before I take off for my summer "job." Need to read the pamphlet about the dress code at the hospital -- get myself organized and packed and pretend to be professional [that's the bonus of starting new things: you can re-invent yourself, or just start trying to be a better you, sort of like new year's resolutions....]. Also have great hopes of using my "free" time wisely while on my summer assignment -- studying for ordination exams, doing daily devotions, scrapbooking, among other things.... Phew! Once again I am tired just planning and thinking of all I have to do.... Off to energize myself, some kind of way!