Monday, January 05, 2009

Back

I arrived back in Scary City on Saturday. Had dinner that night with my new dear friends here: La and her partner. This was important. Coming back here from my time with friends in Home Region - with A, with S, with M, with my dance community - and being able to walk right into a fabulously fun night in a similarly easy friendship, was symbolic of my perhaps beginning to put down roots here. Just beginning.

I am not teaching this term, because of my surgery. This makes me feel at once guilty and gleeful. I went to campus today to do a couple of things, and everyone around me was in high gear, what with the first day of classes. I can't believe the gift I've been given. I can't believe what a difference it makes, not having that pressure. I am a whole new me.

This is one of many things that are making me feel amazingly optimistic about this new year. Last year was such a disaster that I think I have really sub-consciously felt the turn to a new year. Having my birthday and New Year's at the same time really allows me to reflect, and to consciously turn a page. Last week, I was staying with my friend A in Home City and she made me a birthday dinner, including this cake, which perfectly captures my feelings about this transition: Perhaps because I'm not teaching, I really do feel as if I will be able to rock this year. Funny that I feel this way even though I am starting out the year with invasive surgery. But the recovery will be lovely. And I am rubbing my hands with glee at the prospect of diving back into my research and writing. I have big plans for writing, between now and August - and feel quite confident that they're achievable, which is certainly a novel feeling.

In preparation for my surgery, I have also begun cooking in ridiculous quantities and stocking my freezer. Today, it was a kind of baked ziti with wild mushroom sauce, and a yam/peanut soup. Before I go into hospital on Thursday, I'll make a double batch of macaroni and cheese and a pot of chili with veggie ground round. I am so set, foodwise, and this too makes me happy. To be taking care of myself.

14 comments:

Maude said...

yay! yay! and more yay!! and happy birthday!! and you sound happy!! woo-hoo!

i'm glad you've gotten some cooking done and that you're feeling energized and positive going into your surgery. it sounds like even with the surgery, it is going to be a positive year. i'm keeping my fingers crossed and sending wonderful happy positive good surgery and quick recovery vibes your way!!

<3,
maudie

Anonymous said...

Excellent! May 2009 be a great year for you!

Brigindo said...

Happy Birthday and what a lovely cake. I'm so glad you're feeling positive and I'm sure you'll have a kick-a$$ year.

Anonymous said...

That cake is wonderful! Enjoy the time away -- we went back to classes yesterday, too.

moria said...

Huzzah for all these happy things. Best of best for surgery and recovery.

grumpyABDadjunct said...

Such good planning on your part! And such yummy things to look forward to.

I'll be thinking of you on Thursday. Hope everything goes well, enjoy the morphine.

Flavia said...

Happy birthday! Love the cake and have high hopes for the year to come.

Anonymous said...

yay for your happiness and putting down roots! and of course, happy birthday!!!


wow, just typed my word verification. the word is pregnant. nice... very apropos.

medieval woman said...

You WILL rock this year! I'm so glad that you had a lovely birthday and are stocking up for the recovery. Wishing you all the love and good thoughts we can find!!!

Good luck on Thursday!

mindy said...

You will be awesome!

Oh, and make sure that you make stuff to eat with tons of Vit C., calcium, fiber, and protein cuz they all are friends of creating tissue in the healing process.

(aka "lilrumpus")

Earnest English said...

Now it's thursday, the day you said you'd be going into the hospital. I'm thinking of you!!!!

Also, this year SHOULD rock for you! Happy birthday and a magical new year!

What Now? said...

Oh my gosh, I love that cake! Perfect image for the new year.

Maude said...

ooooh, so i'm guessing you've had the surgery. i hope it went well and that you're on the road to getting better already.

huitzilin said...

I just turned 34 this week, and I sure wish I had gotten a cake like that.