Good things are happening

School is beginning to wind down. I am done with this semester in one month. That means, provided there are no complications, I graduate with an A.S. in Visual Arts/Photography in January. I have ambivalent feelings about this. On one hand, I am so excited to get this degree. I have worked hard for it. On the other hand, I am leaving my educational home. I am registered at a four year school beginning in January. I have my classes scheduled; Computer Graphics 1, Electronic Publication Media, Major British Writers, and Women in Modern Organizations. Getting registered for classes was an exercise in persistence. The Universe wanted to know if I was serious and gave me quite a few challenges. I am happy to report that I overcame each and every one.

Zach got his first report card of the year. He had all A's with one exception; it was a B+. I think I can handle that. He and I had our first "community" visit last weekend. It was so nice to be able to be with him out of that house and away from all those other kids and staff. He and I really enjoyed it. He's home Thursday from 10AM to 8PM. It's also his birthday in addition to Thanksgiving. He's going to be 13. I bought him a new Playstation 2 and his father got him Guitar Hero II which is a game for it. The game comes with a guitar and the game plays like DDR. It's pretty cool because the songs in are really good - lots of old rock.

Nicole started her first job this week. She's at Circuit City as a sales associate. I am so proud of her. She put in a lot of hours over the weekend and even 5 hours last night. She's doing so well. Her birthday is Friday. She's going to be 18. How did my baby get to be 18? She was just a 2 lb 9.5 oz preemie yesterday. It's so inspiring to see the beautiful woman she's becoming from such a difficult beginning. She's also an A student this year (just like last year). She's handling the breakup with her boyfriend really well. I am so proud of her and Zach too. They are both doing so well and growing up so wonderfully.

I'm cooking Thursday which should be interesting since I won't be able to eat much of it; a couple bits of potatoes and a little stuffing. Forget the birthday cakes. Actually, Zach wants banana cream pie instead of a cake but Nicole wants cake. She's a traditional girl. I've lost over 60 pounds so far and am still adjusting to my new stomach. It still gets finicky at times. I'm learning what can and can't have the hard way. It's all worth it. I feel fantastic and I think I'm looking pretty good right now. I do want to lose another 50 pounds though. In the end, life just keeps getting better.