Bliss

For my bliss time I slept. Yup, just slept. As a disabled vet in pain 24/7, sleep often evades me. This is such a frustrating thing, it is really hard to explain to someone who doesn't or hasn't experienced it. It is also VERY difficult to be creative when you're constantly sleep deprived and cranky.

Just for a little background, because of my job overseas (convoy commander), my body was innundated with stressors that the human body is not meant to withstand. Not only did I bounce down crater-filled roads every other day in a vehicle whose suspension was already maxed out by the up-armor, I also had a few "oh shit" moments out there that threw me around a little.

Here's the formula: 70+ pounds of gear on my upper body + crater filled roads + big booms + bad suspension = bad back now.

I had spinal fusion for my neck (C6-C7) last year and I have 3 more herniations in my lower back that haven't been touched surgically yet. This is why sleep does not always come easily. When I do have an opportunity to sleep, I do it. When I wake up I can get soooo much done. I can think clearly and my creative juices are flowing, since my right brain had a chance to take the reins for an extended amount of time.

After I slept, I did my PT exercises and worked on some other school projects that needed to be done.

The rule I'm breaking... never miss a deadline. I'm missing it now for the breaking the rule portion of the assignment.

Square Peg

I've been thinking about this assignment during the past week. After letting the idea of circles simmer in my thoughts for a week, I brainstormed them. I let my right brain ponder the idea while I completed the menial tasks of everyday life. As I performed the brainstorm, I steered myself into R-mode to facilitate the development of figurative circles. I scribed the words as they came to me, trying not to filter any. You can see how one led to another.

I will explain any that aren't clear in class.

Below is my brainstorm of circles:

Catch 22
reasoning
thought
reference
love
marriage
eyes
soul
karma
universe
cities
bloodstream
racetracks
cruises
vacations
soil
health
pain
nightmares
history
anger
hatred
regret
embarrassment
memories
conversation
language
arguments
war
religion
economy
recycling
global warming
weather
physics
clouds
rain
snow
ice ages
evolution
Catch 22

Response to 8 Feb Class

Well, this was my first week back with Beth as the instructor. I had her for a class about 8 years ago... yes, i'm a professional part-time student! I should be done soon, though, thank Goddess. <--not a typo. Beth, you haven't changed! This is a compliment. I enjoyed you style then, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it again this semester.

It was interesting to see the other crop circle projects. I need to keep in mind that I should "show my work." If nothing else, write my stream of consciousness that lead me to choose what I did for the project. I have always struggled with this. Coming from a math and engineering background, I would even neglect to show my work in those classes, resulting in lower grades... you'd think I would have learned by now!

Dogma Circles

I was thinking about crop circles when the weekend snow came. I have a rescue pit/bull mastiff mix. He's a 100+ pound curious gentle teddy bear. It's all in how you raise them. If I wanted him to fight, he would for me. But I am not a sick, twisted, narcissistic, sadistic @$$hole.... but I digress.

I love the tracks dogs make in the snow. Some are timid and only go 2' from the door and come back in, but rowdy dogs like mine run rampant and leave circles, squares, snout marks and more. I think they like the snow because it covers all the scents and makes it a challenge to find everything again.... oooohhh it's a brand new back yard! SQUIRREL!!!!!!

I love to watch it. We could learn from them and continue to be surprised by the simple things. Here's a pic of my dogma circles:

Response to Class - 02/01/2010

I was unfortunately unable to attend the class in body. However, my spirit was in attendance.

I was called in to "work." It's not a formal job; I take care of an elderly mother of a friend. I usually just stay in the evenings and overnight, cooking and providing company / security / activity for her. She fell again recently, hurting her shoulder and her pride, also increasing the need for someone to be there during the day.

It takes a lot of patience to work with a 92 year old, so that is the life lesson I am gaining from my adventures with her :)

See you all next week!