The Yard

I used to be enthusiastic about taking care of my yard...the gardens.  But something changed when I got a divorce.  I do not find joy in it anymore.  Of course the horrible heat and humidity this summer really killed any desire I may have still had to make it look nice.  My neighbors have had to endure looking at the weeds popping up among my flowers and bushes.

I had planned on getting out today and spending a lot of time outside cleaning things up but the most that is going to happen today is mowing the lawn and some weed cutting with the weed whacker.  What changed my plans was 2 things:
1) I had enrolled in Intervention Specialist certification program, which started this last Monday BUT the registrar seemed to have 'lost' my paperwork (in their email!!!) and after I, once again, contacted them yesterday and they alerted me to the faux pas, and I had to resend it all, 10 minutes later I was able to get into the first class and found I have 2 chapters of work to do by 11:59 p.m. tomorrow night;
2) the weather had turned very humid and hot...again.

I am making plans to remove 2 gardens and make it just some place for grass to grow.  So much easier to just mow.  It is sad but it may actually just look better in the long run.

My friend Susan has been trying to sell me on moving back close to home but move to her town.  It is about a 40 minute drive away from my parents.  It is close, but not too close.  She works as a paraprofessional in the local school system and she told me they employ quite a few Intervention specialists.  I am looking for a better paying gig.  Unfortunately, to get one, I have to go back into the F2F classroom.  Online schools simply do not pay well.  It is okay for me right now while I am waiting for Bethany to finish college but I will still have 10 years before I retire after she finishes.  And I need to be looking at my earnings for those 10 years.  I could always get a gig back with an online school after that for a few years...just for extra income.  It is a more flexible schedule.

However, one step at a time.  I like where Susan lives but  time and prayers will tell.

My son and his wife are returning from the Honeymoon today.  They caused me to upgrade my data plan on my cellphone service for this month.  They uploaded large quantities of pictures and videos to FB and overran the data plan.  At some point, they will need to get their own cellphone plan.  Right now, I shoulder the burden.   They pay for their phones and access but I pay for the data plan.

I have those 2, Bethany, and my parents on my plan.  I will always take care of my parents.  Bethany will eventually have to do her own plan, too.  But the biggest users of the data plan are TJ and Brittany.  Luckily I get a 15% discount through my employer.

So, I cannot put it off any longer.  Off to mow the lawn.  *sigh*  I try to be grateful with the knowledge that I am healthy enough to still do it and have the ability.