Update

Right then, so it's been awhile since I wrote. Had a lot happen actually.

Friday the 16th there was no school, so I got my hair done, and aftewards headed over to ColdWater Creek to check out their clothes. I've seen catalogues, and online, and I absolutely love some of their items. Very original, comfy, artsy, clean lines. Quality fabrics, well made. I tried on some things I liked, but to my dismay I was a size 3x there. The stores don't carry much of that size, although it's available on the website. The lady helping me even called around to other stores, but to no avail. I had to go to frickin Lane Bryant again to get a white blouse. I'm so SICK and tired of shopping at Lane Bryant!! So much of what they have these days doesn't appeal to me (I have to shop by touch) and just isn't my style. I guess it's a sign of my ever-increasing age, ney?

Saturday night I went to what turned out to be a non-opening at Mr. Artist's gallery. It had been canceled, but since I'm not on the email list, I didn't know. Other people didn't know either. They showed up anyway. We sat in a empty white-walled gallery, on couches, and spoke of art, poetry, racial experiences in Atlanta, and life in general. No fancy cheese and wine, no standing around pretending to be interested in art on walls. Instead, we got real with each other. We made connections. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. We went from being strangers exchanging business cards to people exchanging shoulder rubs in a congo-like massage line. We talked for 4 hours.

Now, my original plan had been to show up lookin' fine, so Mr. Artist could see what he's missin', and then go back home in an hour or so since I'd been sick. Yes dear reader... I shall sigh and admit I was hot for him. Boots, jeans, new blouse, new jewelry, hair done the day before with cut and color... I was pretty fierce :P He looked good too though is the thing-khakis, sweater, haircut. At one point in the evening I told him I was having a great time, and he said he wanted to take me out to eat afterwards, as a birthday present early. We did go out, had good food, and yes, ended up back at my place. But it was sooo worth it :) He left late in the morning to attend his church, and I played hookey and stayed home... eventually going back to sleep :P

I never did hear last week from that lady who knows a lady in Chicago. Monday I was home and slept... I really overdid my reserves Saturday, having slept all Sunday too. You know I'm really sick when I don't care about eating... I stayed home Tuesday from school, went to the doc for meds, and that afternoon I watched the Oprah show. A preview for Thursday's episode came on and my heart sank... it was the best life diet episode. I hadn't been chosen. Tuesday was a low night for me. Lots of crying, pity-party of why I wasn't even good enough to be one of the most hopeless fat people in America, thinking of all the things I could have done better with my video, etc etc.

Wednesday I felt like I was trudging through school. I couldn't get a sub, so went to work anyway. On about 4 and half hours sleep. Came home, checked snail mail... oh look, birthday card from my parents... that was thoughtful.

I open it, and my jaw dropped on the floor and stayed there. My folks were never the kind to send me $20 every year in a card. It was usually just a card. So imagine my surprise when I see not only a large check, but a Ben Franklin. Seems that the letters my mom and I exchanged to help us heal our differences really did, and this was a gesture from her to let me know they really respected me for being independant. No matter how bad things have been, you see, I've never asked them to help out with my Credit debt or bills. Man... talk about night and day difference... I was floating all Wednesday night, and Thursday. I think the actual contemplation of what do to with all that money, is more enjoyable to me than just the pure spending.

So what have I done with it? Currently the check is in my savings, and the Ben is broken down into smaller denominations. I'm going to go out to a movie tonight, and see The Astronaut Farmer.

Today at school was my "pretend birthday". I got one of the things I really wanted, which was my Indian student returned to class, the one that had been in the hospital with water burns. To see her all smiles and delight again was awesome. We brought all the kids together for a massive dance party :P and then they settled down and gave me birthday wishes. They wished me everything from lots of toys, to a car, to a gold car, to a red car, to a pool, to a poodle to a baby boy! I had to laugh at that... it came from a hindi student and I thought wow... the best thing in his culture for me to get eh? I asked if I could have a husband first though and he said no. :P

More later, gotta go to my movie.