Pep Talk

Yes, I have been struggling a little bit, especially over the weekend. This morning I was really blue and felt dejected, alone, and just blah.  I was feeling sorry for myself.

The plan for the day was to make salsa, mow, and read.  One of those I have accomplished. 

First we went to Pyrmont to pick up the water bath canner that we had used at Megan's and had been still at her house.  

Next we stopped in Monticello for jars, canning supplies,  some items to put IN the salsa, and rubber gloves (no pain from the jalapenos this time). 

Lunch time! I agreed once again to the Chinese place by Rural King because it was the most economical.  I dislike eating there because I tend to eat too much, but I was cautious this time.

Next a stop at the PO so I could mail three large envelopes: one to Angie, one to Kathy Goad, and one to Katie Saltsman.

On the road to Sandy's to pick up tomatoes.  Then to check on Agnes and pick up the food processor.  That took longer than we expected because we needed to sort through her meds---too long to explain.

Then I decided we should have bought more jars so we went home via Winamac so we could stop at Ace Hardware.  Jars were $1 less too!

Finally we were home and the salsa making process was started.  It took over 6 hours to prepare, cook, process, and clean up, but we have 32 pint cars of salsa cooling in the sunroom.  Not bad.

So where does the pep talk fit in?

While I was watching Gary enjoy his second plate of General Tso's Chicken and rice, I checked our email on my phone and found a note from Karen Whelan.

Karen and I were such good friends when we both taught at West Central, and our friendship is one that has remained strong even though she and Paul left Indiana and moved to Washington state in 2002.   We email each other several times during a month's time, and if one doesn't hear from the other for an extended period of time, there are phone calls made.

Anyway....yesterday I sent her a note about the beginnings of retirement and how it was a struggle yesterday with no preparing for the coming week.  Her response was right on the money and put a smile on my face.  All of those talks after school in her room rushed back at me, and I realized just how good of a friend she really is.   She said just what I needed to hear.

I was a good teacher.  No, I was a great teacher.  I really enjoyed my position in the high school and at Ivy Tech.  I loved being an Associate Professor and seeing the light bulbs click on over my students' heads was SO rewarding for me.   However, I have other interests and talents, too, that I can enjoy and skills to practice and hone.

Today it was ---making salsa and canning.    I felt very productive this afternoon, and all of my insecurities seemed to disappear.

Tomorrow what will it be?  Whatever it is, I know that I can adapt. I have worth.  I have purpose.  I am not going to sit around and feel sorry for myself, wandering aimlessly through life.  

Thanks, Karen, for the pep talk.