It's the wheel of the world

I swear there's a curse on this journal. Either that, or there's a curse on my lovelife. Probably a little bit of both. Only this time, disaster isn't lurking around the corner. A turn of events has led to Tom deciding to move back to Michigan for the summer. The day after he told his dad he'd decided to stay here, he "coincidentally" got a job offer back home making a ton of money for a college student. So he decided to take it. We had a really great weekend after we talked it out and I feel absolutely better then I did when I first heard about it. We're going to stay together, try to do the long distance thing. It's only four months, and I remember what it's like. I'm pretty confident we'll be okay. The only thing I'm ultimately peeved about is that I made vacation plans for the two of us, along with my birthday plans. Looks like I'll be spending them both alone. So now I figure I'll fly home for a few days, see some friends, check in with the rents and the grands. I want to spend a couple days in Chicago, at least see Wicked for my birthday, finally.

Things at work are pretty tense right now. Corporate just handed down payroll cutbacks, and we're all feeling the pinch. They don't apply to me since I'm salary, but my associates are freaking out. I don't blame them: times are tough right now. And companies like the one I work for, and, indeed, everywhere, are not helping matters. Doesn't anyone realize that by cutting back, they're fueling this recession?

I've started setting myself up for a healthier lifestyle. I quit buying soda and started drinking more water, milk, and juices. I've set a quit day for smoking (again). I think I'm going to try the patch, see how it works for me. I'm also planning to join a gym once I get some of these bills paid off. I realized the other day, chasing Cass around the pond, that at 24 I shouldn't have to stop and catch my breath while playing with a three year old or walking up the stairs to my apt.

Also, a new first for me: I've taken an interest in the outdoors. I've set up a nice little oasis for myself on my balcony. I went out and bought some flowerboxes and flowers, a couple hanging plants, and some camping chairs. Spent some time today scrubbing the siding and railings, and gardening in my little boxes. I can't believe how relaxing it was working in the soil placing the plants just so. And even more relaxing now, sitting out here listening to the windchimes and sipping iced tea. It really makes a day off of work feel calming. A little later I need to work out my expense report and get started on that budget (time to get financially responsible, now that I'm starting to become financially able). But still, not an altogether bad way to spend an afternoon/evening.