Where to begin?

I said good-bye to my friend at his viewing on Thursday. Really, it was a time to offer condolences to his family, to share with them what a good man he was, and to share with my friends and co-workers the grief of losing someone so unexpectedly.

On a (callously) practical note: This was my first dead body. It's true what they say. His body didn't seem like him at all. His spirit was gone from the figure I saw in the box. Though someone had done a nice job on him. He looked so peaceful.

Still wrestling to understand/accept this death. He leaves behind a beautiful family, he meant so much to so many people. I read this quote today:

"Life--the way it really is--is a battle not between Bad and Good, but between Bad and Worse." -Joseph Brodsky (1940-1996)

I thought UGH, can it really be so?!?

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Husband left town yesterday afternoon. Unexpected business trip. Won't see him 'til Wed eve. And he is not a cell-phone user, so I probably won't hear from him again until I see his face. There are days I really wish he could "get with" the 21st century. I'll miss him. Yet thinking of this as an opportunity to organize house (think: spring cleaning and new curtains).

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Weight loss this week! No body fat % loss (actually, small gain). Some loss in body measurements. Think the PMS is creeping up, so body will bloat - can that cause change in body fat % reading?

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Firm's Update Luncheon yesterday. Where we go to hear the "state of the union" for the office I am in. Interesting and good meeting, two levels: Personal - I avoided the CHOCOLATE MOUSSE provided for dessert via subterfuge. I salt & peppered the hell out of it, making the thing inedible. Professional - presentation by someone (from outside the firm) on diversity in the workplace. Inspiring, had me go speak to our Diversity Person once we returned to the office. Now I'm worried that I may have spoken out of turn, because I'm asking for change. Change makes things difficult for so many, and I find it hard to be a target of displeasure. Still, I am tired of the certain kind of intolerance and judgment I see. Would be good to foster change. I think about what it was like in the workforce 30 years ago. Saw lots more gender bias, was the target of what today would be called sexual harassment. Attitude was "oh well, that's the way it is. Just do your job and don't rock the boat."

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I see SUNLIGHT! Nice, since we've been soaked for days. Have promised myself to complete the kitchen cleaning and get the laundry started before I can go out. Then I'm hoping to ride my bike to the library.

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If you've made it this far: Thanks!

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you. The Lord be gracious to you and grant you peace.

from my favorite, the priestly blessing.