apricots

You know, there's hardly a better thing about summer than apricots right off the tree! Amy has the most gorgeous tree I've ever seen, and it's loaded this year. It had a fair number last year, but it really outdid itself this year, I'll tell you! The only problem with the tree is that it was planted on a slope in the yard. So hard to get a ladder underneath. And all those beautiful 'cots just waaaasssssttttting away in the upper reaches of its branches. Food for the birds, but I think it's even a bit too much for them! How I would love to pick buckets and buckets...but then I remember what happened to me a few years ago when I got up into an apricot tree and I'm not too keen to get up on the ladder, especially on a slope. What to do, what to do? The trunk is too big to shake. I guess I could try throwing volleyballs up into the tree to knock some of them down--or send Porter up to climb the branches! I'm in a quandry because there they are, 50 feet up in the air, and here I am, feet firmly planted on the Utah sod, and unwilling to leave said sod. It's a real dilemma. Do I let my hunger for apricots (especially in the winter) go unquenched by not picking, or do I overcome my natural hesitation and venture into the tree (somehow!) to pick the bounty during its short stay this summer? I haven't figured out yet what I'll do. Maybe I can get Amy to get an adjustable ladder, which might make picking safer...then we could BOTH get what we desire!

I can't believe how my bodywork business has mushroomed lately! I've only been nationally certified and licensed since April 23rd, and already I'm doing far better--with regular clients--than I ever dreamed possible. This month, July, I'm making almost $900 in a part-time bodywork business, not even leaving my home! How cool is that, folks? And that's doing something I'm GOOD at and that I LOVE to do! I really cotton to the idea that people would pay me for doing something that I'd do (probably) for free--well, at least I'd do it for SOME PEOPLE for free...not for everybody. But honestly, they pay me for doing what I love to do. Now, that's the way life is supposed to be lived, don't you agree?

I have the chance to become affiliated with an herb shop only a few miles from my home in West Jordan. I met the owner at our store the other day, and he's looking for a massage therapist to inhabit the lovely room he has in his store, which is currently in need of a therapist. His terms seem reasonable, and I'd make a lot of money working there, as the store books all the appointments. I'm considering it seriously; more so even than teaching, which wouldn't pay nearly as well. I'm trying to get myself into a position to be self sufficient. I see that working at that herb store would be a step in the right direction; good pay for part-time hours. So, that's one thing on my agenda to finalize this week, hopefully. I think the school is going to go by the wayside--or at least teaching all the curriculum. I might decide to teach one or two subjects, but I've pretty-much made up my mind to let the opportunity pass to become the complete day teacher-guru. Much as I love teaching, I have to think about how to support myself and begin to make that happen, now that I have my license and all the tools I need!!! How exciting!

I finally decided to get some physical therapy for my left knee that has been weak since orthoscopic surgery in March of '06. The muscles are weak; the knee joint is fine. So I've got myself a really great PT and he is supervising my exercise program. I hope to make this knee "danceable" by February because I intend to stay at the 2008 stake Valentine's Day dance until closing time--dancing all the way, this year instead of having to limp out early, as I did earlier this year. Wish me luck! Now I've got to get off this computer and get to the exercises!