In the Land of the Living

Hello readers. Yes, it's been forever, about two months since I've posted anything here. From what I remember, nothing much really happened for the rest of May. It's all a blur though. It was June when things started to get really horrible.

June 3 was my guide dog interview. One of the first questions the man asked me was if I took medical marijuana. I was horrified. Why on earth would I be asked that question? I said no and he told me that there was some that he could see. I lost my temper because I was so upset. We did the interview and I did really well. I walked to the bank which is kinda far. After that I came home and argued with darius before we went to Lancaster for Mom's birthday and Nicole's graduation. It was okay except that our relationship had taken on the quality of a nightmare. I know you're reading this, but I know you'd admit the same thing. Things went from bad to worse and I left the house for a while.

Sunday things calmed back down and were at least back to seminormal. We didn't have any arguments the rest of the week. I went to my grandma's house for two or three days. We went to the BSC karaoke fundraiser. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed singing and seeing everyone again. We came home and relaxed. Sunday we went to church and cooked a lot. I did the stuff that wasn't on the stove. I also finally was successful with the casserole that I think I wrote about. The one that spilled all over the floor.

Monday we went to Kristin's house. Then darius left to Georgia. I cried for a very long time. From that point, insomnia had me in a death grip. I didn't know what to do with myself. I rarely ate, I didn't sleep, and I even missed a job interview. Church kept me sane.

Soon after, my counselor told me to get ready to go to Arkansas. I'd be leaving in two weeks!

I was absolutely terrified. All I could think of was Louisiana. What would happen if I returned to the South? Would I be triggered again? Flashbacks, insomnia, another incident, all kinds of things ran through my head in a horrible procession. I tried to hang out with all my local friends before I had to leave. Sadly, there were at least three people who I never got to see. I was sad because I didn't even get to talk to one of them. *Sigh*.

I arrived in Little Rock on Tuesday, July 6 at 9 something at night. I felt terrified. I was shown around the building which made me totally confused. They saved a plate for me which I thought was very kind. My roommate turned out to be a great friend. She and I both like country music and have been known to stay up at night talking about everything. My insomnia has also released its hold. It feels good to be able to get up and do things instead of sitting around all day every day with nothing but the Internet and the TV.

Classes started out scary, but I've tested out of most of them. I'm done with keyboarding, Braille, Math, Mobility, and Techniques of Daily Living. I get to work on the switchboard and answer phones next week. I am also still cooking and doing the last bit of assistive technology.

The other part of this experience is deciding on a career. I came in ready to start the customer service program. They also have a program with the IRS where people are guaranteed a job. I am really hoping to switch. I think it's getting to be time to leave L.A. I'm sick of the smoke, smog, and weed that permeates the air. It's not a smell thing. I am breathing a lot of it in and I don't like the energy there. I like Monrovia, but not L.A.

We also have recreational events. We did karaoke last week. Saturday we went to the movies. I saw Toy Story 3 with some friends. Thursdays and Sundays we have ceramics. Today we are going to see Hair, a musical. Yay!

I'll try to keep everyone more updated on what's happening here. I'll talk to everyone later.
Peace and happiness to all,
Leena