How sad...

How sad is it that my last post was May 17th?
Ah well, life is what happens when you're busy planning other posts.

A lot HAS happened since then, I must say. Contrary to the theme of this post, much of it was very good.

In June my fiance and I had our engagement party. I was a wreck. I'm marrying into a Jewish family that runs the gammot from non-practicing to conservative. I've never met anyone outside of his immediate family. I think it's safe to say that most enjoyed my company. At least I haven't heard otherwise. The shoe dropped the morning of the party when I got the call that my uncle had passed away. He is a man by which I put a lot of stock and respect. He will be missed and I can only be satisfied that his suffering was short lived. He is survived by many who mourn him and are greatful to have known him.

August held a wedding, and no, it wasn't mine. My younger brother got married to a young woman who I have watched grow from an awkward late-adolescent to a beautiful, self-assured and brilliant lady. She has taken my brother by the hand and helped him navigate where I could not. She has my undying devotion and respect.

The wedding was beautiful and attended by a network of family and friends who truly support and love my brother. It was a hectic lead-in, as there were only three months or so to plan and pull off the wedding of the season. The bride and her family did a superb job. I got a shoe on the head with my bridesmaid's dress, but in the end everyone looked fabu. I wore my Target shoes so that I didn't fall on my arse. The strappy sandals I paid way too much for were pushed to the back of the closet. Three inch heels are great for soho and the bedroom, but suck when standing for an hour.

In July I moved in with my fiance. That was a big transition. The hardest part, perhaps, was remembering to say "I'm going home" rather "I'm going to his place." The shoe dropped in late August when after my first two-week vacation EVER we had to scramble and pull the apartment together for the arrival of the 'rents.

I have to say that I have won the in-law lottery. I couldn't ask for more accepting loving people in my life. They made my fiance who he is, without a doubt. They were with us until this week, off and on. They cleared out most of their possessions, and helped me to begin decorating. They also offered me a lot of support and kept my fiance distracted while I studied.

I successfully completed my MSW and passed my LSW. For those of you who aren't familiar, an MSW is a Master of Social Work. I graduated Fordham University in NY with a 4.0 in a little over a year. I'm sort of overwhelmed and a little impressed that I pulled it off. On September 17th I passed my licensure examination for the state of New Jersey. Two major hurdles to job security have been met!

My fiance completed his Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree. He has just completed an internship for the Department of Defense. Anyone who needs a computer guy, let us know. He'd love to get off the interview circuit and I'd love to continue to be able to pay my rent!

In the mix of all this there have been a smattering of family events. A new cousin of mine was baptized, another cousin received her first holy communion. There have been birthdays and wedding showers, and Sunday dinners galore. There is never a dull moment in Casa de Shoedrop.

Right now I'm enjoying reconnecting with my friends and decorating my apartment. It's starting to feel like home.

I'm going to try hard to keep this blog updated. Not for my adoring few but for myself. Nobody wants to hear me whine anymore :) And believe me, I always have a lot to say.

One thing I'm trying to sort out for myself is the mideast crisis. A friend of mine sums it up like this:
If the Palestinians laid down their weapons there would be more war.
If the Israelis laid down their weapons there would be no Isreal.

The thing is I like to form my own opinions. I'm operating under 30 years of Whitelandia brand ignorance. I'd be glad to consider anything anyone has to say on the subject.

I'm also looking for a virtual book group. If anyone knows of one or interested in joining one that I may start, let me know.

Caio!
Gracie