Cleaning

Most of us dislike cleaning, even hate it.  I actually don't mind cleaning.  What I really don't like is organizing.  Filing papers, arranging papers on my desk - I loathe it.  I would seriously rather mop the floor and scrub the toilet than try to find a proper "home" for the checks, last semester's journal articles, that millionth highlighter.  It doesn't help, of course, that we do not own a real filing cabinet.  We have a makeshift one with shelves, but not drawers with grown-up folders labeled "car repairs" or anything of that sort.  So for now, in boxes go the journal articles, business cards, transcripts, book marks, tax documents, and other odds and ends, at least until I move to Singapore *gulp*! 

One thing that I have done in preparation for the big move to Singapore is actually go through my clothes and get rid of things that no longer fit.  I got rid of some pieces that I've had for over 10 years, yikes!  I am happy to say I've filled two large trash bags with clothes that will be picked up later this week (along with many other items) by the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.  I had a lovely time going through these clothes to give away with my roommate and a friend.  I realized that I can have an emotional attachment to clothing.  As we went through the clothes I remembered who I met while wearing that skirt, or where I went while wearing that jacket.  I also have an incredibly good memory, mA.  I doubt I'll ever part with the shirt I was wearing when Mike and I shared our first kiss, even though it barely fit at the time!  I must admit, it feels good to simplify a little bit and give away that which we don't use anymore.  I'm also really happy that my clothes will find new homes with people who really need them.

Your morning, my night

So I'm really happy for Mike pursuing his dreams in Singapore and everything, but this long distance marriage really stinks sometimes.  In my opinion, the 12-hour time difference is the real killer.  It hit me when I was walking Raison at 5:30pm today and all I wanted to do was talk to Mike.  I couldn't.  Because he was asleep, as all people not working 3rd shift or praying Fajr should be at 5:30am.  We never have a conversation where one of us isn't tired.  I really feel like this would be so much easier if we weren't on such opposite sides of the planet.  Even an 8 hour time difference would be better.

I must acknowledge that I know how incredibly grateful we are to have Skype, Vonage, Blackberry, our health.  These few short months of separation have really made my heart go out to all the military families whose separations are so much longer, not to mention perilous.  My thoughts and prayers are with those who are separated from their loved ones, especially if their return is unknown.