April 22, 2014

Hi everyone!
Well, just an update here to let you know I have talked to Angelena today! She had a layover in Denver at DIA for a couple of hours and we talked for almost an hour!

She sounds good, although tired from them getting her up at 1 am this morning to get the the Salt Lake Airport. She is not a morning person! LOL Plus, I could tell her blood sugar was running because she had not eaten. We had a great conversation, she called me 'momma' which she has done since she was little. She only refers to me as 'mom or MOTHER" when she is frustrated with me hehe! 

She was full of everything she did while at the MTC, and I got a sense that she is very happy. So with that I am comforted that she will survive, and I guess I will too!

As for me, I got through my first holiday (Easter) without her. I had to work, which occupied 8 hours of my day, even though I was counting down the hours until I went to dinner at my cousin Carol's house with her mom (my only living aunt Joyce) and her siblings and their kids! We had a lovely dinner, and really I was so full I really thought I would explode. I must explain here, my family is full blooded  Italian, and we don't understand the meaning of a 'small' dinner!

I have kept pretty busy with work, that does help. i have the next 2 days off, one of which I plan on doing some genealogy work on my family tree. Believe me that is a process and will take up my day.

Tomorrow, I am going to meet with Carol and we will be doing something! I don't know what, but it doesn't matter, I will be getting out of the house!

I am actually doing pretty well, I have joined a group on Face book called "Missionary Momma's".  A whole group of us who have missionaries out and we are able to give each other a pat on the back and virtual hugs if we need them. 

I do feel the effects of being lonely still. The apartment is fairly quiet except when Bella, Angelena's cat is whining about food. Some days are better, some I feel like crying. But for the most part I feel ok. I was talking with friends all they have all said that I sound good. 

It will be a long 18 months. But I look forward to her emails and weekly letters. I will never look at "Monday" the same way again. That is her "P" day, which means she will email and write letters home (about an hour every week) do laundry, grocery shop and I think have time to lounge around in jeans? Don't know for sure yet, I will have to ask.

For me this week? I plan on some serious Anna time. I plan on reading which I do anyway,maybe finding a family line that I didn't know existed. As spring is approaching, I am thinking getting out and taking photos, which is my passion. I hope to have a buddy with me when I do this, but I am making myself do it alone. I have to reinvent Anna right? 

Be aware, I might sometimes vent on here.  Its not always easy to be alone, but I am learning. I don't like it much, I would rather be sharing my day to day with someone. But that's ok too, I have to be able to be comfortable in my own skin.

I am going now, time to get my day started!

Love, Anna 
PS>Just a photo here, thought you might enjoy the early tulip in my courtyard!