Back over to testify in Family Court (aka Divorce Court) this morning but negotiations between the parties, including self, continued until an agreement was reached. Sometimes it’s really hard to see where anyone is remembering that the goal is supposed to be about what’s in the best interest of the child (in this case a 6-month-old)…it shouldn’t be turned into a spittin’ match for litigants. Actually, the tentative agreement was in process of blowing up in the hallway when Bill summoned up his judicial skills, quietly walked over, took both seasoned attorneys in verbal tow, at which point they both settled down, took a breath, thanked him and headed off to tell the judge an agreement had been reached…at least for the temporary orders. Impressive, Bill.

I haven’t written publicly for awhile as I’ve been processing some recent changes/losses in my life. Coming to terms with things, etc. In addition to sponsor and therapist visits, cathartic writing helps me in these emotionally charged situations. Jim and I had a process that worked well for us for many years. When there was a problem (i.e. co-workers, neighbors, kids, friends, relatives), we would write individually about it for as long as it took, then talk about it for as long as it took to move the emotion out of the way. Then one of us would take the position of the other party to aid in challenging our thinking. The important thing was always to work for clarity and solution with whatever we could do on our end. Couldn’t do anything about the other side and acceptance of that came easier sometimes than others, depending on the situation. Most who read this journal have been familiar and involved with said process for years also. Happy to say that Bill and I are working on our own process, much the same. Twice Blessed.

Yesterday at the club, I noticed Instructor for Spinning Class arrived well before time to begin so I wandered in there and took the opportunity to have her explain the bike and the process – no wonder people lose weight and tone so quickly in there. Watching them spin each week has seemed like voyeurism into a torture chamber and that's before they drag out looking the part. In spite of being intimidated by the process, I hope to work on my attitude and jump in there at some point. Also looking for new PT as mine has returned to classes at UH.

Saw Mr. Brooks last night with Lisa and Henry and think that blood-thirsty plot may be messing with my mind today ~ another audience-clapping ending in the theatre. Kevin Costner, Demi Moore (she's back!), and William Hurt gave their expected solid performances in this psych thriller about serial killers. Danielle Panabaker from Shark and Marg Helgenberger from CSI were stellar in their roles; absolutely believable to me. I think I had those two actors pigeon-holed in my mind, limited to their TV roles. So when I came home and searched their bios I was really surprised see the extent of both their big screen/small screen work. (I know I should get out more!)

I am fascinated to read how Danielle's list of favorite movies and actors so closely matches mine; girl's got good taste (smile). Wonder how many folks know that this young actor completed her high school education early, graduating as valedictorian of her class at age 14. She's now in her senior year at UCLA (on the Dean's list), all while working on a weekly hit TV series and taking on big screen roles. And she's not even 20 years old yet! Boy do I wish I could summon up that kind of extreme focus!