Is anyone out there???....

Hey ya'll it's Anna. Just wanted to drop in and say hey to whoever may be out there reading this. So here is a little update on my world...My computer has been broken for like a month, so I felt like I had no arms for a while....LOL. Anyway....I am currently working at a new Massage Envy here on the beach and so far it is ok. It is a good place for me to get my feet wet again, b/c it has been over a year since I have done massage. The money isn't that great and it really isn't that busy, but hey for now it's good. I made a short and sweet trip to Gainesville last week, took my friend to Shands, so I tried to get up with as many people as possible. I did get to see Marshall, Elijah, Rhonda & Shelley...which was freakin awesome. I went back to the school on a Thursday afternoon and got to see the student clinic staff hard at work. Just going back to the school and walking around did so much for my spirit and energy. I need to do that more often. Ummm....other than that not much going on here. I am going to try to make it down in November for a few days, but we will see how that goes as well. If I do I will for sure let more people know. I miss you all very much and hope the universe is treating you well.

Until next time....

Been tooo long

Hello everyone,

Yes I know it has been too long since I posted, life gets busy that way.

Update on me----- no longer working at chiro in Trenton - not busy enough; work in Jonesville at Active Chiropractic. The Dr. there is fun to work with and is just starting out. We are both learning as we go and it is nice to have someone working towards building a satisfying practice. I only work m, w 8 - 230 and f 8-11:30. My little girl started school, so it's mommy hours for me, for now anyways.

Shay from our class and myself have started a new business venture together and it looks very promising. I won't bore you with the details, so if you want to know more, drop me a line. We were at the school on Thursday. It was soo neat to see some of the teachers, Pete, Paul, Adam, Valerie, Gift.

I hope everyone is doing well in life love and liberty. Hug from me to you all!!
Hope

Me again!!

So its just me again. It has been a really great week. First I got to see Marshall over the weekend. He stopped in for a few days and it was great to see him. I really enjoyed it. Anytime anyone wants to stop in just hollar! Then yesterday, I got my official hardcopy of my license. It was great. Now I just have to get everything going and run with it. I can't wait to be in full force and only think about massage. Its been a great learning experience and I know there is so much yet to learn. Hope to see everyone soon.

Turtle~

Oh yeah baby!!!!

So.......how ya doin? I'm GGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT! I finally got my letter of approval for my license so I can commence to business and upon ratification of the application I will recieve my actual license. Soooo excited. I cannot wait. This has been a long process for me and I cannot wait to get into this full force.
I'm so glad to hear Anna passed! CONGRATULATIONS!!
Greg- Spring reunion sounds great. I want to try to get down before Christmas but it wont be enough time to do much so I'll have to swing by for lunch.
Well everyone else keep us posted. Talk to you again soon.

Turtle

AnnaBob in the house!!

Ok Ok, so I know it was like I fell off the planet...but living here on the beach is kinda like another world. But no excuses! I want you all to know I have been reading ya'lls postings, but I just never took the time to comment or write....so here goes.
I am still working at my old job Sprint/Nextel and I hate it now just as much as I did when I left there, but the money was right and so I needed it then and now.
BUT!!! I FINALLY PASSED MY BOARDS!!!!! So I will only be working at the poopy job a lil longer. I am not sure yet as to where I want to work, just about anywhere would be better than where I am and I will be getting my foot in the door. So YAY!
I am about to go on vacation back to Missouri, which is where I am from. I am gonna see my Dad and we have a family reunion...woo hoo.
Ummmm other than that, not much else is goin on with me. I am still totally single and loving it! I have tried some dates, but ugh! It's just weird...so I choose to be me with me and my friends...which is totally fine for me at this point in my life.
I am going to try to come down that way to the swamp land soon....hopefully.
Well my friends, I must say fairwell for now, but I will be posting more often, I promise. I miss you all and love you all very much....for you all hold a special place in my heart.

Tons n Tons o Love!!

email scam anyone?

hey guys- I just got this weird email that I think is a scam. It's kind of a long and drawn out story but basically it sounds like it's a woman from Italy who has a friend coming to Florida who is looking for a LMT to go to. She says something about a friend who attended a Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty Conference in Italy and that person has a friend who had a friend who came to me for a massage before she relocated to England. Well, I don't know about you, but I haven't had any clients who have moved to England!
She's asking me in the email about my experience and how much I charge. She says her friend can pay me in a US cashiers check.
The whole thing is a little weird- no, it's a LOT weird! Has anyone else gotten an email like this? I'm not going to respond, but I just wanted to let you guys know about it too.

~Stephanie

P.S. How's everyone? It was great to see Jason in Tenn. I've got a photo to uploa when I get a chance.

I make appearances almost anywhere!!

Haha! Yeah so Stephanie came to Tennessee for her family reunion and I got to swing through and say hey. It was great to see her again. I hope to see everyone from time to time. I hope I get to come to Florida again soon for a visit. Soon could equal spring but I'll take as soon as I can. LOL! So if anyone else is coming near here, please let me know. I'll do everything possible to meet up. And don't forget, you always have a place to stay.

Turtle

Blessings on your day!

C'est moi, Suzanne, Better known as Susan in USA. I have returned from Europe where I went to my cousin's wedding at a Chateau in Chantilly, just north of Paris in horse country I also spent a week in Paris--I love for the art , architecture, people and language. The narrow winding streets, the many cafes , fresh good food...and I never walked so much! The Chateau Montvillargenne, a former Girls' Academy built in 1900, was converted to a modern but historic and elegant hotel, was an enchanting experience I will never forget. I got a massage at the chateau, for "educational experience", was--as with most non-FSM massages--I was disappointed. Judging from that massage, France is in need of good massage therapists! (My cousin, the bride, age 32, lives and works in London and works for Google.)

My Massage news: Although I had scheduled the National Exam last Fall I got sick (long story) and did not take it. So this winter, after weeks of study and fresh look--at notes, books, Internet-- I enjoyed learning and studying--especially at Starbucks! I took the exam on May 1st and passed ! I am looking forward to my next stage of Massage Therapy--working and getting paid. Although, I am still not sure where, I am considering several options. Mostly, I am glad to be healthier and happier and I thank God daily for my FSM experience.

Would love to hear from my Massage Family. My cell, 352-284-7274

I like the idea of Friday Lunch at FSM...I hope to be there this Friday.

Blessings on your day! Susan

Yeah!

Yeah!
Hello!
What's up?!
And all that. I've been out of the loop but I'm ready to jump back in. Hope everyone is well and moving in the direction they wish for themselves. Just two things:
1) I go to the school for lunch most Friday's and would love company and representation from the Wonderful Winter Class of 2007.
2) I'm Jones'in for a reunion of our class at some point in the not too distant future. What do you guys think? Maybe those that are connected to MySpace and Face Book could put that out to our class and see what people think.
Hope to see some of you out on Fridays. It really brings back memories just to be at the school for lunch. I miss you all so much.

Love you all,
Greg

It's been tooooo long

Hi everyone, it's Hope. Yeah I know it's been tooo long since I have blogged, so I thought I would take a few and jot down some things I have been doing.

Well where to start---- work--- yes doing massage---Turtle you are going to love it once you get started. I am working at two different Chiro offices, one is only one afternoon a week, but it's all good. The second one is just starting to take off I am working in the office, learning about insurance claims and software for the DC practice. I am so excited that people are starting to book appointments with me. Yay. I have 6 on the books this week and did 3 last week, so I doubled last weeks appointments, I can not tell you how grateful I am that I am starting to get busy.

Don't worry though I am taking time for myself and getting massage chiro adjustments ( it is amazing how much the chiro helps keep my pain free-who knew?) and looking to get more bodywork in the near future. For the local MTs here in around Gainesville, let me know when you want to trade. My number is 352-494-7849.

Fellow classmates, I spoke to Quiqui yesterday, Kari on Sunday and saw Manjari last week, but would love to see more of you soon. Almost a year since graduation and I still miss you all like it was yesterday. Let me know if anyone want s to meet for lunch at the school or where ever.

Okay well I am going to close now and hopefully will talk with some of you soon. Love to you all.

Hope

now I'm done talking to myself. Hehe

wow

Enlarged....thats a really bad picture...this one is better.

oh yeah

and in case you didn't know that was me... "Jason the turtle man, on his way to better ways of life with massage, I can't wait to get out of retail forever, Kinn"

Don't deny it you miss me!

and Marshall....

Marshall.... did you get my email or did your email address change?

:) me again

Hi!!!
Since no one has blogged anything in awhile I figured I would come tell a story about...... a man named jed.. just kidding. Haha! So if all goes well I should have my license by the end of the month. Its crazy up here. I would almost rather give a kidney than to do all the paperwork and references and background checks and the five hour class I had to take on the TN Laws and statues. Anyway I hope all is well with everyone. If you have myspace look me up. My url is www.myspace.com/jasonakinn. And you might check your friend requests. I may already have found you. I had to start a new one. Steph, June, I'm still thinking its possible. yeah happy massaging

Turtle man

Yeah!

Yeah Jason!

Now that's what I'm talking about! I'm so proud of and happy for you. Now that you're official, we need to start planning for a reunion date sometime in the future. I'm sending in my test request this week and look to take my test in about a month. Maybe we can plan on a reunion sometime this fall since the weather then in North Central Florida is most conducive to outdoor activities, including singing, dancing, drumming, drinking adult beverages, tending to bonfires and just having fun with close friends. Lets make it a special weekend of time together. Any ideas?

Miss you all,
Greg

yeah baby!!

Ok so I'd like to thank God first and foremost for the oppurtunities he has given me. And all my friends and family for the support they have given me and the burdens they have taken for me. And I'd like to accept this award in honor of the Florida School of Massage!!! Yes folks you are looking at the newest inductee in the NCBTMB passers Hall of Fame. (Ok so your looking at your screen, but work with me here). But really though the award will hang on the wall. Thanks to everyone. I can't wait for our reunion. I miss everyone so much. On a daily basis something reminds me of someone. You all rock. I hope I'm one of the final few that was waiting to pass and that everyone else has passed and become successful massage therapists. When you get this way give me a buzz! I have a new apartment and I love it. Looking forward to seeing everyone at some point in the near future. Good Luck and God Bless.

Jason the turtle man!

Hello

Hello everyone,
Are you still out there?

Steph, I saw Wendy today and we talked about old times and you. How are you doing? I really want to plan a reuion for the Winter Class of 2007. Does anybody have any ideas? I really miss you guys and love you very much.

Sincerely,
Greg

Jason!

Jason!

Hey there man! Well hell yeah! We can plan this reunion thing way ahead so all the out of staters can make it. How are things in Tennessee?

Remember on the test to use the 4-Pass method. First time through answer the ones you are sure of, then on the second pass some of the previous questions will give you the answers to questions that will follow. On the third pass use the process of elimination and on the fourth pass just guess. See yourself celebrating your success, and then follow with a celebration party!

I miss you and the Winter Class so much. You guys are such a meaningful part of my life experience. I saw I wonderful quote that I think applies to our massage school experience:

“Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened!”

I hope you all are smiling.

Love ya,
Greg

Hey Greg!

Hey Greg!
I think a reunioun would be great, but bit of a warning I will need some time to plan to get down there. Or we will just have to have another. LOL
So, I go to take my exam on the 7th of April. Round 2, I pray this is it. I have been studying and reading and all that good stuff, so please God let this be it. Well, the world is still spinning so other than that I will let everyone know how I do. Hope all is well. Talk to ya soon.

Jason

Kumquat Tree

Hello,

Come by and see the Kumquat tree that was planted for my graduating class (Fall 2007). I'm usually there on Fridays and can make other days if planned ahead. Let's do lunch.

Love ya,
Greg

Reunion

Hello,

Is anybody interested in having a Winter Class of 2007 Reunion? Let me know, because I'd be happy to help make it happen!

Love to you all,
Greg

Tree Planting Friday (3/14/08)

Hello,

Is anybody inspired to come by the school this Friday at lunch (11:15). I'm trying to get as many of the Fall and Winter 2007 Classes together as possible this Friday at the school at lunch for a tree planting. As you may know, I graduated with the Fall Class this past Friday (3/7/08).

The planting will be at approximately 11:15 (lunchtime) near the vegetable garden. Please get the word out to our class. I really hope to see as many of you guys as possible this Friday (3/14). We'll do lunch after. Let me know if you are eating so I can tell Blue.

Your massage brother,

Greg

What's up, my massage family?

This is Rosalind...just thought I'd check in with y'all:)
My phone number is no longer the one i use, Sam and I share his phone, so my new # is 352-870-4850.
It's been a while since I've been on this thing...hmmm....I just hope all is well with everyone, and also, there's going to be a Polarity workshop at the school with Paul Linn, I think it's April 19th and 20th. He never does them anymore, but I guess Doug asked him to do it again, so he'll be offering it, but i'm not sure if he will again after that. They don't teach it anywhere else around here as far as i know. It's $250, and they need a minimum of probably 10-12 people to sign up or they won't go through with it....so if anyone's interested...

Other than that, I've been doing massage here and there and working at The University of Fl's Research Center, calling people to do research surveys, and just enjoying life and being in the moment as much as possible, going to meditation on Wed's when I can make it, watching Sam and his band Trumps Wig perform live shows which is really awesome, and loving every moment of it:D

Trumps wig plays a show on April 18th at Backstage Lounge on Main and SW16th St., near Wynn Dixie, if anyone wants to come out and support them. They'll probably play at 9 or later, depending on the line up. I'm not biased in saying they're music is very innovative, experimental, and really fucking cool...so if anyone's up for it, I'm usually at every show and I'll try and post dates if anyone's interested. Also, they have a myspace music page where you can hear some of their music.

Well, I love and miss you all. It's just not the same going back to visit the massage school cause no one we know is there anymore..we should plan a party with a fire sometime for the graduated classes like ours, and for the classes that came after us. It would be really cool to be in that place in that space with all of you again, just to enjoy each other's company...we could even have live music. The drummer of Trumps Wig is also in Redboy, a lesbian band, who also really rocks! We could totally set up a show for them to play if we wanted to....Just an idea...

Coming To A Close

It's been a wonderful ride, and yet it's almost over. You all know the FSM experience and yet it is still so hard to put into words. The learning (linear and non-linear), the friendships, the sharing, the closeness, the challenges, the growth, the community, the unexplainable. Somehow it brings up memories of my solo trip across America (Florida to Oregon) when I was 22. Learning, innocence, awe, fear, the unknown, excitement, growth.

It's so difficult to believe that it's coming to an end. I think of my experience with all of you and with this class and the thought that comes to mind is gratitude. My life will never be the same and that is for the better. How does that song that Kari sang go? Something about, “my life will forever change for having known you”.

Thanks for this venue that lets me express and share my thoughts and to hear how all of you guys are doing. I sincerely hope that it keeps going. I also hope that you guys can make the party on leap year day, Friday, February 29th (5:30 p.m.), and the Graduation Celebration on Friday, March 7th at 1:00 p.m. Please stay in touch as we go along the path of our lives.
Love to all of my massage family,
Greg

checking in...

hey- steph here!
just a quick check in- wanted to share that yesterday (wed, 2/20) i saw more mf-ers, oh wait - i mean fsm-ers! than i've seen since graduation:
talked to cathy on the phone in the am
saw brenny at lunchtime for wonderful ortho session
then i met up with hope at my new place to give her a massage
i saw eric when he came over to be our "manny" cuz we got tix to the b-ball game last night.
then as we were walking to the o'dome i ran into rhonda- help me rhonda!
wow! what a day!

gotta run- tomorrow's my boy's 11th b'day so i gots lots to do.
LOVE YOU ALL!
~steph

Update from Hope

Hello everyone out there reading my posts.

I just wanted to Thank Marshall for the advice column he sent, very helpful and appreciated.

I had a visitor at the Spa I work at, so surprising and exciting. Steph you made my day. Can't wait to get together tomorrow.

My massages are going well, I did a total of 10 last week and already 5 this week, taking tomorrow off to rest my body and get a massage to care for myself.

I want to be busy enough to make the $$ I need to but I gotta make sure my body will let me do that. hopefully all in due time.

Okay, now I want to hear from everyone who hasn't posted lately. Let us all know what is going on with everyone out there.

Take care everyone. Look forward to checking the blog for new news.
Hope

Amazingly Exhausted

Amazingly Exhausted Current mood: emotionally & physically spent Category: emotionally & physically spent Jobs, Work, Careers
As most of you know I have been sitting on GO waiting to get busy. Why didn't someone tell me to be careful what I ask for? For the last 5 or so weeks, I have just be aching to get busy working (doing massage) And finally I started at the Chiropractor's this week and the Spa where I work (Rubies and Pearls Day Spa) business is starting to pick up. I do not understand why it all has to happen at once, and don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the work and the $$$$. I am just exhausted. My body hurts, my hands hurt and with that my heart hurts. I think because I have wanted to do this for so long I just didn't realize it would be sooooo hard on me physically and emotionally. I feel like I have been pampering so many others and need some for myself. I have another full day tomorrow and hope that after a few hours of rest and relaxation I will be a whole new person and ready again to conquer the world through a healing touch.
Take care everyone and thanks for listening. Love to you all.Hope

PS - Greg, If you know anyone who needs to fill a journal, give them my name and number I sure could use a massage. I am so glad to continue to read the blog and be part of it. Love to you!

Go Anna Go !!!

Hello Miss Anna,

Just wanting to wish you good luck this Saturday as you undertake the "learning experience" that the state requires of us massage therapists. By the way, maybe you can come to the graduation party on February 29th and celebrate kicking some state board test butt. So Anna, remember what they said at FSM about the test---BREATH!

Oh, and by the way, in my last post to Marshall---when I said, "the Hole," I was referring to Jackson Hole, Wyoming (as the locals sometimes call it). I just wanted to clarify that---thank you very much.

Does anybody still read the blog---I certainly hope so. If you do, please post something so we know you're out there.

Good luck Anna.

Love ya,
Greg

MARSHALL !!!

Hey Marshall,

It's great to hear from you! Yes, the workshop that Mike Loomis, Catie Miller, I and others are taking is Vincent's new deal. All I can say is, "my mind just grew by 10 inches." Awesome material, and Vincent and Annette Scott are doing an awesome job of making the material ours. I hope you can take it in "the Hole."

One of the people taking the course is one of Vincent's former FSM classmates, Shannon. She came all the way from Jackson Hole. She might be a good contact person. Ali from the current class is planning on moving out there after graduation (her sister already lives there). Maybe they would want to take it. Man, it seems like a lot of FSM people are out there.

I want you to know that things at the school just aren't the same without you. I was talking to Bruno last Friday and we both said how we miss you. We also miss seeing Neal at the party's. Do you have a contact number for him? We want to get a drum circle together for the graduation party on Feb. 29th (leap year day---one week before the actual graduation---March 7th). Hope your having fun and please stay in touch!

Your FSM brother,
Greg

Hello All

Just a quick Hello to let you know that everything is good in my world and that I think of you all often. This weekend (today is Sunday) I'm attending Vincent's workshop. It's a series of weekends through early June. Man, I'm digging this stuff. Vincent is so right on. He is an amazing young man. He has a mind like a steel trap---once it's in there, it just ain't gettin' out. He can remember such detail. He is also an energetic and engaging teacher, as I imagine you experienced in sports; which, by the way, we start on Monday. NMT was Awesome; I really got a lot out of it and I really enjoyed the instructors.

By the way, for lunch break from the workshop yesterday, Mike Loomis, Catie Miller and I went to Devil's Millhopper to walk the stairs and the trail before eating our lunch at a picnic table. Well, guess who we saw at the bottom of the sinkhole? Noneother than our very own Miss Rosealind! It was so great to see her. I hope to see her post soon. Well, that's it for me; I've got to get ready to see Vincent and the crew. I hope everyone is well and now that my computer is back up I'll check in sooner.

Love ya all,
Greg

Happy February!

I thought it was time for a new post to welcome in the new month.
I'm loving my new office space- it's really nice to be in with several other LMT's0 even though the place is almost always empty when I'm there!
I went to a new chiropractor the other day and he did something called the "Graston Technique" on my forearms and hands. Anyone heard of it? It's a somewhat new method of myofacial release. He worked my forearms pretty good and I have noticed a difference in the overall tone and level of tension that I feel in the muscles. I'm going back to see him today and he's going to take a look at the MRI of my neck.
In "family" news: we've been doing the tour of middle school open houses trying to decide where Evan will go next year. So far my favorite is the Science & Tech. Magnet program at Howard Bishop. We went to check out the Lyceum at Lincoln last night but I wasn't too crazy about it- not sure why. Next week we'll go to Westwood which is our zoned school. They have a couple of programs I'm interested in checking out. Evan has already started writing his essays needed for the applications- I guess that means he's excited about starting middle school!
What's everyone up to these days?
~Stephanie

So, I don't have alot to say, I just had this thought and wanted to share it....
When you hop on a star and you think that it is the one that will get you where you want to go only to find that it doesnt seem to be so... stay on, enjoy the ride because it may take more than one to get where you are going.
Anyway, it makes since to me.. Haha! Well, I hope everyone is doing great. I'm doing pretty good. My star keeps changing but I'm gonna get there. I'm really confussed these days but I know I'm headed in the right direction.
This makes no sense but I guess I wanted to post and let ya'll know I stll think about our times together. Greg, your almost there. I wish I could come to your graduation, I haven't given up yet. It would be great to see you and the FSM team. Its a proud accomplishment that leaves you with a great feeling for the rest of your life.
Hope, keep trucking...good things come to those who wait.
AnnaBob, I miss you soooooo much, Tuesdays are never the same anymore until i think about our cracker bond.
Marshall, Steven, Elijah, here you're out west......soak it in....lets now all about the adventures.
To everyone else, where are you?
The world will always spin in your favor, sometimes you just gotta quit walking against the current and let the current take you, I imagine....
If anyone sees anyone please give them a hug for me. And if you see me tell me stay put till I get there. Haha!!
Enjoy your one free ride around the sun, I'll be seeing you!

Party!!!

Hey ya'll.

I'd like to respond to everyone's post (i.e., AnnaBob, Hope, Steph and all the wonderful people of the Winter Class of 2007), and yet time is tight. Just wanted to let everyone know that tomorrow night (Friday night) the Old Class is throwing a party for the New Class. If any of you guys can make it, that will make the party that much fuller and meaningful. I really love you guys and would love to see you there.

I'll be in touch as soon as life stops spinning so fast (will that ever happpen?). See you soon!

Love ya always,
Greg

AnnaBob in the house!!!

Hello my lovely people! Just droppin by to fill ya in on me and my world. I have rescheduled my test...I was supposed to take it on the 30th...however, I do not feel prepared. So now I am taking it on February 16. Gives me more time for ME! Other than that I am still just living the beach life. Staying with my mom for now until I get my $$$ right...which hopefully won't be too long. I just had another birthday and man how time flies. It seems the older I get the faster the years go. I am single and loving it...to a point! I told someone just today I wanted a good man and he replied "that is an oxymoron"...I laughed and laughed.
Anyway, I am glad to see a few people posting, would love to see more...but hey, I will take what I can get! I am still planning on coming down for graduation in March, but it doesn't look like I will be down any sooner than that.
Well I guess that is all for now.
I love you all and miss everyone sooooo much!


xoxoxoxo~The one & only: ANNABOB

The Good, The Bad and the Downright Nasty

The Good: I'm moving my practice to Gainesville. My new place is on 8th Ave and I'm sharing space with an old friend. It'll be nice to have a place that's easier for me to get to.
The Bad: My hands are still going numb so I finally went to my Dr. about it. An xray showed degerated discs that could contribute to the numbness in my hands. So I had an MRI last week and will go see an Orthopedic dude in a couple of weeks to find out more. Greg has some more info for me too, I'll be seeing him Saturday.
The Downright Nasty: I was at the local spa that has been calling me in for massage and one of the regular MT's there asked me if a particular client had ever asked me for anything "extra". I said no, he hadn't, and she said "well, he asked me today!". Ick. I'm glad it wasn't me. I'm pretty sure they won't let him come back.

~Stephanie

Onward and upward

This is Hope. A little update, I now have a new job and tomorrow I have my first massage at Rubies and Pearls Day Spa, in Gainesville. I am very excited about it. I am hoping this is the beginning of my whole massage therapy career.

I had lunch with Shay last week and then seen Shay and Shelley the next day. It was so good to connect with a couple of FSM peeps.
I want to hear from many more, like
Rosalind, need an update on you, are you still in Gainesville? among the details of your life. last we heard you and Sam are together, how is it going?
AnnaBob, what is up with you? How is the panhandle, beach and life there?
Turtle, how is it going for you in Tennessee? great I hope, update please.
Greg, you have done well, keeping up with us and school, I can't believe you only have 2 months left, wow time flys, huh?
Steph, thanks so much for this connection place, I appreciate it.
Everyone else, I want to hear from you also. Please post.
Love you all,
Hope

Jackson Hole, Wyoming........

Hello Marshall,

Alright. I saw your picture on the comment to my post and it looked as if you were standing in a snowy place. Are you in the wilds of Wyoming? I'd love to know what you're up to and how you're doing. Also, we (the old class) are hosting a party for the new class. Where is our Pyrotechnician Extraodinaire? I imagine he might be in a snowy place out West. Do you have a number for Neal so we can have a drum circle? Thanks Marshall. I miss you. It's not the same around here without you.

Yours always,
Greg

The Saga Continues

Hello All.

Just a quick hello so you know that I'm still around. Well, the Florida School of Massage saga continues. The Winter Class of 2008 started this past Wednesday (yesterday). Has it really been a year seen we (the Winter Class of 2007) all sat in the Blue Room and looked at each other as strangers, only to become connected in such a deep and profound way? Today we did the double circle thing where we greeted the new class. It was really cool, because we did a neat NMT session and then Paul came in to give us our instructions and he seemed happy to report that the rain had subsided and that the dumpster truck had already come by and made all it's racket (remember the dumbster truck banging the lid during our two circles?). The circle contact and lunch with the new class was a special event in the course of the Fall Class 2007. We are now the, "Old Class". As I said, the saga continues.

I'm also reporting that life is good and satisfying, and yet very busy and hurried. Overall, I'm very much into the whole process. Lately, I've often thought about the fact that school will be over in less than two months. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, life will become simpler for me and yet, on the other hand, I don't want it to end. What a paradox, and yet the reality of March 7th, 2008 will resolve the issue. I hope you all are well and I look forward to hearing from you all and how your lives are going.

Love you always,
Greg

So tell me again how change is good?

It hasn't been that long ago that I posted, then again seems like forever to me.

Last thing I posted about was all the changes coming into my life. Thinking things were going to be settling down, was a mistake. My work life has just dropped a bomb on me this last weekend. I WILL NOT be working for SEVENTH HEAVEN DAY SPA in Chiefland. I spent months waiting for them to open the doors to this new spa just to be told on Sunday that they didn't think a would be a part of thier team, all because the communication level there was non-existent and the MT were all comparing notes on what was going to happen, me trying to be helpful as always got stuck in the middle of a big misunderstanding and after talking to by standers instead of coming to me they judged me as a problem started and pot mixer. So there went months of wasting my time waiting to make a go of it. On to bigger and better things.

I am going to interview today (tuesday) at another spa this one in Gainesville, the position is perfect as far as hours go and the owner is a sweetheart, she has actually purchased some of Hope Scents products before. I will let you know how it goes.

Still going to be starting at the Chiropractor in Trenton within a few weeks, so I am getting it all together.
Take care everyone. And thanks to FSM for teaching us NO JUDGEMENTS. I will forever remember our sweet group and time there. Love to you all.
Holding my chin high
Hope

I accept.

Ok, I'll take the challenge.
I've been peeking in, but not really taking the time to post. Sorry y'all!
Today I'm staying home because I'm sick. I went to the Dr. on Monday to find out what's wrong with my hands (still having numbness & tingling) and while I was there she said I had a fever! No wonder I've been feeling crappy. I tried to go to work yesterday but ended up coming home after a few hours and sleeping for most of the afternoon. So that's what I'm doing. Pretty much just feeling crappy.
~Steph

Challenge

Hey everyone I have been checking this blog religiously and I am disappointed to say the least. I want to know everything that is going on with everyone who reads the blog that Steph so graciously set up for us.

So I challenge everyone to post asap what is going on in your lives; such as are you working? if so where? if not what are you doing to pass the time. I just miss everyone and need you all to step up and post already, jeeze. lol

Anyway I will be checking so get to it. Love to you all
Hope

Sorry it has been so long....

I know I haven't written in a long time...sorry for that. Just know I do read the posts.
I have something I have to share with everyone, I am sure you will all appreciate it.
My niece is 4 yrs old and her name is Haley...well yesterday she told me she wanted to give me a massage...mind you I haven't really given her a massage...just rubbed her back every once in a while. Well as she is massaging me, she was doing actual strokes and using pressure and really doing it. I asked her how she knew how to do that and she said "I don't know I just know & I practice" I teared up then and am teared up now just thinking about. Anyway, I am one who believes in old souls and I am for sure she is one. She is my little angel. I guess massage just comes natural to some...hopefully she will become one when she is older and hopefully FSM will still be the school for her to go to!

Anyway, so I am waiting to take my test, I will take it on January 30 at 8am. So please send me lots and lots of positive energy that day.
I am not working right now, I was working at a convient store, but they wanted me to work the graveyard shift and I am not down with that. I put my application back in at Nextel, which is where I worked for 3 yrs prior, I start Jan 14.
I am back in the dating world and it sucks...so I am just chillin with my friends.

Greg, I will try my dangest to get to your graduation, just keep reminding me of when it is...OK?
So I am done rambling on and on. I miss everyone of you and love you all very much. I think of our time together all the time, I hate being so far away...just know you are all in my heart FOREVER!

The one & only ~ANNABOB

Out with the .....

Out with the old Year and in with the New Year 2008.
What happened in 2007? Well for me alot, just a little run down. End of 2006, quit my job I had for 17 years, took a huge leap of FAITH and went back to school. Massage School as most of you know. There I met alot of good people, worked through a dependency of anti depressants I had been on for almost 5 years, learning how to live again, feel again and just be myself again, were very hard for me. Thankfully I had my family and friends, old and new to help my through it all. If it wasn't for all of that I really do not know where I would be right now.
Okay so I made it through school, passed the test, got the license, now it's time to start making a new career for myself. LMT, licensed massage therapist to those you don't know. Starting my new job at a Spa in Chiefland, training starts tomorrow, looking forward to actually doing massage again and being in a great place, a place full of compassion, caring individuals( some FSM graduates) just wanting to help others take a moment to realize life is what you make it, whether it is good or bad, put in good and good will come back, I hope to put in alot of good, cause I definitely want alot of it back.
Now on to the NEW, New Year, New Job, New Opportunities to meet New People. Not that I am leaving behind the ones I met in 2007, some are very dear to my heart and I think of them often, ocassionally get to see them); others that cross my mind, I think of in different ways, thankfulness that I had them in my life for the season that I needed them. Believe me ---- recognizing this is a big one for me. Everyone who knows me, really knows me, would know that I would love to keep everyone of you close by forever, unfortunately, life doesn't work that way, so I take what I can get ( a message, text or call every now and then, maybe even lunch) and I try my best to count all of it as a blessing, whether it hurts or feels good, whether it makes me cry or laugh, until I snort. I really hope all of you know what kind of impact you have had on my life, and in case I didn't say it out loud, I love you all and I'm thankful that I got to meet you and share moments I will cherish forever.
Deep Breath, wiping away tears. I am moving onward and upward and I know I will run into to some of you on the way, I hope I remember to take the time to stop and spend a moment to enjoy the companionship however long it lasts.
Love to you All and Happy new year, I wish you all a very blessed year in 2008. Resolving to enjoy all the minutes that go by. Okay so now, I made up for not blogging for so long. Take care everyone.
Hope