Monday, September 5, 2011

Slowing Down

We have just finished our second week in Berkeley.  Phil had orientation for school and Sheryl did labyrinth facilitator training at Grace Cathedral (more about that later). 

In our continuing pursuit of feeling somewhat settled, we have made major strides.  We now have a reading chair, three lamps, a table and chair for Phil to study at plus a few other odds and ends that we picked up either on the side of the road as freebies, at a garage sale (yes, Sheryl actually figured out Craigslist) or at our now favorite store Ikea.  When you start with nothing but an empty apartment and an extremely low furniture budget, these are major accomplishments!!! 

We also are learning new ways of slowing down.  You actually have to think about dinner ahead of time when you don’t live half a block from a grocery store (nearest one is only 1 mile away – downhill there, but UPHILL on the way back-yes we can drive, but that’s boring).  It also takes longer to cook the food when you don’t have a microwave and you have to use the broiler in the oven to make toast because you don’t have a toaster.  Could anyone have ever imagined Phil living without a toaster for two weeks?

Since we made the decision to come to Berkeley nine or ten months ago, life has been unbelievably hectic for us.  Since we have been sleeping 9-10 hours every night since we got here, it's probably about time we slowed down. For the first time, I actually feel like I have choices to make and for now, I am making the choice to slow down and get into the rhythm of life in this amazing place.  Phil may not feel the same way as he starts school tomorrow, but actually getting to do what we came here for will be a blessing for him.    Sheryl

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