Casa de Helwig

World War? World Wide? Willy Wonka? No, no, and nope. WW is an affectionately harassing name my family gave to me during my youth in West Texas’s Shangri La (that would be Robert Lee for the few who are not privy to the best kept secret on the Colorado). It seems (as told/argued to me by my kin) that I often used to be captivated, dare I say enthralled, in a given subject to such a degree that all other realities would fade out of perspective, much more out of my consciousness all together. The given subject (whether it be horses, rodeo, camping, computers, place kicking, basketball, reading, archery, chemistry, carpentry…..the list is endless) would become an obsession, MY OBSESSION. My mind would be fixed with thoughts about THE issue at a given time. The world as I knew it would alter its annual revolution around the sun to begin spinning around the object of my passion. It would suffice to say that I would develop a one track mind.

At this juncture in this brief story the “WW” must come enter the conversation. My passions were so sporadic, short lived, fluctuating, varying, evolving, and constantly changing that I was described by my relation as being Wishy-Washy. I moved from one thing to another instantaneously (and with no less passion or fervor), just as the wind shifts directions at a moments notice. As life came my way I was exposed to more and more stimuli that would fuel my thoughts and capture my interest. It was virtually impossible for me (and still is…just ask HB) to be tied to one thing when there was an entire world of ideas and subjects for me to latch on to, wrestle with, digest, and consider. The world may be some men’s oyster, but for me the world was a sea (and the sea has an unlimited supply of oysters that need examining!).

I felt for a long time that this was a vice, this flip-flopping, inconstant, unquenchable, perpetual interest in ALL things. The only thing that could be said for me is that I was consistently inconsistent. Yet as of late (who knows what “late” means….few days?….few years….last few minutes…who knows) I have begun to accept that almost everything will interest me to some degree (and I think that degree is usually higher than the average fellow). Thus I am embracing these shifting obsessions. I am WW.

Application for this admission/declaration? I think that my changes are going to be confined to things that are of lesser consequence than in the past. I do love HB and she does indeed appreciate a little stability in some areas.

What are all your thoughts on the constant flux? Do you change? Are you a “set in stone” kind of folk? How certain do you like your future and plans? Can you “take or leave” most things, being concerned only with a few special interests? Does everything captivate you? Few interests or a vast array? Which is good? Which is bad? Is it both? Is it a character trait? Is it a strength or weakness? Is it both?

You readers are a heady bunch that do not lack for opinions. Share your thoughts. Criticize, complain, critique, congratulate, or confuse, the choice is yours.

I’m sure there can (and might) be endless comments on such a title for this post. But I will brave the world of cynics and smart-alecks (friends and family!…..kidding, kidding) to venture on with such a “flawed” start to a much needed update on my part. To clarify, the state mindlessness has beset me (more than normal). I cannot compose any clear thoughts. So this post will serve as the standard “update” post that blogs are so handily used for.
HB (aka Heather)-
She is doing (and perpetually is) wonderful. She’s continuing her epic battle of the will by putting up with me. Her efforts in the home have not gone unnoticed by her husband (or our guests). She’s made a smoke-smell-lingering-all-bills-paid-decent-for-San-Angelo apartment into a cozy little shelter that we can affectionately call home. AND, it has the aesthetic appeal to boot! What a gal! Her crowning moment will be sometime this afternoon when we (Slade, Laura, and I) go and pick up the new furniture she picked out. And get this; she paid roughly one third the asking price for all of the items we bought! Who wants to bargain with a curly-headed furry of shopping prowess?
On the work front, she is sailing along with gusto. She would never say, so I gladly will, she is a G-O-O-D PT. Everyone I’ve visited with that has any contact with her in the context of her job says she does excellent work. She gets the most out of her patients AND they enjoy their time with her (that’s not always the case for every PT). And just think this is only after 1.5 months on the job!
Me-
School is school. I’m learning the difficulty of balancing responsibilities. It forces me to constantly examine what I do and why I do it (okay, maybe I just love to do that). And I don’t (can’t?….or won’t?) study enough to save my life. I have two goals for this semester, 1) 4.0, and 2)develop an increasing amount of disciple in study. Whether I continue on in school or it ends today, there ALWAYS needs to be better discipline in life……specifically mine.
Work is work. Or as my dear pal T-Shawn says it, “They don’t call it work for nothing!” Actually, I must admit that my job is a tremendous daily blessing. I could not ask for a more perfect “set-up” for attending school. The Lord is good in so many tangible ways.

Last weekend was spent in the Permian Basin. We took a little trip to see Jodee and Chad Lee (my sister and brother-in-law). And our meal-buyers went to, Mom and Donnie (thanks Mother dearest!!). I think a good time was had by all. A little spectating was accomplished, I looted Mardel, Heather perused fine apparel, and we exhausted the space in our intestines via “On the Boarder” & the kitchen of Odee May. (Does any of this detail interest ANYONE? REALLY? I can’t see that it does….ever.)
A close has arrived. I’m tired of writing and my Human Anatomy class is eerily beckoning for presence. Catch ya on the flip side.

These pictures were added by the curly-headed furry of shopping prowess or HB.

This post has been much anticipated due to the liberation it represents. Some may know that over the past 2 months I have tried to diligently study (and pray) for the licensure exam in physical therapy. Although graduation is a feat in and of itself, the true test of competency in this field is the exam given by the federation of state boards of physical therapy. I took the exam this past Saturday in Abilene anticipating a final reprieve from studying (which will never completely end). Due to the wonderful world wide web, I received the results this morning, and…………..I passed (only by God’s grace).

The moment I had been anticipating for nearly 6 years has finally come! My heart beat quite quickly and I felt a little shaky upon learning the outcome. I am a physical therapist! It’s amazing.

It is truly a joyous moment in the Helwig home. I hate to admit that much has been neglected since we moved into our apartment in mid January. I am excited about finally getting to put our home in order: decorating, cleaning, organizing, and preparing a retreat for my wonderful husband.
A second highlight of these results is the reversal of roles Chad and I will now experience. As he is busy studying for anatomy, biology, and algebra, I can be more of a motivator and encourager (and agitator….at least he thinks so…..actually, it is he [yup, its me Chad] who edited this in) to him.

What used to occupy my time after work(minus the phone)!