There is way too much to sit down and formulate a blog. I've been putting it off because it would just take too much time. I will let you know I had the best time in Washington D.C. I was there for an entire week - we extended our stay. Everything went smoothly - no bumps whatsoever. And it was life changing. Not in the sense of seeing Obama be inaugurated, but more in an inner sense of the journey of my life.

Because I can't wrap my mind around sitting here and describing my story while posting pics (I am really afraid it would take like 12 hours for me to do). I will stop right here and post a pic or two. I have posted about 40-50 pics on Facebook. Myspace takes a little longer and I haven't had time to do it yet. But at some point, I will sit down and picture it out for all you non-facebook types. Maybe one day at a time would be good. Just know, I had the best time!






Obama speaking from podium after his swearing in. This was my view - yes, a closer standing area than most!

Gettin' ready

2 days of work to get through and then I am outta here! I am totally stoked to go. There will be so many people! It is truly going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event! (I'm speaking of the Presidential Inauguration, but everyone that reads this knows).
I might even get to see a friend from college that is just getting back from Iraq. I'm sure I blogged about her this summer/fall. Anyway - that just adds to the excitement.

eeken excited

Alliteration is astounding. I think I will totally teach it tomorrow.

Anyway - I am terribly excited to be going out of town. It's 10:23 on a Sunday night and I'll I can think about is Friday. Friday is when I'm packing up, Saturday is when we are actually going. But it's Friday that I'm thinking about. I cannot wait. I'm in need of an adventure. I have no expectations. I am totally open to anything that will and can happen. (I usually have expectations, we know this) I absolutely cannot wait 5 days. I don't think I'll be able to do anything at work, even though I have so much to do.

I'm not trying to rub it in, well maybe a little, but I just wanted to spread my excitement around a little.

Happy week to everyone. I know I'll be thinking nothing but of my adventure.

The Salon

Many of you know and regular readers have heard/read about my very part time job at the salon. I dislike working on Saturdays, terribly. Really dislike doing it. So why do I continue to work at the salon? Here are the reasons why:
1. I get paid my measly amount every two weeks which works well for me since my real job pays only once a month.
2. It's easy.
3. They are sooo flexible. I can take off whenever I want, add more hours - whatever I need.
4. If I so choose (which I usually don't have money for), there are benefits - like half off services, 30% off product etc.

And those are the only 4 reasons why I work at the salon. I wrote this for my sanity as I stand here until 8pm in heels knowing I have to come back and do this again all day Saturday.

The pointless point.

I worry about work and personal issues. I often stress, usually more about work than personal stuff. I've tried all year to remind myself that work is just a job, makes your money so that you can come home and do the stuff that makes your life worth living. I try to take on the philosophy that I work to live - not live to work. I stayed up most of the night Thursday, worrying about coming back to work and all the paperwork I needed to complete on Friday. Then spent the rest of the weekend trying to make up for that lost sleep. Last night I tossed and turned, yelled at my dog (she was in the middle of the bed and wouldn't move) because I had a big meeting today in which I felt I had to perform (speak eloquently). So, I get to school early, to get prepared and such. There's big drama and then the meeting happens. I had more people on my side this time (last meeting didn't go well....I don't know if anyone has ever been bullied by an educational advocate - it's not fun). The meeting went on for 2 hours - but went well. There were a lot more positive things said this time. And the advocate was nothing but pleasant this go round. It was another reminder of how I need not worry. I was once so good at my job, and I have such doubt about myself this year. All that I believe is my fault from the amount of stress I create about this job I'm doing. I think it's become a habit - like I don't know how to feel anymore without having all the stress.
Resolution #1 - Destress and learn what it feels like to live without stress.
I also have hit a big wall. I'm having a helluva time getting over it. I need to be healthier. I need to change my eating habit and exercise habits. I need someone to help hold me accountable - to push me in the right direction. If anyone wants to volunteer to call or text me everyday and just ask how I'm doing - if I made it to the gym, if I ate well etc...please - I think I'm in need of a pusher or accountability partner. I'm just not handling it on my own at all and if I look back - I never have been able to. I have always been successful when I've had someone to go to the gym with or competition to loose weight.
Resolution #2 - Find a healthy place in my life: mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Those things were weighing heavy on me today. I just realized that lately all I've wanted to do and think about is reading and traveling. Both elements of escape in my life. I guess it's probably a wake up call to put aside the books and the travel channel - which is why I wrote the resolutions above.

Shout out

This is for Stacy who chose to read my blog today (I think she started in like November 08) and chose to leave a comment on almost each blog (she left 13 comments!).

I loved the mass of love! I was totally surprised and taken back by all the comments. My favorite was the one about my boss (getting a new job and punching her in the face..) ironic enough, she was a great support during a crappy meeting today.

And even though I don't always leave comments on your blog - I am a big fan and a regular reader :)

Happy New Year!

Precious. That is my Maggie.

I'm struggling with positive things to say - it's no secret, it's been the hardest holiday season in recent years. I probably say that every year, but I say it this year as someone much wiser and more mature than the person I was last year.

So instead I will name 5 things that I am looking forward to in 2009.

1. Going to Washington D.C, and any other travel adventures I choose. I love to travel and am glad that I'm getting a head start for this year in January.

2. Being in the last 2 weddings I will ever be in that are not my own. After these two, the next one will be mine!

3. Being active and embracing the warm weather when it comes. Tuesday I took a 2 mile walk with a friend and our dogs and then went and played tennis with another friend. I am looking forward to more of those opportunities anytime the weather is warm.

4. Finishing this school year and going into my final year in Special Education. No matter what I choose to do after next school year, my abusive relationship with Special Education will be finished. I will not be writing anymore IEP's, FBA's, BIP's, RED's or ER's.

5. Another year means another chance to embrace my life and all that is in it. It is another chance to release my expectations of my life (thereby releasing my disappointments) and allow myself to marvel in it's fullness and beauty, even in the trying times.

So happy new year, folks! I hope you make it a good one.