The hour and 45 minute drive was worth every second. Both ways.

I got to see four of the most influential women in my life—and other than my mom, gramma, and sister, these four have helped make me a better person. They also are awe-inspiring and absolutely amazing.

Today, I learned things I didn’t know could even happen (a penis can break which results in a $16,000+ surgery!).

I saw first hand the ramifications of no insurance—my beautiful world-traveling friend who taught overseas for two years now has a mysterious illness that the free clinic has yet to diagnose correctly.

I was made aware of the importance of being proactive and researching anything that is prescribed (because it could be made at the Hormel plant).

I was able to discuss the disenchantment that comes with working in academia surrounded by drama and politics—and we all loved our university at one point.

Finally, I was able to read and give “feedback” (question/comment/edit) an academic essay and discuss highly intellectual topics and drink really good wine.

This mini—list doesn’t begin to do today justice. We ate and laughed at Mogies. We walked in the sun and sat in the shade eating gelato and talking and laughing some more. We went and sat on a picnic table in Owen Park in the shade and laughed, talked, and realized how shitty it is to grow older. We set a date in January for a future “girl’s weekend” in *maybe* San Francisco (and depending on my job/school situation, we might go to Costa Rica for a week!) We went to the Farmer’s Market and bought bread, beets, salsa, raspberries, rhubarb pie, and someone got free coffee due to her amazing prowess (uh, NOT me! Damn, even when she’s sick she’s amazing!).

I actually feel refreshed, recharged, and can’t wait to see what’s next for my life. Eventually I would have come to this on my own, but re-centering myself with these women who I admire, respect, and look up to has given me a swift kick in the ass in the right direction.

I would give ANYTHING for the middle states between OR & WI to move north to Canada so our two states could be closer.

Two weeks to go...

Little sister will be here in 10 days...

My seniors are done (were on Thursday).

I love the letters I am getting--exit assignment for my junior English classes...

I love the real letters/email/verbal thank yous more.

I can't believe how lucky I am to have this job, and to work with such fun students...

I know...as Louie says, I will have to remember this for the beginning of next year...

Even though the grammar is awful, this still made my day: (The first part is in regards to the final research/speech assignment, the later is regarding this student (who has a really hard time with everything, and has to work ten times as hard as everyone else), who had to take his driver's permit test for the eighth time on Friday).

Should Community Service be required for Americans?

is that a good question??

I GOT MY PERMIT!!!!!!!! Thanks for the note, i dont i would have passed if you didn't give me that note.
you the best teacher i have ever had!

I am really lucky!!!

Fortunate...

I am.

Even though this year is going to be rough, I have this sneaky feeling inside, this little voice speaking to me, and innately I know that I will be an exceptional teacher.

I don't want to jinx things or myself, but I really love this school. I really hope that I am asked back next year, and that I can have a long career here. I really enjoy the student body and my colleagues. I think once I figure out my path, I can only improve on my teaching and better things for my students.

Louie is wonderful, and much of the time I want to pinch myself to validate that this is my life, and this is real. The contentedness that can exist in a healthy relationship is really a new and wonderful experience. No voice in my gut telling me that I am making a mistake, not second-guessing, no leery feeling about our future paths and if they meld or collide. It is exactly what I thought was out there for me, but never really believed existed so I settled, and then, luckily, I found out I was right.

I am LUCKY.

Now, I just need some friends.

I miss my WI peeps a giant amount.