Survived

I meant to post this a lot sooner but unfortunately life just goes on even if you don't have time for it. I last posted while I was in Kansas City, Missouri feeling bad for myself because I was all alone. Things really didn't end up being that bad. The meeting was a smash hit. I always get intimidated working with the advisory board for my project because they are more educated and have higher positions than me. However, it certainly was a confidence boost to get glowing compliments and remarks for all of my efforts that went into the meeting. A lot of good came out of the meeting as well. Whenever I am asked what I do, I have a hard time explaining. Usually, it comes down to what don't I do. In any case, the entire mission of the center I work for is to improve special education. My part is so small but my particular project is doing a lot to help children who are deaf or hard of hearing to receive a good education and at this meeting we came up with even more solutions to improve their education. I feel like I've done some good and I couldn't feel better about that.

On the first night of meetings we went to dinner as a board. I was terribly nervous because like I said before I am intimidated by this group and I am also at least 20 years younger than the youngest person there. I wasn't sure I quite fit in with the group but it actually went really well. I got to know several of the board members quite a bit better and I am just so impressed by everyone's kindness and friendship. They actually treat me like I'm one of their kids, I think. Seriously, the first night I got in my director called my hotel room just to make sure I had gotten in safely and had gotten something to eat. Then, several volunteered to go look around the plaza with me because I think they didn't want me out by myself.

We also did a really fun warm up activity at the meeting. We each brought a favorite book and exchanged it with another person at the board meeting. I agonized over which book I should bring because I wanted to look well read and smart. I finally decided on "The Life of Pi" by Yann Martel. I ended up getting "The Christmas Sweater" by Glenn Beck. It was fun to see what books were brought and why.

Here is my one picture from my trip. It is of the country club plaza that is famous for the lights at Christmas. My boss told me how cool it was but he hasn't seen Temple Square at Christmas.

I intended to do more sightseeing but I literally worked until after 8:00 every night just to make sure everything was taken care of.

Anyway, I am relieved that the meeting went so well but I can't even explain how wonderful it was to come home and see Neil. I think that definitely has been the longest we have been apart in the last 3.5 years. I would have packed him in my suitcase but he was laboring away with his finals. So honestly, I guess it was the best time for me to be gone. He even surprised me with tickets to Voice Male that we went to yesterday. Speaking of Voice Male, it was a great concert. They were very entertaining and talented.