They Actually Make Stress Balls Shaped Like Prostates

It is SO WINDY here this weekend. You can't walk anywhere without being practically blown over! We just finished up first thunderstorm for the day and awaiting the second, which are always nice because it kind of cools down a bit after that.

I am listening to some Amos Lee on my iPod in my office and a-tappin' my toes. Today is a good day. Sundays, as I have mentioned before, are typically our slow days. This morning I was laying in bed and trying to formulate what exactly I have done since I got here that is helping me accomplish my goals. And I couldn't think of much, besides reading a book that is helping me examine my life and where I want to be. So I went to work and said, "Jason, I'm going to be an hour late - I have to go to the gym right now." And he was really excited and so I went and got in a good workout before work today. I could easily waste this experience because it is easy to get in a routine and just sink back into that old rut that is so familiar. But I am not going to do that, I am going to do what I came here to do, which is push myself to my limits and come home better than I left. Everybody here is working towards some sort of personal goal, whether it is to reconnect with their spirituality, or finish their degree, or get back in shape, or whatever. So you really can soak up a lot of that energy if you seek it. I had to go get some new tennis shoes because my other ones are back in DC...the only ones they sell here are New Balances, and they are hell on my feet. But I figure I can deal with anything for 3.5 more months, so I'm just trying to keep going and meet those goals.

I can't remember if I have talked about this before, but one of the things I have struggled with the most is being around people all day, every day. I am in a "people profession" and so you can expect to be dealing with people most of the time, but 12 hours 6 days a week really takes a toll on a girl...all of those people constantly coming in and out and asking a million questions...it makes the nerves weary. So then when you leave work finally and you want to check your e-mail, you go to a place that is full of people. When you go eat, full of people. When you shower, when you pee, people. When you go to your room, there are people in rooms all around you and you hear them walking and talking and sitting and standing. Only when I sleep am I truly alone. For those who know me well, you know that this is my personal hell. I know that being exposed to this is good for me, because it is forcing me to be more tolerant and to give up a little of what I need for the greater good - but I would be lying if I said it wasn't the most difficult part of my time here. I long to be in a quiet room for about two days, with a private bathroom and a shower that I can use without wearing shoes. But let me stop complaining, it could be so so SO much worse.

I am determined to leave this Center better than when I found it, and so I have been doing a lot of brainstorming of ways to get people in our doors, new classes/trainings, new ways to market, and such. It is pretty encouraging that creativity is rewarded here and we can do what we need to make this place relevant and exciting. I find a lot of satisfaction through dreaming up bigger ways to meet the mission.

I think I have come up with a preliminary list, which I will post directly after this. There aren't too many things that I am wanting for right now, so it may grow as the time passes.

Love you all.

xoxo