Scrambled Eggs and Brains

It’s been a long week. My heart is tired. My head is tired. My jaw aches, but not as bad as it was (TMJ). My ear surrendered, and no longer hurts down into my throat.

I am officially the Reentry Development Coordinator. I’m still working out my schedule and responsibilities. Two things were taken off my plate. I was informed this week that two county jails are not interested in my teaching classes in their facilities. I was disappointed, but it wasn’t the worst news I learned this week. I don’t know how to talk about the piece that had me closing my office door (something I rarely if ever do), turning on my CD player (really loud) and having a good hard cry. Here’s the bare bones: the Adam Walsh Act was signed into legislation in 2006 by our president. All states must comply by 2009. Ohio will begin complying on Jan.1, 2008. The legislation is retroactive. Instead of having 5 more years to register, I now must register for 10 more. I hope that makes someone feel safe that this 60 year old grandmother will continue to be punished. I have written an article in response to this, and perhaps I’ll post it later. I need my response to be more than a knee-jerk reaction.

Wednesday was a highpoint of the week. I joined 1200 women at a even to raise money for breast cancer research. I got to hear Karen Vadino again. She’s an extremely funny motivational speaker. This was held at a resort near Cedar Point. It was an amazing setup. The food was phenomenal—especially the desserts! One of the activities was a balloon sale. Curves is a corporate sponsor and so we “worked” a bit here selling the balloons. Each balloon cost $5 and held a chance to win $100. It was a chaotic blast!!! I don’t know what they raised, but I’m sure it was significant.

Asher continues to bring so much joy to my life. He’s learning so much every day. He mocks everything you say. He says please, thank you, and you’re welcome. He was the cutest little skunk for Beggars’ Night.

Today was a quiet day. I needed it. I slept until 8AM and then went to work out at Curves. I was ready to stay longer and help out, but the woman who had scheduled a tour never showed so I came home. One of the things I’m really excited about has to do with Curves. Our manager got a full-time teaching position. The assistant manager is moving into the manager’s position. I had considered applying for the opening, but opted instead to stay with what I was doing (knowing growth was on the horizon). Anyway…Beth (younger daughter) is applying for the position and has an interview on Monday. I just firmly believe that she will do an excellent job. It’s going to be weird to have her as my boss, but we decided I’ll probably be okay with it since she’s been bossing me around for 24 years now.

Sunday morning…I slept until 8AM again. This is not a good habit. Nelson is cooking egg scramblers for breakfast so the house smells quite yummy.

I dreamt a lot last night and while I can’t remember all the specifics, many of them contained people from high school. I think the reason for that, primarily, is that one of my classmates died on Thursday. I knew her but she wasn’t in my close circle. She was diagnosed with liver cancer last year. And now she’s gone. I feel a sadness I had not anticipated.

I feel lonely, too. This week had much to celebrate and much to grieve and it would have been nice to do it with a friend over coffee or even the phone. On Wednesday, as much fun as it was, I spent most of the evening wandering through the exhibits by myself. I’m good company so I was sort of okay with it, but…

Well, the eggs are ready. TTFN.