Being Positive (multi-day post)

August 24, 2017

Good morning! I did my dishes last night so I got up this morning to a clean sink and a relatively clean kitchen. I always feel better when the kitchen is clean. I really need a little time to do some more house cleaning but the spiritual house cleaning comes first this weekend. Tonight I get to pack to go out to Saginaw after work on Friday but it's a small pack so I will spend some time working on cards when I finish. I'm a little late with some but my family seem to love them whenever they arrive so it's all ok. I've enjoyed eating my leftovers from my convention prep this week but I'm also looking forward to Bahn Mi for lunch. The nice thing about leftovers is that I don't have to cook anything new, unless I want to. I noticed one of my camis seemed to have gotten wrapped up in something that left a shadowy stain all over it so I soaked it last night and it seems to be better. Yeah for home made solutions to stain removal!

Our student workers are on vacation so the receptionist and I are trading off late lunches to provide lunch coverage. Today was my day to go late and I was super hungry by 1:00. I got myself a bahn mi sandwich and that was the best tasting sandwich I've had in a long time. I'm not sure if was exceptionally well made or if hunger was the best sauce but it was fantastic. I'm also enjoying the quiet in a small corner of the MU away from work. The window next to me overlooks the quad and it's open a crack to let the breeze through. I'm also sipping on a Thai iced tea that also tastes excellent.

Apparently one of the keys to having a good day is to get away from the building for lunch and find a quiet place to recharge. Even the lunch room in the building doesn't give me the refresh that I got today.

I'm terribly disappointed tonight and contemplating canceling my trip to Dreamforce all together. But I'm not going to make any decisions while I'm so frustrated. I can be taught! Instead I'm looking forward to lunch with my coworkers tomorrow and then escaping to Saginaw for the weekend. I haven't had to think much about food because most of what I planned for last week still works this week.

August 25, 2017

Good morning! This morning I got to talk to Candace Eagle and hear that the boys are super excited for school. That makes me happy because it is good for them and easier for Jay and Candy.

We had a lovely conversation and I accidentally gave her something important to contemplate. We talked about how important it is that as a parent we (obviously parents in general, I'm only an auntie but it also applies) don't accidentally teach our children our biases, in this case, particularly about Math and or Science. It also applies to body positivity and consent. It applies in the broader sense too but that's a little harder.

I talked yesterday to my SIL about sending some books that are specifically about different cultures and languages in the world for Lilly. She's in agreement, but I think it's really important for people (starting with children) to be informed and educated about the world and cultures beyond their small niche. They can make informed and intelligent decisions that way. I suppose that's a "hazard" of working at a university. I also know that SIL has difficulty with Math so I send books about or incorporating math in a fun way as well.

I'd love to be able to send those kinds of books and books that encourage children in math and science to every child, especially those of us with privilege. I keep a list if anyone is interested. A lot of the books come from the mighty girl website but I have a list of multicultural books from work too.

I feel very privileged to be able to do this for my niece- I'd do it for my Godson's too if they are interested. (This is a big positive for me this morning)

I had a great lunch with my coworkers who are rapidly becoming friends. We joked about all being in the same ship- it might be sinking but we're in it together. I'm pleased to feel more settled and at peace this afternoon than I've felt in a while. I don't know what the future holds but I trust that there is blessing in it. I'm also very happy that kitten cams exist and that there are people like Foster Dad John who is so generous of his time and home to take in litter after litter of kittens and pregnant mamas (The Critter Room). Then he does the hard part of giving them up to loving homes. I haven't been able to do the last part, I tend to keep them all. ;) There are still good people in this world.

I love the peace and quiet here at Saginaw. There is a process of slowing and quieting that happens inside me when I arrive too. Then I'm surrounded by people who love and care about me. It feels wonderful.

August 26, 2017

Good morning! There are 12 little boys outside my window playing dodgeball with pinecones. They are being careful to avoid hitting the vehicles nearby and there is much giggling and boyish yelling. It would be easy to be annoyed by the noise but they are so precious. Their ages probably go from ~5-11

I couldn't decide which outfit to wear today, posts to Facebook were pretty evenly split. I ended up going with this one because it was cold and my shawl matched it and not the other. I had fish and fresh beans for lunch and ended up eating with a group of others who brought their own food as well. I enjoyed both the food and the company. Then I took a walk with my mom around the trails that go up the back side of the hill. I love that I enjoy spending time with my mom and that our conversations are fun and comfortable. I got to see Kayla Wright and meet her husband today also. I was remembering the day so many years ago when I looked down off the bridge into the old cafeteria to see this three day old baby being brought in by her parents. I ended up babysitting her and her brother for many years. Often once or more a week. Sweet memories are in this place and with these people.


August 27, 2017

Good morning. It doesn't photograph well but this dress makes me feel really cute. Last night I had a chance to have a lovely long talk with someone I've been trying to connect with for quite a while. I feel really close to her right now as our conversation was really personal and deep. I hope we can connect more in the near future but she has a young child and a busy spouse as well as a demanding job. It makes finding time more challenging. But maybe we can text each other at least. I'm looking forward to the day. I really don't want to go home but we can't stay at the feasting house forever, life must be attended to. I hope I have more and improved tools to do that. I am encouraged by a dear older lady who decided to make first steps last night. It simply filled me with joy that I hope to take with me this week. I am hopeful that I will be able to spend some time with her as she wants to do some sewing. I feel surrounded by and filled with love.