Mary Poppins Wasn't Perfect

Last I wrote on this blog, I was in Phoenix. Well, I'm not in Phoenix anymore, toto! Not even in Dallas (which is where I spent Christmas) Or in Tallahassee- where I was living. I'm in Arlington, Virginia. And working in Washington, DC. The move has happened, the first 2 weeks have come and gone, and here I am. Finally coming around to the blog to post about it. I left Tallahassee on January 11th when I drove to South Carolina for the halfway spot. I was able to celebrate my grandpa's 86th birthday with him (complete with  his favorites: pizza, butterfingers, and pepsi) then headed up the next day with my aunt to Arlington, VA. After the fire my aunt had driven down to Tally to help me go through my stuff that had been pulled out of the ashes. When she left, we had loaded up a few bins in her car to store for me until the move. We both drove up separately and about 10 minutes away from the apartment, I began cheering in my car. Not because I was close, b...

Hi, again. I'm currently in route to Phoenix, Arizona where my friend Helen will be picking me up from the airport before transferring me to my sister Lisa for the 5 days. It's now been three weeks since the fire. The phrase "oh. my. gosh." has been the most used phrase to come out of my mouth. For a lot of reasons. But mostly. Because I've been stunned by the generosity and support by so many people near and dear to my heart.....But also- by people I have NEVER EVEN MET. Many of you already know, but my friend Laura set up a donation page within hours of hearing about the fire. I was swamped at the conference and didn't even realize what was happening until later that night. When I finally got around to seeing messages, I saw that within several hours- $2,500 had already been raised. I was FLOORED. At the same time I was looking at the devastating pictures, I was seeing money come in. There was not even a chance to grieve. God had already b...

I want to post Part 2 but I don't feel that it is even finished being lived out yet.  I sit here at the computer and it's still too fresh. I'll come back to part 2 later. In the meantime, I DO want to share photos with you from my time in DC and NYC. Here are a few from the summit with coworkers: There are PLENTY more where these came from, but I'll post them later.n But I must add here- I work with the best group of people. I am so grateful this team was around me when I heard the news of the fire. After hearing the news, they supported me, let me cry on their shoulders (and into our walkie talkie's....which I didn't know was happening...oops!), brought me froufrou drinks from Starbucks, brushed my hair, and did a fantastic job covering for me during parts of the summit when I was slacking. I LOVE this team. I am blessed. If any of you coworkers happen upon this blog- know that I am overwhelmingly grateful for you. The outpouring of suppor...

Because I simply have to start somewhere.  Have I mentioned I love my job? I do.  I've been getting to travel as of late. And last week I was in DC for the 5th Annual National Summit on Education Reform. This is an event hosted by our organization.  This one-stop shop of policies and practices offers an opportunity for lawmakers, policymakers and advocates to learn the nuts and bolts of education reform. It's our biggest event of the year. This year the line-up of speakers included Jeb Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Joel Klein, Arne Duncan, and many others.  It's a big deal. We arrived Sunday morning and began setting up at the hotel and preparing for over 700 attendees to arrive.  Monday was filled with the same.  We went to bed late Monday night and had a 6am call time Tuesday morning.  I woke up at 5 and was in the process of getting ready when I received a phone call at 5:30am.  The number was a Florida number and not lis...

Heads up dudes. This information could be helpful. Found myself crying over a burger this week. Sarah bought me a burger and, yes, I found myself crying. It's true. But if Sarah were to buy me a burger next week, I can promise you- it would not make me cry. Sarah buying a burger was an incredibly nice gesture. And I needed a nice gesture. I've noticed, most often, if I find myself crying-it's not over one particular event. It's because MANY things have happened, I've been holding it together, trying to be strong, and then there's just ONE. MORE. THING. that happens sending you over the ledge. It's not even necessarily that the last thing was the worst- or the hardest. It was just 'the straw that broke the camel's back.' So. Guys. If a girl is crying and you ask her what's wrong, most often- it won't be a simple answer. The story could start off with "3 weeks ago, when this happened...." Or it could be "last ...

A year ago today, I wrote this post.  One year later, I could write a very similar post. I went to the same beach. With the same feelings. With the same plan: sit and do nothing but listen to the waves. Last year I packed a lunch, a towel, and my journal. I did the same this time. I remember writing in my journal last year at the same beach. The journal entry was filled with much anticipation and excitement for the year to come. I was brand new to Florida, brand new to my job, and I was very excited/anxious about what would transpire over the next year. As I journaled this time around, I felt the same anticipation. I'm keeping the same job, but come January, I could possibly be moving. I could possibly be in a new city. Once again, where I know no one. Clearly, that's not a problem for me. I'd say this past year in Florida has been wildly successful. I've met tons of people, become involved in my church, and made some great friendships. Who knew moving to a ...

Things I'm counting down to before the end of the  year: (nov12) Veterans Day. (nov22) Thanksgiving. Still not sure what I'll be doing. First Thanksgiving without my family. (nov25) National Summit in DC. SO pumped about this. (nov30) NEW YORK CITY. Mashable conference. WHAT?!?! Yes. (Bucket list item will be crossed off as I'll be there while Christmas decorations are up at Rockefeller Center. Ice skating? Yes.  (dec13) Transiberian Orchestra in Jacksonville! (dec20) Phoenix!!!! Yes. I'm going to Phoenix to sing with Lisa for Christmas services at her church. SOOOOOO pumped about this. Christmas music is my favorite. And singing with my sister? Um. YES.  (dec25) Home to Paris, Texas for CHRISTMAS. Home. Home. Home. Home. I love my family. the end.