Well. As it turns out, they can't keep me off the chairs in Washington, either.

Tonight was our first Family LIteracy Night. For those of you wondering what the hell that is, the answer: me too. We had a bunch of families come together to do art projects based on a classic book "Where the Wild Things Are," hear the story, and socialize over juice, coffee, and popcorn. I think it was a hit - but there's always tomorrow for that to change. I shouldn't even be awake right now because I have a meeting early in the morning, but I had about 6 cokes today so I'm still jazzed.

There were several people I wish I could have shared my success with: my family and my friends! I miss you so much. Mom and Dad, you would have been proud of how many people were there, and how many donations I got! And Hil, Kate and Alli - you should have seen those cute kids doing art projects and listening to stories! Anyway, I miss home. Its not that things are terrible here, in fact, they're going pretty well considering I just up and moved to a place I knew no one and had no idea what I was going to be spending my time doing. And its not that things at home would be better (I know I'd be miserable down there with no job and aggravating my folks), but just not having that familiarity, the closeness all the time - its like I was wrapped in a cocoon of loving that I didn't realize I had on. And then I just jumped out - I don't have wings! I'm not ready! What am I doing?! Anyway, terrible analogy, but I just wanted you to get the picture that the east coast is still where my heart lives. These west coasters just don't know - particularly not how to cook chicken the proper way (fried).

Work is getting really busy - I've finally got my first set of VOLUNTEERS coming into the building this week and next. And then the week after that, we've got SERVES, so I'll be in Yakima for a week learning. And then its November! Holy moly, how did that happen? Busy is much, much better than not. I'm not meant to be left to my own devices (those of you who worked with me at Learn know this...) with little direction. But things are getting better, getting better all the time.

And the house - the mansion of a house - is still good. We're getting a new roommate soon because the other woman in the house bought a house, so she's going to be living there soon. I'm sure this will change the dynamic of the house, but I think it will be fine. These are good boys. I got really lucky.

I have to go to bed now - but keep in touch. I've been bad about updating. I'm going to try to do better. Its this new change kick im on (Hilary!).