The eating fest in Tucson came to an end on Saturday. All in all, the conference was a fun time. I continued to stuff myself...then headed to the gym. I don't think any amount of running could offset the calories packed in, but whatever. I attended lots of interesting sessions. I enjoyed soaking up the warmth during my free time, and I'd love to return to Tucson sometime to check out the city. The one part I didn't really love was when the hotel doorman had to give me a ride one night to pick up the dinner I ordered (thinking it was from a restaurant in the hotel, not across the golf course), and the whole thing ended up feeling like a mini-date with awkward chit-chat in the Suburban and having doors opened for me at every turn. I couldn't wait for that ordeal to be over. I don't know how I find myself in these situations, but it seems to be my m.o. It was a relief when he dropped me back off at the hotel front door, and I darted back to my room to hide out for the rest of the night.

Happy Birthday, Chris!
Welcome to the world, Baby Lucian! (I hope I'm spelling that right.)

New. New, new, new. My theme right now is new. Lots of newness. Newer friendships and exploring new dimensions of existing relationships. New items and new experiences. It's a brand new school year, and I'm busy. In terms of stuff, I have new glasses that I love, as well as a new winter coat and a pretty coffee table. Bye-bye college table I've had since I was 18. I made a fuss about the return of the Mighty-O donuts at the coffee stand at work--demanded, actually--and now they're back! Today was the first day of Mighty-O goodness, and I did a happy dance at the coffee counter. That isn't really a new thing. I'm starting to think about and work a bit on my graduate school application for the MSW. I'm into new shows like Bored to Death (love it!). A new year of tutoring will start for me next week, but luckily I will get to work with one of my favorite students from last year again. Yay! I'm also undertaking a new volunteer experience running a structured study hall for young adults with AS who are either in high school or attending community college. This is right up my alley, and I'm super excited! The study hall is part of an evening program, and the goal is to provide a calm, distraction-free environment for students to focus on homework. I went to a training tonight, and I think I'm going to participate or observe in other aspects of the program that teach independent living and social skills as well. I feel like I have a lot to learn from the people in charge there, and I got along well with the woman who is leading the young adult group. I'm drawn to this program. All new. All good.

Actually, to be honest, I'm a little bit overwhelmed by all the new things happening right now. I'm happy about it all, but it's feeling like a lot at once as I transition into the new routine. Sometimes I can get a bit out of sorts as I adjust, and I'm doing my best to ease into it so I don't turn into a total grouch.

Casey and I went to see Capitalism: A Love Story the other day. I liked it a lot. It wasn't too Michael Moore over the top, although it had its moments. Even though I don't always agree with his methods, I think society must always have a Michael Moore. He uncovers the bs out there and provides some balance to our skewed perspectives. He makes so many important points by saying the things no one else will say. I admire his courage, even if he can be a bit nutty. I learned a lot, and one of the most disturbing things that's stuck with me from the movie is the Dead Peasant policies.

Now, I'm looking forward to the movies Oh My God and New York, I Love You.

More to say, of course, but I'm sleepy. I'm afraid that is the norm lately. After training for the AS program, I spent a lovely evening visiting Monice to catch up and see the adorable kids. Baby Finley is still as pretty as ever, with fun black hair that sticks straight up. I love it!

I will be back, sooner rather than later, because I'm all about trying something new.