In the midst of mid- to end-of-quarter insanity, I took time out today to enjoy, truly enjoy, the fierce energy that is a 4-year-old. Two of them, actually, as Jack and I spent time with his friend, Jessy, while her parents were off doing grown-up stuff. Tons o’ Fun ensued, and it was a wonderful day, as the photo will hopefully attest, of Darth Jack taking aim at the bubble horde with his trusty Batman lightsaber.

Wanted to let y’all know I’m alive, kicking, going a little nuts with 17 credits (did I expect anything else?), but it’s a good nuts. My classes are pretty good, for the most part, and I’m feeling a little more energized than I was at the beginning of the quarter, when I felt something more along the lines of, WhatthehellamIdoingtheseinaneassignmentsfor, whenallIreallywanttodoisgetthehelloutthereandfuckingworkforveterans?! But everything in its own time – I know that. I just had to get over the hump, I guess.

The presentation on TBI and PTSD gave me an assist with that in a BIG way, actually. I am so glad I was able to attend. I learned as much, and more, than I was hoping. As much as anything, that one day helped re-focus and remind me of just what I’m really doing in school, and what I’m finishing the degree for.

The early morning drive up to Leavenworth was beautiful, as well, and it gave me some Me time. Well, Me and John Denver, that is (gotta have his tunes when driving into the mountains. Some things will never change!). My current banner photo is one I took from the deck of the hotel where the conference was being held. It was a gorgeous Spring day and the mountains were covered in snow. The Hills were definitely ALIVE that day.

And… HAPPY MOM’S DAY TO ALL YOU WONDERFUL MAMAs OUT THERE! Take a break for just a little while from your motherly duties, cares, and stresses. C’mon… you know you deserve it.

Jack and I are going to sample what the opening Sunday of this season’s farmer’s market at Third Place Books has to offer. It being Mother’s Day and the first day of the season, it should be kinda fun for the two of us (barring a downpour). I’m making a concerted effort to buy more locally-grown produce, and would like for Jack to one day understand why (guess the Tree Class made a dent, eh Steph?). If you haven’t yet, check out the book I recommended from last quarter, Deep Economy by Bill McKibben. If you haven’t really thunk about all this stuff before, this book will get your mind going and your ass moving – hopefully with a smaller ass(foot)print to show for it.