Second week, Second weekend

Ok, I'm a dork. And apparently so are the rest of my new coworkers. We decided to take a picture of ourselves in the ropes course gear during our retreat last week. What can I say?

Last week was week two of training, which included more large group introductions to project based learning and assessments. On Thursday the staff from my school went on an overnight retreat to Sonoma. We stayed at a retreat center and ate great organic food while doing activities that would help us work together more effectively. We have to work so closely to create the first year of the school that it's pretty important that we be able to do this well. So we did a variety of activities, one being this ropes course. My partner and I fell from one of the high elements very quickly, which was hard for me and I got to do some good reflecting about dealing with outcomes I don't like and being ok with them anyway. It was a good but long week ending with this trip. All thoughtful, all exhausting.

On Friday night and Saturday morning I got to see Marian and Mark, friends from Bates. On Saturday we checked out the Lake Merritt Farmers market and Marian gave it the a-ok.

The farmers market was really lovely--it was busy, sunny and there were samples at every table. The fruit was succulent and Marian and I were particularly taken by the small, sweet grapes. I spent Sunday afternoon with my Dad and Louise in Campbell. Louise and I went shopping for things I need in my apartment and my Dad and I looked at some old pictures together. It is bizzare just stopping by their house and we all commented on it Sunday. Where are the suitcases? Such a major shift.

So, those are all the practical updates.

I wrote in an email today, (and this was a serious realization,) that I feel busy all the time even though I am not actually busy all of the time. I think it's because I am internally busy soaking up new information and contending with all the little things like getting around town or finding my shoes. I guess this is what moves are like. This weekend I have a goal of getting things hung on the walls. I am eager to feel like this is really my home and I think that would help. OK, a final picture for this post: me and my Dad. I found this on Sunday and brought it back with me. It's one of my favorites.