So much to talk about! With a grumbling stomach and ideas sprouting about what's in my fridge, I may keep my mental sprawl to a trickle for today...we'll see. 
Saturday was the funeral for my friend and the whole event was far less horrible that I'd first assumed. I had this idea that was former staff (due to inter-office bad-mouthing of my ill-timed departure in May/June) would be distant, removed and uncomfortable in what would already be a difficult time. Happily not the case! My core group of peers, group home manager included, were there along with the residents of the house (certainly an unexpected surprise). I walked into the room to warm smiles & waves and the swift invite to join them to mourn and fill each other in about our last experiences w/ our lost compatriot. Everyone was particularly interested in my perspective as they'd been keeping a relative distance from him, more due to awkwardness of his firing than unkindness. We caught up about my new position at another agency and the vacuum I left behind. I promised not to be a stranger and in turn, to be invited over for dinner and the odd hike with the residents.
The sushi dinner w/ SGCT in Mystic was fantastic! Getting to hangout w/ Brankauti, Dekews and DistortedLife was a treat worthy of following up soon. We just now have to plot an upcoming event worthy of their drive in NH County...Hmmm!?
Well, my first day of work went well after a false start. I was asked to show up at my office work site at seven this morning...a painful proposition but one managed. The day was to be spent carpooling up to Hartford to attend a training seminar series that I'd been squeeked into at the last second. It seems that I had no problem remembering but my new supervisor did.
By about 7:45, it was agreed by the staff on hand that I should try my best to zip up there and excuse my tardiness. Happily there were no ticket-happy cops along the way so, I was able to speed to the conference in record time (and to the astonishment of the instructors). 
Between the gobs of soda, continental breakfast, veggie-heavy lunch and fascinating material, I was well-engaged throughout the almost eight hours. Perhaps even better driving and listening to new episodes of The Dawn and Drew Show, Diggnation and Security Now which had happily downloaded themselves and surprised me.
And now, dinner!
Saturday was the funeral for my friend and the whole event was far less horrible that I'd first assumed. I had this idea that was former staff (due to inter-office bad-mouthing of my ill-timed departure in May/June) would be distant, removed and uncomfortable in what would already be a difficult time. Happily not the case! My core group of peers, group home manager included, were there along with the residents of the house (certainly an unexpected surprise). I walked into the room to warm smiles & waves and the swift invite to join them to mourn and fill each other in about our last experiences w/ our lost compatriot. Everyone was particularly interested in my perspective as they'd been keeping a relative distance from him, more due to awkwardness of his firing than unkindness. We caught up about my new position at another agency and the vacuum I left behind. I promised not to be a stranger and in turn, to be invited over for dinner and the odd hike with the residents.
The sushi dinner w/ SGCT in Mystic was fantastic! Getting to hangout w/ Brankauti, Dekews and DistortedLife was a treat worthy of following up soon. We just now have to plot an upcoming event worthy of their drive in NH County...Hmmm!?
Well, my first day of work went well after a false start. I was asked to show up at my office work site at seven this morning...a painful proposition but one managed. The day was to be spent carpooling up to Hartford to attend a training seminar series that I'd been squeeked into at the last second. It seems that I had no problem remembering but my new supervisor did.
By about 7:45, it was agreed by the staff on hand that I should try my best to zip up there and excuse my tardiness. Happily there were no ticket-happy cops along the way so, I was able to speed to the conference in record time (and to the astonishment of the instructors). Between the gobs of soda, continental breakfast, veggie-heavy lunch and fascinating material, I was well-engaged throughout the almost eight hours. Perhaps even better driving and listening to new episodes of The Dawn and Drew Show, Diggnation and Security Now which had happily downloaded themselves and surprised me.
And now, dinner!
VIEW 9 of 9 COMMENTS
i should start off to say the number 37 haunts me. for many reasons.
so ironic to the point of - it was "the way i see it # 37". and another reason - so many things have changed for me this weekend. and if i didnt live it, i would have missed out on alot of good talks, laughs, memories and last seeing's for a few awesome close friends for a long time.
that was the end for me after i read that.. i read it right after i knew i wasnt going to see my good friend before he left for cali. (i talked about that in an entry before the one i just posted i believe), and after learning my other good friend is being shipped off to Afganistan after christmas.
i earned all that, read my cup. and burst into tears in the middle of starbucks.
well.. that and starbucks is running my local coffee shop under, because a new one opened up down the street from it.
its my second coffee shop to go under because of new starbucks opening.
like that simspons episode, where the mall is turning into just starbucks coffee shops.
le sigh.
Well, at least you've been keeping busy, lol. Then again, as long as i've known you that's never really been a problem, has it?
I hope all is well with you and yours.
Peace.
-Josh