Thu Aug 25 - A miracle friendship happened today at work. I've been mildly panicking over this one-week-book, and as crunch time closed at the end of the day, my co-worker Rhonda dropped by to see how I was doing. And she made the miracle offer, "Can I do anything to help you with your book tomorrow?" So bless her, she's going to take screen shots for me all day tomorrow, importing them into the hands-on-exercises, which absolutely is saving this entire project. I cannot wait to sing her praises to my boss on Monday. I'm astonished, speechless, and thankful beyond description.

A sad bit of former-work news: I heard that they approved moving jobs from my old Navy base in the latest consolidation move. I'm completely disappointed that our home bases are taking one of the hits, and I feel hypocritical. I don't mind if other bases are hit, but not "my" home Navy bases. But it's more than just a sense of nostalgic loyalty. Those two bases are some of the largest employers in the County (aren't they always?) and some of my personal friends work as either contractors or civil engineers, or are stationed at those bases. The hit is hitting home.

But on the good-fun note: I'm headed out of town tonight for my "hippy-dippy workshop in the woods with women" where I'm half participant, half staff. I will be serving my Coffee Bar of Splendor™ in the mornings and I'll be the staff photographer all day. I hope I get a chance to do some learning, some teaching, and some socializing. But more than anything I hope to have a chance to relax. I'll catch you all up when I return.

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Recently Reading: Neil Gaiman's "American Gods"
Recently Listened to: Tori Amos "Boys for Pele"