Sunday, November 23, 2008

Holidays are Coming!

Fall is truly here--dark, dark mornings, had to scrape icy windows once already, and most of the beautiful fall colors have finally fallen off the trees. We've all been re-reminded this week of what constitutes a Whidbey wind!
Since my last post I've had a birthday, nephew Joe & cousin Doug had a birthday--and Jim & I celebrated our 25th anniversary--all noteworthy!
I love that anticipation of Thanksgiving--company coming, meal planning, stocking up! We have some out-of-town celebrity family guests coming (yes, that's you Joe & Amy, Mike & Lyn, Devin 8-) ! ) It will be great to have everyone here. I love the hub-bub, the catch-up time, and I love the leftovers!
Before I left on my retreat(s) at the beginning of the month, I made comment that the frenzy had begun at work. It's been an interesting month: an 'acting' CEO appointment, several newspaper articles & letter to the editor, several 'special' governing board meetings, in addition to the 'usual' monthly meetings. The most recent one had about 50 people in attendance--so, indeed, the whole world is watching now, and our less than clean laundry is slowing being exposed for all to see. There's some relief in having it all out in the open now--in a truly sick sort of way.
The next two months will be critical in how the future will play out: two replacements to be appointed to the governing board, a recruitment process for the CEO, etc. My only wish would have been that the organizational meltdown would not have coincided with the economy meltdown--I have concerns & empathy for staff who feel the instability at work when they would hope that's a shelter from the money storm (as we've all watched our retirement accounts disappear into mostly good ideas, right?!). The lion may be pushed back into the cage in the next few weeks, at least in the work world. I'm just hoping that the righteous coalition that has formed in order to stand up to the lion unleashed will hold together for awhile. In any case, it's stranger than fiction.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Change has Begun...

Thanks to one of my ongoing favorite blogs, Mudflats, I just found this great new website--and as Mudflats states so well: this is one of the many reasons I love my new President Elect. Wow! You can say slick--but what a great thing that once again there is no faltered step, the inclusion continues, and the 'work' is well underway. I AM sleeping better since Tuesday. The solutions ahead of us are up to all of us--and what a novel approach to actually ask.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Yes, We Did!

Wow! Just back from my week away--and just back to a computer. Was able to gather at a TV with good friends and a bottle of champagne Tuesday night, though! Hardly the words available to describe feelings--what a great thing to motivate people to be 'back to the streets'! Humbling, gratifying, hopeful, moving...

On the local front--we barely squeaked by on the Governor's race (but we made it!) and it looks like a 20-plus year gridlock on our County Commissioners is finally over--although one is still pretty close & not finalized. Looks like Al Franken is into recount-land--oh so close but may be losing.

The only major disappointment: what is with California and Prop 8?! (A friend said: maybe the newly chosen 'demon' has emerged...) All in all, though, much to be grateful for & celebration abounds.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

November 4th

May the force be with us all . . .we'll know soon enough. Peace.