Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Drained, But Still Kickin'

I just got home from having my first creative non-fiction essay workshopped. I wrote about some things that have weighed on me for decades, some things that have been critical in how I see life. It was hard at times to listen to what people had to say. I have a renewed sense of direction, though, which is good.

I came home to find a letter from one of my neighbors urging me to take more of a leadership role in our Homeowner's Association Board. I'm on the Board, which I'm glad to do--I like to be involved--but I joined it with the explicit understanding that I COULD NOT take a leadership role. My instinct is to just do it, to make happen what needs to happen. But the fact of the matter is that I will be gone in May. What good does three months (two, really, as I'll be at conferences most of March) of leadership do? A bit of sticking my thumb in a dam, I'd say. I'm bitter right now. I sometimes feel like I give and give and then get asked to give more. Of course I can say "sorry, no." But in this situation, I'm feeling manipulated. The fact that I'm moving was used as a chip of sorts in this letter. As in, don't I want to make sure everything remains in order as I go to sell my place? Permit another moment of whining. I am about one responsibility away from collapsing into full-on freaked out mode. Ok. That's enough, Missy.

Countdown: 30 minutes until my big day. 16 hours until I pick Neal up at the airport.

6 comments:

Ramona said...

Happy Birthday, Miss Bev! Hope you have a great day.

Cari said...

Oh, I didn't know it was your birthday--have a good one! Have fun with Neal!

The Little (Knitting) Hedgehog said...

Happy Birthday! I love that your birthday is on my learning to knit anniversary!

Tell those homeowner's association people no. These groups seem like they've been specifically created to promote guilt and animosity far more than actually solving problems.

Have a wonderful weekend with Neal!

Beverly said...

Thanks for the b'day wishes! I'm taking a quick break from straightening up the joint...then off to grocery shop & school! Seven hours to go!!

Scoutj said...

Damn. 37? You're OLD! lol

Happy Birthday Chica!! Maybe tomorrow you could swing by the shop and have Neal buy you some yummy yarn p*orn! :)

strangelittlemama said...

Happy happy birthday, sweet lady! I don't expect to hear a peep outta you for the next 48 hours or so as you immerse yourself in LoveFest 2006! Enjoy!!!