Things I'm Excited About:

1. Washi tape. It adds color to my whole life.
2. Flying to California to visit the Powells at 6:00am tomorrow.
3. The A I got on my last assignment.
4. I met the Editor in Chief of Brain, Child last night, my new favorite magazine.
5. The quilt I finished today.
6. James and I planned our one-year-anniversary celebration.
7. Taxes are done and for the first time ever I'll get money back.
8. Days to spend time with Niahmaya Lily.
9. Sam May is on her way here.

Thanks

A woman stopped me in the street today. As I was leaving work, she stopped me, caught up to me and said:

Hi, I just wanted to tell you, I'm in your store all the time and you make my coffee. I wanted to tell you that you do a really great job. You create a wonderful atmosphere and I just wanted to say thank you.

With all of the changes happening, preparing to take on some hard responsibilities, this was reassuring to hear. Each day I feel a little more confident in my role, and with new training and knowledge comes a desire to step into my position further.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yesterday was six hours of training on coaching and leadership at the Prudential Center in Boston. They flew the partner in charge of development for the Americas out from Seattle to work with us, and equip everyone for this new position. I was reflecting yesterday the incredible individuals from corporate I've had the chance to meet and interact with since I started at store 871.  I feel privileged to work where I do, and impressed that this many people truly care about our tiny little store.

The Thinking Cup

My favorite coffee shop in Boston is located in the North End, the Italian quarter. It is called The Thinking Cup and aptly so. The decor is done in vintage newspapers, brick, chalkboards, and hardwood. I ventured there with my friend Ashley, who is here from San Antonio with the company she works for. I took her here because I thought it would be a fun place to visit for her birthday.

I paid 1.60 for a cup of decaf coffee, as we had done a lot of coffee drinking at work earlier in the day. When the barista called out my name I expected a cup of coffee, naturally, but instead I got the above latte. Did I complain?

Nope.

I don't even know if it was decaf or not, but it was dang good. Lately I'm amazed at how friends suddenly pop up here in Boston. This would have never happened in San Antonio, but people randomly visit here. Our friends Wicks and Michaela, Rhiannon, Jamie, Peter and Amanda--I hope there are many more in the future. Just yesterday one of best my college roommates called,

What are you doing the weekend of the 16th? She said, Cause I'm coming to visit. 

Perfect.

Community

Last week our friend Cameron, affectionately called Cam, invited us to his school play. We hang out with him and his family often (like sailing last summer) so of course we journeyed up to Peabody (PEA-bidy) to watch the performance. I think I laughed all the way through. It was a fantastic performance and Cam did an awesome job--it was like his role was written for him. 

Why is he in red footy-pajamas? He's a super-hero, that's why. 

Green.

String of Pearls.

Chilly Ducks

The Charles River is essentially frozen these days. Doesn't discourage the ducks though. You can find them sunbathing on the ice and soaking up the last rays of sunshine together.

Exactly what I did on my walk home this afternoon. Sunshine feels precious.

Work feels overwhelming this week. I essentially train for my new position all morning, and then train someone else in the afternoon. A lot of intake and output that I'm not used to. I am completely thankful I only enrolled in one class this semester. Especially as Magazine Overview is proving work and writing heavy.

James and I are going into the city tomorrow to see one of my favorite bands, Branches. Some of the members are friends through my sister at APU, and their familiar faces will be a piece of home. We listened to their O Light album the entire week of our honeymoon. The thought of finally seeing them live makes me want to dance.

Maybe I'll just save it for tomorrow night.

After the Storm

Well friends, we made it.

When we moved here James and I were excited to meet all of our neighbors and begin building relationships right away. Though we soon found out that rarely do people spend time in their front yards in New England, its hard to catch people on their way in. Natives said, just wait until it snows. When it dumps snow and everyone is outside shoveling--that's when you will meet your neighbors.

They were right.

We met Tom and Sylvia across the street today and stopped to chat with others we don't see often. Yesterday James exchanged info with the woman who lives next to us, so if ever we need we can call her. We shoveled out other people's cars and contributed to the sidewalk in front of our house.

Its this common human experience. Everyone is snowed in, everyone home for the day. Yet the storm that blanketed New England last night has left us all with a lot of work. It takes everyone working together to get it done.

We Might Be Slightly Crazy

In Honor of the Snowstorm-- Spring.

Kristin and I ventured to the Lyman Estate Greenhouses in Waltham Wednesday. I've wanted to go for about a month now, and as now there is snow rapidly falling outside my window, I'm glad we took the free afternoon. There are four or five different rooms full of orchids and native New England plants, as well as succulents and flora that belong in warmer climates, like the kumquats. The dormant looking branches to the left are grapevines, which come to life again in the spring.

As the clouds drifted by the sun filled these glass rooms with warm, glowing light and my heart with joy. The air is full of oxygen from all the green things and all the green makes me happy. We stepped into another world, or somehow transported ourselves to California.

California, on this cold blizzard day I'm thinking of you.

The Work I Love, That Drives Me Crazy

This is where I work.

A few weeks ago, a dear friend posted this entry--she writes to explain a recent decision to actively participate at work, to not deprive herself of her greatest achievements. 

"Today I realized with discipline and hard work, I have the world at my fingertips.  Does anyone else sell themselves short?  I have been everyday for a long time.  I think when I first got a job in this company I was looking at it as a means to an end.  I needed to work, and I took the first administrative job offered to me.  I had no idea I would be here for two and a half years and counting, with goals and aspirations to continue to push up the chain of command."

Her post resonated with me and encouraged me in my decision to apply for an open management position. There were a number of people applying within my store, a few of them I would love to work with because I respect their decisions and passion. Three positions open, yet I was the only one they offered a promotion. It was bittersweet, though I understand the decisions that were made. Confident in my ability to lead, my experience, and potential to advance the business, they offered to hire me on to the management team. 

Going forward I will represent a part of that team, and though I'm sure there will prove challenges, I am excited for the change.