Happy Voting and Happy Halloween!!

Today I made my second trip to the voting center to cast my early ballot. This time I actually got through the front door. Last stop had me rolling down my window in the parking lot and asking a gentleman about the line and he suggested I return later, giant wait.

So, I complied. I follow directions.

At least I thought I did, until I went to a different voting location. This time I followed the obvious yellow dots on the floor through the first room of chaos and upon exiting I got called out by an old friend. Now, the old friend happens to be the brother of my old boyfriend. Our families intersected for a season of life and it was like old times running into him in line. Which is why I jumped in front of him and begin talking nonstop. To catch up AND because I believed the line I was in merged with his. I did this without the slightest cause to question my decision. I chatted enjoying this election process more then any other of my recent past. We got a lot of good information shared in our 7 minutes in line together before I had to move through the various stations independent of him.

Now interestingly, I did begin to wonder why the two friends I entered the voting center with were no where to be seen. I did think it odd that my merge had moved me quickly through the process and my other cohorts were completely absent from my sight.

So, I pressed on happily casting my votes and thinking to myself what a pleasant experience this has been. Ending my session with ease, I took a seat by the front door and waited for my ride.

Well, while soaking in the sights from the front door vantage point I begin to see a trend of a line that appeared out of nowhere and headed into the direction that my room emptied out of right about the location of the merge. I couldn't figure where that line came from. So I asked the sweet volunteer sticker lady about this complexity.
"Where exactly does that line come from? Is there another entrance?" I inquired.

"No, that is the line that you take and swing through and come back up after exiting the first room!" She snidely huffed.

"Oh.." big pause....silence. I just realized the gravity of my merge. Yeah, I cut about 23 people in line including the guy friend from days gone by, without even knowing it. I sincerely believed that this was a merge situation. I did not see the yellow dots directing me through the mini maze. (which honestly was mini or I am sure a revolt would've broken out by the people standing in line!)
Yup, I got to basically smile, wave and bid the entire line I cut farewell as they exited the polls and I sat and waited for my ride who diligently stood in line instead of cutting to cast her vote!!
So, my friends...do not be the WITCH I was on Wednesday, take your turn to vote. (I had to figure out how to include something about a witch on this special holiday post!!)
PS. I did immediately call information to get the friend's phone number to apologize for the cutting business but both of the numbers listed were not in service! So, now I have to live with myself and the reality that he may go on believing I am nothing but a good for nothing line jumper! So much for following directions.

Wow, I have been gone a LONG time!! Doesn't seem that long until i look at the dates and then it is very obvious and very sad. So, in an effort to begin to catch up I will first begin with a few photos. I haven't posted any of those in awhile either and they will fill lots of space and make me "feel" like I am putting up a very noteworthy post. So, this is from the field trip with my daughter's class this past month. The day was overcast but the colors were still vibrant. I am planning on printing a few of these for some inspiration this winter when the gray days take over.

I have been learning lots in school this past month and have plenty to report. I hope to have the time to really reflect and adequately communicate the depth of my new found understanding. This season is such a fun new one in my life. Feel like daily I am being challenged to consider the ways that I will be encouraging clients. I have been significantly aware of the ways I am uninterested in changing. The hard habits I have formed and the cemented style I like to cling to them. These principles must be evaluated and reconsidered. I must be willing to overturn every piece of myself so that I might be more understanding and empathetic of those that sit before me in a therapeutic environment.

Is this ugly, uncomfy, scary and downright unnerving? Yes, dear ones, it is! It is no fun to look at the poop in your life and see how affectionate you are toward it. Why do I like to remain stubborn or short-tempered? Many people who seek counsel are stuck in their ways as well and if I am not clear about recognizing and attempting to move out of my own crudola then how in heavens name will I ever be able to encourage another? Pretty challenging stuff. It is good and nasty and yicky and fun to nestle up next to the places I fall short in life and repent and confess and turn away from and keep doing it, and keep recognizing it over and over and over and over and .....you get the picture.

This process makes me like myself a little more. Because at least I know I am working on it and not hiding it away and acting like it doesn't exist. Will I ever get done with this magical purging process? Unfortunately, not this side of heaven! Gee, that is uplifting. With that I must run and apologize to the child I just verbally accosted for interrupting me for the fifth time. Yes, I have a LONG way to go.