Good morning, LiveJournal

Unusual post for me -- In the mroning, no numbered list, from work and, surprisingly, about some really positive things about my job.

I don't talk a lot about my job here. I am the Collaboarion Coordinator (I herd kittens) for a state-funded youth grant called ACT For Youth. (www.actforyouth.net). I oversee hour work in Washington and warren counties, two fairly rural/agricultural counties northeast of Albany.

The short story is we had a "Community Conversation" about youth opportunities and needs in one of our towns -- Lake George -- last night.

Things got off ont he wrong foot up there, and while things have gotten better, this meeting was crucial.

We had 94 people in the school cafeteria on a raint Thursday night, including a lot of students. The mayor fo the village and the town supervisor were both there, as were a lot of citizens.

People were absolutely overflowing with ideas. The principal, a key partner, said he was "in awe."

It was close to perfect.

Of course, now we need to keep this excitement going.

I am exhausted, but really pleased. And I am looking forward to Bjorn's Ceilidh tomorrow to relax.

As an aside, I think there are three people here -- artisticphoenix ,  theresat and evilnicola  -- who truly understand what the last couple of days have been like for me.

Yes, ladies, Yesterday was the equivalent of the day of NHS Induction and this is the morning after. I thought about you guys and all your support through those times. (Aside, kissopeace , who may have been around for one), might remember the insanity.

I work my brains out for about a week, then, at about non, realize that anything that could be doen has been done. I ride the long slide toward the evening, the event happens, and all is well. One of my colleagues said in late afternoon "We have taken care of all the details. We are ready. Now what happens, happens."

We did nearly have fresh venison for Ceilidh. The drive home from Lake George is more than an hour, and maybe five miles from home, in a foggy area, I saw eyes, a head and the rest of Bambi -- maybe a foot or two in front of my truck. I stopped, she looked at me (deer int he headlights) and ambled, slowly, away. She might have been limping, but I know I didn't hit her.

Polar Plunge is a month away . . .

I bet it will be really cold this year!

As many of you know, I have been involved with Special Olympics since I was in high school, and I actually was fortunate enough to attend the World Games in 1995 in New Haven.

Saturday, Dec. 13 will mark my fifth Polar Plunge, and since I have had fairly good luck with weather the last four times, I bet I am gonna freeze this year.

I know things are tight, but anything you can to do help will be appreciated. There will be lots of pictures.

Please donate here

You can join our team -- me, jenphalian and gwenlianna -- here.

PS: I have fallen into second place, and so has our team, Agni Dentati.

Please help if you can, and either way, I would love it if you passed this along to family, friend and LJ readers.

Thanks!