YIKES...just yikes.

Not sure what's going on.  I'm truly upended today.  Had a stressful day yesterday trying to prep for a new instructor coming here (work) to do a 2-day class.  LOTS of stuff went wrong...but we pulled it all together and got it fixed and up and running by a little after 8 this morning.  Students enjoy the instructor--she's knowledgeable and has a great teaching style. All in all, a success...but I'm still carrying around a bunch of crap cuz folks on my team didn't come through with what they should have done and I wound up doing most of it myself.

I take some dark pleasure in knowing that the next time this class is offered will be my last one working at SPAWAR.  And, I don't know if I'll manage to remove myself from all the prep for that offering.  Of course, it will go much smoother, since it will be a repeat of today...nonetheless, much needs doing that I think I'll boycott and just see how the team manages it without me.  After all, I'm outta here on 29 June!

I'm getting more and more ready to be gone.  Planning the retirement/birthday party needs to come up to the top of my to-do list now that major Paris stuff is done.  Sent out a lot of "save the dates" through FaceBook Events, but tons of them have garnered not a mumble. I don't think most people know how to use the Event feature!  So much for trying to so something that would save some time. Guess I need to send individual invites out to the full group.

Already booked the taco caterer, and now looking into renting tables & chairs...and MUST begin working on yard. Lots to do and only 3 months until the party! 49 work days til retirement. 10 Mondays. But, who's counting? I'm thinking of putting tables & chairs in front and back.  What do you think?  By the way, All the plants in the front are much bigger now!

One thing is good: I'm staying away from casinos. Really am concerned about making ends meet and how to pay for trip and regular expenses from August through October.  But, on the other hand, I know that it will all work out.  It just has to. Life goes on and I intend to live it.  No room for wasting money on slots! (that's a good thing.)

Connecting with my dear friend Jean-Marie (JM) to try to connect with his brothers who live on the outskirts of Paris. Not sure how or when, but I hope to see them a few times during my 6-week stay. Amazes me that these lovely men have been in my life since I was about 5 years old!  Not too many connections last 60+ years!  My mom and dad may have made lots of mistakes as parents, but their connection with the Cercleys was strong and has lasted through their children.  That's pretty wonderful.

I think I've shared that my plane reservations are done...and that Barbara P and Sheila D are flying over with me on the 22nd and leaving on 31 August. But, did I tell you that Linda Palomino (nee Fenton), a woman I went to high school with, has asked to visit while I'm there?  I agreed.  She's flying into Paris on the 28th, staying in a hotel until the 2nd of Sept, and then staying with me for a few days before flying home on the 5th or 6th.  THEN, I will be alone.  FINALLY.  Until 4 October.  Yet, is that truly my main desire?

I must admit, I'm getting a little anxious about having 4 weeks alone--despite mandating it! I must use it to good advantage. I want to walk and explore and read and write and think. I certainly won't do much of that those first two weeks with my friends...so I have to ensure that I stay active, yet get time to do the cerebral things I truly want to do.  Sometimes, I have little faith in myself and my ability to follow through on some things.  This thing, however, MUST work as planned! I've been waiting my whole life for it...I know deep inside of me that it's going to be a true rite of passage...yet I'm still a bit nervous.  Oh well. Time will tell!

So, that's my brain dump for today. I really don't know if anyone is even reading these posts.  I gave up on my other blog because it is too complex...this one is just simple.  I write & post and it's done.No issues on theme or updates or all the behind-the-scenes issues I have with that site. PLUS, this one is accessible from work. My WordPress site is blocked. (never have figured out why)

That's another thing I need to remember: Update and activate my Instagram site. I think it's going to be the best place for me to keep a good historical record of my trip.  or not.  Maybe I'll just blog here every day or so.

OK.  Enough.  Got to move on for today. Sorry for the huge missive into my inner psyche.  I told you at the beginning I was in a weird place today. Now you know for yourselves.