woman at the well
Wildly successful day at work today. I'm beginning to think this may work out well. (Sort of a joke here, as my boss always says "it will work out yet." He wants that on his tombstone.) People are returning my calls, I'm close to a consulting deal with several newspapers - I worked it out while goal-setting the other evening - all I need is one good deal each quarter or 5 small ones. Let's go for the bigger deals! Much to my satisfaction, I'm discovering that I could be the editor of a larger weekly Catholic paper after my 3 weeks as interim editor here.

I don't want to be a person who just lingers on the job - I want to accomplish and acheive success in my job and I'll study and work to make it happen. I did come here out of a strong desire to challenge myself and to grow in my work. I figure at my age, this is my last chance to make a big switch - to not "settle" - to make a good life for my family. I told someone at work that I didn't want the most daring thing I've ever done to be to try out a new Home Depot. After several years of delay and disaster after I graduated from college - the biggest and best decision I made was when we were in Sheridan and I decided to take control myself of what I did and where we went and the decisions about my career.

Who knew we'd end up in Baltimore? Who knew I'd join the Catholic Church and work for a bishop? I guess God knew. We are to pray as if it is all up to God and work as if it is all up to us - but I know that God is there, waiting for us to turn to him, but he won't force us and will wait for us to see the path, like a patient parent waits for a silly kid to come around and do the right thing. I think that's why God gives us kids - so we can see how frustrating it is and how your love never goes away no matter what.

The weather here has been hot and a bit muggy, but after the worst winter of my life in Wyoming with the wind and Frank in the hospital and all - hot and muggy is a nice switch. But I am eternally grateful for air conditioning, all the same :) It's all in your perspective.

Yesterday, I went to Mass in a fantastically beautiful church - built in the 1850s and restored 10 years ago. The history here is just stunning. The Washington Monument square reminds me of France and the whole Mount Vernon area is fasinating. I am a perpetual tourist and an explorer. One has to have a sense of adventure. I can't wait for Karl to come and we'll go downtown to the art museum and the Peabody school. He'll appreciate the history. If I were younger and/or single, I'd find a place to live downtown. A person with loads of money could live in a condo on the waterfront. And, I'm so looking forward to showing Ellen historic Ellicott City and taking all the kids to the National Aquarium. No good living here if we don't enjoy it!