It's My Nature to Stick with Joy. Had Lunch with My Favor Principal Retiree and Picked Up a Peacock Stuffed Animal for a New Pup in the Neighborhood.

Finished my grading around noon, just in time for Kathy Silver to drive over, before I took her to Lil' Pub in Stratford for lunch (love my falafel sandwich) before going to Mellow Monkey in search of my older sister's birthday, got what I wanted, and nabbed a couple other gifts, including a plush Peacock for my colleague's new beagle pup, Rosemary Grace (Rosie), who is living on the other side of the Green in Stratford. She is joining Carlos, her brother, who received a Frog when he came to the area. These puppies are the luckiest dogs in the universe. 

I know I start my winter session the week of Christmas, so I'm trying to chisel some down time this weekend to catch my breath, because I'm really tired, concerned for my mental well-being, and quite frankly, deserving of a break. I wish I could say there was any sanity in where I work, but over and over again I am first-hand witness of the opposite of that. The sad part is that, because I've accomplished what I've accomplished, and achieve what I achieve, I'm the enemy of the people. 

We've entered the era of fake news being the way that news is delivered. I'm a schlep. What am I to do?

I focus on what matters most, and this week it was the arrival of Rosie and I wanted to celebrate her homecoming with a holiday gift from Santa (well, Karal)(well, me). 

Apparently it is a huge hit.

I'm off to get a haircut this morning (self-care) and then to turn the corner on holiday shopping. I canceled one major event already for the weekend and am avoiding another in NYC next week, simply because I don't have the Vitamin C in me to give any more than I'm currently giving. 

Cheers to the NCAA volleyball tournament that always keeps me spirited in this time of year. I need space. I need mental chill-time. I need support (but that has never been the way in these lands). So, I need to readjust. I also need to get better at such adjustment. 

Here's to a weekend ahead.