Chicago...

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 27 November 2008 14:06:58

(still figuring out the blog design i like best... what do you think? very orange...) I've been back for a few days - going to work on Monday morning was a chore, but I did it... whenever I go out of town, it seems like even more time has passed b/c I've had to spend time preparing to leave (laundry, stop mail delivery, strategically figure out food for trip and how to not fill my refrigerator with groceries, you know - stuff) Suddenly it's today, Thursday, and I've been home again for several days. Here were some highlights from my trip:
  1. the train ride was fantastic. we upgraded to 'business class' which meant more leg room & quieter train car... it was great b/c i got to work on a crochet project (images to follow soon)
  2. the hotel was gorgeous - an historic building, the room was larger than my old condominium/apartment/flat. Here are some photos...the bathroom wallpaper is intriguing - and it works from an aesthetic standpoint... beautiful.
  3. the days at the convention were intense, but great - I felt validated and encouraged about how I do my job. It was so good to see my old professors, get updated on the most current research, and come away with new ideas for treatment with my current caseload (young children with special needs)
  4. it was so validating to talk to my undergraduate department chair - she would love for me to come back and get my PhD... she'd help me find the money/grants to support my education... that's just lovely. I'll keep that in my pocket for a long, long time.
  5. my coworkers who also attended the convention were great - one of which is a good traveling companion... it was so nice to be around people who know me so well :)
  6. it was also nice to get out of town for a bit... the trip couldn't have come at a better time, as I'm still sad about my decision to end the relationship... but as more time has passed, I know in my heart I did the right thing. I'm just giving myself time to grieve... i was *so* hopeful, so ready, so excited about where things were going... but in the end I realized it wasn't right. I keep telling myself I'd rather be alone than get lost in a relationship with someone who isn't capable of respecting boundaries... and a lifetime of that? no thank you.
  7. Sometimes the best part of going away is the-coming-home-again... it was such a pleasure to see my house and crawl into my own bed again :D
  8. Overall it was such a good opportunity to gain additional knowledge and skills to take back to my job - and a professional booster on many levels :)
I'm off to go cook a few things for Thanksgiving dinner...