Spontaneity

Had a class today at our county office - 5 weeks from today, we will finish our training - 18 months. Like a master's program of school finance. Homework, group work, classwork and travel - it's been quite a ride. We are all looking forward to the 'end' though it will be kind of sad - we have become really close as friends and are a great team. The thing I love most about school finance as a career: we all help each other. These people, who I didn't know 16 months ago, have become the first people I call when I'm stuck. When I'm terrified. It's been an amazing experience getting to know them. And I've learned a ton.

We finished the class an hour early - a rare and wonderful thing. And I started to head home - south on the freeway - and then I realized 'hey, I'm 1/2 way to Jackson already'. So I called J. and said 'hey, honey, I know this is spur of the moment, but I need some R&R and I'm going to head up to Jackson for a bit'. He was fine with the plan. So I did. Felt so exhilarated - playing 'hooky' from my life and being so spontaneous about it. Didn't plan to go. Didn't have my players card with me. J. went online and helped me find a Wells Fargo on the way (so I wouldn't have to pay ATM fees). I got some cash from our 'fun money' account and headed up. The drive was beautiful - hills still green, with wildflowers everywhere - massive shades of purple, pink and orange just everywhere. Wished I had a camera - but even if it hadn't been so spontaneous, I wouldn't have brought one.

I got to the casino about an hour later. Dropped off the car at valet parking and headed in. Went straight to the players club window and got a replacement card. AND found out how their 'new' points system works - and I had $70 of play available - so yippee!! - free play.

The only 'down' to the afternoon was they have closed 1/2 the casino - their recent remodel resulted in some major issues and the building was deemed unsafe. This after thousands of people have played in that very building for almost a year. So most of the casino is closed and what's left are not nearly as many slots. Not as much variety as they usually have. No two coin 25 cent machines, which are my favorite. But I still had a good time. Lost, but had a good time. Didn't lose all I'd budgeted to lose - and that's great. Will put what's left back in the fun $$ account tomorrow for the next time.

It was a nice way to end another hectic, fun filled week [not]. It felt good to be Majah-centric for a little bit. Ignoring the 8 1/2" by 11" paper 'to do @ home' list that I made during the class - just jotted notes of things that need doing as they crossed my mind. I should have come home and done some of those things - but it felt good to not. Felt good to just turn the car around and take a little time to do something completely out of the ordinary for a Friday afternoon. Usually, by the time Friday rolls around, I'm so beat I can barely stay vertical for dinner, much less get myself motivated enough to GO somewhere. It felt great.

The boys are out and about this evening - one 'hanging' at a friends house [yes, we verified the parents are home - we always do that just to be 'safe'] and one hanging at the mall with friends. J. and I watched Survivor (OH MY GOSH, THIS IS A GREAT SEASON!!) and are now watching Michael Clayton. It's good.

Tomorrow, J. is going to Hayward to see his brother - he was released from the care center today but requires 24 hour care for the next week or so. Thankfully, his home health worker was available so she will stay with him round the clock. J. is going over tomorrow to take back his credit cards and check book to him - and to visit a bit. I plan to work on the list and spend sometime outside in the garden. I have an 'excuse' to go to Home Depot and get a few more flowers for the front beds and a few to 'fill in' the patio planters. And tons of other work to do at home. And then there's the pile of stuff at work - which I really do need to try to work on a bit this weekend, come heck or high water. Typical weekend. 6-8 loads of laundry, errands to run, church all Sunday morning (coffee kart duty again all morning), etc. Hoping for beautiful weather which we've had pretty much all week!

SPRING IS HERE! Finally! Weeds to pull. Shrubs to prune. Flowers to plant. I LOVE SPRING! It's my favorite time of year!