Strongly Worded

90 Days

Guess what? It's time for my 90-day review at my semi-new job. As sick as it sounds, I am psyched about this. I have had very opportunity to receive or give feedback so far, and this presents such an opportunity. Given that I'm working at a Small Liberal Arts College, the framework for said feedback session is all about "challenges" and "accomplishments" and I figure it's a good time to reflect upon those areas in my life in general. I'll save challenges for another day.

In the mean time, check out these accomplishments:
- I drove to and from my suburban workplace on two 4-lane highways nearly EVERY DAY of the bus-less January break. In doing so, I overcame a debilitating fear that has dogged me for almost 15 years. While I still do not enjoy highway driving, it no longer evokes panic. And everyone was right: in many ways, it's easier than driving on surface streets, because there are no stop-lights, pedestrians, directional confusion, bikes, or cross-walks to contend with. And: all my angst about driving my co-worker was for naught. First, I spread the word office-wide about my beginning level of highway driving and my unwillingness to endanger the safety of a passenger. Then, it turned out that we left the office on different schedules, so she never saw me entering my cozy car. I offered to drive her to the train a few times. And then the bus started running again.
- I have tried out/invented many new recipes, including this one that incorporates porcini mushrooms and my recently discovered love: polenta. The dish can easily be made vegetarian by substituting portobellos for the chicken (I tried it - it's awesome). Also I greatly simplified the whole undertaking by mixing the polenta up with oregano and spices and skipping the leeks.
- I have looked into some volunteer opportunities, and have applied to become a writing coach for a future first-generation college student at the Posse Foundation. This will be much more of an accomplishment once I actually start providing coaching (assuming I am accepted as a volunteer; I had to fill out a long application), but it's a step in the right direction. I used to be this overwhelmed activist and I have slacked lately in my obligations to the Greater Good.
- I contributed to the planning of a BabyMoon in Asheville, NC for my girlz Melinda, Robyn, and K. Two of the aforementioned girlz are pregnant, and this long weekend at a B&B/Organic Farm/Arts Center is our last chance to hang out together with only one baby (who is staying home with Dad) in the mix.
- I enjoyed a kick-ass craiglist experience. I recently replaced an area rug and posted some photos of the old one, with a very detailed description, on the CL "free" thread. I didn't put my email address on there because I did not want to deal with questions or coordinate the pick-up. Instead, I rolled up the rug, put it on the porch, and went to the gym. When I returned, the rug had disappeared. I love that it's one less thing in the landfill, and presumably enhancing some stranger's decor.

Of course, I still have a whole lot of "opportunities for growth." But indulge me for a minute: I'm basking briefly among my self-awarded props.

Posted by Dori at 6:14 PM