I've been in a rut the past few weeks and the beginning of this week was not different. On Monday, I had to welcome 13 new hires to my company. Combined, they had the personality of dead rats. Which only made me even more irritated. Is it really that hard to crack a smile? Especially since, even though, like dead rats, I would rather incinerate all of them, I still give them a warm welcome? I seriously have no faith in a lot of the people we hire.

I was especially feeling ornery because I was leaving Monday late afternoon for a two-day team building event with my fellow educators. The idea of spending an extended amount of time with them was not something I wanted to do. And, the worst part is that I did not hide it from anyone. My only saving grace was the fact that my new BFF was going to be there. So, at 5:30pm, Richie picked me up and we headed to Long Beach Island, New Jersey.

To say that I had fun would not be giving the entire experience credit. I am not sure if my expectations were so low that anything mildly interesting would make the event a success for me. Nonetheless, I am back and rejuvenated. And, on top of all that, we got paid to be there!

I even bonded with people that I didn't expect to. I have never had this much fun on a business trip. Thanks Richie! If I weren't already with the love of my life, I would have to marry you. And thanks for agreeing to stay an extra day to just enjoy the sun and the sand. It really did help more than you know.

And today, I taught the same 13 "dead rats" two classes. Some of them have actually opened up and became people with personalities. I was drained afterward but not down. I am way to high to be pulled down that quickly. Later.  ¶ 10:50 PM