Log:
I started my 20th birthday with breakfast in bed/couch. Rosie and Noelle made me the most delicious plum dumplings and fried potatoes….mmm! I must have gotten a million phone calls wishing me a happy birthday. I spent my morning cleaning the bathroom (and no one fights with me over who gets to clean the toilet here… Kati!) and doing laundry. I secretly really enjoy doing laundry. I appreciate the clean slate it provides me with, as well as the gentle scent of clothes dried in the breeze.
This afternoon we had a co-director meeting. The co-directors prioritized action items and to-do tasks for each director. The body language at the meeting was interesting to watch. It seems that the group’s dynamics are very much changing, as members become more familiar with one another.
I enjoyed a great birthday lunch as well. Noelle made me crazy bugs organic macaroni and cheese along with the classic favorite, corndogs (veggie). I don’t think I’ll even outgrow my favorite foods from childhood.
My evening was lovely with calls from family. It was unusually warm, so I went on a nice long walk in the forest. After a short nap in my favorite stump, I awoke to the most beautiful light of day and realized the absolute necessity of taking pictures. I got side tracked on my way home to CCAT and went for yet another walk to take pictures of flowers around town.
Noelle, Glenn, Krystal, and Rosie took me out to the Café Mokka hot tubs for my birthday. Surprisingly enough, it really helped my poison oak. I think the chlorine dried it out a good bit. I also received an amusing birthday collage/card, a “Klean Kanteen”, and a dainty necklace that we’re claiming came from Africa. The CCAT folks really know how to celebrate birthdays. I think anyone in the area should celebrate their birthdays with these fun people.

Questions:
-CCAT employees and co-directors go on a retreat each fall, could SENS implement a similar bonding experience?
-As an outsider watching today’s meeting, it was easy to observe subtle undertones between the participants. What am I like to work with in a meeting setting?
-I think SENS labor meetings have improved so much with our new structure. What do we do that CCAT could learn from in the way we conduct meetings?

Feelings:
It’s so wonderful and unexpected to have such good friends in my life all the way out here. I was uncertain about what it would be like to celebrate my birthday without family, but the CCAT crew made me feel at home.