Tonight's picture was taken in July of 2002. Mattie was three months old and that day we went over to visit Peter's brother, sister in law, and our nephews and niece. They all got a kick out of Mattie! Mattie loved taking in his world and absorbing everything around him.
Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.
- Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 40,748,119
- Number of people who died from the virus: 656,412
In 2003, I began my service on the DC Board of Professional Counseling. A licensing board is a government-regulated agency that sets the standards for the minimum qualifications needed to practice in a specific profession. In addition to writing and revising laws, the board also enforces them, so over the course of my 18 years of service I presided over countless ethical violation hearings. Some of these hearings went for 6-8 hours long, almost like a trial with a defense attorney, our government attorney, witnesses and so forth. I remember the first hearing I presided over, I was a nervous wreck. Of course with more familiarity and comfort working with the board's attorney, it got easier. Easier in terms of the mechanics of the hearing, never easier in terms of the issues and the dynamics among people in attendance. But understand that a board has the power to revoke a license, so overall it is a big responsibility.
Since I have served in this role for 18 years, I know the history, how we have evolved, I know many of the public members who show up for the open sessions each month, and I bring to the table a vast experience working in an university training program for counselors as well as having many national leadership roles. In any case, today was the LAST board meeting I will ever attend. The Mayor selects board chairs and since I no longer live in the District of Columbia, I was in essence asked to step down. It is never easy leaving something that you like doing, that you find stimulating and rewarding, and respect the people you are serving with. The virtual meeting was four hours today and throughout the meeting, I heard many lovely comments and reflections on my service. In fact, one person who I serve with was crying that I was leaving.
So for me it has been one thing after the other...... from packing our home in DC, donating items, going through Mattie's things again, moving to a house, dealing with the countless number of issues, repairs, workmen, the Thrivent contest last night, and today's board meeting. There is never a break, down time, time to relax and recharge, and of course today when I went out (after being cooped up for days at home) to go grocery shopping, the car had an issue. It was literally making a terrible grinding sound while I was driving it. I took my chances going shopping, but moved at a snail's pace because I was worried about the car.
Peter returned home safely tonight from business travel for two days. He examined the car and found when it was serviced, and the catalytic converter was replaced, the dealership did not put back two bolts under the car. So another thing to have to do. I need a change of routine or a reality check. Worn out, exhausted, with no end in sight.
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