First Day

Right now, I'm too tired to write more than a sentence or two.
I will be with the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee.
I can find the coffee, my desk, and the copy room. I think I'll be okay.

Local Farmers and Market Vendors Need Help

As a market employee and friend, I needed to share this with all of you. I went down this weekend to check on my Market Family, and to make a donation. The stories that I heard would break your heart. The winter is extremely hard for farmers anyway, and to have this happen now is disastrous. No one knows the effect this is going to have on next season, herd numbers, and the organic status of some farms.

If you can help, please do. There are lots of opportunities to lend a hand right now, and clean-up parties are ongoing.

Shared from the Olympia Farmers Market website:

The recent record breaking flood event has severely impacted
the livelihoods of many of our local farmers and vendors. Some
have been devastated by the swollen and raging flood waters
and have lost not only crops and products they produce, but
also equipment, homes, barns, production facilities and much
more.

Donations are eagerly being accepted to help these vendors at
the Olympia Farmers Market Office during market hours and
during the week (call for hours). Make checks payable to the
Olympia Farmers Market. As soon as the account is functioning,
you will also be able to donate through PayPal at this site.
For up to date information and for additional ways to help please
visit http://www.olyblog.net/local-farmers-need-help

I'm The Baby!

Matthew has this adorable habit of trying to get in the middle of Mommy and Daddy affection. If we're hugging, he quickly runs over and gets in the middle. He also likes to sneak into the middle of a quick kiss. Sometimes I think he's on a mission to make sure that we know he's the baby, and plans on keeping it that way!

This morning, Phil and I were sitting next to each other and having a morning cup of coffee while holding hands. Matthew came over and wiggled his little hand in between ours! It was so cute and sweet that I had to share. Wish I had a camera within reach - this is one of those moments that I will try to remember when he's a rebellious teenager.

Water, Water Everywhere

I can't believe how bad this rainstorm has pushed everything to the extremes.

Thankfully, we're fine - but there are so many others who will feel the effects of this storm for weeks to come. I know it's bad out there, but I didn't really "get it" until I saw video of the Deschutes at Tumwater Falls. If you're familiar the Falls, this is absolutely shocking. Go see it here: http://videos.theolympian.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=1583955

Going Back To Work!

So Ladies and Gents - I've been on a mini-mission over the last few months to find my way back into the workplace.

I *love* working at the Olympia Farmer's Market, but the soft fruit season is over, which means so is my job. Those of you who have been blessed (read:forever scarred) by Market know that it's a job that you love once you're not there anymore. It's easy to forget the cherry sorting nightmares, aching back, and "expert" customers when it's the off-season. It really was great to be asked (read:begged) by Nellie to come back - but there's definately a delicate, pastry crust ceiling on that tasty apple pie of a job.

Fruit slinging was only supposed to be a temporary thing for me... just for the summer, while Phil was home from school. But life changes fast, my friends. School isn't out for summer - it's out forever (at least for now). Market turned itself into a great little experiment to see how well Mommy would do without Matthew around 24/7, and vice versa.

Which brings us to today. I have been offered a position with the WA State Legislature. It's only for the '08 Session, but it's a start. I will be working with Senate Committee Services as a Committee Assistant. I just received my official offer yesterday. It's a tremendous pay raise, and I will be supervising someone..hard to do when you're used to doing everything by yourself!

I start training on Dec 17th, and I'm excited and nervous. I don't know what committee I'm assigned to, but will post when I do. Just thought you should know what's new with me. :)