I am feeling so awesome right now! I just got back from the wildlife museum. I thought I'd stop in "just for a minute" and get things squared away for my class this Friday. I was there for 2 and a half hours!

But, I got so much done! My entire curriculum is written out for all 4 weeks. My live animal requests and my exhibit requests are signed off and turned in. Both documents are copied so that I have my own home copies and the education director has the others. So all my paperwork stuff is settled. And I am not so much in Freak-Out mode like I was earlier today. I realized that planning ahead can actually be a great way to relax! Who knew?

I also spoke to people about re-joining the Interpretive Services team, and they said Thursday or Friday would be perfect for me to start again. Very exciting! Thursday was the day I used to do that, and the same woman I worked with before is still there. So, I might alternate Thursdays and Fridays for a while or something, and just see how it goes.

I also spoke to the hospital director about re-joining the wildlife hospital volunteer staff, which went SO well! When I told her that I wanted to start volunteering in the hospital again, she said she was happy to hear it, because every time she sees my name on the volunteer lists, she always wonders when I'll come back. I told her that I finally realized I have to make time for the things I want to do in my life, and she said, "Hey, I hear you. It's really hard, I know!" She told me what I need to do to get involved again (take a continuing education class or two), and said, "We'd love to have you back!"

"I'd love to come back! I'm sure I'll be seeing you very soon!" I said.

She smiled really big and said, "Okay, great!"

And that was that! I always feel so welcomed and appreciated there. It's a wonderful feeling!

I told Nina, who is incredibly helpful, that I'll be phasing myself back into the museum and hospital more and more over the next few weeks. On top of Interpretive Services, teaching, and hospital stuff, I also really want to do the museum tours and outreach programs. It has been far too long! And it's crazy not to do the things I love to do.

So I am super excited! I'm becoming more of a participant in my own life (instead of an observer, watching life pass me by, which is no way to live). I'm re-dedicating myself to the things that really matter to me, namely wildlife.

And that is a really good feeling!

~~Meg