Neighbors

Last night we had parent night/our holiday performance at work. About 60-80 kids and parents, pot luck dinner, a few dances, a few songs, a little piano, and some super sweet kiddos and happy parents. Nights like last night are exhausting...my coworkers and I didn't sit down, didn't get one bite to eat, cleaned up a huge mess but it was all worth it when so many parents came up to say "Thank You" and how much fun they had...sometimes when I doubt what I am doing with my life. work, time (this isn't often but it happens) I remind myself that to these kids, parents etc....my job is valuable, my time with their kids matters, and though they may not say it all the time or that frequently...they are in fact...appreciative. Working with kids is the best. job. ever. Hands down. I am definitely going to make it my goal no matter where my career path takes me to always make sure I have a job that "matters."

All that to say that when I came home man did I need a huge glass of vino :) I had made plans with my neighbors to eat chili, drink some wine in the courtyard and listen to some festive Christmas music. Yes another amazing thing about SoCal (the list is forever growing) is that you can sit outside in mid December and enjoy the amazing weather. We sat for hours chatting, letting the pups run around (Roxie's #2 best bud is my neighbors dog Dunkin). It is so funny that in Atlanta I never socialized with my neighbors and I lived in the same house for 4 years. Out here my neighbor has a key to my house, she watches my dog for me, and in return...I always give her a sample of anything sweet I am baking :) I even taught her how to make my delish Apple Turnovers one day. It is so nice having people next door that you like, look out for you, and are fun. Sometimes I think of moving apartments but then get nervous I could end up next to someone weird, or who plays their music really loud, or is just rude...I love my little complex. It truly is Melrose Place...well without the pool, drama, and all the neighbors sleeping with each other and other scandulous shenanigans.

2 more days of work til sweet, sweet freedom of 2 weeks or more...and only 5 days til Atlanta!