over it

If I could I would scream Kate Nash lyrics to your face. Dumb dumb dumb.

yes or no

Over Thanksgiving break I've read a book and watched a few movies that all deal with romantic relationships with one question that keeps coming up in each story line: is love enough? And to be honest, I don't know the answer.

clearly

Today I was asked by a ten year old boy if I represent the Bloods (i.e. infamous street gang). I was wearing red glasses, a red scarf, and red TOMS. Welcome to the Westside.

perfect reminder of my purpose

A handwritten note left on my desk from my boss on stationary paper that says "You Make A Difference":

Laura,
Thank you for everything you do. Your free spirit and passion to help others is what drew my interest in you. Your sweet personality and kind heart is something our kids want and need in a case manager because they don't always experience this at home. This is more valuable than knowing the information needed to go to college. This is something you have in you, the other stuff can be learned. Transition in to anything is not easy, especially when its moving to a new job and growing program. Growth is an up-and-down rollercoaster and I think you are doing well adjusting to it. Several people in this organization have an interest in you - and that's to make sure you succeed. Take that with pride because I can't say that of everyone. Keep up the work and effort, I promise things will get better. I am proud to have you on my team.
-Jen

TheNotebook

I'm currently reading Nicholas Spark's The Notebook. I've seen the movie a few times; the first time being with Carla who made me laugh throughout the entire movie, while the most recent time was me crying like an emotional mess at every to-be-expected moment by myself. But reading the actual story of The Notebook has been an entirely different, cathartic, and difficult experience. I already know the story as told through film, but as words on paper the story births a push and tug that engulfs my own heart.

I read between the lines with every thought and feeling expressed by Noah and Allie. It's as if this story is familiar to me in both words and actions. Gestures of romance. Poetic words of love. Uncertainty of reciprocated feelings. Doubt of possessing that love again. I'm comforted to read an account of love (fictitious or not) that struggles but ultimately survives.

The love between Noah and Allie is intense and pure. It refuses to accept society's circumstances that suggests their love isn't worth the fight and continuously battles through obstacles that challenge what is felt from the inner core of each lover's soul. I'm learning, bit by bit, word by word, in the hopes...of writing my own account of a love so damaged and broken but intense and pure. I believe I'll have a story to tell. I'm just waiting to know the ending and epilogue.

why today was a good day at work

I played kickball for an hour and a half and played dodgeball for two hours. Working with kids has its perks...

Little Thing #324

.... peppermint mochas from Starbucks