Well, here I am in Orlando on borrowed time.  That is to say that I am blogging on Mary Senger’s computer which she so graciously allowed me to borrow for this purpose.  Mary and I are IAEM conference roomies for the second year running.  What we discover when we get to the IAEM conference each year is that it has been too long and there is so much to catch up on.  It should not be such a long time as Mary only lives in Bismarck, but somehow life and obligations tend to soak up all the good intentions of getting together more frequently.  Thankfully, we are always able to catch-up right where we left off.  Last night the catch-up began and although I am not exactly sure when it was that we finally concluded we needed to get some sleep (my sense of time is off given the change to Florida time and the Daylight Savings Time shift), I can tell you it was late.

I have missed Mary and her no nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is persona.  Mary, while a diplomat, is not a sugar-coater.  I appreciate her candor.  And so, while the catch-up has begun on children, work, emergency management issues, friends, colleagues, and the world in general, there will be a few more late nights of girl talk.  

Already this morning Mary is off to a meeting.  I am taking the opportunity this AM to move a bit slower.  The rest of my days here will begin early and end late, but today I hope to settle in and take my time.  I am happy for the brief respite. 

I must say, upon arriving at the hotel in Orlando I was reminded of my last visit here for the IAEM conference six years ago.  That was one crazy conference.  That year I shared a room with Tam and holy moly did we get into mischief.  I had forgotten (or perhaps blocked) the moments we had back then, but they all came rushing back and have given me a good laugh.  Those were some fun times and thinking about them reminds me of how great it is to have time with your girlfriends.  It replenishes a tired soul. 

Tam is not here this year but Mary, Dorothy, Val, JJ and countless other gal pals are here and I will enjoy soaking it all in and saving it for a rainy day smile or laugh.  These moments with folks you enjoy are the stuff that a good life is made of…I am indeed blessed.

Today, no matter where you are or what you are doing, soak in the moments.

Day one hundred and nineteen of the new forty – obla di obla da

CC