SoCal

When I look back at old blog posts I really do marvel at how my job, job performance, and its unexpected benefits have evolved.  Faithful readers know that some years back I had an out of body experience in which I took on a school district and invented my own job.  I feel almost affectionate about the intervening years, my naivete, my frustrations, the challenges I have been forced to take on, and the regular feelings of doubt.  This year has been one of resounding success, with advancement in student achievement in the building, district attention, and regional/national networking. 

But let's not talk about that now.
Latest benefit of this job assignment is the conference I mentioned.  I have arrived in beautiful southern California.  It's early- the sun isn't up- and there is actually a full-throated songbird in a palm tree right outside my window.  I have been battling the post-travel headache, but gave up on sleep and started planning my day.  (got here a full two days early- why wouldn't I?)

Devoted to birds, people, surely you didn't think I was headed to Knott's Berry Farm?  Or Sea World?
(although I will almost certainly try to take in historic missions and forts.  Because I am a huge nerd. (which? realized last night that the only book I brought with me except for birding books is about "the siege of Malta, the battle of Lepanto, and the contest for the center of the world."  ????)) 

So here's a little non-bird-related episode to wake up those of you who are SNOOZING (LIZ!!!)
I had fun riding in the shuttle and talking to a guy who was on his way from the airport STRAIGHT TO A BAR for what promised to parallel "The Hangover." (yes, incredibly, I have seen it twice and would see it again.  But only under certain circumstances.) Driver and I privy to the conversation with his wife and the conversation with one of the dudes, who was supposed to pick him up but was already too drunk. It was like hearing two different languages. My favorite quote: "Can you circle your drunken wagons and try to figure out what I'm going to do with my luggage at the bar?"


Great guy, then offered to help me with San Diego sights, as he had lived around here for a few years. He was momentarily stymied when I told him I would spend the extra time birdwatching, but managed to use the word "estuary" in his response. What a charmer. He lives in Seattle now, so I asked about the time he had lived "here." Apparently his definition of "here" is far broader than mine. He was "here" in college, because he went to school in Claremont at Pitzer College! This revelation right as we were pulling in to my hotel, and he was DELIGHTED that I went to Pomona. I of course mentioned that I had been there well before his time, and he said, "Well, but not by much..."

I do love these encounters.  Won't see that fellow again, likely won't see the cross-bill sentry again, but they become new displays in the gardens of my mind.  And little excursions for blog readers.