Still Recovering

I am exhausted so far this week.  I think the jet lag and no sleep last week is now catching up to me.  I could sleep in everyday.  Luckily Samuel has been sleeping until a little after 7 everyday, so I can sleep in a little bit.  

My house is a disaster.  I am going to working on cleaning it today.  I have bills to pay and the entire house needs a cleaning.  

The Gala went really well.  We had our follow up meeting last night.  There weren't very many things that we need to change for future years, just more volunteers that don't have guests at the event.  I felt bad because I was busy the entire evening and barely got to sit with my guests.  Oh well, at least our first gala was a success.  We will have another one in 5 years, at least that is the plan.  We made a good amount of money for Woman's Place and that was the goal.  

I don't have any pictures because I forgot to bring my camera.  I know other people took pictures.  There are supposed to be pictures in all the newspapers around town, so hopefully you all will see some.  

I am off to clean.  

One more day

Tomorrow is the Woman's Place Gala. I have been working my ass off getting stuff done. I am not a late night person and this week, I have been staying up really late organizing table assignments, making guests lists, figuring out all the logistics for check-in, the auction and check-out. This is really a lot of work. I am not sure if event planner is something I would like to do in the future (Megan, I totally have more respect for you and all your party planning!)

Once Friday is over it is going to be total relief. Samuel has been great playing on his own and sleeping in. Yesterday he slept until 8:20. Then we ran errands all morning. He skipped his morning nap, but then took one in the afternoon for about 3 hours. It was amazing.

Tonight I have to put labels on all the programs and write numbers on all the programs for the oral auction. It is probably going to be a long night tonight too. Luckily my Dad is coming in town tomorrow, so he is going to watch Samuel all day so I can get stuff done. Then he is going to watch him Friday night.

Saturday, Laura is graduating with her Master's in Education from Webster University. So we will be heading to her graduation. Yeah Laura! Then food and relaxation the rest of the day.

Sunday is Mother's Day!!!! I know we are going to Schlafly Bottleworks for brunch on Sunday. They have an awesome brunch. We are going around 11 if anyone else wants to join us.

I am going to become one with my spreadsheet now. I am going to try to get some work done before Samuel wakes up this morning.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

For those of you that don't know, I am on the board of Woman's Place a drop-in domestic violence organization that counsels and supports women who are and were victims of domestic violence.  Dave, Samuel and I went to a vigil last night.  It is really powerful to see women who were victims of violence and now are thriving and doing really well.  I love this organization because I have never met women that are so genuine, caring and truly inspirational.  Here is a picture of Samuel and I last night.  It was such a beautiful night.  

Tomorrow Samuel and I are making the drive to Kansas City to visit my grandparents.  They haven't seen Samuel since May.  I am a little nervous about driving all by myself with Samuel.  It is a 3 and a half drive.  I just hope he sleeps.  Should be interesting.  

I hope everyone has a great weekend.  

Domestic Violence

I was watching the today show this morning and they were interviewing Drew Peterson, the police officer that is a possible suspect in the disappearance of his current wife and a possible suspect in the death of his 3rd wife, that was previously ruled an accidental death.

When Matt was interviewing him his morning, I couldn't help but think that this man is an abuser if I have even seen one. He blamed the women for thier depression and unhappiness. He said that both women came from families that were abusive. He described both women as beautiful, but crazy with mental problem. The man made me sick. He blamed thier failing relationship on the women and didn't take resposbility for any of his behavior. He didn't address any of the accounts that he was abusive to the women. INterestingly, both women disappeared when they were planning to move forward with divorce proceedings.

What really upsets me, is that the issue of domestic violence is rarely talked about in the media or in our community. The only time it become a topic is when something like this happens. Men aren't held accountable for thier actions and women are continually isolated.

While I am out of work, my goal is to begin intereviewing victims of domestic violence and putting together an inspriational and educational book for victims of domestic violence and for the public in general to encourage discussion about this crime.

Watching that interview, just made me sick. Anyway, I am done with my bitching for now.