Wow: We Are Amazing People and I Love This Blog

Hey all!


I am so excited that i cant organize my thoughts! 
First: This is a totally cool Poem video that really makes you think about speaking. Also, it is so cool! Check it out               http://vimeo.com/3829682


Second: Thank you Dawn for that awesome recipe. Vince and I made this amazing Famers Market, Cheese optional lasagna that was to die for. I have to draft a more formal recipe for you all soon.


Third: I am definitely going to the Rally in DC this coming Saturday (October 30th) but the friday before Vince and I and some of my new AmeriCorps buddies are going Halloween Contra Dancing in Glen Echo Maryland at the Spanish Ballroom (Spanish Ballroom Events). I heard from Vince that a few people would be in DC for the rally and Glen Echo is only 20 minutes from there so please join us if your up to it!


fourth: I am loving and somewhat reserved about my new job. I am working in Maryland at Community Mediation Maryland (CMM) in Bel Air, MD. I Started October 1st and have been doing training mostly since then. I have to say that mediation is exceptional. Most importantly to me, it is empowering. The point of mediation is to provide the space for people to come together about their conflicts. We do not provide therapy (though it can have similar effects) and we do not pass judgement so that it truly is people solving their own issues. Also, we are all about community and making sure that we not only assist everyone in the community, but our staff reflects the community. By empowering people to solve their own problems and not involving "authorities," we strengthen community bonds and allow for all kinds of growth.
On the other hand, it seems that not for profit organizations have their own issues, particularly when it comes to organization. CMM has largely been established since the 90s so we are in some ways removed from full on chaos, but in other ways, like the details and expectations of my job, not so much.
Still, the community has been do outstanding in helping me move into the position and the state. My boss is amazing and motherly, if a little scatter brained, I am living with a CMM volunteer in exchange for babysitting her two adorable and well behaved kids, and everyone has been so sympathetic to my situation since I am the only AmeriCorps member who has come from outside MD (crazy?). But, ultimately, I love it…OH! and I have a great  network of farmers markets all over the place (though I miss Saratoga's).


and fifth: I just wanted to say again how much I love this Blogg. Also, should anyone be in the area, passing through, or in a state near by, please let me know and come visit!


Meg!


-The enemy of great is good