Friendly Chaos in Packrat

I'm not a morning person, but this week I've had to go through the motions, even though not really fully coherent. Giving someone a ride and getting here early (for me) so he can catch another ride from the office. Getting here early to catch a phone call. Today I got here early because the veterans were to meet me at the pow wow grounds; my uncle's flag will be flown today. I was on time with no one to meet me, and I couldn't hang around because we have a health fair going on today and I need to set up.

I made arrangements, sorry that I couldn't be there when the flag is raised because they sing an honor song for the veteran.

I came to my office and gathered what I needed for my booth, but now we're having a heavy downpour. I'm soaked - because although I have countless umbrellas, I never know where they are when I need them, and my hands were full of the material I'm taking to the fair across the street.

Good things - a former counterpart now works for a domestic violence center and will be there, and the person she replaced at her tribe will be here this evening.

My great aunt died last year, and tomorrow night her family is having a dance contest in her honor (traditional dancing for women of our tribe) and I'll be one of the judges; since it's a special I can participate. Otherwise, my aunt died a couple of months ago and normally in the mourning process we don't take part.

S will be here Saturday night. One of my champion dancer cousins once said, "Saturday night is when you paint up best!"

My heart hasn't been in it this year because of the loss of my little aunt. I haven't wanted to be there. Yesterday the newspaper came out, and besides her obituary and a thank you from her kids, the language department dedicated its page to her (she and two of her sisters, my mom included, are the language preservationists). I had a good cry.

So today is gray and wet, with little rivers flowing past our office doors, drenching those of us who dare peek out; my mood has been blue; I haven't had breakfast yet and likely won't get any; my hair is now plastered to my head (flattering), and I'm cold...but I'm feeling pretty good for all that!