Time Well Spent

A strange and bizarre day...

While serving my time in Facebook timeout/purgatory, I kept myself busy today doing a variety of things....

This morning, I had a much-needed and long-overdue facial. My facial lady (and I'm sure there's a very proper word for that, but she's always just been "Rachel, my facial lady" to me. It's so much easier to remember.) Anywho - as I was saying - my facial lady is also my therapist...and it was pure heaven to be pampered while laying out my issues with my new role as a Facebook Spammer.

This afternoon, I headed to a high school where I did a presentation to the students on "Preparing for the Unexpected." Just another service the American Red Cross offers - education. It was GREAT to pull in stories and examples of the tornado in Joplin to prove my points - as well as hit home on why it's important to do things BEFORE a disaster hits.

While driving to the presentation, I got the call I had been waiting for. My dispatcher from the American Red Cross was on the cell phone, asking if I could drive an ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) to Joplin in the morning - and spend up to 3 weeks, insuring residents were being fed.

Luckily, I had already packed two nights ago.


Because - this evening - Hubby and I had a Culinary Class, where we learned how to make homemade ravioli. Yum. A little bit of work - especially as I had NEVER used a pasta machine - but it was SO worth it.

It was nice to spend some time with him before I ship out in the morning. It was nice to know that everything is ready and I didn't have to rush around tonight. It's all about being prepared.

So, we're home now - it's 10:30 pm - and I'll be leaving my family for up to 3 weeks in the morning.

Mixed feelings.

Knowing I'm doing the right thing - doing what I was trained to do - to help people after disasters hit...

But also sad and anxious that I'll be leaving the family and pets behind...hoping the manage without me.

As moms, we like to think we're irreplaceable. And that our families can't possibly survive without us.

But - my family has been trained, as well. And they know that this is their way to assist the people of Joplin - by giving up their wife - or their mommy - for up to 3 weeks.