1.  Is there a National Park near where you live?

Apparently so. Well, ok, the Apalachicola National forest is near me and then we have a bunch of state parks like the Natural Bridge historic battlefield site in Woodville.

2.  How many National Parks and which ones have you visited?  Is there one you would really like to visit?

I would say I have maybe been to about 5 total National Parks but don’t quote me on that. I’d like to go to Glacier. My parents went there about 10 years ago and it looks lovely.

3.  The Park Rangers are protectors of the environment, of the wildlife, and visitors in the parks.  Is there someone (human) in your life who you count on as a protector or are you someone’s protector?

I obviously look out for my kids but I’d consider my husband a protector. 

4.  Have you ever had an up-close-and-personal experience with a wild animal that you can tell us about?

When my parents lived in Longwood, which is a suburb of the Orlando area, they backed up to the Wakiwa Springs state park, so we had animals in and out of our yard all the time. I am thankful I never encountered a bear, though they had them. My closest run-in was with some deer. I was coming home late one night from being out with friends and the deer who’d been eating my dad’s plants were there. I literally walked right up to them and nudged them to leave, which they did not. We just sort of looked at each other then I let them munch away.

5.  It is certainly an honor to show value to this profession by giving them a day of remembrance.  What is another profession that you like to see honored by a “day” of their own?

I honestly can’t think of one we don’t already have. Maybe one for law enforcement?

6.  On this last day of July, please tell us something about your week so far.

Well, if you stopped by ye olde blog yesterday, you found out that my oldest got a concussion at camp. Quite by accident but he is doing better today. I was with him Monday and Ash stayed yesterday. They went out for fajitas and ice cream and he rested some more. He’s on the mend. But man if that day wasn’t entirely exhausting. Somehow being at urgent care for two hours will really take it out of you.

We had final interviews today for the advisor position and you know why I’m leaving: the drama and my shitty supervisor. Well, hearing them lie to the interviewees about how we’re all a family here and have each other’s backs and how much we care – disgusting! I asked for time off tomorrow to take Elliot to his follow-up appointment and she hasn’t even asked if he’s ok. So I mean, don’t bullshit the new people and say you care because we all know it isn’t true. I wish I could warn this guy that they picked but I’ll let him find out for himself. I have a feeling he won’t tolerate the BS but we’ll see.

Today I am behind a little bit, just trying to do some last minute things as I head into the final few weeks at this job. I cannot begin to understand the way in which my life will be busy when I am teaching full-time at many different institutions but I am glad it won’t be like this – with many people/superiors breathing down my neck. Probably far less games played/less politics involved too.