i’ve been on edge latley. angry. frusturated.

today started well enough. no milk left for the coffee, and a parking ticket for something I didn’t do.

through the door at work, and i walk in to a room of people waitig on me- apparent;y i didnt get the memo about the meeting. nice. 2 hours of recounting stories of the kids as proof of thier progress or, lack therof.

though, hearing the recount of staff catching one of the guys having sex in his jalopy outside the house was pretty funny. apparently, he neatly folded his clothes, and was thoughtfl enough to bring a blanket down for them ( he is mising a window…).

then, i spent 90 minutes teaching algebra.

“class” ended when a presepctive resident dropped by for a tour- at the same time at the sister and brother of an ex- resident came to collect his belongings. Two horror stories at once. yikes.

the ex- resident- now calls cook county jail home, while he awaits trial on the sexual assault charges he picked up during his birthday weekend in August.

the potential- graduated early from school, and is” just looking for stability- food, shelter” while he finishes school. poor boy was so hungry- and proud- that he declined the apples i offered. turns out he is sleeping in a car until we are allowed to place him in our building.

makes me wanna cry.

the puppy continues to be living proof that greed isthe best defense against peer pressure- and was thrilled to show of his shiny new computer- a benefit of having school paid for my the federal government.

tomorrow is thanksgiving dinner for us. hundreds of punds of food- all made by staff- at thier homes. its my favorite event- as it gives, and recieves nothing in return- there is no ticket price- no expectation- just the giving of thanks.

then my mom called, her voice was so cheerful- apparently her palmer suqare neighbor is going ot help up redo the joint- new carpet- new chairs… stuff. things that make people feel human.i almost cried again. so emotional lately.

erhu made a vague commitment to taking care of xmas- but hes so busy- that i dont really want to press it. but it sure would be nice.

and Tooth is going to see a new surgeon tomorrow. i kow he is sick of all of this- but we have to get him a tooth. its horrible to be 18 with no front tooth. cross your fingers.

and please, consider sending some love our way. we need it.

thanks to Alsheeny for the art.