Back in Austin, I knew doing some more sweaty unpacking would help me deal with the ridiculous amount of poorly handled work stress I dealt with today. So, I came home and immediately dragged out some really heavy boxes, so that I could create some empty shelf space to store tools and holiday decor.

Most of the boxes had the knitting and craft magazines I swore I’d get rid of when I got to them, so I did. That’s painful. But I’m keeping my knitting books, so there! Sewing books will get donated. I really don’t think I’ll be getting a lot of sewing done in the future, since I keep having to work on new startups and nonprofits. And yes, I’m the one who volunteered to do this stuff.

I’m really glad I looked in all the stuff before throwing it out, because I found numerous academic degrees, awards, and important documents. I even found the hospital bracelet my mom wore when I was born, in among the magazines. Whew. I’d hate to lose those diplomas and the all-important Phi Beta Kappa membership. I really should have put this stuff somewhere more secure.

The most fun thing I found was a box of photographs that had a while bunch of photos from the 1990s, when I was busy being a mom and volunteering for La Leche League. There are some I can’t wait to share, because they have some hilarious stories associated with them.

The ones I show here are of some of my dearest friends at a meeting in, I think, Kansas City, as well as some in Washington DC. This group of women means a lot to me.

Soon, I’ll share some other pictures of other groups, and some charming photos of my kids when they were little. Whew, we had some fun. I’m glad enough time has passed that I can dwell on good memories.

The good news is we’ve filled the back seat of my car with stuff to take to the ranch and filled the trashcan with trash, so I don’t have to unpack any more this week.