ChapterOne
My relocation to River Town five months ago was the change I needed. As a new instructor, I am on a learning curve and spend considerable time creating lesson plans and organizing classroom and online activities. I love working with students, and memberships in the Rotary Club and the local Chamber of Commerce became the catalyst connecting me with my community. Several members of the Chamber of Commerce volunteered to work with my students on class projects. A win-win for all; the members benefit from the students’ services, and students gain the hands-on experience needed to enter the workforce in theirfield.
Attending weekly luncheons and networking events hosted by these organizations fulfills the sorely needed social aspect of my life. Daily walks around my neighborhood are spirit-lifting opportunities to interact with neighbors and provideexercise.
Mondays are one of my most challenging workdays, and I don’t always have time towalk
My spirits are especially low today, and I don’t want to spend the day in a glum mood, a good sign I need to fit in a walk. I dressed in a navy-blue spandex two-piece walking suit, lifted my curly auburn hair into a ponytail, and slipped on socks and sneakers. Taking a water bottle from the refrigerator, I opened the front door, stepped off the porch, and started walking at a steady pace. It is a picture-perfect fall day; the trees are showing off their vibrant colors, the air is crisp but not too cool, and the sun is shining; it feels so good to bemoving.
Halfway through my walk, I spotted one of my newest neighbors, Nancy, and her dog Henry, an adorable Jack Russell Terrier puppy. With his patch of brown and black around one eye, Henry reminds me of Spanky McFarland’s dog, Petey of Little Rascalsfame.
Nancy stopped walking, waiting for me to catchup.
“I am so glad I ran into you this morning. We have relatives joining us for Thanksgiving this year. Can you recommend a goodrestaurant?”
“Yes, The River Town Hotel and Conference Center serves a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. They are taking reservations for both the dining room and the ballroom, but I wouldn’t wait too long; they are sure to fill upfast.”
“Thanks, Maggie. I will give them a call when I get home and be sure to tell them you recommendedthem.”
Henry, always looking for attention, began excitedly jumping up and down in front of me. Bending down, I rubbed him gently behind his ears, and after stroking his velvety fur for a few minutes, I left him happily wagging his tail and Nancy smiling affectionately down at her littleHenry.
I wish I hadn’t brought up The River Town Hotel and Conference Center, a reminder of why I feel so down. The hotel’s manager, Trip Evans, and I had been dating when our relationship hit a significant bump in the road last Saturday night. On a long-overdue visit, Trip’s parents arrived in town to attend his housewarming party. Unbeknownst to Trip, they arrang