A Whirlwind Blew In

...And took the last year with it.  So much has happened in the last 18 months, I almost can't believe it myself. 

A parting of lives occurred, quite unexpectedly civilly.  I was very sad for it to end, but we both needed it.  I feel that both of our lives were suffering and we could be so much happier apart.  After it was discussed and agreed, a huge tension was lifted.


A reconnection happened, also quite unexpectedly.  Turns out, this was what I've always wanted, and needed.  I realized that just because you have plans, that doesn't mean that is how things should be.  Sometimes when your plans fail, you get exactly what you've always wanted. 

I started school again in January, getting two more classes out of the way, and another two in the fall.  In between terms, I moved to a new home.  While settling in, we found out there will soon be three of us in our new little family. 

I have also been folded in to one of the most loving and welcoming families I have ever known.  Even more than a year in, I am still overwhelmed by the joy in this family. 

The next year brings another whirlwind with more exciting changes, but I see it coming this time.  Hopefully, I won't get so caught up I can't stay caught up. 

Do you ever feel

about this big

when you want to help

about this much

but find yourself

here, instead?

photo from here

Such a Great Day

About a week ago, I noticed these in the yard:




That usually means my birthday is right around the corner. I love these spider lilies. I never know where they will pop up and they are so pretty.

About two weeks ago, Mom treated us to a fabulous pedicure, sort of for her birthday. Early for me, late for my sister, and right on time for her. The biggest gift for her was spending time with her girls.

This is what was waiting for me at work today:
Pictures of 1977 Couture at the top of the stairs, and new decorating. The girls are famous for photoshopping heads onto bodies, and the most-used body in Donatella Versace. Several delivery people that I have never even seen before wished me a happy birthday, AND everyone in the building knows how old I am.




And yes, that's silly string. Everywhere.

The girls also treated me to lunch at Newk's. It's a new-ish cafe downtown. I had a very tasty Pesto Chicken sandwich with goat cheese. Most definitely will be going back there. Later in the afternoon, yet another surprise with coke and root beer floats!

After lunch, a beautiful bouquet was delivered from Liza with a note that said, "You're not 31, you're 18 with 13 years experience!" There are also some really cool green beads in the place of ribbon. Perfect for my new hobby!

For dinner, Hubs took me to Firebirds, ooh la la. I ordered a glass of Honig Sauvignon Blanc. Lots of oak on the nose, but a very easy wine to drink. For dinner, I ordered the (enthusiastically recommended) Cilantro-Grilled Chicken Breast. Oh. My. Goodness! So good. And with the wine, it was even better. The spices in the tomato jack cheese sauce went perfectly with the oak in the wine. Then, we ordered this:
It was a piece of pure vanilla, creme brulle cheesecake with fresh berries and raspberry sauce. They even put a little candle in it! It looks like a mess on the plate, but it was oh-so-tasty.

Afer dinner, we walked over to the giant outdoor store and picked up the rest of my birthday present from Hubs. A speedometer and under-saddle bag for my new bike.

I had many well wishes and a really great day, and just wanted to say thanks to everybody!

Event Filled Day

Everybody knows today is Earth Day. Everyone is excited about recycling, reusing, renewing and hoping to save this planet for our future generations. I am as well, and we do our teeny part to help. We use the Green Bags for groceries, we plant a big garden, we use the lower energy bulbs. It is sad that our community doesn't have a recycling program, though. I called City Hall a few weeks ago and the woman I spoke to said, "I think there's a place out back here where you can bring your newspapers." That's all? I already recycle papers in the bird cage. We sorely need plastic and glass recycling. Maybe I'll work on that.

I'm also excited today because it is our 2 year anniversary. We sort of accidentally got married on Earth Day, but it seems appropriate for us. We also accidentally (but fortunately) got married on the weekend in between Easter and Talladega. Two very important and celebratory weekends here in the South.

However, I'm not excited about the paper due this afternoon that I really haven't started writing yet. I should be doing that now, instead of blogging.

Congratulations to Jenny and Dan! And welcome to Sara Belle!

2 things, unrelated

First, the pictures of the mailbox decorations I did for Christmas. I'm proud because it was easy, it turned out really pretty, and I did it!


Second: Back in August, we had to give a family heirloom china cabinet back to my uncle. The cabinet was made by my great-great-grandfather as a wedding gift to his new bride. I started on a search for a new one, but couldn't find exactly what I wanted, much less for the right price. Furniture is really expensive these days. After Hubby and I talked it over, we decided that the only way we could get what we really wanted was to have it made just for us. The old one was the perfect size and we really like the style of it. There is a lady that volunteers at the Wildlife Center who makes custom pieces, and she's made one for me before. I sent her a few pictures and the measurements, she sent me a price (unbelievable how much less that store bought!), and I said go ahead. That was in September. Today, she delivered the piece, and it is amazing. Here's a picture:


Charlie wanted to be in the picture, so I obliged. When we get it where it is supposed to be and get all the china put back into it, I'll post another picture. I think Granddaddy would be proud.