From my eyes…

It happened last night. Our first fight. I got mad about something stupid and took it out on Mike even though it wasn’t that exact instance, but a combination of instances that made me angry. And it was bad timing, oh was it bad timing. He was sick (like don’t get too far from a toilet sick) and I started to gripe about how he never wants to do anything I suggest - this particular night it was go to the bar with co-workers. It was an ugly, silent ride to my house from his (because I had insisted that he take me to my car so I could go out without out him). And it was quick kiss and hurried good-bye ( that I felt bad about later ). I of course called my best friend to bitch. And then my mom. And then my best friend again. I thought for sure he’d have text messaged or called me on his way home, but he was mad too and didn’t bother - which just made me more upset. Then we didn’t talk until this afternoon. Sigh. It was a long angry/sad day, but now it is over. And we have survived our first fight. We both expressed our feelings, apologized and mentioned how it could be better in the future when each of us feels like this. I am happy now (it has nothing to do with the two glasses of wine). And feel super positive about the fact that we talked this through without giving up. It makes the future a little brighter knowing that I don’t have to shelter anything from him and that I can assume we’ll talk things out. A healthy relationship. Can it be?

I know that most everyone has experienced a fabulous storm. And I know that storms vary by region and each has it’s one spectacular appeal. However, I couldn’t help but share this mornings severe thunderstorm with you.

It was amazing. It’d been going on for hours. Finally, at 9am I picked up my camera.

This clip shows how dark and windy it was. Realize, that it’s NINE O’CLOCK. It should be bright out and yet it looks as dark as night in our neighborhood and in the house. In this clip you can actually SEE the rain blowing down the street.

This next clip lets you hear how there was no break whatsoever in the thunder. It just kept rolling and rolling.

And finally, this clip has some fabulous claps of thunder. The screen was very wet and it was hard to get a good shot, but it sounds so cool. Also, I think this is the one where you can see a bolt of lightening over the tree farthest to the right. And yes, I said “damn” at the end.

I hope you enjoy this Illinois summer storm as much as I did.

I did it. I joined Spark People. It’s an online weight managment and health program. It helps you track your consumption and exercise in neat graphs and calorie counters. I’ve never done the calorie counting. I’ve only done one “diet” and that was South Beach. I liked it. It worked. I lost 12 pounds in two weeks, but as soon as you stop it comes back. Plus, I felt like I was loading up on fats to fill in for the missing carbs. I’ve tried SB again recently, but it just doesnt’ fit my lifestyle. I’ve also added a trainer to my workout routine, but other than my appointments with him I am finding it increasingly difficult to get my butt off the couch and to the gym on my own. I know this will change once the school year starts and my mind is out of summer mode, but I am disappointed that my will power is so weak at the moment.

So, I joined Spark People. A friend found it and let me know about it, and now I’m joining her. It’s day one and I’m already loving it. I am leaving the house now to take my puppy for a nice long walk. The weather is perfect (we’ve even turned our air off) and I need to get out and moving. Then I can come home and track it on my account page at sparkpeople.com.

My goal is 23 pounds by October 31st. Wish me luck!

Though I had a busy, family-filled weekend, there was a lot of time to think.

I attended my Aunt’s seminary graduation and thought about life celebrations and how proud I am of the people in my life.

I also attended a funeral. My Uncle Doug, my mom’s brother-in-law, passed away after many years of health complications. He was a very sweet man who believed that God, family, and country were the foundations of life. During the funeral, my mind wandered. I listened to what the pastor was saying and I heard the words, but my multi-tasking mind was off on a second track. In my own thoughts, I was processing my surroundings and trying to figure out what was so different about this funeral compared to the too many others I’ve been to. A dark, sad realization hit me. One I can’t run from and one I can’t change. Everyone is getting older. Everyone. And this time it wasn’t an elderly grandparent, it was an uncle. Aunts and uncles are on the same plateau as parents. It wasn’t my parents in the front row sobbing, but my cousin’s, my equals. It was really hard to take in. Glancing down the rows in front of me, I realized that (assuming everyone dies of natural causes and old age) I have several more funerals to attend. Years worth of tears to shed and people to say goodbye to. My friend’s father passed away two weeks ago and then my uncle. It is starting. I am not ready for this.

This week, I drove to Garrett Evangelical School on the campus of Northwestern University in a gorgeous area of the northern Chicago suburbs. My parents (who were in town for a funeral unfortunately) and I attended my Aunt Gayle’s seminary graduation. It was a nice ceremony and they served us dinner beforehand. She was one of 6 out of the 13 in her class to graduate. Not even half of the students were able to complete the 6 year program that required them to move to school during their summers and write numerous papers all while running their own churches. I was very pleased to see that my aunt had the strength (and support from her family and friends) to be able to achieve this great goal in her life.

Sitting through the ceremony, I realized that I hardly take the time to tell my friends and family that I’m proud of them and why. So… 

To my friends & family: I am proud of you. I am proud of the way you manage your time between work, family, friends, and hobbies. I am proud of the way you never forget the things that are important and make it a point to send a card or gift when you can. I am proud that you put effort into making this world a better place for everyone. I am proud of how you see the light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how faint. I am proud that you know when to ask for help and when to let someone else lead the way or help you through. I am proud of all you’ve acheived and that you continue to strive for more. I am proud of you for standing up for what you belive in. I am proud of you for making safe and sensible decisions in your life and for the silly and spontaneous ones that make you who you are. I am proud that you know right from wrong and choose right most often. I am so proud of what your life has become and I am anxious to share in the bright future you have worked so hard for. I am proud of your kindness and sincerity. I am proud to call you friend.

 

Hanna plays with Ricky a lot by biting his head and such. In the end he has a flat-top hairdo. It’s kinda hard to see, but I tried to capture it on camera. You can tell by the expression on his face he is was less than thrilled with the new do.

Also added to the mix of pet chaos in this homes were the little visitors Malia and Gidget affectionately nicknamed Rat and Conehead. This is the one moment they were not trying to play with other animals in the house.

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On Sunday, my roommate Jen and I had planned to take our new boyfriends to meet one of our best friends during her layover at O’hare. There was major chaos and all plans changed and in the the end they missed their flight and needed a place to stay for the night. We made the most of it by ordering pizza and drinking some wine at the house while we visited. The kids were incredibly well behaved and the pets loved all of the added attention.

 

Then on Monday, I drove my friend out to a childhood home about an hour from me before we headed to catch her flight home. It was really fun to see how excited she got about it and let her take some pictures. And I loved visiting with her family.

Since she was the first to meet the new guy in my life (and jen’s), she took this picture to show our other girlfriends.

 

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I got a call back about a teaching job. Not a “no”, but not a “yes”. I’m still hoping for another few interviews and an offer soon. Next week starts panic mode. Eek.

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I found out this morning one of my uncles passed away in MI. I am waiting to hear from my parents, but I will be making the trip up there in the next few days.  I am sad for the circumstances of course, but looking forward to seeing my parents.

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More wedding photos have been received. Here is one of my favorites. It was just a few moments before he walked down the aisle. You wouldn’t even believe how frozen his hands were despite being in a tux outside in AZ in June.