Recovering From...Life

I really thought I'd be back into the swing of blogging before now. But I'm not gonna' lie. It's been a crazy, unexpected, whirlwind adventure these past few months. One might think that I would be used to this. That I should just accept the abnormality of my life as 'normal' and move on, right?

Wrong.

Maybe some day.

Since returning from CA at the end of April, I have spent time in Illinois (all over), Colorado, Missouri (STL & JoMo), Kentucky (twice), Florida, Louisiana, Texas (twice), and northern California. That's 8 states in 3 months and that doesn't include the 4 other states I've driven through--Indiana, Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Now I'm back in IL for a few more days before heading off to Ohio and then on to Wisconsin.

But I know it won't be long now before this summer of travel and fun comes screeching to a halt and I settle in to some sort of life that resembles most everyone else's here in the US. Honestly (not to ruin the thrill-seeker/adventurer image that some may think I possess)...I'm kind of ready for it.

I'm ready for the comfort of my own room and an unpacked suitcase. I'm ready for a routine that helps me differentiate between a Tuesday and a Saturday. I'm ready for the challenges of a new job. And I'm ready for the chance to strengthen old friendships all the while, making new ones.

In other words, I'm ready!

But I can't complain. I've been so beyond blessed. And encouraged. And amazed at how He works.

And here are just a few of the reasons why...

1. These Friends--I love them...I love them...I love them.
2. This Guy--I'll spare the sappy details, except to say that he's a pretty wonderful surprise.

3. These Moments--

The beach in Florida:

The downpour in New Orleans:
The perfect summer day with Little J, that included the pool and Ingrid Michaelson in concert:
And of course, what would summer be without...CARDINAL'S BASEBALL:

This journey can be pretty crazy at times, but I feel as though God just keeps challenging me to give what little I have to offer back to Him, and then watch and be amazed at what He does in return.

"Faith never knows where it is being led,
but it knows and loves the One who is doing the leading."
~Oswald Chambers

Summertime

Swimming pools...ice cream...baseball games...patio conversations...fireflies...road trips ...sun-kissed skin...flip flops...starry night skies...fireworks...grilled food...iced coffee...bike rides...the beach...the lake...concerts

Summer is made of these.

And with so much goodness, it almost makes you wanna do this:

(I'm convinced now more than ever that Little H will be
on the "Hot Tamale Train" in the very near future.)

It's Happening Again...

I know I said I would start to blog again. And I know I said that in April and then again in May. Now here it is the middle of June and I still have nothing.

Apparently I lied.

Well, maybe not lied. I'd like to think that I just underestimated how my life would twist and turn over these past couple of months. Part of me feels like I don't even know how to blog anymore. And if I'm really being honest, part of me just isn't sure I want to open my life back up to the cyber-world again. (No offense, Cyberworld. You've done nothing wrong. Just my own fears.)

But I think I'm going to try. At least with baby steps. And since I've just recently been tagged (KLo is this your attempt at getting me to blog again??), I guess I'll start with a survey.

So here you go...

My Joys:
*Creating and being in Creation
*Children
*Spending quality time with people I love

My Fears:
*Heights--I'm not particularly fond of them. It's not that I'm scared, it's just that my body tightens up when I'm very high off the ground in an open area.
*Money--Why do we need it? Can't we all just share all that we have and get along?
*For what's to come in A-land and other countries already suffering in such deep ways.

My Goals:
*Be real--with God and others
*Love deeply--it's all about relationship
*Live with no regret

My Current Obsessions/Collections:
*'The Shack'--I just finished reading this book and I'm pretty sure it's changing my life. If you haven't read it, I recommend you do so NOW.
*So You Think You Can Dance--LOVE this show! Always have. Always will. I'm so glad I'm here right now to watch it.
*As always....STARBUCKS!

Random Surprising Facts About Me:
*I don't go to doctors. (OK, those of you who know me, know this fact.)
*I don't really like cheese.
*I've never been to Mexico. --I've been a lot of other places, but the place everyone else has been to for a week or so, I've never been.


Alright...now it's my turn to tag 3 people:

1. JTho
2. Sis
3. Trickie/Krista

Remember when I used to blog all the time?

Me too.

I'm thinking I may start that again.

But not today.

Soon.

For now I just wanted to give you something else to look at besides that stupid Pepsi can (as Trickie likes to call it).

A Change of Perspective

Salt water and sunshine are like medicine for my weary heart.

These past few days have been so, soo good.
(No, I still don't have any big revelations about my life, but my head is becoming clearer.)

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter!

Dreaming Again...

Dude!

If I could be anywhere in the world and do anything I wanted, you would find me HERE on March 30th. Joshua Radin, Meiko, Cary Brothers AND Ingrid Michaelson in one show!!! Unbelievable.

If only.

I Fought the Law...

Seriously.

I apologize for the missing pieces of my life. Sooo much has happened over this past month that I haven't/can't explain right now. Instead, I thought I'd just dive right in with a funny story (or at least it was/is funny to me) from a few days ago...

On Friday I left the AC for the capital. Now, if you've read any of my previous travel stories from within the country, you know that the following three things don't mix: Me, Travel, This Country.

This time I had been waiting a week to get a flight out (thinking every day that I might go) and finally, it was going to happen.

Now I'm not going to lie. Airports in CA GREATLY test my patience. HOWEVER, this time I was determined not to get frustrated. I was even prepared for the multiple 'pat down violations' at the female check points.

Anyway, all was well and good in the world until the ladies at the second checkpoint wanted to take my (gasp) Mac power cord.

WHAT??

I don't know if perhaps the ladies from the first checkpoint had radioed ahead and told the ladies at the second point that I didn't seemed bothered by anything that day so they should try some new tactics. I'm not sure. I imagine them now saying, "Maybe try something with her computer? See if that catches her off guard."

WHAT??

Well, as soon as the lady tells me they won't let me take my power cord on the plane and I'd have to 'check it' (translation: wrap it up, slap a baggage tag around it, and then throw it in a pile with the other $2 phone chargers to possibly be picked up at the end of the flight on a luggage carousel that may or may not be working), my face went red. The rest of the scenario played out like this...


SCENE 1--

Female Airport Employee #1 (FAE #1): Miss, you have to check your cord.
Me: No. I'm sorry I can't do that.
FAE #1: Look. We have all these other cords too.
Me: Yes, I know. But all of those cords are for phones and cost $2 and can be purchased anywhere in this country.
FAE #2: Miss, why won't you check your cord? Don't worry.
Me: My cord could get broken or not make it to the capital. I need to put the cord in my other bag (which was checked already at point #1) or it's going in my computer bag with me.
FAE #2: OK. Let me go ask the boss.

SCENE 2--
(Older police officer comes to the window)

Policeman: What's the problem?
Me: I can't check this cord.
Policeman: You have to check this cord.
Me: I can't. It might get broken or not show up in the capital.
Policeman: You have to check this cord.
Me: I'm sorry, but I can't. I'll check it in my big bag or it goes with me.
Policeman: You're big bag is gone. You have to check this cord.
Me: I can't.

Policeman then walks away, at which point, I decide that I'm just going to sit down and wait this out.

Enter the new 'Rosa Parks.'
I was about to stage a sit-in for the sake of my computer.

After a few minutes all the ladies had been checked in and all the men had gone inside. I was still sitting out in the container (checkpoint #2) and the FAE's were just moving on with their business. I waited and waited. It wasn't until they asked me if I wanted some tea that I knew this little 'sit in' was going nowhere. I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I got up and walked outside to find the police boss. It only took about 2 seconds for his 'posse' to join in on the following conversation...

SCENE 3--
Me: Sir, what am I supposed to do about this power cord?
Policeman: You're supposed to check it.
Me: I'm sorry sir. I can't do that. As I just told you, it could get broken or it might not make it to the capital. This kind of cord can not be found in this entire country and if something happens to it, my computer stops working. If my computer stops working, then I stop working. Do you see?
Policeman: Yes. You need to check the cord.
Me: I can't. Why didn't they tell me this at this first place, when I could have put it inside my big bag?
Policeman: This is a new policy. They didn't know. You have to check the cord.
Me: (Pausing. Frustrated. In disbelief that they aren't about to cave.) OK. I'll check this cord. But if it gets broken...or if it doesn't arrive...or if ANYTHING is wrong...I'm sending YOU the bill, GOT IT?!
Policeman: (smiling) Yes.

End Scene


Two points to be made here...
1. My Mac is definitely worth a 'sit-in'--even if it's unsuccessful.
2. You know we're losing ground in that place, when after 20 minutes with a frustrated foreigner, the authorities still didn't give in. Hmm.

Boxes Needed...

"Life does not seem to present itself to me for my convenience, to box itself up nicely so I can write about it with wisdom and a point to make before putting it on a shelf somewhere."

--Anne Lamott

It's amazing what can happen in a few months time. How circumstances can change your entire existence. Seismic shifts in life can cause you to question so much.

Joy Comes in the Weekend...

In the midst of some sad and confusing days, it always helps to have friends that will make you smile.

Here are a few pics from M's Going Away Party. (I'm going to miss you, Pablo!)

What's To Come

I'm sitting here in the office on this Monday morning. Today marks the half-way point for us here in the Ancient City. Half-way to the weekend, that is. Right now smoke lingers in the air as a few moments ago I pumped a little too much kerosene into my heater. I thought for sure that thing was going to explode. Instead of doing anything about it, I simply hovered behind my Mac, listened to Joe Purdy and pretended all was well with the world.

Avoidance is the best solution really.
...Until you're smoked out of your office.

The sun is brilliantly shining outside these windows now. The temps are warming up just a bit and spring is just around the corner. I can feel it. My mind wonders easily to flip-flops, baseball, birthdays, and laying in the sun.

While winter seems to me a time of comfort and reflection; spring often yields inspiration and energy. I like both for different reasons. But I'll be honest with you now...I'm ready for spring.

Even though I'm daily being taught what it means to live in this present moment, I'm still finding myself anxious for the new things to come. I guess that comes with the territory of inspiration. It stirs up all these ideas and possibilities within you.

Inspiration=good for the creative process...not so good for the work.

Let's face it, People, being a grown-up really isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

Laughter

The weekend has come to an end and now it's back to work here in the Ancient City. I've been busy today preparing to teach my staff some new information tomorrow after our weekly meeting, as well as reading project reports from the past 3 months. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Well, it's not really.

Except for moments when you're reading someone's poorly translated English and you come across a sentence like this...

"At the continuing of this project will be assess and guide. End of this report after shitting and planting trees would be written by people and the moot report would be written by personal."

WHAT???

I'm guessing you can imagine which part made me laugh out loud. And laughter is a very good thing, especially when you can't understand anything else the person is trying to say!

Excuse my language for the moment...but I've heard the term used of someone 'shitting bullets'. I think 'shitting trees' brings this to a whole new level.

Hmmm. Deep thoughts for the day.

I'd Like to Try This Again...

Hello, Blog.
It's been awhile.

Some of you may have been wondering where I've been and when/if I was ever going to post again. Rest assured that the threatening (err...caring?) emails questioning my existence and current status have not fallen on deaf ears.

I.am.alive. (And settling back into life here in the AC.)

To be honest, I've tried writing on this thing (and in email form) on numerous occasions. I'd type a line or two and on a really good day, I'd even get so far as a few paragraphs.

But then I'd hit delete.
And delete.
And delete.
Until there was nothing left of said blog post or email.

My silence has come in part, because there's a lot that's been going on that I'm not allowed to communicate. And in part, because I've been struggling. Struggling with that deep down-meaning of life-is this worth it-what is this all about-what will be thrown at me tomorrow--kind of stuff.

Now, I don't know about you, but I personally don't like to struggle. I like to be the happy-carefree-dance like no one is watching (or is watching, and everyone thinks you're a superstar)-Strawberry Blonde.

If I'm being honest, I haven't felt much like her lately.
And not that I have to. But I want to.

I want to laugh...and smile...and be joyous...and less burdened.

2008 and I kind of got off on the wrong foot and lately I've been thinking about asking for a do over. Did you ever get those as a kid? Like, for example (and I'm just throwing out a hypothetical--not that this was me or anyone I know), but you're in your backyard having a mock cheerleading competition when suddenly, you forget the clap or turn that comes in the middle of your big breakthrough finale. You freak for a moment inside your mind, and then, upon collecting yourself, you ask for a "Do Over."

That's what I'm talking about. (You probably have no idea.)

So maybe 2008 didn't get the memo about this being the "Year of HOPE?"
(Or maybe it did, and this is all just a really big test to see if I meant it or not?)

Either way, I'm hanging on. Taking each day as it comes.
Who knows?
Today could be the day when my 'do over' actually begins.

And they all said...'Let it be so.'

Final Countdown...

It's Friday night. In less than 36 hours I will be saying goodbye to life here in 'Bacon Land.'

So what am I doing with my remaining hours, you ask?

If you said packing?...You'd be incorrect.
If you said finishing last minute 'To Do's'?...You'd also be incorrect.

But if you said sitting in front of the fire watching one last episode of "What Not To Wear"...You'd be right on.

Carpe diem.

That's my motto.

(Which is also why I went sledding with my cousins earlier today instead of packing as well. Some might say I'm in denial. I'd like to think that I'm just prolonging the inevitable.)

Lasts...

'The Week of Lasts' has officially begun.

You know? ...The 'last' dinner at this location. The 'last' time with this friend. The 'last' opportunity to share this moment.

No, I'm not dying. Well, I am. We all are. But I'll save that topic for another day.

Right now I'm talking about leaving.

I remember in the beginning of "Through Painted Deserts" D. Miller writes something to the affect of..."I hope your life consists of some leaving and some coming back." (Note: That quote came from my own recollection, so I might possibly have made up that whole line. Sorry if that's the case!) Anyway..I've done both. A LOT. More times than I'd like to remember, actually. And seeing as how it's the Monday before I leave again, the former part of that 'leaving and returning' process has begun afresh.

'The Week of Lasts' is happening, whether I'd like it to or not. It's my job now to make every moment count.

So far that has consisted of, but is not limited to, the following....
*Eating at my favorite Chinese restaurant in the whole world! "First Wok, how may I help you?"
*Lounging with Trickie, while drinking Starbucks, eating a bagel and reading US Weekly.
*A trip down memory lane, as Trix and I ate lunch at Chic-Fil-A in our Alma Mater. (Aunt V!...No we don't look that old!)
*Setting some new goals for my life. (i.e. Work at Starbucks and live in low-income housing.)
*A Target run followed by Coldstone.
*An afternoon and dinner at the G's.
*This, of course, lead to a photo shoot with my co-star in the 'Silly Like That' video...Little H. Much laughter ensued.
*Reading a bedtime story to Little H and hugging her good night.
*Finishing the evening laughing with friends.

And as much as it kills me to say goodbye (and maybe this time more so than ever before), I do find myself grateful for the process.
For somewhere in the midst of the tears, I find sweetness in savoring these moments.
As Dr. Seuss says, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." So that's what I'm trying to do.

Request...

This morning I woke up to an email from a friend in Ktown informing me (and others) as to what was already being broadcasted on the world news.

A friend of mine and her driver in the south of the country has been kidnapped. She's the first American to be taken by the T's since they fell in 2001.

Read the full BBC article here.

They haven't heard anything from the captors or from my friend and her driver since this took place.

Tonight I'm asking for your prayers for them. My heart can only imagine what they must be experiencing at this time. Would you please pray for their safety...and for their hearts? Would you ask that their lives be protected and sustained? Would you ask for wisdom for all who are involved in handling this situation? Would you ask for peace to be upon her teammates and all the other workers in that country right now? (It's winter. There was the bombing at the big hotel not too long ago. And now this. Every day there is a battle raging for the hearts of everyone involved.)

Thank you, friends.

Though the enemy slay us, we will still HOPE.

What's Right In the World...

After claiming 2008 as "The Year of Hope," I thought it fitting that earlier today I would listen to this message given by my dear friend John in NH entitled, "Hope, In All Places."
In it, he invites those who were gathered together to take a moment and share with the people sitting next to them, "what's right in their world." I could hear the chattering in the background and as they were sharing with each other, I began to make a list as well.

And since I've been a bit 'down' in the past few posts, I thought I'd turn it around and share something good.

SO...."What's right in my world," you ask?

Well...
*Central heating and hot showers are right in my world. (I'm trying to enjoy them as much as possible right now.)
*My dad giving me a box of chocolates and an early Valentine's Day card as a surprise yesterday is right in my world.
*Knowing that I'm going to be on the beach in a little over a week is right in my world.
*Precious conversations with dear friends is right in my world.
*Anne Lamott's book "Grace (Eventually)" is right in my world.
*Listening to Bethany Dillon's acoustic album "So Far" is right in my world.
*Drinking coffee out of my new Starbucks mug (that is sooo me) is right in my world.
*Remembering the wonderful times I've recently shared with my amazing friends (and their children) and my family is right in my world.

Really, there's a LOT that's right. I guess I'll save the 'What's NOT right in my world?" list for another day and leave you with some pictures from the last 3 weeks that are making me smile....

Kentucky:

Who can resist a cute girl who loves boots? (I LOVE C's face here.)

Or a cute boy who loves a good pair of boots, for that matter? ;-)

Kansas City:

I love it when you haven't seen someone in 7 years and your friendship still feels as though you just saw each other yesterday.--These are my friends M and D. And that is how it was/is.
Illinois:

Lastly, Sis, this is for you. This was after the sadness of my grandfather's funeral was over. B and L looked like they were matching, and I thought it would be fun to dress alike too.

Hey, it worked when we were kids!

The Year of Hope...

Most of you have been reading my blog long enough to know that each year I try to come up with a theme.

2005...The Year of Wandering
2006...The Year of Clarity
2007...The Year of the Piñata

While I know it's a little late in coming, I've finally decided my theme for 2008.

(Drum roll, please...)

2008...The Year of HOPE

I know. It's not quite as clever as the 'pinata deal' but for whatever reason, that word continues to emerge into the forefront of my mind. It's been working it's way around my thoughts and heart for quite some time, and I guess I can't deny its place any longer.

HOPE.

This is what I deeply believe He's calling me to in my personal walk and, yes, this is what I deeply believe He's calling us (believers) to in this hurting world.

William Sloan Coffin writes, "Hope arouses, as nothing else can arouse, a passion for the possible."

A french proverb states, "Hope is the dream of a soul awake."

George Iles says, "Hope is faith holding out its hand in the darkness."

And Emily Dickinson says this, "Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without words, and never stops at all."

Hope.

Holding out its hand in the darkness. Never stopping. Arousing a passion for the possible. The dream of a soul awake.

This is my prayer for 2008.

Out of pain and darkness, let HOPE emerge.

It's 1am and I'm Not Sleeping...

Thus is the story of my life these days.

I'm trying really hard not to take Tylenol PM every night, but somewhere between 3 and 4am, my desire for sleep wins out.

Tonight it's looking like the same.

Today I booked my return ticket to the Ancient City. (Finally.) I leave a week from Sunday.

Unfortunately it's been less than 12 hours since I finalized that purchase and two things have made me question this decision...

1. Upon telling my mother of this purchase, she began to cry. (Personally, I don't think there's anything worse than making your mother cry.) I had asked previously if it was okay for me to return and she said it was. I guess the reality of it all, made her second-guess her response.

She then proceeded to reassure me that this was indeed fine, but that this is all just a lot for her to take in right now.

I knew that.
I still feel like an awful daughter.

And as if that weren't enough...
2. I received this in an email just moments ago from the family I live with:

"P.S. It has been really really cold here. The last week every night has been below 0 degrees F. We are frequently without water, frequently without power and even when
everything is working (we have been keeping at least 3 heaters going around
the clock) you still need a coat and four layers inside. Honestly life has
been very rough even in my optimistic opinion! Hopefully this will have all
gone away by the time you get here but I just wanted you to know so you
could be praying and preparing. Also if we are a bit worn out when you get
here you will know why."

I know I lived like that in Ktown, but I think I've become a bit of a pansy since. Now I find myself wondering...Is it too late to change my mind? April is sounding better to me all the time.

Moved by Music...

I watched an episode of Grey's Anatomy online tonight. Personally, I believe the writing for that show to be some of the best. Not to mention the amazing people who consistently choose the perfect music for the dramatic and not-so-dramatic moments at Seattle Grace. (Confessional: I'm a bit jealous of their job, but I'll try not to hold that against them.)

Anyway, there was a song on this aforementioned episode that grabbed my attention. Afterwards I googled it, found the lyrics and artist, and then went immediately to iTunes and made my purchase.

The song is called 'Broken' (by Lifehouse) and I find it completely fitting for where I'm at in my journey right now. (I'd encourage you to look it up and download it.)

Broken...yet clinging to His promises...holding on to hope...allowing Him to heal.

I know Him to be good and I believe it's often in our pain that the deep things of our faith are being worked out.
It's just a hard process getting there.

Through the Tears and the Laughter...

It's 10:30pm on this cold Saturday night. I'm exhausted physically (since I haven't slept much this week) and emotionally (I'm pretty sure I haven't cried this much...ever.) I tried to go to sleep over two hours ago, but just like the previous few nights; when my head hit the pillow, the tears just seem to start all over.

Last night we had the visitation for my grandpa. For two hours straight there was an unending line of people who came to offer their condolences and pay their respects. Many I had never met. Most with a story to share.

My grandfather left his mark on a LOT of people. From the Hell's Angels to the neighbor ladies across the street, Papaw would have been proud to have seen all those who came to say goodbye.

Then this morning was his funeral and burial service.

To be honest, I think I was much more at peace with his passing when we were at the hospital on Tuesday. Maybe in part because I wasn't fully comprehending the implications of what was taking place. Or maybe because right now I'm really struggling to let go.

Either way, this all hurts. A lot.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thank you, friends, for all of your kind words, prayers, phone calls, and cards this week. Each of you have been a gentle reminder to me of God's unending love and care, even through the most difficult of situations.

I know that time brings healing, but until that 'time' comes, I'm grateful to have such an amazing group of friends.

Grief...

"Joy and sorrow are inseparable. . . together they come and when one sits alone with you . . . remember that the other is asleep upon your bed."

~Kahlil Gabrin

Sorrow...

It comes in waves. With my head pounding, tears falling and time (seemingly) standing still, the realization hits.

My sweet grandfather is gone.

My mom and I were with him today as he took his last breath. He went quickly and peacefully, just like he would have wanted. And even though I was standing right there, I can hardly believe it's true.

He was doing so well. Talking about going to the movies. Driving his truck. Ready for a road trip down to visit his sister. When we took him in to the hospital this morning, I never would have imagined that two hours later we would be leaving without him.

Oh, how my heart hurts.

I know grandparents are special, but my grandpa was above and beyond.

And while sorrow is with me now, joy is found in my memories.

In his ability to tell a story and to make people laugh. In the fact that he took me fishing and he took me to the bar (to get a YooHoo, of course). In his magic tricks (he could pull a string through his ears) and his clown costume (Who else had a grandpa that was really a clown and would show up at birthday parties to entertain?). In his advice: "Be careful of those 'hairy legged boys' because they are trouble." Or, "Eat onions because they put hair on your chest." (Of course that inevitably always led to me reminding him that I was a GIRL and didn't want hair on my chest.) In the way he called me "LadyBug." And how he LOVED milkshakes. In how he could play those 'hand bones.' And how he loved his family. In how he loved art (especially drawing) and always encouraged me in this. In how he enjoyed fixing things (even if it was at his own pace) and, instead of shooing me away, he let me into that world by giving me a block of wood to sand or carve while out in his garage.

Man, I loved that man. So many special moments. So much to be thankful for in his life.

But as for tonight, I'm okay with just sitting here with the sorrow. There will be time to wake up joy a bit later.

In Keeping Up With The Back-Logging...

The first day of 2008 brought snow, bagels, prizes for those of us who didn't win every game of the weekend (namely, everyone but K), the Illini playing at the Rose Bowl, fun picture ops at "The Bean" while freezing to death (sort of), Purple Pie Man hats, some very patient people trying to teach even a card-dummy such as myself how to play Nertz/Nutzee, and Isaac getting stranded at the 7Eleven because his car wouldn't start.

Now with a start like that, you've got to wonder what could be in store for the rest of the year.

Beginnings...

I hear your groaning, people. I know you're wishing that I'd update this thing more regularly.
But really it comes down to this...

I can't.
I can't keep up.

Life has been crazy since I came back to the States and I guess, technically, I've been doing way more living (and traveling) than writing. Not that you can't do both. I, however, probably just need to work on balancing the two.

So I decided to backtrack a bit to get everyone caught up on the "Wild World of the Strawberry Blonde." (ha) Below you will see some pics from New Year's Eve 2008. I could probably write a really long post about our 2 1/2 days in the city. Instead I'll just let these photos speak for themselves. Besides, unless you were there, you wouldn't know what I was talking about anyway. (i.e. 'Quingo')


My Kind of Town...

Did L mention Starbucks??...
Nothing says 'LOVE' like what is demonstrated here on the Metra...

That's what she said...
My friends are Rock Stars...
Somehow S got stuck with all the girls (but I don't think he mind)...

Cheers to 2008...

Like bookends to our night, the snow continued to fall and I couldn't think of a more perfect way to ring in the new year...Thanks Friends, for a memorable NYE. We should do this every year!