The Journey Begins: Part 1

What a whirlwind of a week this has been!

First there was the packing...and packing...and packing...and packing. Then, mixed in with that, were sweet times with family and friends, Thanks-mas-giving (as I packed in 2 holidays into 1 day), last minute "to-do's," Christmas decorations, packing (did I mention that?), and saying goodbye. It seemed to be a bit more stressful this time around. I haven't figured out why. I do, however, remember telling my mom to remind me that I never wanted to do this again. She happily obliged and I was sure to inform her that the "this" I was referring to was all the packing. (She knows me well enough to know that I wouldn't really mean the traveling.)


Saturday morning I said goodbye to my family (who was sweet enough to get up with me at the crack of dawn--literally--so that I could be at the airport by 5:30am!). It was hard to leave them, but I was/am also anxious to go where I've been longing to be for a long time now.

I had a 12 hour layover in NYC, giving me the wonderful pleasure of hanging out in the City with my roommie from college and her sweet husband. I loved catching up with them and roaming around the streets of Manhattan. We've all been there a ton, so we just walked and walked and talked and talked, until we'd happen upon something we wanted to see or experience. I'd never been in the City for Christmas, so I LOVED the sights of the season. What an amazing place! So alive...so many cultures...so much to take in.

Here are a few of my pics from that time. This is me...pretending to be a photographer. :)


Well, jet lag has set in and this post is just rambling, so I think I'm going to end it now. I'll write tomorrow from my new destination. 2 more days until I'm back in the land to which I've been called! Whoot!

If I had the super power gift of "Soundtrack," the song playing in the background right now would be The Fray's, "Over My Head." I'm pretty sure the title says it all.

2 days left to hang out with my family & friends on this side of the world! Whoot Whoot!

I'm a little bit sad today.

*Sad because the snow they thought was going to happen...didn't.

*Sad because I thought I was going to see my friend Jenni as she was passing through the area tonight...and I didn't.

*Sad because I tried to start a fire to enjoy while watching Grey's tonight...and it wouldn't start. (Wood was too wet.)

*Sad because I've been sick all week...and I'm still sick.

*Sad because some things are over...for good.

And the biggest reason for today's onset of sadness is this-

*I'm sad because the goodbyes have begun...and I hate goodbyes.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and this is how I know...

*Lights are already up in our town.
My mom and I took the "long way" (i.e. across the railroad tracks) back home from the video store this evening just to see the new ones that were added this year.

*I've spent all day listening to my favorite holiday music.
I'm almost convinced that Leigh Nash and Sixpence should make a new Christmas album every year. I LOVE her voice with this season.

*Holiday commercials are airing on t.v.
My all-time favorite is that Folger's commercial when that guy sneaks home to be with his family on Christmas morning.

*Cheesy holiday movies are coming out in theaters.
Which I'm a sucker for!

*Tomorrow I will attempt to complete my Christmas shopping
If I'm reeeally productive, I'll complete my purchases for heading overseas, as well.

*Starbucks is now decked out in red--selling my favorite treats (peppermint mochas).

And something that I hope will just add to the holiday "magic" that's abuzz all around me....

*SNOW is in the forecast for tomorrow night and Thursday morning!!!
I can't believe it! God has heard my prayers!!!

Let the celebrating begin!!

Driving Observations

Three random thoughts/observations that occurred to me while driving back from KY this evening:

1. I stopped off at this gas station (I'm pretty sure I was still in KY) to use the facilities. In the restroom was posted one of those framed motivational posters. Now, I'm not one to criticize bathroom art, but this just struck me as a bit odd. The theme?

TEAMWORK.

Yep, that's right. TEAMWORK. Really? Is this something I need to be reminded of in the restroom? Of course this led me to ponder all sorts of random questions like, "What kind of teamwork should take place in the restroom?" "Why is a poster on teamwork hung in a bathroom that's supposed to be for "one?" ...On & on the questions could go, but I'll stop there. Feel free to add your own...or answer mine. :)

2. It's funny how your eyes can play tricks on you while driving at night. This evening I could have sworn that it had snowed.

You see, somehow the light from the oncoming distant traffic hit the ground in just a way that I kept thinking that the hillsides were covered with snow. Of course it wasn't quite cold enough in that area for that sort of a treat, so I knew it to be an impossibility. Still I found myself doing a double-take on more than one occasion.

(Funnier even still, is that just last night I was running around barefoot in a park down by the Ohio River playing frisbee with friends...at 10pm...and it was still 65 degrees.) No wonder I can't keep my days & months straight right now!

3. Ummm...I can't quite remember what it was, as the Nyquil I took is now setting in and I'm feeling very groggy. I think I'll have to continue this tomorrow (if I remember).

Tonight.

Old friends. PF Chang's. Pain. Laughter. Christmas at Starbucks. Headbands at Target. Scrapbook dreams.

Feeling so blessed.

My life as a vagabond continues...

I packed up everything from V's house, loaded up the Eclipse, and moved back down to my childhood home last night.

Tomorrow I leave again for a few days.

Suitcases are everywhere. Nothing has a place. And my life will continue down this path for another 3+ weeks.

Honestly, I think stability is overrated.

16 days before I depart for the other side of the world!!! Whoo hoo!!

I could write out my list of excuses as to why I haven't been blogging and why those pics from the marathon weekend still haven't made it up on this site. I could tell you that our internet at the house hasn't been working properly or how the car I'm driving broke down last weekend, leaving me down south a little longer than planned. I could tell you how focused I've been with preparations to leave the country (which is probably exactly what I should be doing!) or how I've been trying to maximize my last week here in Btown to spend with friends.

I could write out all those excuses, but I really wouldn't want to bore you with all those silly details.

Instead, I'll just get right down to it and post some long overdue pics from the Windy City Marathon. Enjoy Babs & the fans! ;0)


We stayed at the W Hotel on Lakeshore for the weekend. I don't know if you've experienced the "W" but we like to say it's where rich people go to do naughty things. Their motto is "Whatever/Whenever" and as you can see here in the *mouth* picture, you can take that to be as suggestive as you'd like. Still, it's a trendy, upscale hotel with some cool (or not so cool) features.

Like...
A bathroom that's fully accessible to all parts of the room via the shutter window. Yes, that's me, posing on the toilet as Trix stands out by the bed. Warning: This room is not conducive for the faint of heart (or stomach). Seriously, there is NO privacy!


But besides the fun rooms, there's always the cool goody bags that the runners get during the Expo. And while I was not actually a "runner," K & V put together these fun bags for their "support team." They gave us all our own "bib numbers" and packed the bags full of necessities to keep us going during the race.


Contents included:
Ace heating pad--for sore muscles
Tums/rolaids--for upset stomach
Hand Warmers--Because it was freaking cold that day!
Aleve-to help rid the aches & pains
Chapstick--To prevent chaffing
Kleenex--For runny noses and emotional finishes
Candy & Gu--Energy food for the 26.2 miles
Starbucks Card--For hydration purposes


The morning of the race (early), we were escorted to the start line (err, I mean 2 miles from the start line) by way of this cool stretched SUV limo (I have no idea what kind it was) courtesy of the always swanky "W" hotel.


And then there was the running. Oh yeah. The running. They were running...and running...and running...and running. 26.2 miles worth of running. It was cold. It was gloomy. And my friends kept going. I was as amazed this year as I was last.


Fast fact: Did you know that only .01% of the world's population has run a marathon??? It's true. And my friends have now run more than one! Whoot Whoot!

While the girls were running, their support team was, well...following. We went by train and foot to catch up with these elite athletes. We managed to be there for them at mile 7, mile 15, and mile 25 (I think?)...all without a stop at starbucks and or the bathroom for about 4 hours! As Isaac said, "This was my marathon."





All in all, it was a great weekend. The girls finished in good time...braving the elements and fighting against their own minds to complete the race. They were amazing (have I mentioned that) and I'm sooo proud to be their friend! Great job girls!

Next year, Paris? ;)




The day after the race we ate lunch at the Cheesecake Factory (our annual tradition) and then hit the streets for a bit of shopping before heading home.

O la dulce vita.

Please Note: Beginning today, the STL Cardinals have officially changed their name and therefore should only be addressed as the following....

THE WORLD CHAMPION

STL CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!!

I'm rendered speechless after tonight's game, People. Speechless.

I can officially leave the country now.

All is well in the world. ...Almost. Not really. But that's beside the point.

(Sis, I'm so glad *and jealous* that you and B were there!)

Game 3 of the World Series--Part 2

OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!
Can we just say that the Cardinals have a chance of winning the WORLD SERIES... like, TOMORROW??!!!

Side Note to my Sister: I hope that you guys don't get rained out again and that they WIN and you're there and you have a story to tell for the rest of your life!!...
(And thanks again for helping me cross off another thing on my life list.)

So anyway, back to my night at Bush Stadium.
Remember that time when I went to Game 3 of the World Series??...Me, too. It was AMAZING, I tell ya. AMAZING.

I'm not really sure what more I can add to that, but I still have more pics to share.

This one is of the flag (obviously) during the National Anthem. (Trix, this more than made up for that time when you wanted to re-inculturate me by listening to the Nt'l Anthem, but it was sung horribly by a group of kids.)


My friend, Kar-Kar (shown here), proudly displays the official rally towel of the series. We all got one upon entering the stadium. You know it's going to be good when you get a free towel, right?


In case you were wondering if I actually watched baseball...this is a picture of the players in action. So what if I was a little ways away? And so what if I had to keep turning around to the tv's in the press boxes to see what really happened?
I was there. That's all that matters.


After we won, fireworks lit up the night sky and confetti gently fell to the ground. It was like...magic.



And lastly, I leave you with this: a picture of two very happy girls after their favorite team had just won Game 3 of the World Series.



Hey K?...Remember that time?


The End.

P.S. Does anyone find it strange that we call this the "WORLD" series? Is the U.S. now known as "the World?" Just wondering.


P.P.S. I forgot to mention that K and I totally predicted the win for this game. We also predicted Tommy LaSorda and Ozzie Smith's presence, as well as K directed the double play action in the 8th inning. It was beautiful. I think we should get some credit for their victory. Just a thought.

Game 3 of the World Series--Part 1

Remember that time when I went to Game 3 of the World Series?
....I do! And the pictures here are proof!

It was pretty much A*M*A*Z*I*N*G! Amazing!

Here's a summary from the night (in no particular order, because I'm still too excited to think rationally):
*The Cards won!!!
*Carpenter pitched exceptionally well and our players continue to impress.

*My friend, Kar-Kar, came with--making it one of the first times I can remember going to a game with a true Cards fan. (KLo, you were amazing!...Remember that time?)

*We stood behind what seemed to be the real-life version of the "Fever Pitch" crowd so we felt like part of the baseball family.

*I flirted with the cute hot chocolate selling guy until he "caved" and gave me a "free refill."


*Two fighter jets came flying over the stadium at the end of the National Anthem. And while I don't believe in "fighting," I most certainly believe in the use of those things for a pre-game show. All I can say is, "Wow!"



*Before the game there was a party happening on the Plaza by the Stadium. There, music could be heard, a sea of red could be seen, and baseball bling could be purchased. It was awesome!



*Did I mention that the Cards won??!!




*I ate nachos and a hot dog for dinner (every child's dream). I figured, this is a once in a lifetime experience and I was going to make the most of it.



*The famed Clydesdale horses made an appearance at the stadium last night. They haven't done that in over 40 years (I think that's what I heard).
Also among the celebrities, were Billy Bob Thorton (who knew he was such a huge Cards fan?), Trace Atkin? (country singer), and Jo Dee Mecina (also a country singer). (Obviously I don't listen to country music.)

Perspective can come from a myriad of sources. Sometimes it happens while watching baseball...or sitting in the ICU with some of your oldest and dearest of friends...or while traipsing around the Windy City cheering for another set of amazing friends who are running 26.2 miles (on purpose).


I've experienced all three in the past few days and until I find a few minutes to write about the them, these pictures will have to suffice. Here's a sampler, if you will...

This is me and Isaac with our "support team" gear.
Please note Isaac's sweatshirt. He made it himself.
And I quote: "Yeah, I'm ready for the next "Project Runway."
As for me, I think I look surprisingly happy at 7am. (Trust me, it was fake.)


Here are the AMAZING runners before the race! Aren't they cute in their matching green gear?! :)





Alright, I'm out of time. I'm headed to BUSH STADIUM TONIGHT FOR THE 3RD GAME OF THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!! (courtesy of my wonderful sis and bro-in-law for Christmas!) Whoot Whoot!!! More to come soon.

Good things come to those who wait, but ?%*#, I wanted to win TONIGHT!!

For a brief second in the 9th inning I thought we were going to make a comeback.
Why do I get my hopes up only to get crushed the next second?

COME ON CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow night. PLEEEEASE don't disappoint!!

I've started training for the marathon.

Chicago.

It's this coming weekend.

A couple of my dearest friends are running it so I figured, "Why not?"
I'm pretty sure last year when I did Chicago, I logged over 7 miles...climbing stairs, quick pit stops, etc.
It was tough.


This year's going to be different.
I'm planning for a better time.

It requires discipline. (It was rainy & cold today though, so today doesn't count.)
Eating right. (Carbs, carbs, carbs...for energy, of course!)
The proper training schedule. (I plan to hit the trails at least once before Sunday.)
And lots of commitment. (Painting my face counts, right?)

They say marathon participation is more about mind over matter.
I say...I've got the mind. I'm just not so sure about the matter.

So if you need me this week...
I'll be in training.

Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!
I don't know how many more of these playoff games I can handle!

THE CARDS WON TONIGHT though and that's all that matters!!!!

And I misspoke...we did not win because of Chris Carpenter. He was definitely not on his game this evening. The win was a team effort. Besides the homer by Taguchi in the 9th, my favorite part was the funny run-off by Encarnacion and the 1st and 2nd basemen for the Mets. It was like gradeschool all over again.

Needless to say, I was screaming and clapping all the way to the end!! (Sorry Neighbors. :) I'd just like to say: Way to come back, Team. Way to come back. I knew you could do it.

I bought a super cute new hat today.
I LOVE hats, scarfs, & gloves.
They make me happy.
And this one does just that.

Did I mention that it has matching gloves?
It's like happiness times two!

(Of course I'll only get to enjoy wearing these two items of joy a bit longer. Before I know it I'll be covering my head in a completely different way. A way, that I must admit, doesn't quite bring the same joy. But being in that place does, so I'll take the good with the bad I guess.)

But I digress. As I've mentioned once or twice before, I also love Starbucks. For the majority of my time here in Btown, I've always preferred the drive-thru 'Bucks as opposed to the other one in the other direction...and definitely over the one inside Kroger.

Well, I've changed my mind.

Today I went to the other 'Bucks in the other direction. And I fell in love. Not so much with a particular drink (although my extra hot vanilla latte was wonderful). Today I fell in love with my Barista.

Dark, curly hair. Brown eyes. Scruffy face. Probably still in college. C*U*T*E.

And get this...The feeling was mutual. You wanna know how I know?

Upon handing me my drink he said this...

"You look really cute in your hat."
OK...not really. I had wanted him to, but if a guy is complimenting you on your teal blue hat, he may not be that into you (or girls at all, for that matter). JK! --I'm totally stereotyping!

Alright, this is what he said...

"The stars will be jealous of you tonight."
Yeah right! That was in a movie.

OK, give up? This is really what he said and the moment I knew he was in love...

"You try and stay warm out there."

SEE?! See what I mean? Let's face it: He totally wants me. So let me just put myself on the line here....

Dear Mr. Cutie Patootie Starbucks Barista,

We were meant for each other. You work at Starbucks. I love Starbucks. What more could you ask for? Let's not deny our feelings any longer. Call me! Or...I'll just come by sometime. After all, you are employed at my new favorite place of escape. Either way, we'll talk soon.

Love,
Your Favorite Girl

"Into every life, a little rain must fall."

"Soft days, the Irish call them. When precipitation gathers around, the patter and hush of rain creates a music of its own. Here are some favorites to accompany these days when drops refract the light and the world is washed clean."
--iTunes Rainy Day Music Intro

Today was an ideal day in my world. It was rainy. It was cold. I drank Starbucks. I ate at Panera Bread. I wore a hat and scarf ensemble (Yes, I know it's only October, but it was 39 degrees!). AND I finished an update letter to my supporters that had been hanging over my head for quite some time. Whew!!

I love rainy days!

And while rain may very well create a music of its own, I like to accompany it with my very own "Rainy Day" playlist on my iPod. There's just something so "right" when clouds and music collide.


So here's a sampling of some of my favorite sounds for my favorite kind of days...
1. Banana Pancakes--Jack Johnson
2. Raining in Balitmore--Counting Crows
3. Tears & Rain--James Blunt
4. Another Rainy Day--Corinne Bailey Rae
5. Puddle of Grace--Amy Jo Johnson
6. It Don't Matter To the Sun--Rosie Thomas
7. Amazed--MoZella
8. January Rain--David Gray
9. All I Need--Mat Kearney
10. Fix You--Coldplay

Quote of the Night (so as not to forget):

"Cheerleading is just dancing gone retarded."
--Bring It On

Tonight Tricks and I watched the cheerleading movie "Bring It On" (while flipping back and forth to the AL series game). About half-way through the show I had this urge to gather all of my "cheerleader" friends together and rewatch the whole thing. I loved it!

Unfortunately Tricks had consumed Nyquil about an hour before the ending because upon completion, I was all ready to make up our own cheer. But that's alright. She *promised* she'd be up for it tomorrow. My response to that: BRING IT!

So now an hour and a half later, I find myself thinking about the randomness of my mind and interests. One minute I'm debating how the US should respond to North Korea and the next minute I'm engrossed in a cheerleading movie. I wonder if I don't have multiple personalities?

So if you're wondering what happened to my celebrity look alike pics, here's the truth...
I deleted them. I was bored and they took up too much space. Besides, who really wants to be compared to Ashton Kutcher? ;)

Guess What?

The CARDINALS WON!!!!!!!!!

And I'm pretty sure I'm giving myself an ulcer.

(I promise baseball isn't the only thing going on in my life. It just seems like it at times.)

I am leaving the country in 49 days! Details, details.

I took Little H to the park today. It was gorgeous outside and who better to enjoy the afternoon with, than an almost 2 year old. Indian summer is over and we are back to 60 degree temps (at least for now). The sky was a clear blue and the trees are finally giving way to the brilliant colors of fall. Man, I love this time of year!

Hand-in-hand we walked around the big pond; quacking at the ducks, admiring the falling leaves, running through the field , sliding down the slides, crossing the bridge, and laughing....a lot.

It's days like these that make you wish that time truly could stand still.

Tonight I made a batch of double fudge brownies.

When they were finished I sat down to enjoy these delectable baked goods along with a steaming cup of coffee...

All while watching America's Next Top Model.

What's wrong with this picture?

(And no, this is not a "fat joke." ;)

This time last week I was ooh-ing and aww-ing over how cute Little H looked in her chunky sweater. Today I found myself in a t-shirt and flip-flops. If the weather were up to me (which we all know it's not), I would do away with such craziness as "indian summers." Sweater weather would be here once and for all.

But I guess that's neither here nor there. What really matters is this...

The Cards won today! Whoot Whoot! One down. : )


(No, I don't believe that's what *really* matters, but it makes me and many others VERY happy!)

The Astros just lost.

The Cardinals are the NL Central Champs!!!!!!!


WHOO HOO!!!! The crowd erupts with a cheer.
And I...I errupt with a smile.

Wishing I was there to yell with the fans on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

A few images from my Saturday.

Little H...the apple orchard...pumpkin patch...and a rainbow.

Life is good.