What moving means...

This morning, I chose to snuggle with dogs for a few extra minutes before getting up and facing the day (packing). As I lay there, my mind drifted to all of the things I needed to accomplish today. All of which revolve around the move (and packing!). From there, I started to lament the fact that I have moved every two years since I was 18. I am 36. That means since moving from my parents home after high school, I have moved 16 times.
- The dorms at MSU
- The sorority house
- The 504 house
- The Forest house
- back home to Mom/Papa's
- My Scottsdale apartment
- My downtown Phoenix apartment
- The Ahwatukee house with my roomies (and the pool!)
- The house next door to the homies and down the block from my HLP
- My precious Seattle garden cottage
- My darling DC English basement
- The Bedolla's playroom in Maryland
- Gabriella's room in Naperville
- The basement apartment at the Connell's in Glenview
- My charming apartment in Andersonville
- My apartment with Frank and the pups in Logan Square

DAMN. That is A LOT of moving. (My sincere apologies to those that keep an old school address book! I hope you've used pencil...)
While it's been an expensive and rather nomadic way to live, I would not change a thing! With each move, I have learned and grown. College moves are pretty self explanatory. Everyone moves during that time of their life. But the subsequent moves- the moves I have done since being a grown up, those are the ones that have really taught me about myself and about life.
My move to Scottsdale was a full on risk (and adventure!). I moved sight unseen to Phoenix for a new job. I made that one happen in 10 days. I got a little help from the Dude and I was on my way. The moves within Phoenix were all about finding my way and discovering the city that I called home for 7 years. My move to Seattle was me trying to find a place to settle, a place to call my home. And it was the loveliest place to call my home for the 2 years I lived there, but life had other plans and new adventures- so it was across the country to take on new work challenges and be nearer to my favorite little family in DC. Living with the families I did between my time in DC and in Chicago was a temporary fix for a transient time. I realized during that time just how lucky and how loved I am. How lucky am I to be invited to stay for an extended frame of time and share another family's home? Those months were truly some of my very favorite. Once I found my Andersonville place, I knew it would be home. It was cozy and so very 'Chicago'. I decorated with floral and it was ultra girlie! The perfect place to have ended my time as a single gal. Once F and I decided to move in together, this place was the very first that I wasn't fully moved into within a month. I was shocked when I realized that, but my smart mama pointed out that for the first time I had distractions-- a person whom I wanted to spend time with and enjoy a conversation and two dogs who need and deserve snuggles. Who wants to unpack when I could be spending time with the three beings I love so much?!
Well, now we've come to next big life adventure which means another move. I am now more than just me. I am a We. And when you become a We, you see the worries of your person and take them as your own. So, We have invited Frank's mom to come to Chicago to live with us. That means we needed to find a place with a first floor bedroom and a neighborhood for her to feel comfortable. We found a wonderful home with plenty of space for us, for her, for the dogs, and for our loved ones to come to Chicago for a visit. (Really, please come! We'd love to host you!)
This will be move #17 for me. And I think it will be one of the best yet. While I am completely over the process of moving and really do hope this is it for some time, I am wise enough to know that you never know what opportunity will arise and what move we will need to make. But I am crossing my fingers that whatever opportunity comes up, it is one that means we can stay in our new home. In the meantime, I am going to take full advantage of this chapter and be grateful for the stories and life that will be lived in this place to fill this chapter in the story of my life.
And seriously, this place has a pool. I mean, for real, I am going to be the happiest lady come warmer weather. ;)
Now, enough procrastinating, I need to get back to packing boxes.

Reality Bites

Any kid who grew up as a tween/teen/twentysomething in the 90s knows about the movie 'Reality Bites'. It starred all the cool kids from the 90s era (er, hot kids). I was 14 when it came out but probably wasn't allowed to see it until I was older. I am actually certain I didn't watch until much later (strict TV rules around our house). Anyway, the movie is about a group of twenty-somethings struggling to find their way both in their lifestyle and in their careers.
Recently, this movie was on Hulu and I re-watched. Holy cow! I could totally relate to these people I once viewed as a "hot mess"!
Ugh. That isn't a good sign.

In the last few years,  I feel like I have found my way when it comes to lifestyle. I know who I am, I know what I like and within the last year, I found the place I'd like to plant some roots. (yay, Chicago!). But career-wise, I find I am floundering. This is not helped by the fact that I am currently unemployed. (insert a heavy sigh). My wise uncle stated it perfectly when he said I was having a mid-life career crisis. The end-goal I thought I always wanted (non-profit executive director) isn't what I think I want any longer. But then the question comes up, what's next? Where do I see myself in 5, 10, 15 years? At that thought my brain ceases to function. Um? I have NO idea.
Basically my entire career, prior to a year ago,  existed at one company (save a few months when I went elsewhere). The organization I ended up with recently was a really bad fit for me. The confusion comes because that last job supposedly aligned with the next steps in my previous career plan. And now I am almost certain that is not the path I want to take any longer.
So wise-uncle provided me with some excellent career plans to work on. I look at them everyday and make notes and then scratch things right off the list I created just the day before. WTF? How can a driven, motivated person be so lost? The major issue I find is that I can be two people. Not in the "I should be on medication" way but in the I can see myself being happy in many places- a super hippy, dippy do-gooder and a powerful executive ball buster. It is SO FRUSTRATING. To the point, where I am annoying myself. I mean, get it together. Make a plan and stick with it!
In the meantime, I am applying for full-time work that sounds interesting and figure if they call me for an interview I can worry if it will be my happy place or not when that time comes. Thus far, the two interviews I've had have gone well but I didn't get either job. Both came back to me with the "you impressed us and we liked you,  BUT…". (I hate that BUT, btw)
Although they didn't work out, and I am starting to get anxious about not having full time work, I am enjoying my summer. I feel a little like I am on college summer break. You know, where you work random jobs but get to have a flexible schedule and get to spend time with people you love. Thus far, I have in my randomness been a "Vanna White-wannabe" for a marketing event, I walked in a parade, I interviewed to be a river boat tour guide, I've been a copy-editor and an event consultant, a concert runner and marathon start-line lead, and I am well on my way to being Mary Poppins with all the nanny gigs. And next week I am going to be hair model. Seriously.
Really, it could be worse. The hippy-dippy part of me is LOVING all these random experiences and adventures. But the responsible career-lady is FREAKING OUT!
I'll keep living life and having fun, but every morning for 3-5 hours is designated career planning time. Here's hoping a year from now I am in a place where all the pieces are in place and I can look back on this summer as a gift- a time to play, time to spend extra bonus time with those I love, a time to walk 10,000 steps daily, and a time where I really solidified my career path for all kinds of future success!

Life lessons and such

Well, as some of my avid readers have reminded me, it's been awhile. My 34th birthday has long come and gone and I am well on my way into Project 34. I have also had some good life lessons and reminders.

Life lesson 1: Family* is the most important thing.
I have always known this, but have been made acutely aware of this in the last year. I have always known I was a really lucky lady to have the immediate family I have. I love them, but truly enjoy them as well. My extended family is off-the-charts as well. Last year when my job changed and life became uncertain, my family was there to support any decision I made. And they were. I moved in with cousins and my dad and uncle helped me move into my new home in Chicago. It was just what you do for family. I could have done it on my own, but it would have been more difficult. The help of family made it easy.
I was reminded of the importance of my family when my dad underwent unexpected open heart surgery a few months ago. I had expected to be in town for work and extended the travel to stay for Easter. It turned into a more complex plan. It was my turn to be there. It was my turn to support. It was my turn to help make things easier. Obviously, I was not alone in that plan. We supported one another and had networks of people all around us sending love by making calls, sending a text or email, making lunches, or just by being in the room because it was as important to them as it was to me/us. During this time of extreme worry and concern, the family surrounded us to make things easier and to make me/us stronger. I was also reminded of just how much I enjoy the company of my family.
* It is here I should mention that Family means not just the family you are born into, but the friends who become like family.


Life Lesson 2: Mistakes happen and some can't be undone.
This lesson is definitely less happy than the one above but is important as well. I have made mistakes in my life but none that couldn't be undone or fixed with some hard work and an apology. Well, at 34, I finally made a mistake that could not be fixed (at least in the immediate circumstances) by me. I made a huge error at my work and missed a deadline for a sizable grant. It wasn't on purpose, but an apology couldn't fix it. So the organization made the decision to fire me. Even a week later, my heart sinks and I feel physically ill when I say or type that. Fired. Failure. Ugh.
I feel that way because I let myself and others down. I made a mistake, a mistake that I couldn't fix.  Interestingly, while I feel ill about it, it is not because I am separated from the organization. On Wednesday after the conversation with my boss, I almost felt relieved. Don't get me wrong, it is SUPER scary to be without work, especially when it is on someone else's terms and in a way that is not a reflection of your best self. But if I am honest with myself, I really disliked my job. Even on my worst day at previous jobs, I still liked what I was doing and the people I was doing it with. Most recently in my job, I felt I was failing all the time. That was a new feeling for me to have so consistently and leads me to Life Lesson 3.

Life Lesson 3: I require a team.
It is super important for me to have a supportive team environment in my workplace. For almost ten years, I worked virtually and independently but had people to lean on. In my recent experience, I worked alone but really didn't have people to rely on in the same way. I realized I can be independent but need some support. A really good ting to know as I embark on the interviewing process because it's  as important for me to interview them as it is for them to interview me. I may have failed myself when moving into the latest role. I fear I heard what I wanted vs. what they were actually saying, but we will never know for sure. Either way, I learned a lot along the way, both about myself and about what is important to me in a work environment.

Life Lesson 4: I am ridiculously well loved.
I have said this before and will say this again, I consider myself to be a really lucky lady. I have incredible people in my life, both near and far. Throughout the major life changes over the last year and even recently, I was reminded of that fact. I will never be able to thank everyone but will do my best to return the favor and pass along the kindness to others.

I am pleased to report that along with these life circumstances, I have still been working on my Project 34. As I had said in that post, the objectives may shift and they definitely have. I am actively using my FitBit and might be a little obsessed. Since becoming unemployed, I realized there is absolutely no excuse! So far, so good.
The dating thing was going fairly well and then my world kind of turned upside down, so I backed off a bit. But it is a fun way to meet new people and just get out. Doing so, actually helps me meet the objective to try new things! (Love when you can check two things off in one!).
I'll keep you posted on the progress and on the adventures of this period of 'fun'employment (which I hope is SHORT!).
Until next time...

The middle.

Fourteen days from today, I will turn 34. Thirty-four. Um.....What?
I am not afraid of that age, but literally have no idea how or when I got to my mid-thirties! Seriously. WTH?!
I should have connected this when I turned 33 because that is really when you enter the mid-thirty range. Or I should have been aware of this when my little brother turned 32, two months ago. But nope, it took completing my taxes to make the realization! My taxes. Ugh. That grown up thing you do as soon as you start to bring home a paycheck. Life, but not the fun part.
Once this reality hit home, I've started to reflect a bit. Reflect on where I'm at and where I've come from and where I want to go.
In this process I've made the following realizations:

• Since turning 30, I have lived in three different regions of the country
• In the last 6 months, I have lived in 4 (5 if you count the "fake address") homes
• In the last 6 months, I have lived with 3 different families. (An amazing experience, I would not ever change and one that I will be eternally grateful for.)
• Four months ago, my family of 5 turned into 6 when my chubby, perfect nephew became the newest little dude. (I am obsessed with his cuteness and love him more than words will ever express.)
• I have had my autoimmune disease for 10 years. (not a favorite fact but a true one.)
• I met a guy who was a 'good one' and it ended. Sad, but good. And reminded me that falling for someone can be a really good thing!
• Five months ago, I left the company that was 'home' and moved to new city to start a new job.
• Four months ago I found my home. The place where I plan to hang my hat for a long time. Both the city and the actual place! (After reflection, I am done paying to move myself all over the earth or even down the street! I can think of WAY better things to spend money on!)
• In the next six months, both my parents will be retired; the house I grew up in will be sold; the cottage we loved will be part of someone else's memories; and my parents will be living in the house they built together, the house my mom calls "their old folks home".

That's a lot of life to reflect on. Life: it is ever- changing. Much of it is happy and filled with silver linings, even the not-so-good stuff! The above doesn't even begin to cover the full 33 years. I'll save that deep reflection for the next decade. You are welcome. ;)
But as I reflect on my thirties so far, I really like what I see! I've always been self-assured (save the occassional moments we all have) and been driven. But reaching my thirties, I have found I am sure about who I am, what my strenghts and weaknesses really are; sure about the people I have in my regular life; about people who I need to not keep in my life; and so much more. I like it. In fact, I should say I love it.
So, as I enter the middle part of my mid-thirties and look ahead to where I want to go, I have come up with a small list of things I want to focus on before my 35th birthday (when I'm smack in the middle of my thirties!).
I am not one to make New Year's resoltutions. My thinking has always been, why not make that change when you're ready. Why does the new calendar year mean so much? But I do set goals, though I don't always share them outwardly. But this time, I will and we'll see how it goes. Life happens, circumstances change and these are felxible, but the following is a list of things I'd like to work on in my 34th year of life:

1. Once a month, try something new/revisit something old - a new class at the gym, join a pottery class, ice skate again. Whatevs, no rules, just try something different!
2. Aim to walk 55,000 steps every week. This is inspired by two dear pals who started their own journeys for different reasons. I have been inspired! As a person that sits for work, I don't move as much as I should and am inspired to change that! The end goal may change, but I feel like this a good place to start. Maybe 1/2 way to 35, I'll bump it to the ideal 10,000/day, but for now as I begin I want to be realistic about any limitations with time and more importantly, my wonky body.
3. Join a gym. Really, this should have already happened but it hasn't and it needs to, especially because with negative temps and mountains of snow, one really can't get outside to be active!
4. Join a dating website and actually participate! I am sinlge

Basically, I think the list comes down to two things: getting more active and meeting new people.
But broken down to the above four items, it is tangible and measurable. It becomes something to work toward rather than just think about.
So, cheers to the adventures that lie ahead for the middle of the mid-thirties!

Here I go again...

should have been posted on 9/10

So, in my ever-changing, ever-adventurous world, here comes another change---
In simplest terms-- I am moving to Chicago. I am leaving the company I have worked for over 9 years.

deep breaths, deep breaths....

I am excited to start a new chapter. I am excited to do something new and build on the amazing experiences I have had- both in and out of my work world. Working there allowed me to see things I likely would not have otherwise seen, and experiened things I would not have, and met people who are my soulmates.

More than a fabulous job, being there I grew up. I started out almost right out of college-- fresh and naive. Not knowing what it meant to have a "real" job. Was working from home really a "real" job I was often asked (for years in some cases). I sometimes asked myself the same thing when it was 4pm and I still wasn't dressed for the day. But it was. At times it was very intense. And at times it was pure silly. It wasn't perfect, nothing is. But it was pretty darn great for a really long time.

But it was time to find something new. If I'm being honest it was probably past time, but it's super hard to leave something you love. In an embarssing commentary to the VP of the company, I compared it to a break up with your boyfriend you love but you know you just aren't meant to marry. You love them, wish them no ill will, want to keep in touch (really), and genuinely want to be friends but you just can't be together anymore. It's all true. And yes, I actually said that to the guy who pays my salary (win.).

It wasn't an easy decision to make. I still love this job and the people I work with. I am surrounded by friends. Friends, some which, have become family.
When wasting some night time the other day I found this quote from Winnie The Pooh, of all places. It just spoke to me. Directly to exactly what I am feeling.

"How Lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."- Winnie The Pooh

But goodbye it will be. And onto new and exciting adventures in the Windy City. Where maybe I'll stay put for a bit.

the end of the year

Since I have been a tad busy getting settled, drving to and from work, moving a few times, traveling to New York, helping some friends, and most importantly chatting with my various housemates, I have not been as good about updating the blog. Prorities.
But I have missed writing my thoughts and feelings and observations in all of this change and adventure. There has been so much to take in- good things and some sad.

The last few weeks in DC/Maryland were hectic. I was trying to pull together an event in three weeks time that I normally spend months planning. I felt immense pressure to pass it off as done as humanly possible. My last day was extended due to that, which I was just fine with. It allowed me time to put all these big changes away for just a little more time. I am exceptional at compartmetalizing. It's how I deal well with crisis. I focus on the issue at hand and fall apart afterward. So the last week was filled with meetings, outings, saying goodbye. I got a little teary but more than anything I was focused on the task at hand. And then came Friday and packaging up my laptop to be sent back. And a lunch with a friend. And it hit me. Literally took my breath away, for just a second. I was leaving a city I'd mastered and learned to love in a year of getting beat-up. I was leaving a job I'd had for almost ten years and one I still liked. I was leaving behind almost my whole career. And I was picking up to move to a new city and start a new job in two days. Whoa. deep breaths.

As I was headed back to the little ladies for one last sleepover at their house and one last night with one of my all-time favorite housemates (no offense to anyone else!), I got so sad. Not because I was scared of the decision I'd made, but sad to leave such a special year behind. In that year, I'd conquered a city. I'd fallen deeply in love with my favorite little people. I'd learned how fast and deep a friendship can grow.I'd learned what I am made of. I really learned how very lucky I am. And I was humbled by the love I have been shown.

Saturday, in Ferd Schulte fashion (meaning really early), I got up and started the adventure. I had one last infusion treatment(because why wouldn't that be the case) and then I hit the road and headed toward the mitten. I had a 9 hour drive through the hills and highways. A mix of good music and time alone --jobless (for 2 days) and homeless. I got home and relished in the large sized bed (I had been sleeping in a 3/4 bed-- short and fat twin bed, really) and got excited that I could sleep in on Sunday. finally. ;)

Sunday I got up and attem- hit up a coffee and bagel place and headed toward Chicago in the rain. My moves tend to have the background of rain, I tak it as a positive sign. Like the planet is cleansing me of the old so I can start fresh and new or something. (wow, that was really hippy dippy! But I'm sticking with it.)

I got to my new temporary home, knocked and was immediately welcomed with squeals of delight from the other side of the door. So cute and perfect.
I unloaded (with the help of my new housemates), got the tour and the favorite books orientation, then had a homecooked dinner. The adults shared tips for getting to the office the next day and we talked about grown up things.
And Monday I started my job.

We'll end the story there for now.


DC friends Goodbye bar crawl.

C and Mags on our "ice cream for breakfast date"

Sammie and Erica



the packed car





the new roomies

 

Maybe Frank Sinatra was right...

When he crooned, "Chicago is my kind of town".
I guess I will see in another few weeks, if it's true for me.

The other day, I made the difficult choice to leave a job I have loved for ten years. The new opportunity is really the direction I want to go, but to say goodbye to what I've know and what's comfortable-- not always easy, but I can predict outcomes and to move on to the unknown is terrifying, exciting, and so many other things.

I have so much more to say, but will only hope I feel like Frank when it comes to city that I will soon call home---

Now this could only happen to a guy (gal) like me 
And only happen in a town like this 
So may I say to each of you most gratef'lly 
As I throw each one of you a kiss 

This is my kind of town, Chicago is 
My kind of town, Chicago is 
My kind of people, too 
People who smile at you 

And each time I roam, Chicago is 
Calling me home, Chicago is 
Why I just grin like a clown 
It's my kind of town

 

 

One year.

Today, one year to the year day that I moved in, I officially moved out of my fancy little English basement and away from DC.
Not far, but far enough that I no longer watch the DC news, but the Baltimore news. I am 30.3 miles from downtown, but the drive felt like it took forever. Really, the time was almost as long from my house to that meeting location based on traffic, but this new "commute" passed more places and involved freeways.
Tuesday and Wednesday I moved all my things to the Favorites house and into storage. I am my father's child and can be very single-minded when I am on mission. I just thought through the details of the to-do's and what-have-yous; neglecting to consider what moving all my things out of  my apartment actually meant. It's been a hectic few weeks with all the unknowns and changes, so I controlled the things I could and just went with the flow for everything else. (I am very good at compartmentalizing.)
Today, I turned in my keys.
I said goodbye to my landlord- the East coast cool guy; who is the least affectionate guy ever, sort of a dweeb, but frat guy at the same time (not sure how one does it, but he did). And he hugged me and said how much I'll be missed.
And my throat tightened and my eyes stung with tears.
I left.
And cried.
I cried because I am sad to be closing the chapter on this year of growth. I never expected to live here, ever. It was never part of my plan. But it seemed like a good idea and things fell into place, so I got here. I struggled with people and places and fast learning curves. I got beat up. But I came out stronger, smarter, and better for it. (I may have also gained a pants size too...ugh.) I made it through all of that and am really hitting my stride here- personally and professionally. I have a wonderful community of people that really care for me (and me them). Those people will not fall off the face of the Earth, but it will take more planning to play.
I will miss going next door to grab a cup of coffee when I forget to buy some. Or to hop on a bike and ride down to the grocery store, or the Target. I will miss the ease of hitting up the Farmer's Market. I will miss the vibrancy of an ever-busy city. I will miss visiting Bernice and her random stop-bys. I will miss being "neighbors" with the Obamas (whom I never became friends with!), and George and Abe (my pet names for the monuments). And I will miss the awe of walking downtown and seeing any one of the National sites and still being surprised, pleased and amazed that "I live here".
I know it's all silly things and that my new surroundings will have many ups, too, but I will miss it.
Believe me, there are things that I will not miss-- street cleaning days (!!!), lack of parking and dragging groceries a few blocks. But really that's it. Not much, which makes me realize how happy I was in my little space and community.
I'm not leaving the DC area, but my life is going to change. Not for the worse, at all. But change.
And I think leaving a place you love should always be acknowledged with a bit of sadness when you leave it. There are chapters in life and living in DC was brief. One year. That's not to say I won't be back once the dust settles, but I have no idea.
So today I am a little sad.

The Big move.

By now, mostly everyone knows the news of late in my world.
I am moving to Washington, DC.
It's not earth-shattering, but to some it was quite surprising. If you are an avid reader of this blog (when I actually keep up with it...) many, many, many of my posts over the last two years have touted the wonderousness of my beloved Seattle.
It's true. I love it here.
The Pacific Nowthwest has such an awesome vibe. Recently it was named as one of America's coolest cities with the hipster crowd. I agree. But I am not a hipster. Though I can appreciate their quirk.
But more than being filled with the "coolest" people in America (because let's be honest, I really only know a handful of people here...really.) The Pacific Northwest (PNW for those in the know) is filled with some of the most beautiful scenary I have ever seen in my life. Between the mountains, the greenery and the water, you cannot ask for much else. I will forever be in awe of the mountains. My midwest heart still finds them wonderous. And again, how a 14,000 ft mountain can just appear as if out of nowhere will forever baffle and delight me. The proximity to so much water does bring my inner-fishy significant joy and comfort. Add in the fishing boats and the character that seems to ooze out of every neighborhood and you have a rather lovable place. At least for a wanna-be cool kid like me. ;) But as a wise person once said, You can love a place with your whole being and still be totally fine living someplace else. I agree! Seattle and the rest of the PNW (Junea, AK included) will forever take up space in my heart as part of the great loves of my life. It will always be a part of me and will remain one of the best decisions of my life to live here.

But it's time for a new opportunity. This great change came about somewhat surprisingly (even to me), but it makes sense. It feels right. And I am excited.
Yes, I will absolutely miss the friends, the sceneray, the temperate weather, and the comforts of a not-so-challenging job. Absolutely. And if I said I wouldn't miss that stuff, you might as well call me Pinoccio. But what lies ahead is great.
Being in the nation's capitol. Cool. Free museums. History. And on and on.
Add in the closeness of favorites.
And then the proximity to my family.
Plus, the challenges of a new-ish job.
It's good. Really good.
The next few weeks will be crazy. For real crazy. Packing. Spending time in my favorite places, absorbing as much of the PNW as I can before I move away. Packing. Busy with friends, soaking up as much of them as I can before I am on the whole opposite coast. Moving. Putting the pieces in place for the folks who are taking on my current work projects so they have an easy job ahead of them. Completing my program at the UW. Finding a place to live. Learning a new city. Determining which neighborhood will suit me best and easily compare to my beloved Fremont. (Though where else in the world do you have a Troll for a neighbor?!)
It's the quirk that makes Seattle special. It's te quirk that makes it cool.
It's the quirk that I will miss the most.
But I suspect that the Nation's Capitol will have it's own quirkiness to love.
And I am 100% sure that I will fall in love with it there, too.
One never knows when roots will plant firmly into the ground, but for a few years (at least) I think this is a great adevnture!
So, cheers to the old. And cheers to the new.
Here's to happiness all around!

Cheers to new adventures!

Today (well, this weekend) is the start to new adventures.

Before you start to think I am on the move again, the adventure is not mine. It is for a few loves of my life.

My cousin and her family are embarking on a journey eastward.

Her lovely hubby got a job in their old hood and they are making the move.

They met in Maryland and started their life together there. Then an unexpected change happened and my brave and selfless cousin moved home to support her family. Her love soon followed and they began their life together in the mitten state. They got engaged on Lake Michigan, hosted a winter wedding in the snow and cold in a fmialiar place, and started a family in the home she grew up in. The house was filled with happy (and probably some sad) memories, but they started to freshen things up with their own family traditions.

The house they made their home was already filled with great traditions, stories and more love than anyone could ask for. That house came with built-in memories (which can be good and bad, I am sure), it came with a built-in support system. It came with traditions. But this brave couple, made it their own. They encorporated the old with the new. They welcomed the old, but embraced the new and exciting. That house filled with all her childhood memories became her home for 6 years (!). Life had changed and continues to change and will never be the same. That home where they started their own family is now up for sale. And they are headed east to a different home. Leaving behind the house, but bringing the memories and traditions with them to only to continue to build the loving home that will always surround them.

As they embark on this new adventure, I know there will be tears. But they will bring with them all that love and support that surrounded them. They will make new memories and create a home in a new place.

No matter what I know it will be a happy place.

I can't wait to see where this adventure takes them. And can't wait to go for a visit!

Saturday Adventures

In the past few years, I have developed a love for Saturday adventures. They are days when nothing is planned and you meet up with a buddy (or not) and just have a random day of fun. It all started with the HLP. We used to meet up for a mid-day meal and then the day would turn into a mix of errands and always something fun. The real magic of a Saturday Adventure is the total joy of an unplanned day and the fun that is out there to be had.

Well, today was no exception. It was a beautiful day in Seattle (and that is saying a lot with our current weather grossness, just read the news!). I was a little obsessed with the idea of returning to the tulips to see the fields in full bloom. My previous adventure buddy (and co-creator of Saturday adventures) lives far away, so she was not an option. My new adventure buddy was spending time on an island. So I revisited a very old adventure buddy. I figured if she was out then I would just adventure alone (no big deal, but it's always better with a friend. She was in! It was true adventure for her (she had never seen the fields). And others joined us.

We had a perfect Saturday Adventure of late departure, fun & random meal, an activity, and of course an ice cream to top off the day! It was grand.
Here are a few shots from the day, Enjoy!

Cheers to the Saturday Adventure tradition!

love in an elevator.

What is it with elevators? They are in songs, featured as main characters in sitcoms, and the most anti-social small space to share with strangers. Today I rode in a few elevators and had the thought about how we can share such a close space and not even look someone in the eye--at all. I decided from now I would break that social norm and smile, make eye-contact and say a small hello (just like my friend Molly). For the better part of the day, this proved to make the trips up and down more enjoyable and less akward.

I had just seen my surgeon for the pre-op appointment and got all the nitty-gritty details and my inner- scientist questions answered. My head was spinning, but in a good way. I am ready! (Before going on, I should explain that the surgeon's office shares a wing with the Cancer Treatment Center at the hospital. Every time I go see him and am about to feel sorry for myself, I see those women and men and realize this ain't no thang.) As I was exiting and swirling in thought, a woman got on the elevator with me to go down to the lobby. She was the cancer patient I would want to be (if God forbid I ever had to be). She had a fabulous scarf covering her surely bald head and an amazing pair of dangly earrings--she looked beautiful. As she got on I totally had to compliment her scarf--it was gorgeous. So we had that brief elevator chat and then got quiet. And just as the doors had closed and the elevator began it's decent---SCREECH! CRANK! brakes. Yep, the elevator stopped.

Gorgeous Scarf (GS)looked at me, and asked did the elevator make that noise? Me: Yes, it's definately stopped. GS: Oh dear- should we call 911? Me: Um, I think we can call the elevator and they can give guidance. (So we called. They were sending help) Me looking at GS: "Um, seriously?" and cracking into a HUGE grin and just started laughing. We did not stop laughing for the full 45 minutes we were in the elevator.

She called her husband (he was downstairs) and offered to loan me her phone for my work call (I politely declined and thought this might be the best excuse to miss a call EVER!). We started to talk and just kept laughing at the situation we were in. Amoung the laughter, I leanred the CliffNotes version of her story. She is in her second round of chemo treatments for breast cancer. She is a mother of 2- 4-year-old twin boys that were born after her first diagnosis when she was 25. At 31, she is a mother and soon-to-be 2-time cancer survivor. Her name is Heather. And I spent an afternoon with her giggling in an elevator.

It was an everyday adventure. And today I learned that life can always be scarier than you think it is. That scary things really can bond you to someone else. And that laughter really does fix all things.

It was a good day. Who else would this happen to? Seriously.