They Want to Explore

My animals decided they wanted to go exploring yesterday. Too bad they don't understand they need to stay inside for their safety. Both of them took off after Cleo knocked over the propped screen on my patio. Bartle actually stayed on the patio, but Cleo decided to take off until she realized I was running after her. She hid below the bottom step outside the front of the apartment. Its pretty disgusting down there. Dirt, laundry lint, and bugs. Did I mention I was working out when this happened, sweaty and in shorts? Bugs, etc. stuck to me as I crawled under the stairs. Cleo was not pleased about my saving, she hissed and bit me. The hubby swears he'll put in a new screen when he comes home.

This makes me think of last week's episode of Bones. Did anyone else see the scene with the cats? I can see Cleo sitting their licking her lips. That scene cracked me up.

Michelle's Visit

Michelle flew from Florida on her birthday to visit for a few days. As soon as she stepped off the plane, we both nearly cried. Yes, we were the huggy people in the terminal who wouldn't move out of the way. We started our vacation with a birthday dinner and some True Blood. Michelle is a major Sam lover!

The next day we went to Grabill for some homemade candy and fudge along with a stroll around the antiques area. Michelle got to see the Amish, corn, and avoid poo. Then we were off to lunch with my lunch buddies at the Dash. Exceptional food and conversation, followed by a tour of the grand library because I had to show off where I work. After a brief change of clothes we were off for a GNO that included the hubby. Dinner at Henry's, the International Fest Block Party (love men in kilts, good music), Flashback (the pregnant woman was the only one to hit the dance floor, but we could talk, since no one else was there), and Rum Runners (seriously, last call at 11:30). Normally, I would have pics, but the battery on my camera died.

The next day we were out the door early for the Johnny Appleseed Festival. Lots of caramel corn, apple dumplings, apple petals (the best), apple cider, steak sandwiches, turkey legs, hay, and many bought items, we were ready for Chicago. One of the things I love about Michelle, she doesn't mind my singing in the car. We arrived in Chicago only to receive a suite instead of our normal room on Michigan Ave. Yea!!! We had dinner at House of Blues (great southern food), drinks and a quick viewing of some football games at PJ Clarke's, Navy Pier (I chickened out on the Ferris Wheel), Reagle Beagle (Stay Puft Smorestini is awesome deliciousness, along with great 80s music), and Second City (amazing show followed by a rehearsal of their new material, 2.5 hours of great comedy).

The next day (no hangovers for us gals), we left for the Adler Planetarium and wounded up at the Tailgate Party for the Bears vs. Steelers game. We never made it to the Planetarium. We drove down to MOSI to see the Harry Potter exhibit, but only got to see the Ford Anglia instead. We did go on a fantastic walk thru Hyde Park, ate at a cute neighborhood restaurant, and went on an excellent tour of Robie House. Drove back home in time to have our garlicy leftovers from the birthday dinner and watch Twilight and True Blood.

Overall, a wonderful vacation, in which I remembered why I adore Michelle so much. Can't wait to see you again in 6 months.

New Moon - New Trailer

All I can say is wow! It looks so amazing!

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/

Moving

We finished our move over the weekend. I'm so proud of all we accomplished. Moving between three places can be a little rough. Our closets are still a mess, but pictures are hung on the wall and the place looks ready for our first house guest on Thursday. Many thanks to Dawne and William for their help. Without the truck, I'm not sure how we would have managed the larger items. And without William helping the hubby to lug a couch upstairs, it would have been pretty dicey. We had perfect weather and witnessed only one accident on the interstate, but were not involved in any. The space is pretty tight with our big furniture, but we'll manage. Some day I will remember that my clothing is in the dining room area, since my bureau can't fit in the bedroom. Becky says its a lovely bureau and can now be seen. The animals are slowly settling in. Bartle is quite confused on where he lives, especially since its a block away from where we previously lived. Cleo is upset that she has to share the bathroom with us again. So all is well.

Now I have to prepare for the insanity of this weekend. Michelle and I have overbooked ourselves once again. It should be fun! I'll write about our adventures next week.

Be Warned -Deeply Personal

People ask me how I'm handling a particular rough situation. My feelings have been broiling over the situation and my handling of it, especially as J* turns 25 today. So I decided to share my feelings by sharing the letter I sent him. Mind you, it is deeply personal, but explains how I feel without me crying when someone asks.

J*,
How does it feel to be a quarterlifer? I know for myself, it was terrifying. My life was a mess and I thought I would never clean it up. I guess I was wrong and so are you. Yes, this is another plea on my part. I know you think I don't care and I've walked away, but that's not true. I wish everyday that you'll realize what an amazing life is waiting for you.
When I think of you, specific images come to mind. One of them being you helping me 10 years ago thru a rough time in my life. My 24th birthday was hard and you and J* took me to dinner and the concert, reminding me I had people to help me. Other images are you at my graduation, my 18th birthday, visiting me in college, going to the Homecoming game. The last image that I can't shake is you in Colorado. You weren't even 2 years old, but you wanted to be all grown up. You were taking a picture of your shadow with a squirt camera.
That boy breaks my heart. You have such potential and it's not too late to change the direction of your life.
I received a phone call 18 months ago where I was told, J* died of a drug overdose. They could have been talking about you. I never want to experience that pain. Please keep this letter for a while, knowing that I love you, think of you, and pray for you. If you find yourself wanting to make a change, I'll be here for you. I beg you to please ask * for help.
You have many more birthdays we can celebrate together. Live and become the man I know you can be. Know that someone still has faith in you.

As much as I act okay with everything, I still desperately want J* to get help. So that's my feelings on the situation.

Weekend Crisis

My baby had a health crisis this weekend. Without going into disgusting detail, we'll say something ruptured on Bartle and he had to be taken to the vet for an emergency procedure. Thankfully, I have a great friend and coworker in Delia who insisted I call the vet and take care of the problem during a holiday weekend work shift. Bartle is home now, recuperating with lots of pain meds and a large cone. He's having issues with the cone and not being able to act normal, which includes the stairs. I have to carry him up and down the stairs while being mindful that he has an open wound that is healing. I felt like a proud mama this morning when he was somewhat "normal". So, that was my holiday weekend. How about yours?