almost there

Its Friday night and I am becoming semi-anxious.  Tomorrow evening I head for Florida to meet up with Darren.  Although I do have to say that the day has gone quite easy thank goodness for all the busy things, mostly cleaning, that I had to do today. 
I woke up this morning and got straight to work; the bedroom, both bathrooms, laundry (including flannel bedding that takes forever to dry).  Then after some lunch and down time I finished up the kitchen and living room.  I also made a quick run to see my new stylist to clean up my brows, pick up a few items at the Meijer, finished up my last assignment for the week and quiz.   I got a lot done on my day off from work.  I had Turkey Dogs for dinner and still have some more studying to get in before class tomorrow morning. Then a few hours after class my co-worker Michelle will be taking me to the airport for my 5pm flight.  I am so  ready for a break from work, even though the weather seems to be coming around, a change of scenery, the beach, shopping and fun with Darren is definately what I need.  We always have a great time even if we do not get to leave home. 

Darren drove down to Florida soon after work yesterday and stopped in Chattanooga Tennessee finally arriving at the hotel around 3 this afternoon.  He also took part in a 3 mile race there in St. Pete which I will hear about later tonight.  Tomorrow night cannot arrive soon enough.  And a flight with a layover in Atlanta will get me to Tampa around 10pm.  But once I am on my first plane everything will feel more at ease, as the journey for our first trip of the year begins.

Its Wednesday?!

This week has flown by and in some ways that can be good and in others not so much.  Good in that the weekend is almost here and I have a little bit of shopping to get done, its a week closer to Florida and Bad due to the homework and studying I still have to get done before Saturday.  But, I finally have my own photos of Tegan.  She is a doll and it this point not too bad, she slept most of the time I was with her this past Friday. 

She is a doll.  And its going to take awhile for me to get used to this whole idea.  My sister, Luz is very attentive, maybe too attentive.  Picking up Tegan as soon as she starts a little whimper and apologizing that she could not pick her up fast enough as she stepped into the powder room for a few minutes.  Needless to say we rocked her and she calmed down then stopped and the crying commenced.  Luz also had a very hard time while we were trying to have girl time with mom, having manicures, pedicures and seated massages.  She made it slightly less relaxing but it was nice.  All the while Tegan was with our aunt who has 4 children of her own and has helped with her own nieces and nephews, she kinda knows a few things about babies. 

While at home I also got to spend some time with my family.  My uncle had a birthday party on Friday night and the Twins got into the recycling bin, finding that empty soda bottles made great toys as they chased each other and hit one another.  More like kid Gladiator.

Another Aunt had a birthday lunch on Saturday where I got to spend some time with just the ladies.

So far this week Darren has grilled 2 times, Turkey Dogs Monday night and then Hamburgers last night.  It is finally begining to look and feel like spring.  Yesterday we also went to Darren's second home, the track (IMS).  We took a small walk and got some images of the outside and of the sun setting.  It was so beautiful!  I am so ready for the great weather to continue.  10 days til Florida!

A busy afternoon

Well, as it is spring break for me Darren and I made it up to see his sister & nephews.  I headed out there after work and Darren missed all the outdoor fun as he showed up a few hours later with dinner in hand.  Shana and I got to chat and catch up and she found out quite a few things, Darren says little to her about certain subjects I guess. Male thing? After Carter called one of my friends a couple of times we took the boys outside as the day was so glorious, spring like, finally!  I did not grab my camera but when we got back in I got a few of the boys.  Carter, the oldest of the 2 decided he wanted to take pictures and that kept him quite entertained for awhile, actually until bedtime.  So a small sampling of Carter's images. 

So I will have to be on a mission.  Looking at cameras for kids his age, that should keep him busy.  It seemed like he was enjoying himself, he got Unlce Darren, Mom (Shana), his brother Chase, Dad (Tim), the table and even one of himself.  And I probably have another 30 or so images on my camera. 

Another exciting thing to wind the weekend up, tonight I drive up north to the Bend.  Going to spend the weekend at my Folks house and hang out with them for the weekend.  I also get to FINALLY meet Tegan.  Also brunch with Brother Ed, a family friend, and us girls, massages and such and more.  So glad my weekend starts after a study club dinner for work.  8pm cannot get here soon enough even with the long drive.

Fight or Flight

Every once in awhile I get in these moods, or mood.  To move. I do not know why or where the urge orginates from but I just want to move away.  Get far away from where I am and not look back.  I have had this urge since I graduated college, and possibly because I moved back home and still am in Indiana.  This desire to move away comes maybe 2 or 3 times a year, usually around spring and in the fall.  Its odd, but if I could I probably would.  Only thing is right now I have job security, own way too many things and do not want to be like most people I know.  I do not want to settle down.  2 weeks ago I was perfectly fine living here in INdy and give me a few more weeks and things will be back to normal.  Maybe its the need for a vacation.  The nasty, cold weather gets old fast.  Ps I do despise winter and snow.  I just want to throw my clothes in my truck and go.  I could care less if I knew anybody,  it would not matter because the destination would be the best part.  Maybe I should have never come back to INdiana but I am here and thats that.  After college I never wanted to come home but I never fought to stay anywhere else although my job hunt was anywhere and everywhere, just not South Bend if I could help it. 

It is also the begining of spring break.  A short rest from classes but not from the office.  I intend to read a book for myself, not related to class, try to keep as busy as possible and have more than one night of a good sleep.  Seeing Darren's sister and nephews later this week and now my trip North is up in the air.  Just breathe.

Half way there

Its mid-term week.  This means I am half way through this semester, which is crazy how fast it has gone.  It has been tough, without a doubt, Having to work about 8 hours a day then coming home to try and unwind and get to the studying for a few hours every night.  Although I am doing pretty well in my classes I am a person that gets distracted very easily. Its nice when Darren is out and doing things, sitting and listening to music with headphones on the computer while I go through my work (thanks to Malissa's awesome mix cd's), or having to lock myself in the bedroom with my ipod are some of the sure fire ways to get some studying done.  I have attempted the library and it works as well, not like in college where it was easier to crash for a nap than to study.  I will be making sure all the information is stuck in my brain somewhere when it comes time to take my tests.  A crazy week is underway and at the end of it will be one week of no school work, Spring Break!, except for I will be at work the following Monday through Thursday night then on to the Bend.  Mom took next Friday off and we will be having breakfast and running errands, finally meeting Tegan, and trying to relax.  It will be nice to get away even though I despise the drive.  So the week will not conquer me, I will conquer it!

just pure happiness

When I think of pure happiness I think...

Inperfect beauty, joyful sounds, hot sand beneath my feet, family, a childs enthusiasm, adventures, delicious foods, growing up, accomplishments, future hopes and dreams, living in the present, laughing until you cry, acting like a child.  I think about great conversations, catching up with an old friend to phone dates, just calling to say hello or because I saw or heard something that made me think of them.  I think about the chaos that made me who I am and the bright sunshine that is part of me.  Pure happiness is what I will let it be and it can consume me if I just breathe.  So I say BREAThe to myself, enjoy the moment, laugh off the ridiculousness that occurred.  Getting to know the new people in my life, that makes me happy. And so much more

She Finally Arrived!

So I know I am late on this one as I have been plenty busy with school and work.  But my niece Tegan Brileigh arrived on Monday.  And of course she would after I drove up 3 hours, could not get a good nights sleep when I finally got to my Folks place and then the 3 hour drive back.  I like to say that she just came Fashionably late, 4 days after we were expecting her.  Either way I am excited to meet here when I am able to make my next trip up North.  I will have to get some awesome photos of her and as of right now I know very little because mom knows very little for some unknown reason.

Another thing I have been thinking about quite a bit, traveling.  I am so excited for what is to come for Darren and I in regards to our trips planned starting next month.  Last week in March we are heading to Florida, while Darren is driving I will be flying out in the evening after my class on a Saturday.  I am super excited as we enjoyed ourselves last year.  I am ready for warmer weather, the track, Dave's Dockside Grill, the beach, time off from work and just relaxing.  Plus some shopping at the Boutiques I have found in the St. Pete area that we will be staying in.  Its a trip we are both looking forward to.

still to come

Tegan is still to arrive.  She may be just a bit comfortable in the womb and while Luz was in the hospital for about 24hrs and having strong contractions they just did not get too close and she did not dialate further than 3cm but was 90% efaced.  It was odd, my sister Luz is walking with her IV and talking to me about movies and such then it comes, every lap around the Birthing floor but at different points.  She cannot tolerate pain in any way but she did a great job of breathing through each contraction and her husband Tim was right there with her to talk to her and hold on to her.  I know some about childbirthing thanks to Human Sexuality course in college and from hearing stories.  PS I have no desire to see it in person or be in that position, it kinda scares me. I also had some pics of my sisters walking around the hospital but managed to erase them as I was trying to clear my memory card. BOO on me!  But they released her from the hospital this afternoon to go home and try to move things along, which being at home doing things may be better for her than laying around and trying to walk and being connected to machines.  She will go back to see the Dr tomorrow and see what the plan is, I vote it will be Wednesday before she has Tegan but she said no way.  She cannot wait that much longer, and will suggest the Dr induce her labor.  So the wait is still on.

Still Waiting...

As of right now, 8:30 pm on Wednesday the 10th of February, Tegan has not made her arrival.
I am still ill, although what started as a sinus infection seems to have morphed into congestion in my head and even after I think I cannot blow my nose any more I somehow need to 10 seconds later.
And right now I am procrastinating, I am supposed to be studying for my test on Saturday for Anatomy & Physiology. 
But also ready for my new home, wherever it is.  And Florida, 44 more days until my flight.
I am listening to Dashboard Confessional, a mix Cd thanks to my Love Malissa.  Its great.  And right now I do not know all of the lyrics so it makes it easier to concentrate on my work rather than get caught up in singing.  Ps Malissa is great at making CDs but even more she is just awesome.  This is not me smooching or sucking up, but genuinely speaking of my best friend.
Also when ordering items on Wal-Mart site to store, the items may make it to your store of choice quite a bit sooner than they initially anticipate.  I ordered that baby bath for Tegan on Sunday and Received an e-mail today that it is already at the Michigan City store waiting for pick.  As they had initially stated that it would be there next weekend, the 21st.  So thats nice.
ALso have been thinking about some festivities for the new place.  An Indy 500 Pre-party is in the talks, as well as a girls weekend.  So hopefully I can make those plans and get ready for some new great memories.

Christmas 2008

One of the Twins with another Cousin, Cecilia

the countdown begins

So, this countdown is for my niece, she is supposed to arrive by the 11th of this week.  And it would be grand.  I am quite excited and most of it may be with the"hype" of a first, biological, niece and the first grandchild in our family.  She could bring/add some much needed baby love as we have yet to experience it as a family but always from the extensions of our families.  If that made any sense.  Tegan is sure to be a hit with all of us.  Edina, the baby girl of our family, has made a dress, bloomers and hat for Tegan, she is pretty good with the sewing machine.  While Eze seems to be unphased by the baby or being an unlce from what I can tell when speaking on the phone with him, he is too busy with playing Wii games and anything else that is not "boring" to him. 
Today I actually, finally, purchased a baby bath for Tegan that Luz wanted from her registry and did not receive at her baby shower.  She seems pretty excited about it and I am sure she will get plenty of use from it.  I also made her a few trinkets for Teegan's room, although I am unsure on how they are displayed I am sure it looks great.  I am looking forward to seeing my sister grow into her mother role and already can imagine Tegan growing up.  And hopefully I will have her at our house for sleepovers every once in awhile cause it would be fun and 3 hours apart is quite a bit, just do not want to see her grow up between visits but be a part of the experience. 
My parents know me better, kids are not in my near future.  One, I am missing the whole married part and am in no rush for that either.  And I am glad that they have no desire to push me on those subjects.  Atleast with my little cousins, Darren's nephews and Tegan we can play and have fun then go home to some quiet relaxation.  I will admit that I do enjoy spending large amounts of time with my siblings, but they are a little easier to get ready and go but not as easy to keep entertained and they can talk back, mostly Eze as he can think he is king of the house, not my house.   I like going to the zoo, ballparks, beach and so forth but the amazment that a child sees and enjoys from those trips is what makes it worth the effort. 
As Malissa and I say and know, we are not kid people, although she is maybe an extreme or 2 higher than I. She too will be in aunt later this year but her brother lives in another state so that would make it easier for her.  I will be looking forward to seeing her interact with a baby. 
Also, a biG THank You to our friends and family, we have only 1 wedding this summer, late August to be exact.  And its in Texas, so if I have the opportunity to fly out there I will be on my own but it depends on funds and if its not the same weekend we are supposed to be in California.  Either way, its going to be a less busy summer than the last. 
PS 47 days for flight check-in, Florida I am so ready.