Some things I've thought/felt the last few weeks

(photo: friends who moved away came up about a week ago. had fun w/rock band)

I miss my nieces and nephews; all 11 (12 in about a week or two) of them.

I want my grams to keep an alert mind and it seems like she's not. It's sad to realize.

Having 4 sets of stairs in our place is wonderful forced exercise. Especially for someone who forgets things in other rooms on a daily basis.

Michigan is in a heck of a lot of trouble. People are fleeing and those that aren't are beaten and frustrated.

I love tulips.

Doing a good job at work isn't always enough to keep you from being reprimanded.

I'm so ready for a new job.

I'm just starting to accept being 30 next month.

Not having children is separating us from our dear friends.

Rollerblading is scary for me. But I have a lot of fun doing it.

Mountain biking is a blast.

Dining room chairs would be so nice.

And if spring ever gets here, I was ready for it 2 months ago.

Venice Island, Fl

Had a great week off from the relentless cold in northern Michigan. We drove with Danielle and Cheyenne (CJ) to Venice Island, Fl. Took 24 hours of driving but it was worth it. 85 and sunny does wonderful things to the soul after a winter up here. I lost count of how many times Martin said he wasn't going to get in the car to go back. But he did, and we're getting warmer and warmer days here. We've started our yearly conversations of "I'm remembering why we live here now" and "look at all the people who live up here with us!" (you don't see many people in the winter up here. It's not that big of a town and -25 tends to keep sane humans inside)

My email doesn't know me

Refund. Ha.

Leaving

We're going to Florida for a week. So, hopefully I'll have lots 'o photos when I return.

Bye.

Piano

Well, It's obviously not a real piano. But it's good enough for me. We got this about a month ago actually and family/friends have been asking about it. Plus, I don't think I told Brandy about it.

I'm pretty stinking excited about it. I took piano lessons for probably 6 or so years just like so many other people did when they were kids. My sister, Brandy was the real player. She was so good. I'd listen to her practice daily from my bedroom. We were never allowed to sit by her and watch her. She wouldn't allow it. Anyway, all of that to say that I grew up with beautiful piano music playing in the house. And I miss it. I miss playing it too. So, I'm going to learn again. I don't want to do anything with it except teach myself enough to pull out a hymnal or Christmas book and play.

And of course a side note on how messy the dining room is. Seriously, it usually isn't that bad mom. I promise. it's very tidy right now as I'm typing this.

Chocolates

Martin and I made some chocolates for our friends. This was the trial run. So, technically, we haven't yet made the friend's chocolate yet. My mom used to do this with us kids when we were little and the last time we were at their place, Martin somehow saw the molds and said he wanted to try it. So, we made some. My mom was very excited when I called her to have her remind me how to do it. She made me promise that I'd take pictures and show them to her. So Brandy, make sure you show these to mom. :)

I was smiling when I saw Brandy had put her name on some of them. We'll get 'em back to you , don't worry. Martin painted the fries and cokes and burgers. I like how he made the burgers medium rare. He also had a little "incident" with the bottle and chocolate went everywhere. But that just made it more fun. (and somehow made it where I finished filling the mold for him...) I made some chocolate covered oreos. I need a little work on my painting.

Quote

I bought this little bargain book at borders about 2 months ago. A simple but powerful book of Mother Teresa’s words on love throughout her life. I’ve kept the book open to this page since I bought it. Can’t get myself away from it.