Learning to Love

Funny Story

2010-02-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

Chase visits Michigan

2010-02-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

I'd like to get better at writing here. It's a good outlet for me; something about seeing your words in front of you that makes me think more clearly than otherwise. And facebook and twitter just don't quite fulfill me in that way like blogger does. As much as I enjoy them, I end up feeling like I'm not modern enough for the witty one-liners.

My brother was recently up here for a visit. His children were so excited to play in the snow. When my southern family (georgia and texas) talk about snow in foreign terms I always wonder what it feels like to them. To me it feels like home. And I probably take it for granted. It really is beautiful.

One of the most fun things was sitting around my mom's kitchen table telling stories of when we were all growing up together. And then my brother-in-law Tim started telling stories and that took the cake. He's a great story teller. A quality that I love in people. I haven't laughed as hard as that in a long while.

I'll try to upload a video clip of Tim telling us about how his son's first job was gardening his neighbor's pot plants. Yeah, you read that right. First just a couple other videos.

Kratky Girls Photo Shoot

2010-01-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

This was so fun. I really love doing this. Melanie, thanks for asking me to take photos of your sweet girls. And I'm sending a cd to you with many more :)

Back Home

2010-01-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

Martin and I went to Texas for Christmas/New Years. It felt really good to get out of Dodge for awhile. It was nice to re-connect with our Texas family too. We took photos on a few occasions and I'm sure I'll be adding some of them here. Martin's sister Melanie asked if I would take photos of her girls, I was so honored! I love taking photos of children, it's probably my favorite thing to do and I need practice still so of course I said absolutely. Her girls are so sweet and fun. Martin and I were talking all the way home about all the cute things they did and said.

Hi mom

2009-11-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with this guy! (photo by martin)

Oh and if you want to see a really cool tattoo (with an even cooler meaning), click on my friend Katie's blog titled "The Kolbs"

Friends and their Families

2009-10-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

Fall in Northern Michigan is hard to beat. And What I'm loving the most is that states below us are getting snowed on like crazy and all I've seen up here is a couple little sleet-like rain drops that were gone in about 5 min. LOVE THAT. I really love that.

So, with most of our friends having children now, it's been a great time to get outside and enjoy the crisp weather, leaves, sideways sunlight, and take photos. I've got at least two more families to try and squeeze in before the bitter cold arrives...that might not work but I'm hopeful.

I've been cooking so much more now that I'm not working. I didn't plan on it but have remembered that I really enjoy cooking. So far, Martin isn't complaining about the hot meals, apple crisp, and banana bread that have been showing up. It used to be a stressful time of the evening when we both got home from work and were trying to get each other to figure out what we were doing for dinner. I really think that home-cooked meals do something to a house that makes it instantly cozy and comfortable. And what I think I love the most is that when friends drop by (and they do almost nightly, which is another thing I love about living in town), I have some sort of home cooked something to offer them. It instantly puts them in a relaxed, calm mood. There's a lot of stressful things going on in all our lives that it makes me really happy to see people sit, relax, talk, and eat something tasty.

Happy Fall everyone.

Going a different Direction

2009-10-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

I'm finally done working at Eye Health of Charlevoix. While, I was very thankful to have a job, especially in Michigan. And especially while we have been trying to aggressively pay student loans off, I'm more thankful that we are at a place where I can move on to things that will give me more freedom and self fulfillment.

I'm currently working on a course to train me in Medical Transcription. This is the freedom part of the previous statement. When I finish the course (hopefully in late January), I'll have a job that will let me work from home. (did you notice the South Africa tab on the site? Yeah, I did too.)

I'm also in Petoskey now which is great. All our friends and dealings are here in town and I hardly know the people here. I could tell you every family in Charlevoix but that's not where my life is. I can go to the functions here that I used to miss because I was out of town. I can now meet friends for lunch, I've been taking photos of our friends and their little children which is nothing but pure fun.

So yeah. I'm perfectly content with not working there anymore. It feels good when you know without a doubt that you made the right decision.

That hardly happens with me.

Took some photos of my sister's family when they came up for a visit. I think they wanted to kill me after making them climb up the sand dune, but they'll get over it. Love those sand dunes at Petoskey State Park.

Goodbye Neon

2009-08-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

My 1st car, the little blue Neon, came to a violent and quick end. On my way to work, I turned left crossing what I thought to be two very open lanes of traffic. Apparently, there was a van in the outside lane (hidden by a large truck in the other lane, trying to turn left at the same time) that ran right into the passenger side of my car, spinning me completely the other direction. It's the most violent wreck I've been in.

Some guy who saw the whole thing was talking to me through my widow asking if I was alright and telling me that he was calling 911. At this point, I'm still processing where I was and if I'm alive. Once I determined that I was alive and wasn't bleeding out of my ears or anything, I decide to get out of the car. This involves me crawling over the driver seat to exit out the bent up passenger door. (I would've been stepping out onto oncoming traffic if I would've opened my door.)

As soon as I get out, I meet the driver of the van. He's from some other state, up here visiting. He immediately tells me that he was just trying to get to the "harbor" (no one up here calls the lake shore the harbor) to enjoy a day on the boat. "Well, gosh. I'm so sorry to have held you up, "I think. The very next thing he tells me is that he was in that lane the whole time and was "almost completely stopped" before hitting me. Seriously?? I'm just getting my head cleared after him totaling my car and I have to listen to him talk to me like this? Not to mention that I'm pretty sure if he were "almost stopped" he wouldn't have spun me around the other direction and practically tore my tire right off the axle.

I don't know what to say to him. I know what I want to say to him. But I somehow manage to use higher reasoning, and after glancing over to his perfectly drivable van, just walk away.

Not a good Monday. After a few days and many pain-killers and muscle relaxers, I'm starting to get back into the normal life. I'm still pretty down about not having a car.

A Thought

2009-08-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Read this today and it's stuck in my head:

"There's a difference between something that makes you happy and something that doesn't make you unhappy"

That could be a good conversation.

Okay, I can do better than that.

2009-07-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not satisfied with my last post. I always do that; I want to say what's on my mind then back out because I think of all the angles people might be able to take on what I say. You know what, I'm just gonna do it.

I have this really cool little book. It's actually a christian book. And I don't think christian books are cool. I mean, come on. they just aren't. They might have good points in them and be very "good for you" but they aren't cool. I've never understood why Christians have to sacrifice good writing for what they want to say. It's been one of my biggest struggles in reading christian literature. It's just not well written.

So back to the book. Philip Yancey wrote a book called "What's so amazing about grace?". And after he wrote it, somehow an artist or maybe a publisher, or an agent, (I have no idea) read it and thought it was actually good. He must have been afraid to come out and admit it at first; I would've been. But he somehow got Philip to agree to let the book be used to make a visual edition of the same name. The result is really cool. And I'm not saying cool for a christian book. I'm just sayin' plain and simple cool. Here's a link to the book. Philip says in the intro on the visual edition that he secretly hopes this book will inspire people to go out and read the full length book because he has so much more to say.

I didn't.

I didn't need to. The book stands alone. There's a page that has a prayer written over and over again in it like something you'd see a child writing on a blackboard for some sort of school punishment. It says: "Dear God, please make the bad people good, and the good people nice." I really want to pray that prayer whenever anyone asks me to say a prayer. Martin says I'm just asking for trouble if I do. And he's almost always wiser than me on social issues so I listen. But for the first time in a long time, that's a prayer that sounds right.

Summer (I guess)

2009-07-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

Alright. I've got to have something worth talking about.....

Summer in Petoskey has been beautiful and cool. Not, I repeat not beautifully cool. Martin told me the other day that he was at a business lunch and the men around the table were saying how much they've loved the summer because they haven't been sweating and it hasn't been too hot. Am I in some other world? Summer used to mean something. Like weather that made ice-cream instantly melt, and ice tea glasses sweat. You get none of that up here. And I just keep shaking my head when I think: "I'm a northerner". Maybe I only thought I was. This is just silly.

We have had lots of rain lately which has made the trees, lawns, and flowers stunning. I love summer wildflowers. We played a round of golf today at a new course and I couldn't stop saying how beautiful everything looked. I'm thankful to have a husband that understands my need to verbalize those thoughts. He agrees every time and never gets tired of me saying it.

Despite the weather, we've managed to have some fun outdoor activities with friends,, and have had several out-of-town friends and family stay with us. We love to host people for their vacation to Petoskey.

I turned 30. And for my bday, we went to Chicago (of course). Always a good time there.

More babies have been born and conceived. I'm convinced my friends are aiming for doubling the population of this town in 5 years. Which, is fine with me. I think this town could use more people in it. Year-round.

Turns out I don't have much to talk about. It's nice to sit for a minute and collect thoughts though.

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

2009-05-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

(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

2009-04-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

Refund. Ha.

Leaving

2009-04-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

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

Bye.

Piano

2009-03-02T20:02:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-28T08:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

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.

Sickness

2009-02-06T12:44:00.001-08:00

I've told a little bit of what's been going on, on my facebook page. Which I think most people who stop by here, read. But facebook always feels shallow to me. This place gives me more comfort to really write my thoughts. So, here's more.

Martin's grandmother (noni) passed away last week. I had the pleasure of getting to know her a little during our marriage. She cared so much for her grandchildren. She came to our wedding in Michigan--In February. She came up for martin's law school graduation. She sent cards on our birthdays and anniversaries. And I can tell that she was a huge part of martin's up-bringing. One day when we were visiting San Antonio, we were at the market shopping and she bought me a bracelet. She said it was just because she could tell that I like jewelry and she did too. I wore it the day Martin told me she had died. And several people complimented me on it.

He tried to make it down for the funeral but several events caused him to determine it wasn't meant to be. I know it was hard for him to stay here while his family gathered to celebrate her life. Some things I'll never understand.

So, in the meantime, back here in Michigan my grams (my only grandparent who took an interest in my life) went to the hospital for care and got a MRSA infection. Which is the "super bug" that people talk of. You know, the infections that are completely resistant to bacteria. So, she's had an IV going directly into one of the veins in her heart for the past 3 weeks and has about 3 more weeks of it. She has advanced rheumatoid arthritis so her immune system is shot. I worry about what will happen when she's done with the anti-biotic. And on top of her situation, when she gets out, she can't go back to her apartment. She has to go into some government full time care thing. I just hate that for her.

Through all of this, I tell myself that I'm in the stage of my life where grandparents aren't as healthy as they used to be. So, it helps. Somehow it goes along with the process of life. And while it is sad, it's easier to accept.

And then I find out today that my dad went to the emergency room. He spent the night there and has had about every test possible or known to mankind done to him. They don't know what's wrong. Something with his heart.

Sickness is all around me. And I know we're supposed to tell ourselves that all things work together for good. But sometimes I don't believe it. And telling me that I might not ever know the good that comes out of a situation, doesn't really do anything for me. And I can tell that this is all affecting Martin because he told me he dreamt about me dying all last night. He said he leaned over to me and made sure I was breathing before he could go back to sleep.

I'm looking forward to a span of time with no news of sickness.

Babies!

2009-01-25T15:22:00.001-08:00

It's still winter. And very cold. Martin was calculating today that the bay has been frozen a month earlier than last year. I keep saying that I just hope it thaws sooner too.

We bought bookshelves for the study. We bought a new computer. It's pink. I'll talk more about the reason for this in a few months. I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch type of thing.

We've planned a spring break trip to Florida in April. I'm very excited about this. It's literally been years since I've been to florida. I think I was probably 15 or 16 the last time I was there. Our neighbors' grandfather owns a small condo type thing right on the beach in Venice. Apparantly, you open the back door and are on the beach. I can live with that for a week. April in Michigan is still pretty chilly. And I'm guessing April in Florida will be quite warm. So it's a no brainer really. Just getting the time off will be the most challenging part of the whole thing.

Five babies have been born since December 12th. That's been fun. Four of them are the first children of the families so it's extra fun to see people change and adjust to new family members. Babies are amazing. As I hold them, I just stare at them in wonder. Tiny human beings with a blank canvas. It's pretty exciting. I'm including photos of all the new little ones.

First Photo: Kaylin Saymn Born January 19th

Second Photo: Laney Kratky Born January 13th

Third Photo: Makija Howard Born December 25th

Fourth Photo: Jack and Grifin Frentz Born December 12th

Whew! I'm so proud of all of them!

Texas and Back

2009-01-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

We spent the Christmas holiday in Texas. It was so nice to spend time with Martin's family. I love sitting around hearing Martin and his family interact since I really haven't had too many opportunities to watch him around his family. It's fun to see how they all relate to each other. And it's fun to be a part of it too.

Martin's sister Melanie has two completely lovely girls with a third to be born any day now. We were hoping she'd go into labor a little early so we could meet Kratky girl #3 (as far as I know, they haven't decided on a name yet. Martin was pushing for Martina but I don't think they were going for it)

And after getting back for a couple days, my best friend jess came to spend new years with us. It was her first visit to our new place here so it was fun to actually have a guest room for her to stay in. Although, can you believe she actually said that she kind of missed the little place we had before. I told her she was crazy. Here are photos from Martin's mom and Jess of the holidays.

Jessica always does a great job of documenting our times together. She got a really funny video of me trying to dis-prove the idea that it's impossible to swallow a tablespoon of cinnamon. Hopefully, I'll be able to share it soon.

Biggest Little Christmas Photo Booth

2008-12-19T08:50:00.001-08:00

Christmastime means Christmas Parties

2008-12-14T15:33:00.000-08:00

Kelly, Julie, and Me.

I'm kind of the designated Picture Taker. I did a bit of this.

Me and Martin. He looks great with his mustache shaved. He doesn't like it as much but does it for me. Aw.

This is the Hall. Very cozy for a very cold night. I think the high temperature that day was 18 degrees.

Had my work Christmas party. It's always a good idea to try to have a time with co-workers where you relax. And Castle Farms in Charlevoix was a great place to be. It's an old mansion that has been turned into a banquet hall type place. They had a table with bowls of candy and scoops where you could make your own little gift bag of candy. I was all over that. I made Martin go up there with me to get an extra bag. They also had a photo booth where you could go up there all night and get pictures taken. That was fun. You get more creative as the night goes on. They are going to post all the shots online. I keep checking it to see if they're up yet. http://www.shutterbooth.com/ So far, they haven't showed up yet but I got a kick out of looking at the other party's photos. And then I was thinking "we should've done THAT". Next time.

A Culture of Cold

2008-12-09T10:12:00.000-08:00

Mitchell Street downtown Petoskey

Martin, Cheyenne, Craig, and Josh giving their tough-guy faces. Josh just can't look mean no matter what.

Martin dragging our tree back to the car.

Danielle and I. People call us D&D. She's my neighbor and great friend. I love having such a good friend living so close. We wave at each other from our kitchen windows. It's quite fun. The other day I hung something on the wall in the kithchen and she told me it was throwing her off everytime she looked over at our place. Guess I should've warned her first. :)

So, winter is here. Technically, winter isn't until December 21st, but that means nothing up here. I'm a northerner. So, naturally there are a lot of things about the north that seem to be a part of me and that I like. I like sweaters, hot drinks, mittins, snowflakes the size of silver dollars. But at the same time, I'm kind of over it. I've done the whole 2am walks where it's almost as light as day, I've seen the northern lights several times. And I've also scraped ice off my car 25 million times, and stock-piled more lotion than any one household should have in their house on any day. Cold air = cracking skin.

I don't hate winter collectively. There will always be things about the cold season that are cozy and fun. But I've put my time in. I'd like to at some point live with sunshine and hot weather. And contrary to what people up here think, 75 degrees is not hot. It's warm, not hot.

A Nice Break

2008-11-30T19:36:00.000-08:00

Tex playing in the back yard he wishes he had.

Martin using the remote.

Me being....me.

Cade

Brandy with her 5 plates of food. Really, it's just all her kids left over plates.

It's time to get ready for work. And I can't seem to get myself going. I think it's classic long weekend blues. I have a friend who texts me every sunday telling me that she's so depressed that it's sunday night and on monday morning as we're headed out to our separate jobs, she sends me another one that says"here's to better jobs someday". Little things like that are dear to me.

After getting back into town yesterday, Martin and I decided we really probably should get curtains for our place. Yeah, I'm serious. Not a single one in the living, dining or kitchen until now. We now have privacy; kinda important for a place that gets dark at 4:30 this time of year. In some ways, we're still so immature. But I guess maybe we're kind of holding on to that a little. Or a lot.

Got to spend some time with my best friend. We had a good time as always. Drank a lot of coffee, ate a lot of food. Played a lot of card games. I like card games. And took some pics.

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is Brandy. I’m Dominique’s sister. She has bravely given me permission to write on her blog. It will be a bit lengthy. But if you are a reader of her blog you will agree that the following is true, because you have your own story of how Dominique has taught you how to love.
I have often pondered your title, Learning to Love. First, I think how I need to learn to love in a more biblical way. But mostly, I think how you have been one of the greatest examples of love in my life. You have been a direct answer to my prayers, on more than one occasion. The first and greatest example happened a couple years ago. I was very discouraged in my life. I prayed that God would have somebody give me something that showed that they loved me. That sentence sounds simple, maybe even selfish, but my thoughts were very involved. I was feeling very empty and broken in spirit. I was asking God to show me that there was someone in my life who loved me deeply and that the love would be evidenced in a powerful way. (I know I have many people in my life that love me. The prayer was came from my circumstances.) Later, I think that same day, you pulled me aside to give me a gift of money. I was completely overwhelmed. It had nothing to do with the fact that it was money. But it was a very generous gift. For that I felt guilty of my prayer. I wanted you to keep it, the thought was enough. The only thing I saw was the great love in your heart. The money had been given to you as a gift, and you were giving it to me. You freely and sacrificially, and willing gave to me. I received you gift with tears in my eyes as I realized my Savior loved me by hearing my cry and answering me so quickly. And that I had a dear sister and friend that loved me deeply. I needed you gift of love more than you will ever know. I’m getting choked up even as I write this because of the depth of the meaning that was to me.
Another time God used you to speak into my life was last year. When we left Ford we left money, insurance, and extras. We now had to trust Christ completely. Since He is faithful I decided to ask only Him for the things I needed. My glasses were broken, and I was on my last pair of contacts. I prayed that God give me another pair of glasses. This was a little tough because I really hate wearing glasses. But, I knew I didn’t NEED contacts. Shortly after that you gave me Two pair of glasses, with cases, and some contacts. What an Amazing God we serve! Again, fighting the tears I received your over an abundant gift of love. I only did He give me what I needed, He used you to show great love by blessing me with what I really wanted. When you love, you love completely. I thank God for you and the ways He has used you to teach me how to love!

Happy 80th Grams

2008-11-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

No my grams does not read this blog. I wasn't able to make it down for her party today so I needed some way to express my celebration of her. I've talked about my grams before. I think I'm more like her than anyone I'm related to. We love so many of the same things: tea, coffee, Van Gogh (probably our biggest "in common" love), books, music, people...I just really feel like we are soulmates in a way. I get her. When I sit down with her and listen to the way she thinks and speaks, I am so right there with her.

She shares a birthday with Mickey Mouse. She has 9 children. She is Jewish. She was divorced. She lives in the smallest apartment I've ever been in. She was a tutor (and still might be) for prisoners on parole. She works at an elementary school as a teacher's aid for the children with learning disabilities.

And she sends me a birthday card every year on my birthday.

In other {D} news:

My friend Katie Kolb left me for her husband and Pittsburgh last week. I'm going to miss her so much.

I bought a pair of pants at the goodwill today. I should probably be over this phase of my life. Speaking of good buys at goodwill; I bought six nickel finish Pottery Barn hooks for the entryway that were still in the package, never been used. I think they look great. I'll have to take a pic to show them off.

Pics: An HDR of Cloud Gate, or as it's more commonly known as "The Bean" in Chicago. It's on my flickr page as well as a couple more from the same trip. The next two photos are me revealing a little more of my domestic side (I can't do it all at once, come on, you know me better than that...) I like to cook/bake. But let me clarify and say that I only like to do it when I'm not rushed, or when I feel like it. Otherwise, it's just a chore. One photo is a blueberry cobbler that I made with wild Michigan blueberries our friends picked from a bog near here and gave to us. Martin really liked the cobbler. And the other is cappuccino crinkle cookies I baked that I liked and Martin didn't.

The President is a Puppet

2008-11-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

That's honestly what I think. I might be wrong. I'm probably wrong. But that's continually the conclusion I come to when trying to be a good American and care about elections for presidents. I'm a cynic. I don't believe in the good of people. Not even the good of Christians. I just don't. I dis-trust everyone.

The amazing irony is that I like people. I mean, I really like people. This past weekend, I somehow remembered that my family used to tease me when I was a little girl because when spending countless summer days at the beach (The beach was free), I would meet a new person every time and they would instantly be my friend. I seriously made friends everywhere I went. I have always had a need to connect with others. I still have that need.

I think my ability to like people is somehow closely related to my dis-trust of them. Almost like because I don't expect anything from them, I'm continually surprised and thrilled with their good nature towards me. And you would think that after seeing this good nature towards me for years, that I would begin to lower guards towards them. And maybe, maybe slowly I am. I don't think I am. But I could be.

So voting. I honestly think that money runs countries, not people. But I'm going to vote, and probably even for a president. (maybe for a president.) Mostly because everyone I know would think less of me for not voting. And I'm insecure and need the people I love to like me. So, to those I love, this vote is for you. Really.

3rd Pic: From Jess at Past Tense Cider Mill; me and my nephews&niece
2nd Pic: Tex exhausted from our Harvest party
1st Pic: Tree in full Color in the UP during a "fun day" hike with work

Voila

2008-10-22T09:44:00.001-07:00

There it is. Probably the longest I've ever taken to finish a blanket. It's much larger than I thought it would be. It's also extremely warm. I would be working on it and have to stop because I'd start sweating from it being on me. So it should be perfect for those -10 degree days this winter. (oh how I wish I were joking that we actually have temps that low in the winter) Oh, and that's my chaise from Crate&Barrel. I know I haven't yet posted pics of the furniture. I will.

Had a great time traveling downstate this past weekend to see family and Jess. Took some great photos and accidentally deleted all of them. Yeah. But Jess is normal (at least more than me) and managed to save all of her photos. Maybe she'll let me have some copies. And I got some really cute ones of the kids at the cider mill. ugh, I'm so frustrated.

The Blanket is Done

2008-10-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

I told you I would finish it this month. And I'm pleased with how it turned out. There is one square that is missing a row of color and it totally upset me when I figured it out after I had already sewn it into the blanket. I have no idea how I didn't catch it before then. But I didn't. And so now it's sealed into the blanket forever as a reminder that I'm never quite as good as I want to be at things. *sigh*

Martin's parents came up for a fall visit. As always, it was great to spend time with them. And as always, they treat us to way too much. But I'm not going to lie, we love it.

We took a day trip to the upper peninsula. We went out on a boat tour of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. BEAUTIFUL. Really, I had no idea. There are pictures on my flickr site (and there will be several more to follow in the next week or so--I kinda overdid it on the photos). I enjoy the feeling I get when I'm on the great lakes. You feel so incredibly small. Like you're completely insignificant out there on the water. I don't know why I like that feeling in certain situations. I think it's because we all want to be reminded that there is a whole world out there bigger than us. It somehow gives me a reminder that I should keep my problems in check. Not to let them seem bigger than they are. There's a lot more here on this feeling but I'm not going to explain right now.

This weekend, Martin is going to a MSU football game with several friends. Apparantly, they have amazing tickets and get to stay somewhere free and get to go to a tailgate party empty-handed. Needless to say, he's pretty excited about it. To add to the excitement, MSU is having a great season this year.

I'll be going down to visit my fam. and best friend. Tex will be going with me and he'll be oh-so-thrilled to be able to run around 20 acres with Duke and Daley. Alright, not sure how much running Duke can do these days but I'm sure he'll be watching with jealousy as the other two romp.

What I did in September

2008-09-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Almost finished an afghan I've been working on for three years. It WILL be finished in Oct.

Finally hung something on the walls in our place. Even if it is only in the dining room. And only three things. Have to start somewhere.

Photographed a wedding for the first time. My friend was the real photographer but she asked me if I would help. Wasn't as stressful as I thought it would be. Of course, the bride was the most laid back bride ever. Which was wonderful.

Camped on the pigeon river again. Always nice

Stayed in St. Johns, MI with our neighbors at their parents house. Ate doughnuts and drank cider. Remembered how much I miss going to a cider mill in the fall.

Had my biggest (to date) conflict at work. Not fun at all.

Cried myself to sleep over losing a relationship with someone I love. Have felt this one coming for awhile but didn't expect it to happen yet. Am still processing the conversation, trying to make sense of it. Hoping I took things out of context but knowing that I didn't.

got a haircut. Instant good mood. I love my stylist. It's great to talk to her, and have her make me look good for a day. She asked me: "What am I doing for you today?" I said: "Tammy, I don't know the first thing about hair; just make me look less tired." She said: "okay" and got to work.

Cleaned up dog vomit.

Cleaned up cat vomit.

Wondered why I have pets.

Got a new pair of glasses. And then felt immediately guilty for getting yet another pair of glasses.

Worked as a cart girl for a local golf club as a "fun second job". Made more in tips than I make at my "not fun first job".

Inland Waterway

2008-08-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

The rents came up this past weekend and we treated them to a birthday boat trip on the inland waterway. The smallest boat we could get had room for 6 so, we invited the Dawley's along for the ride. Charles took these videos of the locks and the swingbridge that are along the way. It was a great day for boating.

LTB Swim

2008-08-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

For the past almost 6 months Martin has been wanting me to put this video on youtube. I finally did yesterday. Here's a narrative of what you'll be watching:

I think it was a Friday night in the early spring. Early spring in Northern Michigan means no more snow storms but still cold weather and even colder water--especially in Lake Michigan.

We were taking a walk along the water because I'm sure it was one of the first walks we could take without bundling. (Bundling=hat, mittins, scarf, heavy coat, winter shoes) And when we got to Petoskey's Marina, Matt challenged the guys to go swim in the boat launch area. Kim said without hesitating that she'd do it. Martin said that if she went in first, he would go in. Matt said that if someone went in and swam three strokes, he would do it too.

Kim went in, despite my screams for her not to.

And then Martin reluctantly went in, probably from my urging him that he had to now. Matt Frentz never made it in that night even though I'm pretty sure it was his suggestion.

The video looks like it's no big deal because they're just walking out into the boat launch and back. But seriously, this water is barely thawed at this point. FREEZING water that takes your breath away as soon as you are in it.

Oh, it's really loud because I'm yelling right into the mic. I was pretty excited about the situation I guess. So, turn the volume down a lot before you play it.

Company

2008-08-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

Martin’s mom has been here this past week visiting us in our new place. I shocked myself and managed to put together a decent looking guest room. It even had flowers in it. I had to pat myself on the back for that because rarely do I pull things together so well without much planning. And we had just gotten our furniture the Wednesday before, so it actually resembled a place of residence here. Resembled. Next project will be getting something on the walls. Isn’t this all so fascinating?

It was very nice to see my MIL. She really is the best MIL in the world. I’m sorry for every other wife who can’t have her. She endured me taking her on hikes that included thick clouds of blood-thirsty mosquitoes, thorns, paths no wider than us, and several other things I’m sure you’re not supposed to subject your mother-in-law to. And, she liked it; how cool is she? And we always have really great conversations.

We went to the farm market in Petoskey one morning and bought everything we needed for a very tasty dinner. I really could get used to walking to the market for my days worth of food. I wish it were more practical.

We also went for a walk along the shore of Lake Michigan at Wilderness State Park. We were looking for as many different colored rocks as we could find. Never really found a blue one, but it was nice just to be outside. I really am feeling pressure as the summer gets later to be outside as much as possible.

So I guess her vacation became a mini, local vacation for me. That was nice.

Finally

2008-07-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

Around 3ish Tex finally couldn’t keep his eyes open. On my days off he usually follows me everywhere. To the extent that if I decide to get up from the desk and refill my coffee cup, he’s going to go the 10ft there and back with me. It’s really kind of endearing until after several hours and you realize that he can block most walkways just by standing there, and that his nose is how he views the world. The nose that is perpetually wet and can reach almost to my shoulders.

So, I think I can relate (only as much as a childless woman can) to mothers who sometimes consider their children’s naps as the highlight of their day.

I finally have a home

2008-07-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

We moved last weekend. And my entire family (18 including Martin and me) also came up for vacation. It ended up being really great because they all helped carry things from our "temporary condo" to this place. And my ma and sisters helped me get the house looking decent by the time they left. And them being here gave us several breaks in between heavy lifting/"Where do you want this to go?" Oy, that'll wear you out fast.

I've been spending every spare minute I have putting the place in order. But it's just really nice to finally have somewhere to feel at home. I didn't realize how big of a deal this was until I was without a place for a month. It wasn't horrible by any means, but it's just really cozy to have a place.

Don't get any grand illusions of us living it up here yet though. We are still using our black folding chairs for living room furniture. The progress however, is that the furniture is actually ordered (as of yesterday) now. Sheesh. I'm terrible with making decisions.

This weekend is Bliss Fest. A local music festival that is "for hippies and druggies". It's a big thing up here that goes down right on the shores of Lake Michigan. I'm trying to talk Martin into going all day Saturday. I'll update if I was successful or not.

Picture is my sister Athena and nephew Xavier's crocs.

Hello

2008-06-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

No. We are not in our place yet. I've gotten to the point where I'm not going to talk about it. There's always something that has to be done and just when I say "all we're waiting on is...", something else has to be done. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dear sweet land-lords over in the ground beef carpet house for allowing us this opportunity to live like squatters in a very nice condo.

A lot has happened. And at the same time not much has happened. Martin has been working like crazy. Putting in all kinds of ungodly hours during the week so he won't have to sacrifice so much coveted time on the weekend. I don't blame him though, I would do the same.

I'm loving summer. Summers up here honestly just last forever. The sun is only down for a few hours, and then the next day starts. Beautiful. We definitely pay for it with the winters. Right now, it's 9:53pm and I can still see bright orange in the sky from tonight's sunset.

Friends are still over right now and I am "tethering" my blackberry to my computer to get Internet. 10 bucks a month for not-too-slow service. About like DSL. And so, hopefully I'm back in the modern world. I even ordered my living room furniture today. I really do need to take a picture of us here sitting in black folding chairs. It's pretty funny; definitely completes the squatter look.

I'm trying to read as much as possible. When the sky isn't dark until 11pm, and you don't have a single curtain or blind on your windows (and there are a lot of windows in these condos), you have to do something. And I say, why not read? I've been working on a book Martin's mom gave us titled "What God wishes Christians knew about Christianity". Very interesting. There's ideas I've never really thought of before which for me is very refreshing because I sometimes feel like I've heard it all with Christianity. I also just picked up a book this weekend and I'm almost done with it. I'll wait until I'm done to discuss. Or likely, I'll just forget and never get to talk about it. But hopefully that won't happen.

So, Yeah. I think I'm back. Nice to be.

Packing. Again

2008-05-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm currently living without couches. This is the first time "our" house has looked not claustrophobic. Maybe that's been the key all along--no furniture. I actually think I could do that.

We got rid of our couches this past Monday and I'm going to buy new furniture for our new condo that we're supposed to be moving into four days from now. The minor set back to this plan is that we don't yet have carpet, running water, or a final signed contract for the condo. I know I'm supposed to be like whatever, it'll all work out. But more and more I find myself wondering: Is alright to start freaking out now?

Adding to my concern is the knowledge that our landlord is being completely inflexible with us staying longer if we need it. We've been upfront and honest about everything telling them we're happy to pay for the extra time we need, also that we'll show this house to anyone that's interested in it during that time. That we'll help them advertise. Nope. They still are telling us that we have to be out on the last day of the month. Thanks for that added stress.

Seriously, I might just be homeless in four days. It wouldn't be the first time.

Back From Chicago

2008-05-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

My best friend graduated from MBI (Moody Bible Institute) this past Saturday. Martin and I went with my parents to celebrate her. It was a great trip. The weather was perfect. 70's and sunny for the most part. We did get rained on once but we were having so much fun on Michigan Avenue that I don't think any of us cared.

It's so exciting to watch a friend exit one phase of life and move on to another. Jessica has been so dear to me since about 9th grade. I think that makes her my oldest friend that I keep in touch with. I don't have grade school friends that I still know today so, my relationship with her is especially meaningful.

I really am SO proud of her! What a great accomplishment. She graduated with a degree in international studies. She'll be moving back to Michigan for the summer/fall and plans to return back to South Africa (I told you you would go back there if you went once!) in Jan. for at least a year. I'm expecting much longer though. I think Africa took a part of her heart just like it did mine a few years ago. Hopefully, I'll get to spend a few weekends with her before she leaves me again. I sense this will be the nature of our relationship for the rest of our lives. I would have it no other way, she has the biggest heart of anyone I know and for her not to share it with those in need would be wrong.

Here's to many many more wonderful years together Jessica! More pictures from Chicago are on my Flickr page

7 Random Things

2008-04-30T15:12:00.001-07:00

My sister-in-law Melanie tagged me to post 7 random things about myself. Here we go:

1. I really love to read

2. I've never owned a house although Martin and I are in the process right now of maybe becoming house owners and it's freaking me out. I keep telling myself "it's not that big of a deal, Nikki. People do this everyday...." I'm still freaking out.

3. I've ridden an ostrich before

4. I have 10 nieces and nephews. Any of them are welcome to come live with me whenever they (or their parents who need serenity) want. For as long as they want.

5. My bed is being propped up on one side by a former cat toy. This old rental house slants so much that Martin was literally steam rolling me (unintentionally) at night while sleeping, before we installed said cat toy. Thank you Chloe and Zoe for your sacrifice. It's greatly appreciated.

6. I enjoy cleaning. I could spend ridiculous amounts of time in the cleaning isle, and insist on trying every new cleaning gimmick that is invented. (this enjoyment excludes washing dishes)

7. I'm in love with a dead painter: Van Gogh.

Now, I'm supposed to tag 7 other people.
Brandy
Jess
Martin
Katie
Tanner
Kelli
Bekah...you are all hereby tagged. Here are the rules if you want to play:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share seven facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Show People Christ (and maybe keep your mouth shut while you do it)

2008-04-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

You show me your redeemed life and I might be inclined to believe in your redeemer.
--Heine

I love this quote. I think it's so true. How can we expect logic and reason to persuade others to believe in Christ when we aren't showing any of His characteristics?

How can we expect to convince others of Christ's love when we don't love them ourselves? If we claim that Jesus changes us for the better, we had better be able to show evidence of that. It's a joke if we're walking around complaining, having no patience with others, having no compassion for others problems. And it seems to me, that a lot of us don't even care enough about others to talk to them. And this might be radical but what if we have a conversation with someone that isn't about Jesus? What if we let people talk to us so that we can get to know them. So we can learn how to love them.

I'm afraid we're losing opportunities to show Christ's love because we feel the need to give the Romans Road every time we talk to someone. How much would Christ's love show if we allowed ourselves to give of ourselves completely to connect with those who need love?

I'm just beginning to learn this. And it's taking a lot of effort from me to think about others, all of the time. I am realizing how selfish I am. I have a friend who is really hurting. Like, really hurting. Her life is just a mess in about every way it could be. And I couldn't shake the thought that I really needed to do something to show her that I loved her (really, to show her what the love of Christ is like; because I don't have this kind of love in me naturally). I dropped by her house with a large bouquet of flowers and a card. She started crying. I was so caught off guard. And it was a humble, desperate cry. I didn't know what to do, so I hugged her. I told her that I really appreciate our friendship. She really didn't say much and she had to get going to an appointment she had. So, that was it. But I really was glad I did it.

My friend knows about my faith. We've had several conversations where I've been able to tell her what I believe. She's never really had much to say about it. And I honestly think it didn't matter much to her.

But me showing up with flowers and a card just to tell her I love her really broke her. It went beyond the casual conversation. I think it let her know that I could see her broken life and I wasn't going to tell her what she was doing wrong. That's not my position. I wanted her to know that even when she's a wreck, I was there. She knows I try to live my life with "morals". She also knows that I'm not perfect.

I'm not sure what I'm saying. People who call themselves "Christians" can so easily get a "know it all" attitude. A "listen-to-me-and-do-what-I-say-because-I-know-and-you-don't" attitude. I don't like listening to people like that. It's not at all effective for me. And I can't imagine it would be effective for anything. It makes me wonder why we do what we do. Is it to serve? Or is it to make ourselves feel better than others? Why are we trying to strong-arm and intimidate people in the name of Christ?!

This is all just a part of my growing conflict with American Evangelism.

What would you mark your grave with?

2008-04-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

Kind of a strange topic I guess. But we were taking Tex for a walk with some friends and their dogs in a very large cemetery and as we were going along, we were trying to figure out what kind of markers we like the best.

The cemetery is beautiful. There's a paved walkway all the way through it and there are trees that you know have been there since the beginning of the cemetery; and then there are younger trees. There are fruit trees (that I am going to go back to in about 3-4 weeks to get pictures of when they bloom), and mossy ground. I'm always hesitant to go in a cemetary until I'm there and then I'm reminded how peaceful they are to me. That is, as long as I don't think about a book I read about a year ago titled "grave matters". It is honest detail of how the whole modern graveyard system works and how unpeaceful the process really is. But once it's done there's not much you can do about it and that's what I was telling myself so I could just concentrate on the nice walk.

We saw some marble spires that were about 15ft high. We saw statues of the dead in very majestic poses. There were white wooden crosses that the local native Americans place to mark their graves. Simple plaques, benches, elaborate metal figures of crosses with engravings on them. So many different ideas of how people want to be remembered and how people want to remember their loved ones.

I think it's a good idea. I understand that people like to reflect about ones they've lost. Especially as I age I see the significance of it. When you have people really involved in your life, there are moments when you want to go somewhere and be reminded of that and only that. Not that it has to be in a cemetery; but it's not a terrible place either. Makes you have a sense that we are all equal in death; it will happen to all of us.

So. I don't really know what I would want to mark my grave. So far, I think I would want something very natural and simple. My name. Dates of life. And maybe a symbol of something that means a lot to me (I'll definitely have to think of what that could be now). All of this would be on something very modest. Maybe just a really pretty stone that is carved.

No great conclusions for this post just something I was thinking about today.

In other {D} news: I'm reading a new novel titled "Like Water for Chocolate". I'll keep from describing until I'm done with it. We are looking for a house to buy, at the same time we're trying to decide if we are staying in P-Town for awhile. Did you expect anything less bizarre from us? And we are looking forward to going to Jessica's graduation in Chi-town in May. It's definitely time for me to go back to Chicago. The picture is an old barn that we explored a few weeks ago. It's not in the cemetery.

Sufjan Stevens is from Petoskey

2008-04-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

I kind of knew this but never really thought about it. I just generally thought "it's cool that he's from Michigan and made an album about it". But when we were on a hike with some friends we've met up here (The Dawleys), we were listening to Sufjan and Sarah says "you know I went to school with him, right?" And I turned around and looked at her. She said "yeah, he graduated with my brother" and then she says "his dad works at wal-mart" and proceeds to describe what guy from wal-mart sufjan stevens' dad is. She's going to show me his high school yearbook pictures. --Sufjan. Not his dad.

There's just something about high school yearbook pictures of anyone that are interesting.

Crazy. My next task on my day off is to go into walmart and look for Sufjan Steven's dad. Isn't it funny that he still works at Wal-Mart?

Sleep

2008-04-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

I'm always amazed at how well I sleep when Martin isn't in bed next to me. I always think when he's gone away that I'll probably have a difficult time getting to sleep. Nope.

Last night I had some of the best sleep I've had in months. Martin is an extremely active sleeper. He talks, moves, gestures, tosses,(and yes snores on occasion even though he'll tell you he doesn't) all night.

I used to sleep through anything and then after I got married thought that my sleeping patters have just changed with age. I honestly thinks it's testimony to the fact that martin might just be the most active sleeper on the planet. I closed my eyes last night and didn't open them until 8:30 this morning; really, it was like 8.5 hours happened in a blink. Pure heaven.

Here's a cool sleep fact: whales and dolphins can literally fall half asleep. Their brain hemispheres alternate sleeping, so the animals can continue to surface and breathe. I think when martin is sleeping next to me, half of my brain hemisphere is awake at all times.

Happy Leap Day

2008-02-29T18:03:00.000-08:00

This is not going to be about leap day. Because I really have nothing to say about leap day other than the fact that it's really weird that some people born on leap day only get birthdays once every four years. A very big Happy Birthday to all of you and I'm sorry you get gypped.

Martin has pretty much decided to not go forward with the FBI. Everyone has strong opinions about this. And when people ask me what I think I honestly just don't have strong opinions about it. I think if he wanted to do it, he could. But I also think it's fine if he doesn't want to go through with it anymore. Mostly, I want Martin to find what it is he wants to do; and not even for the rest of his life. Just for right now. But he's having a lot of confusion with that. And it's understandable. It's hard to know what you should be doing with your life. I think most people never even get the opportunity to decide that so, in a way, we are very blessed.

I've worked 36 hours in four days this week. For being used to about 25 in 3 days, this has exhausted me. "We" are in the process of finding a new employee at work. Which has me doing the job of two people. For the first time since we've been up here, I'm getting home later than Martin. And dishes and clothes all over the house are screaming in protest.

I'm reading a book by Rob Bell titled "Sex God". I'm very much enjoying it. Apparently, Rob Bell is the pastor of a very large church in Grand Rapids. Anyway, the book deals with sexuality and how it is such an important part of our spiritual life. We should not ignore our sexuality. God made us sexual, and so many of his references to His relationship with us are compared to the intimacy of a man and woman. Really interesting thoughts that I've never even entertained before. And what really shocks me is all the scripture that he uses. Just an interesting person who I can tell loves poetry, even though he never comes out and talks of his love for poetry. Anyway, I've not yet finished reading it and will wait for an overall opinion of it until I do.

Today the sun is shining

2008-02-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

I don't think I've seen sunlight in over a week. Like, not one ray. Today there's lots of sun and I'm like a cat trying to sit anywhere it lands coming through our windows. Clear skies make it even colder here, but you take what you can get up here in frozen land.

The picture is of a trip this summer to Chi-town visiting Jess. I love how people gather around the bean to get pictures. It's such a cool part of downtown. I think it was around 94 degrees that day; hard to imagine right now.

Thanks from our Heart

2008-02-15T19:53:00.000-08:00

A big thanks to everyone who has been praying for Martin's father. And for all the concern for him and the family. We are happy to report that it looks right now that he is turning a corner and he continues to get stronger every day.

For those who might not have heard here's a short update. Tuesday night, we received a phone call from Martin's mom that his father had been taken to the emergency room due to severe internal bleeding. This came as a total shock to us as Martin had just listened to a voicemail message from him about 15 minutes before the incident happened. Martin's father was driving home from work when he became very dizzy and nearly passed out, causing a wreck. He was bleeding very severly internally due to blood vessels that had burst. It was a long fight for the doctors to get the bleeding to stop. From the last report, he is on his 15th unit of blood (that is a LOT) and is still very anemic and will have a long slow recovery.

Martin, obviously was very shaken by all of this. It has been very hard for him to be away from his family during the whole situation. It is such a scary position to have your family call to tell you to gather together for the worst. We are so thankful for Martin's dad in our life and can't imagine losing him.

Again, we're so blessed to have numerous people call and tell us that they are thinking for us and praying for Martin's dad. And how many people have offered help in any way we need them. We love you all! What a great testimony of Christ's love you have all been.

A whole mess of cold

2008-02-10T17:47:00.000-08:00

We are having a terrible snow storm and now I am wondering (again) why we are here. It's very difficult to be content here sometimes. But Martin and I are working on not just splitting when it's no longer fun. (with location and many other things).

I'm watching the grammy's tonight. I love watching the Grammy's. Pure musical entertainment. Nothing wrong with that during a snow storm. Tina and Beynoce doing Proud Mary was just perfect.

Oh yeah, and I've been thinking about kids lately. Like, kids for me. This is a huge thought that most of the time scares me into not thinking about it anymore. So, yeah. We'll see. This video is so you will feel bad for me: (It's my back yard for crying out loud)

FBI and Jazz

2008-01-30T09:06:00.000-08:00

I need to update.

Martin, as many know, went to Detroit to take the FBI PFT test. So far, every interview/test they've had him do has been pretty strait forward and not that difficult. This was the first real test for him. The physical requirements for someone to be in the FBI are very impressive. Not only do you have to be fit, you have to be incredibly fit.

For whatever reason, many of our friends up here are physical therapists and/or physical trainers. So, when they heard about Martin needing to take this test most of them wanted to see if they could do it. I think most of them thought it would be no problem. So, they all went up to the gym one night to try and take it. Martin beat all of them. But he didn't pass the PFT last Friday. It's a crazy demanding requirement. He did great on the first couple events but then was exhausted and didn't have the energy to pass the other two. From what we know, he'll be given another chance in 60 days to take it again. Just like so many other times with this process, we're just waiting for a call to hear for sure.

I know Martin is discouraged. But I'm trying to tell him that he had a long way to come from where he started. He's already lost over 20 pounds and looks so much more fit. He just needs to keep working at it. Thank you everyone for your questions and concern about this. We have been so impressed with your interest. We'll keep you updated.

On another topic. I've finished a book titled Blue Like Jazz --non religious thoughts on christian spirituality. http://www.donaldmillerwords.com/bluelikejazz.php I can't say that I loved it. I certainly didn't agree with everything in it. But I agree with a lot of it, and I'm glad I read it. It's definitely causing me to think about my faith to make sure that I'm genuine and not just trying to look spiritual. Again, God seems to keep telling me that my job is to love. He'll do the judging and saving.

Frigid

2008-01-23T19:04:00.000-08:00

There are some things that I absolutely love about cold weather: how quiet the snow makes everything, almost forcing you to think. How trees look with snow covering them, which I think is even prettier than trees with fall colors if that's possible.

But there are definitely things I don't love about it: Bundling up every time you leave your house. Clearing your car off to drive a quarter mile down the road to the store. Never seeing the sun (I hate never seeing the sun)

The perfect solution would be to do winter for about a month. Like real, serious, snow-everywhere-winter. And then the rest of the year is summer and fall. If I'm totally honest, I think I'm a flip-flop, tank-top, sunshine and long evenings that never end kind of person. It fits my personality more.

I'm reading a couple of books right now that I'm eager to talk about but am going to wait until I'm finished. I would not be surprised if this ends up being mostly a book review blog.

Yet Another Blog Begining

2008-01-19T15:35:00.000-08:00

So, to my surprise, my sister and her family began a blog. Well, I'm going to start this one to try to keep communication between family. Who knows, maybe my other family members will join us.

Update on Dominique and Martin: We are currently still living in Petoskey, MI. With the very real possibility that we'll move this summer. I can't believe that we'll make it through a brutal winter and then move when it gets beautiful. But those things are seldom in my control.

So of course the sensible thing to do right now is to look for a house to buy. And that's what we're doing. It's got the possibility of being a great fix 'n flip. And if we can't flip it, I don't think we'd be too disappointed in having a vacation home here. Plus, there's still the small chance we won't be moving and we'll have a great location here in P-town.

We've joined a small group at church where we are meeting some great couples our age. Funny enough, none of them have children yet so, we don't feel so weird around them. That has been a lot of fun. And we never get the questions from them that we get from those with families already growing. It's nice to have a group of Christians who are in the same place as us.