Elma Lee- finally at rest

This weekend we finally put my grandmother's ashes to the Missouri River, where she and my grandfather camped, fished, boated, and just enjoyed about 15+ years of their marriage. As a kid, I often went camping with them. I can still remember my cousins and I wondering all over the camp site- we'd find ourselves lost in the forested areas and then find new fields to triumph. We would swim as hard and as long as we could out into the river- and I remember thinking that the shore looked so close- how could we not reach it! I still remember getting caught up in the current one summer and getting pulled under water. My cousin Jason is accreditted for saving my life with a long branch, although my aunt argues it was actually her. (Let me tell you- I don't care how old you are, when you are near death, you remember the people around you.)

Boating down the river though on Sunday made me realize how far I'd come from any of those memories. Nothing looked familar to me. My father would point out areas, but I just could not place them. I think it had more to do that #1 I was looking at a shore line that was 10+ years more developed than I had ever remebered and #2 I was looking at these areas from the river, not from the shore line where the majority of my memories stem from- but still I was sad that I did not remember these areas like the others on the boat had.

Grandma passed away back in December of complications of a lifetime of cancers, heart issues and other ailments, but she was a speacial women- full of love and damn straight determination that her children, and her children's children would have a shot in life. My father and her would fight like I hope nobody would ever hear anyone fight, but he loved her and even on her deathbed, he stopped at nothing to give her the shot in life she tried to give him. She always gave me and my brother the benefit of the doubt and stood up for us when everyone else was putting us down. She loved us all and we will, and do, miss her very much.

How dare I keep you waiting!

Looking back, I can't believe it's been over a week since my last blog! I am very sorry for the lack of attention- Since getting back from St. Louis, it's been crazy--
St. Louis was fun- a larger city, but easy to get around in. I could see myself living there, but probably not my first choice. It's dirtier than I imagined and the city itself has had issues w/ growth/prosperity. A great place to visit though! We stayed downtown- a block from the Arch and two blocks from Busch Stadium where the Cardinals played both Friday and Saturday night- the coolest part though- phenominal fireworks after each game right below the arch!!! Chris and I were wandering around downtown the first night and missed most of them, but we had front row seats on the second night. Saturday we went to the St. Louis Museum of Art where a brand new exhibit featuring Nepoleon's luxuries were featured, then found a decent sushi restaurant where we ate while listening to forgotten 90's hits.

(BTW- I do have pictures- I took them solely to post them- but of course, I can't find the cords to download them!!! Did I mention I'm not a picture person...) UPDATE!! HERE THEY ARE!!!! :-)

Sunday we went to Belleville, IL- this is the area where another nurse anesthetist lives that works at the same hospital Chris is entertaining a position. The suburb is nice- has a cute little "Main Street" area with mom and pop shops and law offices. On our way out we decided to be completely spontanous and stop at a real estate office! This one is my favorite so far- but there are many more, I'm sure! I just love the older houses--

Ok, I have to talk about this- Sunday I saw an old friend of mine at the grocery store and I did not say hi. Now, I should back up... this girl was my BEST friend through most of college and infact we became roomates afterward. We did mostly everything together and although we were BFF's she dropped off the radar after we moved apart after a couple of years. Every once in awhile I would call her and we'd do something, or just chat, but it was always after I called- not her. After I got married, it got worse- I'd call and she'd not call back- email with no response. It was rediculus. Buy the time she got married, it was like she invited me to be a part of it out of obligation since she was my maid of honor. When I'd ask her why she didn't return a call, she'd say her husband deletes her messages without telling her. Anyways- I'm not sure if I did anything to piss her off or if this was just her way since it was me who opted to move out when we were roomates. I don't know, but it was weird seeing her again (it's been almost a year since we last talked). I debated whether to say hi, but decided it would just end up like it always did-- I'd put in the effort and eventually we'd lose connection again. Oh well-- I just had to tell someone.

St. Louis or Bust

Tomorrow morning we'll make our way to St. Louis, Mo- a great position for Chris popped up on the radar and while I've visited the area back in college, Chris has not. I called my friends at the Crowne Plaza in Downtown and got a room (working in the hospitality area does have it's perks)-- all that is left is a 7 1/2 hour drive!

Also, for those who just need to know- I got my 'friend' today! For most of my 12 years of menstrual cycles (side note: man- that's a long time!!!!) the occasion was not one that came with such relief (although there were a few times in college that I said some desperate prayers...) but this time, while, granted I am in a good place where having a child would not have been that big of an issue, it did make me evaluate the timing and financial implications of such an addition. All in all, I'm glad I'm not pregnant now, but do look forward to that next step- when ever, and where ever we take it.

Taking it with you

It's Monday after another fantastic weekend in the Big 'O'-- Friday was a golf outing with our Omaha Chamber of Commerce- Business on the Green. Trust me, I am no where near a pro golfer, probably not even rated as "good"- but I had fun. Then after the game (which started at 7am!) I loaded a golf cart with bottled waters, ice and 500 free passes to the CoCo Key Water Resort- still set to open Oct. 1 for those keeping track- and set off to promote! It was so much fun driving around, talking, laughing, drinking and smoking a cigar. Yep- I smoked a cigar which really caught some off guard. I don't do it a lot, and trust me- I still felt in my lungs this morning as I tried not to die in the gym. Every once in awhile I will partake.
Saturday was not so much fun, as I spent 8 hours in driving school. I got a well- deserved speeding ticket about 2 weeks ago (he clocked me at 80 in a 60- but knocked it down to 79 so that I could take this class...) The class itself could have been worse, but it was still pretty bad. I'll tell you, if this doesn't make you want to wear your safety belt, nothing will!
Saturday night was a blast with my friend, Megan- she came over with her bushels of corn and yummy salad veggies from the farmer's market. The night ended after 3 bottles of wine, a heartfelt talk about juvenile body image issues and a firm determination of which of my shoes were 'Marketing Shoes' vs. 'Accounting Shoes'. In any case, I drank way too much, again- but had a wonderful time doing it!
Sunday was filled with all the stuff we should have done Saturday but got the exciting news that someone actually want to live in my house!! We got a call that one of the couples that came through our open house wanted to put in an offer- too bad it was a sucky one- but we'll play ball. If it all works out though, we'll have to be OUT in TWO WEEKS!!! Crazy- but possible.

Chris and I talked more about where we'd both like to go once he is done- someday I'll put together the list of all the places we've thought seriously about-- it's a new one about every month. In reflecting about these past couple great weekends, I hope I can take a lot of them with me. I know I can't take the people, although I truly with I could, and I know I can't take the places, as great as they were- but I'll take with me the moments, the laughs and the experiences. I can only pray I have half as good of a time where ever I live, than I do in Omaha.

PS. For those staying tuned- I took and failed another pregnancy test- but still no sign of my 'friend'. This whole 'God's will' thing is kinda scary!