He turned 45 this past weekend and we had such a lovely celebration. He actually shares his birthday with his best friend so it's always a party. We went to the Creighton University basketball game in the afternoon, enjoyed happy hour cocktails at M's Pub and had the most amazing dinner at Sullivan's, a swanky steakhouse in downtown Omaha. We enjoyed the food and wine, of course, but this year I was struck by the comfort of long time friends.
The birthday boys - Dave and Jim had a wonderful evening. We all did, really. It is just so nice to see Jim smiling and happy. Relaxed. He works so hard and is so supportive at home that I *love* seeing him at play.
Of course, the ladies had a pretty good time too!
Here's wishing Jim health and happiness in 2012. And here's to us, as well.
I had such a fun time taking photos for January's Take 12 project. And I couldn't wait to share the photos. I also plan on making a layout but for now the photos will have to suffice.
1. The view from my front porch in the morning. Gorgeous.
2. I just finished reading Out of Oz, the final volume in Gregory Maguire's Wicked Years saga. I really enjoyed seeing how these books came together. Ever since first reading Wicked several years ago, I have been fascinated by Maguire's concept, writing a completely new story based upon a well established tale - in this case The Wizard of Oz but told from another character's perspective. I am obsessed with the amount imagination and creativity that it would take to accomplish such a feat...and more than a bit envious.
3. The view from above. Dark indigo Levi's. Fleece vest. Uggs. I am both warm and fashionable.
4. Today's lunch consisted of a single cheeseburger from Don and Millie's. Mmmm. Not the healthiest of lunches, but I skipped the fries and avoided the temptation of a double burger. In the end, I feel like I was able to enjoy something I was craving in a responsible way. This is progress.
5. The West Wing. The freaking complete series. Thank you, Santa!
6. Today's weather. Cold. Cold and windy. Hello, winter.
7. My very messy craft table, filled with lovely scrappy goodness. I am especially happy for new Amy Tangerine goodness.
8. My husband's recent baseball card acquisitions. I love that he is a collector.
9. Have you ever owned something that just made you smile when you caught sight of it? That is what happens every. single. time. I see my manual type writer. That it was a gift from my best friend makes it even more special.
10. Poor Jim. He had to undergo an emergency root canal...and was still in good humor and allowed a photo of his slightly swollen, very numb jaw.
11. Emergency root canal = need for antibiotics.
12. Need for antibiotics = trip to the local pharmacy. I love this pharmacy, not just the service but the complete look of the building.
I hope you all had a wonderful January 12th! I'll post a layout featuring these photos soon.
As 2011 draws to a close, I, like so many other bloggers, have been reflecting over the year as a whole. Perusing. Contemplating. Deleting. Cringing. Smiling. Laughing. Giggling. Sharing.
Remembering.
In that vein, I'd like to share some photos + words on the most memorable moments of 2011. While this past year can be most aptly characterized as challenging, in many ways 2011 also brought a multitude of happy, positive, wonderful and exciting opportunities. After culling through my daily planner, iCalendar and thousands of photographs, I humbly offer the Best of 2011.
10. Hilton Head, South Carolina
Good friends + beach + continuing medical education = funnest business trip ever!
9. The "Dream" Journey
For the past 12 months, my One Little Word has been dream. This word has guided much of my thoughts and reflections in 2011. Each month I completed specific prompts, participated in a blog hop and spent a great amount of mental energy identifying and documenting my dreams. One of the things I felt was so special about this journey was that it was devoted to my dreams - not dreams for my family, not dreams for my marriage or my husband, just my dreams. I have found in my life and heard from many others that women have a particularly difficult time focusing on themselves. It has certainly been true in my life. I loved how easy it was to spend a few hours focused on me. I am very excited to see where my dreams are going in 2012...I will be revealing my OLW for 2012 tomorrow morning as part of the OLW Blog Hop. Be sure to check back at 10:00am CST!
8. This Boy's Smile
Although he has had his share of struggles in 2011, this amazing, talented, creative, loving boy has brought me so much joy. His smile is infectious. His zest for life is inspiring. He helps me see the little things, the small every day details that add up to a full and happy life. He makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
7. Reconnecting
I feel blessed to have reconnected with extended family...just in time for a very special 90th birthday.
6. A Visit From The East
We were so excited to host Jim's sister and family this past July. It is the first time they've come to Nebraska since Jim and I married. We explored the city, discovering new places together and sharing old favorites. One of my fondest memories is straddling the state line between Iowa and Nebraska while standing atop the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge and marveling at the flood waters that were so prevalent this spring.
5. This Girl
Jim & I are so lucky. We have the absolute best circle of friends, both as a couple and as individuals. Deana has been my best friends since we met when I was 18 years old. That we've remained so close is a miracle. That we've celebrated birthdays and holidays with each others' families is a gift. That we are godparents to each others' children is a wonder. That we've spent the majority of 2011 laughing is the greatest thing of all.
4. My Mother
The more years go by, the greater my appreciation for my mother. She is my everything.
3. October in Hong Kong
This trip to visit friends in Hong Kong was the highlight of the year.
2. This Man
Jim is the best thing that ever happened to me. I say a little prayer for this man every day. He is everything that a husband should be. He is my partner, my lover and my very best friend.
1. Graduation Day
I have never felt prouder than when my son received his high school diploma. He worked so hard and at times it seemed as if he would never reach the stage. But he never gave up. When several of his friends dropped out or decided the getting a GED would be easier, he stayed the course. Even when he was sad. Even when he was unsure of the future. Even when he was ready to rip out his hair in frustration. He never gave up. This says so much about his heart and his level of determination. This says so much about who he really is. This says so much about his intelligence and abilities. He never gave up.
I hope that each of you had moments to celebrate in 2011. I hope each of you learned something valuable in 2011. I hope each of you laughed and cried, sang and danced, read and wrote, created art and let go of trouble in 2011.
And I wish you the very best as we prepare for 2012. Happy New Year.
I've been doing a bit of reflecting on this past holiday season - this past year really. There were so many lovely moments and a few things that stressed me out, but overall I am left with so much gratitude.
I am grateful for my husband. As I've mentioned before, my husband is, ahem, enthusiastic about Christmas. This is such a blessing to me. Every year, we not only host a holiday party/birthday party for moi, but also host my extended family for celebration on Christmas Eve. This season, both events were totally successful. We added an extra element to the holiday party this year but having a "Mad Men"-themed party. It was quite glamorous, with family and friends alike dressing in retro '60s fashion. Here we are, looking both lovely and in love:
I am grateful for my son. As some of you may be aware, my son is battling with substance abuse issues. I am so proud of him. He is still struggling, but he is taking responsibility for his choices. He is working to stay sober, though not always succeeding. He is living life honestly, sometimes asking for help, more often than not avoiding those who could most help him but always being truthful about his choices. Believe me when I say, this is a major change and has gone a long way toward mending our little family. The truth is a soothing peace in this case, even when I know he has relapsed I am so grateful for the truth. He is addressing his legal problems with courage and grace. It is so, so hard...standing by and watching him battle his demons is the most difficult thing I have ever done. But all of that seemed somehow removed this Christmas. This Christmas he was affectionate, funny, sweet, helpful and comfortable in his own skin. He joked and laughed with family. He shared loving sentiments. He was generous and wonderful. We love him so much.
I am grateful for my job. I work outside of our home - and I love it. I am a physician assistant, working for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Each time I go to work, I encounter people who have served bravely, served loyally, served compassionately, served without reservation, served humbly, just served. I am blessed in that every day I am able to give back. I am pictured below with a World War II veteran, Bill, who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. I'd like to thank him again for sharing his amazing story, as well as permission to use his photograph on my blog.
I am grateful for family and friends. I am amazed by the support that has been offered to us over this past year - which has, frankly, been a bit more arduous journey than in years past. I have not come close yet to understanding all the ways that we are changed as a family, I am changed as an individual...but I am quite certain that we could not have done it without the support of our family and friends. I am particularly thankful for our mothers.
I am grateful for each and every breath. I have severe asthma. This past year has also been a challenge on the health front. I have been hospitalized several times, struggling to get and stay well. I have been alternatively hopeful and frustrated. At this moment, the entire year seems like a repetitive cycle of illness and (relative) health. I am really struggling with these limitations right now...but I have hope for the future.
I am grateful for my dreams. For 2011, my one little word has been dream. I've blogged monthly about my dreams using prompts from Ali Edwards' One Little Word class at Big Picture Classes. You can read all my previous posts related to OLW here. I have really grown comfortable with the word dream. In fact, I am even more certain now than one year ago that this word chose me. Between the stress of our family situation and the limitations of my health, much of this last year has been spent in meditation and contemplation, allowing me to fully flesh out my dreams. I have great plans for the coming year to take action on these dreams. I am quite excited about it.
I am grateful for you, dear readers. I look forward to sharing the coming year with you.
I know it is hard to imagine, but I haven't always been a big fan of the Christmas holidays. I used to be quite a Scrooge, in fact. But my husband, Jim, is an amazing optimist and Christmas is his favorite time of the year. At first I just tolerated his enthusiasm...but being around him during the holidays is infectious.
And now, I {heart} Christmas.
He's made me a believer in the spirit of Christmas. He's made me look forward to Christmas. He's made me happy and cheerful to be around in December. He's made me anticipate Christmas carols in November. He's made me complete.
I saw this manifesto on Shimelle's blog the other day and it reminded me of everything that Jim has taught me. I am so grateful to have a partner that brings out the best in me. I am so grateful for Jim.
So, here's something you may not know about me - I am a Jeopardy! fanatic. For the past couple of years, I have taken the online test in the hopes of becoming a contestant. This year I passed the online test and was invited to audition for the show!
Monday morning Jim & I packed up the Kia and hit the open road. My audition was scheduled for 3:00pm in Kansas City, Missouri so we had to travel about 3 hours. The drive down was interesting. We got to see several areas of imminent flooding and also areas of sandbagging to create levees. We arrived in KC just before 1:00pm so we decided to explore the downtown area a bit and grab some lunch.
I had some difficulty swallowing lunch - I was nervous! My throat was dry and my heart was racing a little bit. I didn't expect to be anxious as this was something I was doing just for fun. It reminded me of taking an important test or my first day working as a physician assistant. New. Exciting. Intimidating. Full of anticipation.
I was feeling all of these feelings and more.
The first thing I had to do was complete an application. Then the contestant coordinators took everyone's
photo with a Fuji Instax instant camera. It's funny but this was the thing that reassured me, helped me to relax. I also have an Instax and this commonality seem to bring the whole experience back into focus. I was here to have fun. I found myself starting to breathe easier. My heart slowed. I could suddenly swallow again.
The aspiring contestants were taken to another room. We went through some practical instructions on how to play the game, including tips on ringing in and review of specialized topics like "Before & After" and "Rhyme Time." Then we had to take another test, play a mock game and participate in an interview. I had such an amazing time. I laughed. A lot actually. I got to talk other people who love Jeopardy! just as much as I do. Really smart, funny amazing people. And if nothing else, I got this totally awesome pen.
Jim left yesterday for a week-long trip to Florida with his best pal McGraw. They are in Florida to check out spring training...yes, that would be baseball, specifically spring training for the St. Louis Cardinals. While some people might not find such a trip particularly attractive, for Jim this is a boyhood dream come true. Spring training, baby! Who knows - maybe he will end up playing major league ball? And while he enjoys the Cardinals, his heart belongs to the New York Mets...who just happen to train right up the road from the Cardinals. It's Christmas in Jimbo-ville, folks...
So, not only an I left at home alone but also I have to wonder if he'll ever come back. Good thing, he's a prince among men. I am sure that he'll come home...but it looks to be a lonely few days around the home front. But Grand Master B will be coming for an overnight visit on Saturday and we will be taking care of Mr. Sam & Princess Izzy as well. I am really looking forward to a full house.
Since I am thinking so much of Jim, I thought I'd share one of my favorite pages celebrating the man.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tFBj8XLN9sIA7VkTEeXD9VNQ96A1uuSrbJiNHpWnSz8A-woWjXU0fpwU9DVswEorQY_h9jaEGMrwinHgPJqFpLph4U138FBZqi3P7DeLoMNAnBfy_NsgdLQzqhs3Rl2uD21vv8gGpYH9C0643x-Ts=s0-d)
