Untitled.

Sometimes this blank screen is overwhelming.

ho hum.

The frustrating thing about small bathrooms is that they get all steamed up from the shower and you don't feel comfortable drying your hair in there. Oh well.

Nothing extraordinary is happening today. So far.

21

My first official drink as an adult was gifted to me by the bartender at the Blaine, MN VFW, where my dear friend Cathy was married to her love of 6 years, himself a veteran of a foreign war. (this most recent one, indeed.) It was a cheap white wine (because I like cold drinks) and I sipped it out of a plastic cup, because that's how life goes when you live in Blaine and go to the VFW for your wedding reception.

I intend to drink other things out of much nicer glasses in the future. But, as I sipped that "first" drink, I felt so many other things. Weddings are funny, in the way that they can creep up on you and control you with their lists and lists of details, and in the way that they suddenly grab hold of your heart and squeeze til tears drip down your face.

Ok, so I cried. It's just that she was so beautiful. And He loved her so much. And it was just that the Spirit was really present.

So, yes, I did cry. (I knew I would, so I wore waterproof mascara) But, I also realized that when you get married, it's really not about the cups and the linens and the candles and the Michelob brand light shining in all it's magnificence in the middle of your reception site. It's about love. Plain, old, life transforming, heart healing love.

I was sad that I couldn't be in more than one place at a time - Michael married his love Carly yesterday. (I'm sure I would have cried at that wedding too) Congratulations to them, and so many blessings. Can't wait to see the pictures :)

I'm learning a lot- wish I could explain it all to you. Let's just say that my life is turning inside out and upside down. Buy me a drink, and I'd love to tell you all about it.

Vacation of two days.

Here's to weekends off! There are three women that I love to spend my time next to - we look completely different, but we live in the same house, share the same shower and all love Chai tea. How excellent.

1.

My brother is going to Iraq in 9 days. How do you cope with that?

waves

I just sat on the beach and contemplated forgiveness.

And then I saw a dolphin.

It's been awhile.

A few days ago, I got into my car with a friend. I turned on her favorite (though cheesy) radio station. The windows were rolled down, and the sun was shining, as it should in lovely Santa Barbara. She started to sing along, and her hands moved in time with the Backstreet Boys, Celine Dion and someone else I didn't recognize. But she knew every word. And soon, I joined in. We turned it up loud and enjoyed ourselves while people stared. It was good. A bright moment in the midst of an otherwise confused and cloudy little week.

Another fine day, I drove up a hill and parked (turn the wheels up, up and away!) and walked down a driveway only to be hailed by 10 or so middle schoolers - "HEATHER!!!!!" they screamed and ran at me, sharing crazy bits of their week, spilling over with excitement over our play and their Spring Break. I loved them, but I am relieved to be finished with my stint at jr. high.

Things I am grateful for:
John's acceptance to his choices for graduate schools
Kate's bright spirit and ability to love on me without strings attached
Seeing Josh at a party
The one weekend a year that we're planning to save for the girls
Finding a dress for Kelly to wear at my wedding
Peanut butter
Michael's wish coming true in just a few days
Jessica's new wedding dress
Being trained in CPR


There is more to say, but I don't know how.