This is the time of year for new friends and old. The time when magic seems to be in the air to those who are open to the possibility.
I have a friend that I read her blog, we have had only a few conversations, have never hung out, yet for some reason we have a deep love for each other. I made the leap and introduced myself to her a while back, and we have exchanged a few emails. Our hearts are similar. I think we have an understanding that goes beyond basic things. That is the awesomeness of being a part of something bigger than you. That is the awesomeness of being in the body of Christ.
I have a friend that I just met about 3 months ago. By just being me, I have put into her enough that she has called me her role-model. I don't say this to boast, I say this to boast in Christ in me. You see, I am a shy person, and pretty selfish. It's God who makes me reach out and care. She told me she loves me, and it took me a while to accept it. But she said it when I needed it. Today, when she saw me, she cried. She cried because she knew the good news and just got a chance to congratulate me.
I have a friend that I grew up with. She was practically my sister. I used to think that I don't have friends that I grew up with, but I was excluding family. You see, this friend is my cousin. Her and I also have an understanding deeper than words, and its been neat as she has moved away and gotten married just how much our relationship has grown. She has been more encouraging to me by simple email and messages than she knows. I can't wait to see her for Christmas.
I have another friend that is old enough to be my mom. She is more like my role model, it was another woman that I introduced myself to and told her that I thought she was beautiful. She has since poured herself and her heart into me, and it has meant more to me to have someone to look up to, and get feedback, both positive and negative, that I need. Yet I never feel bad about it, she doesn't ever put me down. She has always believed in me.Probably one of the most endearing friendships is my aunt. I get a bit of satisfaction when looking for a mom, yet she treats me like an adult, something my mom never really did. I can't really describe it, yet she blows my mind every time. And it has been amazing watching her grow and develop. She is very, very, dear to me, more like an older sister than an aunt.
Then there is this friend that is my sister, by blood and faith. There was a period in my life that we did not get along, and I wanted something from her that she could not give me. Things changed. Mom got sick, or sicker, and Megan came down. Something happened in the pain, I grew to know her, I grew to know my mom more, I grew to know Christ. And a relationship was healed. My sister is so dear to me, and I truly enjoy talking with her, praying with her, praying for her. When we get together, its as if no time has passed. I am so proud of her. She has been an inspiration to me. And though we don't always agree on everything, we love each other for our differences. She is awesome, and I can't wait to see what she is going to accomplish.
I also have this one friend, Shelley. You see, I think we became friends because we have the same name, spelled the same way. I haven't seen her in forever until last night. Yet we keep up with each other in an odd sort of way. And watching her grow up is amazing. She is turning into such a fine young woman.
Facebook may seem like stalking sometimes, but I like to check in on my friends. I like to read their blogs, find out what is going on in their lives. I work when most people are home, its hard for me to "hang out." I have also been able to make more friends because I just talk to them online. Its kind of weird.
Three friends I haven't met in person that I enjoy I met by following links and clicks. One is out in Kentucky and involved with the Crossings church (its a New Thing church.) He sent me a t-shirt once because I wanted one. I wore it, photographed it, and blogged it. I think I started following his blog as a link off of someone else's that I don't read anymore, but I can't remember. I hope to visit him and his family with my family one day (and of course visit Crossings.) The other is a lady I met by looking at friends of friends on Twitter. Then you follow their links and find blogs. Then you read the blog, identify, and send a message. BAM, suddenly you are friends on twitter and facebook. We will meet one day soon. The last is a lady out east that works her buns off. She is a delightful writer and photographer, and I truly look forward to her blogs. We have prayed for each other often. One day, I hope to make it out there, but you never know.
One of my best friends I met because she was my mom's friends daughter. We both loved reading and Anne of Green Gables and found out we were born 6 months apart. Suddenly we were kindred spirits and making oaths to be friends "as long as the sun and the moon shall endure." We have been pen-pals for years, until the advent of email. I can count the times I have actually been with her on my hands. She showed up for my wedding, and was probably the best non-bridesmaid bridesmaid a woman could want. The wedding would not have been the same without you girl! She now has a baby boy, and I can't wait to visit her again soon. I know no matter how many years go by, we will always be endeared to each other.
If I didn't mention you, don't take it personally. These are just a few leaves on my friendship tree. Kind of odd stories that my heart chose to share today. There are a ton of other people on my heart right now, some even I don't even know where they live anymore. Know this, I love you dearly and wish the best for you.
I am just so thankfull for all of my friends, old and new, far and near. Sometimes you just need to remember them, and this is one of those times. It fills my soul.
I also have to thank Epic Theatre Company for putting on Let It Be Christmas. It touched my soul in deep, deep places. It reminded me of a time when I had a dream, that "all you need is love." Only to find out that I still have that dream. My mom was cheering you on from heaven!
And cheesy as it is, thanks to Jesus for being my friend.
Wow, just looking back on Blogger for my entries over the past year... I am amazed at two major points... I was sick an awful lot, and the fact that God has really been sculpting me this year, its so awesome to see it happen. Here are some highlights:
1. I got married. It was probably the best event ever in my life so far. Thanks to all my friends and family who made it happen. I have the best husband ever.
2. I went on my Honeymoon and finally got to see the Grand Canyon. I felt so tiny in comparison to that. Yet it was really comforting to know that God cares for me, despite my insignificance in the universe. Sedona was also super cool. It was an experience I won't ever forget. Thanks to Dave's folks for the plane tickets and the rides, and Dave's brother for the house. And thanks to all the friends and family for all the cash gifts at our wedding, we couldn't have enjoyed our honeymoon without your generosity.
3. I got to wear a suit at work. This is odd for a person who wears pajamas (scrubs.) I will be doing this again in '08!
4. I changed my schedule. God put it in my heart to do so, and so I have, and it has literally changed my life. I enjoy being a part of Celebrate the Journey EVERY Tuesday.
5. My cousin Tammy got married! I was a first time bridesmaid. It was a fun wedding, Tammy glowed! Oh and I like her husband too! I will miss them when they move to Indy in the early spring.
6. Mom was laid to rest. On the one year anniversary of her passing (07-07-07) we scattered her ashes into Lake Michigan, and then went swimming! It was so awesome, and freeing. I love you Mom, see you when I get there.
7. Ignite Chicago! I got to see my two favoritest bands in concert! Tree 63 and David Crowder! It was fun, and my sister adopted a child.
8. Babies! A good friend announced that she was pregnant. Also several people at work are also pregnant, or were and now have babies!
9. I gave in and joined Facebook. Be my friend, I need more people to poke, bite, and bomb.
10. The great remodel. We moved into Dad's house for 6 weeks and lets just say I am so glad to be home, so much so we vacationed here.
11. Abby tore a cruciate ligament in her knee, she now limps.
12. We moved back in the house, then had a small fire, lived in a motel for 9 days. Yeah, its was fun, not! Praise God that its all good now.
13. I won the most likely to star in her own reality TV show at work. Funny, my life IS like a reality show.
14. Miss Daisy Mae joined Muffi and Georgie and several others in Doggie Heaven. She was a good dog. She is missed.
15. I gave my testimony. Me, I got up on stage and told intimate details of my life to friends and strangers. It was one of the most freeing experiences of my life, and I did a good job.
16. The thing we haven't made public yet. No, I am not pregnant, but intimate friends know whats up. I pray for a peaceful resolution in '08. I know its redundant putting up something I cannot tell you, but lets just say it is that big and affects me that much.
17. The spare room is occupied. Pray that our friend Paul is able to get on his feet soon.
Happy Old Year to all of you. I have grown more than I could ever imagine, and I have to give God all the glory.
Here's to an even better New Year....
Yes that's right folks, according to my co-workers, I have been nominated most likely to star in their own reality TV show. I think this is hilarious. You know why? My life IS a reality show.
I look back over the last few years and wanted to share some highlights that probably got me qualified to "win" this title.
~I got stranded in Mexico (lost my ID and couldn't fly)
~My best friend shoved a piece of cake in my face at work (no, I did not laugh)
~I have been known to break into dance at random (especially at shift change)
~Mom's illness/death
~Dad's marriage to her caretaker 4 months after she died
~My engagement of only 3 months
~numerous "work" related dramas (I dare not say more)
~my dryer fire post remodeling
~an current event I cannot post yet
I laugh, I find this all funny, because I have survived! I am alive, and really happy (unlike most reality stars.) I don't care that people see me and my life and laugh, because I laugh. This is the joy of having Christ in your heart. Life is not easy folks, but it is for living and loving and laughing... enjoy! Thanks God!
Dave tells me he is hoping we can get into our house in a week. That means this is the home stretch for going to our "new" home. When the housing market says you can't sell, we just decided to make our home new. Pray for us.
Doc said I had food poisoning. When 12 hours after you eat you vomit up that same meal, good indication of food poisoning. Also fever and body aches. Good news is that means I will not be getting the rest of my family sick. Doc says it takes 5-7 days to have a new stomach lining. I guess that means my fancy steak dinner is out.
I have missed too many birthdays to count. October is apparently a busy month for my family and friends to be born. I apologize. I feel horrible for missing you. Because I miss you. I love you. Happy Birthday.
Saturday marks the one year anniversary of Dave and I getting engaged officially. It was also our first date that we set for our wedding. I am soooooo glad we moved the date up! First of all, our pastor is now in KC. Secondly, I think I would have had a dozen ulcers and broken up with Dave if we waited this long. Seriously, I don't know why people wait when they know. Being 30 does help... Anyways, it was the best decision ever to get married to Dave, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you Dave, you are the best husband ever! Okay, you are the only husband, but you have exceeded my expectations, and I just love you sooooo much!
Enough mushiness. Now I must return to life, easy does it. No more pajama days. Now I go into work and wear scrubs, which is like pajamas, only it has the hospital logo on it instead of stars and moons. Oh, and I have to wear a bra.
Thanks to the few cheesy tools that come with my camera, this is a "cartooned" pictured of my sister from my cousin's wedding. She is about to say "You aren't gonna take a picture, are you?" Um, yeah, and this was the funniest one ever.
Anyway, Megan is coming down tomorrow. I am so excited. We are going to the Ignite Chicago Concert, which is actually taking place in Schaumburg. I personally am looking forward to seeing the David Crowder Band, Tree 63, and Seventh Day Slumber. They are also going to have these blow up games, but I highly doubt I will be doing any of that.
Megan is another person who is totally passionate for Christ. She lives up in Wisconsin. She has her testimony up on YouTube. How brave is that? We have gone through so much together, and because of Mom's illness we have gotten closer than ever before. I love her so much. Plus, how cute is she? She was also the world's best Maid of Honor EVER!!!!
I thank God for such a beautiful, loving, caring, and awesome sister. She has always been my special treasure, and anytime we get together is a blessing. I am really looking forward to listening to some great music and praising God together with her tomorrow. It will be a phenomenal experience. She has given herself to Christ 10 years ago, and me only one. This makes her my younger in age sister who is older than me in faith. But that is cool. I cannot wait to share this experience with her. Just another way for us to connect... and I know our connection will never end.
After my cousin's wedding on Saturday, I got sentimental. First, I have to say that Tammy was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. Maybe it is because of the sparkle in her eyes, maybe just because she is... I don't know. Mike is one lucky guy. Too many highlights, plus it is not my story to tell. Just know that I had a blast and am truly blessed to have Tammy as my cousin, and I loved being her bridesmaid.
Sunday was Father's Day and Megan, Dave and I threw a BBQ at my dad's house. Dave's folks also came by, and we had a good time hanging out and eating yummy food. Megan made dad's favorite cookies and I got to bring some home (lucky me!) Abby also got to hang out with Rugby and Daisy, so it truly was a family outing.
Today I had plans to hang with a friend, but the power went out and changed her plans. I ended up at my dad's house looking at my wedding photos on his computer (my DVD drive is busted on my computer, so I had to go somewhere else!) Then I went shopping for some scrapbook stuff. I feel like I didn't do much. I only say this because it is a "vacation day" for me, and I didn't have to work. The rain doesn't help my mood any either.
I am feeling sentimental, and looking forward to getting these photos I am having printed back tomorrow. I am looking forward to ordering more and doing my wedding album. I can't wait to see Tammy's photos when they are available.
I am so glad that I got married. I know it sounds cheesy, and some people don't get it. It's okay because I do, and that is all that matters. Dave and I looked at each other a lot during Tammy's ceremony. I hope I always carry that feeling of being in love in my heart, that this is not a "honeymoon" phase. I think it will as long as we never stop growing. Looking back and being sentimental is a way to appreciate how far we have come.
Man, have we come far...
Here is my cousin, Tammy at my 80s themed bachelorette party. Notice the infamous "shoe shirt." Well, Tammy is having her bachelorette tonight, and her wedding next Saturday. Kudos to Tammy and her sis Ashley for throwing an awesome party for me in January.
Congratulations on finding such a great guy for you. I wish you both all the happiness Dave and I have found, and more.
Now tonight is girls night out, so don't be ringing up my phone! I cannot say what the plans are because she wants a surprise, but she will enjoy it.
Tammy, I love you dearly, and am so excited to be one of your bridesmaids. I know your wedding will be beautiful! In the meantime, lets PARTY!!!
Happy Birthday (a day late because I didn't get to post yesterday) to my sister Megan! Here she is toasting me at our wedding reception. (Tammy my cousin, Megan, Me, Dave from left to right in photo.)
Over the years, we have had our ups and downs. She was my little baby sister, and my very first memory is bringing her home from the hospital. When we were kids, I was always going to move out of our shared room and live in the basement when we fought. Mom wouldn't let me, thank God. When we moved and each got our own bedroom, we fought less, but probably grew apart more. Puberty can do that. When I stormed out of the house in a rage, so did Megan. Technically she was under 18 and thus running away, and I felt bad for my influence on her, but I had to leave home. We have been through a lot. When Mom was dying, she quit her job and came to live with Mom to take care of her. This actually gave us a chance to heal many wounds. (Thanks Mom, another blessing from your suffering.) Megan is also an awesome personal shopper, but that's a different story.
Today I spent a good hour on the phone with Megan. I love it! We never used to talk like this, and now we do. Though we are miles apart, we talk on the phone and she is right here with me. We talk about our day, what we are doing, and what God is doing in us. We find out what we can pray about for each other. For the first time in a long, long time, Megan is more than just my sister, she is my friend. Now the wounds are healed and a true relationship is being built on the Solid Rock. (That would be Jesus, in case you couldn't figure that one out.) I love her more than words can say, and even though we may end up further apart in distance, she will always be with me here in my heart.
Thank you Megan, for loving me.
Thank you God for helping us to heal our relationship.
Happy Birthday to me!!! For my birthday I thought I would humiliate myself by posting a picture of me at my 80s themed bachelorette party. Props to Tammy and Ashley for throwing me a super-fun, totally awesome, bodacious bachelorette partay!
Plans for today are lunch with my aunt Robin and work. Well, at least I get to see Robin!
Just wanted to say we are back... and exhausted! Dave and I had a blast, and will update you all soon. In the meantime, pardon us while we take naps in between doing laundry.
Tuesday was my last night off as a single woman. Dave and I decided to make it our last single date night. Not too crazy considering we are marrying each other, but it was! Not to sound silly, but Dave and I felt almost like we were on a "first" date.
We started out by running errands for the wedding, this was not part of our official date, but in a way it was. We stopped by the post office, it was closed in honor of Gerald Ford. 20 people must have come in, looked confused and left while I was in line to buy stamps at the machine. How is the world supposed to know? It was not even posted until you came inside the building?!?! We then headed to the salon to get his hair cut, and I lined up someone to do my hair (my previous arrangement fell through.) Without boring you, it was kind of neat to be at a salon with my future husband. Guys aren't much for getting their hair done, well at least Dave isn't. But we built repiore by enjoying some time together in a new place doing a new thing. Dave got to see me get highlights in my hair, tinfoil, head under the dryer and all. Who does that on a first date?
We then went home to get ready, I did my makeup etc. Then we headed out to the site of our first date: BD's Mongolian BBQ downtown Naperville. On the ride down I did the same thing I did our first date, head the wrong way by mistake (I did not intend to.) Dave tried to talk about his nieces and nephew like he did on our first date. The wait was 45 minutes! We walked around downtown and then sat at the bar and had a drink. It ended up working out well, because by the time we ate, the line was short to get our stir fry grilled. On the walk back to the car, Dave and I talked. We decided we would rather have one of today's date than one million of our first dates.
We then decided to drive around Naperville and check out the chapel where we are gonna get married. It is beautiful at night. The stars and moon shone in all of God's glory. We also found that Naperville accidentally built our wedding cake down by the riverwalk. We should talk to someone about why they wrote 175 on the cake... The rest of the date was spent watching a movie at AMC Cantera 30. It was a good movie, could have been a bit shorter. Not enough action for the time. The Good Shepherd was directed by DeNiro and starred Matt Damon. We left glad we did not work for the CIA.
So, I end my single life glad for this: I am marrying the man I love on Sunday.
8 days to go! The countdown continues. Dave and I are hanging in there. That is me on top, trying to keep Dave from jumping (notice his eyes are open, he is on guard). We had another groomsman drop out, but have worked out the details. I have not yet updated our "The Knot" web page yet, so hang in there with us.
We got in touch with all our major vendors to let them know about the lineup change, and everything seems to be cool. In the meantime, we have to trust that God (the tree in the photo in my parable) is going to keep us safe and secure. The best part is that God doesn't break like real trees do, so no fear...
10 days to go until the wedding! No wonder all my nails are gone! People ask me how I am doing. I guess I am ok, it hadn't really hit me yet, but I suppose I am feeling the crunch because my fingers are getting raw. I suppose I had better start finding other things to chew on. This baby has the right idea, don't start biting your nails, ever!
In the meantime, I have to harass people who have yet to respond via card or any manner. I paid the money to put the stamp on the envelope, how hard can it be? Oh, I am just as bad, I never send the thing either when I cannot go. I just don't want any surprises. Hi, I didn't know all 4 of you were coming, too bad we don't have enough table space!
I really should call my DJ. He is the only one I have not talked to since November. I need to tell him that Joe isn't gonna be a groomsman. I need to get the list of songs from my piano man to list in the program. I need to get my shoes. I need to shop for more decorations... I need white lights. Ok, well it sounds like I need to go to bed, but now I am too stressed out!
I just totally dig the expression on this rabbit here. Pretty desperate rabbit to lug out the hair dryer, er hare dryer. It doesn't look like that here though. Snow has melted. Every once and a while you come upon a black lump of ick that used to be snow. The only snowmen out now are the inflatable kind. So is global warming finally rearing its ugly head? Are we doomed for a horrible ice storm or blizzard later this winter? Well, only God knows. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in what the weather is going to be like. Maybe its because mom used to be paranoid about bad weather. Maybe it is because it is the only thing out of my control. I keep thinking and wondering what the weather will be like for my wedding. I worry about the safety and travel of my guests and participants as well as what the day will look like. It is out of my control, and I realize that. So, why can't I let it go?
It is an important day. I know that my wedding happens only once in a lifetime. I cannot control the weather. I cannot control much of anything past what I have planned. What I want more than anything is something huge and overwhelming. Something I totally have very little control over. I want God to use this opportunity to show his love to people whose hearts are still hard. I want God to melt hearts at my wedding. Not for me and Dave, but for God. Is that ambitious? We are supposed to be lanterns, beacons of light for Him. I just pray that God is known at our wedding, and that our marriage brings his light to many others.
It won't happen overnight. Took nearly 30 years to melt my heart totally. Now I am all for him. Mold me God, shape me to your will. Let me be a light for you. If not a giant one, than just a tiny beam. I want the world to understand what it means to be resurrected. Jesus has brought me back from the dead, and he can do it for you. He can heal you. Let him. Jesus loves you.
Ok, cheese factor of 10 for this post. I apologize, but I am in love...
Yesterday, Dave and I got together with Troy McMahon. Troy is the pastor who will be officiating our wedding ceremony. We went over the ceremony details and Troy even had Dave practice repeating the vows after him. I got "mushy," as Troy called it, hearing Dave speak those words. This is the part where I thank God for waterproof mascara. After all, the photos happen after the ceremony. We also realized we need more music that I thought, and promptly notified our keyboard player. I also called Becky who will be doing a reading from the Bible for us. I kind of decided on this pretty much last minute, which is why I only asked her yesterday. Megan will also be singing a song, which she wrote. I am super excited about that.
I guess the way I will try not to be too "mushy" at my wedding is by thinking of Troy as Buzz Lightyear, Stretch Armstrong, a teddy bear, or He-Man thanks to his wife Janet and her blog entry about Troy being a toy. That is much better than picturing my guests in their underwear.
Now comes the part where all the details come out. The last 30 days of planning are here. Where does this go, who sits where, which song plays when. Have the dresses come in? Will they fit? Will all the groomsmen get tuxes, and in time? Will my dress fit? Will I be able to get everything done in time? Will I have enough money for Christmas and the last wedding details? Will I forget something?
The important part is that Dave and I both show up, oh and Troy. We are making vows before God, before friends and family, to love, honor and cherish each other. Yet I know we only do this once, and we want to do it right. We have the licence, Troy could have made it official yesterday! But we are gonna do something right for once in our lives. I know we are blessed by God, and we want nothing more than to be able to bless others with our wedding, our love, our faith.
Thank you to Troy for being such an important part of our lives.
Yesterday I had the day off. Dave and I took a trek to the county government complex. After finding the right building, we were sworn to tell the truth, and handed over thirty bucks. We had to say who we were, and that we were not blood related. We also had to answer who our parents are, where they were born and where they now live. I got to use the word deceased. (yeah) With that, Dave and I were given a licence to wed. Starting today, and until January 29th, we can get married in DuPage County. Of course we will wait until the 7th of January, but how exciting is that!?! This picture is Dave with Abby, our Jack Russell, our daughter. Can you see a little bit of why I love him in this photo? I can.
Kodak makes a pretty neat camera. It is very user friendly. So much so that I did not need to read the manual to read it. The software is the same. I was able to take this picture of Megan and Rugby and turn it into a cartoon. I miss my sister. She seems to be keeping herself pretty busy in Kenosha. I seem to be keeping myself pretty busy here. It's amazing how the holidays make us think of those we miss. Megan misses Rugby, I am very sure.
Thanksgiving came and went without many tears on my part. Yesterday at work I had a flashback of Mom. That was tough, remembering her asking if this was the end, if it was time to say goodbye. I cannot forget the look in her eyes. Then I remember how she isn't here, how she won't be here; not for Christmas, not for my wedding, not ever. That is when I miss my family the most. They remind me of good, living times with Mom. They keep going, keep loving, keep living, keep Mom in their hearts. That is what Mom would want. She wants us to be happy, to live our lives to the max. To party hearty, and dance all night long. So while I am gonna miss Mom at my wedding, I want to throw a party to make her proud. I am gonna do it surrounded by everyone that I love (that can make it anyway) and dance all night long. Ok, Dave, we will leave early. If I learned one thing from my mom, its not to follow her example with everything she did. I promise we won't be the last ones at the reception.
My fitting took all of 15 minutes. The lady was really nice, and my bustle will look so good when done. For those of you who know what I am talking about, it will be a french bustle. For those of you who don't, you will just have to wait and see. I then got a chance to do a little shopping for stuff. I ended up not buying much, or getting any centerpiece ideas. I can't believe how expensive unity candle stuff costs. Its just some wax! When I got home, I asked Dave and he said he didn't want the candle. Phew! I would rather spend that 40+ bucks on flowers. The candles being like 20+ and the holder for the candles being like 20+, they sure know how to put newlyweds in debt. All the favors seem so cheap, and who likes stale jordan almonds anyway? I don't know what we are going to do, but I guarantee you there will not be any stale jordan almonds.
Speaking of flowers, I have an appointment soon, better get going. Wish me luck!
Well, I made it back to work today. I practically lost a lung in the car on the way in. I decided that my fridge was desperately empty, so I went to the grocery store before work. That made me "work" before work. I was feeling fine when I woke up, but what I forget is as soon as I do something active my lungs cannot handle it. My first patient came and I couldn't even make it through the exam without coughing. Thank God it was a relatively slow night, and my co-workers helped me out in the OR. I could not make it some days without their compassion. Thanks to all my compassionate co-workers, I love you guys.
I love my job, I love what I do. The thing that gets me sometimes is that sometimes some people do not want anyone else to have a good night. Do you know those type of people who are miserable, so they want the rest of the world to be miserable with them? Sometimes I have to deal with people like that. Not everyday, but you would think that people would want work to be a pleasant environment... Oh, I give up. Some people never change. It is not my job to change them, only they and God can do that. I just need to learn how to deal with my frustrated emotions.
Cough, cough.
Busy day tomorrow... I have my first fitting with the seamstress for my wedding dress. Then, an appointment with the counselor for our pre-marital counseling. After that, I will head off to Alpha for dinner and a movie. Dave is going to the doctor tomorrow. I think he caught my cold, plus he still has vertigo. If he is not up for Alpha, I might not go and just spend the night resting, because I probably need it too.
This is the time of year for new friends and old. The time when magic seems to be in the air to those who are open to the possibility. 
