Things On My Brain

I haven't written a post in a while, but things have definitely been on my brain lately.  I'll try not to get to long, so I will just list a few things I've been thinking about.

1.  Thanksgiving in Chicago- We had a wonderful time.  First thing that happened is I overcame my fear of small, cramped spaces and went to the top of the Gateway arch in St. Louis.  It wasn't the most fun thing I have ever done, but it was a great view from the top.  We spend Thanksgiving day with my extended family on my mom's side.  That is always a hoot, especially the men deep frying a turkey.  The meal was great, and the company was even better, especially since we only get to see each other once or twice a year.  On Friday, we went to the Museum of Science and Industry.  This is one of my all time favorite museums.  They exhibits are fantastic and they always have something new to see.  This year we saw an exhibit on the White House.  It gave a little of the history and then had a replica that was amazing.  We met up with Mike's brother, Matt, and his girlfriend, Jessica.  It was our first time to meet her, and can I just say that we love her.  I hope she is a part of our family for a long time to come.  She is amazing and is really good for Matt.  I can't believe we managed to get away and not get any pictures of them.  What were we thinking?  I feel blessed that Matt has someone that matches up with him so well.  That has been a prayer of mine for a while.  I hope she doesn't think I'm psycho, but, I hope we become great friends, even if we do live many miles apart.

I'm a little nervous waiting in line to go up the Arch!

Some of the family chilling to a 3-D movie. That's my great-uncle in the back.

The men watching the turkey fry, thinking that will make it cook faster.  Mike was right in the middle of this, he's the one taking this picture.

2.  Finals- Thank goodness they are almost here because that means the semester will end.  In class last night, our professor told us about our final.  It turns out we are having a take-home final.  Translation:  By next Thursday, we need to have a reflective essay about our experiences and assignments over this past semester.  This essay should be a minimum of 10 pages!!!  This about gave me a heart attack.  Normally papers don't scare me.  It's just the timing of this one and the fact that I don't really know if I can talk about this course for 10 pages.  On top of the paper, I have another assignment due for this class and an assignment for my other class that is due Tuesday.  I also have 6 conferences coming up at work. As a special ed. teacher that means lots and lots of paperwork.  I'm going to kill a whole forest with how much paper I'm going to use.  I know I need to quit whining about it, and just get on with life.  I can do that now that I've had the opportunity to vent a little. :)

3.  One month-That's right, one month from today Mike and I will begin our lengthy separation from each other.  This is something that neither of us is looking forward to or are preparing for very well.  We know it's happening, and it's just making us sad.  I know I should be enjoying every minute we are going to have together until the dreaded January 4th, but that is easier said than done.  I just can't get the thought out of my head that he's leaving.  I can't seem to get past the countdown and really enjoy living in the moment.  This is a constant prayer for me.  I know I have to let go and give control over to God.  He will protect us and our marriage while we are apart.  Not that we are in any real danger, I just tend to be dramatic at times. I want to find joy in the Christmas season and not see it as the end of our time together.  I know if it's God's will, we will have a lot more time together in the future.  So, I need to put my worries and fear aside and relish the time I'm going to have with Mike over the next month.  Then, tuck these memories we make away so they will sustain me until March 20th, when we will be reunited!

I know I had a lot to say, but I feel better getting it out!!  :)

May God bless you like he has definitely blessed us!