Changes

The 25 year old "Mr. and Mrs. Brady" bedroom set is gone. My husband picked it out before we were a couple and is more in love with it now than the day he bought it... I, however, never liked the style. (photo to follow). The beautiful cherry, granite and leather set arrives tomorrow, sometime between 11a and 3p. The room is almost ready, just a coat of paint to go (Yes, I realized that is a big deal but we couldn't paint the bedroom with the old set in it and it was just picked up lasst evening).

She's baaaaackk!

Zyn is back!! The five months is Austria are behind her, thousands of dollars spent and she is returned. Four of her friends, her dad and I met her at the airport and wisked her home for pizza and gifts. It was like a second Christmas for her as she was lavished with "welcome home" gifts, birthday gifts and a few Christmas gfts that we had held back to share opening with her. It surprized me when Cynthia called back to her host family, the Lipps, to announce her safe arrival in the U.S., and Franziska wanted to speak with me. She thanked me for making the exchange possible and taking good care of Nicole when she stayed with us. Even though she has just left their home, her absence is strongly felt and they miss her... even Nicole. We met Nicole for the first time on January 15th, 2005 and Cynthia returned to us January 16th, 2006, almost exactly one year. The exchange was exciting, nerve-wrecking, sad, happy, funny, miserable, loving, fighting and now that it's over very bittersweet - like my favorite Austrian candy. I am very glad we did it, not just for Cynthia but for our whole family and the Lipps.

Crabby in Michigan

The sky has been various shades of gray for the last 20 days, with the exception of one day. For several hours on the 23rd of December, the gray thinned and a light cyan emerged and the people of southeastern Michigan rejoiced. The light gray fades to black at 5:15 this evening, the days are getting longer. The air is moist, chilly and heavy with depression.
Bands of pressure and pain have encircled my head for the last two days, a dull ache presses in on my eyes and my inner ears feel ridgid and full.
Depression? Of course! Why wouldn't I be depressed. It spills out through my mood and slaps those closest to me. I see it happening and should stop it but I let the misery win and enjoy sharing it for a moment. It's mean, without a doubt, and I hate having done it only moments later. Later, my cause will plead understanding, forgiveness and space. Above all... space. Space to be alone with my pain and able to sulk without judgement. Then...I will want those same loved ones to comfort me with quiet hugs and Advil. Bring on the Advil.