ahhh....

I'm throughly relaxed. Seven days in the sunshine, hanging with the kiddos, reading, pedicures and going to bed early and waking up late will do that.

We went to the tree lighting and fireworks on Captiva beach Friday night. It was small town fun - it felt a little like July Fourth in Tekemah. We were joined by long-time Indiana friends, the Houston's. You might recognize Scott as The Piano Guy  from his public television series. The unexpected part of the evening was getting 'felt-up' by Santa! This photo was taken just after both of his hands were firmly on second base. You can see me pushing Santa's hand away with my right hand. Unfortunately, thats the closest I've come to having a date in years.

You can find more vacation photos here.

I left J.R. and Anna and the kids at the airport this morning and spent the day reading, downloading photos, watching Lifetime channel movies and swimming at my usual extra-day hotel spot. And I'm wearing the same pajamas I was in that post, if you're keeping score.

I know I've turned in to an interment blogger. Its a vicious circle - I don't blog for a week, then I start feeling guilty, then I feel like I need to write something spectacular and then I don't write. I also believe that if I don't have something nice to say, don't write it down - so that explains some of my silence. Nothing tragic. Work has turned in to a job, not as fun for me as it used to be. It's still an amazing organization and I believe with all of my heart that I belong there and I'm doing a good job. And I'm trying not to let work consume me.

So here's to next year - and having more of a romantic life than a frisky Santa.

thanksgiving

I am thankful for John Deere green and Chevrolet red.
I am thankful that I live in a country where I can travel without fear.
I am thankful for the men and women protecting our country.
I am thankful that I can so easily keep in touch with friends and family and make new friends with the awesome infrastructure our country has.
I am thankful for my jobs and all of the variety and opportunities they afford me.
I am thankful for my sense of humor and the chance to use it and laugh until my sides hurt.
I am thankful that I have a sturdy place to live and a new roof on my garage.
I am thankful for my usually-running truck. And would be extra thankful if the truck actually fit in the garage.
I am thankful for my amazing family. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I grew up in a different household.
I am thankful that I have a strong sense of right and wrong and my faith in my fellow man.
I am thankful for my love of reading and writing.
I am thankful for my hairdresser who keeps the grey at bay.
I am thankful for Orville Redenbacher.
I am thankful that I'm a 'glass half full' chick.
I am thankful for my health.
And my blogger friends, I'm thankful for friendship, entertainment and doors you've opened to me.

the future

Hello! I'm flying on a jet plane - as I type! Air Tran has onboard WiFi available. I feel like I'm flying in to the future.

Sorry I've been gone so long. I realized that I use blog writing as my reward for being caught up on other writing projects. As you can tell from my long absence, I'm never caught up! I'm going to try to get out of that habit. I enjoy the blogging and I think it helps me be a better writer.

I'm exhausted and should be catching a cat nap on my way to Sanibel, but the lure of blogging in air was too much to resist. And I'm spending a lot of time on this flight entertaining the kiddo behind me and helping the elderly folks next to me maneuver their seat belts, arm rests and pretzel bag.

Here's to sunshine and dipping my toes in the sand!