Fall

Happy Fall! Well, I haven't posted since season before last. Yikers. Lots of things have happened. Let mebriefly summarize.

1. We went to California in May to visit Chris' grandmother and celebrate the life of his grandparents that are now with our Lord.
2. Chris went to Arkansas for a music festival.
3. Chris went to Vermont for a music festival.
4. I went on many three road trips to the mountains sans Chris but had a great time overall.
5. We went to Disney World - SOOO much more fun as an adult and with my best friend in the whole world.
6. Christ started his second year of grad school.
7. We bought an IMac (we found photobooth!).
8. I broke up with facebook, again. I believe I will be filing for complete divorce soon.

I must say that all is well. Earlier in the year I carried a lot of anxiety and frustration. I was beginning to feel like a hamster running in a wheel. My longing to want to plan our lives out years in advance finally faced a reality. My faithlessness in God and in Chris was growing like a weed. I will not say that I am completely cured of being human, but through daily prayers and constant reminders of God's love for me, I am able to see that life is not about the destination but the journey. I'm chilling out and enjoying each day for what it's worth. There is something about everyday, Monday thru Sunday, that I can specifically look forward to. I am begining to value these simple moments rather than thinking about what happens in a month, six months, a year, or 3 years from now. I am not in a competition and so when Chris gets a job, when we move, when we have child(ren), when we buy a house, when we settle down.... will happen when it happens.

Spring!

Happy ALMOST Easter! I love this time of year. Chris and I cracked out the gril and carried it into the backyard. We had Emeril's chicken apple sausage (a great buy from Sam's Club) with potato salad and and a nice cold Natty Light (Natural Light... we're saving money by purchasing cheaper beer). It was a nice time to get out doors. We met one of our next door neighbors and had the opportunity to observe some rather odd neighbors. We love people watching!

Cloe is settled into her new home. She's the best cat ever and we're so thankful our landlord agreed to her living her! She is a little quirky at times, but it keeps us entertained!

Chris purchased a new cello and case from a music shop in Boston. The cello was made by a gentleman in Maine and then sent to Boston to be varnished. We also purchased a new bow from a maker in Washington, D.C. Chris is happy as can be. It is a really fine instrument and we're praying it comes in handy for auditions in the upcoming years. His confidence in playing has drastically improved!

I'm still working in full-time pediatrics and PRN subacute care. I'm happy. I've been having an itch to return to school for a doctorate. I know that I am qualified and good at the work I do, but sometimes I feel like if I only knew more, then I could serve my clients better. I'm reading books and trying to stay on top of the game. I plan on taking some more continuing ed courses. I'm limited by money and time. Primary focus right now is to get Chris through school and in a career he enjoys!

We welcomed a new family member on March 9th! Mya Sofia Johnson is my new niece. Chris and I plan on visiting her and my sister-in-law/brother within the next month or so. Chris and I are coming out of the woods from upper respiratory infections/viral infections, so we decided to wait until we could promise we wouldn't spread germs! This is the first baby girl we've had in my immediate family. I'm so excited that the dynamics of holidays and get togethers are about to change.

That's about it for now!

Cloe

It's been a little while since our last post. I really don't think anyone reads this, but at least it is fun for Chris and I to look back and see the progress of our lives. Comment if you're out there :-)

We are adding a member to our family. Her name is Cloe. I was able to sweet talk our landlord into owning a small pet since Chris is going to be gone for most of the summer (anticipating music festivals). I have always wanted to adopt a pet since the ASPCA commercials started. You know, the ones that make you cry? Yeh. So I googled animal shelters in the area. We found the Young-Williams Animal Center. It is an amazing facility with the most caring staff. We filled out an extensive application and were approved to adopt Cloe, a 4 year old black and white cat. She was a stray when she was rescued. She is already declawed and fixed. She will stay at the center for the next few days while they update her shots and screen her for any complications. We did not have to pay a single cent for our dear Cloe either! An individual paid for her adoption (along with many other adult cats) in hopes to protect her from being put to sleep. We decided to pay it forward and donate in memory of Chris' cat Spartacus Gratton. Hehe. We've been prepping our home and have everything ready to go. At first, we were set on a kitten. After meeting Cloe and another adult cat named Bella, Chris made up his mind that kittens would go like hot cakes and it was more important to save one of these sweet adult cats. With a few more minutes of holding and getting to know Cloe, I couldn't have agreed more! We'll keep you posted on how the transition goes, and I'm sure pictures will soon follow.

We had a wonderful Christmas with family. We stayed with Chris' parents for a couple days and my parents for a couple days. We had a great opportunity to visit with my brother and his wife (soon to be parents of a baby girl). I was able to see one of my dearest friends from Washington state and eat at Groucho's at Five Points (oh the college memories). And I had an excellent time doing a little shopping therapy with my favorite mother-in-law. It was sad to leave, but Chris and I are the best of road trip buddies and enjoyed the mountain and snow filled ride home!

Otherwise, Chris starts school back on Wednesday. He's been a world of help here at home during his break. I started a PRN job on Fridays and absolutely love the patients! It is an inpatient rehab setting, mostly geriatrics. My Mon-Thurs full-time job is fabulous. I love my co-workers and love working with kids - which is no surprise.

We are well. We are embracing 2010 and all of it's hidden surprises.