Summer. Meh.

I'm taking grad classes.  All.  Freaking.  Summer.  It really sucks.  Yes, I want this degree.  Yes, I'm doing it in an economical way that I can actually pay for without a loan.  Yes, I'm learning some things.  SOME things.  Yes, I know I waited way too long to start this darned thing.  But (pouty face), I want a summer!  I have so many things I wanted to read and plan and do, and these classes are seriously cramping my style. 

Plus, I have seriously mangled my back.  I've been on major anti-inflammatories and muscles relaxers for over a week.  It even ruined my last night that Jeff was here.  It's starting to royally get on my nerves.  I'm going to try the chiropractor this week, and I'm going back to the doctor.  I've self-diagnosed on the interwebs, and I either have a pinched nerve or spinal cancer.  That's the trouble with self-diagnosing on the interwebs.  It's not good for hypochondriacs like me.

I need an attitude adjustment.  I think it's going to come in the form of being with Tracy and the girls next weekend for three days.  I need some Tracy time.  And some Christy Creme.  I've been working really hard to eat healthier.  I've actually lost about 16 pounds, and I know Christy Creme is not on that diet.  I'll get a small cone instead of a medium.  I promise.  Tracy and Christy Creme.  Just what Dr. Tena ordered.  Not that I've looked ahead on the Christy Creme sherbet calendar or anything, but if anyone was wondering, the flavors when I'm at Tracy's happen to be raspberry, blackberry, apricot, and lime.  Not a pineapple in sight.  See?  It's meant to be.

Tracy's Birthday Weekend

Andrew and I hit the road Saturday morning, heading for Council Bluffs. We listened to the Hawkeye game and enjoyed the beautiful fall day. Our destination was Tracy's house, and our purpose was to attend her 40th birthday party.

Now Tracy is not one who likes to call a lot of attention to herself, but when confronted with the question of how she wanted to celebrate her birthday, she thought of the perfect thing. She wanted all her dearest friends around her so they could get to know one another. Beautiful idea, yes?

After an afternoon of visiting and enjoying the kids, we grown-ups went to the Kitchen Emporium and Wine Shop in Council Bluffs. There were 16 of us, and we had a great time. We laughed, we ate, we drank, we talked, and we laughed some more. It was a great party. We started with a meat and cheese platter, and then we all ordered from the menu. Lacie and I split and shared... she ordered the Hawaii 5-0, and I ordered the Roasted Veggie Focaccia sandwich. They were both deeeeelicious! The evening ended with a chocolate/raspberry/layered/dreamcake. WOW!

It was so fun having Andrew there with me and introducing him to my friends and Tracy's family. At the end of the night, my face hurt from smiling so much. What a wonderful problem to have!

On Sunday, we had a nice breakfast and enjoyed Tracy, Steve, and the girls. When Tracy left for work, I drove Andrew around Council Bluffs, showing him all the places that were pivotal to making me who I am. It's weird that I went to his home in England before he went to my home in Iowa. I had to have him taste Christy Creme, of course! The flavor for Sunday was lemon, and it was perfect. We ended our jaunt by going up to Lewis and Clark Monument... the best view in the area. We stopped back by the library to hug Tracy one more time, and then we hit the road. It was a quick trip, but a lovely one. I loved celebrating my best friend, in exactly the way she'd dreamed up. It was perfect!

hugging my best friend after a rousing rendition of "Happy birthday"

so many laughs

our table... Charity (taking the pic), Tony, Max, Lacie, me, Andrew

my love and me