tattoo = when? :)

Time

I feel like I don't have any time. I'm always chasing it, trying to fit everything into a day. I've already cut my sleep down to 6.5 hours so that I can have an hour of "me time" from 10 pm - 11 pm. Any less sleep (I've tried it), I can't function.

Work. My lunch hours are finally returning to me. I could definitely have enough work to fill them. And I usually end up only taking half my lunch. There is just too much to do even with four employees to help. I have stopped coming in early at least. And I refuse to stay late (I need to see my husband some time).

The rest of my day. In the morning, while getting ready, I clean the house. Pick up clothes. Start the laundry. Wash dishes. After work, I run errands. Grocery shopping. Target shopping. Appointments. Then I race home to have dinner with Richard. We make a point of eating dinner together every night. This usually the only time I see him during the week. We watch TV and talk for an hour. Then Richard gets ready for work. I play with Logger, Elvis, and Maddy. If it's nice, Logger and I will go for a walk. After Richard leaves for work, I straighten the house, pay the bills, etc. Then I try to work out. I've been getting better at this. I've been sticking to it.

When I am at home, I rarely turn on the computer. Sometimes to update my iPod. Sometimes to look up an address. But I don't check my email. Or update my blog. Or log onto work. I associate the computer with working. And I try to stay away from it while at home.

I miss you.

We need to plan a weekend. Every weekend thus far has been booked solid (to my dismay). So we need to plan ahead. I have lost the leisure of last minute weekends.
Richard has been trying to call you. He mumbles something about my birthday when he asks if I've heard from you.

I miss you.

Do you have any weekends free?

because it's your favorite color

And because you should visit soon: bluff hike, apple picking, wine tasting. Thinking of you.

missing you.

What's up?

autumn

Things that begin in autumn:

- Kelly and Molly (birthdays in September and November, respectively)
- Kelly and Molly's friendship
- Molly's job
- school
- which is the same as Molly's job
- cold nights (curling up in bed)
- pumpkin harvests and apple picking
- fresh notebooks fill
- the great syllabus distribution
- waking up before the sun
- welcoming weekends again (not indifferent)
- long poetic projects
- Kristin and John's wedding
- staying closer to home
- discovering a new layer to the community
- regular adventures to Otsego

We Are Lucky

I take you for granted.

I never have to think twice. I never have to wonder or guess. I know you will be there, always. I know even if we have let time lapse between visits, I know you are there. I know if I falter along the way, you will be there. Through my most joyous moments and earth shattering lows, you will be there. By my side. Hand in hand. Guiding, sharing, loving. Non judging. Just there.

No matter what I may need or rather what I think I need, you always know what I need. A vast ear, a strong shoulder, a faithful heart, a strong soul.

I take you for granted.

You have always been there to pull me out of the shadows. Always there to share in the laughter. Always there. No matter what. No matter when.

I know you will always be where I need you. And you always know when I need you.

I take you for granted.

I love Richard with all my heart and then some. But you, you will always be on a separate pedestal in my heart.

We are so lucky to have each other. To have only become stronger and grown closer over the last 15 years.

I take you for granted because I know we will always be together, without question, without hesitation. You are my best and greatest friend.

we can spend all night here

What kind of luck can a girl have for all this love? What kind of luck can I have, not only for one of the most beautiful and solid group of girl friends rising up to support and embrace, but also for you? Oh lucky life, lucky lucky life.

And I think of these things, as we are reminded to be more grateful: I think of how much time, how much planning, how much sacrifice can go into these things. And then, how much quiet, how much is humble, how much grace.

I think of how I admire you, how I love you, how I appreciate you. How you mean the world to me, and more.