... tired.
I have recently scratched two things off my "do before ds gets home" list. These included making KT1 a birthday present, and plant an herb garden for ds.
Yes, that's right. I now have the makings of an herb garden on my balcony, including chives, oregano, cilantro, thyme, basil and sage. We'll see how they grow. I said to him, "I'll grow the stuff, you cook it, deal?"
And are you keeping count? I have 12 days!
Guys, I am ti-red. Man. I've just spent the night climbing, and I actually managed to pull the roof on this new 5.9 (DS, you know what I'm talking about). Geez man. And props to me for doing something KT1 couldn't! I am the master!! (okay not really. but it was very nice to not be the one struggling for once.)
Anyway, yeah. I get to work 10 hours tomorrow. So I'm going to bed.
Oh and Dad? Check your e-mail :)
Since no one seems to know what my quote was from, I'm going to let DS answer and get the brownie points...
Go ahead DS, you know you want to.
Also, we've set a date!! We're going to be married October 21st! Woot!
--------------------------------
As I was lying in bed last night, crocheting a birthday present and chatting with DS, I noticed something on the padded side of my pinky finger. I looked more closely...
Serrated paper cuts! How did this happy? My pinky finger looks like my skin has been made into overlapping fish gills. I have no less than 12 cuts, all evenly spaced and parallel, and I have no idea where they came from. This is kinda creeping me out!
When I woke up this morning, groggy from a dream I had in which I fought continuously with DS, I found myself concocting this amazing post on the weirdness three months alone does to you. However, a long day of work, and the fading of that dream, has left me with little to say.
So while it won't be beautifully written, or insightful, here's where I stand. After three months, I've lost many of the habits that pertained to DS and I living together. This includes what little inclinations I had towards keeping things clean. (Please note that while I don't rinse my dishes everyday, which actually hurts me when I think about it, I do spend at least once a week giving the "dirty" rooms, i.e. bathrooms and kitchen, a good scrub down. I'm not a total slob.) I have likewise picked up some new habits that I know will be weird once he comes home (such as always having the car, not shutting the bathroom door, and keeping a very odd schedule).
I've actually gotten used to eating ravioli's and vegetable soup for all of my meals again. I take up the whole bed when I'm sleeping.
In many ways, I feel similar to how I've felt in the past several months after becoming single again. I find myself thinking of and dreaming of him often, and yet I have become accustomed to his absence. When I close my eyes, I can see him with me, doing things we always use to do together. And yet he feels that way, like a ghost, or a figment of my imagination, even though I talk to him nearly every day.
I suppose the major difference is that I'm not sad, because I do know that soon he'll be home. Yet I'm realizing that even when changes happen that don't fix themselves, such as when family dies, I still tend to take things in stride. I don't react the way many people do, grieving for the loss of people in my life. I remember my first love, who broke up with me after 11 months in high school. I came to school the next day, and went about my day much as I always had. And while I was sad, I didn't feel my life was over, and so I didn't act like it. It didn't seem strange to me, but I remember clearly that people thought I was acting oddly for someone who had just been heartbroken. Life hasn't been much different since then. I am often accused of taking death too lightly, and moving on too quickly from major life changes.
I have to say that I don't mind this about myself. The one time that I really did break down after losing someone, the guy I dated for three years before meeting DS, was one of the worse years of my life. No one person's absence should keep my own life from happening. I wasted an entire year of my life that I can't get back, and that's just so sad to me. Though I am very grateful that those experiences led me to where I am today, and made it possible for me to meet and love DS.
Who I am sure would take a year, if not more, to get over losing if it ever happened. So it's probably a good thing he's just become a ghost to me, and not lost.
I guess this was a really long way of saying that life is lonely around here.
| You Are a Frappacino |
 At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low |
| You Passed 8th Grade Science |
 Congratulations, you got 8/8 correct! |
| You Are The Moon |
 You represent the unconscious side of life, what happens in dreams. You are capable of great genius - but also of great madness. Emotions tend to be primal for you, both your fears and your fantasies. Your intuition is always right, listening to it is the difficult part. Your fortune: You are about to embark on a very important journey - and a very difficult one. Some of your deepest dreams will be realized, as well as some of your deepest nightmares. Follow your creativity and visions; stay away from your weaknesses. You are taking a voyage to the center of yourself, and you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover. |
Let me apologize for my recent absence. I have been doing wedding crap. I hate wedding crap...
You see, people keep telling me, "October is too soon to have a wedding. You have to book your venue a year in advance." To which I replied, "Whatever! I'm not waiting that long!!"
However, my "venues" are telling me the same thing. Since when is 7 months in advance too late??? I hate you America. And you too, venues that are already booked for October. And also you too, Seelbach Hilton for costing way too much and being oh so cool.
So here' s page out of MT's blogging book (okay, maybe only the MSPaint part.)
F U wedding world!!
Note the balls of stress and anger, and the flames coming out of my eyes.Have you ever Googled yourself?
I do. I hadn't done this in a while, so I tried it this evening. What did I find you ask?
Actually, I find it somewhat disturbing.
The past few days, Blogger has been having a "filer" problem. The only blog I read that is on this filer is my favorite: By the Seat of My Skirt.
Which means, the past few days have been MT-free. Isn't that sad? I know there are others out there that are suffering in agony like I am.
Update on the job thing: They didn't call me back.. I called them later that day; no answer. We'll try again Monday. Fiends.
Back in January, I applied for a job in my field (read: what I went to school for). I never heard back from them, so I decided that was that and moved on.
Yesterday, I got a call from them, and a number to call them back. Talk about freaking me out! I was not prepared for this. And of course, they would wait until I get promoted at my current job and am perfectly happy there.
Then I called back today. I ask for the extension that was left, and the lady that had called answered the phone. I tell her who I am, and that I'm responding to a message left on my phone.
She has no idea what I'm talking about!
So now, I play the waiting game, as the person who "supposedly" called me gets done with whatever is keeping her busy. Stupid false hopes...
Earring night was a huge success! I had 4 people come over, and each person was able to make at least one set of earrings (well, mostly). Perhaps I can teach crafts to people after all. I had some doubts at first. I'm especially happy that even though the people who had never done it before watched me and thought "no way!", they still walked away with a pair they had made.
Most things really aren't that hard to do, but no one ever believes me until they've actually done.
Now, I have to try to fall asleep with the hiccups. Crap!
Well, my tolerance is about maxed. I've put up with DS being gone, and done it minor complaining, for quite some time now. But no more.
You see, now Spring is trying to come, which means thunderstorms. We love thunderstorms. And instead of being excited by them, I'm sad, because he's not here to enjoy them with me. Even worse, I know he's sitting in nasty, cold, Lyon, and that by the time he gets home, the violent part of Spring may be over.
Plus, my bed is just too big for one person.
I miss you DS...
My grandfather, on my Mom's side, passed this morning. He had been having strokes since before Christmas, so I have to admit I was expecting it. And in a way, I'm happy, because I know he hated being in the hospital. Plus, they discovered his throat wasn't working right anymore, and sending his food into his lungs, so he wasn't even going to be able to eat for the rest of his life. Now, that won't break his heart. Or maybe it did...
At any rate, I'm okay, and my Mom seems okay. I can't always tell with her, she's always been good at hiding things until they boil over. So Grandpa, I hope you can eat lots of yummy foods in Heaven, and that all of your old beagles are there to play with you.
I found this while searching for wedding gowns online. I mean, what is it?? Good lord. That is the worst "wedding gown" I have ever seen in my life. Please, please, make sure I don't wear something this hideous.
You know what time it is folks? That's right! It's girlscout cookie time!! Which means the progress I had made towards my goal may soon be down the drain! It's okay. It only happens once a year, and I've gotten over my fear of running.
I have three bridesmaids picked out for the wedding. I know I want a 4th, but choosing between my remaining few friends is proving difficult. I use to get a lot of crap for admitting that I rank my friends in order of preference, but now you see how important it is to know where these people stand. Besides, how else do I choose who gets to spend what little free time I have with me?
Tonight, I have a big ol' headache. I wish DS were here, because he always gives me the best massages. And he'd walk over to the hot tub with me. I feel goofy hanging out in the hot tub by myself. Stupid France.
You Are From Mercury |
 You are talkative, clever, and knowledgeable - and it shows. You probably never leave home without your cell phone! You're witty, expressive, and aware of everything going on around you. You love learning, playing, and taking in all of what life has to offer. Be careful not to talk your friends' ears off, and temper your need to know everything. |
Well, guys. I made it back safe and sound. Though very very tired. By the time I got home, my sleep schedule was at about 3 am. I should learn to sleep on the plane.
Getting into the US has gotten more and more complicated. The last time I flew out of the country, which was in 2004, I came in through Canada. This was fairly painless. Just got my bags, handed them my customs sheet, and went on my way. There were no real lines, no major security. Smooth.
This time, I flew into Detroit, and was introduced to the new program, US Visit. Luckily, I wasn't visiting, or I would have had both of my index fingers and my eye digitally scanned. As it was, I stood in many many lines. One to have my passport and customs form stamped. Then I got my luggage. One to have my passport and customs form checked. (Twice, really?) One to re-check my luggage. One for the metal detector again.
I'm just happy I wasn't flagged for some reason. I saw more than one person walk away with a guard. I'm also happy that the lines went relatively quickly, thanks in large part to them separating the lines for citizens and visitors. Mainly, they asked one or two quick questions, looked at my passport, and sent me on my way.
At home, I slept for 12 glorious hours. Man I love sleeping.
Since I've been home, I've been debating this ring thing. I'm really struggling between the sentimentality of the ring that got lost so many times, and the baguettes. So I made this photo to help me out.
Not a great photoshop effort, but what can I say? I was tired.
I had to work the very next day, which was yesterday. This wasn't so bad, as I got a major promotion! Woo! Go me!! I am now second in command of the whole store. So look out world! I can finally afford to enjoy you again! It's hello movies, restaurants, and other fun things!
On Sunday, DS and I decided to just up and go to Avignon. Saturday night, we had tried to buy our train tickets and hotel reservations online. Apparently, you can only buy TGV tickets online if you live in France, or in one of a list of countries in "Appendix 2". The US was not one of the 5 countries on this list.
This made for a great adventure, as we had to get up early Sunday morning and head for the train station with no real plans. We got there with enough time to use one of the automatic ticket machines. However, these weren't taking either one of our credit cards. With 10 minutes before the train arrived, we had to get in a mile long line to buy our tickets from a real person. Speaking to real people is always scary, as I can only really read French, but not speak it or understand it.
A street in Avignon
Waiting for the train.
About as close as I got to the Alps, sadly. But still cool.
Avignon TGV
Inside one of the wall towers surrounding the city.
View of the patio out our window.
A pond in the park.
The main square.
DS using one of the "long telephones"
le Pont Saint-Benezet
The newer part of the palace, and the Notre Dame des Doms
The newer part of the of palace.
Enjoying the day.
Statue of Louis XIV in Bellecour, with Notre Dame de Fourviere on the hill.
Outside the Cathedrale St-Jean.
Inside the church.
DS inside the Gallo-Roman museum.
Facade of Notre Dame de Fourviere.
Detail of some stonework outside the church.
Inside the church.
View of Lyon from the hill of Old Lyon.
Another view of Lyon from the hill of Old Lyon.
The remains of a Roman aqueduct.
The remains of a Roman bath's plumbing.
The French are very fond of their story, Le Petit Prince.
This subway has no driver, so you can see the tunnel stretch before you. Which happens to go under the river.| Your Element is Earth |
 Your power color: yellow Your energy: balancing Your season: changing of seasons Dedicated and responsible, you are a rock to your friends. You are skilled at working out even the most difficult problems. Low key and calm, you are happiest when you are around loved ones. Ambitious and goal oriented, you have long term plans to be successful. |
Today was a long day! Pictures will have to come later, as we're exhausted and planning to get up early tomorrow.
I wanted to see Old Lyon today, so we set off for the hill. I love the subway system.
Lyon was originally founded by the Romans, in fact, by Marc-Antony in large part, to be the capital of the newly conquered Gauls. It was called Lugdurum or something at the time. As a result of this, the old town is full of Roman ruins, which we spent a lot of timing playing in today. We also visited the Gallo-Roman museum, which had very few English translations. Really, just enough to make me think they almost tried. We also saw some spectacular Roman theaters, one of which they still use, some aqueduct remains, and parts of an Roman bath. I was in heaven!
Another plus of being an old town in Europe are the gothic cathedrals, of which we toured no less than two today.
All in all, we walked for almost 5 hours straight. My whole body is tired. Tomorrow, we're hoping to take the TGV to Avignon. DS went there in high school as part of something European tour he did, and he says it's the most beautiful place he's ever been. We tried to book our tickets and hotel tonight, but apparently you have to live in France to do that. So we're trying our luck at the train station tomorrow. It's a good thing he has an electronic translator, because I'm learning that I don't remember much of any of the French I learned in high school.
So when we got home, this happened:
We were tired, and were resting on his bed, about the only piece of furniture in this room. We were talking about him coming home, and the things we'd like to do when that happens. Because I'm a sweetheart like that, I jokingly said "you can start saving to get me my engagement ring."
He says "I can't wait anymore." Goes down on one knee, and asks me to be his wife right there.
Now, I mess with him all the time about this. So I think it's a joke. But then he says, "I'm sorry your ring isn't here. It's in Madison, but you wouldn't believe the hassle I've been through trying to get it."
I could not believe my ears. What ring? When did he get it? How did I not notice? He has never been good at keeping things from me. I sat in shock for a while. He starts blabbering about showing me a picture.
And there it was.. my ring. I still don't believe it. I'm engaged.
And now he says I can't have it until he gets home and can give it to me.
So let me just say this to MT and Jesse. You guys suck! I can't believe you've been holding my ring all this time and never let a single hint slip about it! But also, I love you.
Here's his funny story.
He wanted to have the ring before he left for France. The one he wanted was going to take too long to get. At the last minute, he decided on another, and it was overnighted to him. However, apparently the post office worker at his job quit or something that very day, and my ring was lost for about a week. His friend was kind enough to retrieve it, and ship it him in France. However, French authorities in Paris, as it went through customs, decided it might be sold, and added a 500 dollar import fee, which DS didn't have. So, it went back to the US, where it's waiting for him to get home. Now, because of this, our jeweler, who happens to be family, says they might be able to get the one he originally wanted, which is fine by me. That one had my birthstone in the band, which means he paid attention when I told him what I liked. Which is one of the reasons I love him so much.
My current ring, waiting in Madison.
The ring he wanted, except with my princess cut diamond and sapphires where the diamond baguettes are.I couldn't resist doing this one, as I always have an insect illustrated.
I actually woke up at 8 AM this morning. I had a bowl of cereal (which I brought from home), looked around online, and then promptly went back to sleep. I woke up to the glory of noon. Yes, you heard me. That was about 13 hours of sleep. I needed it.
When I finally decided I was ready to face the day, DS and I took our showers and had a sandwich. We said goodbye to Yioryos, his roommate, who is spending the week visiting family in Greece.
Our first task was to find some contact solution. We tried a small shop that sold things like soap and hair dye, but there was no contact solution. Our big fear reared its ugly head, as we were forced to visit a pharmacy. They keep everything behind a counter, and you have to tell them what you want. This wouldn't have been too bad, but my dictionary has no word for contact solution or eyedrops. Luckily, I could see the boxes, and they carried Renu, the brand I use at home. So, I could just point and say "Renu s'il vous plait" and hope for the best. Success was mine!
DS, loving the movie Pulp Fiction, decided he had to have a Royal Cheese and beer from McDonald's. So we did.
After having lunch, which we decided would be the only time we would visit McD's during our stay, he could me to le Part-Dieu, a three story mall. You should note the translation of this mall, which is "part god". Interesting, no? I found a Disney store here, but was disappointed that none of the products were in French. I also spent some time in a stationary store, where I bought a small sketch book (I forgot my travel book at home), and le Petit Prince pencil sharpener, as I also forgot that at home.
Fountain in the center of le Part Dieu shopping center 
You can see some mountains in the background, but they're not the Alps. I think they're a cluster around one called Mont Pilat. I know you're all wondering: "Did she make it!?!
I did!! (You may all rejoice now.)
Here is how my day went, which shall all be in Central Time for your convenience.
9:30 AM DS's mom calls to wake me up at DS's request. She finds this funny.
9:36 AM I go back to sleep, knowing I can get up at 10 and still have 3 hours to finish packing.
10:05 AM I wake up.
10:06 AM A functioning brain remembers that just because my flight doesn't leave for 3 hours doesn't mean my ride won't be there in 1.
10:30 AM Much post-shower panicking ensues as I try to find important things, like my walkman and passport.
11:20 AM Half-eaten breakfast goes down the sink as my ride arrives and tells me to get a move on.
11:30 AM Uncomfortable feeling in my throat as my large suitcases are taking up more than their fair share of a small truck cab, and moving into the space my neck usually inhabits.
12:30 PM Nearly hit by a 2 1/2 year old girl driving a stroller while on the phone with DS. I am informed that she's learning to drive, and that they're on their way to Disney World.
1:30 PM Pleasantly surprised to find I'm sitting with 2 1/2 year old girl on flight to Detroit. We spend the hour looking at tiny houses and discussing the merits of Pooh and Elmo. Occassionally, she switches seats with her twin brother, and I play with him instead.
2:30 PM Land in Detroit. Thought about hitching a ride to Disney World instead, as the flight was only 2 1/2 hours (or so she says).
2:50 PM Find a penny press machine at the Henry Ford Museum store that puts weinermobile pictures on the pennies. Make one.
2:55 PM Run to colored tunnel and take pictures.
3:00 PM Run to awesome fountain and take pictures.
3:05 PM Run from one side of airport to other in search of a food shop that sells subs and not greasy, make-me-have-to-poo-on-the-plane food.
3:35 PM Paged over intercom to stop holding up flight.
3:38 PM Board plane. Excited to have individual tv monitors, as it makes the flight that much better.
4:10 PM Spend some time talking to older guy next to me about his 7th trip to Turkey.
4:30 PM Monitors start working. Watch the new version of Pride and Prejudice.
5:00 PM Eat dinner consisting of chicken, rice, green beans, roll, cheese and crackers, salad, chocolate cake and red wine. Decide I'll eat better if I fly more.
6:30 PM Decide that 2 hours is just not enough time to do that book justice.
6:35 PM Watch Elizabethtown.
8:30 PM Feel happy about watching a movie filmed entirely in home state. Go Louisville and E-town!
8:40 PM Choose music I can sleep to.
9:00 PM Fail miserably at sleeping. Still feel tired.
London lights from plane window
