Here & Now

Spring Fever

I am using one of my apartment complex's primary attractions today: the pool.  It is my first visit and I am glad Jenna and Mom are here to bring me out to enjoy it.  It is about 6-70 degrees and the sunshine and warmth feel amazing. I love the soak-up-the-vitamin-D joy that comes with being in the sun after a long winter inside.  I also love my sprint card, which allows me to be productive while at the pool.  Happy Sunday!

Mid-March

I feel like writing ... but, frankly, I feel out of practice in putting the thoughts in my head down on "paper".  A little bit of what's happening lately, list style.

• Atlanta is in bloom.  It feels like a miracle to see the cherry blossom trees flowering in March (especially after returning from dreary, brown Minnesota).
• I finally got my Georgia license plates last week.  The single plate (only necessary in the back here in GA) reads "BGK", which reminds me of one of my most time-consuming work responsibilities: background checks (I manage Assurant's background/drug screening program).
• I have been 25 for a week already.  It doesn't feel too different yet.
• I watched my first "High School Musical" movie tonight, with Mom and Jenna, who are visiting for spring break.
• John doesn't know it yet, but my mom bought the apartment a gift: a Smokey Joe Weber grill.  He is going to be very excited. 
• Work is all consuming lately.  That means I've gone back on some of my New Year's intentions of fully taking care of myself, balancing my time, making time for the important things outside of work, etc. I am disappointed - and hope to get back on the wagon again this week.
• My taxes are done - love checking that one off of the list. 
• I just developed my first photographs from Shutterfly.  I am so pleasantly surprised at their quality -- enough so that I am jumping ship from my RitzPix affiliation (Shutterfly's iPhoto integration also helped sway me).  I love the ease and I intend to get more photos in physical form soon. 
• Mom and Jenna are both frequently texting.  It amuses me constantly to hear their phones chirping -- especially my mom's. 
• Speaking of texting, I've started to do it myself a bit as well.  I love that I also convinced John to "step back in time" and start using his phone keyboard a little more himself.
• I am surprised to say that I like the show "Ace of Cakes." 
• I was finally able to move my Delta SkyMiles (why didn't anyone tell me I could use my NWA number with Delta two years ago?  I am unsure) to my NWA account.  Love the magical abundance of miles equaling flights!  
• After a week in Minnesota for week, it felt good to come "home" last night (although the goodbyes continue to be difficult).  I like how right Atlanta is feeling so far.  

  

Wish I Were There

John had the most amazing birthday this year -- the perfect day: sleeping in, massages next to the sea, staring out at the Caribbean most of the day, nachos and drinks.  

My birthday, on the other hand, won't be in Mexico, but I am lucky that I get to spend my first birthday in Atlanta back in Minnesota, with those I love most.

Supporting a Cause

My mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) late last year.  We are still learning about this disease and what it means to my mom and our family.  As a result, my family will be walking in their first MS walk (something I am bummed that I cannot participate in from Atlanta) in May - consider helping the fight against MS by checking out the team website: Walsh's Pink Panthers team page.