So Far, So Good

I didn't see a doctor afterwards, but considering that I was released to the hotel, I'm going to assume things went well. I have a follow-up tomorrow at 1 o'clock and then we hope to be on the road home.

Thanks to everyone who checked on me and who prayed for me. Fingers crossed for good news tomorrow!

Tomorrow

I've got a procedure tomorrow that will either fix things for the time being or lead to emergency surgery. I was feeling pretty down about it considering my track record until I talked to a friend that helped to snap me out of my funk. I'm still nervous, but I'm going to hope for the best instead of expecting the worst. I'm at the very best place I could be and in the hands of some very talented people. Regardless, I'd appreciate prayers tomorrow afternoon and evening that things go well and no complications arise either during or after the procedure.

What to do on your day off...

I had a day free of doctor's appointments and there's not much to do in Minnesota, so Mom and I spent the day in Minneapolis (or maybe St. Paul) at the Mall of America and Ikea.

I didn't buy much since the stores I was interested in are also in Nashville, but it was fun to look. The people watching was especially good and I've picked up a couple of Minnesotan phrases that make Mom laugh every time.

I'd never been to an Ikea before and I have to be honest--I was really disappointed. Neither of us bought anything. I am as far from being a modernist as possible when it comes to home design, so I wasn't surprised that I didn't like the furniture, but there really wasn't a single thing that really tempted me. Oh, well. Been there, done that.

Now that I'm back at the hotel, my legs are killing me. I wish I'd put a pedometer app on my phone to see how far I walked!

Familiar Names

On the drive to Minnesota, I saw so many familiar names. Do you ever wonder why so many cities and towns have the same names as others throughout the country?

I think every state has a LaFayette, but I wonder if there are any other names used in every state?

We drove through Waterloo, Athens, Louisiana (Missouri or maybe Iowa?), Bowling Green (Missouri, not Kentucky) and many other places that reminded me of home.

I'm going to the Mall of America tomorrow. I would be happy enough just going to Williams-Sonoma to add to my wish list, but I'm sure I'll find other stores and maybe even ride the indoor roller coaster. I wonder what familiar names I'll see on the drive there?

Another crazy thing--it was after 9 before the sun set tonight. It's crazy how much of a difference being farther north makes on the length of the day.

Halfway there!

Wednesday night--more than halfway to the weekend!

I wish I could go to bed soon, but it seems like there's always something else to be done. I had to work late to compensate for the long lunch I took today (to run errands, mind you). After leaving work, I needed to run by the grocery to get a few things for the bridal shower we are throwing for a coworker on Friday. After I finally made it home, I had to eat before tackling my ever-growing to-do list. My plants needed watering and there is always something that needs to be cleaned. Also, I'm going out of town after work on Friday so there are things to pack and lists to make. Oh, me and my lists!!

I've mistakenly thought today was Thursday all day, so it's a welcome relief to know that I have another day to get this week's projects done at work. I was starting to get a little stressed! Especially since I had an hour and a half training on how to use my PHONE!(we're getting a new system)!! That's 90 minutes I'll never get back! Haha

I'm going to knock a few more things off my list and get to bed. My goal is to actually get to work early (or at least by 8) tomorrow. This hasn't happened in quite some time, regardless of when I wake up.

PS--I didn't post yesterday, but it was Emma's 4th birthday! She celebrated the day with "dog cream" AKA Chick-fil-a ice cream. She was one happy puppy even when she got her face washed afterward. I laughed so hard when she had ice cream all over her head--that's what happens when you stick your whole head in the cup! I don't know what I would do without her sweet, spoiled self!

Company's Coming!

My good friend, Molly, came by tonight and we had dinner and caught up on each other's lives this evening. I am so glad we met at Auburn in the MAc program and became friends!

Having someone to talk to that actually understands what our jobs require is so refreshing. I miss having people that not only understand, but I can speak freely with. It's really freeing to not have to worry about what you are saying and how that could affect a performance review or a possible promotion. This type of job is very political and I love being able to relax and not worry about opinions for a change.

I love how easy being friends with some people is. It doesn't matter how long it's been since you actually saw the person because you just jump right back in where you left off!

I definitely wish we lived closer to each other, but we are already planning my trip to Memphis hopefully in July!

Running around...

...like a chicken with my head cut off. That describes how I have felt since Thursday afternoon. A last-minute trip, a couple shopping excursions plus getting ready for a visit from a friend from the MAc program makes for a busy couple of days! I'm afraid this "headless chicken" mentality will make for a disjointed post, but oh well. Please forgive me.

My Grad School BFF, Molly, is coming to visit tomorrow. We've only seen each other once since we finished school, but we talk often and commiserate about our jobs and respective busy seasons. I'm so happy to finally get to see her and show her my house, but you know what company means...manic cleaning sessions. Thank goodness I just had company two weeks ago so the major cleaning has already been done. I agree with Mama that it seems like I'm always cleaning. I don't know how there always is so much to do when I live here alone!

I did get to have some fun today doing one of my favorite activities: retail therapy. I ran out to Target early this morning intending to only buy hangers. However, I ended up with door mats, baskets and, most importantly, a year's supply of my hair mousse that I thought had been discontinued. You better believe I bought their entire stock--all five bottles! I was one happy girl!

Then, this afternoon, I went to Opry Mills with one of the girls from work. This was my first trip there in years--it has been closed due to flood damage since before I moved to Nashville. She is getting married in about six weeks and we are throwing her a shower at work on Friday. We were shopping for a dress for the shower, but I couldn't resist picking up some flip flops for Mom and me.

Tomorrow morning, I plan on going to church and then catching up on a little work I didn't get done due to other distractions last week. I've got to keep my chargeable hours up even during the off season.

Since I mentioned the last-minute trip, I guess I should say something about it. Nothing is urgently wrong, but this isn't a pleasure trip either. If you know me in real life, you can ask me about it and I'll tell you what I feel comfortable sharing. Also, if I act weird(-er than usual) next week just know that I'm really nervous and have lots of scenarios running through my mind all the time. Why is waiting and dreading often so much worse than the actual thing?

On a unrelated note, it's a good thing I haven't gone to sleep yet because it just started raining and all of my upstairs windows were open. This weather has been so nice, so I decided to get some fresh air upstairs. Also, I was really hot last night and refused to turn in the air conditioner when it was cooler outside than inside. I wouldn't mind if it stayed like this for a while. Unfortunately, I think that's just wishful thinking.

One more thing...is anyone else planning on watching the coverage of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee tomorrow? I set my DVR earlier today and I'll be recording BBC coverage for most of the day. It's not as exciting as William and Kate's wedding, but is something to watch, nonetheless.