Apartment Hunting

This morning I went apartment hunting with future roommate Lauren. We had a great time driving around and saw a couple of darling places that we're hoping will work out. Cross your fingers for us.

In my mom's words, "You're doing really grown-up things, Maggie."

Really, I would just love to move in here. Sigh. A girl can dream.

Balancing Act

Picture via Google Images.

It's been a busy week. Filled with:
food adventures
good friends
preparations
stress
school
slightly awkward situations
fun, fun, fun

And I would write about it all, but, unfortunately, I'm balancing right now, and there's no time for blogging.

Kids come in three days.
Lessons must be planned.
Birthdays must be celebrated.
Relays must be run.
Recitals must be attended.
Fabric must be purchased.
Alphabets must be hung.
Friends must be called.

Busy, busy, busy. I hope I make it.

Life is good. Even when I'm busy balancing.

Let the countdown begin!

37 days left!

Meanwhile, back at the gym

Last night's gym visit was a kick in the pants.

One of my old friends from my days in LEAP was on the bike behind me. Surprise! It was so fun to see N!

Did you know yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act? I realized I'm much more sensitive to those kinds of things since my sister now (temporarily) has to deal with life in a wheelchair. I was touched by the story of Rep. Jim Langevin who became the first person to preside over the U.S. House of Representatives from a wheelchair.

I actually watched part of the Tour de France! Who knew that hundreds of people biking through Belgium could be so riveting?

I also got a fair amount of reading done when I switched from the elliptical to the bike. I just started The Alchemist after a friend of mine told me it was his favorite book ever.

What is your favorite book ever?

Love it

Don't you just love the smell of rain in the summer?

Tonight I drove home just as a thunderstorm was beginning. Raindrops dotted my windshield, and I hurried to get inside. Then I cracked a window and sat there just loving the delicious smell of the rain falling outside.

Tonight = heaven

Picture by Beth Logan. I purchased this print on a road trip to Seattle. Mmmm... good times.

Start spreading the news!

Pictures from New Years Even 2009.

Carrie is coming home on Wednesday! Oh my goodness gracious! That calls for a celebration!

Carrie told me the good news while grinning from ear to ear. She is more excited than the rest of us put together to finally be out of the hospital. Eleven weeks is a heck of a long time.

Our stay at the hospital hasn't been all bad, though. We've had great nurses and doctors who have gone above and beyond their job descriptions to care for Carrie and our family. We've had many root beer float parties, mozzarella stick nights, and field trips around the hospital. Visitors have brightened our days and made sure we don't go hungry. We've grown closer as a family, and we've had an excuse to see each other every day.

Carrie has handled all of this with such grace and strength. She doesn't complain and she never fails to thank those who help her, even if they're just bringing her medication.

I am so excited to have all the Hortin girls well and happy. My sisters are absolutely remarkable. When we all get together, we laugh and talk and joke for hours. We just 'get' each other. Isn't it great to have that bond with sisters?

Even though Carrie can't wait to get home, I'm sure that she's just a little disappointed that her valiant attempts to find me a boyfriend during her hospital stay have been fruitless. :)

So... I saw it.

... and it was good!

I was fairly surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. That fact might have had something to do with the company - I went to see the movie with my BFF Jennifer. We've been friends since we were seven.

I am Team Jacob to the core. He is just dreamy. I loved the scenes in the tent and I almost cried (I know, sappy) when Bella went to visit injured Jacob. However, I prefer to read about the kiss-before-the-battle with my dreamy werewolf over watching it on the screen. Seriously - reading that page of Eclipse leaves me weak in the knees.

I must admit that I am a little embarrassed that I've read all the books and I've now seen all the movies. I don't think the series are the best books ever written. In fact, I've described them to many people as 'cotton candy for your brain.'

But, oh, I do love cotton candy.

A little thought

Image found here

A few things that make me smile

Watching Star Trek at Evergreen Junior

* watching movies on the grass
* big cereal bowls
* messages from friends saying they're running late when I'm running late, too!
* correct grammar - and people who use correct grammar. :)
* big sunglasses that make me feel like Audrey Hepburn
* wooden roller coasters
* stores that wrap your purchase in white tissue paper
* hugs from sisters
* learning to stand pivot :)

Snapshots of a hero

"A little stronger every day, no matter what comes my way."

~ Carrie

Where I've Been

I've taken a little break from the world of blogging because I've been here:

EFY!!!

It's been an amazing two weeks. I have made so many new friends and had so many great experiences. I would love to do this for the rest of my life.