My computer is fixed. I’m here.
I thought about entitling this post “I Have A Brain Tumor” or something catchy like that to draw people’s attention to the fact that I’m writing again. But, while that might draw more people’s attention, I realized that announcing I had a brain tumor would, in fact, be untrue– at least to my knowledge. So, in any case, here I am, still writing and tumor free.
A recap of recent Chicago months…summer in Chicago is wonderful. The weather is nearly always perfect. I had no idea there was a beach here. A REAL beach. Like, with sand and waves and bikini clad people and stuff. That’s pretty cool. Jack and I have taken advantage of the city’s many offerings, which means I went shopping one too many times. The upside to shopping one too many times–great thrift finds and cool city views.
The church I prematurely announced I was dating got dumped, and I dated about 10 million other churches behind that one. I’ve finally settled on one out, of all places, in Wheaton, which is about 30 minutes away. It’s the least likely place I would’ve thought God would call me to go to church in. It’s kind of like Christian Disneyland where there are more churches per capita than probably anywhere in the U.S., everybody dresses conservatively and has McCain bumper stickers next to their “Jesus loves you” bumper sticker, and all the streets are named after missionaries and church founders. It’s also the home of Wheaton College, a prestigious Christian university that I once upon a time considered going to as a 17 year old. But the church is great, and I’m especially excited that about 10% of the congregation are missionaries,50% of all church giving is toward missions, and they have so many people interested in missions that they run a small missionary preparation program. So yay. That’s some missionary fun.
I had my fourth wedding anniversary on the 21st. That was not as much of an emotional shocker now that I’ve been through a full year of dates and anniversaries where Nate wasn’t there when he was supposed to be, but somehow it surprised me when I was more sad that I thought I would be. I got through it all right, though. Tomorrow, Jackabee turns 2. I was telling a friend this earlier, and just wrote, “Insert bawl here” after the good-and-evil-at-the-same-time sentence “Jack turns 2 tomorrow”. It’s especially good-and-evil that he can now tell me he’s 2 out of his own little 2-year-old mouth. Oh…little ones grow so fast. I love him so much it gives me wrinkles. We already had a party 3 weeks ago when my family came to visit, prompting 3-year-old cousin, Levi, to think that Jack’s birthday must last at least 3 weeks, which is oh so disappointing because after Jack’s birthday comes Levi’s birthday. Anyway, tomorrow I’m going to give him his present from me, and we might go to Chuck E. Cheese or something fun like that.
Last but not least, my sister-in-law and I have started a speed walking club, which makes my coolness factor go off the charts of cool. Not only are we speed walking, but we are speed walking while driving our huge baby joggers, complete with sunscreen clad babies in floppy hats bouncing around in them, down the street. And, you know, though we might have somehow crossed the barrier from young hip women to borderline matronly/dork with the whole speedwalking club thing– we don’t care because we like it. And hopefully, we won’t be matronly when we don’t get fat because we speed walk. That’s the jist we’re going for, anyway.
So I just thought I’d tell about what I’ve been up to. My first Chicago summer in a nutshell. It’s good to be back…
31 August, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Glad to hear that your back online and tumor-free. The boy is about 9 months from turning two, but he’s starting to exhibit terrible two-ish behavior. I think. I pray it doesn’t get worse.
31 August, 2008 at 7:35 pm
i’m glad you’re back; i feel more connected now- haha, creepy, but still love you and glad that your computer has decided to get back in line. you know, so the rest of us can continue to see the Lord through your words. love you!
1 September, 2008 at 8:32 am
Yay!
1 September, 2008 at 10:13 pm
glad your back! i have missed hearing all your stories!!
blessings ~
btw ~ i dont think speed walkers are dorks!!
2 September, 2008 at 8:12 am
I’ve been thinking about Jack a lot lately. I wish I could see him and hear him say that he’s two out of his own little mouth! I bet he’s the biggest/cutest/adorablest/making mommy tiredest.
Your Chicago summer sounds glorious. I like picturing you and your cute sister-in-law speed walking with your babies. I somehow doubt very much that either of you will ever be matronly. Cool is for wussies anyway.
2 September, 2008 at 11:17 am
Well I was wondering if your computer grew a spine and killed you or something. Shew. I hear Chicago summers are the best. Any summer, as you well know, is better anywhere other than Texas. Uuugh. I used to speed walk, but on a treadmill so it wasn’t so obvious to the general public. Do you swing your hips from side-to-side? That’s the fun part.
2 September, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Whoo hoo! You’re back! I’m glad. Did Jack like his present? Also, would like to see photos of your cool thrift store finds.
BTW, speed walking is actually an Olympic sport, although in the Olympics, it is called race walking. So you’re totally valid.
2 September, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I hate to admit this but I am a blog stalker. I found your blog link off another persons blog and have enjoyed your writing and story telling very much. (So thanks for sharing to the world!!!)
Another random fact I will admit is I grew up in Wheaton. From (1983 – 1999) it is a very nice town (besides the evil looks you get Sunday morning if you aren’t at church, lol). I have moved a few times since living there and am glad I have. Otherwise I tend to say I would have gotten stuck in the conservative bubble. You will have to take your son to the popcorn shop in downtown Wheaton when he gets a little older and take him to Sonny Acres. I have many wonderful childhood memories growing up there. I hope you enjoy Wheaton and Chicago. The area is greatly missed by me at times.
2 September, 2008 at 3:50 pm
YAY! YAY YAY YAY YAY!!! oh my goodness, I’m so glad you’re writing again, and so glad that you found a church you love, and so glad you’re speed walking :) that is so jazzy!
Now that Jack is two, has it been long enough since labor to impart all the gory details to me, your friend who will be going through something undoubtedly similar in the near future? I hope so. I need your encouragement.
love you!
3 September, 2008 at 3:11 pm
woo-freakitty-hoo! Sooooo glad to see you again! Did your mom talk to you about her, me and my mom coming to Chicago possibly?
4 September, 2008 at 12:43 pm
have i told you how much i love you lately? and how much i need you? and how God obviously knew this cause He sent you here? thanks God. thanks Lauren.