Two down, one to go

Well, I survived the recital and the FL trip. Now to get a start date and prepare for NJ.

Recital: went well. We did boomwhackers for an opening number and then did the rhythm boomwhackers to end it. Subway is definitely a better choice than pizza - it was devoured and could have used more. Everyone did well, though I don't think anyone (including myself) played it without making mistakes.

The day itself was really crazy. Funny how I'd forgotten that, but it was. I dropped the van off at the dealership in the morning to get the warranty work done on it. The day before the ABS and check engine lights came on, so I had them check those out as well. Turns out that took a LONG time to take care of. We ended up needing to replace a few sensors, but one of the parts wasn't in stock. I was hoping the van would be ready to pickup before I had to be at the church for the recital, but it wasn't. And to top it off, my phone was on its last of the battery juice so it was hard to coordinate as a result. I left all the recital refreshments in the back of the van thinking I'd have it back by then. Mom ended up stopping by and retrieving it for me. I sent Dorian to get the Subway (cost $15 more than I thought it would) then after the recital we had to do all this car hopping to get the van and the truck home - while I was also treated to dinner for my birthday. It was craziness, but it all worked out thanks to fantastic friends and family. Julie was awesome for calling and offering to do whatever needed to be done to make my day better. She ended up taking Aaron and Jared for the day and she brought refreshments for the recital. So did almost everyone els, so there was a ton of food.

We went to Cheesecake Factory for my birthday. I tell ya, it is my friends that make my day special. I didn't think I cared, but when I got ice cream with a candle to blow out from the restaurant I got a little teary eyed at having the opportunity to make a wish and blow out a candle. I need to learn the lesson to not order a salad for my birthday dinner though. Two years in a row I've done that and been disappointed. I did however really enjoy my chocolate coconut cheesecake - tasted like a magic bar and sometimes like an Idaho Spud. Good stuff. Julie surprised me with a new outfit and Melissa got me a blouse too. Makes me feel like such a bad friend that I don't do more for them. It was really nice of them. Matthew got me the webcam I wanted :D

Florida - was crazy. Lots of wasted time, but it was still fun. I went indoor skydiving at IFly. It was awesome.

Happy Birthday to Me

Facebook certainly has brought my birthdays to the forefront of my mind. It was shocking to open my email and facebook this morning to an overflowing of posts. Once I remembered it was my birthday I was like, oh yeah. Most people give the token 'happy birthday' (which I am guilty of as well), but the few heart-felt posts are really touching.

I think it is the stress of all the chaos and planning of trips and reality of Matthew being gone that is setting me so emotional. I feel so distant from everyone and emotions are on the edge. Today especially I have felt 'tipsy' with tears. I feel like I'm on the brink - disengaging myself from everyone. I need companionship, but at the same time I don't want anyone very close for fear of exposing what may lie beneath 'the smiling eyes'.

There's so much to do, yet I feel like nothing is getting done. Spinning my wheels and going nowhere. Still no start date. Matthew may have to be in NJ this weekend for drill. May not make it in to FL Monday. Need to transfer the reservations to Mom and Dad's name. Need to make a baby carrier, fix the van, do laundry, pack, fill totes, clean house, prepare for the piano recital, find someone to feed the fish and tomatoes....