An update- finally

Here, There, and Pretty much everywhere—

Hello again my BLOGGETTE’S- how are you? Have you missed me? I have kinda missed myself to be real honest. What a whirlwind of a month- you may be wondering; just where all has he been? Let’s see- Sioux Falls, SD; Kenton, OH; Chicago, IL; Fargo, ND; Bismark, ND; and Minneapolis, MN (I count MN because I spent so much time waiting on a NW Airlines connection that it kinda felt like I had a good visit.

I did make a trip back to the homeland (aka OHIO) to see the family, celebrate Mom’s birthday, see the nephews, and of course go to the Hardin County Fair. I must clearly state that I love the fair—but it is the biggest hillbilly fest of the year. I ate carnival junk food, won a cheap prize stuffed animal playing skeeball, watched a truck pull, observed a pie contest (my sister came in First)- go Miriam, and remembered how go it is to visit home- but how glad I was to get back to my reality in Chicago.

Things are looking a little more quiet out here for the next month or so- only a trip to Central Illinois (Peoria, Bloomington, and Quincy) then a week in Scottsdale, AZ and then a week in San Francisco in November—followed by the holidays—ho ho ho ho!

I was really moved by the 5 year anniversary of the 9-11-01 attacks on the USA. It amazes me that it has been 5 years- and as I look back I can’t believe how much I have evolved and grown as a person during those five years. Some things remain a constant- family and friends- I remember how important it was for the parents to make sure I was OK on 9-11; same is true today. On 9-11 one of my bestest friends Laura and I hung ok- had some bbq- and took a leisurely walk at sunset to just escape the media and horror of what all had happened. Today Laura is still one of my pillars of strength and I called her just yesterday as almost every piece of technology I posses was breaking to vent. I am very grateful for family and friends.


I hope that the past 5 years has been good to all of you- and remember to tell those you love how dear they are to you every day.

For those Chicago friends (Dawn, Missy, Meg, Kurtsy) lets get together soon—I miss you all.

And boeing boy- get your butt up here- we need to paint the town red!


Take care..

Good things must come to an end...

It is sad- the end of another summer . Of course I am most saddened that I can no longer wear the ever so fashionable white pants since it is past Labor Day (that is the least of my concerns). This year it seems particularly of note as I have been in my new home for 3 full months, and what a crazy 3 months it has been. I told my friend Helene when she came to visit that I was going to have a "Summer of Fun" and just focus on enjoying all that summer had to offer- and so now that is past and I need to have a "Fall of Focus"----OK I admit that sounds cheesy enough for a politician. In all seriousness I need to focus on establishing routines, friends, and a sense of community in my new home. It is also time to really dig the heels in deep and start showing my stuff on the career side- this summer was all about discovering who my best customers would be- I now have a better idea of who those folks are and I need to focus on bringing in the bucks!

On the weekend report - I was pleased to host a fabulous Labor Day cookout- I had approximately 15 friends over and we ran out of liquor two times- I think that is that sign of a good party right?? I think it took 4 trash bags to collect all the bottles the next morning- thank goodness no neighbors have complained as of yet!

I am presently in Minneapolis on my way to the exotic Fargo, ND-- WOHOO-- that is 3-- count 'em 3 new states for Andrew in two weeks- SD, MN, and ND-- that is a new record I think. I leave for a fun family visit to Ohio on Thursday to take in the exotic Hardin County Fair, spoil my nephews, and celebrate Mom's birthday!! Should be lots of fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!