A semi-triumphant return

Okay, so it’s been a while. Sorry. First, I was busy. Then I was unmotivated. Then lazy. Then, busy again. And now? Now I have no excuse. Here’s a rundown on the last few months (I’m going to go back a bit to fill in some gaps):

In April, I turned 30! Brian threw me a party of sorts at a brewery near Union Station. It was an informal and very casual get-together after work and I had a great time hanging out with so many friends from so many eras of my life: from high school to college, Chicago to Wisconsin to DC to Maryland, my first years at SEED to my current years, my single life to my almost-married life! No one thought to take any pictures of the people, but here’s a picture I snapped of my feet while waiting for Brian to meet me:

I also finished graduate school that month – after nearly two years, I submitted my final portfolio piece and started to wait for my diploma! I don’t feel much different now that I have a Master’s degree, but it sure felt good to be done writing papers and discussion posts! Here’s a picture of my (BIG) fancy diploma:

In May, I went to Miami with Elizabeth, Marcia, Karen, and Rachel (and Cole – Cole was there in spirit!). We celebrated my birthday, my completion of the Master’s program, AND my rapidly-approaching wedding! We went to fun places for good food and entertainment:

We spent a lot of time on the beach:

And we enjoyed plenty of delicious cocktails:

At the end of May, Brian, his mom, his sister and I flew to Chicago for the Midwest bridal shower. Hosted by my mom, my sisters, and Maggie, it was a great afternoon at a neighborhood restaurant my family loves (my 8^th grade graduation luncheon was at the same place). I was honored to have so many women come out to celebrate me and loved being able to catch up with folks at my parents’ house afterward.

In June, my students (the first group of 7^th graders I taught in DC), graduated high school. My mom and dad also flew out over Father’s Day weekend for the East Coast bridal shower (hosted by Judy and Erin, my mother and sister in law (to be)). Again, I was moved by the outpouring of love and support.

In July, I got married. NBD. Actually, it was a really big deal! We had an AMAZING rehearsal dinner on a chartered yacht out of Annapolis. The food was great, the wine was flowing and the weather…thank goodness, the weather was fabulous! More than that, though, the boat was filled with some of our very favorite people and to be able to spend a few stress-free hours with them the day before our wedding was priceless.

The next day, we got married! It was a perfect day - from start to finish it was so much fun! We laughed and ate and hugged and drank and danced (and then Brian danced some more). We’re still waiting on the professional pictures, but, luckily for us, we know more than a few folks who are handy with a point-and-shoot! Here's our photographer's "sneak peek" for your enjoyment!

After the wedding, we were off to St. Lucia for a week-long honeymoon. The weather was…weird…but it was warm and there were pools and beaches and volcanoes and all-inclusive food and drinks to enjoy. Brian and I had never really vacationed together before this trip (we’d taken trips before – to see family, go to events, etc – but never a legitimate, just the two of us, vacation) and it was wonderful. I even managed to take close to 100 pictures, which is unheard of for me!

In August, I went back to work. I got a manicure to help me be excited. It chipped the very next day. I tried not to take it as an omen.

Also in August, Judy and Erin traveled to Italy for a little over a week. They had a fantastic time until Erin fell in Venice and broke her foot. In two places! Not that she knew that then. Poor Erin. And Kara had her baby – Connor Wayne – at the end of the month. He is gorgeous and adorable and I can’t wait to get down to the Keys to meet him! And Elizabeth started law school – I’m so proud of her, making the scary jump from full-time employment back to full-time student!

The other big thing in August, which was not at all fun, was finding out we had a bedbug infestation. You can say it – EWW! But after throwing away our bed (ALL of it), washing all of our clothes, cleaning our carpet, and living out of piles and plastic bins for a month, we are hoping we have it under control.

And now it’s September. Kids are back at school, although my high schoolers won’t check in until after Labor Day. Brian and I are going to the MD State Fair on Saturday and picnicking at his mom’s house on Sunday. The exterminator comes back on the 7^th for a second inspection, at which time we hope to get the “all clear.” Cole’s having her baby soon, Brian’s going to NC for work in a few weeks, Maggie’s bachelorette party and shower are also in a few weeks. Then, I’m going to a conference in Chicago and Maggie’s getting married and then it’s Thanksgiving and Christmas and Chanukah and New Year’s. Phew!

So, there you have it – most of my year in review. Big things, people…big things!