I turned 30. Turns out, it wasn't that big of a deal. I ate lunch at my favorite restaurant with my darling husband. We had dinner at a great local pizza place with a bunch of friends. I felt loved, appreciated, and very happy. It's been an interesting first 30 years. I'm excited to see what the next 30 hold!
Projects like crazy at work were very time-consuming. I was tired almost every day when I went home. I love my job and I love the people I work with, but the start of 2009 just about killed me!
But, I did participate in another community theatre show. I left this experience happy and having renewed faith in community theatre. It may never win awards in this town, or even truly be appreciated, but it was fun! I met some new friends, reconnected with some old ones, and still miss hanging out with my cast mates! I hope to do another show soon.
After the show wrapped, Tim and I ran away - on vacation. Our 11-state road trip led us to Biloxi and New Orleans, then back through Arkansas. We had a great time. Some observations from the trip - apparently Alabama is where armadillos and semi tires go to die. I had never seen so many of either on the side of the roads. I am slightly concerned about the armadillo population in the world after seeing so many dead on the side of the road!
Biloxi was a lot of fun. We spent a day walking around the city, a day on a barrier island in the gulf, and lots of time just enjoying being away from it all for awhile. We saw the mark Katrina left on the city, how so many buildings are still gone or sitting empty after 3 and 1/2 years, and how many lives must have been changed. One day, we talked for awhile with a Vietnam vet that was at a memorial in Biloxi. his picture was on the wall of Purple Heart recipients. It was humbling to meet someone who had been through hell and back and still loved his country so much.
On our way to New Orleans from Biloxi, we stopped at the Stennis Space Center, where they test-fire engines for the space program. I am so happy I am married to someone who loves airplanes and space travel and all that stuff as much as I do!
New Orleans was big. A lot bigger than I thought it would be. We weren't there long, so we didn't get to do a lot, but we did walk around the French Quarter for a day, took a buggy ride, went to the Aquarium and Imax, ate at Bubba Gump and took in the sites (some good and some a little...risque) and sounds of the city. I wish we would have had more time there, but it's not a place I'm dying to go back to, either.
On our way home, we stopped at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. Turns out, for $7 a person, you can dig for diamonds - finders, keepers. It was rainy and gross outside, and we didn't find any diamonds, but it was still a fun way to wrap up the trip. As we left, we found a Firehouse Subs (Tim loved their food) and then drove through some scary storms.
After vacation, we survived another crazy week of VBX. Tim and I helped out with the skits and Tim made maybe the coolest graphics he's ever done. On top of mornings doing Bible school, we still worked a full week. Whew!
Cameron graduated from high school. He was always a great kid, and he's grown into a great young man. He'll be attending Rose-Hulman in the fall. I hope to see him more since he'll be closer than he's been since I left for college and never actually left Bloomington all those years ago!
And, to top off all the craziness, we're getting a puppy! Her name is Madison and she's a long-hair chihuahua. We just found out we can pick her up on Monday and I am so excited! I've wanted a puppy for a long time, and I am so glad we found one we're pretty sure isn't going to send Tim into allergy fits!
So, that's where I've been lately. Life is good. Full. Happy. Unexpected. Good.
Boy, you have been busy. Sounds like you had a great little trip.
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