32 days and counting. . .

I did not sleep well last night. Have you ever had your sleep interrupted in the midst of a dream? Well, that was my case except it was several different disturbing dreams. I guess I should welcome the interruptions and be thankful I am awake now. I don't have work or school this week. (The online reprieve is just for the online discussion...I have a LOT of reading still to do and a huge exam next Tuesday!)

Even before I get my coffee, I turn on my computer and check my email. This morning my son Steven (who's been in Japan working for the past 17 months) emailed me. His words are always poetic and full of meaning. He is anticipating my arrival in 32 days!

This will be my second trip to Japan except this time I leave before Christmas. It will be strange not to be home with my family. But, I will spend this Christmas with Steven and his girlfriend. Then we will visit Kyoto. Steven said it's been raining non-stop and that the weather is cooling off. I remember the cold from last time so this time I will be better prepared.

I miss Steven so much. He still has another year from June since his contract was renewed. With Cristina leaving in June and him still gone...the house will feel emptier. Phillip is still here but hardly ever really home. I suppose if I can handle a son in Japan, I can handle having a daughter in Michigan. Michigan is a lot closer!

So now preparations begin. I will be decorating the house earlier and making sure the Christmas shopping is done in time! (Jeff and I have spent many a Christmas Eve nights STILL wrapping!)
I need to make a list...check it twice and make sure I get it all done!

32 days and counting...

13. 1 Miles!

I woke up at 5am and looked outside into the dark street. A thick fog covered everything and I couldn't even see the car parked across the street. As I got ready, I wondered about how the drive would be.

Today was a big day for my running group. We would go 13.1 miles for our training run. This is a huge accomplishment for many first-timers and for me it's exciting to be there and help them make it. the weather was cool and the fog had lifted a bit by the beach. At one point we ran on the Jetty and headed toward the ocean that was completely encased in the fog. We couldn't see across the bay. Perfect running weather though.

It took us 2 hrs. 59 minutes! (Right on pace for our 6 hour finish marathon time!) There was a lot of high-5s and smiles! We did it!

The big white envelope!

All week, Cristina has been coming home and checking the mailbox. I normally get the mail but this week I let her do it. You see, she's been waiting for her acceptance letter. Today, it came.
Promptly at 3pm I heard the garage door open and the sound of flip flops flapping on the ground as she ran to the mailbox. She looked in and game a sad look....no envelope? Could it be??

She came toward me and I was puzzled...I'd seen the corner of a big white envelope sticking out of the slot. Sure enough, she left it in the mailbox just to fool me!
We went inside and I watched her as she opened it........

"Congratulations"....I saw the word at the top of the letter! She was accepted! I've known in my heart for a very long time that this day would come. She's been so focused and determined and today she achieved her dream...We hugged and I cried of course--as I was smiling....

So the countdown begins to graduation.....210 days.......

Today's news puts a whole new meaning to my post from yesterday. I don't think it's hit me yet.