of pumpkins, holidays, & changings.

so, summer has now left us; the leaves are beginning to change colors, and

later this afternoon, we will venture to a pumpkin patch to prepare for halloween.

the work holiday volunteer schedule is up, so here's hoping we get to go home for thanksgiving and i don't have to work christmas, either.

i've become okay with the fact we probably won't be moving back to michigan; the job market and economy is beyond terrible. but we are looking at moving to a different apartment. one with a washer/dryer in the apartment and something that feels more homey and permanent.

in other news, i got david sedaris' new book, squirrel seeks chipmunk. much darker comedy than his others, but wonderful just the same.

changing.

nate and i are ready for something new and different...

amongst other things, i want a different, less stressful, more consistently scheduled job.

we are currently pursing a move back to Michigan. which, two years ago, i never thought i'd say. but it seems like what we need right now.

if it is meant to be, it'll happen. if not, we'll see what else is around the next bend.

[and i really want this house.]

lovely days.

nespresso coffee.

relaxing morning.

brunch out; quiche.

sunshine.

music on repeat.

fresh flowers.

no errands.

a clean house.

what a wonderful day off it is; spending it with my husband.

sore throats and sick days...

the last time i was really ill was the whopping cough of last summer,

but i just got hit with a bad virus of some sort;

awful, awful sore throat and feeling very fatigued.

i went to a take care clinic today

where they tested me for strep and mono.

both came back negative, so who knows what i've got.

took a sick day today, and have slept most of the day.

probably will have to take one tomorrow too.

i just can't imagine going to work while feeling like this.

sand and surf...

we are on vacation with our family in florida for just a few more days.

we haven't had the nicest, warmest weather

(it's rained a couple days, and has been quite windy too)

but we still are enjoying our time at the beach

very, very much!

[the worst day on the coast is better than the best day landlocked.]

counting down the days.

it's just a little over two weeks before nate and i will board a plane

and spend about ten days with my family in sunny (hopefully) and warm (hopefully) florida.

we spent last weekend with my sister, she'd driven down from school for a short visit.

it was lovely to see her.

while she was here, we did some shopping.

and, let me tell you, it is nice to try on summery clothes.

i cannot wait to be able to wear skirts and dresses and sandals and flip flops.

now if i can just get though these next couple of long weeks at work.

readying for florida.

because my parents are so fantastic,

we will be going to florida in a little over a month.

and because marriage has put more than a few pounds on us,

and because we want to look our best on the beach,

we have been hitting the gym and eating better,

(no more coca-cola for awhile.)

and it's paid off: we've lost a good deal of weight, and are feeling much better.

we cannot wait for florida!