So much to say

Wow, oh wow.  There has been so much to do in my life!!


This marks week three of being sick with allergies and asthma issues too, so that always adds an interesting element to life.  Especially when staying home and getting better is absolutely not an option.  It is finally getting better today though, thank goodness.

What a great time I had Friday/ Saturday this weekend.  It was my 15 year college reunion.  I went to a couple events, specifically to interact with current MBC students, and to see the friends I really treasure from college.  For whatever reason, it has just been really poignant lately, how much I miss some of these girls.

I did not go to my 5 year reunion in 2004, because I was getting ready to leave my first husband, and I was not in a good place at all.  I did not go to my 10 year reunion, because I worked at MBC, and to be there "after hours" for whatever reason, seemed undesireable.  However, I have always regretted not going to that reunion.  Ever since that one, I have been looking forward to 15.

Friday, after work, I went to the mentoring young MBC students event.  There were only 7 students there, and I had three of them.  That was actually very, very good.  I do plan on contacting those students to check in on them and make sure they know I will help them if I can.



After that, I wandered around the new and greatly improved Staunton.  I was seriously like "I could live here..." the entire time.  It was truly just amazing how much things have changed.  It is almost like Charlottesville at this point.  I ran into my friends downtown, and we stood and talked on the sidewalk in the warm sun for a good half an hour.  That was great too. 

I met Holly at a really adorable, great-smelling local/organic grocer.  I have MISSED THAT GIRL.  Oh my word.  She was my very best friend my freshman year and throughout college.  It was so good to see her.  We talked and talked and could have talked forever.  I miss her.  We did lots of talking about west coast living, life, struggles, and the last 15 years.  It was so, so  good to just SEE her.  I left feeling so absolutely grateful for my friends.  For Facebook, which has kept us in touch, and for being able to meet with them. 


Saturday, I got up earlier-than-normal to go to the regional ASM meeting.  Asher went with me and was absolutely adorable.  He is *so* friendly and hilarious.  Everyone smiled because of him
He just makes everything so funny and memorable.  He was sure to tell EVERYONE, "my mommy says I am an excellent scientist, like YOU!" hahah!!  Love that boy so much.

When we were leaving, he saw the teeniest stream and decided to go for a walk through it.  That was fun.  He had algae across one of his shoes when he got out.  He was like "ewwww!!" and I pulled it off to show him how little space it takes up when it is not stretched across a shoe, or floating on the water.  He saw this as an opportunity to smear it on my leg, which he thought was just hilarious :-)


Once home, I did a photo session for the sweetest family.  They just made my heart so happy.


After THAT, I met Sarah Grace and Shannon and we rode to Staunton.  We met Sherri, and had a truly lovely dinner at Zynodoa.  The food was really pretty special, and the three hours with friends was just incredible.  It is really great how things have worked out for my three friends.  Each of them has the best relationship and love in their lives.  It was really nice to hear their take on those things, and to catch up.  What a wonderful evening.  I am so grateful I have such truly incredible friends.

I ran into Michal and Denise downtown

Dinner at Zynodoa

Holly and I

Asher and I

Beautiful, lovely family

Headed out to Zynodoa

This song has been really appropriate for the last week or so. It has made an impression on me that is fairly rare these days.  Not just the song, but the video.  It really resonates deeply with me.