An Exciting Time to be Alive

So, how exciting it is that Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee for President!  His speech at the convention Thursday night was so powerful and again, inspiring!  I haven't been much of a praying person the past few years, but I feel the urge to pray for his and his family's safety.  I really wish for at least four years of Obama-Biden!  

So yesterday was my last trip running errands with Michael for quite a while.  The post office was a nightmare.  It would be perfect material for an episode of, "Curb Your Enthusiasm."  We also went to Target which was fun like always, and then we had to work in a new restaurant (for me), Mr. Gyros.  It was good, but boy oh boy did my fingers reek of gyro all afternoon, even after washing them three times!

Took Helga to have her foot operated on and she did great!  Michael came up to her apartment and finally got to see how amazing it is.  After I reminded her about all the things she needed to do to care for her foot, and offering my assistance as much as possible, I found that I was being overly-helpful.  She's an incredible lady who is so smart, independent, and incredibly determined.  I just love Helga.

Yesterday ended by a marvelous dinner at Fred and Julia's.  I did much better at this dinner than the one before.  This time, I expected many courses and paced myself  really well.  Last time, the pasta Fred made was so delicious and I didn't know there would be more food to come, that I had several servings of pasta and then could hardly finish the remaining courses.  We all had a great time together, except I goofed and started crying at the table in regards to Michael leaving for Boston.

Today is Michael's last day in Kansas City and I have to work during most of it.  What a bummer.

I like to play hostess

I've been living in my loft since February and I had my first overnight guest (Michael doesn't count).  I went to Eastman with Elise and it was really good to see her again and share what's been going on in each other's life in the past year.  I enjoy having company over, especially friends that aren't savvy to the area.  Midwest Pride, right here.

Work is, hmm...ridiculous.  I can't understand how a business is successful (and even that's debatable) with such shaky leadership.  I miss The Halls.

Tuesday night Michael and I went to Michael Davis' house for an amazing dinner of pasta.  Oh my gosh, that guy can cook.  I tried a new recipe for blueberry almond cookies and took some over.  The cookies contained lemon zest and Davis served limoncello; what a perfect coincidental pairing!

Only a few more days before Michael leaves for Boston. :-(

Make lemonade, seriously.

So the saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."  I've had run-ins with family, friends, colleagues, strangers, and the two most important lessons that I've learned are 1. Don't take it personally, and 2. It's, "their stuff."  Meaning, don't take it personally because it's an issue the other person needs to work through.  It hasn't been an easy habit for me to make for myself (this thinking), but it's worth the struggle, so make lemonade!

Work is well...I have good days and bad days.  That's all I want to say about that for now.

Last night Michael and I made Thai food and we were our usual speedy team of "Annie Sugarlane" and "Tom Undermount."  SOOO GOOD!  Made me think of some friends who lived in Thailand for a while, and the night before I wore my hot pink Thai lounge pants.  YES!  We went to the Flying Saucer for $2.75 pint night, had a couple (Overture to) Oberon beers, and met all the new symphony people for this year.  Seems like a nice, fun group.

My first blog

So after reading Madelyn's blog many times, I decided this is the perfect time to start a blog.  I've started a new job as a Key Holder at Burberry, Michael's moving to play with the Boston Symphony, and I'm looking to the MS Society and Wayside Waifs to begin regular volunteering along with my regular blood donations.

Can I get a big, "Oy Vey!"  Michael leaves for Boston a week from today. :-(  Last night, we went out to Westport to try out Blanc Burger.  The atmosphere was the slickest we've found in KC, but the food, not as happening.  It was good, but we like great burgers so the only place to go is the Flea Market.  It was a fun evening though.  First time we've ever "pre gamed" at home and then when we were out, I unintentionally embarrassed Michael by ordering a Shirley Temple.

This morning after having coffee at the Filling Station, we found one of the two Frank Lloyd Wright houses in KC.  The old Valentine/Roanoke neighborhood is so beautiful and the house was tucked away from the road.  We chose not to venture down the drive on a Saturday morning--maybe we'll hit it up again when the owners are at work during the week!  Also went hunting for Drummond houses in old Leawood.  I wasn't thrilled, but that's as modern as you get in KC.