Random thoughts

Long time no see...

Well, Andy and I have been busy.

My parents came down for a visit the first week in October. They were here 9 days. That is the longest house guest visit we have had to date ;-) It was a really good visit, but I didn't get to spend too much time with them during the week. Work has been really busy and I was having to stay late, almost every day. We were able to do some really cool things. We went to Lookout Mountain, Raccoon Mountain, did some hiking on the Cumberland Trail and Raccoon trails, cooked out with friends, and went to a fundraiser for our neighbor's daughter. BTW, our neighbor's daughter broke her neck (C1 and C2) a couple of months ago...she is recovering well. Her name is Brittany Stockburger, if you could keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Andy had his 28th birthday this past Friday. We had a great night. I made ginger/wasabi marinated pork chops with broccoli and baked sweet potatoes. For dessert, I made him an apple pie. With some money I have been saving, I bought him a tool belt. He does have quite the "honey-do" list going, so I thought he could use a good tool belt to help him in his activities. :)

We are coming up on our 2 year wedding anniversary. I have been doing a lot of thinking about the last 2 years. Things have gone by so fast! Some days it seems like yesterday and others it seems like we have always lived in Tennessee. I really love being married to Andy. He is such an awesome husband. He really is my best friend and the first person I want to talk to or see when something comes up. I never thought a relationship could be this great. We were talking the other day about how when people say, "Relationships take a lot of work." Andy and I had 2 different opinions on the subject, but in truth we agreed. They don't take a lot of work. They take a lot of trust. You can't always be right. You can't always be heard. You can't demand your opinion to be the best. With all that, you then have to trust your partner won't take advantage of you giving them your trust. I know it is more involved that that, but in truth I think it really comes down to trusting your partner with your feelings. I am so happy Andy lets me be me and vice versa.

On Tuesday, for our anniversary, we are going to the Bald Headed Bistro in Cleavland, TN for dinner. Our friends Wes Young and Carrie Hertel are going with us. (Yes, Wes was the MIA groomsman). Since they couldn't be with us 2 years ago, we wanted to hang with them that day. The Bald Headed Bistro is having an October Fest...

http://www.baldheadedbistro.com

On another note, I have signed up for the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis, TN December 6th, 2009. I only have 7 weeks to train, but I think it will be a good race and I hope to do well. My best friend Candace Crawford is doing the 1/2 Marathon, so we will be rooming together and celebrating afterward. I am really looking forward to seeing her and racing. Not sure what, if any, my goals for the marathon will be; but I will keep you posted as my training continues.

Take care,
Heather

Chattanooga, TN -- 55* Sunny Wind ESE 1 mph - Humidity 46%
Bloomington, IL -- 59* Sunny Wind SSW 19 mph - Humidity 53%
Aurora, IL -- 59* Partly cloudy Wind SSW 15 mph - Humidity 57%

Looks like IL is warmer, but give me 1 mph winds vs. 19 mph any day ;-)