Dream Realities

KK posted something the other day about dreams and the importance of them, and although she meant futuristic, big goal dreams, I relate to the night-time variety lately.

The past week or so has been filled with some very odd dreams for me. Everything from my house being invaded to my significant other proposing and then turning out to be my ex, followed by a dream where he torches my car and declares me "relationship incompetent." 

What is going on in my demented mind? Clearly the wedding in Michigan has infiltrated my subconscious. 

Luckily, a lot of these dreams were happening in one of my favorite cities, surrounded by some of my favorite people. My Mom was able to join me in Chicago during my conference and we had an opportunity to spend time with my cousin and my aunt in the evenings. This made for good food, great conversation and delicious wine.

I do love Chicago.

Airports

It has only happened one time before today - but sometimes I fail miserably at leaving for the airport on time.

My wonderful other volunteered to get me to the airport by 830 this morning for my 930 flight - but in order for that to happen I had to be up and ready by 715. I think maybe I misheard him - because I was definitely ready at 750...

Then it was raining.
Then he needed gas.
Then I realized I had forgotten to pick up my prescription that ran out yesterday.
Then it was 8 am and I remembered I had to fly out of love field not DFW...

And I would probably get there around 9 at this point...

Then there was terrible traffic - because it rained and it is a well known fact Texan brains melt in the rain.

Sooo I arrived at 905 - checked my bag thanks to the wonderful people of Southwest - and got to my gate just in time to board.

Now the question is: will my bag arrive in Chicago with me?

I really hope that they do in fact mean better when they say different.

Michigan Moments

I could not have been more filled up by the cool breezes and warm smiles in Michigan last week. In fact, I'm missing it something fierce again already. Here's a fun little hodge-podge of the highlights. Some from my phone, some from the wedding photographer, and some from the beautiful Kristin Rahn.

When was the last time you went on a trip that made your heart and soul feel full and hopeful? I think that is what going home, to my real home, does for me.

top left: a scene that is all too familiar, me making Jay Bo up, somewhat against her will. But this time she  was getting married, so it was a reasonable expectation. top middle: KK took this photo while we were at the beach in Frankfort, I think she caught my most contemplative feeling. top right: Me, Jay Bo,and KK on wedding day, just after the ceremony. Congrats Jay. bottom left: rocks off the pier in Frankfort. I can't imagine why I love those colors in my wardrobe so much... bottom right: the wedding party. Me and KK snuggled up in the cool weather and Jay Bo and Tom being goofs in the front. Yes please.

There's Optimism and there's Overcast

In my limited experience on this earth, I find that optimism is no match for an overcast day. The clouds win every stinkin' time.

Today it is cooler than normal, the clouds have rolled in, and the general feel on campus is "graveyard." No one is out and about, no one is visiting, there's no advising and it seems all TCU lifeforms, including our squirrels, have gone home for a nap.

I am day-dreaming of real dreaming at this very moment.

I'm also missing the beautiful sands of Lake Michigan and the crisp apples of my home-lands markets.

Is it time to nap yet?

I'm so looooonley. Oh so loooonely...

I found myself alone in my house last night (alone except for my two ferocious protectors. Don't be fooled by their names, Emma Lou and Bella May could put the hurt on an intruder).

As I cleaned the bathroom, did my laundry and reorganized my closet post-vacation, I realized that I couldn't remember the last time I was alone in my house for more than a few hours.

I am surprisingly productive when I have no one to talk to. And with roomies out of town for a while, I may be the most productive I've been in months.

The one thing I forgot to do was eat. But don't worry, all my jewelry has been organized, my sinks wiped down and dishes done.

I would be at serious risk of talking to myself or losing my mind if I was alone for too long, so it is a good thing that I've got my buddies to keep me company.

The task given to me by GOOD magazine, for the 30 day challenge I mentioned, is to meditate for 15 minutes today. I am not very good at sitting still, but I'm hoping with a quiet house and nothing to distract me but my canine companions, I can sit still and try my best to clear my mind for the meager 15 minutes requested.

I doubt my abilities. Wish me luck.

Blog Grab

One of the blogs I follow, the flowerchilddwelling, posted about this little lady today, and it blew my mind.

This CHILD - yes, child - is 15 years old. Get out of here. And the video was done when she was 14. How is it that I have never heard of Birdy and her incredible self before?

Her voice is surreal at her age. I hope you enjoy this Bon Iver cover as much as I did. It kind of knocked me off my feet at the ripe hour of 9 a.m..

30 Day Challenge

GOOD magazine is calling it the antidote to Halloween. Now, I have come to appreciate Halloween as the "adult holiday" that it now is, with witty Halloween costumes at the right parties - but I like the idea of focusing on health and mental stability this month.

Therefore - I have joined the GOOD.is 30 day challenge. I am looking forward to their suggestions ranging from "remember to floss today" to "meditate for 15 minutes tomorrow morning".

I can always use a swift kick in the pants after vacation (which I will post about after I catch up on my life this week).

Interested in the challenge? You can sign up here: http://www.good.is/post/the-good-30-day-challenge-get-healthy/