Addis Journals, part one.

Addis Journals, part one.

So, after debating how I could possibly write about our recent trip to Ethiopia to visit with our kids' birth family and then to Rome for gelato-fueled sight-seeing, I decided to do a small series of excerpts from my journal.  8/6/12 After a long plane ride, a...

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Countdown to Lift-off.

Countdown to Lift-off.

We have official passed the tipping point; we are now so close to our family trip to Ethiopia and Rome that there is not a single thing more I can do. Simply put, it's out of my hands, and I couldn't be more relieved.  Despite my absolute best intentions, there...

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Red Wine does not equal Gatorade… Who Knew?

Red Wine does not equal Gatorade… Who Knew?

Friends have been checking in to see how my marathon training is going and how I'm feeling about it. "Stupidly optimistic" has been my standard answer, because, in truth, things have been progressing fairly well: I've completed all (well, all-ish) of my cross training...

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Supper time… or not.

Supper time… or not.

Last night Hubby and I fulfilled one of our deepest fantasies. No. We didn't go all 50 Shades of Grey over here, you guttersnipe. It was much better. Last night we ran away from home.  I had no idea it would come to this. You see, Hubby has been working 12 and 13...

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Aaaaand We’re Off!

Aaaaand We’re Off!

Sixteen weeks until the Twin Cities Marathon, which means training starts in earnest today.  Gulp.  Of course I've been running all spring, the darn training plan starts out with an eight mile run, so you don't just hop off the couch and leap into that....

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Home Improvement, Somewhat.

Home Improvement, Somewhat.

Oy. That was a slog.  I've been keeping a low profile the past several weeks, as I have been engaged on the home front; transitioning into the end of school, fighting raccoons, and embarking on a fairly major home improvement jag. Whew! It's been exhausting....

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We’re In the Money!

We’re In the Money!

It occurred to me the other day, whilst mentally turning over everything in my life that needs to be fixed, changed, refurbished or redone, that I really only have one problem;  A lack of enormous piles of cold, hard cash.  I can't tell you what a relief...

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Frackin’ Raccoons.

Frackin’ Raccoons.

For the past several weeks we have been trying to oust a family of raccoons from our roof. It hasn't been going very well.  My sister called it immediately when I complained to her about the aggressiveness of this particular trespasser. "Baby raccoons." she...

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What Can I Say? Momma Loves Chocolate.

Did everyone have a great Mother's Day? I did. There was breakfast, cooked by someone NOT me, a back rub, a boatload of chocolate, a picnic and a movie. That last bit was my idea. I've been jonesing to see The Avengers all week, but normally can't justify seven movie...

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The Cleopatra of the Midwest.

The Cleopatra of the Midwest.

Last night I slept the sleep of the just. Or at least, the sleep of the justifiably exhausted. It's been a crazy couple of weeks here, and yesterday signaled the end of our exertions.  Spring is insanely busy for us; lots of family birthdays proper, and weekend...

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Recent Comments

  • Pam on I’m fine.We will not be looking back on these years with a happy chuckle and a thought of how whimsical the Universe can be, but I imagine the silver linings will continue to provide useful, elegant lessons in how to love this life we are living. You are a blessing and joy in my life and I am much better for knowing you. And this entry is freakin' hilarious!
  • Geanette on I’m fine.You amaze me. That’s all there is too it. The fact that you are willing and able to even LOOK for a silver lining is breathtaking. And then you make me laugh outloud. “And the award for best use of the word fish stick in a simile goes toooooo......!” Oh Melanie.....keep filling our hearts with your observations and keep us laughing. We need inspiration like you. And now ... bonus ... I can say I’ve “read” Rilke! Big love, G
  • Pam on There are RULES, dangnabbit!Wow! Who is the noble cobbler? Mine took six weeks to repair the strap on my bag that I carry every day. I am aware that your cobbler didn't say that they would be ready in two days, he just agreed that she could pick them up. I am delighting myself with the fantasy of her coming in to get her eight unrepaired boots and stamping her tiny foot while said cobbler merely swings his awl to point to the wall -- Ready in Two Weeks.
  • Melanie Danke on Wakey, wakey.Gosh, you are sweet. Thank you for that.
  • Geanette on Wakey, wakey.Didn't think I could POSSIBLY love you any more, but after reading this one. I do. I do indeed. You make me laugh when there's nothing to laugh about. You make me see the world with new eyes. No small feat. God, I love you!

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