It All Happened Too Fast

Just yesterday I was pleased that Dave had decided that buying a house was a good idea. And just last night we had a long chat to be sure that it's the right move for the us. And just this morning we went to look at one. And just two and a half hours ago we put in an offer. And just 30 minutes ago, I was informed that soon we will be the proud owners of a house on Windy Court.

Jesus. It seems like something like this should take more time and thought. Of course, one day I'll realize this is just how Dave and I make decisions. After all, he asked me if I wanted to move to Little Rock from Washington, D.C. during an episode of South Park. I immediately said "yes" and a month later we were driving south.
L.

Looking Back on 2007

At the end of each year, I try to make a point to look back on things accomplished, things left undone, and things for which I’m eternally grateful. The past few years I haven’t had much to think about. I’m usually in the same dead-end, boring job; I’m still smoking; I’m still wishing that lovely man I just posted about would get on board with buying a house; I’m still in a desperate state to lose 10 more pounds.

To my surprise, looking back on 2007 has proven rather different. I have a new, exciting job that I love so much I can hardly contain myself. I’m still smoking, but have resolved to find the courage to quit, and actually spent Sunday through Wednesday smoke-free. The first time that’s happened since 2005. That lovely man has agreed to seriously look at homes for purchase. I’m still in a state to lose 10 more pounds, but I don’t care as much as I once did.

2007 will also forever be the first Christmas I wasn’t with my family (with the minor exception of the year my family spent Christmas on vacation, I met them and we celebrated a day late). I consider Dave’s family my family, but still it’s not quite the same. This Christmas was the first in my 29 years that I haven’t opened gifts with my brother. This was the first Christmas I didn’t have pancakes for breakfast. And, oddly enough, the first Christmas since college that I wasn’t hungover like someone on A&E's "Intervention." And, you know what? It was delightful. Maybe it was the clear headedness of sober thought or maybe it was the lack of chaos and easy-going attitude of Dave’s family.

Or maybe it’s because Dave is my family now, and it’s the first Christmas morning I’ve spent it with him.

It’s hard to say what made the time so delightful. But, next year, no matter what, I’m back to the pancakes, chaos and hangovers of Christmas with my brother, and I can hardly wait.

L.

The Jury Is Out

Sometimes I think to myself, "You know, Linsley, you're too lucky for words". Those moments often pass before I realize, but not this week.

Sunday morning, I opened a gift from my beloved, live-in boyfriend, Dave, and while I'd hoped I'd find an engagement ring, I was delighted to find something far, far different. I found, amid a box of Hispanic candies and treats, a book about Costa Rica along with a book on Costa Rican Spanish. Well, you can see where this goes. Among the treats and books was a card with this written inside: "One trip for two to Costa Rica...I hope you'll take me".

So many times I find myself wondering what we're all doing in our relative places. Why are we still all together? What with the difficult days, the fights over the bathroom, the "why in the hell are you doing that" moments. Somehow in the middle of all those things I always find Dave. A man who knows me better than I know myself.

A man who saw my joy (and sadness) in the departure of my friend so clearly that he found the perfect gift. Not a sweater (I have so many), not a book (those are always available), not an engagement ring (that can wait a bit longer), but a trip. A trip to see a dear, dear friend of mine. Not a dear, dear friend of his, but a dear, dear friend of mine. Could one ask for more? More selflessness, more thoughtfulness, more care, more love? No, I don't think one could.

I hope you all had a delightful Christmas as well. I have no doubt that at some point during the holiday you were as proud as I was.

I was proud of my dear friend--for doing what she most needs to do. I was proud of myself--for finally finding that person I always said I would find. But most of all, I was proud of Dave--for knowing what I needed most.

He's a lovely man, and I couldn't be happier to have run across him.

The jury is in. I'm about as lucky as they come.

L.

And, really, how can you not love a guy who hangs out chatting with your nephew as he climbs a tree?

The View Where I Am

My nonprofit employment often requires that I drive to all corners of this great Natural State. My travels lead me to sweet potato fields, poultry houses, city halls and just about any roundabout strange location.

Why not bring you along for the drive? I'll post pictures of my travels, the sites and, well, me taking pictures of me. I hope you enjoy the trip as much as I do.

Let's start this journey with a bang! Here I am freezing on the Alabama bay on an unexpected and ill-planned fishing excursion with my nephews.

L.

The Best Of What's Around

Creating a blog is something I've considered for some time now. It's only with the departure of my best friend to Costa Rica that I've really taken it seriously. She's moving to a rural area, a place with no cell phones and intermittent Internet access.

I want to create a place to visit with her. A place where our contact remains at least somewhat as constant as it is today. A place for thoughts I would share with her.

In 1994, I spent much of my days listening to Dave Matthew's Band "The Best Of What's Around". Thinking of my dear friend stepping into a new experience, a new adventure, brought it back to mind. The lyrics are:

"Hey my friend
It seems your eyes are troubled
Care to share your time with me
Would you say you're feeling low and so
A good idea would be to get it off your mind

See you and me
Have a better time than most can dream
Have it better than the best
So we can pull on through
Whatever tears at us
Whatever holds us down
And if nothing can be done
We'll make the best of what's around

Turns out not where but who you're with
That really matters
And hurts not much when you're around
And if you hold on tight
To what you think is your thing
You may find you're missing all the rest

Well she ran up into the light surprised
Her arms are open
Her mind's eye is
Seeing things from a
Better side than most can dream
On a clearer road I feel
Oh you could say she's safe

Whatever tears at her
Whatever holds her down
And if nothing can be done
She'll make the best of what's around

Turns out not where but what you think
That really matters
We'll make the best of what's around"

Well, Turner, as I miss you I will also be constantly proud of you, and I'll remember that we've always made the best of what's around.

As always, I can't wait to see you again.

L.