What a wonderful afternoon...

Today my best friend and her husband stopped in for lunch. They were breezing through town on their way to a long weekend retreat. We had a lovely lunch and then headed to our favorite "drink" spot on the intracoastal- Square Grouper at Castaways Marina. Any Alan Jackson fans out there? Well, it wasn't exactly five o'clock somewhere but it was a good time. So, I am going to dedicate this article to friendship. You know those people that will be by your side no matter what? This is "T" . This is my best friend. We have been buddies since middle school and we have triumphed over quite a bit in all the years since the 80's. Luckily, she and her family live within a couple hours drive and although we don't get to see each other as often as we would like it is just like yesterday when we finally catch up. She has a fantastic and hilarious husband. Plus, I love him because he went to my alma mater, FSU. They have two amazing children and I feel so grateful to have them close over the next couple of years as we expand our family. I know that people come into your life at different time and every soul serves a purpose as you encounter them. Something like "every person is a door to a different world"....... and we always values friends in whatever shape them may take. So, for all the friends out there- those who have slipped away, those who have yet to come, and most importantly- those who stay... as John Lennon said " I get by with a little help from my friends."

What have we been doing lately?

Well, we went to St. Thomas this weekend with some good friends, Lisa and David. We had a spectacular trip with plenty of laughes. The islands are beautiful and the water is crystal clear, allowing for lots of swimming and snorkeling. Most of you know how I love to travel and I would highly recommend this destination. Especially if you are looking for a nice place to go and kick back. This trip couldn't have come at a better time. The few days away took our minds off of the wait which is good because you could easily go a little crazy. Thank you guys! On the adoption front, we have no news. That is not a bad thing- things are just status quo. Until next time, shine on!

Whoa....

I think the original saying was "Elvis has left the building" but really all I care about was that the Fedex truck had left the Vietnamese Consulate today and that our paperwork was one step closer to being finalized. This news is extraordinary! But more good things happened today; we received three more swatches for the quilt. It is such a treat to open them and read the wishes to our little one. Everyone is putting so much time and effort into the project. I can not explain how much it warms the soul. I bought something for her room today. Something small but still is it is something and it feels amazing to have her materialize in our hearts more and more each day.

We feel like the king and queen of the world....

After much trepidation and anxiety we are happy to announce that our paperwork is officially out of our hands. (sigh....) Oh, what a relief! So, from here our dossier is on it's way via Fed-ex to the Vietnam Consulate in San Fransisco. Those who have traveled this path before us say that it takes maybe three to four business day to complete the process of authentication. From there our paperwork will head back to our agency in California where it will be transported to Vietnam to undergo translation. And then we wait for our paperwork to be matched with our child, our little girl. We are so excited! I know that a new kind of anxiety will converge upon us but at this point I am glad to leave it in the hands of the Universe. I know She will treat us with kindness and love and before we know it our daughter will be home in our arms. As soon as we hear of a referral we will post the news. We appreciate your wishes and prayers.

There is a whole new world out there....

and it is called Michael's or your friendly local craft store. What an amazing assortment of fun waiting to be tackled in all my spare time??? Do you ever find yourself either walking the aisles in desperation considering all the options or picking up fun little "projects" which never get completed? Both of those would be me- today. I wonder how many of us have those uncompleted art projects stowed away for a rainy day? I stopped this morning after class to buy the album which will become our daughter's "Wish Book" and I think I was in there for over an hour. Way too many choices! Take me to a shoe department with that many options and I would be in heaven but this simple errand was exhausting. So, I settled on a plain black silk covered little number by Martha Stewart- how can you go wrong with Martha? Black is classic and this way as she gets older she can take it out and pursue the notes everyone is leaving her. As a side note, your sentiments have all been very touching and I know she will cherish every word that you write to her. I am thinking that this summer would be a good time to keep the swatches organized and put away in her book as opposed to trying to tackle the project when we return home with a little one. Keep those swatches coming in because now I have the most perfect place to put them. And scrapbookers out there that need a summer gig?

Someone recently told me patience is over-rated...

And now I would have to agree. So, our goal was to have our paperwork submitted by the end of May or worst case by the beginning of June. And seeing how we are now in June and our nearly completed paperwork is still in my hands I think I am safe in saying that I am a little frustrated. We are waiting for two pieces of paperwork from the Secretary of State. This part of the process should take perhaps five days not the three weeks it has taken already. Hopefully this week the forms will arrive otherwise I think the mailman is going to press charges for stalking him. And here is where I insert my point of reflection. Instead of focusing on the paperwork I thought I would focus on patience- my lack of it. I was reading a periodical for work yesterday and the subject was about being centered in the present moment. The premise was that one shouldn't worry about their past or their future but instead enjoy the moment at hand. To breathe, take in the current situation and enjoy as it is. That one should be certain that the world is unfolding exactly as it should. Small note to self- this is hard. I am a fretter and I usually do not have a quiet space in my mind. I like plans and I like time lines. I do not throw things to Chance. That being said, one can only imagine where my little mind has traveled the last couple of days as I try to figure out how far this lack of paperwork will put us back. And if I just let it go and stay in the moment then I will realize that I am okay waiting just a little longer. Not too much longer but maybe until the end of week...... Margaret Thatcher said, "I am extraordinarily patient, provide that I get my own way in the end." I like how she put that but I still want my paperwork.