For you, mom. :)

One of the perks of living in Seattle is that trips home are far more practical and frequent than when I lived in Chicago. I love my family-- both immediate and extended. It wasn't until I was in college and had to start missing Thanksgiving and/or Christmas because of expensive plane tickets and/or work schedules that I realized how much I wanted to see them more. I've been in Seattle for almost two years, and while I haven't seen them all heaps more than I did, I feel closer. I got to go to my cousins beautiful wedding, I saw my cousin and her daughter when they made an unexpected trip to Seattle, my mom was able to drive up when I really needed her to, I just got to go home for my Grandma's birthday... It's been good. While I seriously doubt how much long term potential Seattle has for me, I've enjoyed the proximity to my family that it's offered.

It was at said Grandma's birthday extravaganza that my biggest fan (aka my mom) made a public request for me to post on this blog. Awkward? Um, yes. What can ya do.. she's a mom.

It's true, I went on a blogging hiatus in May I think. Truthfully, it's because it's been a pretty crappy summer.. and to be blunt, I refuse to be one of those emo-sob-story-feel-sorry-for-me-this-is-all-my-shit bloggers. Who wants to read someone else whining? Not me, that's for sure. To sum it up... I got dumped. There was conflict present and ex Mr. Wonderful went to New Zealand just as it reared its head, so we agreed to deal with it when he got back. But the day after he returned to Seattle, he decided he didn't want to try to work anything out and ended our relationship (after going to church that morning, kayaking that afternoon, and having sushi that evening). So-- a tense summer with everything hanging, then a huge life changing disappointment. Not blog worthy in my opinion.

It's been a horrific month. I can't put it any other way. I think it's a testament to the absolutely wonderful life I've been blessed with, that getting dumped has been so gut wrenchingly devastating to me. I've been blessed within it though, and it's those blessings that help me get out of bed, go to work, remember to breathe and essentially get through the day. I've always thought my social circle in Seattle was so small if existent at all. But, I've been pleasantly surprised at how many people have risen up and said "I'm here," amidst everything. It's been very helpful, and my social calendar is so full-- I love it. Nothing will ever undo the hurt that was done, but I am trying so hard to trust that God will make good of this and that in time I will be okay. Truthfully, I'm still broken.

...this is starting to sound like one of those bloggers...

Despite all that, I'm coaching a soccer team again. It's a great activity that I'm thankful for. This time around it's middle school girls. There are 24 of them and they're quite the bunch! We got one practice that lasted one hour before our first game (which is to be held on Monday). It will be quite the character building experience. Of the 24 I'd say about half of them have never played before. Girls will show up with their hair down. They forget their socks so they're wearing cleats and shin guards only. I'd be lying if I told you nobody showed up in clogs on the first day. Don't get me started on their "beehive" technique in playing the game. There are so many things I want to show them, teach them, help them do better-- but in an hour I can only do so much. OH YEA-- and for my 24 girls we get a whopping NINE soccer balls! Nutso.

Anyway, that's all I guess. Really nothing comical or uplifting for that matter, but a post is a post. Happy, mom? :) I'm sure many a funny story will come with this group of girls-- they're a fun group so far.