Indiana

I know, I know. I've been slacking on the blog.

I can't promise it will get better any time soon. But I'll try. Just trying to soak up all of our time at home while we still can!

This past week we got to go to Indy for a few days. I got to spend some much needed time in the office and see all of my coworkers! It was the perfect time to go as we got to enjoy the holiday party while we were in town. Always a good time. It's certainly refreshing to be back in a familiar place surrounded by such great people. And as always, just as sad to say goodbye again.

Our time was limited, but we packed in as much as could. Every night we had something going on, and I think the bags under my eyes by the end proved it. For example, Friday night we got back to the hotel around midnight (I have to mention how strange it was to stay in a hotel in Indy, when we've had a home there for eight years.). We were up before 7 a.m. to meet Katie and Kelly for a delicious breakfast at Patachou. We left there to run a quick errand, then met Sheila, Chris and Landon downtown at the Children's Museum. We were there just over an hour then headed back up to the northside to meet Erin, Mom Medjeski and D$ (Dylan's alter ego) at McAlister's. Then it was the three hour drive back up north. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see all of our friends. But maybe a Facetime session is in order.

Landon was excited to have a picture with Buzz and Woody at the Museum. 

So yes, I finally got to go to McAlisters! We even got two gallons of sweet tea to bring back home with us to enjoy before we go. And we got a super sweet travel survival kit from Mom Medjeski! Matt got to enjoy his favorite Indy meal, the Heartstopper  from Chatham Tap, too. So it was a successful trip for him as well! Just exhausting!

But, we got all of the stuff for our Visa packets finished and mailed. That's a huge relief. Now we're just hoping we did everything correctly. Fingers crossed!

Beyond that, we're finishing our Christmas shopping and getting the few last minute things on our Dominica shopping list. And hoping we can then fit all those things in our suitcases since our barrels are officially on a boat to Dominica! Woot!

We had our first snowfall! It didn't stick around too long, but we're hoping we can get another in before we leave. 

I'm still avoiding looking at the calendar. It's surreal to think we'll be leaving for 16 months soon. I know it's a great opportunity and all the positives that come with it, but it is still extremely intimidating. And then there's the whole fear (phobia is a better word) of flying. I firmly believe that if flying wasn't so traumatic for me, I wouldn't be as intimidated as I am.

But on a lighter note, Indiana has been spoiling us with some beautiful skies, so I thought I'd leave you with a taste of the beauty we've been seeing! This is one of the reasons why I love being home.

Emmy Update & Another Tropical Storm

I am exhausted. After spending a fun-filled four days in Indy for the staff retreat, I am back in Shipshewana. Oh Shipshe, I never thought I would be so glad to see you.

However my allergies, I'm not glad to see them again. They apparently have missed me, because they are back with avenges.

Indy was great. I am beyond thankful to have gotten to be able to go. It was exactly what I needed. Seeing my coworkers, old friends and more is all I wanted.

Sheila and I came back on late last night. We made it just in time to have dinner to celebrate Grandpa's birthday. Happy birthday, Grandpa!

Then I finally got to be reunited with my Emmy! She was so happy to see me, and believe me, I was beyond excited to see her. Her incisions are looking good for the most part. She's not able to reach the one on her back, but she can get to the one on her neck. I think they've started to heal because she's started to scratch. Which is not good!

We had to get a little creative with this one. A cone of shame wouldn't work, because she can still reach it with her hind leg to scratch. So we got some wrapping tape and covered her in it the best way we could.

Check out the attitude in the second photo. She was not amused by any of this. Especially the picture taking.

If you look closely, you can kind of see the swelling on her left leg. However, most of the swelling is in the back. 

The tape didn't work as well as planned, so we put her sweater on and made a trip to the pet store. The pet store had these little rubber booties that feel like little balloons. I thought I should give those a try, hoping that will help to keep her from scratching.

So far, so good. She hasn't taken the booties off. And she hasn't been able to scratch her incision again. Down side, she is not very happy with me. Don't let the photos fool you. The only reason she looks happy is because I was hiding a treat - Greenie Dog Bones - her fav! Poor pup deserved one.

The story got funny when the poor girl tried to walk in her booties. After she was done glaring at me,  she tried to start walking. But she would bend her leg up all the way and then step back down. Too cute, too funny, and a little pathetic.

Don't worry though - I got it on camera. It got better the more she walked, but you get the idea. Poor girl!

Whatever it takes for her to heal.

Anyway, I just have a few more days left in the U.S. before its back to the Bahamas. I leave for Chicago on Monday, and then fly out Tuesday morning. I should be in Freeport late afternoon.

That's IF Tropical Storm Leslie doesn't ruffle the plans. Yes. Leslie. For those of you who don't know, Leslie is my boss's name, too. Ironic? Maybe that's her way of keeping me in town. (Not that I'm complaining!) :)

I've had enough of this hurricane season. I'll stick with ice storms.

Matt has another quiz on Monday, and has his first big test on Friday. Start sending positive thoughts his way!

Refreshed

I am feeling so refreshed and happy to be home. And to be in Indy. There's something about being surrounded by familiar faces and surroundings that is just calming.

Being in Indy these past couple of days has been strange. I have had a home in Indy for the past eight years. Now is the first time since then that I have been in Indy without having a home here. I know I've only been gone a month and not much has changed in Indy. I can't decide if that's good or bad. I am staying just a couple minutes away from our old apartment - our first home, the place we got engaged, the place we started our new life together, and I can't help but feel sad we aren't still there.

It's especially hard to be in Indy without Matt. But thanks to Skype, I can still be with him in our way digital way.

Look at that face?! Who wouldn't want to be surrounded by that?

This trip home as been wonderful and I'm beyond grateful for the time here. But I'm also looking forward to getting back to Matt and to be home together. 

So enough of being sappy.

Emmy is doing well in case you were wondering. She's taking an antibiotic capsule and resting. But she is as lively as ever.

Tomorrow is our big staff retreat. A fun day with my favorite coworkers in downtown Indy - Yes, please!

Matt's doing well with his classes. He had his second quiz this past Monday and did well again. Now, he's gearing up for his first mini (test) a week from Friday!

Bye Bye Indy

Today we packed up and moved out of our apartment in Indy. It still seems like not too long ago I moved out of this small town to the big city to take on a new adventure. Now, I'm moved back, getting ready to take on another big adventure.

Indy is where Matt and I met, where we made life-long friends, and where we made our first home together. You've been a great city, Indy, and a part of us will always be there.

Many, MANY thanks is owed to our family and friends for helping with the big move today - especially in the sweltering summer heat. Here's a look at what the day entailed.

Made sure to label all of my belongings!

Taping up our final box.

The loading begins.

We thought we'd take him, too!

Check out that view.

Adorable.

The best little helper. Notice the sweat? He really did work hard!

And of course we had to have a little fun.

And after a full day of packing, and then traveling for three hours just to unload it all, this is how we all feel....

So now, we have two weeks until we leave for Freeport. I'm sure these will be the fastest two weeks. So we'll spend this time with our families and celebrate my birthday on the 17th! Take note!

Weekend of Goodbyes

This weekend was filled with many goodbyes.  It's been easy to get wrapped up in the thought of moving away from friends, family and Emmy to this country we've never been to and be swooped into a negative spiral. But through these goodbyes, I certainly got a look at what we have been blessed with. So, here goes, and I'll try not to get too sappy.

Friday night I had a send-off party with my office. Working with these ladies, and few token males, has been such a blessing. There's not much I can say to convey the appreciation for the opportunities I've been afforded working here. I know I'll keep in close contact after the move, but it will be hard not seeing everyone in the office nearly every day.

Our sweet Emmy dog also got freshly groomed on Friday night. Doesn't she look great?!

Emmy is my baby. I am having a very hard time coping with the fact that I have to leave her. Just look at those sweet eyes - do you blame me? She brings such joy to Matt and I. We are lucky to have her and thankful to know that she will be taken care of while we're gone.

Saturday, I  got my hair cut at the best salon in Indy, Salon Orange Moon with Jess! (If you're ever in Indy, and need a fresh look, you MUST check them out. You can't go wrong with anyone in there!) I will certainly miss coming in and visiting, as an afternoon with Jess will always put me in good spirits.

We also had a going away party with our friends Saturday night. It was a very bittersweet night seeing so many of our friends all together again. It certainly feels like 'home' whenever we are all together. We are so thankful for our wonderful friends and all of the happy memories we have made together.

This morning, we got our 'mug and a hug' from Pastor Ryan at First Mennonite. We get the official coffee mug, hug and best wishes from our congregation. First Mennonite welcomed Matt and I with such open arms when we first started coming!

After church, my sister, her husband and my favorite little guy, Landon, came for lunch. Of course, after lunch, we had to visit the pool.

What a cutie?! Seriously - that ornery grin, floaties and dinosaur trunks are just too much cuteness for one photo. Love this little guy. And he certainly knows how to get whatever he wants from his Aunt Mimi and Uncle Matt.  After a hard afternoon at the pool - what better way to rejuvenate than with frozen yogurt. As Landon would say, it's delicious - and I know my licious.

 The rest of our afternoon consisted of some downtime - watching the Wimbledon recap and napping with the husband and Emmy dog. That is certainly a blessing. 

Eight Years

Matt and I will be flying out on July 28 to Freeport. We have exactly one month left here in the States. However, we only have a couple more weeks here in Indianapolis. July 13 we will move out of our apartment and up north for two weeks before the big move.

Matt and I at Super Bowl XLVI in Indy

When thinking of moving, I had thought how hard it will be to leave home - mainly Shipshewana. It will be hard to leave family, friends and 'home.' I didn't anticipate how hard it will be to leave Indianapolis. I've lived here in Indy now for eight years. It's hard to believe it was eight years ago that I moved into the dorm at UIndy, then lived by myself downtown and now with Matt.

Looking back through the past eight years, I have never once regretted coming to Indianapolis. Indy has been very good to me! Earning my degree, meeting Matt, making wonderful lifelong friends, getting a fabulous job and getting engaged to Matt has all happened in these short eight years.

Matt and I have been compiling a list of things we want to do before we head out - namely visiting our favorite restaurants for one last good meal - Bazbeauxs, Chatham Tap and Kilroy's to name a few!

So thank you, Indy! You have evolved from a college home to a real home. We will miss you!