Ordinary

Ah, the ordinary life. This is something on which I’ve been reflecting as of late. It’s so strange to me to be settled without the goal of the next step in sight. Our whole lives have been leading up to what is next, hanging in anticipation of completion—High school to college, college to graduation, dating to marriage, school to job. So, now that we have accomplished all that we set out to do, what next?

We’ve really enjoyed the down time of getting to know a new city and a new job but now the dust has settled and we are left at a cross road. I’m certainly not the first to be here, I’m simply taking my turn. It’s moments like this in life where we meet our proverbial two roads in a yellow wood. But what Frost didn’t say, for I’m sure it would have been far less poetical, is that it’s not two roads in a wood, it is fifteen blasted roads and they all look equal.

So, as dear Mr. Frost has failed me on in my search, I turn now to Mr. Thoreau.

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” –Henry David Thoreau

I suppose these are our common hours where we gather our confidence to set forth into the direction of the life we dream. And if there is one thing Scott and I are good at, it’s dreaming. J We have dreams and schemes to come if we hold to our courage and each other.

A little about our ordinary life lately:



almsot 5 months



Please, not before my coffee

  

Proud graduate!



Scott’s job is going great and will only be getting better at the first of the New Year when they get a night shift pharmacist. He’s been working so hard and I know for him (an eternal night owl) the 6am shift has been a huge adjustment. But, with the help of early bed times, strong coffee, and the occasional nap (like the one he’s taking right now), mornings are far more do-able. Turns out, Thor isn’t much for early mornings either.

Scott took Thor camping again this past weekend with some of his friends. This was the first time Thor had to pack in with the big boys. They only went a mile and a half but pup had to learn how to pace himself. He came home filthy and exhausted… but very happy. Also, puppy graduated from his Puppy 1 class-- top of his class might I add. We were very, very proud!

While the boys were off playing in the dirt, I made a quick trip down to Little Rock to run in the Race for the Cure. Sara and I braved the hoards of estrogen and pressed on for 3.2 miles. What a great cause for so many men and women to support. Everywhere you looked, forward or backward, the roads were packed with people who were or knew someone affected by breast cancer. Talk about ordinary people doing the extraordinary.

Nothing big or special in our current plans, but who knows what we’ll dream up next? I suppose it’s a nice change to live life day to day, enjoying surprise bouquets, warm puppy bellies, and the beautiful foliage of the Ozarks in the fall.

We love and miss everyone and can’t wait for the holidays to get here!

XoxO,

S/A

Classic

Since September 25^th 1986, 25 years have passed. I am in a new age demographic and can check a new box on questionnaires. In car years I’m a classic.

I remember my 4^th birthday party (which was so stinking awesome) at Pizza Hut. Rafael, the ninja turtle, was there making it that much better. But more than that, my granddad came in with a brand new boom box on his shoulder for me playing New Kids on the Block’s “Happy Birthday Girl”. I was in childhood Nirvana.

My 9^th birthday I was given a musical jewelry box that I still use today. My mother told me that it was a very special birthday since it was the last time I would celebrate a single digit. I’m pretty sure we had the party at Chuck-E-Cheeze back when it was Show-Biz. Ah, yes, the large robot band and ball pit.

16 was a fun birthday thanks to all my wonderful friends and family who threw me a fun surprise party. There was swimming, because in AR September doesn’t always mean cold weather, and an Italian themed cake, since I was obsessed with Italy.

When I turned 21 it was a month after Scott and I got married. He took me shopping then cooked dinner before we went out for dessert and drinks. It was the first birthday I didn’t get breakfast in bed (a beloved Clark kid tradition). But getting to spend my birthday with my husband was a worthy trade off.

And now I arrive to my 25^th, my golden birthday. My favorite thing of all time is getting overly dressed up and going out some place formal. Branson is limited on its formal dining but the Hilton obliged us. I rented a beautiful Badgley Mischka gown (in gold, of course) with the most amazing Elizabeth Cole earrings ever, and had a big night on the town with Scott and our friends Josh and Sara. After formal dining we decided to head down town to our favorite Irish pub and class the joint up a little. It was hilarious!

Scott, of course, spoiled me with gifts all week ending with flowers, Spumante, and a NASCAR cake. Have I ever seen NASCAR? No. Do I like NASCAR? No. But who am I to question the man who is about to take me out for an amazing evening? Turns out, the cake was pretty tasty.



Shamelessly sprawling



 As for our favorite four legged friend, he was happy to help us celebrate too. He played with Miguel all weekend and minded his manners around my dress. He turned 4 months old at the end of September. His puppy classes are going great still. I took him on a hike last week and he was off leash the whole time. He would walk right beside me unless he saw something interesting; then, he would run ahead about 10 feet and wait for me to catch up. I must say, he is a really awesome dog.

I would like to thank everyone who has touched my life in the last 25 years. I know it takes a village and I’m grateful to each of you. The love and joy that has filled my life is more than any one person could hope or ask for.

Our love to you all,

S/A