Hey, baby, I just might take the chance

This weekend was a cathartic one. I re-discovered things, learned to let go of things and celebrated life. I cried over happy things, I cried over sad things. I woke up and thought it was all a dream. I can honestly tell you that this weekend has changed my life, my perspective on life. I know it sounds ridiculously phony, cliche, whatever you want to call it.

There are exciting details I want to relay to all you loyal readers (all 12 of my lovely subscribers...haha ^.^), but those will come in due time.

First of all, I want to talk about my grandfather, who this weekend was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Indiana Society of Anesthesiologists. I always knew my grandfather was a wonderful male figure in my life, a great doctor and a wise human being all around. Kind, caring, considerate - the perfect father, grandfather, co-worker, doctor. I think I can honestly say he was probably the strongest father figures in my life and for that I am quite grateful. I love my own father dearly, of course, but I'm being honest here.

Anyway, Grandpa graduated from Northwestern University and then moved to Indianapolis to practice at Wishard Hospital. There, he made advancements in the field of anesthesiology (some patented), worked with residents, was a gifted anesthesiologist and then later taught at IU school of Medicine.

I took this picture of him before I moved to Korea, Summer 2008.

So, congratulations to my grandfather -- a true inspiration in my life and, I'm sure, in many other lives.

Because of grandpa's award, a lot of family was in town. Saturday night we had dinner at my Aunt Grace's house (so delicious!) and then played games like old times (Outburst!). I loved seeing my Aunt Clara there, who I haven't seen since 2007. Then I sauntered over to my sisters apartment and talked into the wee hours of the morning. Cathartic indeed.

Speaking of my sister, a few weeks ago her cat, Zoey, had kittens. Believe me, she's getting spayed very soon. Jessie asked me to come over and take some pictures so that she could find them homes via Craigslist and other sources. I guess all of them are spoken for now, so that's great! ^^ I had a lot of fun taking pictures:

(favorite picture/kitty)



My goal was to capture their personalities. I hope I did. :) It makes it easier for the right pet owner to choose their pet if personalities are exposed, right?

I do have a few more pictures to share with you in this update. A few days after I visited my sister and her kittens, David and I went to Goshen/Middlebury to visit our friends and family. I was able to meet up with some longtime childhood friends, including miss Synda Marie and Alissa Tepe. Great people. :P

David and I also made a point to do more touristy things. We also crossed two more things off of our "2010 to do" list. Those include the following:

• try a restaurant from diners, drive-ins and dives
• go to a place that makes cheese

Picture Proof:

This is the South Side Soda Shop in Goshen. Who woulda thunk we only needed to travel to our hometown to see a restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives! You can see the video here.

We went with David's parents!


We went at an odd hour, hence the emptiness. :P




Famous Philly-Chili in that sundae cup.


I ordered a tuna hoagie. Yum!

In Middlebury (where I grew up) we found a cheese-making factory. Guggisberg / Deutsch Kase Haus is well-known for its delicious cheese made in-shop and has even won a bunch of awards. It felt great to be in Amish country again inhaling manure and enjoying the scenery while waiting to pass a buggy. ^^

Jams and what-not.



More Middlebury-shots:


Blue skies.




Where I grew up. That backyard = lots of roaming in the woods, eating berries, secret forts, mushroom hunting. I miss the space.




Adios, kiddos.
Wendy City