So where have we been and gone since my last post…

It's been a while, so I'll try to gather my thoughts before rambling on and on in overlapping circles, never really getting anywhere. Stream of consciousness is an interesting thing (even to us non-psychologist-types), but unless you're up for some seriously circuitous logic, it can be quite overwhelming…

First off, our "vacation" south to Nags Head was nice… in my best Rich impersonation, "…intra-sting!" As many of you are well aware, not everyone made it down, but for those of us there, I think it was good to get some time away from work. However, not to say that the vacation was stress-free, as we had our own hurricane worries all week (I think even Kim was getting sick of watching the Weather Channel). Luckily, it decided to remain off the coast of Cape Hatteras, rather than slamming into the Duck / Kitty Hawk / Kill Devil Hills area. We had a nice dinner / playtime visit with Katherine, Kenny, Ally and Maddie ( I PROMISE we'll keep Bailey from barking next time…). The trip home was marked most notably by the fact that Harry slept all the way from Duck to Williamsburg, and almost the rest of the way home. Of course this was broken up very neatly by some well-deserved screaming in Colonial Williamsburg, but I digress.

Back home again to a whirlwind brunch the next morning with the FIT crew and a very nice (albeit intimidating) invite to the cul-de-sac/block party across the street that evening. At the insistence of the neighborhood kid contingent, we seem to have taken the place of the Hart's (previous homeowners) in the local social hierarchy… is that good or bad? Not sure yet, but have gotten some very friendly waves & good morning's since then.

And back to work we go… well back to work I went. As Kim has pointed out, she finally had her last day at PRA International, and then a week in between before starting her new gig with Scirex. She's off at a training and orientation session for this week in glorious Horsham PA. Does it get any better than that?

We ended up the week with a quick visit from Shirley Aiken & Charie Hubbard… in from Raleigh NC doing the tourist thing in DC last week, and they were able to stop by for some dinner & live entertainment (Harrison Himself) on Friday. Harry did his best impersonation of a well-behaved toddler, and flashed his dimples for all of the cameras, to everyone's delight.

Apparently IKEA is the new destination spot for Harry's entertainment and getting things for the house, at the same time. As many of you who have been to the house know, we still haven't quite moved upstairs into our Master bedroom yet, due both to a distinct lack of furniture, and an overabundance of boxes that somehow still have not unpacked themselves (not for lack of trying… we continually give them their privacy to do things on their own, yet they still don't seem to get the idea). That said, we headed back to Potomac Mills for another trip to the Scandinavian furniture Mecca that is IKEA, and Harry made sure to repeatedly hit every slide, mouse hole, and toy bin that has been strategically placed for just his type of attention span. All the while, we were actually able to make some productive and economical purchases for the new boudoir.

As is a direct result of any IKEA jaunt, have spent the last few nights assembling (I should go to work for them… I've gotten very good at understanding their instructions!), the upstairs is coming together nicely, even if it's still mostly in our heads. The process is certainly going to clear some clutter out, and hopefully make things very livable.

In the meantime, somehow the Voyagers managed to get back into the finals again. As many of you are aware, I have been adamant in the past about not getting a babysitter if Kim is away on a hockey night. However, as this is the FINALS after all, I broke down and made a call. Needless to say, Aidan came through like the champ she is, and will be coming over this evening to watch Harry sleep. Many thanks to her, and hopefully we'll actually win.

Not much reflection in this one, more of a documentary of the last few weeks. I know that's what some are looking for whenever I post, and I have every intention of doing so when I begin, but it doesn't always end up there. Rather than go in circles, I figured I'd set the line first, and hopefully come back later to elaborate on things. Mind you, that isn't to say that there's a wealth of inspired composition on its way, but I thought I should first establish a baseline before going off on some wacky tangent.

That's all for now...