Notes from me to you

wow... who knew how great returning home could be for the spirit!? :-)

I hadn't been to St. Paul since January and that was far too long.. I was excited to see everyone, the the days were filled seeing so many people that I love at some of my favorite places in the cities.. and it all turned out amazing!

On one of my last days in town, I went on an hour-and-a-half run, about which I was quite excited, first of all because I once believed I had some crazy compartment syndrome of my legs and couldn't run... so now, even though it takes me 9-10 minutes to run a mile, :0) I can do it and I love it!! Plus, because I was in a city that is so dear to my heart, I was totally distracted for most of the run... happily reminiscing the 8 years of memories.



As I made the 1/2 mile trek across the high bridge from the West Side.. I looked down on the city of St. Paul and saw remnants of my heart and its fondest memories. United Hospital.. Grand Avenue, the Cathedral, the Capital, the tops of houses poking out through the trees.. it was a nice little moment of time to look out at the city and be thankful for the amazing 8 years I spent in it as a resident.. from a naive and excited 18-year-old leaving home for the first time, to a hopeful and tearful 26-year-old setting out into the world beyond the comforts of a city that had become like home.


Thanks to everyone who made the efforts to meet up... you have no idea how good it was for my heart and spirit to be amongst you all. Each of you holds such an important and special place in my heart.. even those of you whom I wasn't able to see or those who no longer live in St. Paul but spent many of those years with me.. thank you. And thanks for inviting me to your wedding, Aud. It was such a joy to be there with you!

The last leg of my trip was spent in Iowa celebrating the birth of my fantastic and inspiring Grandma who turned 80! Its crazy to think she's been alive for 80 years.. especially since she hasn't aged since.. I can't remember when, if anything, she's gotten in better shape and continued to make her lifestyle more healthy and more active! A true inspiration for all who know her!!

Also spent a night out with a few cousins and the brothers celebrating brother Daniel's 27th b-day. A very fun night involving a huge bonfire, hay rack ride the bar to Long Grove, an entire night of karaoke excitement, and getting to see people I haven't seen in years! Thanks to Meghan for planning a fun night out for Daniel's birthday!

Well, needless to say, the ten days flew by and I am now back in DC on my last of 3 shifts at NIH. I have a few fun things in the books for my last week here and then I start the drive to CO. I canNOT wait to live in Denver.....

Thanks again to you all for brightening my heart!
I love and miss you people, dearly.

lkm