The Bitch is Back

Hey Faithful Readers!

Thanks for coming back and hanging in there while I was gone. I had every intention of blogging while I was away, but my time was absolutely packed and I didn't want to miss seeing any one of my family and friends. This vacation was not just wonderful, it was essential. I hadn't realized just how stressed out I was from work. I don't think I need to say this: I love being a scientist, I love being Dean's fiancee and the kitties' care giver. But it was so wonderful to just step out of those roles for awhile and step into some of my old roles- daughter, big sister, friend, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and Minnesotan.

I have struggled with my feelings for my former home for close to four years now. There are many things I missed, but just as many things I was happy to get away from. This trip though, I rekindled some of my love for the city of Minneapolis. I was able to appreciate the lakes, the independent restaurants, the culture and the zoo! I also made it to TWO Twins games (Johan pitched and won both of them) and got revved up for the new stadium. For the first time since I left, I could actually entertain the thought of moving back.

I spent lots of quality time with my family. My (not so) little cousin graduated high school and I scheduled my trip to coincide with his party. My grandpa is the oldest of thirteen, so family functions are always big and lively. This one was no exception! I also was able to spend some alone time with my aunt (cousin's mom) and her daughter. We went to the lake and had a picnic with their party leftovers and watched a female turtle crawl up on the beach to lay her eggs. The next day I spent the day with my grandpa and grandma catching up and playing with their new kitten.

Of course I spent lots of time with my parents as well- lots of shopping and baseball with Mom, drinking wine and buying truffles with Dad. And a day with my future in-laws!

And I couldn't go to Minnesota without seeing my dear girlies. We had a long and extravagant dinner at the Melting Pot followed by a few hours at the piano bar, where they requested the name of this post for my welcoming tune. It was a fantastic time.

I don't want to spend too much time with details of my trip, many of you were there for it. But as I hinted at earlier, it opened my eyes a little bit and gave me a new perspective on things. I have a feeling you will be reading more about that later .