a trip home

i spent last weekend with my friends in virginia beach. one of my good friends, elizabeth, and her husband, james, are expecting their first child, emma reese, and were hosting a baby shower. it was also an excuse for me to see my other friends during my trip.

the first stop was to see my brother, mike, at his new store in the 'burg. it was across the street from presidential park...the park with the large presidential busts.
and yes, i wanted to go in...but $11.75? nope.

the second stop was to visit my friend, maribeth. i've known her since my office max days. she has a tendency to take me places i have never thought i would go...like to a ballroom dancing class. and no, i didn't dance. it was amazing to watch though. maribeth is an amazing friend and we seem to never run out of things to say to each other.

next stop was my friend, elizabeth's baby shower. it was completely amazing. it was great to see her and her mom. it was good to meet her husband, james, and a tiny bit weird to touch her belly and feel emma. elizabeth is incredible and i miss having her only five minutes away.

i gathered a group to meet for dinner at a restaurant where my friend, steve is a chef. the food was incredible. the laughter was abundant. and i despite how long it had been since i'd seen some folks, we picked up like we had just clocked out yesterday from work. i miss them all very, very much. some time was spent afterwards at a bar in "downtown virginia beach."

sunday morning, i attended the wave church with sara's mom and sister. these days i can't escape church without crying. this was no exception. i was challenged that morning between forgiving and being too forgiving. i don't know where the line is at times. i can walk away, but my heart doesn't completely close. once you are in my heart, no matter where you go physically...you will always reside there. no matter what people do, i have to strive not to harden my heart. i will not close myself off.
i love my friends, family and people too much.

if i stop trusting my instincts about people, i would miss out on having a weekend like this..surrounded by people i love more than i love myself.

i am two hours away from leaving for a trip to new york to see craig. i will post a video blog when i get back. and for those who asked where i was going in my last video (chrissy d), i went to virginia beach to reconnect with some good friends.