The last few weeks have been atypical in terms of my activities. I've been working on my scrapbook most days for several hours at a crack. It's turned out to be much more of an emotional endeavor than I had originally planned. I thought I'd glue in some pictures, slap on some wacky captions, and sleep on it. But when it hit me that I'm trying to compile four critical years of my life into construction paper, it turned out not to be so easy. Each page causes more memories to re-emerge. I can hear the best quotables echoing through my head. I'm reconnecting with old friends. And each page I want to cram full to make sure I don't forget even the smallest details, like eating at Waffle House with Stacy after we stayed up all night for N'SYNC tickets, or praying with CCM that Friday after September 11th. It's so vivid now that I've forced myself back in time. And it's not until now that it dawned on me how much time has actually passed since then. It's somewhat ironic since I created LifeBooks with adopted children last year. I've made this book my version...including primarily good moments, but also those that I'd rather forget. I've been shaped by them all, and this method is the best I have to honor that. And only now that I'm doing real processing do I possess any inkling of what those children endured in our work.
On Tuesday, I said goodbye to Catherine for the next few months. Hearing about her trip to Rome was wonderful. Just seeing how invigorated she became over just the stories...I couldn't help but feel some of that happiness translated my way. I will miss her of course, but will always think of her when I check the date. Somehow, I always manage to get the most excellent gifts from Italy because she brought me back a priest-of-the-month calendar. Oh, so hot. Oh, so inappropriate.
Thursday, I went down to Richmond to visit Ian and accompany him to see Lewis Black perform at the Siegel Center. Lewis and his opening act and friend John Bowman were hysterical. The highlight, however, was that they stayed after the show to meet and sign autographs for all interested audience members. Ian raced up the stairs right after Lewis said good night and we were about seventh in line. We shook hands and said our pleasantries, but I'm sure only Ian was memorable. He shared with Lewis that he had used one of his routines as his comedic monologue to get into the performing arts program at VCU. And Lewis was actually impressed. "Hey John! This guy used my 'If it weren't for my horse' bit to get into acting school." We said our thanks and walked out. I think it took a few minutes to hit Ian what happened, because then his voice went up a few octaves as he said "I met Lewis Black! I've always wanted to tell him that!" Especially for my brother, it was an amazing thing to see a fantasy come true.
Saturday, I signed up to do ride-along with Mike at the firehouse, but no calls came in. Which seemed odd for being Halloween weekend, but I'll be thankful instead that no one was hurt...at least not in that jurisdiction. So I learned how emergency services operate, which is much more complicated than I had originally imagined. But somehow it all comes together and people's lives are saved. It really is wonderful and I'm glad the community has such a selfless presence that I'd always overlooked. They even gave me dinner and I helped throw some paint on the walls in return. Even though I'm in a charitable profession every workday, it felt good to give even a little bit back as a citizen.
( 8:31 PM ) Meghan
Sunday, October 10, 2004
The pipes, the pipes are calling.
There are spectacular blue skies outside, so of course I am here at the computer. For me to enjoy the outdoors, it is often enough just to have the window open for a light breeze with no pressures on my mind.
The last couple of weeks have been very busy, but in a good way. Catherine has been back and we have accomplished many of the things we've always said we would do. So far, we've patronized Hooters, gone trolling to bars for boys, and hosted a Harry Potter themed Halloween party. Between her pumpkin juice and my blood-soaked script on the mirror, the latter was unquestionably our scariest and most delicious success. So much of one, in fact, that I am refusing to take down the bulk of the decorations until Halloween passes. As such, our family room remains Gryffindor Tower and Sirius Black watches TV with us each night from his spot in the hearth.
Friday night, my mom and I had our third Yoga class. Each has been enjoyable and I'm always rejuvenated. Although the movements give me a feeling of more energy, they are simultaneously relaxing and I sleep like a rock afterwards. This has put something of a damper on my weekend social life, but hearing my spine realign reminds me that it is worth it.
Yesterday was the Rennaissance Festival with Jenna, Micah, Justin, and Ray. We had a very nice time and I particularly enjoyed seeing the most attractive member of Shakespeare Skum in his own magic show. I managed to avoid buying any overpriced souvenirs that I would be able to use only at future festivals. There was an antiquated map of Ireland that I almost bought, but I've decided instead to put the money I'd have spent toward my actual trip to Ireland. I can drink all the Guinness I want and play Celtic CDs until my ears bleed, but simulating the Irish experience grows tiresome. I want to breathe the drafty air of the castles, dance to the fiddles and pipes, and watch the dogs race across the moores, herding the flocks in their charge.
Hmm...I realize that I'm sounding all too dreamy and romantic now. At least they're dreams grounded with goals.
