Reading Corner

Here's a little peak into our living room: my favorite reading corner. The room is an evolving animal, for instance we've changed out the rug since this photo was taken. Now if only the perfect coffee table was in my budget...

An offer of explanation...

My old friends, I owe you an apology for my sudden disappearance and lengthy absence. Contrary to popular belief, I have not become a cave-dwelling hermit. I have visited your blogs from time to time, quietly peeking into your goings on without making mention of my presence. It has been a strange and sometimes difficult time, causing me to withdraw from public appearance on the interweb.  Care for a recap of my year?

Last year I moved into a very stressful position at my company. Thus began the formation of many new wrinkles, and after long days on the computer at work, caused the breaking point of my blogging and tweeting. I was laid off 6 months later, along with 39 coworkers. This began an ongoing period of self-employment and the so-far-futile search for a decent job.

Lots of tornadoes swept my area last year. An F1 came through our neighborhood. We were very lucky - no damage to our house, but we lost some trees and had a squirrel fatality.

We lost a dear family member and truly good man - at far too young an age. My Mom experienced a serious illness for almost a year (thankfully she is now recovering).

I was lucky to spend a lot of time with my side of the family during trips to Athens, Texas, Louisiana, and Hilton Head (Mr. Cheese was along for some of these trips). We spent time with Mr. Cheese's side of the family in Tennessee.

We took side trips to Savannah, Tybee Island, and Beaufort. I'm so in love with the Lowcountry and the friendly locals that the area holds a special place in my heart. We took one whirlwind trip to Jacksonville/Amelia Island to see friends and walk the beaches. I took another trip to JAX for fun and therapeutic chick-time with one of my oldest friends, who has since moved to Maryland.

We went to the cabin, and visited the world's largest treehouse.

 Mr. Cheese and I have a new niece!

 I started running and became addicted to it. Unfortunately a hip injury has suspended my runs for the past 6 weeks. I was just able to walk two miles for the first time this week, so it will be a long road back. Boo.

That's a summary of my journeys (both physical and emotional) over the past 15 months.  I will soon be resuming regular posts and will be catching up with what you Lovelies have been doing! I know that there are new addresses, new babies, new business ventures, and so much more. Here's hoping that life is good for all of you!

XO,

Marsi