Its About Freakin Time!

Its about freakin time I post again. . . And its about freakin time I go on vacation. . . . I just worked the last 13 days straight. And 11 of those days were either in Atlanta or Florida. Im so glad to be home again. But even more glad that my Christmas Vacation is oh so close.

For Christmas I will be seeing this for the first time:

And this:

Notre Dame

And even this:

For New Years, Im going Here:

Gothenburg, Sweden

IT CANT COME FAST ENOUGH!

Rowing Partner

Yesterday I was visiting with two of my cousins. And enviably the conversations comes to dating/marriage. When with two of the three are single, its bound to happen. . . .

My married cousin made the analogy of getting married to rowing a boat across a sea. That sea is unknown prior to the trip as to what the weather and sea will be like. Therefore, are you going to pick a rowing partner that looks pretty as you sit on the shore? Or are you going to look for a rowing partner that is going to help you cross that sea no matter what may happen out there.

This might be my own perception, but I feel like the longer we are in this dating/single life, we more we loose sight of the reality of life and what we really should be looking for in a spouse. I know I do. I feel like Im starting to think of married life as a fairytale, and I just need my knight in shining armor to take me away from this "horrible single life." Ahh. But my fairytale doesnt allow for reality, that married life is hard too. This I have seen and felt through those around me. Illness, heartbreak, sadness are not immuned to the married. Therefore, I need to find someone that can weather those storms of life, along with the good, the happy, and prosperous times.

Seeing is believing

Its been a month and I feel bad that I dont have much to write about. I have been super busy with work and traveling for work. Lame, I know. But the truth is sometimes lame.

I must say, even though its been tiring to travel so much, there are some benefits. And top on the list has been seeing friends and family that I havent seen in years (or months).

Cheata and Kaiya for lunch in Alexandria, ME and Morgan for dinner in Irvine, CA, Jon & Launi Walker family for dinner in Portland, Jon & Alison Toronto for dinner in Minnesota, Dave Walker for a wedding reception in Kansas City, Peter Walker in San Francisco, Keith Neagle in Chicago. Sam Hansen in NYC. And that has just been this fall, so far.

Visitings with all these old friends and family members have provided me with some amazing lessons, realizations, and enjoyments. Some of those being 1) I have some of the funniest family members this side of eternity, 2) I have some of the most amazing friends this side of the Mississippi. Dang, which side am I on at the moment?!, 3) Life is short. Enjoy it. Take advantage of it. 4) Im pretty confident to say that I was favorite cousin in Minnesota! Atleast for the day, 5) Make an effort for the important things in life.

Im sitting in S Ca. Going on my 90th different bed this year alone. Im realizing that I have a very limited social life. And Im not sure what to do about it. In this "hard economic times," Im just grateful for a job and Im willing to do what I need to keep it. But then there is a part of me that ask if this is worth it all. I miss hanging out with friends and experiencing the life of Boston. I miss being able to go and visit my family in the area. . . . Humm. Anyone? Thoughts?

Fall 08, thus far

Apple Picking with Friends, Amy, Carolina, and Vicky at

Tougas Farms in Northborough, MA

Happy Birthday James! With Taylor and Jack

Melia, enjoying ice cream and cake at James' birthday party. She is definitely a Midgley!

Ahh. Me and My dad!

House of Cards

I walked out of work on Friday, and found this:

http://greenfield-studio.com/artwork/471511.html

I saw some people out in a boat at lunch putting it together, but didnt really know what they are doing. I love that my work is in this up-and-coming part of Boston. It is an old factory district, that is now an arts district. There are always the most random displays. I wish I could find it online, but there were these plastic bubbles with plastic people. All of the cracks in the sidewalks have old pottery cemented inside.

Courage with Age

So. Another birthday has found me. And Im still not liking this getting older thing. After about 21, I become very found of not having birthdays. Oh wait! They come no matter what I do! Never really liked having parties after about 12. Sept Birthdays are a hard one. Its the beginning of a new school year and lots of new faces. Especially since I have moved to Boston, it seems like all the friends move over the summer, and, therefore, the friend count to celebrate with is less than I would like. And this year seems like it was the worst. Dont get me wrong, my special day was great. Spent it with my family and with a long and dearest friend. But no party with the local friends. Many have left this summer and Im very excited for their new adventures. . . .

Something hit me this time around. I cant be passive about life. Life is to be experienced, and not just lived. I have made a few efforts in that. Not that Im really up to sharing all those stories at the moment. But I do have a few quotes that have been mulling over in my head:

Without courage, wisdom bears no fruit. ~ Baltasar Gracian

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count.

It's the life in your years." ~Abraham Lincoln

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments,

but what is woven into the lives of others." ~Pericles

Faith

I had a weekend on the random side. I wasnt looking forward to a particular lunch I had plannned with an old friend. We were to talk about religion, and I knew that it wasnt going to be a calm, open, friendly discussion. I should have just cancelled, but didnt.

It was the least unjoyable hour and a half that I have spent in a long, long time. I love my religion with all heart. There isnt anything that anyone can say that will deter me from it. I know that I dont have all the answers when it comes down to specifics. But I think that that has been the reason why I have never whined in my testimony. Im very simple in the idea that I do not have to know all the answers to know where and how I feel peace and happiness in my life.

In the end, lunch was good. Simply because it got me reading into topics and areas that I havent lately. It caused my testimony to grow more. So for that, Thanks Friend.

But I cant say that I will purposely seek out situations that I discuss religion with a Baptist again though!

Seriously

Is it seriously September?!

I cant believe it.

On the Road Again

My work travel has begun again. Im currently in Naperville, IL. Its going to be a crazy fall. Ill be all over this country, including cities like San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Minnesota, Milwaukee, DC, Phillie, Atlanta, Miami, . . .I could keep going. But then it again, it could all change tomorrow!

Today has been a day for me to realize my blessings. . . . Life is good. Although there are times that I have to deal with crazy situations or irrational people, I have a job and the oppurtunity to be productive each day. Im grateful.

Childrens Museum

Taylor loves the Children Museum in Boston. They rennovated it, but Taylor nor Jack have been able to come out to it yet. So this was the summer. The boys were old enough to have a real slumber party, and day at the museum.



It was a fabulous day, and it was worth all the driving! Ill be putting up pictures soon.

Cluff Midgley Wedding, and Utah

Last weekend I went to Utah for my little brothers wedding. It was fun to be back in Utah for a few days. It is a place that I will always love. For the memories that I have, and the people that I love that are there. Thanks to everyone I saw and got to spend sometime with, and sadness for those that I didnt. I didnt get pictures of everyone, but here are a few:

Red Eyes

One should not work after red eye flights. No good comes from it.

Big Black Cloud

Yesterday I escaped work for an hour, and found myself enjoying a beautiful afternoon in Boston. This city has truly stolen my heart. I was meeting up with a friend that had also escaped for a lovely afternoon. We were sitting on the steps of the Custom House, and walked through the hoards of people in Faneuil Hall, and then meandered back to respective employment factories. (Ha, I only say that as I work in a building that was once an old Saw Mill.)

As I was walking through the new park that traverses the city in lieu of the I-93, I was noticing that I was walking right towards a large gray cloud that was hanging out just above the Custom House. It never did rain, but once I was sitting at the Custom House for a few moments, it started to move towards work.

I found that very symbolic to the feelings Im having at the moment. Im not really sure what it is, but something is luming overhead. Hum, not exactly sure if I need to run for an umbrella for a downpour about to happen, or if I need to just wait it out, the winds will change, and everything will be fine.

My Apartment

There have been quite a few request for pictures of my apartment. Im sure many people are intrigued in how one might love a space so small. Well. The pictures wont do it justice. But here you go.

Bathroom - Not a huge fan of the tile.

Hallway - Left is the outside door, and the far left is a closet, and to the right is the bathroom. Behind you is the main room.

* I dont notice it enough in person, but this picture hurts my symmetrical head. The bookshelf has to be over so that the closet door will open alittle more, or else its an even tighter squeeze.

Kitchen - I really like the size of the kitchen. Its perfect for one person. My lovely cousin gave me this little kitchen island thing, that works perfect for a little table.

Bedroom/Living room/All purpose Room! - Here it is. There is another closet, to the far right is the hallway, and the immediate right is the kitchen. Below is just from another angle.

Hope you enjoy my place! I do.

Seattle & Pugham Wedding

You cant exactly see this in its full glory via photo, but it was a beauty. Spikes, and all!

Friday, I got to see alittle of Seattle, and hung out with Robin!

Ahh, the happy, glowing couple! Jason and Laura Pugmire Graham!

4th of July Weekend

A few shots from the weekend. I wasnt very good about getting pictures from all the various activities. Thursday Night - Rehearsal for the Pops 4th Concert.

Rain tried to scare us away, but "No Way Man"

July 4th BBQ at the Taylors - The Grandkids did a Parade and sang to Patriotic songs.

Its was really cute.

Mark and Jess were out for the weekend. We got some engagement shots done by my friend Tim. This is at the shoot.

PS - Thanks to Sam for coming to visit. To bad Im lame and dont have a picture to show that she was around. Next time. I promise.

Victory Gardens

One of my favorite things in Boston is to show others why I love this city. Might sound alittle silly, but there are so many amazing things to explore. From Restaurants, shops, museums, parks, gardens, etc. I have been in Boston for 4 years now and cant imagine leaving on the simple idea that there is still so much more to explore. I have seen alot of Boston, and the surronding areas, but not everything.


I had the fabulous oppurtunity to try a lovely thai place around the corner from my house, and then walk through the gardens with a few friends. I cant take credit for the pictures (thanks T & J Plewe), but I would love to share their talent, and why I love my part of town.

Out of this World!

Jack Turned 4! Jack has been obsessed with Space, Astronauts, Rocket Spaces, etc for a very long time. So, what better theme for his birthday than a Space theme. He loves all things space so much that he has learned how to count backwards better than forwards. Its rather cute! Its times like this that make driving 200 miles in a single day completely worth it.

He is very excited about this NASA Astronaut Costume and Helmet (Not wearing)

With Sister Melia and Cousin Addie. Always helpers around! :)

And another helper Cousin Kent

Rocket Ship Ice Cream Cake. Although the Creator was super excited with the outcome, it was still as good as always.

What is birthday party without little kids using a heavy metal bat to hit a rocket ship for candy?!

Renewed Faith

I spent Tuesday - Saturday traveling for work. Nowhere exciting this time around. Just to Jersey and New York. I had the plessure of driving the work 15 passanger van down by myself on Tuesday. I didnt mind it so much as I got to stop and have lunch with Megan and the kids.

The week was fine, busy with work related stuff. By the time we drove into town on Saturday afternoon and unloaded the van, I was ready to be home. So I took a cab home. (Lugging my suitcase onto and off trains isnt worth it when I can still expense the cab ride.) I got my money out to pay and thought I put my wallet back into my bag. Well. It slipped out. It was about 30 minutes later when I realized I didnt have it. I asked for a receipt and he gave me the generic one to fill out, so I atleast had the cab company and phone number, but not the cab number. I called, and the dispatch sent out a message but didnt sound to hopeful that I would hear back from anyone.

I headed off to a BBQ for a few friends that are getting married in the next few weeks. I had a friend drive as I was currently driver license-less. I have to admit that I was more annoyed with myself about all the stuff I would be needing to replace, then worried. I got to the BBQ and I got a private call. I rarely answer those, but figured it might be the cab driver. But no. It was my dad. My wallet was found by a couple that were in the cab after me. They were staying at the Renaissance down the street from my work. They immediately took it in and did a reverse look up on my address, therefore getting my Texas home as I still have a Texas Driver License. They also looked for a Marriott Rewards for me. I have one but have my work number on it. So they found my brother, Ken, also in Plano. He happened to have two cell numbers ago, but he also emailed me with their info. (Love the Blackberry!) And then the wife also called AMEX and they conference me in. . . . Can you believe that complete strangers took the time and effort to track me down? They wouldnt just leave my wallet with the front desk, as they wanted to make sure that it did get back to me with everything in it.


Thank you to the Leos of Western Mass! I truly appreciate all your time and effort!

Teddy Bear's Picnic - Melias 1st Birthday

How I love kids birthdays! Yesterday, Melia turned 1! The theme of the party was Teddy Bear's Picnic. I love this age because the have no clue whats going on, and now that there are so many older siblings and cousins, everyone wants to help! Here are some pictures from the event

Getting ready for the big Party!

Taylor and Cousin Evie

Jack and I wearing our favorite color, green!

Getting help opening presents from Cousin Evie and Cousin Addie

Jack forgetting that its Melias Birthday and not his.

(As his is only 12 days away, its hard to wait!)

Melia loves her baby and carriage. She was known to swat people away who would get in her way. She is learning early to defend herself and her toys! Its hard with two older brothers, I would know.

She is a Midgley. Double fisting the Cake. This was early on, as she was pretty clean.

Random Spot

Do you ever have moments where there feels like more should be going on and its not? Like you are missing out on something that you shouldnt be? Like you have missed the boat on something so good and you dont know how to find the little tender to help make it to the boat? Im sorta right there, right now. Not sure why. But I am.

Odd. I know that Im in Boston for a reason. I feel good about that. But my company is starting to just wear on me. Its just hard to work through it all randomness and see the good. I know that the end product, helping people fulfill their dreams of seeing and experiencing the world, is a good thing. But when we are doing with money hungry people driving the results, it just takes all the good out of it for me.

Its time to get on my knees and pray alittle harder. I need to find something more meaningful to focus my energies. Maybe this is still the place, and I just need to get a renewed since of that.

Maybe its time to figure out how I can fulfill my dreams of seeing and experiencing this amazing world. Humm. Where is a benefactor when you need one?! :)

Celtics Game 5

Wed May 28th:

What better way to spend a day, than waking up in the Bahamas, and going to sleep after witnessing the Celtics beat the Pistons in Game 5.

Blair and I at the beginning of the game, excited for the next 3+ hrs of play.

Eventhough he is a punk, I like Rondo.

47.2 seconds left in the 4th quarter. Dont worry. Those last 47 seconds lasted about an hour! Ok, not that long, but it felt like it. Ending score, 106-102.

Sun, Sand, and Simple Goodness!

Ahh. The Atlantis. It was wonderful. The big decision for three days. Beach vs. Pool. I loved it. There really isnt much to say as I really just spent the time relaxing and enjoying the sun.

Amy, Blair, and I - Day 3!

One night I actually left the Atlantis with Amy to go to the "Fish Fry." Its the local hang out for fish, etc. Its was an interesting experience. Bahamians are very nice people. This is walking over the bridge from Paradise Island to Nassau.

Smiles

This little face just makes me happy.

Jack (and Taylor) were swimming in the creek next to their house.

Boston, I miss you

I have been away from Boston for a week now. And I must say, I miss Boston. Probably because I know that its beautiful right now back there. . . . I am excited for a few days away from life at the Atlantis. . . .

Here are some shots from the week before I left for Texas.

Public Garden with the Blooming Trees. My new love in life is a Sprin with Flowering Trees.

The tulips at the Public Garden. I love the gardeners at the Garden are fantastic. Simple, but lovely. Always.

I left my office for a minute during lunch last week and walked passed this office building with this in the front planters. I loved it. It was hard to leave and go back to work.

Hanging out with Kristy before she departed the beloved city. Good luck K-Dawg in your new adventures. You will be missed.