Hey, you.

I've been neglecting our blog too.  The entire blogosphere, actually, except that I check a couple that I LOVE every morning ;) I haven't felt much like writing lately; I have once again over-committed myself in terms of projects, activities and social engagements, so I've been a stresshead.

This doesn't excuse my lack of contact during this horrible and sad time for you and your family.  How are you holding up?  How are the rest of the sisters and daughters? I can't imagine the pain of waiting...and still hoping. I am so sorry for all of you. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet D over the course of all these years, although I feel as though, through your stories, I did. I even got to know her a little bit, and it breaks my heart to hear that her battle is coming to an end after fighting so hard for so long. I know the coming weeks or months will be difficult for all of you; my thoughts are with you every day, even though I you may not hear them.

We're winding down the year here too...we go until Wednesday, but as you know, the kids will check out the minute that bell rings this afternoon.  I mean, really. Who's going to be engaged during Monday's Bobcatpalooza Day, Tuesday's Clean Out Your Locker Day or Wednesday's Must Meet State Requirements Half Day?  JJ dumped the contents of his backpack on the coffee table last night and I knew we were done.  This year flew by, though. Maybe it's because I was working, I don't know. I have no idea where the time went.

Tonight JJ, J and I are going to the ballpark for a minor league game (translate: hot dogs and beer in the sun) - a sort of Birthday/Father's Day gift to ourselves.  It is, amazingly, supposed to be pretty nice today, warm if not completely sunny.  The rest of the weekend I'll be running around tying up all the loose ends for Monday and maybe we'll go out to dinner and to see Cars 2 for my birthday tomorrow night.

I'll be glad when Monday [successfully] comes to a close, although I've enjoyed this process and am looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.  I'll just be grateful for the extra time in the day, that's all.  Then it's a couple of weeks of work until I leave for CA - which is another story altogether that I won't get into here.

I've got to get ready for work now, but wanted to check in and let you know that I'm thinking of you.  I will be heading out with the family right when I get off work this afternoon, but I wonder if you'll be around this weekend? I will definitely try to call you tomorrow to hear your voice, even if you can't complete a sentence without crying.  I wouldn't expect anything else.

Love you,
A