The willow turns its' back on inclement weather...

And if he can do it, we can do it. Just me and you.

My husband, James, jokingly tells me that since he's arrived, I have nothing to say.
To the contrary, since he's arrived I have way too much to say.

First off, the wedding. Or, weddings I should say.
James got here on August 4th and four day later we had a very private ceremony in the mountains with just a handfull of guests. This was or legal marriage union.

Sometime around August 18th we became pregnant with our first child. Imagine the shock!

Not that the pregnancy wasn't planned, it was. But it was still unexpected. When you're told that it takes 6 months to a year for the average woman to get pregnant, you don't expect to be the very rare expception to the rule. But we were and we're both thrilled. The little one is due in May, about a week after my birthday,

Then in September came the second wedding ceremony with lots of guests. That was an incredibly stressful times. I had trouble sleeping and of course, we're dealing with all the details after having just found out we're going to be parents.

So here we are now, weddings behind us and just looking forward to the birth of our baby.

In the mean time, I have an amazing and supportive husband. He's taken over all housekeeping duties because I'm generally dead on my feet after work (or am vomiting), lovely.

He washes our clothes, cleans up our home and does all the cooking. I can't believe how lucky I am.

So thank you James, for all that you do. I love you.

With a little luck we can help it out

We can make this whole damn thing work out.
With a little love we can lay it down

Can't you feel the town exploding.
There is no end to what we can do together
There is no end.

The willow turns his back on inclement weather
And if he can do it we can do it
Just me and you.

And a little luck we can clear it up

We can bring it in for a landing.
With a little luck we can turn it on
There can be no misunderstanding.

There is no end to what we can do together

With a little push we could set it off

We can send it rocketing skywards.
With a little love we could shake it up
Don't you feel the comet exploding.

With a little luck
With a little luck

With a little luck
A little luck
A little luck.

With a little luck we can help it out

We can make this whole damn thing work out
. . .

With a little luck baby
We could set it off

Send it rocketing skywards.
With a little luck we could shake it up

Oh yeah.

With a little luck we can help it out

We can make this whole damn thing work out
. . .

Planning a wedding is stressful even in the best circumstances and I'd say I'm dealing with the best circumstances. James hasn't put many restrictions on me and even things he's been doubtful about, he's acquiesced when he's seen that it's important to me (my wedding band from Tiffany's is a good example of this).

Now I realize all the build-up to the wedding is causing me a small break down. I'm not taking care of myself in any shape or form and it's taking its' toll on me. I'm tired pretty much 24/7 and I'm anemic again. Ugh.

I'm loving the idea of our big day but I'm so ready for it to be here so we can get on with married life. Our engagement has lasted well over a year and the constant waiting has been incredibly difficult.

And now we're less than two weeks away from his landing for the final time and I'm doing what I always do when I have an important date looming, I'm letting myself go to hell.

It would probably take a team of therapists to dissect that but there we have it. And I'm fully aware of what I'm doing and yet can't seem to stop it.

I like routine, I thrive on it. I hate waiting, I'm terrible at it. Not enough routine and too much waiting is my life right now.

James with his infinite patience is something I can (and hope to) learn from.

Happy Birthday to me

Five things I wish I could have for my birthday.
1. Maid for one weekend
2. Tropical vacation with James
3. Shopping spree at the mall for clothes (all size 6
4. Blank to-do list (home and work)
5. very rich and decadent chocolate cake

These are a few of my favorite things...

When James calls me "Cute Girl"
England
Taking a hot bath with a Lush bath bomb
Sitting alone reading Cosmopolitan cover to cover
Taking a long walk right after the sun has come out each morning
Cuddling with Jet before I fall asleep
Watching Jet and Jude cuddle up together
Listening to the rain
Live concerts
My iPod touch
My MacBook
The Tudors
New lip gloss
Shopping at Sephora
Hand written letters
A clean home

Approved!

FIrst things first, we finally got our K-1 Visa approved, James is moving to the USA! Granted, there is still quite a bit of work to do before he can move. He still has to do an interview at the American Embassy in London but, the hard part is over.

So, it doesn't look like there will be any problem with getting married in September! Finally things are progressing forward.

The house in England is sold and that was something else that had been worrying me.

Thanks to everyone who patiently listened to my whining and worrying about this whole process for the last eleven months.

Now all the fun begins! I get to plan our wedding (and start stressing about all new problems).

For James, the most wonderful man I'll ever know

There are places I'll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more

-The Beatles

Remembering to be grateful

I spent a while this early evening fuming over a situation that was causing me to lose my temper with a friend. James spent some time trying to calm me down and it mostly worked. But, I still felt a bit outraged so I called my close friend Jen. She listened to my venting and offered her support for my outrage and that was terrific.

However, I clearly still felt frustrated because I called my Maid of Honor to be, Tonya. And this is where all my outrage flew right out the window.

I told her a little about what I was upset about and she sympathized with me and expressed her opinion on the situation.

Then we began catching up on her life. This isn't Tonya's blog so I won't get into what she had to say but I suddenly realized how, at the end of the day, I am so incredibly lucky.

My problem just melted away because I realized how I was fuming over something that was, actually insignificant. This was not a real problem compared to what others are going through.

And it reminded me how damn lucky I am to have James. He's so incredibly loving, supportive and a true partner to me in every way.

I can't imagine that quite so many people have it as good as I do. I need to learn to not sweat the small stuff as they say (and it's all small stuff).

I may not always agree with people I care about but it's really not all that important.

All I have to do is what I think is right and best for myself and for James and life will be just fine. Because I know James is always working on doing what's best for me.

I never have to wonder of question. I am an incredibly fortunate lady.

This is for you James. Thank you for every little (and big) thing you do.
I love you.

And thanks to Jen and Tonya for being there when I needed to whine.

You say goodbye, I say hello...

2008 was the year that:
I fell in love
I got engaged
I realized how difficult it is to obtain a Immigration Visa
I went to England four times in twelve months
I saw a play in London
I had my gallbladder removed
I moved to a bigger place
DC United did not make the playoff's

2009 will be the year that:
James and I are finally together permanently
We get married
I do 10,000 crunches
I do 30 minutes of cardio 300 out of 365 days
I take a vacation that includes a bikini, beach and margarita
I do NOT buy a designer bag

Here's to a great 2009

Happy Holiday's to me!

Ever since it looked like I wasn't going to be able to go to England to spend Christmas with James, I've been a little moody. Okay, a lot moody. I stopped looking forward to the holiday's and was despising all the Christmas decorations. Ba humbug, indeed.

But, last week I was able to book a ticket to spend roughly 90 hours in England which allows me to spend Christmas with James and also reach my Monday morning "deadline".

Now I'm full of all kinds of Christmas spirit!

Adding to the excitement is the fact that I'll be meeting my sister-in-law for the first time, she's making the trip home from Aberdeen for Christmas.

So I've gotten most of my Christmas shopping done now and am just waiting for December 24th to come so I can get on the plane taking me to James.

Happy Thanksgiving

I can't explain it but, I have the warm fuzzies today. Maybe because it's the day before a favorite American holiday, and it's cold out - my favorite time of year - and I'm more or less alone at work. I'm feeling happily satisfied and content.

I'm not obsessing over the Visa, how long it's been since I've seen James or how much longer it will be, either.

No, today I'm just thinking about all the things that make me happy: My enormously devoted and adoring husband-to-be, my loving family and of course, the upcoming holidays.

Let's hope this feeling lasts...

Six months and counting

USCIS has had our I-129F application for six months now. I'm told that they have a deadline on my application of 1/15/09 which makes no sense at all considering their website says their processing times are "six months".

So naturally, I'm annoyed.

It seems like such a simple thing. I fill out the application, they look over it and either approve or deny. But, the trouble is, their backed up. Really, very backed up. And how do they handle that back up? By requiring you to file even more paperwork. It's got to be the most inefficient thing I've experienced in my life.

However, I have a solution. We're heading towards a recession (if we're not in one already) and tons of people are losing their jobs. Well there we go! Give them jobs at USCIS processing Visa applications. Everyone wins!

Of course that won't happen and I'll have to sit and wait and wait and wait to be with truly the most wonderful man in the world.

This wouldn't be nearly as annoying if it weren't for the fact that there is absolutely no rhyme or reason to how applications are processed. I know people who have applied about the same time (some even after) who have been approved already. And in most cases, two months ago!

I call USCIS and ask for an explanation and I get "blah blah blah blah". The real answer is, it's all arbitrary. Whoever's desk my application landed on is just slower than the desk other applications have landed on. So it would seem the person occupying the desk with our application is an idiot.

And now we're at the holiday season and I can only assume that they will allow themselves every bit of that time until 1/15/09. And, should they decide to take longer, I won't be told why, or given a new date. I'll just be told what I've been told all along so far, "shut up, sit in the corner and wait".

I'm picturing my idiot sitting at her desk gossiping with her cube neighbor about what she did this weekend and what she'll be doing for the holidays with family; unaware and uncaring that I'll be spending those holidays without the man I love.

I'd wish she gets hit by a bus* except that would only further delay my application.


*No USCIS employee's were harmed in the writing of this blog. But, I can always dream.

** Twilight Spoiler**

My cousin Fiona is reading the second book in the series, New Moon. She has decided that she's in love with Edward. Even though she's at the part of the book where he has left Bella (for what he thinks is her own good) in a horrific way.

But I know why Fiona loves Edward. The reason all girls love Edward, he's perfect (with the exception of having dumped Bella in New Moon). And a perfect man seems ideal.

However, for a while I've been on "Team Jacob". Jacob is by far, the more practical choice. He doesn't have Edward's money, or flash or even devastatingly good looks. But, he does love Bella and doesn't try to control her.

Bella goes a long way towards helping me dislike Edward, too. She can't live without him and that's annoying. She'd rather die then not have Edward. She goes on a self loathing suicide mission when he leaves which make you want to slap her and yell "get over it!".

At the end of the day though, most of us want an Edward. For his part, he is so in love with Bella that he'd rather be away from her than cause her harm. His heart was breaking to have to leave her.

He is undeniably devoted to her. In his eyes, she is the most gorgeous creature he's ever seen, even when she see's nothing but a plain girl when she looks in the mirror. Edwards worships Bella so it's easy to get caught up in "Team Edward".

He's the perfect boyfriend we all wish we could have. He compliments her, buys her expensive presents, protects her with his life and will do, literally, anything to ensure her happiness.

But, I feel pain for Jacob. He loves her, too even though he knows she's made her choice in Edward.

In the end, Jacob finds his happiness and it's a fairytale ending for all involved.

And the girls walk away from the Twilight series swooning, wishing we had to make that oh-so-tough choice between two hotties who unconditionally love us.

Oh well. Back to real life.

This one's for the girls

I will admit, I'm a romantic at heart. I believe in love and I believe everyone will find love, providing you want to.

We've all dated some unsuitable guys, or guys who were suitable perhaps, but it just didn't work out. And, we've all dated guys who were jerks, didn't treat us as well as we deserved and often left us broken hearted.

I don't think I have a girlfriend who doesn't fit that description. I fit that description. For four years (off and on - mostly off) dated someone who would never have put me first in his life. And yet, I muddled through anyway thinking at some point, it would change (it didn't).

Now I know how unbelievably lucky I am that it didn't work out. And I know that most of the girls I know who have been there look back and think "yeah, that was definitely for the best".

So don't give up after that broken heart or months (maybe years) of not finding Mr. Right. I'm positive it will happen.

I'm proof.
My beloved Aunt is proof.
Cara is proof.
Tonya is proof.

And there are thousands (millions!) more.

This is dedicated to all my gorgeous single girlfriends.

She's baaaaaaack....

Yes, I'm home. :( :( :(

Why the frownie faces?
Because I didn't want to come home. I wanted to stay with my husband-to-be. I hate leaving him and it sucks that we have to keep doing this for who knows how much longer.

However, it was a good... no, great week.

Friday: I arrive around 10:05AM and am with James by 11:15AM. Heathrow knows how to do passport control and baggage claim (Dulles doesn't but I'll get to that later).
James loads us up in his car and we're off home to Fleet. We have a relaxed day at home and I take a nap.

Saturday: Sleep late and go around to his parents in the afternoon and are there the entire day sitting outside talking. At home James makes us Salmon and bakes potatos while I make us asparagus. Yum! Awesome day.

Sunday: It's into London with his parents for the Chelsea v Manchester United game. It was a fun game and I'm fascinated by the travelling ManU supporters (don't tell James). They have clever songs they sing and I can hear them louder than anyone else in the stadium even though they are clearly the minority.
That night James'dad picks up take-a-way chinese and we have dinner at their home.

Skip forward to Tuesday: We drive up to Liverpool and James patiently walks through The Beatles museum with me. I LOVE it. Afterwards we stop for some hot chocolate at Costa on Albert Dock and we're handed what James refers to as "a bucket of hot chocolate". I agree, it's huge. But, I drink every drop. No one can accuse me of letting chocolate go to waste!

Wednesday: Naked Wednesday... enough said. ;-)

Thursday: We spend a good deal of the day on Oxford St in London shopping and I introduce James to Wagamama (my fave restaurant). I'm not sure he's entirely impressed but again, braves it for me.

And then Friday: A farewell dinner at a nice Italian restaurant with his parents and I get slightly intoxicated. Just slightly.

Saturday: After a bit of car drama, I'm off to the airport. James wasn't able to take me as his Audi won't start and he has to wait for someone to come around to fix it. His buddy Martin picks me up and gets me to Heathrow with time to spare.
Arrive at Dulles safely only to wait in line for ages at passport control then annoyingly wade through hundreds of black suitcases to find my own (which was nowhere near my silver suitcase which I was also traveling with). I'm extremely annoyed at the laziness and patheticness of the international baggage claim process and want to fly immediately back to London.

Sunday: Get up early, then take a nap. Tonya swings by and we're off to a bridal show then Build A Bear for Jade (okay for Jade and Jessica, I make a bride bear).

I miss James.

Speaking of James...

Things James doesn't want you to know:
1. He very lovingly (and with minimal griping) brushes the knots out of my hair when asked to do so.
2. He shed a couple tears when he realized he wouldn't be able to say goodbye to me at the airport.
3. He loves his stuffed dog Barney. It's incredibly sweet.

I got a letter from Senator Webb saying he has sent a request on to USCIS asking them to expedite our Visa application and said that he's asked to be kept up-to-date on the progress.

Mr. Webb, you have my vote when needed.

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

I am going to have a hard time making it through the next 37.5 hours. 16.5 of those hurs spent at work. AAACK! I'm ready to go right now!

There are some great times ahead of me and I'm ready to get started! James and I have been invited to watch Chelsea take on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. And, even though I don't support either team, I'm really excited about it.

Come tomrorow at 10PM, I will board a British Airways plane and (hopefully) sleep straight to Heathrow Airport. Then I get to see my James again. Happiest day of the year (okay, the happiest day would probably be when he proposed).

I love you baby, and, I'll be there soon!

Happy Labor Day America

What this means to me is that outdoor pools are officially closed. Not that I took much advantage of it. A handful of times this year (including today).

I mainly swim at my gym's indoor pool and to swim laps only. It's my new favorite way of exercising. When winter returns, I'll begin to run again.

And so summer comes to its' end. Fall will so be upon us and for me, it's great news. Fall is, by far, my favorite time of the year.

Fall weather, fall clothes... it's the best.

And I get to spend a week and a half of fall in England with my awesomely awesome James.

Goodbye summer. See you next year.

I have to admit it's getting better...

...getting better all the time.

The storm I experienced while at work last week has passed, just as I knew it would.

I didn't want to take away from James' awesome ability to lift my spirits that day, I just worry that I give him all the credit when my fantastic friends play such a huge part in my happiness, as well.

I also left out another bright spot in my work day, my co-worker (and more importantly, friend) Perianne.

While James plays a big part in keeping my workday sane, so does she. I'm so fortunate to have been able to get to know her outside of work and she is a glowing example of why you should never judge a book by it's cover.

(Her cover by the way, is lovely, it's just my first impression of her was a very proper, rule following, goody two-shoes. I was so wrong!)

So to my friend Perianne, today is dedicated to you.

Thanks for the walks, the chats and for keeping my wedding dress safe for me. Not to mention allowing me room in my small closet for my day-to-day clothes.

And of course, I wouldn't have been able to do the move to my new place without you.

So everyone raise their glass and toast my friend Perianne - the trouble maker of her family. :)

Viva la black sheep!

The Awesome Power of Friendship

I've been dealing with a few disappointing situations in my personal life lately and I'll admit, they've gotten me down. Some things drain your energy so quickly you don't even feel it leaving your body.

But, some things bring that energy back so quickly and it's equally surprising. Friday night, Saturday night and Monday night I spent time with a big group of friends and it was fabulous. Sitting around lauging with people you like, who also like you in return, is therapeutic. It's true, laughter really is the best medicine.

I was allowed to escape the things that were upsetting me, albeit temporarily, and enjoy myself.

And now, sitting at my desk at work, my patience was tested again and I could feel the energy draining right out.

Then I look over at the pictures of these people I always keep at my desk. First, my favorite picture of Fiona and I. Then I look at the last trip we made to Houston and I smile. Ryan, Erik, Thea, Jen and myself... we had a good time.

The next picture is also in Houston but the year before. It's a picture of Bobby holding my hand after the game giving me his jersey. Loves it.

And the last one was taken at BWI airport in 2006. 15 of us are standing in front of the Screaming Eagles Banner before we board the plane to head to MLS Cup in Dallas that year.

I realize, I can get through anything with these people by my side. No matter what, I'm a lucky girl because I never have to worry about falling too far. I've got peeps to pick me up.

WHEEE!!!!!!!!!

I hate moving

Hate. Hate. Hate. Hate. Hate.

Now that everything is out of the old apartment and into my new place, there is still a ton of work to to. Nothing is really in place yet and that makes me feel cranky and uncomfortable. I'll have to work a little each night to get things in place.

But the important thing is, James and I have a home now. He's just not in it yet. :(

Anyway, thanks to Jen, Paul, Jim and Perianne -- Seriously couldn't have gotten all this done without you.

And also a thanks to the two day laborers we picked up. They'll never read this but thanks Humberto and Humberto's brother (can't remember his name). They worked their asses off so that, frankly, my friends and I didn't have to.

And congrats to DCU for winning Saturday. Sorry I missed it.

Ten pieces of random advice as provided by: Me (Jessica!)

1. If it feels wrong, it probably is.

2. Try hard to remove yourself from office gossip and politics.

3. Sometimes what you want the most is also what you need the least.

4. Never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever put up with someone who degrades you.

5. Give a little respect and it will (usually) be returned.

6. Travel! Travel! Travel!

7. You might do the wrong thing for the right reason, don't just do the right thing to be pleasing.

8. Exercise, your body craves it.

9. There is no such thing as owning too much lip gloss.

10. Pedicures are divinity, treat yourself.

Ten pieces of random advice as provided by: A Middle-Aged Geeky Mad Man (AKA Ed)

1. Always double-check a name before you put it in print. It could really make your job complicated if it's wrong - and your bosses angry.

2. If you are forced to watch an LA Galaxy game on TV, drink every time Landon Donovan complains to the ref. You'll be passed out by the 44th minute, and then you don't have to watch the rest of the game.

3. Never go swimming with bow-legged women. I admit, I don't even know what the hell this means. But everyone where I grew up used to say it as a joke (I think). It must mean something - but I haven't the foggiest what. But, since everyone used to say it, it has to be important to our nation's well-being.

4. Don't complain about $4/gallon gas if you go to Starbucks every day.
Think about it, you are paying $4 for a double latte caffe doohickey of death, every morning, which probably runs 16 ounces. So, you're paying $16/gallon for coffee! Gas is a bargain.

5. When on a crowded MARC train, and there are no seats for ladies, get the bleep out of your seat and let the lady sit down.

6. When someone stops you to ask directions, throw a curve ball every once in a while and send them to Lynchburg. You'll get a kick out of it and the city could use the tourism dollars. I think their baseball stadium still has a hot tub.

7. On the interstate, don't pull up behind me and get right on my car's ass and flick your lights. I'm not going to get out of your way, and you are making your headlights die quicker.

8. When a person says to you, "this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you," kick them in the nuts and run. That way, you don't get hurt at all, and the other person was right.

8a. Note: If it's a girl that says it to you, you're pretty much dead.

9. Don't agree to write a piece containing 10 pieces of advice for random people when you can only think of 9.

10. Remember, she's right. Even when she's wrong. She's right.

Ten pieces of random advice as provided by: Dave

1. Take at least one week of vacation every year where you totally disconnect from your work life. If you are in a relationship, go with that person. If you are single, travel with friends or even by yourself. Do not check work email and minimize personal email. Screen cell phone calls; take only the important ones from people you know.

2. Never go around lowered railroad crossing gates. Besides the danger to yourself, so many people don't think about the stress and trauma a train engineer endures.

3. Don't forget to take time for yourself. No matter what your relationship status, do something for yourself, and only yourself, at least one hour a week.

4. Be passionate about whatever it is you feel passionate about--defend or promote it vigorously and don't apologize for doing so.

5. Don't rush into buying a house. Don't listen to people that tell you that you "must" buy a house "now".

6. You'll know when you've met the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Trust me. I didn't believe that when people used to tell me that either, so have faith.

7. Although they drive you crazy, embarrass you, make you do things you don't want to do, etc, etc, remember, they are your parents and they love you.

8. When you are sad or frustrated, pet a kitty cat. It really helps. (Note for dog lovers: yes, a dog will do as well)

9. Words hurt. Angry words hurt more. Even though its hard, think before you speak. And if you say something you didn't really mean, apologize. Profusely.

10. Don't forget to smile.

Ten pieces of random advice as provided by: James

1. Don't eat yellow snow.
2. Never pee downwind.
3. Not everyone who offers advice does so with your interests at heart.
4. In order to love, you must understand the risk of hurt.
5. Appreciate all that you have.
6. Give everything and everyone the best you can - they can't expect any more.
7. Remain true to yourself and your core values at all times.
8. Sometimes what you need is staring you in the face for a long time.
9. Just because they're not talking about you doesn't mean you can't be paranoid.
10. Make sure you love your man forever because he's going to love you forever. :)

(I'm guessing #10 was directed at me specifically)

Ten random pieces of advice as provided by: Cara

1. Never miss an opportunity to use the toilet.
2. Everything will taste better slathered in hot sauce.
3. A piece or three of chocolate per day will keep your mood up.
4. Always keep a few plush towy on your desk at work.
5. Always stop to pet a dog on the street.
6. Appreciate the sexiness of the English accent.
7. Listen to music LOUD.
8. Chat with your best friends a few times a week.
9. Never jump into a pile of leaves with a wet sucker.
10. Never feed a Mogwai after midnight.

A question of where to live

As much as I love living in our nations capital (or at least in such a close proximity), lately I've been wondering if this is the right place long term. I suppose this is natural when you start thinking about your life as no longer being just your own. I'm going to have a husband soon and children not too long after (mother nature permitting).

I've been considering quite a few cities such as Charleston, SC; Raleigh/Durham, NC; maybe even Georgia. And I really enjoy Seattle, WA and (begrudgingly) Austin, TX.

I decided to take to the internet for help. I took a pretty comprehensive quiz that helps people make just such decisions. It asks questions such as what type of climate do you prefer and how important is tax rates, crime, cultural events etc.

I go through this exercise to be told that I should be living in Washington, DC. Interesting that none of the cities above were even in the top ten. In fact, Charleston, Raleigh and Austin weren't on the list at all.

At this point, I remember that it's not just me that has a stake in this. I send James the link and I wait.

He returns with his list and, it's nearly identical to mine. In fact, the top five are the exact same.

Turns out, we're exactly where we should be.

Thursday is the new Friday

Happy 4th of July!
And let's not forget what the point of this holiday is:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

I know, I know. This is rich coming from someone who will soon sire British children but, it's 2008... we've forgiven the English. ;)

(And not to worry, my kids will play for the US soccer teams)

Recovery: Day 7

And that's that for my "break". Tomorrow is back to work because I'm feeling okay. This is not exactly how I'd prefer to spend a week away from work. However, I won't be in pain again. Well, at least not from gallstones. I spent two months in near agony and now it's over. The surgery and recovery was a small price to pay for not having to deal with that pain anymore.

And now I can eat normally, too. Hells yeah!

I checked today and, sadly, no new developments on our Visa application. Not that I was expecting anything. But, I always keep my fingers crossed.

It was hard going through this past week without James. Certainly I managed fine without him, but it's a luxury I would have paid any price to have.

He certainly did his best to be available to me from 3,600 miles away. Between emails, IM's and the such, he was always in touch. And he handled my whining well (Believe it or not, I'm not the best patient). I love you, baby.

Elsewhere...

I haven't been able to attend a DC United game since May 8th and James is quick to point out that the team hasn't lost a single game since my hiatus. Could it be I'm bad luck?!

I'm pleased about my teams winning streak. Especially the 4-1 drubbing of Beckham+10 (=zero) today.

And, I'm sure the record is just a coincidence. Right? Right?

Recovery: Day 5

The pain is definitely diminishing and I can go longer before needing the percocet. Everything is healing nicely. At least, I think. I'm scared to look at the stitches still. I'm a complete wuss.

Because I still have to sleep on my back, and because my cats are still young and therefore rambunctious, they aren't allowed in the bedroom with me at night. Which has made them both excellent day company. They don't leave my side until it's time for me to go back to bed. It's been sweet having them cuddle up next to me during my recovery.

They've had a rough time of it lately. A month ago I was in England for a week and that got them sad. Then of course I spent a couple nights in the hospital and on top of that, I'm denying them their bed time with me.

Next week, we'll all be back to normal.

And, I'm counting down the days (84) until I'm back in England with James.

Mmmm... Percocet

What does it feel like to have your gallbladder removed? Well, it feels like being punched in the belly over and over and over and over.

But, the Percocet makes it all better. Okay, not all better but it certainly numbs the pain quite a bit.

The two nights spent in the hospital wasn't as awful as I was afraid it would be. Every person on staff was great and took good care of me. And, it helped that my daddy came up and stayed with me, too.

So, now I'm back at home and recovering. I still feel like I'm being punched in the stomach, but it's not the end of the world. This pain will go away so it's far better than the pain I was dealing with for two months while waiting for the surgery.

I miss my fiance though. :(

I hate to be that girl, but...

I swore to myself that I wasn't going to turn this blog into a lovey-dovey my boyfriend/fiance is so awesome bragathon. But... well, my boyfriend/fiance is so damn awesome!

Now it looks like we could be apart for seven months. Booo!
So just in case anyone from Homeland Security is a fan of my blog:

Dear wonderful Mr./Mrs. Homeland Security person reviewing the file for Jessica Caroline Howard and James Andrew Hunt,
James is a fine upstanding and respected person in his community. He's successful, respectful and honest. He's the most sincere person I've ever met. He will contribute to our society in nothing but positive ways.
So please, please, please expedite our K-1 Visa application ASAP. Our future is in your hands.
And I have DC United tickets with your name on them if it helps!
Sincerely,
Jessica Howard

On to other matters...
I finally got my car back last week and it looks brand new. $11,700 worth of damages. Yes, when I do it, I do it right baby! They detailed my car and made it all shiny inside and out.

I see a new surgeon on Monday and hopefully (cross your fingers here, please) I can have the surgery on Friday. I'm told it's minor and outpatient so everything will be fine.

I admit though, I'd be much happier if James were allowed to be here with me during recovery.
(hint, hint Mr./Mrs. Homeland Security person)

And now to the wedding:
Tonya has picked out her dress and Jade's Flower Girl dress. All we really need now is the GROOM! (another subtle hint, hint to Mr./Mrs. Homeland Security person)

Have I mentioned how amazing my fiance is? Trust me, the absolute best.

Oh dear, I'm that girl.

Lyrics of the day:
Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play
Dear Prudence, greet the brand new day
The sun is up, the sky is blue
It's beautiful and so are you
Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play

Dear Prudence, open up your eyes
Dear Prudence, see the sunny skies
The wind is low, the birds will sing
That you are part of everything
Dear Prudence, won't you open up your eyes?

-Dear Prudence: The Beatles