trying to pull it together

Wow, we've been playing catch-up all week. A quick rundown:

• 2:00 am - The hour, in Montana, that I had to wake up on Monday in order to get to the airport at time (4:00 am Eastern).
• 10:30 am - The hour in Montana that Blake and I arrived in Billings, exhausted but with great memories and (the best part) a Batman costume.
• Tuesday - I had to drive back to Bozeman and straight to work in order to wrap up a major deadline. We were there an hour and got to spend the rest of the day at home together. It wasn't super-relaxing (unpacking and watering droopy plants and showering), but it wasn't work, and that's saying something.
• Wednesday - A full day at work followed by a baby shower for a dear friend whose preemie twins are doing SO WELL. I love them and would nibble their cheeks if I wasn't petrified I'd pass on some terrible disease.
• Thursday - Our relaxing day, starting with a leisurely morning of reading and playing, then the park, some errands, and a nap for Blake.
  
• Friday - Another full day of work. I still haven't taken my nap, and it feels like my face is cracking into two every time I yawn, which I do all day long. Also, a group of friends and I are going to Shakespeare in the Park tonight! I'm excited for almost all of it...but they're doing Macbeth. PARTY!

I'm missing out on a camping trip this weekend with the rest of my family. I blame the fact that NO ONE TOLD ME (or I wasn't listening when they did), so I never put it in my planner and consequently scheduled other things, but the fact is that I probably couldn't have gone even if told in time. That's my way of saying, "Mom? I'm sorry that I was such a bag about not being able to go. It's probably not your fault."

We had such fun in DC. I got to have great conversations with Rachel & Joe, and the boys played wonderfully together. Now that I got the semi-scary hurdle of a first visit down (you know, you never know what it's going to be like, so you're scared of the unknown?), I think we'll go out for a week the next time. I'm not sure when that's going to be, but hopefully soon.
***
An aside to the friend/family whom I will not name, but who gave me some genuine attitude about the lack or brevity of my visit? I will HAPPILY come out more often and stay longer - you can go ahead and buy the tickets. Be prepared to drop a thou.
***
Last Sunday at the National Zoo was great fun - we got to see the couple who had hosted big Blake and I for Thanksgiving during our brief stay in Los Alamos. They've been transferred to DC for the next four years, and it was lovely to hug them and spend a bit of time with them. We also got to see a fellow I work with - he hadn't met Blake yet! - and I am so grateful that they were willing to bend to our schedule given our brief stay. Thank you guys!
***
I'm having my wedding dress altered to attempt to wear it to a formal ball in September. For those who think that's in poor taste: it's more a joke than anything else. Also, shove it. For everyone else: it's the most fabulous dress I've ever owned, and I'm excited to possibly wear it again, albeit much changed, and I hope that not too many people pooh-pooh it. I think that would hurt my feelings.
***
Once I can figure things out, I hope to post video (I know, I've promised THAT before) and pics later today. Also, maybe once I'm rested I can organize my thoughts a little better? Maybe?