Happy birthday, Matt!

Happy 26th birthday, Matthew Ives Maloney!

I may be touring the Acropolis today (and hopefully snacking on some Spanakopita), but I'm thinking about my middle one.  I am missing our commute conversations but one of the memories that is keeping me smiling this year is how you let me in on the planning and the secret that you wanted to ask your girl, Kelly, to marry you.  And I know that special girl will do what I used to on this day, on September 27 - and I love her for that.  She will continue my tradition - of making you feel loved and special.  Thank you for letting me into your world this year, for letting me help you dig through the stones (oh, and for all the coffee on those excursions), and for including me in the shopping trip on the day you made the big purchase.  I am so happy for both of you that you have found that one true thing - the only thing that really matters - and am proud of the smart, kind, sweet, capable man you have become.  I am honored to be a part of your journey.  Sending you love from Athens today.  I love you, Matt! 

It's All Greek to Me!

After a 20 hour journey, we have arrived in Athens! When we landed, we received Matt's email with CNN link about the strike on Syntagma Square near the Parliament. Workers are really fed up with the austerity measures the government is imposing. As one Greek explained it, it's never been about the tourists! Still we heard the anarchists were throwing malatov cocktails and that was a bit alarming. Our hotel is 1-1/2 blocks from the square but by the time we arrived - 18:30 - the strike was over...although evidence was everywhere, including in the air: the smell of tear gas remained and broken glass was being swept up. We had planned to ride the metro into town but because of the strike, it was not operational. We rode the city bus (saving €30 over cab fares and just as quick and with other tourists) and made friends with a couple from Wisconsin (they have a niece at the UI) and a guy from MPLS! Yes, I told them about my sisters! Anyway, we are having a great time and now my delicious Mythos beer is getting warm so ttyl! xoxo. Tomorrow: the Acropolis!

Crazy kids anyway...

So I was telling one of my co-workers about my upcoming trip - not in a braggy way (I hope) but more in a so-you-know way, and with furrowed brow, he said, "Why are you doing that?  Oh you be careful over there..."  And it reminded me about something I have read - that 28% of Americans have passports and less than 1/2 of them use them.  While I'm very fond of my comfort zone (tall blonde roast, save room for cream) I am also very excited about finding our way, quite literally, in the world...being dependent on the kindness of strangers, diving in and acting like a local, and finding ourselves amidst the isolation.  How might we behave differently if we traveled more?  That's a question I'm hoping to answer. 

Happy Anniversary, Shawn...where are we going next?

Thanks for the fire and ice roses, JFM!

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

Yes, it's a trip of a lifetime...I get it.  We just celebrated 15 years of absolute wedded bliss (and if I must say, I was quite impressed that I didn't start medicating myself when the children, one by one, packed up and moved away).  And Shawn is due a little fuss with turning the big 6-0.

And while I'm super excited to see those ancient ruins (some built 2500 years ago!) in the cradle of our civilization, and see the stomping grounds (and palaces, and bridges, and churches) of all those Renaissance guys I studied about in college, and super, super excited to see David and the Pieta...still...I'm hesitating...er, reflecting...as I know there's no more beautiful site than seeing the people you love and spend time with...and depend on the most...those people that give you meaning.  Here are a few of my favorite pics and a few of the people I will be missing while I am away...with apologies to those of you whom know you are loved and aren't included here!  

It's almost time to go...love you all!

On Joni

Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law and friend, Joni!  She lives two miles down the road and is at least two steps ahead of me in all of life's phases.  I looked to her when she had children and I didn't.  I learned from her when I had kids and hers were going off to college and then getting married.  And now this grandparent thing...she is doing it with so much style and love!  I've learned a lot from Joni over the years and treasure our conversations, mostly at this sweet little spot that sits between our two homes, where we have solved many of the world's problems and I have taken home a tip or two that she has shared with me.

Happy Birthday, Joni!

This One's for You!

Angst...trepidation...and a long list of to-dos.  This trip was definitely your idea, my dear love.  Two weeks without my prized telephone conversations with the kids (and no chance of visiting Chicago or Milwaukee).  We are covering a lot of ground - 4 countries in 13 days!  Just the way you planned it.  There's so much to do to get ready:  Paper and mail stopped?  Check!  New camera and iPad?  Check!  Plants watered, credit card companies notified, playlists made, movies downloaded, Bit-o-Honey bought...And here's one I never would've considered...brother Steve says to turn that water heater off (where's that anyway?).  In between my excitement and my worry, I turn my head in the direction of you, busy with travel guides and laptop and scratch paper, and I realize...you are worth every last Euro.  Happy birthday, love, and here's to many more 15 years together!

Travel kicks!

Shawn and I thought our travel plans just screamed "new shoes please!" We love our Merrells!