5 things

Hello my dearest friends,

I miss you all like crazy.  So I thought I'd give you a quick update on what's been happening in my life.  I like to make lists, so without further ado...

5 Things that Suck
1. Bugs and mice - The coming of fall with all of its crisp mornings and colorful splendor also means that creatures feel they can invade my home for warmth.  I wish they would learn they are not welcome. We have a contingent of boxelder bugs that come through the cracks of a very old window in our living room.  The bugs are completely harmless; they don't smell or bite or leave any residue. They just like to die in my house and make me suck them up with the vacuum.  I've also seen one or two mice.  I wish they would eat the copious amounts of poison that Sean and I have set out for them - past experience has taught me that traps are worthless.

2. Husbands going on work trips - I know some of you can relate to this.  Sean is leaving tomorrow morning for another conference. This time in Puerto Rico (I'm so jealous.). This will be a total of six weeks that he's been gone since May.  It's getting old - I've never lived alone, and I hate being home alone at night by myself.  I get creeped out.

3. Job insecurity - I still haven't signed my job extension yet, so I'm hoping that I will still have a job come January. It seems promising that things will work out, but I'm not counting my chickens yet. Never underestimate government bureaucracy.

4. Monkeys on your back - I'm STILL working on my master's project. This time to publish it, so hopefully this effort will be worth it in the end.  Even though I've graduated, it's a monkey that doesn't seem to want to ever go away.

5. Underemployment - Dport, I'm so happy that your new job feels challenging and rewarding.  It gives me hope that I'll get there someday.  For now, since I'll only be here in Minneapolis for another 1.75 years, I'm going to try and stick with what I have, because I really can't afford to be unemployed.

5 Things that are Awesome
1. Weddings and nuns - I recently attended the wedding of friends in Madison, WI.  The ceremony was at an ecumenical monastery run by some Benedictine nuns. It was beautiful, and filled me with so much hope when I frequently get discouraged by the abundant negativity nowadays.  I love nuns; such strong women, so many experiences, such love for God, the earth, and its people. I'm often left in awe after visiting with them. This time was no exception.

2. Pumpkin Ale - I just finished a Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat, and it was delicious. Basically pumpkin anything - pumpkin donuts, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin carving.  Makes me happy.

3. Nature's beauty - Sean and I recently took a weekend trip to Bayfield, WI which is on Lake Superior.  This picture was taken on one of the inlets (which is why you can see land across the way).  Such big sky; the clouds were so alive.

4. Coffee dates - Tomorrow morning I am going to meet a good friend for coffee.  I am so excited for it. Sadly this is because I haven't really had time to sit down and chat with someone over coffee since, well, I can't remember.

5. Family, sports, and technology - Melinda is playing soccer this fall for Wheeling Jesuit University. Their home games are streamed online! I've been able to watch a couple of her games this way, which is a first - I don't think I ever saw her play in high school because I was never home during the season.

Hope you all are well!  I am planning on being home for a few days over Thanksgiving. Not sure what exact days yet, but I'll keep you posted. Perhaps we can have a coffee date?

Love,
Lishka