Stolen thoughts and the best (personal) 4th of July ever

Once I am able to gather my thoughts about my trip to the Milwaukee/Kenosha/Chicago area trip, I will do so, until then, another stolen meme idea, this time from Jennifer:

What I was doing 10 years agoSheesh, that puts me at....13, and in Elgin, IL. I was playing baseball, and enjoying the summer after 7th grade. Back then I could still hit better than my weight, and I played catcher and 2nd base with pitching stints here and there. That summer I was in my first lengthy relationship, in which I had my first kiss (awww), but I found out from my best friend that I was "cheated" on when she ended up making out with some other guy at the local fair

Five years ago I was 18, and celebrating graduating from high school. I thought I was ready to be out on my own, and to get away from Wisconsin (at least I was right about getting away from Wisconsin). I spent my days working at the ol' tie/boxer store. I was on my way to what I wanted- a big university where I could get lost in the shuffle, find my way, and get into a big city atmosphere- after knowing at 6 that I wanted that big college experience, I was excited. I failed to make the varsity baseball squad, so I played for a park team, and hit .400 leading the team in singles, doubles, hits, walks, stolen bases and runs....all while catching on two already worn down knees. That summer I suffered my first major injury when I slipped on some grass during a game and later found out I had a healing fracture in my throwing hand. I played through, and it was a great summer through the dissapointment (let alone shock) of not playing my senior summer for my high school- I just chalked it up as a nother reason to hate that school, that town.

One year ago What a turn around it has been in the past twelve months! Last summer I was geared up for the Bush re-election run, talking about politics like it was going out of style. More than anything else I was getting over my last relationship, which was one of the hardest things I've had to go through, but to see it now, I know I did everything right to get me to where I am today. I saw something wrong, I fixed it, and I've moved on. That summer was hard, but everything that I did was setting myself up for all of the happiness I am currently in.

YesturdayI had plans made with Lauren to go to Great America, and Robert (my baby brother), a lady friend of his along with my Mom joined us. We went on all of the rides I wanted to (minus a crazy spinny ride that was shut down when we were in line), we played some games, although in truth Lauren won me a stuffed animal while I was unable to win her one. Most importantly, Lauren and I talked about where things are going, and we became official, or some combination of going steady/committed/a couple/labeled/whatever the kids are calling it these days. It was a fantastic day to end a fantastic trip.

There is more, but I will continue it tomorrow. G'night