Loads o' updates

Hello from the Humid State!

Where do I begin? It's been a hectic month of August. I've been traveling like crazy - to New York (twice), Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Charles/Chicago, Philadelphia and Orlando. Lots of training classes and website redesign meetings for work, but also fun trips to see friends in StC and Stacy in on the other side of FLO.

I hadn't been back to St. Charles in a full year - in fact, we moved the third week of August 2006. I admit that I cried when the plane touched down at Midway (and it wasn't from a fear of teetering off the runway, as some planes have done in the past at that crapshoot of an airport.) Got to spend tons of time with friends and library colleagues, as well as giving myself a tour of the outside of the old house on 6th St. Strangely enough, it hasn't been occupied for the past year, and looks almost exactly as it was when we left it. With the addition of several more weeds.

It was cold and rainy along the Fox River, so I actually bought a sweater for the first time in a year. (!) An excuse to stop by H&M, really....

A visit to Christ Community Church was also on the list. They're building a second addition to the Kids' World, and it looks amazing. Pastor Jim was still on summer sabbatical (bummer) but it was great to see old friends anyway.

Another major event in the Caulk household is that we were doggie parents of an Australian Shepherd for a few days. Our dog walker, Jim, noticed him on our portico when he came to walk Bandit. The Aussie followed him into the house like he owned the place, and proceeded to follow Jim and Bandit on their Wednesday walk. Not knowing what else to do, Jim put the new dog in the backyard. Jason found out from the vet that the Aussie (now dubbed Hobbes at this point) had a microchip and was registered, but the owner never called.

Unfortunately it was a no-go for Bandit, who wondered rather verbally who this interloper was. After a pretty intense session of growling and bared teeth, it was obvious that Mr. Spoiled wasn't going to allow another dog in the house. Understandable, considering that Bandit has spent the last nine years as Head Dog.

So, we were able to turn him over to the local Aussie rescue foster group, where he was adopted. Hobbes is enjoying his new life as one part of a pair, and loves his new family. So a good ending, although it was tough to let him go. (Check out the video to see why - dog eyebrows just kill me.)

Jas is transitioning to his new role as the director of product management for the interior door line. I have no doubt that he'll do a great job. Our jobs have really been stretching us like a bunch of Gumbys in terms of new experiences and challenges. I find out at the beginning of next month whether or not I will progress to the manager level. That is a positive step, as long as Blackberry ownership isn't required. :)

After a summer break, both of our Bible study groups start back up next week. Jason is doing one with a group of 20 & 30 somethings from our church, and I'm leading a women's group through Bible Study Fellowship. We're studying Matthew this semester, which I'm looking forward to.

Happy Labor Day! Hope you all are able to kick back and relax.

Love,
Michelle