Deep Breaths

Weekend Update

Yesterday morning Leia and her mom went off shopping together (which meant the credit card companies rejoiced and Michael and I sat at home sobbing and trying to figure out what we could sell to pay off the creditors). But seriously, she got some very nice things and even managed to resist the impulse to buy any shoes, so I was proud of her, and she looked beautiful in her new outfit.

I spent the morning finishing my unpacking job, and managed to get most of my things stored away. I also set up my computer and it is working fine, so I will start writing from my new bedroom office this coming week.

After Leia got home, we went to the church for a music rehearsal. The youth group was leading worship this weekend, and they asked me to play drums with them. The drumkit at our church is a tiny little 4-piece kit that is missing some heads and has a very very low stool and cymbals that have seen better days, but it was still a lot of fun just getting back behind a set and playing again. Some of the young guys here are really talented musicians, and it was fun connecting to them through the universal language of music.

Last night we went with Leia's parents and another older couple to a really nice Chinese place. We had Peking Duck and Lemon Chicken and 4 or 5 other things. I felt a bit lost because the majority of the conversation was in Greek, and every once in awhile everyone would burst out laughing and then Leia would turn to me and repeat in English the joke that had just been told while everyone else stared expectantly at me, waiting for me to laugh... naturally, I obliged them. ;-) Anyway, this couple, Mary and Spiros, offered some advice regarding a way to get a good deal and low interest rates on housing, and also mentioned a possible job contact for me, so it was good to make their acquaintance.

This morning we went to church and our youth band debuted to throngs of adoring fans... or a bunch of old ladies looking confused by the racket... probably somewhere in between, actually. I thought that the guys did a fantastic job, and I think Leia and I both felt a bit of parental pride toward our youth. I think music will be a good way for me to connect with some of them, so that was nice to discover.

We had some grilled octopus for lunch (can't get that at Captain D's), and then basically lazed around for the rest of the afternoon. Then this evening, Chef Leia prepared a lovely batch of crepes with fruit and honey and syrup and almonds... yummmmm. I'm beginning to think that being married to a beautiful, intelligent, talented woman who is also a great cook is going to work out just fine.

Now we're preparing to sort out our schedule for the rest of the week, which promises to be quite hectic between wedding preparations, Leia going back to school on Tuesday, and most importantly, Leia's 28th birthday on Thursday (everyone mark your calendars and send her lots of e-cards and such.. she's a sucker for stuff like that). So we should have plenty to report on as the week progresses. Keep us in your prayers... it only gets crazier from now til the wedding.

Drop us a line and let us know how you all are doing. We miss you and love you.

–John

posted by John and Leia @ 10:12 AM