four minute friday: puppies and kittens

Go. Hombre, I don't really need four minutes to tell you what my heart wants to tell you. I can do it in six words:

I love you. I miss you.

Or even these six words will do:

But since this is called Four-Minute Friday, I'll fill up the remaining three minutes with sweet everythings.

My little namesake is 9 days old today; isn't that crazy? What's even crazier is realizing that you have yet to meet this sweet little girl who's moved into my heart. You will love her, I know. I've missed you a lot these past 9 days as I've been experiencing so much that I wish you were with me for. ::SIGH::

Dave keeps asking me about our futuristic dog. I shrug; I giggle; I say, "We'll see..." This much I know is true: You and I are going to have a blast with the Kitties this coming year. It'll feel like a very long breath of fresh air for our hearts.

I taught Silas to say “Are you ready?” with a British accent. Every time he says it, I can’t help but laugh. I already imagine you teaching him all sorts of crazy things.

But really, all I need you to know is that I love you...to the moon and back.

Done.

four-minute friday: groceries

Go. Niel, I'm going to dedicate my four-minute Fridays to you while you're gone. Or am I the one who's gone? Who knows...

While I'm here and you're there, I sometimes worry about whether or not you're eating well. I know you are a great cook, and the king of making yummy meals out of the random leftovers in our fridge (even if they're only yummy to you). But, still... I know it's hard work being back in the bachelor-hood.

So I was really glad you sent me a picture after you got home from the grocery store this week. I appreciate you setting my heart at ease and reassuring me that you are eating a healthy, balanced diet.

My heart rests easy today.

Done.

four-minute friday: home

Go. My friend half-jokingly refers to America as "God's country", and her words were on my mind as we touched down in JFK at 6:30 this morning. It feels good to be home.

This is where it gets hard to explain, but I'll try...in my remaining 3.5 minutes.

Africa is home. I've lived there long enough, put roots down deep enough, feel totally comfortable there that I have no qualms about calling it home. I often do. Especially when I'm in America. The phrase "Back home..." seasons my conversations.

But America will also always be home for me. No amount of years living overseas will ever take that away. There's something about being here---something about that instant when the airplane wheels hit the tarmac---that makes me feel like I'm being hugged.

There's much I disagree with and dislike about my home country and culture, as there also is about my new country and culture. But I proudly call both home.

Done.

four-minute friday: time zones

Go. Well, it's almost midnight. Which means it's almost Saturday. And I just realized I never four-minuted today. Yikes. i've got a few minutes left to still get it done on Friday. Although it'll still be Friday in America for many more hours. And it's already not been Friday in Australia for many hours. Time zones are a weird thing to think about. So I won't think about that. Not right now anyway.

Although not thinking about time zones now has me thinking about my 17 hour flight next week. Yep, my next four-minute Friday will be written from New York. I have been so busy, I haven't had much time to get too excited yet. But typing that right then? That made me smile really big.

I have an uncanny ability to (typically) sleep through almost the entire over-the-ocean flight. I love it. With my new short do, I'm anticipating landing in JFK with an amazing case of bedhead.

Done.

four-minute friday: highlights

Go. So today's my big day. I'm up and at 'em early (where did that phrase come from?) to drive to the big-city for my 11 AM hair appointment. I must confess: I'm nervous!

After my cut (and highlight!) I'm heading to the airport to pick Niel up. Hope he likes it. Especially cause it'll probably never look that good again. There's nothing like that fresh-from-the-salon look. Note to self: Make a point of asking them to show me exactly how to style it so I can do it myself.

Here comes the real bummer: We're spending the night in Joburg to pick up some folks at the airport on Saturday morning. So... That means no "big reveal" until Saturday night or perhaps even Sunday. (GASP!)

Spiderweb: I can't believe with or without you got so many comments. The dialogue took some interesting twists and turns. If you haven't followed the comment conversation, you may want to go back and take a peek.

Okay... Since I'll be gone all day, you'll have to talk amongst yourselves in the comments. What do you anticipate being your high and low today? (That's "kitty-code" for the best and worst part of your day.) And then come back and share what your actual high and low was... Okay. Discuss.

Done.