Sleepless Nights

So ask me how many nights it's been since I've gotten more then 4-5 hours of sleep? >_< It's kinda funny, you hear all the cliche saying from those who say they are in love all the time. 'I can't eat. I can't sleep. My thoughts are only of the one I love.' Well, it seems now that this is pretty much 100% accurate. I find myself unable to focus. I have literally spaced meals and not even become aware of the fact until I find myself starving eight when it's time to catch some z's. I feel lost, and I fear my emotions are getting the better of me.

It is not my intention to sound emo with this realization, nor to place any sort of guilt upon you for being so far away. I guess I'm just trying to offer some sort of explanation for my actions and behavior. I'm trying to keep it together and to be strong. I am trying to do what I need to do and just keep moving forward with the simple day to day but... I find it all just doesn't seem to matter nearly as much without you by my side. What I'm saying here is you are so important to me and I love you dearly, and I couldn't imagine my life without you.

If this trip is some sort of test as to determine my threshold of being away from you, I think about a week is about all I can really take without going a little insane lol So, what I ask is bear with me. I'm going to probably seem disorientated and probably make some seriously knuckleheaded or 'blonde' moves before this trip is over and you are back in my arms... If I cause you some confusion, headaches, or frustration between now and then I do apologize. I love you, and I appreciate everything you do... Including putting up with me some times.

Love you Shannon, always

Matt

Home!

This is what 37 Asselyn Drive looks like! Not a whole lot has changed, which is comforting. The people have changed a bit though. Abbie is nearly as tall as me, and beautiful, and Evan is getting so big! He's playing sports and running around pretty independently. Dad seems to be pretty much the same ol' dad, but Mom has changed a little. She grew her hair out, and might actually be leaving Coastal Community Church because of some stuff going on there. I really hope she's able to find another good church in the area. I know Abbie doesn't want to leave...

Anyway, I saw my old high school, and the library, and Wendy's, where I used to work. I even went down to my old house on Coach Lantern lane. Emily didn't much like the thought of dredging up old memories, but who's visiting who?? :P

37 Asselyn Dr. It used to be a strange grayish blue...

Arlberg, where I spent many an afternoon chillin on the steps

This used to be where BK was, and now it's this awkward Walgreens...

Amato's! Best pizza in town! And right across from the high school! :)

My house at Coach Lantern, where I lived with my parents

This is Mark :)

This car only has 3 wheels!!!

My little sister, ABBIE!!!

Mom! ^_^

Another view of the house :)

This is the whole row

The MillBrook entrance

One of the barracks on Ft. Williams, where the lighthouse is

Em and Matt by the lighthouse

I've actually been up there! We went up there one year for Coast Guard Day (which is in August). Really cool view, but REEEEEEALLY skinny stairwell...

Em and her rum & coke (her second?)

Evan! He's watching a youtube video morphing Osama bin Laden's face into Prez Obama's

Turkey

Apparently turkey is the key to world peace. Since the new kitten, Indy, came into our lives it hasn't been the smoothest of sailings. Specifically I'm talking about his developing relationship with the other cat in the house, Pumpkin. When the little bundle of energy first arrived the original feline in the house wanted to kill him. I'm not joking... we're talking class A homicide. Thankfully the 'death and mayhem' phase didn't last that long and has developed into a cold indifference. Would these two ever be able to live in harmony? Would I always have to keep tabs on the two in case World War III would ensue? No, I think we'll be fine :)

I caught the two red-handed. They were cuddling on the couch like a couple of sleeping angels. ^_^ Obviously once their secret was exposed, Pumpkin would flee the premises and act as though nothing had happened. Was it a fluke? An isolated incident? Again, I think not. Later in the evening the two were sharing the bed, on opposite sides of course. Till... I brought a turkey sandwich into the room. I have never seen a more instantaneous and coordinated flanking technique execution since my studies in history. Pumpkin took the right. Indy took the left. There was no where to run nor hide. And they were relentless! >_< The only way I could fend them off was to offer up a sacrifice of delicious turkey. Rather then fighting over the offered morsels, the two actually shared the victory spoils in perfect harmony! I could almost not believe it.

The moral or the story is even potential a nemesis can prove to be at least as convenient acquaintance. And apparently turkey is the key to world peace. Meow =P

Love you baby! Catch you next time! =D

Matt 

No Going Back

Watching the woman I love walk through the airport checkpoint was possibly one of the hardest things I think I've ever had to endure. 16 days apart from my best friend and soulmate... The longest we've been apart since we began this wonderful journey together. It seems somewhat hypocritical of me, considering only two months ago I took a trip myself to Chicago, but at that moment, seeing her turn around and look at me with those sad eyes, I wanted nothing more then for her not to leave. That's when I knew, beyond any possible shed of doubt that I loved this woman with all that I am, and there was no turning back.

And then I felt a sense of unbridled joy. Sure, I will miss my baby terribly while she is away, and sure I feel sad and lonely at times, but I am not worried. I do not feel like I has suffered loss, but rather I am anxious to see her return. I know she is coming back and despite the time or distance apart I know she is never that far away because I love her. And she loves me. The purest form of love that you only see in the movies. But there it is, and I know she'll be coming back to me with a heartfelt embrace and a gorgeous smile. :)

I love you Shannon, with all my heart and soul. I'll hold down the fort while you are away and axiously anticipate your safe return <3

Love always

Matt

Late night

Sitting here watching Despicable Me with Em and her Mom. Em's Matt is online playing a game atm. I think we're watching a chick flick next :)

Wish you could have come to the lighthouse with us! Its in Fort Williams, a decommissioned base from world war II I think? Anyway, really fun place to hike and explore ^_^ I think you'd like it! My computer is dead, and I left half the charger at home, or else I'd post pics for ya l! The one attached is Emily with her dog during Despicable Me: "Its so FLUFFY!!!!" ^_^

I love you so much!!! Good night love :)
Love always, Shannon

Those Crazy Mainiacs

Buses are boring. Period. You can't really sleep on em, cuz everytime they stop you go flying off the seat. Reading makes you nauseous. And in today's mindset, no one should talk to each other. What is there left to do?

In the absence of all else, I've been enjoying the scenery I can sort of remember. Going crazy with every mile, because this driver is so SLOW! I just want to get there and see everyone! Now that the fear of flying has washed away, I'm anxious to enjoy this vacation, damn it! Lol

Tell me about your day? How cute was the little man? Is pumpkin still picking on him? Hows Dopey, that brave lone survivor? :P and how is my favoritest Guy in the whole world?

<3

Thoughts From The Air

Its now just after take off, and at 10,000 feet, electronics are allowed again. Soaring just above the cloud line is so peaceful...I wish you could see it as I do. A mere picture doesn't do this wonder of creation justice. I venture a guess that the Wright brothers would weep with envy at we have accomplished, and so easily. Maybe I should remember what a feat and honor it is to be among the small percentage of humanity to climb to the heights of gods, to see what was once thought to be beyond our reach? Its like a living work of art up here, like nature's whimsical dance being performed for God, and we're being treated to front row seats. The sun is receding behind us, as we head south, and with it, Tue heart I have left with you. I shall miss every second with you, but endeavor to recount each one in detail for you, my love, my best friend, in the hopes that it will bring a smile to your handsome face. I'm about to dive into the treasure we found at Title Wave, so for now, sleep well. Ill hear your voice as soon as we land!
Love always,
Shannon
PS, I miss you!