"it's a long way 'home' when your car done broke down" OR "the week-long vacation that wasn't supposed to be"

thank YOU goo, for such a wonderful time. it was indeed good for my heart, too. i have needed this time at home. i love sarah goo. the way this week is looking, i may be up to see you again before i actually make it to chicago. hee hee.

**sigh**

i was supposed to head back to chicagoland last night, but my ever-omnicient CHECK-ENGINE light came on as i was driving to des moines yesterday afternoon. the manual tells me that this light generally comes on to indicate emission malfunctions. i mean, i recommend just eating some beans, but the manual says take the car to the dealership, so i took the car to the dealership. YAY for manufacturer warranties! anyway, the deal-yo-ship called this morning and informed me that the malfunction was in the oil-pressure-chip-Vtech-rotar-girder-niner thing. so they are going to order the part, have it in by tomorrow, and i will have my car back by tomorrow afternoon. how's that for service?

you might think that this setback is a great inconvenience for me. i suppose if you mean in the working-to-make-money sense, it is. BUT, now my suprise-mom-on-mother's-day extravaganza is turning into a week long vacation full of warm weather, sunshine, family, and friends. can't say that i mind too much.

it's been good to spend some time away from chicago. i mean, we love each other (chicago and i, that is), but sometimes we just need our space. i kind of feel as though i'm returning to a bit of a mess. sometimes it makes me feel like moving away, but the truth is, God's fingerprints are all over this situation. so pressing on is the only right option. the analogy that i keep getting is like being in labor... there is pain for awhile, but pressing through brings new life and new joy. i'm not quite sure what i'm "giving birth" to, but it's something.