Have to catch up on all the goings-on of the last few days. Long story short, Reader, Himself & I have parted ways. While I am sorry about the circumstances, I don't regret my adventure in Texas and would love to return some day. Had to dig to find the daily joy but there is still some there, even with a broken heart.

Today's Joy: Family & Friends. There is perhaps no greater comfort than the loved ones who show up to help in a crisis. I am so grateful for the family members that drove many hours without sleep to be with me. I am equally grateful for the two lovely friends who sent me on my way with snacks and much love, and for the two friends who showed up for the 2nd time in less than a week to help me schlepp boxes down stairs. In the succinct words of my Uncle, " Wow, those girls worked their tails off!"

The brightest spot in my day was meeting my God Daughter for the first time. My dearest friend and her husband drove 3 hours from OKC so that we could spend a few minutes together at a local Arby's before heading out of town. Have never seen a more beautiful baby! I look forward to many years of spoiling that child and many years of being her mommy's friend.

Today's Joy: The People Who Show Up at 3 am. Do you find, Reader, that major life changes seem to happen at the strangest and most inopportune moments? I definitely do. Today, life tossed me a doozie. Suffice it to say that my life plan has altered course. At a 90-degree angle. Looks like I may be returning to the Midwest in short order (with crabby cat in tow). Why spend a cool and rainy February in Dallas when you can freeze your unmentionables off braving the Chicago wind chills?

Never fear, I will still continue to chronicle joy and good recipes in the northern climes. In fact, I'm suddenly feeling the urge to eat a lot more hot soup. But I digress.

Today's Joy is about those friends you can call when your life course changes direction at 3 am. Whether they come rushing over in their jammies to commiserate or allow you and a yowling, spitting fur ball to invade their swanky, downtown loft, they are a God-send. Where would we be without those generous souls who rise, heavy-lidded, and put on a pot of coffee? Doesn't your perspective on things change when there's a sympathetic ear bent in your direction?

Thank You, my 3 am friends. While I blaze the new trail God has laid before me, you make the going so much smoother!

Today's Joy: Painting Party. My friend & coworker, Sarah, came over to help me paint the office today--I love, love, LOVE IT! Photos to come!

Today's Joy: Feeling Loved. Tomorrow a friend & I are painting my office, so tonight Himself painstakingly taped everything out so it'll be easy for us. What a sweetheart!

Today's Joy: Taking a Moment. Have a whole extra hour this morning to savor a cup of coffee & flip thru some old issues of my favorite Victoria magazine. Bliss!

Today's Joy: Nesting. That's right, Reader, I am all about making our new place cozy. This is my favorite part! :-)

Today's Joy: Congenial Movers. Moveforfree.com employs wonderful staff! They were here first thing this morning with upbeat attitudes and handled all of our furniture carefully and efficiently. They also didn't complain much about the 4 or 5 horribly overloaded boxes I filled with books. And once they saw the juice & muffins we had for them, we were like long-lost friends. Delightful guys. Highly recommend them!