Update

Since last post, a lot has happened for us McRobbies.  Last week at work nearly wizzed by, as we prepared to move pretty much all our stuff in one trip in one vehicle.  We borrowed up Kindra's dad's Expedition from Calabasas on Friday (thanks Steve and Yolie!), then drove the power filled gas thirsty SUV up to Goleta for a nearly all night pack session.  Given that Kindra and I have already studied extensively the art of PLOSSS (packing lots of stuff in a small space), this move was pretty standard.  We fit two bookshelves, three chairs, twenty or so boxes, two large lamps, our sound system, and a queen mattress/box spring on the roof rack to boot.  Not bad for a Friday night, right?

Tired and sore, we slept four hours and drove all our beloved stuff from the last two years of marriage to its new homes in Calabasas and Pasadena (stored with family).  Following our adventures in moving, we showed up late to my grandpa's 93rd birthday in Santa Barbara.  Can you believe that, 93?!  And he is still a sharp one, I can tell you that.  After the celebrations and the usual round of business related questions (my grandpa is fascinated by the business world), Kindra and I were surprised with a going away of sorts encouragement time, starting with my grandpa presenting us with small "knapsacks" filled with $$ for the journey ahead.  It was a powerful time of affirmation and support for us; honestly, we were nearly brought to tears; we felt so loved and understood. 

My experience in life recently has been that some goods things (like affirmation or prophetic words) are given to us before a difficult season begins, as a way to keep perspective.  And that is exactly what happened last weekend, because that very same day we celebrated at my grandpa's I started running a fever that has lasted almost five days.  At first I thought I was just tired from moving, but come Sunday it kept up.  Sunday evening it got a little scary;  my temperature crept up to 104.3 F, and only a cold shower and ibuprofen seems to bring it down a bit, though not below 100.  I have been off work since Monday, and after two doctor visits, antibiotics, blood work and a chest x-ray my "unstoppable" fever is probably the flu.  Having a continual fever is like being tortured slowly by your body; you shiver like its 40 degrees out, and yet piling the blankets will only make it worse; the only solution is suffering through staying cool.  Going through that one night is worse enough, but four nights in a row? Gosh, not fun.

Given all that, today currently isn't so bad, and I hope it is on its way out.  Kindra has been a champ; she has been taking charge of cleaning the apartment for our move out this Friday (while I have been in bed with a dazed, tired look).  We head to Calabasas this Friday for her stepbrother's wedding; our big trip is almost here!