reluctant to recap

i am finding it hard to get this blog back up and running for a couple of reasons. december and january were filled to the brim with adventures, trips and stories for the blog... but of course that also meant no time to write any of them (and often, no computer). then at the end of january, just days after my parents left perth and their 3-week tour of australia, i learned the shocking and awful news that my aunt carole (mom's sister) had passed away. i made a quick decision (which i will never regret) to fly back to minnesota for the funeral. i spent a short but sweet week surrounded by family and friends, which was exactly where i needed to be. it was tough to get back on the plane for a 30 hour journey back after just barely being in town for 5 days, but i knew that my wonderful jason and a great teaching job were both eagerly waiting for me back here in perth. so, i will admit that it's very hard to get a blog so focused on reporting 'good times' back on track when there is some sadness in the air, but i also know that my auntie carole would want me to keep smiling, laughing and having these good times. so that's what i will continue to try to do.