Last weekend was Ribfest again here in Chicago. I love the festivals here, but Ribfest is probably my favorite- I love and entire fair devoted to smoked, sauced, crispy, salty, sweet charred meat.

Ribfest is the first thing I've done since moving here that wasn't a brand spanking new experience. The first time I experienced any nostalgia, of any sort, and it felt so nice. I'm a gal who loves her routines, and I suppose I didn't realize how much additional stress I've felt from something as seemingly benign as that.

Last year Josh and I had one of our first dates at Ribfest, I was so excited to meet Josh's best bud Byron (about whom I'd heard so much), get to know his brother a little bit and see what Josh loved about Chicago.

Looking back at those posts right now I can remember, palpably, how exhilarating falling in love with Josh was. How exciting it all was, how easily he took my breath away.

One year later I'm no longer breathless, but still exhilarated.

Just now, I'm not feeling quite so shy.