While I did have several helpings of stuffing over the Thanksgiving holiday, it's not that kind of stuffing I have on my mind at present. I am, quite frankly, stuffed with all the family irritations that inevitably seem to show up uninvited at holiday gatherings. Though there was a little frustration with certain members of my own family, it was definitely the hub's family that got to me this year.
We always have dinner on black Friday rather than asking everyone to fit in two Thanksgiving meals on the same day. Maybe my holiday cheer was wearing thin or maybe all the turkey, heavy sides, and desserts had clouded my thinking, but my hub's cousins and their kids really got on my nerves. It was their behavior and attitude that stuffed me to full.
As a parent, I love my kids and think the world of them. They are the best looking, smartest, most talented kids ever created, unless I ask other parents about their kids. As a parent, I try to keep from pushing my kids and their "greatness" on other people. My hub's cousins, however, don't seem to understand that while they think their kids are great, not everyone else feels the same. And they definitely don't not push their kids onto other people.
After dinner and dessert, we received a Sype call from my sister-in-law who lives in South Korea. These three kids (10 and under) attempted to monopolize the computer, mostly to see themselves on the screen, through a variety of goofy antics and yelling techniques that forced me from the room. Who can have a conversation with 3 kids bouncing and yelling? Eventually the parents sent their children away so that some of the adults could talk, which was, after all, the actual point of the call. When I finally got my turn to say hello, their youngest (okay, so she's only like 5, but still) climbed right up in front of me and started being "cute" to entertain. I can understand a child not realizing how rude this was or how annoying, but both parents and a grandparent were in the room and none of them corrected her for interrupting an adult or for being rude and cutting me off mid-sentence. Instead, they reacted quite the opposite. They encouraged her by asking her to tell Aunt C what you learned in school, tell Aunt C what you want for Christmas, tell Aunt C...whatever. It was stupid, rude, and annoying, and I got up and walked out of the room while it was going on. Perhaps my reaction was a bit immature, but after spending a half hour watching videos of their firstborn at 2 hours old, 1 day old, 2 days old during that child's birthday party, I knew they weren't going to interrupt anything that showed everyone, someone, how freaking adorable their youngest child is. It's great that they think their kids are the best, most talented and adorable kids in the world, but WHY DON'T THEY GET IT THAT THE REST OF US DO NOT?!?
I can admit that haboring irritation about this is not the most adult behavior on my part and that I would be better off to let it go. In this case, the only one bothered by this incident seems to be me. So, now that I've gotten it off my plate, maybe I won't be so stuffed from Thanksgiving.
Of course, Christmas is just around the corner.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Random stuff
Today is another post out of the usual format. Have you ever been listening to your iPod or other MP3 player and gotten a good laugh at yourself about what comes up during random play? I was driving to work the other morning with my iPod plugged in to the car stereo when the list of songs below came on one after the other. I totally cracked up with the message these songs would sent to most of the people I know:
Guns N Roses - Dust and Bones
Will Smith - Gettin' Jiggy With It
Faster Pussycat - Wake Me When It's Over
Matthew West - Story of Your Life
Skillet - Falling Inside the Black
A few days later, my kids laughed with me at the content of my iPod when "Witch Doctor," the Chipmunks version, that is, came blasting out unexpectedly. I wonder which songs would be most surprising to the people I know? They certainly give clues to my age...
Funny for the day (from my sister who works in customer claims):
Guns N Roses - Dust and Bones
Will Smith - Gettin' Jiggy With It
Faster Pussycat - Wake Me When It's Over
Matthew West - Story of Your Life
Skillet - Falling Inside the Black
A few days later, my kids laughed with me at the content of my iPod when "Witch Doctor," the Chipmunks version, that is, came blasting out unexpectedly. I wonder which songs would be most surprising to the people I know? They certainly give clues to my age...
Funny for the day (from my sister who works in customer claims):
I have a customer that is claiming he is missing a set of balls. Baa ha ha!!!!! I am so easily amused…..
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Not the usual
Well, this is not going to be the usual post where I ramble on about some random topic or event that made me feel compelled to write. While I may ramble, this topic is not remotely random, at least not to me.
My grandmother passed away on September 12, 2011. After having a stroke on August 20, 2011, she was paralyzed on her left side and completely bedridden. While she was still at home, my sister and I made the 3 1/2 hour drive to visit her and our granddad. I was not looking forward to the trip or our time there as I went knowing it would be the last time I saw her alive. Our dad told us to "put on your big girl panties" if we visited, and though I knew it was going to be unpleasant to see her in that state, I was grateful for the warning.
Without going into all of the details (mostly because Mamaw would want to preserve her dignity but also because it's still makes me too sad), I will say that we spent a good part of our day taking care of and changing her as if she were a very young child. She had to be fed and could not chew well, so her meals were smashed watermelon, pudding, creamed corn, broth, anything that could be swallowed easily with little or no chewing. We weren't always sure that she even knew we were in the room or who we were, but about the time we began to doubt her lucidity, she would say something that left us with little doubt.
And that made the day a complete blessing. Though she had difficulty speaking, could not sit up, could not eat easily, or go to the bathroom on her own, she still knew our faces and could tell us that she loved us. Her wonderful response to our answered "I love you too" was "I know." And she did. At one point when we thought she was sleeping, she caught us trying to slip quietly out of the room with a "where do you think you're going?" She even told both of us, at different times during that day, that we had big butts. =^) While most women would be highly offended at that remark, it convinced us both that our mamaw was still there inside that brain. No matter how damaged she was by the stroke, the woman could still tease us and make us laugh.
I didn't want to go that day. I'm ashamed to admit it, but it's the truth. I didn't want to see my grandma that way and was afraid that the memory would be too painful to bear. But, something kept telling me I needed to go, and it turns out that the voice was right. I needed to go, not just for me, but to be support for my sister and to give my dad and uncle a much needed break from the ten days already spent caring for her. However, after being there, I also realized I needed to go for her -- to give her the opportunity to see me and say goodbye without tears but with lots of love and laughter. I will be grateful for as long as I live that the Lord got me there and showed me His presence in a time that could have been nothing but sorrow.
When she passed a few weeks later, we were all ready for her to go, herself included. I still cried then (and now at times), but knowing her faith was in Jesus and that she was ready to be with Him made giving her back to Him so much easier for all of us. My grandfather, her husband of 71 years, never showed a single sign of sadness at the loss of his wife. Not because he didn't love and isn't missing her every minute he's alive but because his trust and faith are also in the Lord. He is 98 years old and has lived many lives during that time. Most of those years were spend with Mamaw and the Lord. A combination it would be hard to top.
It's hard for me to express the beauty I find in the relationship of my grandparents and their relationship with God. They are simple, country folk from southern Indiana who loved each other through good and bad, happy and sad, plenty and lean and through it all, they loved the Lord as well. And now, my grandmother is free of pain and at peace. She's home.
My grandmother passed away on September 12, 2011. After having a stroke on August 20, 2011, she was paralyzed on her left side and completely bedridden. While she was still at home, my sister and I made the 3 1/2 hour drive to visit her and our granddad. I was not looking forward to the trip or our time there as I went knowing it would be the last time I saw her alive. Our dad told us to "put on your big girl panties" if we visited, and though I knew it was going to be unpleasant to see her in that state, I was grateful for the warning.
Without going into all of the details (mostly because Mamaw would want to preserve her dignity but also because it's still makes me too sad), I will say that we spent a good part of our day taking care of and changing her as if she were a very young child. She had to be fed and could not chew well, so her meals were smashed watermelon, pudding, creamed corn, broth, anything that could be swallowed easily with little or no chewing. We weren't always sure that she even knew we were in the room or who we were, but about the time we began to doubt her lucidity, she would say something that left us with little doubt.
And that made the day a complete blessing. Though she had difficulty speaking, could not sit up, could not eat easily, or go to the bathroom on her own, she still knew our faces and could tell us that she loved us. Her wonderful response to our answered "I love you too" was "I know." And she did. At one point when we thought she was sleeping, she caught us trying to slip quietly out of the room with a "where do you think you're going?" She even told both of us, at different times during that day, that we had big butts. =^) While most women would be highly offended at that remark, it convinced us both that our mamaw was still there inside that brain. No matter how damaged she was by the stroke, the woman could still tease us and make us laugh.
I didn't want to go that day. I'm ashamed to admit it, but it's the truth. I didn't want to see my grandma that way and was afraid that the memory would be too painful to bear. But, something kept telling me I needed to go, and it turns out that the voice was right. I needed to go, not just for me, but to be support for my sister and to give my dad and uncle a much needed break from the ten days already spent caring for her. However, after being there, I also realized I needed to go for her -- to give her the opportunity to see me and say goodbye without tears but with lots of love and laughter. I will be grateful for as long as I live that the Lord got me there and showed me His presence in a time that could have been nothing but sorrow.
When she passed a few weeks later, we were all ready for her to go, herself included. I still cried then (and now at times), but knowing her faith was in Jesus and that she was ready to be with Him made giving her back to Him so much easier for all of us. My grandfather, her husband of 71 years, never showed a single sign of sadness at the loss of his wife. Not because he didn't love and isn't missing her every minute he's alive but because his trust and faith are also in the Lord. He is 98 years old and has lived many lives during that time. Most of those years were spend with Mamaw and the Lord. A combination it would be hard to top.
It's hard for me to express the beauty I find in the relationship of my grandparents and their relationship with God. They are simple, country folk from southern Indiana who loved each other through good and bad, happy and sad, plenty and lean and through it all, they loved the Lord as well. And now, my grandmother is free of pain and at peace. She's home.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Where to begin?
I last wrote a month ago, but it seems much longer than that. It seems like a lot has happened in such a short period of time...
Carolyn's visit ended with a weekend for us all in Chicago (more on that later)
Our church's tiny VBS program went off without a hitch, except for very low attendance
I sent out a resume, though after an initial conversation, I haven't had any news
Hubs' job decided to cut his pay by 30%
Yep, you read that correctly, THEY CUT HIS PAY BY 30%! Talk about a shock, I hardly know where to begin when it comes to reactions to this news. Surprise was quickly followed by frustration paired with anger. I was so upset for him and at his company for this decision. Without getting into the specific "justifications" for their cutting his pay (there are none in my opinion), it can just be said that it was not negotiable. Of course, they very rightly do not expect him to continue working for them, and they don't seem to care if he does or doesn't. No carrot of incentive has been dangled in front of him to entice him to stay on and see what happens. In my mind, though, that's actually a good thing. If they did dangle a carrot, he might consider staying, and quite frankly, our finances are such that a 30% decrease in income means I might have to sell the children! Well, not really sell the children, but sell as many of our possessions as possible, cut our expenses, and never shop or eat out again. Even then, it wouldn't be enough. This loss in income is bad, folks. My 30 hour per week job is, as of next pay period, the top earner in our household.
So, as bleak at it may seem, after the breath of surprise that was followed by one of anger came the breath of faith. We both know in our hearts that 1) God will see us through this situation and 2) He is going to show us the path to take. We trust our God and His wisdom in this, and all, situations. We want to go where He wants us to go and perhaps reorganizing our spending is at least part of direction we are being told to take. Though we may not always like it and it may be painful, seeking Him will lead to good because He is good. Of that there is no doubt. It's just daily trying to get our little human minds and hearts around waiting.
So, where to begin? We are beginning where we are, taking each step in faith.
Carolyn's visit ended with a weekend for us all in Chicago (more on that later)
Our church's tiny VBS program went off without a hitch, except for very low attendance
I sent out a resume, though after an initial conversation, I haven't had any news
Hubs' job decided to cut his pay by 30%
Yep, you read that correctly, THEY CUT HIS PAY BY 30%! Talk about a shock, I hardly know where to begin when it comes to reactions to this news. Surprise was quickly followed by frustration paired with anger. I was so upset for him and at his company for this decision. Without getting into the specific "justifications" for their cutting his pay (there are none in my opinion), it can just be said that it was not negotiable. Of course, they very rightly do not expect him to continue working for them, and they don't seem to care if he does or doesn't. No carrot of incentive has been dangled in front of him to entice him to stay on and see what happens. In my mind, though, that's actually a good thing. If they did dangle a carrot, he might consider staying, and quite frankly, our finances are such that a 30% decrease in income means I might have to sell the children! Well, not really sell the children, but sell as many of our possessions as possible, cut our expenses, and never shop or eat out again. Even then, it wouldn't be enough. This loss in income is bad, folks. My 30 hour per week job is, as of next pay period, the top earner in our household.
So, as bleak at it may seem, after the breath of surprise that was followed by one of anger came the breath of faith. We both know in our hearts that 1) God will see us through this situation and 2) He is going to show us the path to take. We trust our God and His wisdom in this, and all, situations. We want to go where He wants us to go and perhaps reorganizing our spending is at least part of direction we are being told to take. Though we may not always like it and it may be painful, seeking Him will lead to good because He is good. Of that there is no doubt. It's just daily trying to get our little human minds and hearts around waiting.
So, where to begin? We are beginning where we are, taking each step in faith.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Morning McDonald's run a McDon't
I did something this week that I almost NEVER do, and I did it twice! I stopped at one of the two McDonald's locations within two miles of my house. On Monday morning I was running too late to make coffee for myself (stayed up too late enjoying a cucumber and mint martini with my bad-but-fun-influence sister-in-law) and decided maybe a coffee and food would be in order to get the day off to a decent start. We all know that going through a drive through leaves us open to poor service and messed up orders, but I didn't think my two item order would be a problem.
"One large, iced, vanilla latte with skim milk and one sausage muffin without egg, please." (Really? How hard is it to get this right? You are McDonald's, aren't you?)
I thought things were going well when I had a nice conversation with the woman at the first window who took my money and complimented my (grown-out) highlights. We were quick friends by the time it was my turn to pull to the next window. There, however, things did not go so well. I was handed, without a "hi", "good morning", or even a smile, my hot (not iced) latte and my sandwich. I didn't have time to argue about the coffee and figured I like it hot as well as cold, so no biggie. Until I drove off and took my first sip.
"GAH! What the $#%@ is that swill in my cup?" It was by far the WORST imitation of a latte I have ever had. I'm not sure what was wrong with it, but I had to add two sweeteners once I got to the office to make it palatable. It didn't help my morning when I opened the sandwich. Yep, it had an egg on it. I am not allergic to eggs or at all opposed to eating them. I just didn't want one on my sandwich. Lucky me, I got it anyway. Thanks morning crew!
So, on Monday they were 0-2 for getting it right, and I was more than a bit irritated. But, on Wednesday I found myself running late again and decided to give them another shot. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? This time I only ordered a coffee.
"One large, iced, caramel latte with skim milk, please."
There was no super nice lady at the first window this time, but it wasn't completely unpleasant. What I will admit is that I failed to notice that the cashier had rung up a SMALL, not a large. So, when I got to the second window and the MANAGER handed me my tiny latte, I stopped her. "This is a large?" What was her response? "She rung you a small." There was no "I'm sorry, did you want a large?" or "I'm sorry, she rung you a small. Is it okay or can I make you a large?" I would have been willing to pay the difference.
Okay, so maybe I am pushing the hospitality factor, and maybe I bear some responsibility for not paying attention to what was on their "double-check me" screen, and maybe my $2 and change total should have also tipped me off. But, really, McDonald's? What ever happened to keeping your customers happy so that they will come back, tell their friends, bring their kids? I was so pissed that "she rung you a small" was all she had to say before she actually turned her back to me to re-engage in conversation with a crew person that all I could say was "OKAY!" and slam my mini-coffee into my console as I drove off. For a manager to treat a customer that way is truly inexcusable to me, and yes, I did work for McDonald's as a teenager, so I'm not being completely unreasonable here. I have actually been on the other side of that drive through window, and my hubs spent 18 years working for this company. I know about which I bitch.
I was so bugged at their 0-3 drive through stats that I got on their website to email the store manager. The not so big surprise? The email came back to me as having a bad address. I guess they really DON'T care if you have a bad experience if their complaint email is even unusable. So, McDonald's (yes, this is a link to the actual location), I'm using this forum to tell you that I won't be back. Not that I think you care, but it makes me feel better.
Morning McDonald's run? A McDon't.
"One large, iced, vanilla latte with skim milk and one sausage muffin without egg, please." (Really? How hard is it to get this right? You are McDonald's, aren't you?)
I thought things were going well when I had a nice conversation with the woman at the first window who took my money and complimented my (grown-out) highlights. We were quick friends by the time it was my turn to pull to the next window. There, however, things did not go so well. I was handed, without a "hi", "good morning", or even a smile, my hot (not iced) latte and my sandwich. I didn't have time to argue about the coffee and figured I like it hot as well as cold, so no biggie. Until I drove off and took my first sip.
"GAH! What the $#%@ is that swill in my cup?" It was by far the WORST imitation of a latte I have ever had. I'm not sure what was wrong with it, but I had to add two sweeteners once I got to the office to make it palatable. It didn't help my morning when I opened the sandwich. Yep, it had an egg on it. I am not allergic to eggs or at all opposed to eating them. I just didn't want one on my sandwich. Lucky me, I got it anyway. Thanks morning crew!
So, on Monday they were 0-2 for getting it right, and I was more than a bit irritated. But, on Wednesday I found myself running late again and decided to give them another shot. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? This time I only ordered a coffee.
"One large, iced, caramel latte with skim milk, please."
There was no super nice lady at the first window this time, but it wasn't completely unpleasant. What I will admit is that I failed to notice that the cashier had rung up a SMALL, not a large. So, when I got to the second window and the MANAGER handed me my tiny latte, I stopped her. "This is a large?" What was her response? "She rung you a small." There was no "I'm sorry, did you want a large?" or "I'm sorry, she rung you a small. Is it okay or can I make you a large?" I would have been willing to pay the difference.
Okay, so maybe I am pushing the hospitality factor, and maybe I bear some responsibility for not paying attention to what was on their "double-check me" screen, and maybe my $2 and change total should have also tipped me off. But, really, McDonald's? What ever happened to keeping your customers happy so that they will come back, tell their friends, bring their kids? I was so pissed that "she rung you a small" was all she had to say before she actually turned her back to me to re-engage in conversation with a crew person that all I could say was "OKAY!" and slam my mini-coffee into my console as I drove off. For a manager to treat a customer that way is truly inexcusable to me, and yes, I did work for McDonald's as a teenager, so I'm not being completely unreasonable here. I have actually been on the other side of that drive through window, and my hubs spent 18 years working for this company. I know about which I bitch.
I was so bugged at their 0-3 drive through stats that I got on their website to email the store manager. The not so big surprise? The email came back to me as having a bad address. I guess they really DON'T care if you have a bad experience if their complaint email is even unusable. So, McDonald's (yes, this is a link to the actual location), I'm using this forum to tell you that I won't be back. Not that I think you care, but it makes me feel better.
Morning McDonald's run? A McDon't.
Monday, June 13, 2011
End of another year
No, it's not December, and no, it's not my birthday. Today is the last day of school for students in the FWCS district. Though I graduated from high school (& college, for that matter) longer ago than I would like to admit, I am still excited and nostalgic as I wake my own kids for their last day of school. They'll say temporary good-byes to their friends. (Of course with facebook, Skype, and all the other modern devices, they won't be as isolated as I was from my friends over the course of the all-too-short summer.) They'll turn in books and clean out lockers and sign yearbooks. All things I miss, now that I am able to see those years through the colored lenses provided by age.
I did make them go today, though the ridiculousness of having the last day of school on a MONDAY, of all days, did make me consider, briefly, letting them start the summer a day early. In the end, I hope they understand why I made them go. They would miss that one last chance to see their friends, to collect phone numbers and emails, to look at that crush face-to-face (my 15-year-old son, ONLY, I hope), to bring home any last minute artwork, poem, or essay. I feel wistful for those experiences as I write this and long to spend the summer days with them, though my work does not allow it. (Which sucks, quite frankly.)
And so, even though my own school days a long over, it's with a sigh that I see my children come to the end of another year.
I did make them go today, though the ridiculousness of having the last day of school on a MONDAY, of all days, did make me consider, briefly, letting them start the summer a day early. In the end, I hope they understand why I made them go. They would miss that one last chance to see their friends, to collect phone numbers and emails, to look at that crush face-to-face (my 15-year-old son, ONLY, I hope), to bring home any last minute artwork, poem, or essay. I feel wistful for those experiences as I write this and long to spend the summer days with them, though my work does not allow it. (Which sucks, quite frankly.)
And so, even though my own school days a long over, it's with a sigh that I see my children come to the end of another year.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Vacation from the Rearview
So, we've been back from vacation for awhile, and I haven't yet posted about it. Well, I would love to say the week was a shocking and wonderful success, but that wouldn't be completely true. It probably should have been a clear warning when, outside of Columbus, OH, the rain that had been plaguing my driving turned into snow and ice in a matter of about fifteen seconds. Luckily, it turned back into rain is just about as short a period of time, but there were a few minutes of "holy crap, I need to slow down NOW, and I'll slide if I use the brake!" We had rain for about the first half of the long drive. Add driving in the dark to the rain, and you can imagine how fun the first hours of the trip were.
Once we got out of the rain and into the mountains, we had snow again. At about 3,200 feet elevation, these are not huge mountains, but they were high enough, and it was cold enough at night, that the ground and trees were covered in snow. At that moment, W. Virginia reminded me of the way Indiana had looked not too long ago. We were supposed to be headed south to WARMER temperatures. What the heck?? Anyway, after the snow, there was fog. Oh, and at some point in there, we had a two hour stop at a rest stop for the drivers to be able to rest and sleep, during which time one of the drivers couldn't sleep anyway. Can you say, "waste of precious time?" We survived the fog, though it was touch and go with people's nerves (everyone but the hubs, of course). He was frustrated most of the drive down because he couldn't drive as fast as he would have liked. At one point he was driving five mph UNDER the speed limit when my mom radioed us that he needed to slow down. I thought I saw a little steam come out of his ears, but that could have been my imagination.
Okay, so after we made it to the island, which was like coming home for my family, we checked in and proceeded to unload luggage at by far the nicest house we have stayed in to date. It was gorgeous and comfortable with flatscreen TV's in each bedroom, updated appliances, a pool, the works. The week progressed about as expected. We visited Poplar Grove Plantation and drove into Wilmington to spend one day visiting the USS North Carolina, the serpentarium (which contained almost every deadly snake known to man), eating ice cream from Kilwin's, and taking a short tour of an active USCG Cutter. As time wore on, so did everyone's nerves. The kids shopped at the local gift shops and we took mom on a brief tour of the southern part of the island. The real drama started on Thursday when mom's hubs, who had been fighting a cough all week, ended up with a temperature over 102. My mom with worry/stress is an emotional ride, but my mom with worry/stress and no sleep is a roller coaster from hell. Friday was not a great day, and I won't belabor the story. I'll just say that by Friday night, my hubs and I were happy to get to have a dinner alone (we left the kids with the other kids and adults) away from the passive-aggressive chaos that was unfolding over their dinner, laundry, and packing.
The drive home proved eventful due to bad weather, again. There was more rain and fog through the W. Virginia and Virginia stretch, and then as it got dark heading into Ohio, the fog only got worse. I was driving at this point, and because I don't see well at night or in fog (and I was dealing with both here), my nerves ended up stretched too tightly. I had to pull off and rest. This is where we hit a major crossroad with the other adults who basically refused to drive a mile further until light came or the fog lifted. It was only about 1:00 am at this point, so my hubs was not stopping now. We were only a few hours from home, so he took the wheel and we continued while the three other adults and two kids (16 and 12) crammed into a Dodge Caliber to sleep and wait.
In the end, everyone made it home okay, and we're still all speaking to each other. We had a nice time while we were there, but I don't think I'll ever convince my mom to make that drive again. Not that I'd ask. Well I would ask, but maybe not for a few years. Hopefully my sister and kids would travel with us again. But, looking at Spring Break 2011 from the rearview, it might be better if my family spent its next vacation alone.
Once we got out of the rain and into the mountains, we had snow again. At about 3,200 feet elevation, these are not huge mountains, but they were high enough, and it was cold enough at night, that the ground and trees were covered in snow. At that moment, W. Virginia reminded me of the way Indiana had looked not too long ago. We were supposed to be headed south to WARMER temperatures. What the heck?? Anyway, after the snow, there was fog. Oh, and at some point in there, we had a two hour stop at a rest stop for the drivers to be able to rest and sleep, during which time one of the drivers couldn't sleep anyway. Can you say, "waste of precious time?" We survived the fog, though it was touch and go with people's nerves (everyone but the hubs, of course). He was frustrated most of the drive down because he couldn't drive as fast as he would have liked. At one point he was driving five mph UNDER the speed limit when my mom radioed us that he needed to slow down. I thought I saw a little steam come out of his ears, but that could have been my imagination.
Okay, so after we made it to the island, which was like coming home for my family, we checked in and proceeded to unload luggage at by far the nicest house we have stayed in to date. It was gorgeous and comfortable with flatscreen TV's in each bedroom, updated appliances, a pool, the works. The week progressed about as expected. We visited Poplar Grove Plantation and drove into Wilmington to spend one day visiting the USS North Carolina, the serpentarium (which contained almost every deadly snake known to man), eating ice cream from Kilwin's, and taking a short tour of an active USCG Cutter. As time wore on, so did everyone's nerves. The kids shopped at the local gift shops and we took mom on a brief tour of the southern part of the island. The real drama started on Thursday when mom's hubs, who had been fighting a cough all week, ended up with a temperature over 102. My mom with worry/stress is an emotional ride, but my mom with worry/stress and no sleep is a roller coaster from hell. Friday was not a great day, and I won't belabor the story. I'll just say that by Friday night, my hubs and I were happy to get to have a dinner alone (we left the kids with the other kids and adults) away from the passive-aggressive chaos that was unfolding over their dinner, laundry, and packing.
The drive home proved eventful due to bad weather, again. There was more rain and fog through the W. Virginia and Virginia stretch, and then as it got dark heading into Ohio, the fog only got worse. I was driving at this point, and because I don't see well at night or in fog (and I was dealing with both here), my nerves ended up stretched too tightly. I had to pull off and rest. This is where we hit a major crossroad with the other adults who basically refused to drive a mile further until light came or the fog lifted. It was only about 1:00 am at this point, so my hubs was not stopping now. We were only a few hours from home, so he took the wheel and we continued while the three other adults and two kids (16 and 12) crammed into a Dodge Caliber to sleep and wait.
In the end, everyone made it home okay, and we're still all speaking to each other. We had a nice time while we were there, but I don't think I'll ever convince my mom to make that drive again. Not that I'd ask. Well I would ask, but maybe not for a few years. Hopefully my sister and kids would travel with us again. But, looking at Spring Break 2011 from the rearview, it might be better if my family spent its next vacation alone.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Carolina Bound (& not any too soon)
This is one of those rare times when, though there are several things I could write about, I don't really feel inspired to do so. Life has just been too busy. Practicality and to do lists are beating out creative impulses. Frustration at work is squashing humor and lightheartedness. I guess it shouldn't surprise me. We are headed out of town on vacation next week. (By "we" I mean the hubs and I, the 2 kids, my sister and her 2 kids, and my mom and her hubs. Yes, this could be a vacation worth skipping, but I digress.) So, in addition to work stress, I have the added pre-vacation stress: laundry so we all have clean clothes, making sure the kids pack what they need, packing what I need, packing sunscreen, toiletries, medicines, snacks, arranging dog care, etc., etc. On top of this, my mother is calling me (& my sister) with questions like "What kind of salad dressing should I bring?" and "What time are we going to eat on the road?" My answers? I don't care, and I don't know.
I know this all sounds very negative, but it's not really. I am actually so excited to be taking everyone with us (and to being able get away from work and "real life") that I'm ready to hit the road now. Never mind the 15 hour drive, overnight. Feeling the sand between my toes, hearing the surf, and spending time relaxing with family will make it all worth it. So, while I don't feel all that inspired by a story or situation because there is too much stress during these last days of the getting ready process, I know that next week is going to be fun no matter what does or doesn't happen. And maybe, just maybe, I'll have a story or two to share. A week spent with family, especially mine, is sure to inspire!
North Carolina coast? Ready or not, here we come!
I know this all sounds very negative, but it's not really. I am actually so excited to be taking everyone with us (and to being able get away from work and "real life") that I'm ready to hit the road now. Never mind the 15 hour drive, overnight. Feeling the sand between my toes, hearing the surf, and spending time relaxing with family will make it all worth it. So, while I don't feel all that inspired by a story or situation because there is too much stress during these last days of the getting ready process, I know that next week is going to be fun no matter what does or doesn't happen. And maybe, just maybe, I'll have a story or two to share. A week spent with family, especially mine, is sure to inspire!
North Carolina coast? Ready or not, here we come!
Monday, February 21, 2011
How long until Spring?
I had a long and funny story about some recent home incidents I had been hoping to post, but today the weather seems to be a more annoying and appropriate topic. Last week we enjoyed three days of near Spring-like temperatures here in northeastern Indiana. It was actually in the lower to middle 50's three days in a row in the middle of February. People were putting on flip-flops and getting pedicures.
Today, however, is a different story. We woke to a thin layer of ice on our cars and later on the street. Several kids, my daughter included, slipped and fell on the sidewalk trying to get to the bus stop. The ice rain started again at about 9:30 am, and it has been coming down since. As I was headed back in from lunch errands, it was starting to get large enough that the ice balls stung when they hit flesh.
Now, as I look out the window, it has converted to snow which is now coming down quite heavily. Our local forecast beginning this afternoon and going into tomorrow looks something like this:
TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW
The view from my window and this forecast both beg the question: How long is it until Spring?
Today, however, is a different story. We woke to a thin layer of ice on our cars and later on the street. Several kids, my daughter included, slipped and fell on the sidewalk trying to get to the bus stop. The ice rain started again at about 9:30 am, and it has been coming down since. As I was headed back in from lunch errands, it was starting to get large enough that the ice balls stung when they hit flesh.
Now, as I look out the window, it has converted to snow which is now coming down quite heavily. Our local forecast beginning this afternoon and going into tomorrow looks something like this:
TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW
| Icy conditions with periods of freezing rain. High 31F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Snow accumulations less than one inch. | Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 19F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 2 to 4 inches of snow expected. | Scattered snow showers during the morning. Then partly to mostly cloudy for the afternoon. High 26F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%. |
The view from my window and this forecast both beg the question: How long is it until Spring?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Here come the cookies
Last night I sent an email to family and friends announcing/warning them that as of today their New Year's resolutions are in jeopardy. As of today, the local Girl Scout council begins selling cookies. And, as my daughter is a member of this council, I now have several cases (um, 10) of cookies in my possession for sale, IMMEDIATELY!
It also never fails that I am the biggest supporter of her efforts. Everyone in our household has his or her personal favorite, which means that we regularly buy at least 12-15 boxes of cookies. We're still polishing off Christmas cookies, and the extra pounds that always result. Why do they sell G.S. cookies in January? Is it because they KNOW everyone is still wearing their winter weight and think they won't care about adding another pound or two (or ten) for a good cause? Is it because our council got the short straw nationally when they decided, by region, when each region could sell? It is because everyone already thinks we're fat in the Midwest, so we would eat the cookies no matter when they were on sale?
I can't answer those questions. I do know that waiting another month or so to start would help me...but no one asked me my opinion. Regardless of what I think, I'll be out there at the cookie booths with her and helping to ask, "Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"
No, seriously, would you?
It also never fails that I am the biggest supporter of her efforts. Everyone in our household has his or her personal favorite, which means that we regularly buy at least 12-15 boxes of cookies. We're still polishing off Christmas cookies, and the extra pounds that always result. Why do they sell G.S. cookies in January? Is it because they KNOW everyone is still wearing their winter weight and think they won't care about adding another pound or two (or ten) for a good cause? Is it because our council got the short straw nationally when they decided, by region, when each region could sell? It is because everyone already thinks we're fat in the Midwest, so we would eat the cookies no matter when they were on sale?
I can't answer those questions. I do know that waiting another month or so to start would help me...but no one asked me my opinion. Regardless of what I think, I'll be out there at the cookie booths with her and helping to ask, "Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"
No, seriously, would you?
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