I sure as heck don't. I am finally back home. I think I have some sort of issue when I fly by myself. Delayed flights, canceled flights, you name it.
I suppose the extra 18 hours in Wisconsin didn't kill me like a failed engine with no backup generator could have. It's just such a tease to be sitting on the runway, bracing for takeoff only to be told you are returning to the gate.
*sigh*
I got home yesterday, worked a few hours and essentially slept until this morning. I am still exhausted. I might have something more entertaining to say tomorrow, but I can't promise anything.
Until then...
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Planes, Family and Ink
It seems every time we go on a double date with JB's sister and brother in law we end the night at the tattoo shop? This time it was my turn for new ink. It's pretty awesome but hurt like I have never hurt before. Wowsers dude. Then again that's what I get for putting a tattoo on the top of my foot. Totally worth it though.
I'm actually in the office today, in a skirt even. See my super awesome heels that I am rocking? I kind of missed them and to my great surprise wearing heels again has been a pretty easy transition. Like a duck to water people. I actually feel like a 'real' employee for once. It's kind of strange.
I hate surprises. Well not really I LOVE surprises when I don't know they are coming which seems counter-intuitive. You know when someone tells you "I have a surprise for you" and then you have to wait to find out what it is? Yeah, that drives me NUTS. What I do like is surprising other people. I made a very valiant attempt at that this weekend. The big family reunion was scheduled for this past weekend and up until a week ago I didn't think I could make it. Because I am made of win and awesome I decided I would book a ticket because I can. That and I only have one grandparent left and I would like to see him as often as I can.
Things got off to a rocky start but I got into town only two hours later than originally anticipated. (Thank you again to the wonderful Delta employee who switched my flights to avoid another layover in Cincinnati and instead sent me directly past Go.) I managed to spill the beans to my sister while sitting in the Atlanta airport because I needed a ride. Eventually I had to call my mom as well to get a ride so her surprise was spoiled too, kind of. She was still surprised but not how I had planned it.
The reunion went well and I kicked some major butt at our games, minus that whole Apple stacking competition. It was a draw anyway. However, the elephant game and the noodle game I was the champion. Who knew I was so awesome at swinging nylons around my head? Although I did have a 6" height advantage on my cousin so perhaps it wasn't a very fair fight. Or it was just the mojitos that helped. I really believe everyone should have fresh mint growing out the back door to collect. We even put them in the 'Grandma Pitcher'. This was a pitcher we used to bring Grandma flowers while she was in the hospital. Cheaper and sturdier than a vase! Although I am now mojito free and I still think it is a good idea to share these pictures with the universe. But that's just the kind of awesome I am. Please feel free to have a laugh at my expense.
The culprit
Waiting to start
Just me winning
After the festivities I was informed by Fuss-bucket and Nervous-Nilly (the terminally cranky and overbearing aunts) that we were to go through some of Grandma's things and pick what we wanted. Of course there was a plethora of costume jewelry and various other knick-knacks. It just felt so wrong divvying her up but this was my chance to have something. Whatever was left was to be set out for a rummage sale. I'm not sure which though churned my stomach more, choosing what small trinket I would have to remember her by or that some stranger would be pawing her things with no regard to the incredible woman who owned them. Despite the tears we had some good laughs. The best part was when the breeze blew just the right way, we all swore we could smell her. It was a nice little reminder while we reminisced and handled her belongings like they were precious diamonds.
I am now the proud owner a few of her handkerchiefs and a pendant necklace that is actually a liberty dime. She received that from a cousin at her retirement party. The last stop of the day was to go and visit her. It was a sucker punch to the gut to see her grave. There is no marker yet and no pretty grass to sugar coat reality. How is it that talking to the ground is so cathartic? The single pink carnation I left sure did look out of place but it was kind of poetic. Something so beautiful in the midst of all the upturned ground.
It was a beautiful weekend filled with lots of laughs and great memories. I'm always glad to come to visit for a bit but I miss JB and I'm excited to be home again.
I'm actually in the office today, in a skirt even. See my super awesome heels that I am rocking? I kind of missed them and to my great surprise wearing heels again has been a pretty easy transition. Like a duck to water people. I actually feel like a 'real' employee for once. It's kind of strange.
I hate surprises. Well not really I LOVE surprises when I don't know they are coming which seems counter-intuitive. You know when someone tells you "I have a surprise for you" and then you have to wait to find out what it is? Yeah, that drives me NUTS. What I do like is surprising other people. I made a very valiant attempt at that this weekend. The big family reunion was scheduled for this past weekend and up until a week ago I didn't think I could make it. Because I am made of win and awesome I decided I would book a ticket because I can. That and I only have one grandparent left and I would like to see him as often as I can.
Things got off to a rocky start but I got into town only two hours later than originally anticipated. (Thank you again to the wonderful Delta employee who switched my flights to avoid another layover in Cincinnati and instead sent me directly past Go.) I managed to spill the beans to my sister while sitting in the Atlanta airport because I needed a ride. Eventually I had to call my mom as well to get a ride so her surprise was spoiled too, kind of. She was still surprised but not how I had planned it.
The reunion went well and I kicked some major butt at our games, minus that whole Apple stacking competition. It was a draw anyway. However, the elephant game and the noodle game I was the champion. Who knew I was so awesome at swinging nylons around my head? Although I did have a 6" height advantage on my cousin so perhaps it wasn't a very fair fight. Or it was just the mojitos that helped. I really believe everyone should have fresh mint growing out the back door to collect. We even put them in the 'Grandma Pitcher'. This was a pitcher we used to bring Grandma flowers while she was in the hospital. Cheaper and sturdier than a vase! Although I am now mojito free and I still think it is a good idea to share these pictures with the universe. But that's just the kind of awesome I am. Please feel free to have a laugh at my expense.
After the festivities I was informed by Fuss-bucket and Nervous-Nilly (the terminally cranky and overbearing aunts) that we were to go through some of Grandma's things and pick what we wanted. Of course there was a plethora of costume jewelry and various other knick-knacks. It just felt so wrong divvying her up but this was my chance to have something. Whatever was left was to be set out for a rummage sale. I'm not sure which though churned my stomach more, choosing what small trinket I would have to remember her by or that some stranger would be pawing her things with no regard to the incredible woman who owned them. Despite the tears we had some good laughs. The best part was when the breeze blew just the right way, we all swore we could smell her. It was a nice little reminder while we reminisced and handled her belongings like they were precious diamonds.
I am now the proud owner a few of her handkerchiefs and a pendant necklace that is actually a liberty dime. She received that from a cousin at her retirement party. The last stop of the day was to go and visit her. It was a sucker punch to the gut to see her grave. There is no marker yet and no pretty grass to sugar coat reality. How is it that talking to the ground is so cathartic? The single pink carnation I left sure did look out of place but it was kind of poetic. Something so beautiful in the midst of all the upturned ground.
It was a beautiful weekend filled with lots of laughs and great memories. I'm always glad to come to visit for a bit but I miss JB and I'm excited to be home again.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Gee, thanks Michael.
It's been a while since I have done any blogging not to mention and memes. In an effort to play nice in the blogosphere, I, Bernice, am actually participating in this one. Which one is it, you ask? Oh the one about what materials you have stashed away in your bathroom to pass the time while you pass the, er... time.
JB and I affectionately call that corner of our bathroom the Poop Closet or the Blasting Zone. See, here in Florida, it is all the rage to have your toilet separated from the rest of your bathroom by a door. It's kind of nice, but kind of a pain. The best part of our bathroom is the owners of the home thought it would be appropriate to paint our bathroom a shocking shade of orange. It isn't pumpkin, it isn't orange, it is CAUTION YOU ARE ABOUT TO BE MORTALLY INJURED orange. I think it makes safety vests look tame. That is not the point of this meme, but I told you anyway because we are close like that.
The funny thing is, I don't have anything to report to you. There are no magazines in the bathroom. There are no books. There is a toilet, a scrub brush and a plunger. I guess that is something I never understood. Why would you want to sit in there and hang out for a while on a regular basis? Maybe there is a need for the masses to include more fiber in their diets? I mean, I can understand the occasional illness that causes some rifts in the harmony of your bowels but for the day to day? I got nothin for you folks.
Now if I was a mean, over-sharing wife, which apparently I am, I would tell you that JB, the man of my dreams, the love of my life, would be quite a bored little boy without his iPhone in the can.
I am not tagging anyone on this, but you can go and see Michael Morse's response and who he tagged. While you are at it, check out some other stuff he has written. I mean, if a man can make a blog about reading material interesting, he has to be worth a second look, right?
JB and I affectionately call that corner of our bathroom the Poop Closet or the Blasting Zone. See, here in Florida, it is all the rage to have your toilet separated from the rest of your bathroom by a door. It's kind of nice, but kind of a pain. The best part of our bathroom is the owners of the home thought it would be appropriate to paint our bathroom a shocking shade of orange. It isn't pumpkin, it isn't orange, it is CAUTION YOU ARE ABOUT TO BE MORTALLY INJURED orange. I think it makes safety vests look tame. That is not the point of this meme, but I told you anyway because we are close like that.
The funny thing is, I don't have anything to report to you. There are no magazines in the bathroom. There are no books. There is a toilet, a scrub brush and a plunger. I guess that is something I never understood. Why would you want to sit in there and hang out for a while on a regular basis? Maybe there is a need for the masses to include more fiber in their diets? I mean, I can understand the occasional illness that causes some rifts in the harmony of your bowels but for the day to day? I got nothin for you folks.
Now if I was a mean, over-sharing wife, which apparently I am, I would tell you that JB, the man of my dreams, the love of my life, would be quite a bored little boy without his iPhone in the can.
I am not tagging anyone on this, but you can go and see Michael Morse's response and who he tagged. While you are at it, check out some other stuff he has written. I mean, if a man can make a blog about reading material interesting, he has to be worth a second look, right?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
When you're gone.
Last week, we were sitting in church and our pastor mentioned something about doing a funeral for an elderly woman. He said he likes to ask the family about the person and their life. Normally he hears stories from sad but proud family members, eager to brag about their loved one, but it was the one time he question was answered with a deafening silence that left a mark on him. Of course this made me think. What would people say if I died? Morbid, I know but I couldn't help myself. Will people look at my casket and say, "she got it right?" How do I even start?
I struggle daily with my job. In a sixth degrees sort of way, I can see how I make a difference. When I was an EMT, I could see, feel and hear the difference. Since I am human, I generally prefer the instant gratification. So do we all hope to be defined by one single act or do we try to make the greatest impact we can? What makes the greatest impact?
The last six months or so of my life has been a roller coaster of emotions. I got engaged, endured the trials of a long distance relationship, lost my maternal grandma, moved across the country, got married and lost my paternal grandma. It has been an absolute whirlwind and a test to my new marriage. I am so absolutely thankful for JB. He has been there through the tears, anguish and anger, the sleepless nights, the long hours traveling, the boring family get-togethers and my own unpredictable emotions. He has witnessed my family at their best and our moments of the worst and still he loves me. What a crazy wonderful man.
Is it the empty dishwasher that is so great? Is it the silent hugs while I cry over a heart wrenching loss? Is it the extra stolen kiss before he walks out the door for work? Or is it a combination of all of these things?
What are you doing to leave your mark? What are people going to say about you when you're gone?
Think about it.
I struggle daily with my job. In a sixth degrees sort of way, I can see how I make a difference. When I was an EMT, I could see, feel and hear the difference. Since I am human, I generally prefer the instant gratification. So do we all hope to be defined by one single act or do we try to make the greatest impact we can? What makes the greatest impact?
The last six months or so of my life has been a roller coaster of emotions. I got engaged, endured the trials of a long distance relationship, lost my maternal grandma, moved across the country, got married and lost my paternal grandma. It has been an absolute whirlwind and a test to my new marriage. I am so absolutely thankful for JB. He has been there through the tears, anguish and anger, the sleepless nights, the long hours traveling, the boring family get-togethers and my own unpredictable emotions. He has witnessed my family at their best and our moments of the worst and still he loves me. What a crazy wonderful man.
Is it the empty dishwasher that is so great? Is it the silent hugs while I cry over a heart wrenching loss? Is it the extra stolen kiss before he walks out the door for work? Or is it a combination of all of these things?
What are you doing to leave your mark? What are people going to say about you when you're gone?
Think about it.
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