Something I have know for probably all my life, but a theme that keeps popping up in my daily world- it's the little things that make a difference. (It could be I am just paying more attention these days.)
I've been noticing how much the little things matter.
In my work.
In my relationships.
In my daily life.
It's the little things that really make a difference.
An unexpected card in the mail just to say hello.
An email filled with good news.
An unexpected encounter in a public place.
A kind word or gesture can make all the difference in someone's world.
I try to make the effort to bring unexpected joy to my favorites. But sometimes life just gets in the way.
For some reason, my attitude was a little poor for the last year. I had a lot on my mind. Not an excuse, but sort of an excuse.
And now, as Em would say, I have brain space to spare.
I can be more patient with other airline travelers.
I can smile at the passerbys.
I do these things without thinking much of it. But as it's been happening more and more I realize how much of it I did not do this past year.
Especially on a day like today.
I popped into the grocery store on the way back from the post office and was trying to be efficient, but spotted an older woman who looked like she was struggling with her purchases. As I walked in from the parking lot I saw five people pass her and she still struggled. As I got closer, I just asked her if she needed help. She started to cry. She did need help. And simple help. She just needed someone to help her carry her storage boxes to her car (which was in a hadicapped space just across the driveway, btw). She had a Cadillac walker (I don't know what they're really called, but that's what my dad called my grandmas. The cadillac- a walker that you can sit on.) and had balaned the purchased storage bins on the seat section and thought she could just make it the 50 steps to the car. It didn't work out.
It took me less than 2 minutes to walk her boxes to the car and put them in the trunk. It took me, with my funky bones and constant limp, less than 2 minutes to help her. It was no big deal to me. But it was to her.
She told me she had been standing there for 5 minutes trying to figure out how to manuever and I was the only one who looked at her and made eye contact and then actaully offered to help.
The boxes were for boxing up her recently deseased husband's belongings. She is moving out of their home and into a place closer to her children in Oregon. She was teary just talking about it. To be honest, I got a little choked up too (who wouldn't?). She tried to pay me (ridiculous) and then just gave me a hug. I made sure she was set and went on my way.
I grabbed my groceries and still made it home in plenty of time to have lunch (write a blog post), and be early for the next conference call of the day.
All of this was to simply share a reminder to take a minute to be kind. To help a friend, neighbor, or a stranger. It could be the most important thing you do all day.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
the brown tooth
I will forewarn you that this post is not a story, but more of a rant! I apologize in advance, but I did warn you.
Ugh.
So almost a year later and I am still dealing with my stupid mouth.
Two and half years ago when all of this started, I was told it would take 18months TOTAL--including recovery, etc. To my calculations 2 and 1/2 years is well over 18 months and I am annoyed.
The surgery is over, the braces are off. (for that I am grateful) I can move my mouth like a normal person (though I still think it looks a little weird, especially when I talk.) But I am still dealing with all of it. Not paying, not bills, but with a brown tooth.
Uncool.
They killed the tooth while breaking and moving my jaw. Apparently, it doesn't happen often. And of all the random things that could happen following a jaw surgery, a killed tooth is one of the best ones. (really.)
But it is still a pain.
And of course, the dead tooth is right up front. One of the big ones. And contrary to what people tell me, it IS noticable. (The dude asked within 3 minutes of saying hello.)
The process of bleaching the tooth to match the other teeth is tedious. It begins with a root canal. Mind you, I have never had a cavity, let alone a root canal. I had a root canal one month after my jaw surgery. (Last March). And the bleaching needed to wait until after my braces were off. They came off in October. And now, here we are in February (almost) and I have the first in a series of teeth bleaching appointments scheduled one year to the day after my jaw surgery.
I had hoped all would be done. Checked off the list. Chapter closed. Now it's moving into other chapters.
I mean, really, it could be worse. I know that.
But I can still be annoyed that this is not checked off the list.
Ugh.
So almost a year later and I am still dealing with my stupid mouth.
Two and half years ago when all of this started, I was told it would take 18months TOTAL--including recovery, etc. To my calculations 2 and 1/2 years is well over 18 months and I am annoyed.
The surgery is over, the braces are off. (for that I am grateful) I can move my mouth like a normal person (though I still think it looks a little weird, especially when I talk.) But I am still dealing with all of it. Not paying, not bills, but with a brown tooth.
Uncool.
They killed the tooth while breaking and moving my jaw. Apparently, it doesn't happen often. And of all the random things that could happen following a jaw surgery, a killed tooth is one of the best ones. (really.)
But it is still a pain.
And of course, the dead tooth is right up front. One of the big ones. And contrary to what people tell me, it IS noticable. (The dude asked within 3 minutes of saying hello.)
The process of bleaching the tooth to match the other teeth is tedious. It begins with a root canal. Mind you, I have never had a cavity, let alone a root canal. I had a root canal one month after my jaw surgery. (Last March). And the bleaching needed to wait until after my braces were off. They came off in October. And now, here we are in February (almost) and I have the first in a series of teeth bleaching appointments scheduled one year to the day after my jaw surgery.
I had hoped all would be done. Checked off the list. Chapter closed. Now it's moving into other chapters.
I mean, really, it could be worse. I know that.
But I can still be annoyed that this is not checked off the list.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Happy Birthday, buddy!
(should have been posted on 1/25)
Today my little brother turns 30! 
My little brother. My lifelong pal.
This is the guy who climbed trees and fell out because I "made him laugh". This is the guy who built a half-pipe in the backyard and then broke his leg so badly he couldn't go to Paris. The guy who had lemon yellow hair for more years than he probably cares to remember. The guy who re-met the love of his life while running an errand for his hungover sister and her friends. The guy who married the sister I always wanted. The guy who "lunches with the ladies" whenever possible. The guy I talk to more than anyone else. The guy who knows my stories and really does keep the important secrets (even though I think he spills beans). My buddy.
My little brother.
Today he turns 30.
I find this to be super crazy....when did we get so old?!
I have embraced my inner old lady for some time. I think she is pretty fab and I enjoy the old lady habits---eating well, wearing comfortable shoes (but cute!), and going to bed early.
I also enjoy feeling wise. Knowing what makes me happy and what doesn't. Looking back and knowing I wouldn't change a thing. And that there is nothing I regret. I realize I am very early into my 30s, but I like it here. a lot.
And I am delighted to bring my brother into this decade. Like me, he had some major fun and has slowed down a bit. Don't get me wrong, he can still party with the best of them, but its now done in a responsible way. ;)
We've been friends for most of our lives. And I am excited to be able to spend our older years continuing to enjoy the company of eachother.
Happy Birthday, Dude!
Welcome to your 30's! It's going to amazing!Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Um, really?
Yesterday I flew from SEA to my second home in PHX.
The flight is 2.5 hours and I was flying into Terminal 2 (the best one at "America's friendliest airport"). I was flying Alaska which means a 20 minute guarantee for luggage. The car rental place is nearby and I have fast pass. All means of efficiency and I love it.
I didn't leave until 12:30 which meant a full morning at home to have breakfast, enough coffee, and finish packing.
I was stoked for a smooth travel day.
I used MN girl's suggested car service and got to the airport in a timely manner. My departure gate shared the gates with all the Alaska-bound flights. And there is nothing I love more than people who live in Alaska. I had all I could do to not hop on the wrong flight and go see all the snow. (I would have been completely unprepared for the weather, but still...)
I resisted the urge and hopped onto my flight. I have elite status so got to an exit row seat. I love that because it generally means seatmates who travel.
I was one of the last to get on the plane (normal for me as I feel there is no need to rush to wait in line to find my seat. All my things go under the seat, so I can wait). My seatmates were seated and both on the phone.
I was seated between a woman and a man. The man may have been the tallest dude ever. Seriously, even in an exit row his knees almost touched the seat in front of him. The woman semed polished and together. Seemed being the important word in that sentence.
Scene 1:
The woman was talking rather loudly and I overhead the following:
"No, mom there aren't really any."
pause
"Well, any of them that I see have wedding rings on their fingers"
pause
"Well, no big surprise. When you get to be my age all the good ones are married. It just means I have to work harder to steal them away." (said in all seriousness)
"Ok- gotta go mom."
Um, really?
Woman tried to casually engage me in conversation, but I plugged in my ipod.
Scene 2:
Woman pulls out her airplane snack. It's sushi. Smelly sushi.
She turns to me and asks if I might have soy suace with me.
Um, really??
Scene 3:
Woman pulls out her makeup bag, puts on "her face". Then proceeds to file her fingernails. And if that's not gross enough, chica gets out her floss. (I was watching and thought-- no way is she going to floss her teeth while sitting on an airplane. I wonder what she is going to do with the floss...). And then she did it.
She flossed her teeth right there on the plane while sitting next to me!!!!! (It deserves the extra punctuation.)
Um, really????
What is wrong with people?
The flight is 2.5 hours and I was flying into Terminal 2 (the best one at "America's friendliest airport"). I was flying Alaska which means a 20 minute guarantee for luggage. The car rental place is nearby and I have fast pass. All means of efficiency and I love it.
I didn't leave until 12:30 which meant a full morning at home to have breakfast, enough coffee, and finish packing.
I was stoked for a smooth travel day.
I used MN girl's suggested car service and got to the airport in a timely manner. My departure gate shared the gates with all the Alaska-bound flights. And there is nothing I love more than people who live in Alaska. I had all I could do to not hop on the wrong flight and go see all the snow. (I would have been completely unprepared for the weather, but still...)
I resisted the urge and hopped onto my flight. I have elite status so got to an exit row seat. I love that because it generally means seatmates who travel.
I was one of the last to get on the plane (normal for me as I feel there is no need to rush to wait in line to find my seat. All my things go under the seat, so I can wait). My seatmates were seated and both on the phone.
I was seated between a woman and a man. The man may have been the tallest dude ever. Seriously, even in an exit row his knees almost touched the seat in front of him. The woman semed polished and together. Seemed being the important word in that sentence.
Scene 1:
The woman was talking rather loudly and I overhead the following:
"No, mom there aren't really any."
pause
"Well, any of them that I see have wedding rings on their fingers"
pause
"Well, no big surprise. When you get to be my age all the good ones are married. It just means I have to work harder to steal them away." (said in all seriousness)
"Ok- gotta go mom."
Um, really?
Woman tried to casually engage me in conversation, but I plugged in my ipod.
Scene 2:
Woman pulls out her airplane snack. It's sushi. Smelly sushi.
She turns to me and asks if I might have soy suace with me.
Um, really??
Scene 3:
Woman pulls out her makeup bag, puts on "her face". Then proceeds to file her fingernails. And if that's not gross enough, chica gets out her floss. (I was watching and thought-- no way is she going to floss her teeth while sitting on an airplane. I wonder what she is going to do with the floss...). And then she did it.
She flossed her teeth right there on the plane while sitting next to me!!!!! (It deserves the extra punctuation.)
Um, really????
What is wrong with people?
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Snow Days
As I embarked on my journey from the midwest back to Seattle, I had growing concerns about the weather in Seattle and whether or not I should get home.
I have class on Tuesdays and can only miss two classes total. I will miss two in January for work responsibilities and that is all for this semester.
As I got on the plane in Detroit, I worried that I would get stuck for days in chicago because of weather in Seattle. That was not the case. I got to Seattle with no problems. And when I landed there was sun.
I was able to get to class and home with no drama.
I did however make the choice to grab some groceries "just in case".
I woke up on Wednesday morning to 4 inches of snow on the ground! Seattle does not work in the snow. There are hills and there's only one snowplow. (okay that's an exaggeration, but they don't have many...). Wenesday was a snowday!
Then Thursday was a snowday, too. We had a massive ice storm.
Both evenings I took a walk in the snow, just to check it out and to get a little fresh air.
As I walked around the neighborhood, I relished the fact that no one else had walked around. My footprints were the only ones. My snowman was the only one in the park.
It was so peaceful.
I had forgotten how magical walking in the freshly fallen snow can be.
As annoying as being trapped could have been, I enjoyed the loveliness of the quiet.
I have class on Tuesdays and can only miss two classes total. I will miss two in January for work responsibilities and that is all for this semester.
As I got on the plane in Detroit, I worried that I would get stuck for days in chicago because of weather in Seattle. That was not the case. I got to Seattle with no problems. And when I landed there was sun.
I was able to get to class and home with no drama.
I did however make the choice to grab some groceries "just in case".
I woke up on Wednesday morning to 4 inches of snow on the ground! Seattle does not work in the snow. There are hills and there's only one snowplow. (okay that's an exaggeration, but they don't have many...). Wenesday was a snowday!
Then Thursday was a snowday, too. We had a massive ice storm.
Both evenings I took a walk in the snow, just to check it out and to get a little fresh air.
As I walked around the neighborhood, I relished the fact that no one else had walked around. My footprints were the only ones. My snowman was the only one in the park.
It was so peaceful.
I had forgotten how magical walking in the freshly fallen snow can be.
As annoying as being trapped could have been, I enjoyed the loveliness of the quiet.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Imagination Station
As previously mentioned, I traveled eastward for my family Christmas.
Not mentioned in all the travel ridiculousness was that my presents didn't make it. Diss.
A week before the adventure I made a special trip to the shipping store and mailed an array of gifts to my people all over for various occassions--birthdays, babies, just because. The most important was, of course, the largest box filled with my family's gifts.
I had wrapped each gift (because the dudette loves to open presents). And was excited about each present. All of them were Seattle-made/inspired and I just knew the recipient would love it and/or get a good giggle out of it.
The gift I was most excited about was a Fremont Troll Chia pet! Since the troll lives just a few blocks away I thought my dad and the dude would get a kick out of it. And it so happens they are both good with plants!
The ladies in my life got fun jewelery and other items I knew they would love.
But as I sat fuming having missed my flight, the knowledge of the lack of gifts just added serious insult to injury.
But the point of the weekend was not gift giving but time spent with one another. I knew that but was still seriously bummed that I wasn't going to be able to their faces when they opened their gifts.
So on Saturday afternoon during appetizer hour, the dude and dudette distributed their gifts in a Santa-like fashion-- out of a large bag. Mom handed out our stockings and I described the various gifts tat each person would get once they finally got the box. I just hope the use of imagination doesn't outdo the actual gifts!
Sickness aside, we did have a good time together. Played some games, enjoyed a quick stroll around the neighborhood and took a photo tour of the European vaaction.
**Tuesday papa picked up the gifts and opened the ones that were for them. The dude and dudette will get their gifts when they celebrate the dude's birthday next week. Better late than never!
Not mentioned in all the travel ridiculousness was that my presents didn't make it. Diss.
A week before the adventure I made a special trip to the shipping store and mailed an array of gifts to my people all over for various occassions--birthdays, babies, just because. The most important was, of course, the largest box filled with my family's gifts.
I had wrapped each gift (because the dudette loves to open presents). And was excited about each present. All of them were Seattle-made/inspired and I just knew the recipient would love it and/or get a good giggle out of it.
The gift I was most excited about was a Fremont Troll Chia pet! Since the troll lives just a few blocks away I thought my dad and the dude would get a kick out of it. And it so happens they are both good with plants!
The ladies in my life got fun jewelery and other items I knew they would love.
But as I sat fuming having missed my flight, the knowledge of the lack of gifts just added serious insult to injury.
But the point of the weekend was not gift giving but time spent with one another. I knew that but was still seriously bummed that I wasn't going to be able to their faces when they opened their gifts.
So on Saturday afternoon during appetizer hour, the dude and dudette distributed their gifts in a Santa-like fashion-- out of a large bag. Mom handed out our stockings and I described the various gifts tat each person would get once they finally got the box. I just hope the use of imagination doesn't outdo the actual gifts!
Sickness aside, we did have a good time together. Played some games, enjoyed a quick stroll around the neighborhood and took a photo tour of the European vaaction.
**Tuesday papa picked up the gifts and opened the ones that were for them. The dude and dudette will get their gifts when they celebrate the dude's birthday next week. Better late than never!
Friday, January 20, 2012
The rest of the story...
Following my last post, I thought I should give you the rest of the story (Oh, ernie Harwell...)
While sitting at LAX waiting for my newest flight to Chicago, I met another travel blogger (so random). He had read over my shoulder and inquired about the scoop. It could have been intrusive I guess, but I do the same thing. Sorry to the folks who always sit next to me on the plane, I do actually read what your working on. Thus far I am sorry to say, no one has been working on anything even remotely interesting or top secret. Sad.
Anyway, the fellow blogger shared his travel blog (which makes this one a tiny bit lame-o), and it was super funny and totally true.
After my total space out moment for the previous flight there was no one I was going very far from the gate, so I happy to have the entertainment and a little company.
The flight to Chicago was uneventful and we arrived a few minutes early. I followed the signs to the O'Hare Hilton (singin Follow the Yellow brick rd the whole way, btw) and checked in.
I was tired and ready for a bed and a shower.
I got to the room and prompty removed my yucko travl gear. Sometimes you just feel icky after a plane ride. And sadly this was one of those trips. Even sadder was the fact that all my stuff was already in GR. Hmmm....
So I took a shower and decided to wash my underwear along with me.
I decided to sleep sans clothing.
Not a big deal for many, but a little weird in a hotel room when you're all alone.
But I had decided naked at night is better than 48 hour clothing!
After getting over the fact that I was not wearing pj's, I got some rest and put yesterday's clothes back on.
Now, I am a repeat wearer of clothes on a regular basis, but I always put fresh underwear on and swipe on a little deoderant. Neither of which I could do.
More lessons I learned about myself: I can be gross, but need clean underwear and deoderant to feel okay about wearing grotty clothes.
I made my way through the frigid Chicago air and got to the terminal that morning, hoping that I wouldn't sweat and that no one else would know I was gross.
I don't think anyone did.
I made it to GR and Uncle T picked me up. To his credit he did not tease me too much (though it was very much deserved!). We met Papa and then I was headed north to celebrate Christmas in january.
While sitting at LAX waiting for my newest flight to Chicago, I met another travel blogger (so random). He had read over my shoulder and inquired about the scoop. It could have been intrusive I guess, but I do the same thing. Sorry to the folks who always sit next to me on the plane, I do actually read what your working on. Thus far I am sorry to say, no one has been working on anything even remotely interesting or top secret. Sad.
Anyway, the fellow blogger shared his travel blog (which makes this one a tiny bit lame-o), and it was super funny and totally true.
After my total space out moment for the previous flight there was no one I was going very far from the gate, so I happy to have the entertainment and a little company.
The flight to Chicago was uneventful and we arrived a few minutes early. I followed the signs to the O'Hare Hilton (singin Follow the Yellow brick rd the whole way, btw) and checked in.
I was tired and ready for a bed and a shower.
I got to the room and prompty removed my yucko travl gear. Sometimes you just feel icky after a plane ride. And sadly this was one of those trips. Even sadder was the fact that all my stuff was already in GR. Hmmm....
So I took a shower and decided to wash my underwear along with me.
I decided to sleep sans clothing.
Not a big deal for many, but a little weird in a hotel room when you're all alone.
But I had decided naked at night is better than 48 hour clothing!
After getting over the fact that I was not wearing pj's, I got some rest and put yesterday's clothes back on.
Now, I am a repeat wearer of clothes on a regular basis, but I always put fresh underwear on and swipe on a little deoderant. Neither of which I could do.
More lessons I learned about myself: I can be gross, but need clean underwear and deoderant to feel okay about wearing grotty clothes.
I made my way through the frigid Chicago air and got to the terminal that morning, hoping that I wouldn't sweat and that no one else would know I was gross.
I don't think anyone did.
I made it to GR and Uncle T picked me up. To his credit he did not tease me too much (though it was very much deserved!). We met Papa and then I was headed north to celebrate Christmas in january.
Friday, January 13, 2012
don't get cocky.
Well, today the travle adventures took a serious down turn.
I was in LA for a work meeting and made detailed plans to arrive at my family Christmas this evening.
My van arrived early, so we could all enjoy lunch before long travels eastward.
I got to my terminal, got situated, grabbed some lunch and knew I had an hour or so to hammer out some emails. The airline representative announced my gate a few times, but I was absorbed in what I was doing and not watching the people around me. (and to be honest I was totally annoyed that they kept announcing the gate. I mean I knew what gate I was leaving from!) So there I sat as my plane boarded without me.
My computer ran out of juice and I quickly realized there was not one single other person in my gate. Um, whoops doesn't seem to cover it.
I rushed to the gate (cause these old lady bones don't run) and asked the gate agent if there was anything to be done. She promptly sent me to customer service, where I almost cried. I held it together to explain my situation. The man next to me gave me his french fries because he felt so bad. (so funny.) We looked at my options and there was just NO way I was getting to Grand Rapids tonight. So, we figured out my best bet and booked it.
I called the dude and explained the deal and he just laughed. (what i forgot to mention was that my flight arrangements today greatly affected the plans of the rest of my family...talk about feeling bad). I thought about driving from O'hare to the cottage and then saw it was 6 hours. Regardless of the time zone my body thinks it is, I am not interested in a 6 hour drive in the dark and snow. I have friends in Chicago. I thought about who lived close and then remembered there is a hotel at the airport. I reserved a room.
As I type the Dude is making arrangements to pick me up tomorrow morning.
As I type my luggage is headed to Chicago and will then end up in Grand Rapids. Let's hope it really does get there.
*** As as aside, as I've sat at the gate and waited for my new flight and to embark on this random adventure, a lovely woman who was listening to my conversation with mom leaned over and told me I was making the right choice to stay at hotel and reminded me that this will be a really good story one day. (Family-- you are welcome)
I was in LA for a work meeting and made detailed plans to arrive at my family Christmas this evening.
My van arrived early, so we could all enjoy lunch before long travels eastward.
I got to my terminal, got situated, grabbed some lunch and knew I had an hour or so to hammer out some emails. The airline representative announced my gate a few times, but I was absorbed in what I was doing and not watching the people around me. (and to be honest I was totally annoyed that they kept announcing the gate. I mean I knew what gate I was leaving from!) So there I sat as my plane boarded without me.
My computer ran out of juice and I quickly realized there was not one single other person in my gate. Um, whoops doesn't seem to cover it.
I rushed to the gate (cause these old lady bones don't run) and asked the gate agent if there was anything to be done. She promptly sent me to customer service, where I almost cried. I held it together to explain my situation. The man next to me gave me his french fries because he felt so bad. (so funny.) We looked at my options and there was just NO way I was getting to Grand Rapids tonight. So, we figured out my best bet and booked it.
I called the dude and explained the deal and he just laughed. (what i forgot to mention was that my flight arrangements today greatly affected the plans of the rest of my family...talk about feeling bad). I thought about driving from O'hare to the cottage and then saw it was 6 hours. Regardless of the time zone my body thinks it is, I am not interested in a 6 hour drive in the dark and snow. I have friends in Chicago. I thought about who lived close and then remembered there is a hotel at the airport. I reserved a room.
As I type the Dude is making arrangements to pick me up tomorrow morning.
As I type my luggage is headed to Chicago and will then end up in Grand Rapids. Let's hope it really does get there.
*** As as aside, as I've sat at the gate and waited for my new flight and to embark on this random adventure, a lovely woman who was listening to my conversation with mom leaned over and told me I was making the right choice to stay at hotel and reminded me that this will be a really good story one day. (Family-- you are welcome)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
grown-ups
As posted earlier, I was able to spend a lot of good quality time with my family over the holidays during my impromptu trip home.
During my time, I had lots of time for good visits with so many of my family. There were my aunts, an uncle, three of my five cousins (and their significant people), and the five great-nieces.
As I caught up on their lives and them on mine, I realized again how important family is. And how lucky I am to have such a good one.
We laughed a lot.
I got lost in the adventures that only 4-year-olds can take you on. We read stories. We told stories (some better than others). We snuggled. We took "walks" around the house. We grabbed coffees. We played games. We caught-up. We were busy.
I also got to see my cousins as parents. They are all so good. Their kids are awesome (all 5).
I realized they are creating the life we had for their own children. Lives with some limits, but filled with possibility. Those munchkins will grow up and just like us, knowing they are loved to their very cores. They will probably make some choices that their parents don't like (and some they may regret), but will never doubt that they are loved.
I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with them as grown-ups.
I liked them as kids and it's nice to know they are just as great(maybe better) as adults.
During my time, I had lots of time for good visits with so many of my family. There were my aunts, an uncle, three of my five cousins (and their significant people), and the five great-nieces.
As I caught up on their lives and them on mine, I realized again how important family is. And how lucky I am to have such a good one.
We laughed a lot.
I got lost in the adventures that only 4-year-olds can take you on. We read stories. We told stories (some better than others). We snuggled. We took "walks" around the house. We grabbed coffees. We played games. We caught-up. We were busy.
I also got to see my cousins as parents. They are all so good. Their kids are awesome (all 5).
I realized they are creating the life we had for their own children. Lives with some limits, but filled with possibility. Those munchkins will grow up and just like us, knowing they are loved to their very cores. They will probably make some choices that their parents don't like (and some they may regret), but will never doubt that they are loved.
I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with them as grown-ups.
I liked them as kids and it's nice to know they are just as great(maybe better) as adults.
Alternate Plans
This Christmas my family has decided to celebrate over the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend instead of over the actual weeks of Christmas or New Year's. The decision was made because the dude and dudette are on a European adventure (jealous.) and when we started to talk about "the holidays" I was just traveled out. I was tired and didn't want to think about being on an airplane anytime soon.
So we made a plan. Mom was fine. Papa was fine. The dude and dudette were on board. And then some plans changed, in classic fashion.
My cousin and the little girls were making a trip to michigan for two full weeks. And they had no set plans for the second week of their visit. (wheels turning....). I used some of my many frequent flyer miles and found a way to come and spend some time with them.
I fly on Chirstmas Day (don't even get me started on the stupid travelers... yes, they need your ID to get through security. No, that is not new. Not even remotely.)
I got to Detroit at 8pm and was picked up by one of Santa's elves disguised as my papa. I enjoyed some amazing leftovers and just sat by the fire.
Ahhhh.....home.
The cuz and I had planned for Tuesday & Wednesday for a visit. My uncle and parents tagged onto the plan and we all landed in GR around lunchtime.
The little ladies got there. Yay.
We opened some presents.
Aunt Mugsie arrived.
Aunt Po arrived a bit later.
We chatted, we played games, and enjoyed time together. It was such a lovely day.
Wednesday was going to be busy with other visits and more munchkins.
Unplanned, my other cousins came by with their little ones.
We ended up spending the entire day togehter. It reminded me of Christmas's from the past. Where we'd just be there together. No plans. No agendas. Just us.
I met the new baby (cute, cute).
I caught up with my cousins.
I got to know the other little girls a little better.
We watched the new cousins play games and giggle (just like we used to be).
It was an unexpected treat in the middle of an unplanned visit.
And I still get to celebrate with my family in a few weeks.
The holidays are extended for me this year and I like it!
So we made a plan. Mom was fine. Papa was fine. The dude and dudette were on board. And then some plans changed, in classic fashion.
My cousin and the little girls were making a trip to michigan for two full weeks. And they had no set plans for the second week of their visit. (wheels turning....). I used some of my many frequent flyer miles and found a way to come and spend some time with them.
I fly on Chirstmas Day (don't even get me started on the stupid travelers... yes, they need your ID to get through security. No, that is not new. Not even remotely.)
I got to Detroit at 8pm and was picked up by one of Santa's elves disguised as my papa. I enjoyed some amazing leftovers and just sat by the fire.
Ahhhh.....home.
The cuz and I had planned for Tuesday & Wednesday for a visit. My uncle and parents tagged onto the plan and we all landed in GR around lunchtime.
The little ladies got there. Yay.
We opened some presents.
Aunt Mugsie arrived.
Aunt Po arrived a bit later.
We chatted, we played games, and enjoyed time together. It was such a lovely day.
Wednesday was going to be busy with other visits and more munchkins.
Unplanned, my other cousins came by with their little ones.
We ended up spending the entire day togehter. It reminded me of Christmas's from the past. Where we'd just be there together. No plans. No agendas. Just us.
I met the new baby (cute, cute).
I caught up with my cousins.
I got to know the other little girls a little better.
We watched the new cousins play games and giggle (just like we used to be).
It was an unexpected treat in the middle of an unplanned visit.
And I still get to celebrate with my family in a few weeks.
The holidays are extended for me this year and I like it!
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