Well, it's still Monday night SOMEWHERE right? Here's a link to the pictures of the outside of our new place.
XXOO
Cares
http://picasaweb.google.com/carolineangleson/NewHouse02#
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
New Beginning?
Well, Shawn and I have been avidly searching for a bigger place to rent.
I want something with a dining room and a yard.
He wants something with a square footage that matches the price.
WE both want a home that makes sense for us and our pups and someday soon growing family.
What I love best about my partnership with Shawn is how we fill in one others gaps. I know I've said this many times over, but hopefully that repetition is a good sign. :-) Shawn is a thinker, a researcher a let's-talk-about-this-until-Care-wants-to-chuck-that-paper-mache-bird-she-bought-at-a-winery-at-my-head. WHAT? Care bought a paper mache bird?
At a winery?
BLINK
BLINK
Hey, it's a cute bird!
But I digress.
All of the discussion we've been having would usually make my head pop off, but this time is much different. We're discussing the year ahead and how an increase in rent will affect our everyday lives. Sure we can manage it, but is it what we want? What are the sacrifices we'll have to make? How can we cut back so we aren't strapped? We've been round and round, up and down through all these questions over a dozen times each.
We make our decision tonight! This morning as I walked back upstairs to get ready I looked down and my husband who was standing in the kitchen taking a sip of coffee and asked him "Babe, are you excited?" to which he swallowed, smiled and through his teeth said, "I'm nervous". "Me too!" I sang as I skipped up the stairs.
There are definitely more pros than cons for this place and when I think about it I get the teeny tiniest butterflies in my stomach. So please readers, send out your prayers and positive thoughts as we make a pretty big decision. Sure it's not as if we are BUYING a house, but this is a really big deal for us!
xxoo
Cares
I want something with a dining room and a yard.
He wants something with a square footage that matches the price.
WE both want a home that makes sense for us and our pups and someday soon growing family.
What I love best about my partnership with Shawn is how we fill in one others gaps. I know I've said this many times over, but hopefully that repetition is a good sign. :-) Shawn is a thinker, a researcher a let's-talk-about-this-until-Care-wants-to-chuck-that-paper-mache-bird-she-bought-at-a-winery-at-my-head. WHAT? Care bought a paper mache bird?
At a winery?
BLINK
BLINK
Hey, it's a cute bird!
But I digress.
All of the discussion we've been having would usually make my head pop off, but this time is much different. We're discussing the year ahead and how an increase in rent will affect our everyday lives. Sure we can manage it, but is it what we want? What are the sacrifices we'll have to make? How can we cut back so we aren't strapped? We've been round and round, up and down through all these questions over a dozen times each.
We make our decision tonight! This morning as I walked back upstairs to get ready I looked down and my husband who was standing in the kitchen taking a sip of coffee and asked him "Babe, are you excited?" to which he swallowed, smiled and through his teeth said, "I'm nervous". "Me too!" I sang as I skipped up the stairs.
There are definitely more pros than cons for this place and when I think about it I get the teeny tiniest butterflies in my stomach. So please readers, send out your prayers and positive thoughts as we make a pretty big decision. Sure it's not as if we are BUYING a house, but this is a really big deal for us!
xxoo
Cares
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Compare and Contrast
As an English major I was required to compare and contrast many pieces of writing and I think this theory wove its way into my daily cognition.
I CONSTANTLY make comparisons based on a plethora of experiences, thoughts, literature, etc. and I don't know how effective it is. Take my mom for example. She's an anomaly, a incomparable woman with countless good deeds and positive energy. My experiences with a mom like her won't necessarily validate another mom's actions but nonetheless I compare and contrast my experiences with my mom to those experiences with other moms. You can't say I have to remain objective because in poetry there are many ways to read and understand a piece based on the reader's interpretation. An interpretation that might be based on emotions. Sure there are defined elements, but you cannot change the emotions or feelings it might evoke which would be different for every reader. Perhaps the author meant to evoke a sense of pride instead of sorrow...I could go on and on.
Lately I've been comparing my experiences at work with those I've had at previous companies and with former co-workers. Comparing and contrasting these experiences might not necessarily be objective, but to me they are. I've been wrestling with this trying to tell myself that it's not right to compare since it's not "apples to apples". But I don't think I've been giving myself enough credit. There are experiences I draw upon because they enlightened me or others that hindered me as an individual.
I'm thankful for the tool of comparing and contrasting. I think it keeps me on my toes. Some might say it means I have blinders or can't see past my own experiences. I wish to disagree. My experiences are what shape ME as a person and how I view the worlds I live in professionally and personally. Maybe it's a bit elitist, I'm not sure.
Don't get me wrong I'm definitely not one to say "well, we've only ever done it THIS way...". I'm all for growth, change and looking at things in a different way, but like poetry life has it's defined elements that are shaped by our own experiences.
I CONSTANTLY make comparisons based on a plethora of experiences, thoughts, literature, etc. and I don't know how effective it is. Take my mom for example. She's an anomaly, a incomparable woman with countless good deeds and positive energy. My experiences with a mom like her won't necessarily validate another mom's actions but nonetheless I compare and contrast my experiences with my mom to those experiences with other moms. You can't say I have to remain objective because in poetry there are many ways to read and understand a piece based on the reader's interpretation. An interpretation that might be based on emotions. Sure there are defined elements, but you cannot change the emotions or feelings it might evoke which would be different for every reader. Perhaps the author meant to evoke a sense of pride instead of sorrow...I could go on and on.
Lately I've been comparing my experiences at work with those I've had at previous companies and with former co-workers. Comparing and contrasting these experiences might not necessarily be objective, but to me they are. I've been wrestling with this trying to tell myself that it's not right to compare since it's not "apples to apples". But I don't think I've been giving myself enough credit. There are experiences I draw upon because they enlightened me or others that hindered me as an individual.
I'm thankful for the tool of comparing and contrasting. I think it keeps me on my toes. Some might say it means I have blinders or can't see past my own experiences. I wish to disagree. My experiences are what shape ME as a person and how I view the worlds I live in professionally and personally. Maybe it's a bit elitist, I'm not sure.
Don't get me wrong I'm definitely not one to say "well, we've only ever done it THIS way...". I'm all for growth, change and looking at things in a different way, but like poetry life has it's defined elements that are shaped by our own experiences.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Valentine's Day
Happy belated Valentine's Day! I'm running a contest on my blog today to see who had the best Valentine's Day. I'm going to start the contest off by saying ME!! It was ME who had the best Valentine's Day!
Shawn and I don't tend to make a big deal about the Hallmark Holiday, and this year was no different. We wanted a nice quiet weekend that didn't entail an overpriced meal or overdressed crowds. So we stayed in and he took on the kitchen. And oh did he take on a feat! If you know us, you know that I love to cook and Shawn usually doesn't get much of a chance to use all of our lovely appliances. This year we were to have a quiet dinner on Saturday night at the Cooke's but instead they were sick. :-( Somewhere between the phone call and the trip to the Farmer's Market Shawn became inspired to cook me dinner AND a surprise dessert. He wanted to cook a Mahi Mahi recipe he found in Rachael Ray's Guy Food cook book. He took his time evaluating our stock checking the book, checking the pantry, checking the book, writing down ingredients until he was satisfied with his list. I tried to check on his list but he just covered it with his hand and said "I got it". :-)
We didn't ever separate in the grocery store but he still managed to sneak in ingredients for his super secret delicious dessert. I knew SOMETHING was up when he asked me to pick out the ginger snaps, but then he knows my love for ginger snaps so I guess it wasn't THAT big of a clue.
We got home and he took care of EVERYTHING. He put the groceries away and even got me a sandwich for lunch. We took the afternoon and rested, played with Winston the enormous dog and just lounged about.
He began dinner while I watched Twilight for the 3rd time and I watched him deep in concentration as he checked, double and triple checked the recipe for his guacamole (which was FANTASTIC) and even pulled out the food processor! I snacked on chips and guac and watched him carefully follow each step to cook his mahi mahi. He cooked it on a stove top grill and it came out so TASTY. It melted in my mouth! I don't know what seasonings he used for his marinade but it was fantastic. He cooked corn and broccoli to fulfill our daily 5 servings of veggies and it worked great. I praised him for a job well done and cleaned up my place setting thinking we were done.
About 30 minutes later he asks if I was ready for dessert. The man made a lemon custard with a gingersnap crust.
Blink
Blink
Yep, he made a homemade crust. If you know me, you know how much I love lemons. I could get all Bubba Gump, but I won't. :-)
It was a priceless meal and an amazing gesture. I WIN! :-)
Shawn and I don't tend to make a big deal about the Hallmark Holiday, and this year was no different. We wanted a nice quiet weekend that didn't entail an overpriced meal or overdressed crowds. So we stayed in and he took on the kitchen. And oh did he take on a feat! If you know us, you know that I love to cook and Shawn usually doesn't get much of a chance to use all of our lovely appliances. This year we were to have a quiet dinner on Saturday night at the Cooke's but instead they were sick. :-( Somewhere between the phone call and the trip to the Farmer's Market Shawn became inspired to cook me dinner AND a surprise dessert. He wanted to cook a Mahi Mahi recipe he found in Rachael Ray's Guy Food cook book. He took his time evaluating our stock checking the book, checking the pantry, checking the book, writing down ingredients until he was satisfied with his list. I tried to check on his list but he just covered it with his hand and said "I got it". :-)
We didn't ever separate in the grocery store but he still managed to sneak in ingredients for his super secret delicious dessert. I knew SOMETHING was up when he asked me to pick out the ginger snaps, but then he knows my love for ginger snaps so I guess it wasn't THAT big of a clue.
We got home and he took care of EVERYTHING. He put the groceries away and even got me a sandwich for lunch. We took the afternoon and rested, played with Winston the enormous dog and just lounged about.
He began dinner while I watched Twilight for the 3rd time and I watched him deep in concentration as he checked, double and triple checked the recipe for his guacamole (which was FANTASTIC) and even pulled out the food processor! I snacked on chips and guac and watched him carefully follow each step to cook his mahi mahi. He cooked it on a stove top grill and it came out so TASTY. It melted in my mouth! I don't know what seasonings he used for his marinade but it was fantastic. He cooked corn and broccoli to fulfill our daily 5 servings of veggies and it worked great. I praised him for a job well done and cleaned up my place setting thinking we were done.
About 30 minutes later he asks if I was ready for dessert. The man made a lemon custard with a gingersnap crust.
Blink
Blink
Yep, he made a homemade crust. If you know me, you know how much I love lemons. I could get all Bubba Gump, but I won't. :-)
It was a priceless meal and an amazing gesture. I WIN! :-)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Too Long Gone/Intentions
I know, I know it's been a really long time since I've written. I'm not even sure who's reading this sporadic mess of a blog, so I could just be apologizing to you B! (Well, B's the only one I know who has an RSS feed to my blog so if you want a shot out in the future then let me know you are reading this! GEESH!)
There is not much to update on, but this morning I had a thought. And it's a negative one; one my positive-minded-always-lookin'-on-the-brightside-momma would not like. Recently Shawn and I were offered a once in a lifetime opportunity only to have it brutally retracted by the person offering it up. Vague, yes. I suppose some writers would say they're protecting the innocent when they leave out names and full details. In this case I feel like we are the innocent and I'm protecting the selfish.
I was never brought up thinking that life was fair. But I was brought up to work hard, put good things out there and things have a way of evening themselves out. Pardon me if I don't believe that anymore.I've had to grow up a little in the past few days. And not in the good way. I like to try and grow in more positive ways: praying more, insight from a book or a conversation, bend in rocky situations, but this is one situation that even the bendiest yogi would struggle with. I'm definitely more cynical than I was a week ago. I just don't understand how some people can go through life believing that their "good intentions" are enough.
They're not. And I'm pissed.
And sad, and disappointed, and let down. And sadly I'm not feeling these things for myself but for my husband who has overcome some pretty big hardships to get where he is only to be slapped in the face yet again, forced to pick himself up, dust off the smut and keep his head high. I don't know how he does it. He's one of the strongest people I've ever met.
Have you ever hated someone? I mean that I-will-spit-in-your-eye-when-I-see-you hate? I've really only ever hated the word "hate" so this is a new emotion for me. But I definitely harbor hate mixed with sympathy.
How do hate and sympathy go together? I'm not sure but that's what I'm living this week. If I can make any sense of it I'll let you know.
Back to my point about life not being fair. I get that. So forgive the contradiction that quickly follows, but what's the point of working hard, hushing the thoughts that are screaming and twisting inside of us just pining to wrestle their way out when the very thing you've always wanted is in your grasp only to be snatched away leaving you with a cackling voice croaking something about good intentions. Is it only one sided this karma or whatever you want to call it? Naw, it's just life and sometimes life hands you situations that try you and form you in ways you weren't expecting or wanting.
My momma raised me right and so I always find some semblance of silver lining, and it's this:
I'm glad that I know the sides of my husband that he doesn't readily share. I'm so blessed that he trusts me enough to show me who he really is and so sad that the people who SHOULD know what I know and see him the way I do don't. They don't even have the INTENTION to.
It's just life and sometimes it's not life that sucks but the people IN our lives that suck*.
*Growing up there was a short list of words we were not allowed to use in our house due to their vulgarity, and "sucks" is one of them. Please understand the use of the word "suck" in my life today is one in the same of the harshest of inappropriate words. If you don't believe me you can ask my mom who also washed our mouths out with soap for using the term "ghetto blaster". :-)
There is not much to update on, but this morning I had a thought. And it's a negative one; one my positive-minded-always-lookin'-on-the-brightside-momma would not like. Recently Shawn and I were offered a once in a lifetime opportunity only to have it brutally retracted by the person offering it up. Vague, yes. I suppose some writers would say they're protecting the innocent when they leave out names and full details. In this case I feel like we are the innocent and I'm protecting the selfish.
I was never brought up thinking that life was fair. But I was brought up to work hard, put good things out there and things have a way of evening themselves out. Pardon me if I don't believe that anymore.I've had to grow up a little in the past few days. And not in the good way. I like to try and grow in more positive ways: praying more, insight from a book or a conversation, bend in rocky situations, but this is one situation that even the bendiest yogi would struggle with. I'm definitely more cynical than I was a week ago. I just don't understand how some people can go through life believing that their "good intentions" are enough.
They're not. And I'm pissed.
And sad, and disappointed, and let down. And sadly I'm not feeling these things for myself but for my husband who has overcome some pretty big hardships to get where he is only to be slapped in the face yet again, forced to pick himself up, dust off the smut and keep his head high. I don't know how he does it. He's one of the strongest people I've ever met.
Have you ever hated someone? I mean that I-will-spit-in-your-eye-when-I-see-you hate? I've really only ever hated the word "hate" so this is a new emotion for me. But I definitely harbor hate mixed with sympathy.
Blink
Blink
Blink
How do hate and sympathy go together? I'm not sure but that's what I'm living this week. If I can make any sense of it I'll let you know.
Back to my point about life not being fair. I get that. So forgive the contradiction that quickly follows, but what's the point of working hard, hushing the thoughts that are screaming and twisting inside of us just pining to wrestle their way out when the very thing you've always wanted is in your grasp only to be snatched away leaving you with a cackling voice croaking something about good intentions. Is it only one sided this karma or whatever you want to call it? Naw, it's just life and sometimes life hands you situations that try you and form you in ways you weren't expecting or wanting.
My momma raised me right and so I always find some semblance of silver lining, and it's this:
I'm glad that I know the sides of my husband that he doesn't readily share. I'm so blessed that he trusts me enough to show me who he really is and so sad that the people who SHOULD know what I know and see him the way I do don't. They don't even have the INTENTION to.
It's just life and sometimes it's not life that sucks but the people IN our lives that suck*.
*Growing up there was a short list of words we were not allowed to use in our house due to their vulgarity, and "sucks" is one of them. Please understand the use of the word "suck" in my life today is one in the same of the harshest of inappropriate words. If you don't believe me you can ask my mom who also washed our mouths out with soap for using the term "ghetto blaster". :-)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sittin' here restin' my bones....
There are two things going on in today's IM-Conversation-Turned-Blog Entry:
1. Is a really great memory
2. Is a really funny description of a very common and simple term I forgot for a moment.
2. Is a really funny description of a very common and simple term I forgot for a moment.
Bryan T: listening to Mr. Mayer
caroline.blackwood: I'm on to Ms. Bareilles
LOVE her
wish I had seen her at the Fillmore
her version of (Sittin on) The Dock of the Bay is probably my fave
but I have such a love for that song
Bryan T: i'll have to hear that
caroline.blackwood: when I was a little girl I found my mom's old records in this old green vinyl case with this really cool latch
and she had that record, the small kind that required one of those plastic adapters that goes in the middle of records
I listened to that song over and over and over imagining my mom listening to it
Bryan T: 45
caroline.blackwood: weird memory I know, but I love it
yes, a 45!
thanks
lol
duh
Bryan Taketa: that's a wonderful memory
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Silver Lining
So the silver lining is I HAVE A JOB!
The rain cloud is the fact that I miss the manager I had 2 jobs ago. There's such comfort in knowing where I stand with people. I've become very self conscious of that in the last few years. I strive to stay in good graces in EVERYONE and have a hard time when I am not sure where I stand. My manager at TiVo was phenomenally great at making sure we all knew what was expected of us and how we were doing. Maybe this isn't a commonplace in corporate America, but then I've never been one to fit any mold much less that of the "Old Boys' Club".
My new job doesn't allow me to really "produce" anything and finding a way to track my efforts is all part of the new gig. I am happy to be contributing my efforts but have a hard time finding my voice of confidence here. Granted it's been three months and I should feel some stability, but I don't. Not really. Not yet.
What's also foreign to me is why I care so much. Don't get me wrong, it's important to feel fulfilled with our work, especially since we are at for eight sometimes ten hours a day. But for me work has always served it's purpose to bring me a paycheck so that I can do the things I love; I don't find myself driven by what I do or have a desire to climb the corporate ladder of success.
Being out of work for nine months taught me how important it is to be busy and have a place where I can add my ideas to make something better. I just need a reminder once in a while, and I guess that's just going to have to come from me for now on.
The rain cloud is the fact that I miss the manager I had 2 jobs ago. There's such comfort in knowing where I stand with people. I've become very self conscious of that in the last few years. I strive to stay in good graces in EVERYONE and have a hard time when I am not sure where I stand. My manager at TiVo was phenomenally great at making sure we all knew what was expected of us and how we were doing. Maybe this isn't a commonplace in corporate America, but then I've never been one to fit any mold much less that of the "Old Boys' Club".
My new job doesn't allow me to really "produce" anything and finding a way to track my efforts is all part of the new gig. I am happy to be contributing my efforts but have a hard time finding my voice of confidence here. Granted it's been three months and I should feel some stability, but I don't. Not really. Not yet.
What's also foreign to me is why I care so much. Don't get me wrong, it's important to feel fulfilled with our work, especially since we are at for eight sometimes ten hours a day. But for me work has always served it's purpose to bring me a paycheck so that I can do the things I love; I don't find myself driven by what I do or have a desire to climb the corporate ladder of success.
Being out of work for nine months taught me how important it is to be busy and have a place where I can add my ideas to make something better. I just need a reminder once in a while, and I guess that's just going to have to come from me for now on.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Pennies from Heaven
For the last year we have been planning to spend this past week in Minnesota celebrating Grandpa Sugar's 90th birthday. Shawn and I got up at 4AM on Friday to make our 6:30 flight. On our way to the airport we picked up Bubba who was recovering from a bad bout with the flu. I had been praying all week he'd be well enough to travel.
We made it to the airport in JUST enough time to rush from terminal A back to terminal C and get my bag checked. Shawn of course would carry his on. When we got to the Northwest ticket terminal there were 2 agents and no customers. We walked up to have our boarding passes printed when the Gentleman agent snapped at us to use the Kiosk. Wow. Okay.
I walked up to the kiosk next to Shawn:
We made it to the airport in JUST enough time to rush from terminal A back to terminal C and get my bag checked. Shawn of course would carry his on. When we got to the Northwest ticket terminal there were 2 agents and no customers. We walked up to have our boarding passes printed when the Gentleman agent snapped at us to use the Kiosk. Wow. Okay.
I walked up to the kiosk next to Shawn:
Use your confirmation number to start
Who would you like to check in? I selected my name and offered to get Shawn checked in but he was nearly finished at that point.
Do you have any bags to check? Yes.
0 bags-$0
1 bag-$20
blink
blink
blink
We were already late at that point so I just stuck my credit card in and ate the fee under mumbled curse words and heavy sighs. I walked my bag over to the counter and asked very sweetly if she could seat me next to my husband.
I'm sorry but the flight is full and I can't help you with that. Here's your ID and boarding pass.
Huffing and puffing Shawn and I headed out to the gate. When it was my turn to pass through the initial screening I politely handed the TSA agent my boarding pass and ID. He looked at my ID then asked me if I had anything else. I naively looked at my purse and then my laptop bag and said, "Well, yes, these I suppose."
No, I need your boarding pass.
Um, I just handed you my boarding pass.
No ma'am this is a receipt. I need your boarding pass.
WHO SENDS YOU AWAY FROM A CHECK IN COUNTER WITHOUT A BOARDING PASS? More importantly who sends you away from a check in counter without a boarding pass WHEN YOU ARE THE ONLY CUSTOMER AROUND???
I furiously stomped back to the the check in counter slammed my "receipts" to the agent and sarcastically asked for a boarding pass. It was all I could to do to bite my tongue and not freak out all over the place, but I was late.
We got to the gate and went right through the doors to board the plane. We were seated in row 8, he in 8e and I in 8b. Of course there were no overhead compartments available until row 30. As I took my seat I hinted "Have a great flight babe..see you in a few hours" loudly enough hoping someone would give up a seat so we could be together. Maybe saying this now defeats the purpose, but I can count on one hand how many times I've done this for fellow passengers. Not because I expect anything back, but because I can imagine what that would feel like. Well now I know first hand. I hope it doesn't stop me in the future.
I've been accused of many things, and being bipolar is sometimes one of these things. The MINUTE we landed I felt a rush come over me and suddenly I was filled with this overwhelming sense of excitement. I knew in one hour my dad would be landing and in another hour we'd be greeted with hugs and kisses from Grandma and Grandpa Sugar. And shortly after that going back to the airport to pick up Bubba. Shawn is very used to this side of me and just shook his head as I skipped down the terminal chatting with strangers and kissing babies. The cup of coffee from my favorite Caribou kiosk probably didn't help.
I couldn't help but jog to the front door of Grandpa and Grandma Sugar's facility and nothing could get the sappy grin off my face. Dad led us to their apartment and opened the door.
"WE'RE HERE!!!" I shouted.
Since it was nearly cocktail hour hugs, kisses and champagne abounded. One of my favorite traits about myself is not one I can claim. I am definitely my Grandmother's Granddaughter and will never turn down champagne. We visited and discussed my frustration of the airline policies of today as Grandma Sugar reminisced about the United flights she used to take which included a cart of roast beef rolling down the aisle, stopping at your seat and you choosing your cut to be placed on a real plate of China.
Grandma and Grandpa Sugar looked great. Grandpa was getting around very well with the help of his cane, and Grandma's rumaki was as good as I remember.
Slowly our family trickled in as we made our way to the lounge. Grandma and Grandpa Sugar's facility is new and very lovely. There is a lounge the tenants can sign up to use with a wide screen plasma TV, chairs, high top tables, and lockers. Grandpa had 4 stocked with all our favorite cocktail fixings. We caught up with one another, and anticipated the big party taking place the following evening. Leo and Lillian, the two newest members of our family stole the spotlight with Leo's charming blue introspective eyes and Lillian's outgoing, happy giggles.
By the time Saturday came we were all ready to celebrate Grandpa. We were only missing 2 grandchildren and were accompanied by a group of friends long known and those who had just entered our lives. Every so often I caught myself sitting back watching Grandpa as he told stories, exchanged laughs and visited with his family and friends. He was absolutely glowing. A smile never left his face and his blue eyes were filled with pride. I felt incredibly honored to have such an amazing, influential man at the head of my family. We toasted to his life and his example and passed the microphone to share memories. I don't think I stopped tearing up. My cousin Stephie said it best when she said his life riches is not defined by his wallet but his heart. I loved every second of this weekend and wish it could have gone on and on.
Happy 90th Grandpa. Here's to you. OPA and Happy Days.
Who would you like to check in? I selected my name and offered to get Shawn checked in but he was nearly finished at that point.
Do you have any bags to check? Yes.
0 bags-$0
1 bag-$20
blink
blink
blink
We were already late at that point so I just stuck my credit card in and ate the fee under mumbled curse words and heavy sighs. I walked my bag over to the counter and asked very sweetly if she could seat me next to my husband.
I'm sorry but the flight is full and I can't help you with that. Here's your ID and boarding pass.
Huffing and puffing Shawn and I headed out to the gate. When it was my turn to pass through the initial screening I politely handed the TSA agent my boarding pass and ID. He looked at my ID then asked me if I had anything else. I naively looked at my purse and then my laptop bag and said, "Well, yes, these I suppose."
No, I need your boarding pass.
Um, I just handed you my boarding pass.
No ma'am this is a receipt. I need your boarding pass.
WHO SENDS YOU AWAY FROM A CHECK IN COUNTER WITHOUT A BOARDING PASS? More importantly who sends you away from a check in counter without a boarding pass WHEN YOU ARE THE ONLY CUSTOMER AROUND???
I furiously stomped back to the the check in counter slammed my "receipts" to the agent and sarcastically asked for a boarding pass. It was all I could to do to bite my tongue and not freak out all over the place, but I was late.
We got to the gate and went right through the doors to board the plane. We were seated in row 8, he in 8e and I in 8b. Of course there were no overhead compartments available until row 30. As I took my seat I hinted "Have a great flight babe..see you in a few hours" loudly enough hoping someone would give up a seat so we could be together. Maybe saying this now defeats the purpose, but I can count on one hand how many times I've done this for fellow passengers. Not because I expect anything back, but because I can imagine what that would feel like. Well now I know first hand. I hope it doesn't stop me in the future.
I've been accused of many things, and being bipolar is sometimes one of these things. The MINUTE we landed I felt a rush come over me and suddenly I was filled with this overwhelming sense of excitement. I knew in one hour my dad would be landing and in another hour we'd be greeted with hugs and kisses from Grandma and Grandpa Sugar. And shortly after that going back to the airport to pick up Bubba. Shawn is very used to this side of me and just shook his head as I skipped down the terminal chatting with strangers and kissing babies. The cup of coffee from my favorite Caribou kiosk probably didn't help.
I couldn't help but jog to the front door of Grandpa and Grandma Sugar's facility and nothing could get the sappy grin off my face. Dad led us to their apartment and opened the door.
"WE'RE HERE!!!" I shouted.
Since it was nearly cocktail hour hugs, kisses and champagne abounded. One of my favorite traits about myself is not one I can claim. I am definitely my Grandmother's Granddaughter and will never turn down champagne. We visited and discussed my frustration of the airline policies of today as Grandma Sugar reminisced about the United flights she used to take which included a cart of roast beef rolling down the aisle, stopping at your seat and you choosing your cut to be placed on a real plate of China.
Grandma and Grandpa Sugar looked great. Grandpa was getting around very well with the help of his cane, and Grandma's rumaki was as good as I remember.
Slowly our family trickled in as we made our way to the lounge. Grandma and Grandpa Sugar's facility is new and very lovely. There is a lounge the tenants can sign up to use with a wide screen plasma TV, chairs, high top tables, and lockers. Grandpa had 4 stocked with all our favorite cocktail fixings. We caught up with one another, and anticipated the big party taking place the following evening. Leo and Lillian, the two newest members of our family stole the spotlight with Leo's charming blue introspective eyes and Lillian's outgoing, happy giggles.
By the time Saturday came we were all ready to celebrate Grandpa. We were only missing 2 grandchildren and were accompanied by a group of friends long known and those who had just entered our lives. Every so often I caught myself sitting back watching Grandpa as he told stories, exchanged laughs and visited with his family and friends. He was absolutely glowing. A smile never left his face and his blue eyes were filled with pride. I felt incredibly honored to have such an amazing, influential man at the head of my family. We toasted to his life and his example and passed the microphone to share memories. I don't think I stopped tearing up. My cousin Stephie said it best when she said his life riches is not defined by his wallet but his heart. I loved every second of this weekend and wish it could have gone on and on.
Happy 90th Grandpa. Here's to you. OPA and Happy Days.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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