Talk about a whirlwind trip!
Ok, So I have been home for about a day and a half now but I am only just now feeling like myself again. I spent almost 50 hours traveling. Trains, hired cars, airplanes... You name it, I was probably on it. I'm really feelin' it today (all the soreness is settling in from so much uncomfortable sitting) but I am feeling more refreshed (even though I sure do NOT look like it!) and getting back into the groove of things around here.
SO HAPPY that I got to go, though.
Had to get up at 2:30 am to make my train at 4:30 in order to be at the airport at 7 to catch my 9 am flight. Let me tell you...it is bizarre to be traveling so early. I practically had the train to myself. Not surprising, though. Who in their right mind would get up at 2:30 am!?!?
When we took off from the airport, it was soooo foggy. I know everyone who doesn't live here expects it to be foggy, but it's not really all that often. While we were waiting at the beginning of the airstrip, we watched the plane in front of us take off. In the 10 seconds from when it started moving, to when it was off the ground, it had totally disappeared. It just vanished into a wall of cloud. Kinda freaky to think of these pilots navigating you while essentially blind. I know they have their fancy gadgets and their little radars, but still. Kinda freaky to me.
So when we took off I was kinda excited to see just how much the clouds covered. Let's just say I didn't see anything till we were well out over the ocean.
Nothing but clouds for miles and miles.
Finally I got to Phoenix! It had been about 24 hours since I left when Cori and her family picked me up from the airport!
Arizona is simply beautiful and perfect this time of year. I was actually sitting outside, poolside, in a t-shirt, in my shades soaking up the sun. In January! Craziness!
I think I fell in love with Phoenix/Scottsdale. I would totally move there if we could. As long as I had A/C the rest of the year, I would be good to go!
I got to spend some very precious time with a couple of ladies who are close to my heart. Cori and her adorable family were just wonderful and I'm so glad I got to meet the rest of her clan. The kids were great and the wee one stuck to me like velcro. She even let me fix her hair! We totally bonded :) Miss you, Linds!
Snapped this one at breakfast (open-faced spinach omelet with goat's cheese!) on Saturday. So cute!
Then I got to spend a wonderful day with Kim and her sweet girlies. They were so much fun. While we were at the mall, Olivia took a ride on the "mechanical bull" at Brookstone and we could not stop laughing! This girl is so full of life. Love her little personality!
Sorry these pictures are so junky. My camera no-likey low light.
I also was lucky enough to be there for Alexis' birthday! This girl is SUCH a sweetheart. So much like Mia in her temperament. Such a joy to be around.
Again, sorry for the cruddy picture. Why don't I remember to use the flash on the point and shoot? argh!!
On sunday I got to go to Alexis' party at the ice rink and watch her and Olivia slip around and stumble on the ice. It was so cute! Before I knew it, it was time to go, though, and I hugged all the girlies and cried like a baby. It was pretty ridiculous! I am such a softy and I hate goodbyes. I try not to let the thousands of miles between me and my friends and family get to me, but I can't help it. I am a puddle of goo!
I really am so glad to be home, though. I missed Colin and the girls so much. I brought back new scarves and charm bracelets for the girls (and some of Colin's favorite chocolates for him) and they just love them. I think Noodle is just so darn excited that she got the same thing the big girls got! LOL
The one thing I did notice while I was stateside was how nice everyone was. I mean...it's just not like that over here all that much. Especially in the service industries. Maybe I've lived in Europe too long? The salespeople and waiters hovered and were so attentive. I felt like I had to beat them off of me just to fill up a freakin cup of Sprite. I kinda got defensive. Weird, huh?
I say that now, but I could totally get used to it again!
I'm just used to being ignored by the staff in a restaurant or sitting at the table for a good 10 minutes before they wanna know what you'd like to munch on.
Speaking of munching, the food was excellent! I had so much yummy stuff. I'd forgotten how good the food tastes...it just tastes so familiar, so yummy. Kim and I had some yummy chicken tostadas and I about died. They just don't have food like that over here and I was in heaven.
Throw in a fierce margarita and I might not ever leave! :)
When I got back I got an award from my dear friend, Liz. So fun!
I really don't see this blog as being fabulous (although hers definitely is!) I'm supposed to list 5 things I'm addicted to and then pass the award on to 5 other fabulous bloggers. Here goes!
5 things I'm addicted to:
1)puffy cheetos. especially when i am cranky
2)earl grey and cinnamon toast
3)redecorating/repurposing...i can't seem to stop moving things around
4)books. love them
5)designing. but you probably knew that one already! LOL
5 awardees:
1)christine :: love everything this girl does! she has so much love for life!
2)jen :: so incredibly talented and giving. love her!
3)michelle :: i don't know how this woman does it all. superwoman, i tell ya!
4)jenny :: a friend i miss way too much and a crazy-busy student/mom/wife/slave. love ya, girly!
5)jenn :: this woman is OUT OF THIS WORLD talented. such a freaking genius!
Ok, I've gotta get back to work! So many things to do and catch up on! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Chat soon! Ciao!
