Jet-Setting

Wow, looks like my posting is going through a time of drought, unlike the rest of the country.

I've been pretty busy with travels lately. When I left Farmington, MN, I was back in DC for a day in a half... long enough to wash some clothes and repack... before heading to Orlando for vacation.

Days by the pool and time spent with family were relaxing, perhaps a bit too much. My head was given hours to think and my heart was reminded of time spent a year ago as I walked those same grounds. It was the first summer in Orlando without Mallory and it was weird! I couldn't help but think that my limited "sister only" time is draining. Not that I am opposed to an incoming brother-in-law... I just know that dynamics will be different now. Times spent sharing a bed and pillow talk are in the past. There will always be another to consider.

My heart is still mending and I was constantly reminded of moments last summer when Mike and I only cared about which park we'd be visiting, how to slip away for a bit by ourselves, and who had the better golf game (we decided his short game and my long were better). Still, I can check Orlando off my list. I met his ghost there, but survived. Next year will be easier.

On a lighter note, we celebrated eighty years of life for my grandma. Wow! Eighty years young and what a woman. Some of my earliest memories of my grandma are all fun. Sneaking creamers past my mom and drinking them, running to back bedrooms where toys and animal crackers awaited on Mal and my beds, beach trips, muffers, butter-dripped grilled cheese sandwiches, and homemade noodles. And that laugh. What a joy! It's never repressed and always contagious. I've learned that bright colors are important. Jade is good luck. Coca-cola is THE soda of choice. Pizza cannot be enjoyed without crushed red peppers. Nor can it be devoured without them. Hugs and kisses are required (and enjoyed). I've laughed in her arms and cried there too. I wear her ruby and diamond ring on my finger everyday and her genetic code makes me who I am. She mothered my father and spoiled me. How blessed I am to have such a grandmother!

After birthday celebrations, there was time to honor my dad. Somehow a paper shredder and witty card can't exactly express my thanks and love I have for him. He is a man worthy of respect and admiration. His testimony is one that I love to share. He works hours on end without batting an eye. Tired arms wrap tight around, but have strength to offer a perfect hug. Tight, but with room to move, it comes with a promise. You are mine and I will protect you. I will always be here. No matter who loves you, I am the man who loved you first. I held you from day one. I bought you your first flowers, corsage and car. I took you driving and taught you how to parallel park. I will love you no matter what. You are my flesh and you are my daughter. You are loved. And he is my dad.

My trip to Orlando lasted three days before I headed to West Palm Beach for a conference. The conference was whirlwind and there was quite a bit of fun mixed with business. Sure there were lectures and knowledge shared, but I also did some "free time" activities such as play croquet (for the first time), tour a newspaper headquarters (Palm Beach Atlantic Post) and visit an art gallery (Norton Museum of Art). All in all, not a bad conference!

When I returned home on Saturday, I was exhausted. A creature of habit and routine, I can appreciate my own bed and getting back to some regular exercising and "normal" diet. While I LOVE to travel, it's also nice to crawl back into my own cave for a bit.

I went to the pregnancy center tonight for the first time in a few weeks. I had missed my counselor friend, Helena, and the joy of meeting new people and hearing their stories while sharing what I do have and know.

Tomorrow night will be wonderful- no plans!! Then, Thursday I am going to a dinner to honor Karen Hughes. That should be interesting and certainly "DCish" in nature. Friday will take me back to NC, where I celebrate the marriage of a high school friend and make treasured last memories with my dear friend, Brooke, who thinks Hawaii is calling her name for a permanent spell.