my second home....

Orlando, Florida... for a few years I called home... and a couple weeks ago, I was back for a visit.  Adam had a conference to attend, therefore, I had some attending to do myself.  The Disney itch had been activated like 6 months ago in which all of my thoughts are directed to walking down Mainstreet U.S.A., riding Splash Mountain, drinking a beer in Germany, and eating teriyaki chicken in Japan...  the thoughts don't leave, til they are satisfied.

I flew in early on Saturday morning.  Adam picked me up and then Ashley and I went to Typhoon Lagoon for some Lazy River cruising.  That night we were supposed to meet up with friends for the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight.  But a lot of people dropped out last minute and we didn't have a place to go.  The bars were packed with people at 5pm.  We did get to see a good handful of Adam's old friends so that was nice, but it was certainly a no go on the fight.  Who knew?

Sunday Adam and I picked up Ashley and headed straight to Cocoa Beach.  Afterwards, we dropped Ashley off, and then met back up with her later at Bubbalous.  Picture perfect day in every way!

Monday was my day without Ashley because she had to work, so I was planning to go to Epcot by myself.  That was until Kelli signed up to hang with me last minute!!!  I couldn't be happier... we started at the Animal Kingdom and ended at Epcot.  It was such a great day.  While waiting in line we discussed books, and our favorite parts about our Kindle Paperwhite... we caught up on the amazing life that is Kelli, she works on cruise ships, so I have plenty of questions and she has plenty to say... we contemplated talking with the Disney Vacation Club so that we can go see the tree houses that people stay in... we talked of Baltic vacations,eeeee,....  we people watched... Kelli got a kick out of me trying to operate my selfie stick... not to mention she also almost dropped it in a toilet.. we visited the Cretaceous period... we smelled perfumes in France... and watched men log rolling in Canada... we visited the future...  Our adventures are always endless and fun, and it was so awesome to see her!!!

Flower and Garden Time at Epcot

Tuesday was Magic Kingdom with Ashley!  Our goal was to do things that we had not done before.  And so we headed straight to the Mine Train.... so cute, and worth the wait!  We then rode Astro Orbiter.  Oddly enough neither one of us has ever been on it, so we were surprised when we both had to sit in a rocket and one seat belt was supposed to wrap around both of us.  I laughed the entire time.  Other high lights of the day... Hall of Presidents... sitting in front of the castle... they have fake grass now where you can just hang out during the day... and then at night it's fast pass viewing for the Fireworks... riding the carousel and The Liberty Belle boat.  

One thing I wanted to do while we were at Disney was see Hoop Dee Do Revue at Fort Wildnerness Lodge.  I had seen it once before and it did not disappoint the second time around.  It just so happens that one of Ashley's friends was in the show that night, and it just so happens that it was her LAST show ever.  It was pretty special to be there and to see all her friends come out and support.  Also, in true Disney fashion... they went around the room and made shout outs for particular birthdays and anniversarys... we clapped for an 8 year old celebrating and then for a 90 year old celebrating... but there was a girl there who wasn't celebrating her birthday or an anniversary... she was 19 and celebrating being cancer free.  She sat right behind us... and she was the one that got the standing ovation.  It was quite special and a honor to stand up and cheer for this girl who spent all of her teenage years fighting for her life.  I was able to talk with her briefly after the show and congratulate her myself.  Pretty awesome.

Wednesday we met up with Lacey, her mom, and her friend Tiffany while they were all driving thru Orlando.  It was a quick meet up at Downtown Disney, but a Floss Reunion none the less.  Afterwards, we headed back to Saratoga Springs.... and just enjoyed the beautiful resort pool before Adam had to drop me back off at the airport.

On a side note, Saratoga Springs was a beautiful resort, and we had the best room ever.  If I actually got paid to write this blog.  I would write more about it, but mostly what you need to know is that it had 2 pools, and a washer and dryer in the room.  I would stay there again in a heart beat.

I had a pretty amazing time, and of course, can't wait to return.  

political decks

I don't know who this is or if he is a crook or not... which he probably is a crook... but this is a very true statement.  The end.

Megan & Joey

We boarded our United flight to Charlotte, NC last Friday, shortly after Mom and Auntie Donna insisted on going in another line for senior citizens, a line in which they would not have to remove their shoes... I thought we already had lost them.  But of course, they stopped me in our line because of too much glitter in my shirt.  Umm, excuse me TSA, it's a fashionable top with shiny thread, thank you very much.  I went thru the usual pat down, and wiping of my hands to check for bomb remnants.  Camille and I got to the gate, and Mom and Auntie Donna were already there, sipping on coffee.  They won.  

We were all traveling together to celebrate the marriage of Megan and Joey.

The wedding was Saturday, April 18th... and the sun was out for the occasion.  The ceremony was very nice and they were married before we knew it.  I wore this little number below.  An awesome clearance deal from Banana Republic, paired with shoes from being a bridesmaid in another wedding.  Score!

The traveling fam from Chicago!

I was super happy to write out all the place cards for Megan and Joey and bring them along with me.  I find joy in what people usually hate doing... stuffing envelopes, assembling invites, writing things out with an actual pen... If you need to do this... I'm your girl.  Hire me.

wedding cake

The next morning we had brunch at Union St. Bistro, which was really nice to get to spend some extra time together as a family.  I can't say enough about how much I love this girl.  Renee married my cousin Pat almost 5 years ago making her my cousin now too.  She is in the top 5 of the nicest people I know.  

One last dinner before the happy couple is off to Jamaica and we are off to Chicago and Wisconsin!  It was my favorite part of the whole trip since I knew everyone at the table and was able to inhale a baked potato bigger than my face with no strange looks.  

I wish nothing but the best for Megan and Joey.
May they have many wonderful, health filled, beautiful years together.

Oh, and because I was in the South... I snuck in some Soul Food at Merts in downtown Charlotte.  A place I have been and loved.  Here's a pic of that.  Be jealous.

VixVisits

 "True friendship isn't about being inseparable, it's being separated and nothing changes."

How cliche is that????  But it's true.  Vicki came to town, and here we were making Dr. Katsis jokes, and laughing about the old days.

Victoria Marie... where do I start.  Friends for a really, really long time.  We never had many classes together, but we had all the same teachers.  I once snuck on her bus to go to her house from Eastview... a crime that could have gotten you one whole detention... but I just had to ride a yellow school bus, and know what it was like, not to walk home.  Vicki is just one of those friends that will be with me forever even though we are an ocean apart.  She lives in Hawaii... while living in Hawaii, she found her better half, got married, and had this sweet little bundle that I got to meet for the first time ever, on her trip back to the mainland.  Vicki was here for 3 weeks, and I tried to spend every moment I could with her and Frances.  The first weekend, we all got together at Alisa's house for one big meeting.  This was fun because before Vicki and I were friends, Alisa and Vicki were friends and lived close by, so it was extra special to see their babies together.  This is my favorite picture ever especially because me being the  motherless... had to bribe Gavin to sit in my lap with a sucker.  How creeper like is that????

FACT 232: I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT CHILDREN.  After the age of 2, they want nothing to do with you unless you are swinging them upside down, playing, or bribing them in some form.  The holding and cuddling is done!

#mybestfriendsgirls

Adam meets Frances

Many lunches were had and visits to my house too.  Frances took a liking to my fur babies.  We managed a couple Starbucks runs, a trip to TJ MAXX, and a dinner out just the three of us, while Vix got minute to minute updates from her mom who was kindly watching Frances.

We took lots of selfies... which proposes the question, should I get a selfie stick?

We went for walks.

We even attempted a elementary/jr. high/high school reunion with friends.  The theme was tea party, and I was going to have tea and small sandwiches, and scones... but turns out, as always, and to my dismay you can't get anyone together last minute.  Kelly came though... and she was fun to see especially she is one I really lost touch with over the years and haven't seen since high school!!!  She has her own little munchikin.  Isla who is only 2 months old.  

In case you ever wondered what we would look like as a family of 4.

And this was my last time holding Frances and saying good bye.  She was such a sweetie and I am so glad I got to see them so much.

Next time, bring Ian!

Mexico 2015

 One of the best decisions we made in 2015 so far was the choice to take a warm, sunny vacation in February.  We made this decision in March of 2014 when we both were losing our minds and wondering if the sun would ever show itself in Illinois again.  There was no way we were going to be cooped up in 2015, and so we chose Playa Del Carmen in Maya Riviera, Mexico as our sunny, warm destination.

 It did not disappoint.  We flew directly to Cancun... and as I walked out of the airport and into the outside, my hair poofed out, I started to sweat, and I was happy.

We stayed at the Fairmont Mayakoba, and chose the all inclusive package.  This resort had great pools and beach access.  So we were set.  Adam planned it all.  And those were two stipulations of mine.  Done and done.  Our days consisted of waking up, going to breakfast, then to the beach/pool.  Eating lunch, then to the beach/pool, whichever we didn't do earlier.  Then we went back to the room, got ready, went to dinner.  Then to a nice cozy open aired area for cigars and espresso.  Bedtime was pretty much 10 pm each and every night.   We would have liked a bit of entertainment at night, but the resort offered none, we were okay with having a restful vacation too.

My birthday gift from Adam.

My birthday fell during our time in Mexico.  How unfortunate, huh?  It's rare that my February birthday is spent at the beach.  But every time in my 32 years that it was possible to make that happen, I did.  In fact, I had so much fun laying out in the sun and playing in the water... that I sort of, kind of forgot to put on sunscreen.  (another year older, but not smarter)  I paid for it tremendously that night when we went to dinner and I almost passed out, had the shakes, was dizzy, and had general sun poisoning, in which the employees offered to call the resort doctor.  I powered thru the dinner, but everything on the menu literally nauseated me more, and so the server suggested chicken noodle soup from the children's menu.  And so, I was found at a 5 diamond restaurant sipping on soup, on my birthday.  My fault.

Other than the horrid sun burn I gave myself... we had gorgeous weather... mostly I kept hidden in the shade however... it rained twice, for a short time.  Adam was able to play a round of golf at the PGA golf course.  We both read, drank, and just soaked up doing generally nothing for 7 days.  It was bliss and probably one of the most stress free relaxing vacations I have ever taken.  We can now say we are ready for our next trip to Europe.... 

Love is...

"She's my second wife." said my patient as I asked him who was going to drive him home from his colonoscopy.  He sat there in a wheel chair, coat still on, hat still in place, spinning his ring around on his left ring finger.  The volunteer had wheeled him in.
"Your second wife?"  I said.  "Yah, that's what I said.  Second wife, but first love," he said.
"Ok, great. I see that you are on Coumadin.  When did you take that last?"
"Yesterday." he said.
"You didn't stop it, we usually have you stop it for 5 days prior to your procedure?"
"Well, I am not really sure if I took it.  It's in my case and I just took what was in the Tuesday slot.  Is Coumadin the white pill?"
Getting annoyed, I said "well let me just go ask the doctor if he wanted you to take it, maybe there is something that he knows, that we don't.  Would your wife know if you took it?"
 "No, she is certainly the better of the two of us.  She always has been, always will be, since the day I met her.  I was 19, she was 17.  I am glad that I found her again.  But she has her own problems and I have mine.  She takes care of hers, I take care of mine."

--Ok... thanks for nothing, guy.  I walk away, go check on this whole Coumadin issue, leaving the patient with a gown and yellow socks to change into.--

I return with my needed info and find that the patient is half way done, struggling to tie up his gown in the back.  I get behind him to tie it, and look down to remind him to take his underwear off, because after all he is having a colonoscopy, and he says, "I was just testing you to see if you would look."  Oh... dear... Lord.  I never get sick of seeing an 80 year old back sides, I'm thinking.  "Don't worry, I won't tell her."  "Tell who?" "My wife.... that you know... looked."

I knew he wanted to get back to talking about his wife... as he kept trying to lure me back in... so I asked him as I was starting his IV about this second wife of his who was sitting in the waiting room for him.  His face lit up, and the words just exploded out of him, as if he had never told "their" story to a soul before.  Although, I bet every dime I have... every server who serves them food in a restaurant, every bank teller that gives them cash at the bank, and every cashier at the grocery store has heard this story once, or twice.
He went on to tell me that he knew this woman was the one he wanted to marry in high school.  They both asked their parents for permission as she wasn't 18 yet, and both sets of parents said HELL NO.  (his words, not mine) They told them that they were too young.  And too this and too that.  So, he enlisted in the Army and said good bye to her.  They remained loyal to each other and wrote letters... "You know Erica, not even the Pony Express could deliver our letters, they had to go overseas!  It would take a month to get a letter over!"  So finally, he told her to have fun and to just live, that this was no way to be living.  And so they broke up, for lack of better terms, despite not wanting too.  She eventually married, and so did he.  She had 3 children, so did he... "and then guess what happened?"  "What!?" "Well, my first wife, she found someone who was better than me I guess.  And she left."  She left him high and dry he said, and "just so you know, I am not very fond of the guy."
He was alone for years, and woman he met and dated wanted him to "move in" with them.  He told me, "I'm just not that kind of guy so I never did it!"  And then just a few years ago, out of nowhere... "She called, RING RING (he actually did the sound of a rotary phone ringing), Hello, who's this... It's Ruth," he told me that he just cried.  She had explained to him that her husband just recently died... and he had explained to her that he was currently going thru chemo for prostate cancer.  Shockingly enough they both were brought back to the same area.  He raised his children in Italy, and she raised hers here.  They met up.  And then 57 years after the date that they asked their parents for their blessing in marriage, (and they said no) they got married.  That weekend they were going out to celebrate their 5 year wedding anniversary.

This story was just so touching.  He was very sure to tell me that he was blessed in his first marriage because she gave him his kids.  But to hear an old man say... my heart was never really with her, it was with Ruth... just made you want to hug him.

As a nurse sometimes, by force, we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of getting the patient in, and ready for the procedure that we don't get to listen to the human side of the patient.  The part that makes them, them.  And in the end, that's what I love about being a nurse.  The few times I actually have the time to listen.  You never know what gem of story they can tell.  And I am glad I let him tell it.  No matter how many times he has told it before.

2015, Welcome

Dearest Friends and Family-

The tree has been taken down, and there is no sign of Christmas anywhere in this house. Makes me sad?!  How the time does fly.  Pretty soon, I'll be 32, oh my.  Pretty soon, summer will be here.  And pretty soon the holiday season will begin all over again.  I sit in my living room, typing this to you all.  Wishing each and everyone a Happy New Year, and reflecting a little, on the last month.

As Decembers are for most people, ours was action packed!  Despite being annoyingly sick the first two weeks of it.  I managed to get the decor up... the gifts wrapped... and all the preparations under way.

Adam's Christmas party in the city was fun, the food was excellent, and the entertainment- always a hit.  Adam played President and I, First Wife, as we mingled with his co-workers, and they all one by one pulled me aside to tell me the JOY that is knowing Adam.  As if I don't know that my husband works incredibly hard all year to move his company forward.  They let me know it personally, which was very nice.  If only they could share the kind words with him too.  Perks of First Wife, I suppose.  Very unlike us, Adam and I chose to attend the after party for the second year in a row, and were partying till 3a.m.  I point this out because it never, EVER happens.

The next day we headed to Andrea and Dave's to have our Christmas celebration with my very best girls, Andrea and Amanda.  It's always fun, and happy when the three couples are together, and this year now, their children.  After it was determined that all 3 of us could drink wine and drink however much we wanted, we sat around and caught up on the happenings of the last few months.  There was a lot of playing with the kiddos and a lot of laughter.  We agreed to do a nail polish and sock exchange which by the way was excellent and fun to see how the other's interpret this idea.  Ahem, Andrea with the holiday socks.  Dave kindly slaved over a smoker all night and day to make us smoked pulled pork.  It was delicious.  Amanda, Ryan, and Julia left while Adam and I extended our stay till many  hours later, drinking root beer "beer," scotch, wine, espresso, and watching a German ornament thing spin and spin... Wonderful and very cozy.

Christmas Eve Service at church has to be my favorite service of the whole year!  You get to sing carols!  And believe me I sing them, loud and I sing them proud.  This boy in front of me caught my eye.  He was at that age where hanging with the family isn't quite embarrassing yet, and was super affectionate with his Grandma.  At the end we all sang Silent Night, (which Andrea, I have decided, is my ultimate favorite Christmas song, overall) one by one, we light the person's candle next to us.  There is nothing like getting a group of people singing this song, no music, no instrument, just voice.  It makes you think about the words and the meaning and perhaps give you an insight as to what it would have been like to be there in that manger 2000 years ago.  To make the chills on my arms grow more, the main guy who started the candle lighting's own candle burnt out when he was walking back up the aisle, and he didn't know it, the boy in front of me noticed and got out of line... tapped on his shoulder and kind of lifted up his candle as to say... here let me light this back up for you... he saw that his candle was out and said "thanks buddy."  It was such a heartwarming moment between a stranger and this boy.  It was the cutest and made my heart light and happy.

We hosted Christmas Eve at our house.  And while the avocados that I bought for the 7 layer dip were rotten, and I spent most of the day by myself prepping(Adam was bringing home the bacon at work), and I was anxious about serving 17 adults, 2 children and a baby... it all came together in the most chaotic way.  As it should be, as it will always be.  At 6pm... one by one the arrival of all of those I love walked thru the door one by one.  Loaded with gifts, with chicken wings, with cookies, with cheese balls, salads, cookies, and a white dog named Simon.  With 20 foot ladders, to clean a window we just can't reach.  Thanks to Jeremy our window is now Squeaky Clean, and the bugs were vacuumed up from the ledge.  The chaos of a normal family Christmas Eve had begun.

I was not exactly the sweetest kid growing up.  I cried a lot and was very clingy to my parents.  So I try and understand when kids are shy and don't want to come by me and try hard not to take it extra personally.  One of my GREAT nephews who never ever talks to me or will even look my way  sweetly came over after we had waited too long for his taste and said "may we open presents now?"  I was so shocked and said, "of course."  This was my Christmas miracle.  Not to mention it takes me back to the days were Rachael and I would beg to open presents, two minutes after the food was served!  The tables have certainly turned!!!

Elliot, Alexander, and Marshal

My family was extra generous this year with the gift giving.  I can honestly say, I loved everything I received.  Thank you so much for all you did, for the positivity, and the love.  You all are the best.  I know that families are growing, and there were other places you could have been on this night.  But I am glad that you were with us, in our home.

Since we are childless, Christmas morning makes me sit back and think about Christmas as a kid.  When Santa was real, and what I worried about was far from what I worry about now.  I think about the craziness of what Christmas morning involves.  Waking up early, opening the tons of gifts, playing with said gifts, and then eating.  Lots and lots of food.  My husband was extra good to me this year, and I received lots and lots of goodies from him.

Calls were made to our far away family... Linda, John and Barbara, Morgen, and Brenden.  We can't wait to see you all in 2015.  Great to hear your voices and open our wonderful gifts from you all.

And then for dinner we went to Aunt Emilie and Uncle Bill's house where we enjoyed unlimited tenderloin, potatoes, beans, corn, desserts, shrimp, gravy, Coke, dips, and Grandma's cranberry Jello mold... which I tried again for the first time since SHE made it last.  We will leave the reason why out of this story.

And as always, Auntie Em never forgets and as long as you return your stocking from the previous year, you are rewarded with another the following.  One for Adam, one for me.

A few days later we spent time with Mike, Alisa, Gavin, and Baby Tessa to celebrate Christmas.  The boys exchanged beer, and Alisa and my theme for this year was a necklace exchange.   Our new year's resolution is to "Embrace Gold."

New Year's Eve again, and as always was low key.  It was my holiday on call at the hospital.  I was lucky, no one started bleeding, no one got anything stuck in any gastrointestinal related orifice, and everything was quiet.  It's a pleasure when the stars align.  

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness.  I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art... write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can.  And I hope, somewhere in the next year you surprise yourself." -Neil Gaiman

Cheers to surprising yourself-

-e-

Things, I am looking forward to in 2015