I always tell my husband that the worst day of the year is February 9th. It's the day after my birthday, and it's on this day, I know the fun is over. I don't even think it sounds nice, not like February 8th anyway.
My past few birthdays have been just ok. I always tell myself I want to do something grand, but then my birthday rounds the corner and I get all modest, and we just go to dinner or something. Well, last year I was pregnant, did not like where we went to dinner on my bday and was ready for this year to be better. It's all apart of my the best for 2009.
We started the weekend off by going to Cowboy Mouth at the House of Blues on Friday with some good friends. Well, my best friend really since 5th grade. We love going to see Cowboy Mouth in concert...it's about the most high energy show I've ever been to. It was a great show...the best part for me was when they sang a new song called Faith. The words really hit home for our next chapters in life, and I felt like he was singing it to me. If it wasn't for feeling like my eardrums were blown out, I might have shed a tear...but I was about 1/2 def at that point anyway.
Saturday after fighting my migraine (hmm...wonder where that came from?) I went to get a manicure/pedicure at one of the nicest salons in Chicago. I had a nice gift card from Christmas, so after 2 hours of massaging and painting bliss, I finally made it home. We were going to head to a restaurant for dinner, but we were both not feeling so great, so we just ordered Chinese food, and made it an early night. Not even going to say what time we went to bed, it's embarrasing.
Sunday Funday, the big day! We met up with my best girlfriends for brunch, and had mimosas and Bloody Mary's. It was a beautiful day in Chicago and it was great to be around my friends. For the past few years we haven't done anything for our birthdays and we decided that was ridiculous. It doesn't take much to get together. After brunch, we went to see Slumdog Millionaire. It was an amazing film, and I think it will win best picture this year.
Finally ended the day with flowers (pink gerber daisies), chocolate cake and homemade pizza! Do you ever have one of those birthdays where EVERYONE remembers. You get cards, emails, phone calls. This was one of those birthdays, and it was a great one. Thanks to my husband for making it a special one. I've said it before and I will say it again, 2009 is going to be a great year.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Right Place, Right Time
I sat at work on Friday, trying to fill a new position that we had gotten in that morning. After I submitted no less than 10 candidates, checked Facebook, my news sites and People.com, I suddenly got this overwhelming feeling. The feeling felt amazing, and for the first time in over 2 years, I suddenly felt at peace. Like I was at the right place, at the right time in my life, and this is where I'm supposed to be. It almost felt like a gentle hand placed itself on my heart and I instantly calmed down.
I first started thinking about all the good things infertility has brought in my life. While its hard to see the good things in it, I suddenly felt them at that point. I felt how it's made my marriage stronger. I remember when we first got married (6 years ago) and we were trying to move to Europe through Kevin's work. We were both excited and scared at the prospect, but would have jumped at that chance. I was hearing inklings at the time that it would be really rough on us, that Kevin would be working long hours, that I most likely wouldn't get work and would be home. Alone. In a foreign country with none of my friends or family. We were up for the challenge, but I'm not going to say our first year of marriage was a cake walk. So I was worried. One of Kevin's bosses that had lived in Europe much like we were trying to do told Kevin that after living in Europe on your own for a few years will only strengthen your marriage. I remember he told us that "if you can survive that, your marriage will survive anything...no problem." I now know, we were tested in a different way. While I think I'd rather live in Europe for 2-3 years than what we've been through, that was not our decision to make. I know that after going through what we have been that life can throw us anything at any time, and we have to deal with it. I feel that we can get through anything together now. And I can only assume we will have plenty of life's unexpectancies come up again. And again. I'd rather go through them with some laughter and fun, then depression and melancholy.
Not only has my marriage strengthened, but my family ties have as well. When the news broke that we had lost the pregnancy, Nicholas, I was never more amazed by the outpouring of love and affection. You hear this in times of tragedy, and I always rolled my eyes. But I get it now...and it's unfathomable. Our home looked like a nursery and cards rolled in every day, non stop for over a week. My sister flew in as soon as she possibly could and my mom and day wouldn't leave us alone (in a good way). We had much needed shoulders to lean on, and soothing voices to ease our pain. We had a crazy dog who didn't know what the hell was going on but would lick away the tears, no questions asked. I know in any crisis, or in times of joy, my family will be at my beckon call. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to realize just how good you've got it.
Lastly, I don't sweat the small stuff anymore. Yes, the economy is bad and I'm directly affected by it. But nothing is worse than losing a child. No, I never got to know this child, but it was my child...I felt him kick. I bought his crib set and first onesie. After that, many things in life seem so irrelevant and stressed out. Who cares if Jessica Simpson gained some weight? Who cares if our flight was delayed 5 hours. Who cares if Bailey chewed another boot (well I did kind of care on that one!). My point is, I've realized that those inconsequential things shouldn't take over my life. I still have my worries and concerns, but my outlook on life has changed.
Not only have I benefited from infertility, but I got a sense that my timeline that so often feels off, is actually spot on. I thought thank goodness I'm not living in the suburbs with 2.2 kids and a white picket fence. Now this is something I yearn for, it hurts I want it so much. But if we had done this too early, had kids too early, or moved out of the city too early, it would have been...well, too early. Many of my friends already have 2 kids, and are living that life. Most of them have never been to Europe, Cabo, or to the vineyards in Napa Valley. Most of them don't have a social life on the weekends or meet friends out for dinner at the newest restaurant in the city. A few aren't working anymore and stay at home with 2 to 3 kids under the age of 4. I'm not making little of their lives, but for once, I was glad for where I was. See, I tend to get antsy, and feel the need for change. If I had done all of those things too early in my life or marriage, I would have felt suffocated. I would of course give up my life in the city and trade in my designer shoes for a baby, but I won't have to. No one can take away that I've been to Italy, Greece or Paris. No one can take away the pain I've felt. No one can take away my experiences.
For all these feelings I truly believe they will make me a better mother. I truly feel that I'm in the right place, at the right time. That I'm here, right now, for a reason. That when I get to the end of my life, I will know why this happened...and I will understand it. And believe it or not, I wouldn't trade it. Because it's unique to me, and whatever path we wind up down, or however we get our family, it will be ours and no one can take that away from us.
I first started thinking about all the good things infertility has brought in my life. While its hard to see the good things in it, I suddenly felt them at that point. I felt how it's made my marriage stronger. I remember when we first got married (6 years ago) and we were trying to move to Europe through Kevin's work. We were both excited and scared at the prospect, but would have jumped at that chance. I was hearing inklings at the time that it would be really rough on us, that Kevin would be working long hours, that I most likely wouldn't get work and would be home. Alone. In a foreign country with none of my friends or family. We were up for the challenge, but I'm not going to say our first year of marriage was a cake walk. So I was worried. One of Kevin's bosses that had lived in Europe much like we were trying to do told Kevin that after living in Europe on your own for a few years will only strengthen your marriage. I remember he told us that "if you can survive that, your marriage will survive anything...no problem." I now know, we were tested in a different way. While I think I'd rather live in Europe for 2-3 years than what we've been through, that was not our decision to make. I know that after going through what we have been that life can throw us anything at any time, and we have to deal with it. I feel that we can get through anything together now. And I can only assume we will have plenty of life's unexpectancies come up again. And again. I'd rather go through them with some laughter and fun, then depression and melancholy.
Not only has my marriage strengthened, but my family ties have as well. When the news broke that we had lost the pregnancy, Nicholas, I was never more amazed by the outpouring of love and affection. You hear this in times of tragedy, and I always rolled my eyes. But I get it now...and it's unfathomable. Our home looked like a nursery and cards rolled in every day, non stop for over a week. My sister flew in as soon as she possibly could and my mom and day wouldn't leave us alone (in a good way). We had much needed shoulders to lean on, and soothing voices to ease our pain. We had a crazy dog who didn't know what the hell was going on but would lick away the tears, no questions asked. I know in any crisis, or in times of joy, my family will be at my beckon call. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to realize just how good you've got it.
Lastly, I don't sweat the small stuff anymore. Yes, the economy is bad and I'm directly affected by it. But nothing is worse than losing a child. No, I never got to know this child, but it was my child...I felt him kick. I bought his crib set and first onesie. After that, many things in life seem so irrelevant and stressed out. Who cares if Jessica Simpson gained some weight? Who cares if our flight was delayed 5 hours. Who cares if Bailey chewed another boot (well I did kind of care on that one!). My point is, I've realized that those inconsequential things shouldn't take over my life. I still have my worries and concerns, but my outlook on life has changed.
Not only have I benefited from infertility, but I got a sense that my timeline that so often feels off, is actually spot on. I thought thank goodness I'm not living in the suburbs with 2.2 kids and a white picket fence. Now this is something I yearn for, it hurts I want it so much. But if we had done this too early, had kids too early, or moved out of the city too early, it would have been...well, too early. Many of my friends already have 2 kids, and are living that life. Most of them have never been to Europe, Cabo, or to the vineyards in Napa Valley. Most of them don't have a social life on the weekends or meet friends out for dinner at the newest restaurant in the city. A few aren't working anymore and stay at home with 2 to 3 kids under the age of 4. I'm not making little of their lives, but for once, I was glad for where I was. See, I tend to get antsy, and feel the need for change. If I had done all of those things too early in my life or marriage, I would have felt suffocated. I would of course give up my life in the city and trade in my designer shoes for a baby, but I won't have to. No one can take away that I've been to Italy, Greece or Paris. No one can take away the pain I've felt. No one can take away my experiences.
For all these feelings I truly believe they will make me a better mother. I truly feel that I'm in the right place, at the right time. That I'm here, right now, for a reason. That when I get to the end of my life, I will know why this happened...and I will understand it. And believe it or not, I wouldn't trade it. Because it's unique to me, and whatever path we wind up down, or however we get our family, it will be ours and no one can take that away from us.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Treadmill vs. Hot Tub
This morning Kevin had to be at work early for a meeting so I dropped him off and decided to head to my gym which is across the street from my work. I had thoughts of just sitting in the hot tub there, or just taking a hot shower and getting ready for work. I drive to work often, and it's a valet parking lot. So I feel like I know my valet guys, and they crack me. They all have broken English so we just smile and nod a lot at each other. This morning I gave the morning valet my keys and he looked up at me, surprised and exclaimed..."you're workeeng out thees morning?! AWRIGHT!" I kind of grunted and smiled, "yes...it's a miracle huh?" He just smiled back, seemingly happy for me. At least I have the valet guys rooting me on. I ditched the hot tub/steam room idea and did some walking (let's not crazy at 7:30am with any running or anything).
Why is it so hard to motivate lately? Economy, weather, work is boring, no baby? All of the above? Most likely. I figured if I am out of a job anytime soon, I could be a personal trainer or something. I think that interview would go something like this...
Happy Friday, and have a great weekend!
Why is it so hard to motivate lately? Economy, weather, work is boring, no baby? All of the above? Most likely. I figured if I am out of a job anytime soon, I could be a personal trainer or something. I think that interview would go something like this...
Happy Friday, and have a great weekend!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I Hate the Cold
And I hate saving money, or, not spending money. These two might not seem to go hand in hand, but they certainly do...in my world anyway.
This morning I started my day out by begging and begging and begging Kevin to give me a ride to work...in the snow...in the cold...he regretfully declined. We only have one car, and he had to drive to the suburbs, which is strange it always seems he has to drive to the suburbs on snowy days.
With no ride, I left my house at 8:15am, to wait for the bus. By 8:35, still no bus showed up. I started walking down to the cab stand, which is 4 blocks down. In the snow...in the cold. I get there to see a line 10 people deep. That is never a good thing. I also see my bus (finally) fly by with no opportunity to hop on, so I'm stuck in the cab line. I've been a crazy lady trying to save money lately, so I've been taking the "El" and bus system more these days, and trying to avoid the cabs. I really didn't want to take a cab this morning, but soon it was 8:50 and I had to be at work at 9am! So I waited and waited in the cab line. I saw an ambulance parked and thought maybe if I faked fainting they'd throw me in and drive me to Northwestern Hospital which is a mere 3 blocks from my work. At least I'd get a ride and get out of the cold.
After more waiting in the line, I think I felt a tear escape my eye. I start talking to my fellow cab line peers, about how long the wait was, where all the cabs were...you know, cab line speak. THEN....we see the unthinkable. The unimaginable. We still had 7 people left in the cab line, and I was number 2! So close. A cab pulls up but stops short of the line, and a girl from out of nowhere, jumps into the cab!! Everyone in the line starts screaming "cheater!!! cheater!" at her (myself included). You've got to love Chicago. I think a few people flicked her off too. I would have but I was so cold I was losing feeling in my extremities.
Finally, after a call to my boss at 9:05am, it was my turn for the cab. I got to work to find everyone else was running late as well. I kept my puffer winter coat and boots on until noon, because I couldn't warm up.
So I hate the cold. I hate trying to save money because if we weren't, I'd just have walked down the to the cab stand, waited for a few minutes and gotten a cab. But I will not stop in my quest to save a dollar, I will just find warmer ways to do it.
This morning I started my day out by begging and begging and begging Kevin to give me a ride to work...in the snow...in the cold...he regretfully declined. We only have one car, and he had to drive to the suburbs, which is strange it always seems he has to drive to the suburbs on snowy days.
With no ride, I left my house at 8:15am, to wait for the bus. By 8:35, still no bus showed up. I started walking down to the cab stand, which is 4 blocks down. In the snow...in the cold. I get there to see a line 10 people deep. That is never a good thing. I also see my bus (finally) fly by with no opportunity to hop on, so I'm stuck in the cab line. I've been a crazy lady trying to save money lately, so I've been taking the "El" and bus system more these days, and trying to avoid the cabs. I really didn't want to take a cab this morning, but soon it was 8:50 and I had to be at work at 9am! So I waited and waited in the cab line. I saw an ambulance parked and thought maybe if I faked fainting they'd throw me in and drive me to Northwestern Hospital which is a mere 3 blocks from my work. At least I'd get a ride and get out of the cold.
After more waiting in the line, I think I felt a tear escape my eye. I start talking to my fellow cab line peers, about how long the wait was, where all the cabs were...you know, cab line speak. THEN....we see the unthinkable. The unimaginable. We still had 7 people left in the cab line, and I was number 2! So close. A cab pulls up but stops short of the line, and a girl from out of nowhere, jumps into the cab!! Everyone in the line starts screaming "cheater!!! cheater!" at her (myself included). You've got to love Chicago. I think a few people flicked her off too. I would have but I was so cold I was losing feeling in my extremities.
Finally, after a call to my boss at 9:05am, it was my turn for the cab. I got to work to find everyone else was running late as well. I kept my puffer winter coat and boots on until noon, because I couldn't warm up.
So I hate the cold. I hate trying to save money because if we weren't, I'd just have walked down the to the cab stand, waited for a few minutes and gotten a cab. But I will not stop in my quest to save a dollar, I will just find warmer ways to do it.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Coming Clean
I've been keeping the latest and greatest of our baby journey to myself lately. As I've mentioned before, usually when we do an IVF cycle, I like to keep the details to myself. My last cycle (which we kind of said would be the last) I shared more of what was happening, but that doesn't come naturally to me. I'm a pretty private person, unless you get to know me and then I never shut up. This blog was a way to help share feelings, and also a way for me to keep on going after we lost Nicholas. Just a way to see positive, and not let myself get so down about things. And I was surprised to learn that it actually worked! When I forced myself to think positive thoughts, I found I was actually thinking them in real life. I know we're not being punished by the big guy, and I like to think that He (or She) is rooting right along for us.
We have officially decided to do another round of IVF. We had a nasty break-up with our old doctor (I kid, but it sounds better with more drama), and I found a new love right away. I hope he's not a rebound relationship because I really like how this doctor views IVF, how he looks for the latest and greatest, and I REALLY liked how organized and prepared he was for my first appointment.* I asked so many questions and I think he quickly learned that I know how IVF works better than most, and he was patient and kind and answered everything. He didn't b.s. me and say that he will get me pregnant. Which, strangely, I liked. I don't need someone getting my hopes up, I'm all too familiar with how things can sometimes only get worse.
So I will be starting this IVF cycle somewhat soon, and will share details as I see fit. Part of that reason is that I'm not ready to wear it on my sleeve. I know how fortunate we are to be able to have another go at it, and I'm also scared. I think at this point, I'm actually more scared of it working. I'm scared of a miscarriage, of a baby not growing, of something bad happening. I'm almost at the point of resigning myself that pregnancy might just not be in the cards for me. Almost. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm knocking on it's door. I'm also scared of it not working. Of having to open the next door in our lives. So, what works best for me? Stuffing it all under the bed until I actually have to deal with it. Sometimes it works in that things just go away, and sometimes it comes to bite me in the ass.
But for now, I'm coming clean. And it scares the crap out of me.
*Almost every time Kevin and I had an appt with our old doctor, he was never prepared, and didn't even know why were there. When we actually got pregnant and had that first u/s appt, we walked in so excited and he sat us down, and apologized for the cycle not working. NOT what you want to hear when you think you're pregnant and have spent lots o' money and worry on IVF treatments. We SHOULD have walked out then, but we gave him the benefit of the doubt and explained that the cycle worked!...not sure why we stayed...but I try not think about that...except, of course, for right now.
We have officially decided to do another round of IVF. We had a nasty break-up with our old doctor (I kid, but it sounds better with more drama), and I found a new love right away. I hope he's not a rebound relationship because I really like how this doctor views IVF, how he looks for the latest and greatest, and I REALLY liked how organized and prepared he was for my first appointment.* I asked so many questions and I think he quickly learned that I know how IVF works better than most, and he was patient and kind and answered everything. He didn't b.s. me and say that he will get me pregnant. Which, strangely, I liked. I don't need someone getting my hopes up, I'm all too familiar with how things can sometimes only get worse.
So I will be starting this IVF cycle somewhat soon, and will share details as I see fit. Part of that reason is that I'm not ready to wear it on my sleeve. I know how fortunate we are to be able to have another go at it, and I'm also scared. I think at this point, I'm actually more scared of it working. I'm scared of a miscarriage, of a baby not growing, of something bad happening. I'm almost at the point of resigning myself that pregnancy might just not be in the cards for me. Almost. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm knocking on it's door. I'm also scared of it not working. Of having to open the next door in our lives. So, what works best for me? Stuffing it all under the bed until I actually have to deal with it. Sometimes it works in that things just go away, and sometimes it comes to bite me in the ass.
But for now, I'm coming clean. And it scares the crap out of me.
*Almost every time Kevin and I had an appt with our old doctor, he was never prepared, and didn't even know why were there. When we actually got pregnant and had that first u/s appt, we walked in so excited and he sat us down, and apologized for the cycle not working. NOT what you want to hear when you think you're pregnant and have spent lots o' money and worry on IVF treatments. We SHOULD have walked out then, but we gave him the benefit of the doubt and explained that the cycle worked!...not sure why we stayed...but I try not think about that...except, of course, for right now.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Not a Dirty Word
Today is a slow day at work so I decided to get on my new IVF doctor's website. He does everything online, and has a wealth of information on his website. He has probably 25 articles about the latest and greatest in IVF research, articles about facts and fiction about IVF, and even some popular stories we've read in the news. He posted not too long about cutting out the caffeine, tobacco (obviously) and alcohol for IVF. Well I don't smoke and have the occasional glass of wine. Going cold turkey on caffeine might be tougher though, but I think it's time I switch to decaf.
As I was reading through some of the articles, he was giving kudos to some of the celebrities who have come forward about their fertility woes. I knew Marcia Cross (Bree from Desperate Housewives) did IVF instead of going on a honeymoon just over 2 years ago, but did you know she used an egg donor? I was stunned to learn this (and slightly perplexed because I'm usually in the know of celebrity gossip). I remember reading the article in People after she had the twins, and thinking it was so great that she came out and said she did IVF. What some of the publications did not report was that the eggs are not technically hers. She has said this herself in other articles.
Courtney Cox (from Friends) is another celebrity that we know has done IVF. She recently stated that she and her husband might try for another baby, and that she'd have to do IVF again. Say it out loud, sista!
Lastly, I also just learned that Elizabeth Edwards (Jon Edwards wife) likely used egg donors for her 2 youngest children. She had them when she was 48 and 50, and 99.9% of the time, women stop producing eggs by the time they are 45. She won't admit to this, she has been quoted as saying that "it wouldn't be lady like to comment." She did say she used fertility treatments to get pregnant, just didn't elaborate. I get it though. I can only imagine how personal of a decision that would be, and something to be kept close to the vest if one chooses.
I wish fertility treatments and infertility didn't have to be such dirty words. I'd love to think of a way to unite all women to be able to be free with what is going on if they are dealing with infertility. Women come together to participate in breast cancer walks, march against gun violence or attend charity functions for spinal cord injuries. But what about our fight against infertility and getting the word out there. We don't judge women in our society for getting breast cancer, but for some reason when we know a woman is having a hard time getting pregnant the whispers ensue.
So thanks to the celebrities or women who have started the charge. Let us infertiles, IVFer's, IUI'ers, egg donor recipients and adoption choosers continue to get the (non-dirty) word out.
As I was reading through some of the articles, he was giving kudos to some of the celebrities who have come forward about their fertility woes. I knew Marcia Cross (Bree from Desperate Housewives) did IVF instead of going on a honeymoon just over 2 years ago, but did you know she used an egg donor? I was stunned to learn this (and slightly perplexed because I'm usually in the know of celebrity gossip). I remember reading the article in People after she had the twins, and thinking it was so great that she came out and said she did IVF. What some of the publications did not report was that the eggs are not technically hers. She has said this herself in other articles.
Courtney Cox (from Friends) is another celebrity that we know has done IVF. She recently stated that she and her husband might try for another baby, and that she'd have to do IVF again. Say it out loud, sista!
Lastly, I also just learned that Elizabeth Edwards (Jon Edwards wife) likely used egg donors for her 2 youngest children. She had them when she was 48 and 50, and 99.9% of the time, women stop producing eggs by the time they are 45. She won't admit to this, she has been quoted as saying that "it wouldn't be lady like to comment." She did say she used fertility treatments to get pregnant, just didn't elaborate. I get it though. I can only imagine how personal of a decision that would be, and something to be kept close to the vest if one chooses.
I wish fertility treatments and infertility didn't have to be such dirty words. I'd love to think of a way to unite all women to be able to be free with what is going on if they are dealing with infertility. Women come together to participate in breast cancer walks, march against gun violence or attend charity functions for spinal cord injuries. But what about our fight against infertility and getting the word out there. We don't judge women in our society for getting breast cancer, but for some reason when we know a woman is having a hard time getting pregnant the whispers ensue.
So thanks to the celebrities or women who have started the charge. Let us infertiles, IVFer's, IUI'ers, egg donor recipients and adoption choosers continue to get the (non-dirty) word out.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Florida Trip - Part 2
So you'd think we had already had all the excitement one trip could take. But things only got more interesting!
Day 3
We all woke up a little "groggy" from the beer and wine drinking the night before. I slept in a bit, and we had spa appointments at 11am about 30 minutes away. We were really trying to not spend a lot of money this trip, but I was SO looking forward to the 80 minute massage I had booked. We get our things together, head out to the car. My mom turns the key and the car is dead. Nada. Nothing. We just sit there staring for a minute. A little background on the car, my parents just bought a '97 Cadillac from a "little old lady" who lives in the next town over. They did not see the car, just couldn't pass up the great deal and my dad kept saying...I really trust this woman. Uh huh. You can probably tell where this is going. This humongous '97 Cadillac has given everyone nothing but problems so far, and now (gasp!) our spa appointments were in jeopardy. My sister called AAA, and about 90 minutes later, a big burly blond mechanic shows up. He fixes the car quickly, but we have still missed our appointments. We rescheduled so not a problem. As the mechanic is leaving, my mom lunges for his big gold necklace and starts inspecting it because there is a charm on it that she can't figure it what it was (a tow truck). My sister and I are HORRIFIED! Was she drunk or something? Who does that? He kind of looks at us, like what the hell is this lady doing? He leaves with no other inappropriate touching, we have a talk with my mom, and we head to the pool. We laid out, finally went to our spa appointments, and went to a restaurant that was right on the beach. Sat outside because gosh dammit we're in Florida and it's 20 degrees in Chicago, and we need to make this count. But it was delicious nonetheless and we headed back home.
Day 4
Got up, went for a run, and packed up our belongings. My mom was cleaning the condo and we just tried to stay out of her way, er, I mean help out. We had our flights at 5pm, so we headed back to Naples for some window shopping and lunch, and caught some of the inauguration. Headed back to the condo, waited for the cab and made our way to the airport. Checked in, we about to board and found out the windshield on the plane was cracked. They originally canceled the flight, but then moved it back to 10pm. Having spent enough time with my mom to last a few months, I went and bought enough magazines to tide me over. We then went to drink margaritas and eat our weight in chips and salsa for dinner. Waited for the flight for another couple of hours and watched this mom with 3 very young kids. The little boy (about 18 months) did...not...stop. Ever. I was tired watching him. They were hiding under the chairs (gross) and running around the corridor. I don't blame them, we were all a little punchy. I looked at my mom and said...maybe Kevin and I should just get another dog instead of...you know...have some kids. She looked at me and didn't disagree.
Finally home at 1am this morning, greeted by my pup and sleeping husband. Great trip, happy to be home.
Day 3
We all woke up a little "groggy" from the beer and wine drinking the night before. I slept in a bit, and we had spa appointments at 11am about 30 minutes away. We were really trying to not spend a lot of money this trip, but I was SO looking forward to the 80 minute massage I had booked. We get our things together, head out to the car. My mom turns the key and the car is dead. Nada. Nothing. We just sit there staring for a minute. A little background on the car, my parents just bought a '97 Cadillac from a "little old lady" who lives in the next town over. They did not see the car, just couldn't pass up the great deal and my dad kept saying...I really trust this woman. Uh huh. You can probably tell where this is going. This humongous '97 Cadillac has given everyone nothing but problems so far, and now (gasp!) our spa appointments were in jeopardy. My sister called AAA, and about 90 minutes later, a big burly blond mechanic shows up. He fixes the car quickly, but we have still missed our appointments. We rescheduled so not a problem. As the mechanic is leaving, my mom lunges for his big gold necklace and starts inspecting it because there is a charm on it that she can't figure it what it was (a tow truck). My sister and I are HORRIFIED! Was she drunk or something? Who does that? He kind of looks at us, like what the hell is this lady doing? He leaves with no other inappropriate touching, we have a talk with my mom, and we head to the pool. We laid out, finally went to our spa appointments, and went to a restaurant that was right on the beach. Sat outside because gosh dammit we're in Florida and it's 20 degrees in Chicago, and we need to make this count. But it was delicious nonetheless and we headed back home.
Day 4
Got up, went for a run, and packed up our belongings. My mom was cleaning the condo and we just tried to stay out of her way, er, I mean help out. We had our flights at 5pm, so we headed back to Naples for some window shopping and lunch, and caught some of the inauguration. Headed back to the condo, waited for the cab and made our way to the airport. Checked in, we about to board and found out the windshield on the plane was cracked. They originally canceled the flight, but then moved it back to 10pm. Having spent enough time with my mom to last a few months, I went and bought enough magazines to tide me over. We then went to drink margaritas and eat our weight in chips and salsa for dinner. Waited for the flight for another couple of hours and watched this mom with 3 very young kids. The little boy (about 18 months) did...not...stop. Ever. I was tired watching him. They were hiding under the chairs (gross) and running around the corridor. I don't blame them, we were all a little punchy. I looked at my mom and said...maybe Kevin and I should just get another dog instead of...you know...have some kids. She looked at me and didn't disagree.
Finally home at 1am this morning, greeted by my pup and sleeping husband. Great trip, happy to be home.
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