caught in a landslide, no escape from reality

Just back from a wonderfully refreshing vacation! I was back in the states for about three weeks- and while that seems like an awful lot when you look at it, I was still heavy-hearted to go home.

I realized just before heading back that I haven't seen Minnesota in the spring since college. And it really is a wondrous sight. Every time I go home I appreciate it more and more. However, I think I would still have my limits. More than a month, and I might so a little crazy- and only that long if I kept myself really busy. Which luckily, I'm pretty good at. I'll put up some pictures on good 'ole facebook shortly, so you can have a taste of my adventures.

Some highlights would be:
- rollerblading (oh how I love thee)
- spending some QT with my one and only little sis- who luckily didn't get grounded from that- just everything else in life. You naughty girl.
- seeing the rest of the fam, mom, dad, grandma & grandpa, etc.
- forcing my brother to hug me 3 times. I think that's a record!
- partying and and hanging out with my girlies (usually dependent on their pregnancy status, it seems I will have a lot of 'nieces' and 'nephews' in the near future)
- watching re-runs of Beverly Hills 90210- the only good thing on the soap network- makes me feel like I'm 10 again!
- Target. It just gives you the warm fuzzies.
- Visiting my old stomping grounds- the Green Mill and Claude O (don't worry Kait- I have evidence).
- The impromptu high school reunion in the Owatonna Bowling Alley. (It's where all the cool kids go)

After two weeks of bliss I made my way down to North Carolina for some good old revelry and mayhem in celebration of the Cronin/Scharf wedding. And my, what a fiesta. Congratulations to Scott and Marianne- and thanks for letting me be a part of the fun. I loved every second of it- couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend.

As an added bonus, I am also now an honorary OSU alum. Self-proclaimed, yes. But I think I've earned it. I mean, how many times did I enthusiastically participate in the Ohio version of 'Hang on Sloopy'? That has to count for something.

I was also particularly pleased with the re-enactment of the stoplight scene from the Notebook. I suggest everyone tries it- but hopefully in a low traffic area. Kidder and MA were great sports for indulging my whims.

I enjoyed the trip so much that I actually came back to work two days late from my 3 week vacation. Star employee, I know. I stayed an extra night with MA's family- I was the guest that wouldn't leave... then spent all day Monday in the Raleigh airport. Gotta love flying subload. I eventually gave up and purchased an incredibly over-priced one way ticket to JFK (still cheaper than getting fired), only to have that flight be delayed beyond use and returned it. Spent the night in a cheap motel- which had one beautiful benefit and gave me a great way to end the day. It was across the street from a Waffle House- so I ordered myself some happiness on a plate, served up scattered, smothered & peppered.

I eventually made it out on Tuesday- got to Dubai on Wednesday- and back to work on Thursday. Which is conveniently the last day of our work week. So I'm hoping the weekend will give me some time to recover.

But I do have a good book to recommend from my hours spent waiting. Anderson Cooper's 'Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters & Survival'. A great, quick read- and particularly interesting because not only does he give his insight on his experiences covering some of the major recent events- but he includes a more person touch of how each event affected his life and the journey he made over the last year or so. Good stuff.

All in all, while it was a wonderfully delightful diversion, I am now back to the rather unpleasant grindstone. I found myself glaring at the map at we neared Dubai on the flight. I was seriously contemplating finding a good hiding spot and stowing away to whatever destination the aircraft was off to next. I should have paid more attention to that Jodie Foster movie where her kid disappears... But I guess, for now, it's time to face up to reality and get on with my real life. I just hope my vacation buzz fades slower than my tan.