Wish me Luck...

My best high school buddy called me to say she is backing out of attending the official reunion activities. I understand when the time is not right to attend a reunion.

Besides... at the last reunion she tried to do me in. It wasn't the mailbox on that cold lonely strip of county road on a rainy day she tried to take out with the passenger side rear view mirror. No, it was the grand mal seizure her husband had while driving us to dinner. I thank my lucky stars we were at a stop light behind a sturdy Ford van who's driver knew to put it in park and come back to see WTF?

I will see her Sunday though. Her parents are holding a backyard barbecue in my honor. I can't wait to see the family. They treated me as one of their own... including me in family vacations and buying me clothes when my family was struggling.

I plan to pay her dad back for the simple birth control device he shared with us one night. He walked around the room and gave each of us a quarter and advised us to hold it between our knees. It worked for a while until I spent it, along with my left over lunch money, to buy cigarettes. Shortly after that their son, my best friend's brother decided... well... we decided... um... oh... never mind! You don't want to hear that story!

So here's to planes taking off and landing safely... to seeing old crushes who have grown out if not up... to seeing my friends and all the places we used to play and to revisiting my childhood.

Cheers!

Arrived!
(updated 09/24/08 at 10:46 EST)

The flights were uneventful for the most part. On the first leg I sat next to the tallest man on the airplane. Poor dear. His knees were literally crammed into into the seat in front of him and as soon as we got up in altitude the little guy in front of him reclined his seat. I pulled up the arm rest between us and let him know he could have some of my leg room... he was grateful. My seatmates and I were like a well-oiled machine looking out for each other's comfort.

On the second leg I sat next to an environmental activist. He was really sweet. It made the trip from Chicago to Indianapolis go really fast. As is the nature of most folks from Indiana... he offered to help me with my bags and to even give me a ride to the car rental place. I graciously declined so he could get to his home and son sooner.

Hertz was overwhelmed with renters. Some folks in line ahead of me were losing their patience but the ladies behind the counter maintained their cool. Bless them... and now I am driving a cherry red Ford Focus and have never laughed harder at my "ride." Dunno why but me in a cherry red Ford Focus... c'mon...

Got to take a little ride around town before the sun set. All I can say is that I cried as the memories of times gone by came up. I saw a young mother closing the garage door at my childhood home and so wanted to jump out to help her... and tell her I grew up in that house. Figured it might freak her out so I passed on that opportunity. Maybe tomorrow I will go take a walk around the block.

A gaggle of geese greeted me as I arrived at the hotel. Geese have always represented my parents and I felt as though my Dad was near with all his WWII buddies. Honking hello to me I felt close as ever to him. Hoping to see the elusive snow white goose before I go (hi Mom!)

I have to plug Cambria Suites while I am at it. Very nice place. I hung out at the bar sipping some very expensive (expensive... not fine) Pinot Grigio and ended up meeting with a manager who is the daughter of one of my very favorite teachers. Sweet! Her Dad and my Dad both ran for public office in the same year... and as Democrats... they lost. She is going to give him my best and hopefully he will show up Saturday...

I jumped time zones from PST to EST. I hope I can fall asleep soon.

Cheers!


OMG!
(Updated 09/28/08)

I had the most amazing time... beyond words at the moment... maybe a follow up picture post is in order although there is no possible way the pics could tell it all. Special thanks to all who sent good loving energy... I felt the love and experienced all the best wishes sent my way... Once again... amazing and thank you!

Cheers and sincere love!