*Sorry, sorry, I know it's been far too long since my last post, but my computer has been off getting fixed and I didn't want to do a half-hearted post with no pictures and whatnot. So, long over-due, but here it is. Finally.
This past Thursday (meaning Sept 6th, which was the applicable title when I started this post. Oi.) was a busy day - up early for work, a fiasco at the Post Office, voice lesson, cleaning the entire apartment, packing, and then a well deserved, farewell drink with the roomie. I was up and off to JFK at 5.30am Friday morning.
This past Thursday (meaning Sept 6th, which was the applicable title when I started this post. Oi.) was a busy day - up early for work, a fiasco at the Post Office, voice lesson, cleaning the entire apartment, packing, and then a well deserved, farewell drink with the roomie. I was up and off to JFK at 5.30am Friday morning.
I've never been a fan of flying, and my dis-like of it has only increased each time it's come up. But seeing my intense love of travel, I've resigned myself to the necessary evil. I don't know what it is about a young, fresh-faced all-American girl that gets Airport Security all in a tizzy, but they loooove to think I'm some sort of threat to national security. Thankfully, this time (for once), they didn't put me through all sorts of extra security or pat me down. I boarded the plane, and was soon fitfully sleeping away the 2hr flight to Chicago. I woke up just in time for the snack cart. Booyah! Julia for the win! Though my neck was absolutely killing me, and flying always gives me an atrocious headache.
I was picked up by my cousin (on my mom's side), Wild Bill - quite a character of a fellow, and it was absolutely lovely getting to see him. I used to see all that side of my family every two years at the family reunion, but for various reasons that's rather dissipated the past few years - I hope it doesn't die out all together, though I'm not sure this new generation has the discipline or complete desire to keep it going. We chatted the afternoon away, met up with his daughter, Heather, and saw her swanky place. She and her rm may be dis-satisfied with it, but it was seriously one of the coolest places I've ever seen - a 4 story townhouse with a spectacular view of the city. It didn't hurt that two little Chihuahua mixes were all over me with lots of love and affection :) We went and ate at a nice little Italian restaurant, then headed back to Heather's for a few hours. It was nice, though I'm sorry I was probably rather a bore - I was still pretty tired from the long day, short night, and the flight.
I was picked up by my cousin (on my mom's side), Wild Bill - quite a character of a fellow, and it was absolutely lovely getting to see him. I used to see all that side of my family every two years at the family reunion, but for various reasons that's rather dissipated the past few years - I hope it doesn't die out all together, though I'm not sure this new generation has the discipline or complete desire to keep it going. We chatted the afternoon away, met up with his daughter, Heather, and saw her swanky place. She and her rm may be dis-satisfied with it, but it was seriously one of the coolest places I've ever seen - a 4 story townhouse with a spectacular view of the city. It didn't hurt that two little Chihuahua mixes were all over me with lots of love and affection :) We went and ate at a nice little Italian restaurant, then headed back to Heather's for a few hours. It was nice, though I'm sorry I was probably rather a bore - I was still pretty tired from the long day, short night, and the flight.
Pacino - an absolute sweetie :)
In the evening, Bill took me to another cousin's house (on my father's side), Jenna (whose wonderful blog you can find here). She and her husband obligingly let me stay the night at their terrific new apartment. It's a smashing place, well decorated, and with a lot of sunlight - something I do miss having. Jenna even made dinner for me - a most excellent rubbed flank steak, corn salsa, and rice. 8mths pregnant and she still slaved away for me :) It was delightful talking the evening away, getting to know my cuz better. Ever since meeting my whole dad's side of the family when I was about 14, I've wanted to get to know them better, but opportunities have been few and far between. I'm excited to keep up with them, especially when little Alice comes along. We went to breakfast Saturday morning after they went car shopping, which gave me a chance to catch up on some journaling. They have a very quite, peaceful place - large, sunlit windows, and a comfy leather couch are quite conducive for some early morning writing.
We got back from breakfast and between the three of us were able to fix their garage door problem - rather a necessity what with their brand new car and all :P Thanks to a bit of team work and a liberal use of duck tape, we were able to patch it up and they drove me to the train platform. I am so blessed by them, and can't wait to visit, again!
Saturday afternoon I was on the train heading up to Deerfield, IL to meet my parents. I should've taken a picture of the train, because it was actually pretty awesome looking, but I didn't think about it until it was pulling into the station and didn't have time to get my camera out. Now if I had had an iphone...
Anyway, I got on and settled in for the almost hour ride. I expected to buy a ticket on the train, since there was no machine at the platform, but no one ever came around - so I totally got to ride for free. Score!
I was met at the platform by my wonderful mom, looking trimmer than ever. I hadn't seen her since Christmas, and it was a very nice little reunion :) Wish I could've taken a picture before she saw me, but again, no iphone. We picked my dad up from the Trinity library and headed to Monroe to meet one of my dearest friends, who was visiting his grandma and family for Cheese Days. Only in Wisconsin. Lol.
We got there in time for a quick dinner of pizza, then my parents were off with Garrett's dad back to Appleton. I was staying the night with Garrett in his grandma's place with his mom and another friend. He had aunts and cousins there, as well. We went down to the little town square in the evening for more festivities. I tried 1 deep fried cheese curd - and thanked God I didn't like it. I actually found it pretty revolting - sacrilege, I know. But, my heart and kidneys thank me :) I can't fathom how most people had multiple orders of them each day!! I did have a massive ice cream cookie sandwich, which was way bigger than I thought it would be. We listened to a band for a bit, then headed back for some shut eye. We ended up staying up talking for several hours, of course. I don't remember the last time I had a "sleep over" - years ago, for sure. But it was fun bringing to life old memories and things we'd done together. And I envy his ability to drop right to sleep.
Sunday we went to the Cheese Days Parade. I'm not really one for parades, but it was nice to sit around with cool people. But 1 1/2hrs in with no end in sight and we called it quits and headed back to the main square - Garrett and his mom for more fried cheese curds (cue me vomiting a little in my mouth), and me for a brat. We got there just in time, too. They got in the cheese curds line and I headed for the top of the square where the 1 (ONE!!) brat stand was - and got the very last brat they had! Julia for the win. Again. Oh yeah :) Unfortunately, it was a pretty small brat (though completely delicious - in true Wisconsin fashion), so on my way back to the others I grabbed a Dr. Pepper and pulled pork sandwich. Sated all around, we walked back to his grandma's. We saw a woodchuck on the way. I don't understand people who make fun of me for getting excited about seeing something cool like a hawk or a deer - I never get tired of nature.
We hung out/napped for a few hours, ate some caramel apples, then headed to dinner. Then it was time to say goodbye - I was headed back to Appleton with Garrett's mom and he was headed down to Chicago to catch a flight the next morning back to FL for school. I'm so glad we were able to meet up again.
Anyway, I got on and settled in for the almost hour ride. I expected to buy a ticket on the train, since there was no machine at the platform, but no one ever came around - so I totally got to ride for free. Score!
I was met at the platform by my wonderful mom, looking trimmer than ever. I hadn't seen her since Christmas, and it was a very nice little reunion :) Wish I could've taken a picture before she saw me, but again, no iphone. We picked my dad up from the Trinity library and headed to Monroe to meet one of my dearest friends, who was visiting his grandma and family for Cheese Days. Only in Wisconsin. Lol.
We got there in time for a quick dinner of pizza, then my parents were off with Garrett's dad back to Appleton. I was staying the night with Garrett in his grandma's place with his mom and another friend. He had aunts and cousins there, as well. We went down to the little town square in the evening for more festivities. I tried 1 deep fried cheese curd - and thanked God I didn't like it. I actually found it pretty revolting - sacrilege, I know. But, my heart and kidneys thank me :) I can't fathom how most people had multiple orders of them each day!! I did have a massive ice cream cookie sandwich, which was way bigger than I thought it would be. We listened to a band for a bit, then headed back for some shut eye. We ended up staying up talking for several hours, of course. I don't remember the last time I had a "sleep over" - years ago, for sure. But it was fun bringing to life old memories and things we'd done together. And I envy his ability to drop right to sleep.
Sunday we went to the Cheese Days Parade. I'm not really one for parades, but it was nice to sit around with cool people. But 1 1/2hrs in with no end in sight and we called it quits and headed back to the main square - Garrett and his mom for more fried cheese curds (cue me vomiting a little in my mouth), and me for a brat. We got there just in time, too. They got in the cheese curds line and I headed for the top of the square where the 1 (ONE!!) brat stand was - and got the very last brat they had! Julia for the win. Again. Oh yeah :) Unfortunately, it was a pretty small brat (though completely delicious - in true Wisconsin fashion), so on my way back to the others I grabbed a Dr. Pepper and pulled pork sandwich. Sated all around, we walked back to his grandma's. We saw a woodchuck on the way. I don't understand people who make fun of me for getting excited about seeing something cool like a hawk or a deer - I never get tired of nature.
We hung out/napped for a few hours, ate some caramel apples, then headed to dinner. Then it was time to say goodbye - I was headed back to Appleton with Garrett's mom and he was headed down to Chicago to catch a flight the next morning back to FL for school. I'm so glad we were able to meet up again.
Please ignore how rather drugged out we look - not the best picture we've ever taken :P
After a 2 1/2hr drive, we were back in Appleton. It was a really cool way to get home - meeting friends and family along the way, staying with terrific, absolutely wonderful people, hearing new stories, sharing of yourself. It was really a great experience, and helped me realize how much I truly love to travel. It's funny how often trains came up in those three days, as well - multiple times I was told how fun and neat it is to travel by train, I got to ride one (for a bit, at least) and then was invited to take Garrett's grandma to Seattle by train. I honestly hope to do that, maybe next summer. What a wonderful way to see different parts of America!
Lots more to tell, seeing as how I've been home almost a week, but I think that's good for now. I'll leave you with the lovely sight I was greeted with when I hauled my bag up the stairs to my bedroom.
Lots more to tell, seeing as how I've been home almost a week, but I think that's good for now. I'll leave you with the lovely sight I was greeted with when I hauled my bag up the stairs to my bedroom.
Not much beats a large, freshly turned down bed.
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