June 22nd
When we woke up it was raining (the storm woke me up during the night), which scrapped our plans to go to a water park. So the morning turned lazy and I caught up on writing, downloading pictures and paying bills. But, sometime during my second cup of coffee, Barrett and Uncle Eggie had a “disagreement.” Barrett thought that Uncle shouldn’t be using his computer (Ed works from home) because Bear had plans for surfing the net. When we successfully got Bear away from the computer…he made sure to be loud enough, that Eggie couldn’t talk to clients on the phone.
It was time for plan B. Showers and the mall. Fortunately, Rich took mercy on me and said we could leave Bear behind with him (which ultimately cost him and Eggie quite a bit of work time). On the way to the Mall, the sun came out…so we tried to keep our visit short. Then Kelly & I stumbled upon a sale at Lord and Taylor, so we stayed longer than anticipated. The natives made us pay for it, too.
Once we got home, the kids all hit the hot tub, while the grown-ups had cocktails and appetizers. Edmund made another fabulous dinner…shrimp on the grill, crab cakes, salmon, grilled vegetables and tomato salad. Delicious.
It was a quiet day, a quite night. It was what we all need after a couple crazy days. It was nice to end our visit on a peaceful note. Tomorrow we are Kentucky bound.
Silly Band Award: Cammy…so sweet today.
Quote of the Day: Hunter - “I’d like to have a reasonable amount of coke.” – after mommy poured him what was, apparently, not a reasonable amount.
Quote of the Day 2: Hunter, to Kelly, after she asked him if he was ready for 4th grade. “I’ve had my challenges in third grade, but I am a master at arithmetic. I think I’m ready.”
Friday, June 25, 2010
June 21st - Pseudo-Calm Again
June 21st
Well, everyone seemed to be in a much better place when we all got up this morning. Thank God. Typical family drama….just sweep it under the carpet (and let it fester for years:)).
I love my sister-in-law. She absolutely Rocks! I am so blessed to have Kelly in my life. Kelly is the most patient, honest & caring person I know. She is truly nice. How it is that she didn’t turn and run for the hills when she met all of us, I will never know.
Kelly and I took the kids to the Detroit Zoo. They were so excited when we got there and told every person whose path they crossed that this was “their first time at the zoo.” Such a bad mom. I am just not an animal person.
The Zoo was cool, but the animals were no cooperating. It seemed as if every exhibit we went to the animals were passed out asleep or totally OUT OF VIEW. Audrey was bummed because there weren’t any Elephants and the Lion exhibit was under renovation.
We ate at the Zoo’s outdoor cafeteria where, surprisingly, peacocks were roaming free. They actually came up to us at the tables, begging for food. It was unsettling for me (I’m not a bird person).
Oh, I did forget to mention that the chimpanzees were cool. They were in mating season and could not keep their hands off of each other. It was sweet. But the kids were much more impressed by the fact that they chimps peed and pooped for them.
After we put in 3 hours, we rode the zoo train and left. Quick stop for ice-cream and the a few errands. By the time we got home, Ed and Rich were in excellent moods…yeah! We hung out on the deck, Kelly and I indulged in some champagne while the kids all played in the yard. We grilled lobster tails (fantastic) and watched Kid Rock on the CMTs (dvr-ed). It was all good.
Quote of the day: “OMG, Gross! – Aud, after the peacocks solicited our table.
Silly Band Award – Four way tie.
Well, everyone seemed to be in a much better place when we all got up this morning. Thank God. Typical family drama….just sweep it under the carpet (and let it fester for years:)).
I love my sister-in-law. She absolutely Rocks! I am so blessed to have Kelly in my life. Kelly is the most patient, honest & caring person I know. She is truly nice. How it is that she didn’t turn and run for the hills when she met all of us, I will never know.
Kelly and I took the kids to the Detroit Zoo. They were so excited when we got there and told every person whose path they crossed that this was “their first time at the zoo.” Such a bad mom. I am just not an animal person.
The Zoo was cool, but the animals were no cooperating. It seemed as if every exhibit we went to the animals were passed out asleep or totally OUT OF VIEW. Audrey was bummed because there weren’t any Elephants and the Lion exhibit was under renovation.
We ate at the Zoo’s outdoor cafeteria where, surprisingly, peacocks were roaming free. They actually came up to us at the tables, begging for food. It was unsettling for me (I’m not a bird person).
Oh, I did forget to mention that the chimpanzees were cool. They were in mating season and could not keep their hands off of each other. It was sweet. But the kids were much more impressed by the fact that they chimps peed and pooped for them.
After we put in 3 hours, we rode the zoo train and left. Quick stop for ice-cream and the a few errands. By the time we got home, Ed and Rich were in excellent moods…yeah! We hung out on the deck, Kelly and I indulged in some champagne while the kids all played in the yard. We grilled lobster tails (fantastic) and watched Kid Rock on the CMTs (dvr-ed). It was all good.
Quote of the day: “OMG, Gross! – Aud, after the peacocks solicited our table.
Silly Band Award – Four way tie.
June 20th - Father's Day
June 20th
Father’s Day! Although, momma slept in - big time. By the time I got up around 9 a.m., most everyone was on the back porch cocktailing…I kid you not. Oh boy!
The guys were supposed to tee off at 7:15, but they overslept and missed their time. They next available one was 11:30…which meant “the women” were basically on duty, all day. It was Father’s Day. Kelly wanted to plan an excursion, but Jan wanted to stay put. I was on the fence, but the thought of entertaining 7, at home, all day….daunting. Later events, however, forced us to stay put.
I was making beds and folding laundry, when I asked one of the kids where Barrett was. They told me he was outside with his dad. I went out….garage door was open… the dads were gone. Shit. Here we go again.
I ran through the neighborhood yelling for Barrett (at one point, I could hear him yelling his name back). Jan & the girls covered the golf course and Kelly alerted the neighbors. I was scared, obviously, but pissed….because the guys had left the garage door open when they left for golf. I had secured the front and back doors, so I thought we were good. Later, once we found Bear, I’d also find out that they actually sent him inside to tell mommy to take his sweat shirt off, before pulling away (and not closing the garage door). I have no idea what they were thinking.
Fair or not…I was pissed…at everyone. And scared.
Ed & Rich returned to help in the search and I got predictably hysterical….all the houses had open garage doors, so I was terrified. Twenty days on the road, twelve states, most of the time…on my own, and I never lost him. Two days at my brother’s (most of the time…TENSE), six adults – and he’s gone.
We found him….Jeff did. He’d made it across the fairway to the clubhouse where Jeff was. Son of a bitch.
My day was shot. You can’t help but feel everyone’s pity and god-knows-what-else-they’re thinking. It took me well over an hour to come out of my room. Bear was laughing at me (I wouldn’t let him leave my side) and that really ticked me off, as well as broke my heart.
The rest of the day was a blur of screaming kids, wet towels, meal prep and frozen cocktails. Kinda sucked. When the guys came back, Rich – inexplicably - was not talking to me. Oh-so-much fun. He seemed to get over it by the end of the day and Ed’s attitude started to thaw as well. I’m not sure if it had everything to do with the alcohol or with true forgiveness? Whatever...
The Cochrans left after dinner and I went to bed soon after.
Quote of the day: Bear, while in the hot tub, after I asked him if he was having fun. “What? Are you crazy?” I hear ya!
Silly Band Award: Cammy Bo-Bammy
Father’s Day! Although, momma slept in - big time. By the time I got up around 9 a.m., most everyone was on the back porch cocktailing…I kid you not. Oh boy!
The guys were supposed to tee off at 7:15, but they overslept and missed their time. They next available one was 11:30…which meant “the women” were basically on duty, all day. It was Father’s Day. Kelly wanted to plan an excursion, but Jan wanted to stay put. I was on the fence, but the thought of entertaining 7, at home, all day….daunting. Later events, however, forced us to stay put.
I was making beds and folding laundry, when I asked one of the kids where Barrett was. They told me he was outside with his dad. I went out….garage door was open… the dads were gone. Shit. Here we go again.
I ran through the neighborhood yelling for Barrett (at one point, I could hear him yelling his name back). Jan & the girls covered the golf course and Kelly alerted the neighbors. I was scared, obviously, but pissed….because the guys had left the garage door open when they left for golf. I had secured the front and back doors, so I thought we were good. Later, once we found Bear, I’d also find out that they actually sent him inside to tell mommy to take his sweat shirt off, before pulling away (and not closing the garage door). I have no idea what they were thinking.
Fair or not…I was pissed…at everyone. And scared.
Ed & Rich returned to help in the search and I got predictably hysterical….all the houses had open garage doors, so I was terrified. Twenty days on the road, twelve states, most of the time…on my own, and I never lost him. Two days at my brother’s (most of the time…TENSE), six adults – and he’s gone.
We found him….Jeff did. He’d made it across the fairway to the clubhouse where Jeff was. Son of a bitch.
My day was shot. You can’t help but feel everyone’s pity and god-knows-what-else-they’re thinking. It took me well over an hour to come out of my room. Bear was laughing at me (I wouldn’t let him leave my side) and that really ticked me off, as well as broke my heart.
The rest of the day was a blur of screaming kids, wet towels, meal prep and frozen cocktails. Kinda sucked. When the guys came back, Rich – inexplicably - was not talking to me. Oh-so-much fun. He seemed to get over it by the end of the day and Ed’s attitude started to thaw as well. I’m not sure if it had everything to do with the alcohol or with true forgiveness? Whatever...
The Cochrans left after dinner and I went to bed soon after.
Quote of the day: Bear, while in the hot tub, after I asked him if he was having fun. “What? Are you crazy?” I hear ya!
Silly Band Award: Cammy Bo-Bammy
June 19th - The Cochrans Come a Callin'
June 19th
Today was gorgeous…perfect temperature, in the 80’s…and the sun shined all day. Yeah.
Despite the tumultuous pre-bedtime events, I had the most incredible night’s sleep. The bed in Ed & Kelly’s guest room is so comfortable…I enter a coma-like state. After a tense breakfast (Edmund was completely ignoring me)…Kelly and I headed to Howell to see Jake and Jesse.
Jesse is Kelly’s niece, but she’s only 5 years younger than Kelly. Jesse’s cool. We were pregnant at the same time (Aud) and her second child is only 1 year older than Cammy. Her husband is a sweetheart and I’ve always enjoyed spending time with them. They always send us packages, with presents for everyone…for no reason at all!
So they invited us out to their house, which is on a lake, for a boat ride. I never say “no” to a boat ride! Bear was so excited, but I was nervous, because he kept trying to jump in the lake, en route to the little island where they usually dock. Once we did dock, and everyone got in the chilly (imo) lake water…peace and calm were restored. We had a really fun time.
Back at their house…the kids had a blast. Barrett was jumping on the trampoline, naked. Hunter found a Wii! Aud was flying on an honest to God tire swing, while Cammy mowed their grass with a bubble mower. We could have stayed all day…but our phones were starting to ring. The Cochrans had arrived back at Chez McGrath.
I love my cousin Jeff…when he gets going on the bourbon/vodka…he can be funny, loving and sometimes annoying – he likes to stir the pot. He’s also a teaser and anyone who knows me, knows I don’t take well to being teased. I also have a very colorful past with his wife, Jan (Miss Lavender). So although I was looking forward to seeing them…I was more than a little nervous at the possibilities…especially with my brother so firming in the enemy camp. I would be a walking target.
Jan and Jeff have three kids. Their son has Aspergers, so we were an interesting crowd. The sun was shining and the kids were in and out of Ed’s hot tub and their neighbor’s kiddie pool. Everyone was nice to each other, even with the cocktails flowing (a frozen concoction of Jan’s – Sweet Tea Vodka mixed with ice and crystal light lemonade).
We put most of the kids in tents in the basement with a movie. Jan bowed out early, which I also really wanted to do. But for the sake of harmony, I had to wait for dinner, which didn’t hit the table till 10 p.m. During dinner, Cousin Jeffy dropped the first conversational bomb by mentioning that he missed my dad. That was my ticket out. I very quickly excuse myself…I wasn’t ready to go another round.
Quote of the day: “Where’s my breakfast?” – Camden, fist on the table, demanding daddy cook faster.
Silly Band Award: Barrett (although, I think that Auntie Kelly gave out bands to all the kids, from her own personal stash).
Today was gorgeous…perfect temperature, in the 80’s…and the sun shined all day. Yeah.
Despite the tumultuous pre-bedtime events, I had the most incredible night’s sleep. The bed in Ed & Kelly’s guest room is so comfortable…I enter a coma-like state. After a tense breakfast (Edmund was completely ignoring me)…Kelly and I headed to Howell to see Jake and Jesse.
Jesse is Kelly’s niece, but she’s only 5 years younger than Kelly. Jesse’s cool. We were pregnant at the same time (Aud) and her second child is only 1 year older than Cammy. Her husband is a sweetheart and I’ve always enjoyed spending time with them. They always send us packages, with presents for everyone…for no reason at all!
So they invited us out to their house, which is on a lake, for a boat ride. I never say “no” to a boat ride! Bear was so excited, but I was nervous, because he kept trying to jump in the lake, en route to the little island where they usually dock. Once we did dock, and everyone got in the chilly (imo) lake water…peace and calm were restored. We had a really fun time.
Back at their house…the kids had a blast. Barrett was jumping on the trampoline, naked. Hunter found a Wii! Aud was flying on an honest to God tire swing, while Cammy mowed their grass with a bubble mower. We could have stayed all day…but our phones were starting to ring. The Cochrans had arrived back at Chez McGrath.
I love my cousin Jeff…when he gets going on the bourbon/vodka…he can be funny, loving and sometimes annoying – he likes to stir the pot. He’s also a teaser and anyone who knows me, knows I don’t take well to being teased. I also have a very colorful past with his wife, Jan (Miss Lavender). So although I was looking forward to seeing them…I was more than a little nervous at the possibilities…especially with my brother so firming in the enemy camp. I would be a walking target.
Jan and Jeff have three kids. Their son has Aspergers, so we were an interesting crowd. The sun was shining and the kids were in and out of Ed’s hot tub and their neighbor’s kiddie pool. Everyone was nice to each other, even with the cocktails flowing (a frozen concoction of Jan’s – Sweet Tea Vodka mixed with ice and crystal light lemonade).
We put most of the kids in tents in the basement with a movie. Jan bowed out early, which I also really wanted to do. But for the sake of harmony, I had to wait for dinner, which didn’t hit the table till 10 p.m. During dinner, Cousin Jeffy dropped the first conversational bomb by mentioning that he missed my dad. That was my ticket out. I very quickly excuse myself…I wasn’t ready to go another round.
Quote of the day: “Where’s my breakfast?” – Camden, fist on the table, demanding daddy cook faster.
Silly Band Award: Barrett (although, I think that Auntie Kelly gave out bands to all the kids, from her own personal stash).
June 18th - Batten Down the Hatches
June 18th
I got up early – before the kids, to get the car loaded. When I got back to the room, they were still asleep! After rollin’ their butts out of bed, we went down for breakfast and were on the road by 8 a.m.
Super easy drive…until we got to the beltway in Detroit. I have no reason why – but only one lane was open for about 15 miles – and no obvious explanation as to why this was so. Still, we got to my brothers by lunch time.
After quick sandwiches, Kelly, Aud and I went out for some “maintenance”. While Kelly had her hair done and Aud annoyed the salon’s clientele, I got a facial. We also did some quick shopping for Father’s Day gifts, before hitting the nail salon for mani-pedi’s for three.
By the time we got home, the sitter was on her way….so I very quickly got ready for dinner out. We went to a FABULOUS restaurant on Union Lake…gorgeous view. The menu made my mouth water, simply by reading it. I had mussels and mushrooms in a cheese sauce for appetizers, while also nibbling on a caprese salad. For dinner I had a house salad that had white cheddar, carrots, hazelnuts ‘, apples and cranberries…omg! And I had stuffed artichokes. It was all so freakin good and (aside from the one lobster on the Cape) the only adult food I’d had in three weeks. The two bottles of wine we shared didn’t hurt, either.
On the way home, we stopped for a drink and this wicked storm moved in, with the rain pounding down. The wind was so bad - things were flying in the air. Momma was buzzed and we were laughing sooooo hard….it was fun night, despite Mother Nature.
Then the storm came in-doors….thunder and lightning can’t compete when my brother and I fight. It was bad. We were all just chit-chatting along when it was like I stumbled on an IED….Edmund exploded…all my fault, of course. I say that, because it just always seems to be something I say. Always. No matter how careful I am. But there are two sides to every story, I know that. I just don’t know what his is, because we never get that far. Fortunately, I didn’t engage him (in the past I would start screaming too and it would get hateful and I would pack up and leave). Kelly and Rich were witnesses, so there wouldn’t be two versions…just four…ha,ha. It’s all so GD embarrassing, that I will not rehash the details. But man, is he mad at me! Suffice as to say, it’s exhausting…especially considering we’re staying at his house. I hope it doesn’t ruin the trip.
Traveled: Columbus to Detroit 221 miles/3 hrs 40 minutes
Staying at Chez McGrath…nicest place so far (except for the host).
Silly Band Award…I forgot to do it today.
Quote of the day: Hunter, laughing…”But you’re supposed to love me!”…after daddy told him to get out of the kitchen.
I got up early – before the kids, to get the car loaded. When I got back to the room, they were still asleep! After rollin’ their butts out of bed, we went down for breakfast and were on the road by 8 a.m.
Super easy drive…until we got to the beltway in Detroit. I have no reason why – but only one lane was open for about 15 miles – and no obvious explanation as to why this was so. Still, we got to my brothers by lunch time.
After quick sandwiches, Kelly, Aud and I went out for some “maintenance”. While Kelly had her hair done and Aud annoyed the salon’s clientele, I got a facial. We also did some quick shopping for Father’s Day gifts, before hitting the nail salon for mani-pedi’s for three.
By the time we got home, the sitter was on her way….so I very quickly got ready for dinner out. We went to a FABULOUS restaurant on Union Lake…gorgeous view. The menu made my mouth water, simply by reading it. I had mussels and mushrooms in a cheese sauce for appetizers, while also nibbling on a caprese salad. For dinner I had a house salad that had white cheddar, carrots, hazelnuts ‘, apples and cranberries…omg! And I had stuffed artichokes. It was all so freakin good and (aside from the one lobster on the Cape) the only adult food I’d had in three weeks. The two bottles of wine we shared didn’t hurt, either.
On the way home, we stopped for a drink and this wicked storm moved in, with the rain pounding down. The wind was so bad - things were flying in the air. Momma was buzzed and we were laughing sooooo hard….it was fun night, despite Mother Nature.
Then the storm came in-doors….thunder and lightning can’t compete when my brother and I fight. It was bad. We were all just chit-chatting along when it was like I stumbled on an IED….Edmund exploded…all my fault, of course. I say that, because it just always seems to be something I say. Always. No matter how careful I am. But there are two sides to every story, I know that. I just don’t know what his is, because we never get that far. Fortunately, I didn’t engage him (in the past I would start screaming too and it would get hateful and I would pack up and leave). Kelly and Rich were witnesses, so there wouldn’t be two versions…just four…ha,ha. It’s all so GD embarrassing, that I will not rehash the details. But man, is he mad at me! Suffice as to say, it’s exhausting…especially considering we’re staying at his house. I hope it doesn’t ruin the trip.
Traveled: Columbus to Detroit 221 miles/3 hrs 40 minutes
Staying at Chez McGrath…nicest place so far (except for the host).
Silly Band Award…I forgot to do it today.
Quote of the day: Hunter, laughing…”But you’re supposed to love me!”…after daddy told him to get out of the kitchen.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
June 17th - Chillin' in Columbus
June 17th
Today was a nice day! Sunny and warm on Ohio, again. Wow. Kids and I slept late - 8:30 a.m. Woo Hoo! We went down for the free buffet and the kids were good. Another woo hoo! Then we went back to the room to get into swim suits. Pool time!
The hotel has an indoor/outdoor pool that was nice, although I had to keep moving…in and out. The pool wasn’t too crowded, which is always nice. The kids swam for about an hour, before the ball players showed up. Apparently, there’s a big baseball tournament nearby for kids who seem to be between 10 and 14. Boys everywhere. In all our encounters with them, they’ve been very polite.
The kids and I went for drive, in search of lunch…and ended up at Subway. We had trouble at the drive thru (see quote below), but eventually got our sandwiches. We drove in search of a park, to have a picnic. But, it turns out we were in a “dark” area, so we head back to the hotel for lunch and showers.
After lunch we went over to Easton, where Kristen works. It’s a cool area. We landed at Barnes and Noble for an hour. Again, kids were awesome. Pinch me. After books, trains and cupcakes we went to pick up Madison, Kristen’s daughter.
Madison is gorgeous! She looks just like Haley Chamblin, but with dark brown hair. She was very sweet and really helped me with the kids, while we walked around the MASSIVE outside mall in Eatson. Then we went to Kristen’s office – she works for a plastic surgery center – for my impromptu appointment. Kristen set up a consultation for me with one of her doctors, to talk about my God-forsaken baggy under eyes. Like the previous doctors I’ve seen…he thinks my face is too thin and I should wait a couple years before I do anything drastic. But…he was all too happy to tell me I needed botox…everywhere! My forehead, the bridge of my nose, my crow’s feet and under my eyes. Good God. He was ready to whip out his needle right there. Aging is a beyootch.
We went to dinner at Red Robin and then Kristen came back to the hotel to hang out for a little while. God I miss her. It seems like yesterday we were two little Miss Lonely Hearts, in our little apartment eating popcorn, drinking white zinfandel and watching Pretty Woman. Where does time go?
Quote of the day: Aud, “It’s because he doesn’t speak our language.” – Aud’s explanation to Hunter’s question about why mommy couldn’t understand the guy at the Subway drive-thru. (He was Indian). How does she know this stuff?
Cammy, “It’s magic!” – Cammy, while walking through a revolving door.
Lodging: Still @ Embassy Suites, Westerville, OH
Silly Band Award: I had to give it to all four. Cammy & Bear really won, but Frick and Frack did the best they’ve done in well over a week and their big pleading eyes got me.
Today was a nice day! Sunny and warm on Ohio, again. Wow. Kids and I slept late - 8:30 a.m. Woo Hoo! We went down for the free buffet and the kids were good. Another woo hoo! Then we went back to the room to get into swim suits. Pool time!
The hotel has an indoor/outdoor pool that was nice, although I had to keep moving…in and out. The pool wasn’t too crowded, which is always nice. The kids swam for about an hour, before the ball players showed up. Apparently, there’s a big baseball tournament nearby for kids who seem to be between 10 and 14. Boys everywhere. In all our encounters with them, they’ve been very polite.
The kids and I went for drive, in search of lunch…and ended up at Subway. We had trouble at the drive thru (see quote below), but eventually got our sandwiches. We drove in search of a park, to have a picnic. But, it turns out we were in a “dark” area, so we head back to the hotel for lunch and showers.
After lunch we went over to Easton, where Kristen works. It’s a cool area. We landed at Barnes and Noble for an hour. Again, kids were awesome. Pinch me. After books, trains and cupcakes we went to pick up Madison, Kristen’s daughter.
Madison is gorgeous! She looks just like Haley Chamblin, but with dark brown hair. She was very sweet and really helped me with the kids, while we walked around the MASSIVE outside mall in Eatson. Then we went to Kristen’s office – she works for a plastic surgery center – for my impromptu appointment. Kristen set up a consultation for me with one of her doctors, to talk about my God-forsaken baggy under eyes. Like the previous doctors I’ve seen…he thinks my face is too thin and I should wait a couple years before I do anything drastic. But…he was all too happy to tell me I needed botox…everywhere! My forehead, the bridge of my nose, my crow’s feet and under my eyes. Good God. He was ready to whip out his needle right there. Aging is a beyootch.
We went to dinner at Red Robin and then Kristen came back to the hotel to hang out for a little while. God I miss her. It seems like yesterday we were two little Miss Lonely Hearts, in our little apartment eating popcorn, drinking white zinfandel and watching Pretty Woman. Where does time go?
Quote of the day: Aud, “It’s because he doesn’t speak our language.” – Aud’s explanation to Hunter’s question about why mommy couldn’t understand the guy at the Subway drive-thru. (He was Indian). How does she know this stuff?
Cammy, “It’s magic!” – Cammy, while walking through a revolving door.
Lodging: Still @ Embassy Suites, Westerville, OH
Silly Band Award: I had to give it to all four. Cammy & Bear really won, but Frick and Frack did the best they’ve done in well over a week and their big pleading eyes got me.
June 16th - Hunter's Godmomma
June 16th
Sucky ass day. It just was – at least the first half. After leaving Pittsburg, we headed for Columbus and the kids fought the whole time. It was awful. Oh…news flash…there’s sun in Ohio. Who would a thought?
Columbus is where my girlfriend Kristen lives. We met at 18, when we both worked in the Sundry Shop at the Ritz Carlton Naples. We hit it off right away, eventually becoming roommates for almost two years (until I left for grad school). Kristen was my best roommate. I love her like a sister. She was one of my Bridesmaids and she’s Hunter’s Godmother. Sadly, we haven’t seen each other for a very long time. Much too long.
Once we were here…we had nowhere to go. I was here a week early, due to a last minute itinerary change and Kristen was working. I tried to entertain the kids with lunch and an outdoor mall…but it was too much. Back in the car, I made some calls to Rich and Marriott in the hopes of finding cheap accommodations. No luck…what-so-ever. I couldn’t drive around for three more hours either, cause someone would get seriously hurt. They were being BAD. Eventually, the Embassy Suites took pity on me, but for just one night! They’re sold out for tomorrow…not sure what we’ll do, but I will worry about it tomorrow. The more pressing question: what in the world is so exciting about Columbus Ohio that so many hotels are sold out?!?!?!?
Once in the room, I had to kick some butt. As I write this, I’m not talking to any of them. Kristen’s on the way with some wine. Perhaps that will help!
When Kristen finally got to the hotel…we were in PJ’s, eating room service. Kristen burst into tears when she saw the kids. I’m not kidding, honest to God tears. I was like, “are you okay?” It took her all of about 30 seconds to win the kids over…with presents and her sunshine personality.
She looks fabulous!
We played with the kids for about an hour before plopping them in front of a movie. Then we drank wine and talked for 3 hours. My Kristen hasn’t had an easy time. She’s a single mom, with a preteen and a SOB of an ex-husband. She’s killing herself to get ahead, but road blocks pop up all the time. She’s had some health issues lately, too – neck surgery and many accompanying complications. The poor thing has had it rough and I think she’s struggled mightily to keep her head up. I swear, I just want to pick her up, take her home and make everything better. She deserves a break…a BIG break. Her dating life, since the divorce, has been a frightening rollercoaster. I need to find her a mature, financially stable, caring, cute guy who will love her and her daughter. Anybody?
Traveled: Pittsburgh, PA to Columbus, OH 202miles/3 ½ hours
Lodging: Embassy Suites, Westerville
Silly band: Barrett & Cammy
Quote: Hunter, giggling, “Oh! Sorry! He has issues” – after Barrett stripped down naked in front of the bellman. Et tu Brute?
Sucky ass day. It just was – at least the first half. After leaving Pittsburg, we headed for Columbus and the kids fought the whole time. It was awful. Oh…news flash…there’s sun in Ohio. Who would a thought?
Columbus is where my girlfriend Kristen lives. We met at 18, when we both worked in the Sundry Shop at the Ritz Carlton Naples. We hit it off right away, eventually becoming roommates for almost two years (until I left for grad school). Kristen was my best roommate. I love her like a sister. She was one of my Bridesmaids and she’s Hunter’s Godmother. Sadly, we haven’t seen each other for a very long time. Much too long.
Once we were here…we had nowhere to go. I was here a week early, due to a last minute itinerary change and Kristen was working. I tried to entertain the kids with lunch and an outdoor mall…but it was too much. Back in the car, I made some calls to Rich and Marriott in the hopes of finding cheap accommodations. No luck…what-so-ever. I couldn’t drive around for three more hours either, cause someone would get seriously hurt. They were being BAD. Eventually, the Embassy Suites took pity on me, but for just one night! They’re sold out for tomorrow…not sure what we’ll do, but I will worry about it tomorrow. The more pressing question: what in the world is so exciting about Columbus Ohio that so many hotels are sold out?!?!?!?
Once in the room, I had to kick some butt. As I write this, I’m not talking to any of them. Kristen’s on the way with some wine. Perhaps that will help!
When Kristen finally got to the hotel…we were in PJ’s, eating room service. Kristen burst into tears when she saw the kids. I’m not kidding, honest to God tears. I was like, “are you okay?” It took her all of about 30 seconds to win the kids over…with presents and her sunshine personality.
She looks fabulous!
We played with the kids for about an hour before plopping them in front of a movie. Then we drank wine and talked for 3 hours. My Kristen hasn’t had an easy time. She’s a single mom, with a preteen and a SOB of an ex-husband. She’s killing herself to get ahead, but road blocks pop up all the time. She’s had some health issues lately, too – neck surgery and many accompanying complications. The poor thing has had it rough and I think she’s struggled mightily to keep her head up. I swear, I just want to pick her up, take her home and make everything better. She deserves a break…a BIG break. Her dating life, since the divorce, has been a frightening rollercoaster. I need to find her a mature, financially stable, caring, cute guy who will love her and her daughter. Anybody?
Traveled: Pittsburgh, PA to Columbus, OH 202miles/3 ½ hours
Lodging: Embassy Suites, Westerville
Silly band: Barrett & Cammy
Quote: Hunter, giggling, “Oh! Sorry! He has issues” – after Barrett stripped down naked in front of the bellman. Et tu Brute?
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