That Florida Sunshine

When life gives you lemons, add some ginger, carrots, and apples and make it healthy. Because in all reality, alcohol never makes it better for you. That is kind of how my last few days have been. Had a rough couple days that were pretty disappointing but I ended up getting to go home to see my family and best friend and that really made it better. I really don’t like flying all that much. That may seem strange since I am in the Air Force for one and second because I’m always off flying around to see people but its true, I don’t really love flying. I do not however mind airports. I kind of like being surrounded by everyone moving and getting places from all over the world. And I like the snacks that I always get. I cannot remember the last time I was in an airport and didn’t have a Starbucks oatmeal and drink in hand.

So off to Florida I flew where my wonderful friend picked me up at 1 in the morning. Not gonna lie, we both went straight to sleep. There was not a whole lot of exciting shenanigans this weekend because, well, if you know my home town you know there is nothing to do. I am ok with that now. After all, I live in Las Vegas – I don’t really need to go home to “go out.” It is always good seeing my parents, I am always reminded how lucky I am. My dad and I are always pretty much on the same page when it comes to how we think so whenever I need relationship advice or someone to bounce my own thoughts of, he’s pretty solid. I appreciate that. I love my relationship with my dad, and I know I have my mom to thank for that too from when I was very little. Even if he does try and make me buy him Starbucks. What a clown.

 I had one morning that I spent entirely with my Grandparents as well. That was really nice. I am so lucky to have had my grandparents in my life for this long, and to have them play such an active role in my development and life progression. Neither of them hear very well but after 57 years of marriage they are sooo on the same wave length. One of them would ask me something, I would answer, and then the other one, not having heard a thing, would ask me the exact same thing right after. It’s really quite hilarious. And a bit cute too. My grandparents also still love each other. A lot. After all those years, it really is refreshing to see. My grandpa sometimes just tears up when he looks at my grandma and tells her he loves her. I wish that everyone could experience that kind of love. I hope that I am that lucky one day. But things are different now than they were back then.  A lot more opportunities and venues for people to mess everything up.

The momma bear and I went shopping. Our standard routine. When I was in high school we used to go to the mall every other weekend for sushi and Victoria’s Secret. I blame her for my overflowing drawers of undergarments. That I love. Its fun that no matter how old I get or where I’ve been, everything is just normal again, like when I lived in florida when I was in high school. I’m thinking I was quite the mature little high schooler. No big deal. I can’t believe I have not lived in Florida for 5 and a half years. Geez! It makes me sound so old. But I don’t feel old. Even if I am only weeks away from Gasp! 23. Hehe.

Had sushi with the biffle. For those who don’t know what that is, it is  the pronunciation of “BFFL” or “best friend for life”.  You know, what you say when you are in middle school and high school. “Biffle” sounds so much more grown up. Don’t you think? 😛 So we had yummy sushi and then roasted marshmallows by the fire pit. 90% dark chocolate and Strawberry Riesling in tow. No graham crackers in sight, what with us being gluten intolerant but we didn’t really need them. We were so proud of ourselves for doing the fire all by ourselves. You may not think it is impressive, but we do. It was just nice having those couple hours to talk and catch up and reflect on our lives. A lot of reflection for us old 22/23 year olds to do. At one point her father came around the corner to scare us. It worked, sadly. The biffle screamed bloody murder and I yelped and grabbed the metal skewer in order to stab the attacker. Luckily he showed himself because I was going to aim for the eye or the…um… below the belt region. Glad to know I have quick reflexes!

I also had to spend an entire day writing a paper for my Masters class. Argh. I was in Starbucks from 9-5. Seriously. But I got the paper done. Not going to say done well…but done none the less. Never thought I would see the day I would be sitting in Spring Hill writing a paper on my time off. I guess that’s grown up life for you. Its ok though because I made a new friend at Starbucks and we chit chatted for about 90 minutes, which brought a nice reprieve. Plus its always nice to meet new people that are similar to you.

I landed on Saturday and my friend immediately picked me up and we went to dinner and then prepared for the Strip. The funny thing was, the stewardess on the plane asked me “Oh are you going home to Vegas?” and I said “Yes, how did you know I wasnt visiting?” and she responded with “Well, you arent drunk or dressed like you are about to go to a club” haha I was so pleased with myself.

Needless to say… I acted like a tourist when we went out club hopping and paid the price the next morning. blech.