There's a Blog in my Heart

I haven't blogged in a while. There is a very good reason. Well, it's more like a list of reasons. I am going to cover the happenings since I last blogged so this post might be a little lengthy.

Last Sunday (Feb 27th) I hit the road to Hermiston and Heppner for student teacher visits. It turns out this is where Oregon has been keeping the sun since about October. I caught a very nice sunset.

I saw my first tumbleweed (You have to look hard, it was also a bit of a dust storm :-))

I spent some time in the sprawling metropolis that is Heppner, OR.

I drove through some crappy weather  Monday night in the Columbia River Gorge to get back to Portland. It was nice that, when I finished with this white-knuckled, 32 degree snow-filled drive and arrived at the Hampton Inn, I was the "Guest of the Day". It involved goodies and my name in glitter!

The next morning (Tuesday Mar 1) I took a shuttle to PDX and caught a plane through Phoenix, arriving in Orlando around 7:30pm. It was warm, we had a tropical pool and a view of some nice palm trees. But, alas, I have no pictures. I was there for a conference. I didn't see much except meeting rooms, buffets, and the Red Lobster (twice). In between sessions, I would run outside and attempt to defrost, but that was about the end of it. Then, Friday 4th, it was another shuttle ride and more airplanes to spend 4 days in NC.

What a whirlwind - well, once it got started. My sister and nephew picked me up from the airport around 9pm and my back was not happy with all the travel and hotel rooms and meetings. So I took some Advil, soaked in the hot tub and went to bed.

The next morning (5th) involved Bojangles, followed by coffee and catching up with the parents. I spent the afternoon playing with the nieces. Then, my sister put together a gathering of friends at her house so I could see the gang all at one time. I stayed there until 1 in the morning. It is nice to have people who know you.

The 6th was the baptism of little Kinsley. She is a doll.

Followed by some time at the mall. I decided since my niece was turning 14 - we needed to embarrass her a little. She did a fashion show of the ugliest vest I could find, then we put her in a Bob the Builder coin operated ride and, finally, had her wear 14 scarves at one time in Rue 21.  Good times. I cannot believe she is 14. I cannot believe I get to be her aunt.

I also got to see Curtis at work. He volunteers at a military museum. I love this kid.

Lastly, there was a family dinner. I miss these. A lot. Mom made chicken Alfredo for Desiree (when it's your birthday you get to pick) and hot chili and fries and bread. There was also chocolate pie, chocolate oatmeal cookies and birthday cake. I am full just thinking about it. Weight watchers meeting for me Thursday when I get back to Oregon!

There was also a little time set aside to see the boy. I like him. I like him a lot. When we are together, things are effortless. We aren't together enough and that makes it not effortless....Catch 22. Doing what is right for the other person, without regard for your own pain is the grown-up thing to do. And sometimes being a grown up sucks. That is all I have to say about that.

Tonight is a birthday dinner for Desiree. I will smile through it. Tomorrow I will get on a plane. I am hoping to make it back to Oregon before I fall apart.