Category: Travel

Broke Down and Dressed Up

Get ready for an “April” story. Daniel was flying into Arizona late on Thursday night. Being the nice wife that I am, I decided to put a sexy dress on to pick him up from the airport. His flight, which was supposed to arrive at 11:45pm, ends up landing about a half hour early.

Daniel was flying over so he could drive with me back to Florida for the summer. Our plan was to leave fairly early the next morning. I was busy packing up my van all day and I wasn’t finished yet, so I decided to borrow my parents Mercedes when he arrived.

I was on the freeway, halfway there, when the car starts slowing down and begins shaking. By the time I get off to the shoulder, I know something is definitely wrong and I smell something burning.  Now, rewind about two hours to when I was in my kitchen talking to my neighbor, Tammy. We were talking about the drive across the country:

Me: “I prefer driving at night.”

Tammy:” Don’t you get scared driving at night?”

Me: “No. What would I be scared of?”

Tammy: “Getting a flat tire.”

Me: “Why would I be scared of that? I’ve never had a flat tire.”

Tammy: “Knock on wood.” (She knocks on the corian counter…I blame all the rest of the events on the fact that she didn’t actually knock on wood. LOL)

I end up with a flat tire…near midnight…in my sexy dress…on the freeway. Instead of picking up my husband who I haven’t seen in over a month, I’m stuck in my car on the side of the road. Goodness knows, I’m not going to try flagging down someone in my hooker-ish dress.

My brother ends up coming to my rescue and my dad calls AAA to have them come out. I pick up Daniel using my brothers car and bring him to the Mercedes so he and my brother can change the tire. As soon as they finish, the tow truck arrives and the guy, after giving me a once over, tells the guys thanks for stopping to help.

Lesson learned: Don’t ever mention that you’ve never had a flat before, God most definitely has a sense of humor.

Auntie April

Right now I am on a plane from Billings, Montana heading back to Phoenix. Julie, my wonderful sister,

and her family came down to Phoenix last week and left their two-year old, Genevieve, with us for a few extra days and then I brought her back to them this weekend. We were also able to meet Gracie for the first time, who is now six months old. Oh…I love being an aunt! They are so adorable. I just want to hug and squeeze them constantly. I love being “Auntie April.”

Traveling with Genevieve this last week reminded me of the physical toll little ones take on you though. I had happily forgotten the trauma of lugging around all the extra stuff they need. My baby is seven and she can carry her iPod all by herself, which is all she really wants these days. 🙂

It was nice to be able to go and see where Julie actually lives and just spend time together without feeling rushed. It’s hard to believe that my little sister is such an “adult” too…raising beautiful children and keepin’ it real with her great hubby, Getty. They live in Sheridan, Wyoming, which is two hours from Billings. So, I actually got to cross two states off of my “Never Been To” list. Montana and Wyoming. It is beautiful up there.

Julie and I went out and karaokeed it up last night. (Thanks Getty!) I can karaoke because I don’t embarrass easily, even though, if I had any self-respect, I would be embarrassed! Julie, on the other hand, should be on stage somewhere. We had a great time. Wish we lived closer to each other. It’s great to have sisters who are friends, don’t ya think?

Speaking of friends, though, my other piece of exciting news is that Misty is on a plane right now as well…heading out to Phoenix for a visit. I’m going to get to meet Valor in a few hours. I can’t wait! Another baby to hug and squeeze! Misty is only bringing Valor, so her three crazy beautiful girls won’t be with her this time. I’ll miss them, but maybe that means we will be able to carve out some time to sit down and really talk.  This also means that I am going to force her to go somewhere quiet and actually write a blog post. You may not remember….but there is SUPPOSED to be a combination of three writers on this blog: Misty, Julie (I’m coming after you next, Girl) and I. It’s about time we see a post from Misty.

I’m also hoping to take Misty out for a much needed break! I’ll keep you posted. (Pun intended.)

 

Total Lack Of Awareness

Sometimes I surprise myself with my total lack of awareness (in a bad way, of course.) Right now, I am sitting on a plane trying to get back to Phoenix because I missed my earlier connection. I made it out of Chicago even though it was snowing there, to get to Kansas City, but then I didn’t realize I was at the wrong “Phoenix” gate. Sucks! I wanted to be home for the evening, not rerouted through Vegas and three hours late.

Apparently my actual plane took off while I was sitting in this tiny, airport, and I missed it. Ugh!!  I have to ask myself what is God trying to teach me?? Pretty sure it’s DILIGENT preparation. I’ve been researching and booking a lot of flights this week and my brain eventually gets them all disordered.  I need a better system then my memory.

If I just would have done a double check when it felt like I shouldn’t have a long layover, all this would have been avoided. Okay, I’m done beating myself up over it….probably.

Let’s change the topic…how about I focus on something that, not only doesn’t frustrate me, but also brought me great joy. Last Sunday, Daisy’s Sunday School class didn’t have a teacher, so she headed into the service with Daniel and I. She’s 7, almost too big to sit on my lap, but she still does. I love that!

She’s also little enough to stand on the chairs when we sing so she can see the words. While she was standing up there with one arm around me, the next song started, Our God Is Greater by Chris Tomlin, which just so happens to be Daisy’s favorite song. She raises up her other hand in praise and sings at the top of her lungs. Oh…how I love that girl!! No fear, just love.  This is what Jesus meant when he said, “But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (Matthew 19:14)

Lord, help me to be more childlike in my faith and love of you….and help me to be more adult in my organizational skills so I don’t miss my flights. 🙂