Friday, March 19, 2010

Wonderful Weekend

To say that work has been stressful and tough lately would be an understatement, but I have been proud of the fact that I have been balancing work with fun things outside of the office. I am blessed with a beautiful, loving husband and great friends who take me away when I need to.

This last weekend, I was able to even take time off from work to spend the weekend with family. Mum and I drove out to California, bright and early on Saturday morning (early enough that coffee was a requirement). We arrived at my sister's early enough to spend quality time with my 2-year-old nephew. Saturday was his birthday celebration. That bright smiling little face brings such perfect joy to my heart. Playing with him, watching him try to catch bubbles and giggle -- music. And, I don't think I have felt more happiness than when I picked him and he kissed me on the face. Love that little boy and so wish I could see him more often. He is a true miracle and blessing. Can't believe that two years ago, he was in an incubator fighting for every breath at one pound, one ounce.

On Sunday, I got to spend the day with my second favorite person in the world (sorry, sis, Ryan is first...but only by a margin)...my best friend. Being blessed with a friend since junior high school is something that not too many people are able to tout. Being blessed with a kindred spirit is something that only very few people are able to have in their life. Rachel truly is my kindred spirit. We say we share a brain and I really believe it sometimes. We can finish one another's sentences, we can say the most ridiculous things and there are no apologies...we are, like the Simon and Garfunkel song, bookends. We shared a relaxing day together with no expectations, just fun and taking it easy. And, it was made even more special with dinner at my second family's house. Rachel has four sisters and two brothers...a big family compared to mine...but they always make room for me and, no matter how long it has been, it is like no time has passed. I am still in heaven from mom's delicious popcorn. Yum. And, sharing time with mom was so special.

So on to Monday and it was a girl's day at Disneyland. I haven't been to Disneyland in about 8 or 9 years. Oh, I forgot how great it is to walk around the happiest place on earth. So many wonderful memories from going to Disneyland when I was younger. Family, friends, boys, sunscreen, granola bars, flirting, kisses in the parking lot, thrills from rides, holding hands, graduation. Space Mountain was more fun than I remember it being, bringing to life my dream of being an astronaut or perhaps an engineer designing roller coasters. I still laugh with delight when I go on the Tea Cups, watching my mum's eyes open wide while she giggled was lovely. Another blessed day with people I love -- my mum, best friend, and sister.

I came back home from my weekend away feeling relaxed and refreshed, toting souvenirs for my husband from the trip, but I also came back with a cold. I worked through it until I woke up with a fever this morning. Although a pain to my daily grind, I think getting sick was worth the reward of the weekend. Love is all around me and I am lucky that I don't have to go far. Thank you for a perfect weekend.