Day 2 of September

Ok, ok, I know I have been behind, but I have been away.  There hasn't always been good Internet connection so I took notes and for the next fess days, you'll be brought up to date on my activities.  I'm calling this my LA, Victorville, Disneyland, San Francisco, Vancouver, Victoria, Madonna Holiday.  So lets begin:
Day 1, Wednesday, September 19th

The goall was to leave the house at 11:30 am to catch our 2:00 pm flight to LA.  Ashley, our taxi driver arrives home at 11:15 am, and she asks"where is Dad, I thought you wanted to leave at 11:00?". As I am listening to this, I am wondering if she hears the irony in that statement. She has arrived home 15 minutes later than she thought we wanted to leave..... 

Do I have spell it out-she was late.  So I collect my thoughts and answer Ashley truthfully, "I don't know." As the words leave my mouth, my tummy starts to feel a little weird . My OCD is starting to kick in and my mind fills with jumbled words ( we're going to be late, we are going to have to do the OJ Simpson run through the airport ; Bill  got stuck in a meeting at work; maybe he's gone to pick up my birthday present and now I can't get mad at him.). So at 11:25, I bite the bullet and the I  call Bill to find his where abouts.  Turns out he's not at work; turns out he wasn't out buying my birthday present.  Seems he is just finishing up on the 18th hole.  When I mention to him that I thought we were leaving at 11:15, he replies that he thought we there leaving at 11:30.  Now granted by now it's only 11:29 as we hang up.  Can he make his best ever putt, get the cart and clubs back to the club house and get home and load in a minute?  All of a sudden that "light" in my little head comes on... Like father like daughter.  In order to control those doubting voices, I pop some Ativan and wait for the calmness to return.  I also address the questions in my head. What is the worst thing that can happen if we're late; I don' have to do the OJ run.  I can just meet Bill at the gate. And on a positive note, he had not gone to work, but instead chose to golf, his way of relaxing when he's stressed.

    So according to the watch on my wrist (and I took a picture for proof) we left the house at 11:50 with our driver. 

 Other than hitting every red light along the way , the ride was pretty quick and uneventful.  I did have to convince Ashley to get out of the car to give me a good bye hug.  And then the sprint began.  Just kidding.

  The check in, security, and boarding of our flight was uneventful.  With my Ativan still lingering, and a couple of gravol I pretty much slept through the entire flight. 

  We arrived at the LA airport right on time.  Our luggage made it through the trip unscathed and after we picked it up, we hopped on a shuttle and headed to the rental car place.  I can't remember ever having to rent such a large vehicle.  But because Ashley and Ethan will be joining us, it was the best option.

  By 5:45 we were on our way to Lora and Mike's house.  I couldn't believe the amount of traffic on the freeways.  Bill was glad to have me along as a passenger - it gave him the opportunity to use the car pool lanes.

   A quick pit stop at Quiznos for a bite to eat (hey don't we have those in Calgary?)  Mike was in the driveway to greet us when we arrived a couple hours later. We did a bit of catching up and by 10:30 my jet lag (that's what I am calling it) had set in and we all headed to bed.

Day 1 of September

September 11th - "Where were you when the world stop turning, on that September day" - that's from an Alan Jackson song.
I remember being at home, with the TV news on, having just got the kids off to the bus for school, and seeing the terrifying images on the TV.  I sat on the couch, and my first thoughts were - "How are the teachers at school, going to explain this to these young innocent elementary kids."
Thinking of all those who were directly or indirectly affected by this horrific event in history.


Like life itself, we must go on with our every day events, and so I lead with this comment:  New Year's Eve - must be a time for lovers!!!!!!  You probably know where I am going with this.  Do you know how many birthdays there are in September. I'm not going to mention last names, and forgive me if I've forgotten any names: Wendy, Muriel, Ken, Linda, Tammie, Henry, Chuck, Eldon, Trevor, Nathan, Lynn, Ashley, Candace, Shaunan, Cheryl, Robbie, Paige, Tyler and Stacey!!!!!  I am so behind on my card making right now.  I should have gotten my act together in July.
  It has been a busy past week.  Attended the funeral of Auntie Bea last week.  The minister (who Robin mentioned was the minster at her wedding) had some thought provoking words.  For example, can you imagine all the "historical" moments that Auntie Bea lived through - from wars, to The Depression, to running water, working toilets, cars, and many many forms of communication.  It was nice to see the cousins, and the 1st cousins, once removed (who are actually more my age).  Learned a few more interesting facts about Auntie Bea and her life as well.  And best of all, with good intentions, we exchanged email addresses to make sure we stay in touch.  Small world story - One of my cousins granddaughters is attending the same university as Patrick.
  Saturday I attended the Springbank Fall Festival with my work family.  It was just like when we used to attend the festivals in Lloydminster or Estevan. (a little smaller scale) but perfect for little kids.
  I also sent a short note to one of my favorite celebrities:  Ellen Degeneres.  I decided since we are going to be in her neck of the world, I would love to see her show.  Well you can imagine the tickets are all gone so I did what any "stalking fan" would do - I wrote her a poem:  Here it is:

Ellen, Dear Ellen
You're simply the best
And I'm asking of you
This one little request.

I hope that it's simple
Though you may not agree
I'll even pay money
It don't have to be free.

Cash isn't the answer
I'm seeking from you
Our family's been blessed
With a penny or two

A new car would be nice
But we already have those
So that's not the answer
to my terrified woes.

An Ipad, not neeed
Nor a movie or book
It's tickets to your show
I'm hoping to hook.

We're travelling from Calgary
(that's in Canada, you know)
And with one day in LA
I know where I'd go.

The family's all coming
But I'll sneak away
They can go visit Mickey
And stay there all day

If I get in your audience
I will cheer really loud
As for my 50 year old dance moves
I'll try making you proud.

So I hope you will ponder
This silly poem that I wrote
I know you won't choke
From a tear caught in your throat

I wrote it quite quickly
With a smile on my face
On by the way
Here's a twenty in case.

So I'm sending out positive energy, that even if nothing comes of it, Ellen will get a chance to read my words.

That reminds me, I better get my poem book edited (after I add this last poem)
Enjoy the day!
S