I was on my way to the airport around 2:30am, which was about 7:30pm 4 Dec, Chicago time, which meant it was the perfect time to call my mom and wish her a happy birthday. I spoke with her almost the entire way to the airport and finally had to let her go once check in for my flight opened up. She was so surprised and happy that I had stayed up so late to call her and wish her well on her birthday (little did she know, she was about to be a whole lot more surprised and happy!) Little did she also know that 18 hours later, Chicago time, my plane would be touching down.
Dad picked me up from the airport and I was ecstatic. It was so good to be back home again. I hugged him tight and immediately started chattering (of course!) We stopped at Taco Bell on the way home (YAAAAS!) and then hung out at home while we waited for mom. The plan was for me to sit on her bed and surprise her when she got home from school. We waited. And waited. And waited. Mom's done with work at 4:00, but it was already 4:30 and she still wasn't home. We knew she was getting her hair done but usually she stopped home first. 4:45 and I had all but given up hope and then the garage door opened. Dad was more than happy to take his usual seat at the computer while I waited to surprise mom. Mom putzed around the kitchen for a bit before dad was able to mention that he had put the package that had arrived in her bedroom. She continued to putz. And putz. And putz. She clearly wasn't interested in the package. I began to worry whether or not she would even make it upstairs before she had to leave. And then out of all the things she could've done, she came upstairs and she went into my bedroom. MY bedroom. Why?! Why would she go into my bedroom? I hadn't been home in months. Sure enough, there was a backpack, purse and pair of shoes. "Who's home?", she asked. "Who's home?" At this point I had to abandon my post on her bed and walk into my bedroom. "It's me", I said. She was in complete and total disbelief. Cue a whole lot more surprise and a whole lot more happy. I was the perfect belated birthday gift. After mom's hair appt. dad and I met her in downtown Downers at Pierce Tavern for dinner and a celebratory drink. Damn it feels good to be home.
6 Dec 2019
Mom and I headed into the city to visit Candace. We of course picked up Starbucks on our way. I got to see Candace's new condo (it's super great!) and spend some time in her neighborhood. We helped her put up her Christmas tree and then enjoyed Mexican food for lunch. On our walk back we stopped at Stan's donuts. YUM! Happy early birthday, Candace :)
After making our way back to the burbs we stopped at the mall to do some shopping. When we got home mom made pork roast and potatoes for dinner. Mmmm was it good. The three of us then watched a movie and put on a fire.
7 Dec 2019
Today was busy! I met my girlfriends for breakfast at Egg Harbor in Downtown Downers. It was so sweet of them all to make time for me at the last minute. Then I headed back to Colleen's new house with Elizabeth so the three of us could catch up.
I said my goodbyes (only until April!) and headed home to meet Mary and the kids. I picked up lunch for us so we could eat when they arrived. Mary, Sloan, Hank, my mom, dad and I spent the afternoon playing and laughing together. I taught the kids the stairs game, which they LOVED and spent time dancing to music videos with them (which they also loved but tired me out a whole lot more than the stairs game)
After a whole lotta hugs and kisses they headed home and Aunt Pat and Uncle Marty came over for pizza and beers. I enjoyed spending so much time with the people I love.
8 Dec 2019
Mom and dad made breakfast and then mom and I ran to Target so that I could stock up on some goodies to take back with me--- gardettos, peanut butter cups and candy canes for my class, just to name a few. After enjoying a super long, hot shower, mom and dad drove me back to the airport, just like we'd done so many times before. As I reflected back on my two weeks without school I couldn't help but think what an amazing blessing in disguise this whole earthquake situation had been.
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