Thursday, December 10, 2009

Yes, Jill, I heard you...

...and I'm finally updating my blog! LOL! Would you all please tell me I'm not the only one unable to keep up with life? And if you are one of those perfect people who has all your gifts wrapped and under your beautifully decorated tree, your holiday candies made, your dinner parties organized, festive attire awaiting the next holiday celebration, handmade Christmas cards already mailed...well, I admire you and I HATE YOU! LOL! Just kidding! That used to be me...not anymore. Good Lord! I'm so behind. I mentioned in my last post how I have one tree decorated and the other patiently waiting to be "dressed". Well, I have nothing else to report...my poor tree is still waiting for me. I did take time to fluff the branches, adjust the lights and add a few ornaments last night. Here's hoping I finish tonight. I truly hate to complain about being behind. It has been my choice to focus my energy on other things so I have no room to complain. I'm taking time to spend time with those who mean the most to me...pretty good reason to not sweat the unadorned tree, don't you think?

This past weekend was my girl's trip to Boston. What a trip it was!!! Although we had a rocky start, it was a fantastic weekend. You know, I think I sound like a broken record these days...every good event seems to begin with a challenge. This time it involved flight delays. I have never been one to enjoy flying. Makes me very nervous. Thursday was an extremely windy day meaning a very bumpy flight. What better way to ride out the air-born potholes than with a little Goose and Juice under your belt. Barbara shares my dislike of shaky flights so we downed a drink before boarding, thinking it would help. Ummmm, we didn't account for the hour+ delay in boarding as well as the 45 minute wait on the tarmac. Yep, the nice little buzz was long gone. Which is probably a good thing. Once we made the quick 30 minute flight to Atlanta, we had less than 10 minutes to get to the other side of the airport as our next flight was already boarding. We had missed our original connecting flight but the Delta agent had booked us through on the next one. And it appeared we weren't going to make it either.

Not being the wisest traveler, I was wearing clogs, a heavy winter coat, thick scarf and carrying a heavy tote bag. And a 10 minute sprint across the massive Atlanta airport was required. We took off running...at a fast pace...which became a little slower as we went. We finally made it to the tram that would transport us to our gate but had missed it and the next wasn't due to arrive for another 3 minutes. I knew we could run the distance faster than the wait would be. OK, so I thought I knew it. My workouts are serving me well, but I've learned I need to work on increasing speed and endurance. We arrived at the gate huffing, puffing and sweating profusely just as the agent was closing the door and stating the flight was closed out. Darn!!! Unable to muster up the energy to be upset, we just stood at... well, hung over...the counter waiting to see what our options were. Fortunately, she decided to let us board. And we were on our way!

We arrived around 7:30 but our luggage didn't. No worries, a quick trip to Walgreen's to purchase a T-shirt for sleeping and life was good. When we awoke the next morning, our luggage was waiting for us. And we were off to explore the city. Friday was a day to shop til we dropped...literally. Twelve plus hours of roaming the malls and the streets and our bodies had had enough. We were in bed by 9:00. We're such party animals. :-) The weather on Friday was beautiful and spring-like. We even enjoyed lunch outside at a cafe. Saturday was rainy and cold. But that didn't stop us from sight-seeing. We boarded a trolley and went to the North End where we followed the Freedom Trail for a bit and toured Paul Revere's house. The wind and rain eventually got the best of us and we returned to the hotel and mall for more shopping. Sunday we awoke to snow and bitterly cold temperatures. The wind was brutal. Our walk to breakfast was less than comfortable. But we enjoyed it nonetheless as it was our last moments in the city. By 8:00 that night, we were home, sweet home. There is something warm and comforting about coming home after a trip.

I have always loved Boston and my time there only proved to strengthen my love for the city. But the best part was the time with Barbara. Reconnecting with old friends is the greatest!!!

I would say I will be back soon, but I've been a liar of late. So I will leave you with well wishes and cyber hugs. I will be back as soon as I can!!!

Love to all,
L

P.S. I thought I would share another layout from my current Serendipity kit. As I mentioned, there is something special about returning home...and this layout supports that statement. I scrapped my mom's door from a Christmas past with the saying "at the holidays, all roads lead home". This year I'm focusing on home...the "home" found wherever I am surrounded by those I love.



(You can click on the photo for a larger image.)

30 comments:

  1. That is a BEAUTIFUL layout!! And what a fun weekend, minus the delayed luggage and rain!

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  2. Wow what a trip!!!! SO glad that they let you board...

    Strange weather you did have and I am so with you all the Holiday Stuff...I am so far behind and this year...it really does not matter..I am doing the best that I can!!!

    LOVE the LO and what stands behind that LO....the true meaning of scrapbooking...memories and feelings!!! You did an awesome job and I love all the details and the pic!!!

    I adore you sweet friend and so appreciate all the love you have sent me!!!!! My trip is coming....right after the Holidays!!!!! Thanks for being such a TRUE friend!!! :-)

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  3. I love your layout! That paper is beautiful! Wowza what a trip!!!
    Blessings,
    kIm xXx

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  4. Beautiful layout!There is no place like home!
    hugs
    Brenda

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  5. I used to love to go into the city when I lived near Boston, sounds like you had a great trip with a wonderful friend! Love your layout!

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  6. Well, I most certainly NOT one of those got everything together gals! I have a BEAUTIFUL Christmas tree, fully decorated......but......there is ONE present wrapped under it and that one doesn't even have a tag or a bow yet!!! And then we probably should not even discuss the Christmas tubs that are still sitting out...because....well...um....I haven't emptied them with the rest of the decorations yet! And YES! I am behind on posting as well! Hope to correct that soon......but, you know how it goes...right?! :>

    I have been to Boston once...when I was little...maybe seven or so?? We were camping in Cape Cod that summer and had to go into Boston to take my aunt to the airport and that's it. I'd love to go back as an adult. And would love it even more if I could do it with my girlfriends! Actually....now that I think about it......the one of us who lives in Georgia IS moving to MA this winter......hmmmmmmmmmmm............ ;> There are four of us and we used to be REALLY great about gathering once a year, every year. But, that hasn't happened in the last couple and I do miss it so much! I'm glad you had the chance to play with a girlfriend and have some fun of your own! :>

    Love your layout....a front door can say so much, can't it? I think so. :>

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  7. Of course I LOVE your layout and Girl I haven't even STARTED shopping for CHirstmas yet. My husband said tonight do you think we will put Christmas ornaments on our tree this year. He's so sweet isn't he lol! I am going shopping this weekend and I am determined to knock a few people off my list for this year. I can't think of a single thing to get my husband. Sometimes I wish we just went together and got stuff, but I LOVE all the gifts he gets me every year. It sounds like you had a crazy start to a fun girl's trip. Glad you had a good time:)

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  8. *sigh* have i told u lately that i love love love u???? welllllllll though ... i am one of those U hate....but i still loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee u!!! lol! LOVE THAT LO TOO! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

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  9. Sounds like a fun trip after all! And, even if I know there's always a chance I may have to sprint through the airport... this girl will always be in a pair of heels! :-)

    I really need to go to Boston one of these days... considering it is my last name & all! :-)

    Love that LO... so pretty! :-)

    Big hugs...

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  10. Hey Lisa! Glad to see you posting again :o) But you are NOT alone...just not enough hours in the day!!! At least you have a tree up...my 14 yr old asked me if we were putting up a tree this year...I didn't answer right away...so with a bit of panic in his voice he said "MOM???"...I just started laughing! Maybe this weekend, son, maybe this weekend...

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  11. Very nice LO! Your trip sounds fantastic. Good times keep rolling! I am so glad to read your post today, I miss reading your posts. Take care,

    Chantal

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  12. WOW Lisa!! That is just soooo stunning!! Love what you have created!!

    Ooooh and you are one up on me....Not one decoration out!!! NOT ONE!! Must start tomorrow!!!

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  13. I am totally convinced that December comes with less hours in each day;) LOVE the new LO and glad you had a great trip.

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  14. Glad to hear your trip was well worth it!! Sometimes ya just gotta take the bad with the good!! Great layout, love the pic of the door. Don't sweat the decorating thing, took me about 2 weeks to just get everything out!! Still need to put some more ornaments on the tree, but it will probably be time to take it all down by the time I get it all up there! Have a great holiday season!!

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  15. Loved reading your post as usual...so glad you found the positive in so much mayhem on your trip to Boston. As for Christmas preparation...don't sweat the small stuff! I'm already behind on a few projects, but hey it'll all come out in the end, & what doesn't won't be life threatening!!! I've just read that we'll be missing you at TAAFOMFT but I will still catch up with you here...I love your LO & it's message! Merry Christmas to you & yours! xxx

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  16. Hey pretty stranger you!
    It's so nice to get a chance to actually stop by here, it's been too long. This layout is so pretty- and my hubby is from Boston. I moved there for 2 years before we came to TX. It reminds me of a sister city to San Francisco. Well, I wish you ALL the best this Christmas season. lots of love, deb

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  17. Lisa, I'm done and ready for the holidays but that is only because I'm doing so much less this year. It was my vow to simplify my life this year and that included the holidays. I have 1 tree instead of 9. Fewer social commitments. Simple outside decorations. I'm taking a quality over quantity approach. And, like you said I'm using my time to be with those who mean the most to me.

    Boston sounds fabulous despite the rough start! It is one of my to-visit cities.

    A happy holiday season to you and don't sweat the unadorned tree :)

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  18. Awesome layout Lisa. I was in Asheville this past weekend for a little mini vacation. If I would have thought about it earlier, I would have tried to set up a time and place for us to meet.

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  19. Well I guess it's a lot more important to spent time with the ones you love then to have finished all the tree's and decoration and stuff..no stress!
    LOve your Layout and I loved reading your story about Boston!
    Wishing you a very wonderful Christmas!!

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  20. Hey Lisa! Thanks for your well wishes, I appreciate them! I'm so glad I met you in blogland!! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! And wishing you an exciting New Year!!!!! Keep in touch and lots of love to you! deb xOxO

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  21. Hi Lisa, Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!

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  22. MERRY CHRISTMAS, GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  23. Sounds like Ive been missing some adventure! We're not too far from Boston...my fiance actually drives to Mass. every week, he's a truck driver for the company we both work for! That's one hell of a time at the airport...glad you finally made it there and had some fun! Be glad you werent here last weekend for the 23 inches of snow! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. :) Love the door layout.

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  24. Boston sounds like so much fun. Love their accents too. I am totally not one of those wrapped and ready types, actually today is the 26th and I shamefully have 2 more gifts to buy. Oopps!
    I hope the new year brings you much joy.

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  25. Love the comentary on your trip {LOL}
    terrific lo too :)

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  26. wow, gorgeous layout, lisa!! love that photo too! glad you had a great time on your getaway, despite the setbacks! Hope you had wonderful holiday!! happy new year! :-)

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  27. Wanted to wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy new year with lots of everything wonderful!
    So happy we have met this year!Thanks for your kind and sweet words and I love reading your stories!!

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