Whirlwind Weekend

A few weeks back I was lucky enough to fly up to Baltimore by MYSELF for the weekend.  I left Friday night.  I didn't know what to do with myself at the airport without two kids to watch.  I bought a magazine, roamed through some shops, visited with Joe's brother Josh while he worked at Chili's inside the airport and I still had a whole hour before boarding.  The quick 50 minute flight couldn't have ended quick enough - it was full of turbulence.  It actually felt as if someone was pushing us forward - as the pilot explained we "caught a tail wind" - yikes - but we did land safely 15 minutes early!

I stayed up with mom and dad talking about our plans for the weekend until 11 - (GASP) - sooo late for me.  I told mom that I was sleeping in - fully expecting to be up by 7 at the latest.  Much to my surprise when I finally peeled my eyes open it was 9:48!!!   Wow - I got up in a rush, rubbed my eyes and quickly got ready.  We had a two hour drive to New Jersey for my reason for this trip.

This was months in the making.  I was going to celebrate my cousin Kathy and her husband, George's 25th Wedding Anniversary.  This was a surprise party that involved 45 people and of course TONS of food (I am Italian remember) and this crowd wasn't going to settle for anything less.  The atmosphere so much different than my little southern town.  There was antipasta, pasta, hot appetizers, cold appetizers, chicken, meat & fish.  We were in the back room of a favorite Italian restaurant.  In the corner, a bunch of George's buddies were listening to the Phillies first playoff game - who occasionally shouted in excitement over a play or two. 

Kathy and George were surprised (we think) and the night was a success.  After the party at the restaurant, we went back to their house to spend the night (surprise we threw you a party & we're staying at your house).  Again, up late and slept in - heaven.  Sunday we had breakfast and headed back to Maryland.  After we got home, mom and I slipped out for a quick shopping trip.  It was her birthday the following week - so I also offered my "organizing services" again - we finished labeling boxes in the garage, cleaned out and organized 4 drawers and two cabinets - heaven.  My parents and I enjoyed a dinner a nice restaurant and I didn't have to cut anyone's food!  - heaven.

Monday morning it was back to reality.  I had a smoother ride home and was greeted by Joe & Olivia with big hugs and kisses when I got home - heaven :)  Of course, I was quickly back into "mom mode" and put several loads of laundry in the washer and emptied the dishwasher within the hour of coming home - well worth a whirlwind weekend !