It was so sad when Eric left this morning for work, because we both knew I wouldn’t be there when he got home. After he left, I fell back to sleep and woke up again at 9:30am. I packed, neatened up the apartment (I didn’t need to clean, because Eric’s so clean it was spotless!). I left the apartment at 11:00am, went to CITIBANK to get some cash, and then drove the rental to ENTERPRISE on 165th Street and Northern Boulevard in Flushing.
I gave back the car and they called a car service for me to take me to LaGuardia Airport. By the time I got through security, it was 12:10pm and my flight wasn’t until 2:15pm, so I relaxed, called Eric (while he was on lunch) and then had a slice of pizza for lunch.
I was dressed in my usual “flying clothes” – my leopard pants and a t-shirt. I like to be comfy when I fly. I thought about going without make-up, but I was afraid the pilot might see me and get so distracted and upset by seeing me that he wouldn’t do his best flying, and I really felt a responsibility to all the other passengers, so I put on some foundation, blush, mascara and lipstick. Smoke and mirrors, my friends, smoke and mirrors!
After lunch I walked over to STARBUCKS and got a decaf, non-fat mocha latte to take to the gate with me. I also bought an ELLE magazine and a souvenir NY t-shirt. It was adorable and was on sale for $9.99. Where do you see a t-shirt for $9.99? It was black with LOVE New YORK in sparkly letters. It’s the kind of sparkle that will probably wash off the first time I launder it, but it’s still fun and cute!
When I got to the gate, I read my ELLE magazine, drank my STARBUCKS, and watched the news on the TV. The time passed pretty quickly and soon it was time to board. All I wanted to do was put my seat back and take a nap. I was so ready for it. Unfortunately, I had the “flight from hell.” I sat at the window in a 2-seater. Next to me was a man whose wife and three children were sitting across from us in a 3-seater.
The entire trip he had one of the three on his lap, trying to keep them occupied, or trying to get them to stop crying. It was SO frustrating. I hardly slept at all. The plane was also a little hot, and I felt myself getting a headache. Thank goodness the flight is relatively short and before I knew it, we were landing.
As soon as they said we could use our cell phones, I called my parents, so they could come pick me up, and then I called Eric. Then, I got an iced STARBUCKS (because it’s hot in Florida!) and waited outside for my parents to pick me up.
They arrived about a half hour later (I spoke to Jimmy while I waited, because he always amuses me). They took me to THE OLIVE GARDEN (one of their favorite spots). I had Grilled Shrimp with angel hair pasta. Mom and Dad both had their favorite – Chicken Marsala. We also had salad and breadsticks (of course!). I actually really like THE OLIVE GARDEN. They treat you like royalty and the food is good.
After dinner went to PUBLIX, the big supermarket, so we could pick up a few things. They bought me my cereal – SPECIAL K Chocolatey Delight and some other stuff. Then, we headed home. I quickly unpacked and then sat down with my parents for some dessert. They had made a jello mold (they’re famous for it), so I had some jello, even though I’m not much of a jello person. Still, it was THEIR jello, so it tasted great!
I showed them some pictures on the computer – of the Greenberg Soiree, Thanksgiving at my sister’s house, and some of my latest jewelry mosaic and decoupage projects, including the bookmarks. They loved everything.
My parents had just completed a 3-day course at their synagogue with “lecturers, speakers, lunch and fun!” Some of the topics included:
The Election is Over, Now What? – Dr. Robert Watson
The Importance of Being Oscar (Wilde) – Randy Del Lago
Saudi Arabia: Friend or Foe? – Dr. Robert Rabil
Great Love Affairs in Operas – Guiseppe Albanse
My Kids Are Grown: Why are They Still Driving Me Crazy? – Bea Lewis
The last one is my favorite.
They said they had fun, and that they actually enjoyed the lecturers. Some of them were very interesting and funny. I think it’s great that, at their age, they’re still interested in learning.
Tomorrow my mom and I are going to the mall. Eric wants me to buy “something fabulous” for my birthday. I’m not sure I’ll be able to find it at the mall (I’m more of an antique show or estate sale shopper), but I’ll certainly try!
In any event, I know I’ll have a lot of fun with my mom. We always have fun and laugh a lot together. I’m so glad I’m here with them. It’s always great to visit with them!