It was an accident!

On Wednesday morning I was running late for work and ended up getting into a car accident.

I was driving on 66 when traffic came to a stop. We were on a downward hill and traffic began to move again. The car in front of me slammed on his brakes, and I on mine but it was too late. I rammed into the back of his HUGE SUV and his toe hitch went through the body of my car into the radiator.

We pulled over to the side of the road and I got out and asked if he was ok. He was. And his car did not have a scratch. By his license plate I could tell he was a fire fighter. He told me that he had the toe hitch for exactly this kind of situation. I asked if we should call the police and he said that because he and his car were ok that I should not. We did not exchange info and he told me to quickly get off 66 and park my car.

So I did just that. I drove up the ramp and pulled in

to a body shop of all places. I asked if I could just park my car while I called AAA and my parents, and the guy agreed. Unfortunately he was not as nice as the guy I hit. He made my dad pay him $75 for just having my car there for an hour. What a jerk. I have such hatred for this guy and his company. I was looking for a Good Samaritan and got a slime ball instead.

Finally the tow truck came and I went to my parent’s house. I never made it to work that day. And I spend a good few hours in tears.

So now my car is a disaster.

Waxing disaster

So I did something yesterday that has me a bit upset now.

I waxed my brother’s chest and stomach. He asked me to after he tried to do it to himself, his test patch was really red and scabby.

I had him buy bikini zone to help with the bumping and redness. It was really bumpy when we did it, his skin is soooo sensitive. But I figured the bikini zone would help. Not so much.

He texted me a few minutes ago and said that it looks really red and like the face of a prepubescent boy.

The men in my family have an insane amount of chest and back hair (my mom has already promised my brothers that she would let them get laser hair removal at 18) was it wrong of me to do it? It seemed fine at the time. But now I feel bad that he’s all red and bumpy. I did not even get to finish the top because the kit he got did not have enough strips. He said he’s going to shave the rest. Sad.

Amazing Grace

If you know me, you know that I was raised Roman Catholic, went to catholic school until the 5^th grade, and was confirmed against my will at 13.

Sometime between ages 9 – 11 I realized that I was not a Christian. When I told my family I was forced to continue to go to CCD (Sunday school, but not on Sundays) and was confirmed event though I expressed my wish to not be confirmed to my parents, CCD teacher, and priest.

My mother finally apologized a few years ago for making me go through with it and I feel like I have made my peace with that.

When I was in catholic school I sang in the church choir on Sundays and attended mass with my school on Wednesdays. For years I went to mass twice a week. 

It’s been well over 10 years since I’ve been to church regularly and I recently realized how ingrained the mass was in me when I attended a catholic funeral complete with a full mass. I remembered the entire mass word for word including all the words to the songs that I sang so many years ago at school.

It’s always a bit awkward now to go to church, I know all the priests lines, I know the congregations reply’s, I know all the prayers, but I feel like a traitor if I participate because they are not my own beliefs and convictions. So I sit quietly, I bow my head when I need to and I use the time to reflect on my own beliefs. But the songs get me every time.

As we were filing out of the pews the other day the final song was “Here I am lord” a song I have always loved. As I sang a caught the eye of a tearful mourner as she walked past and she smiled and winked at me. I’m glad I could help ease her pain.

“Here I am lord” may be meant for followers of the Christian faith but I see my own beliefs and truths in it, and although not all the lines are to my liking I find the song oddly comforting and all encompassing of the faiths that are and have been mine. Now if I can only do something about that pesky Catholic Conscience.

 

Here I am Lord

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.

Chorus
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Chorus

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.

Chorus

I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my words to them.
Whom shall I send?

Chorus

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.

Chorus

Finest bread I will provide,
'Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?

Chorus

Saying goodbye to a wonderful woman

On Thursday night I had the opportunity to say goodbye to my best friend’s grandmother. I spent over two hours in the ICU waiting room with her family reminiscing about the good times. There were of course some tears, but mostly laughter and smiles as we talked about her.

I have always called her Grandma, and so have a few others that are not related to her by blood. I have spent many a night on the sofa talking to her while drinking a glass of wine and watching her knit. I laughed as I watched her snow tube down a hill, and I always listened to her advice on life and love. She was always happy to see me and ready with a hug and a kiss.

She was the kind of woman who would spend countless hours watching over a fish and praying that it lived. Her kind heart and tender manner was always a comfort to those around her.

As I listened to the stories that her children told about her that night I felt honored that she was a part of my life, albeit only for a little while.

This morning at 3:30am grandma left us. Grandma lived a good life, and raised a small army of loving children and grandchildren to be some of the most wonderful people I have ever known.

I love you Grandma.

“The soul takes flight to the world that is invisible. But there arriving she is sure of bliss, and forever dwells in paradise.” - Plato

Accommodations

Russ and I will be staying at the Merlin Guesthouse during our stay in Key West. I had a love bird named Merlin once and think perhaps this is meant to be. Because it’s the summer season it’s only $99 a night.

According to the review the standard queen room we are staying in is very small, the house is old, and the walls are paper thin. But truly none of that bothers me. I’m most excited about the pool and hammock in the yard, and the outdoor continental breakfast every morning. I will post pictures upon return and let you know how it was.

Like I said yesterday it is only one block from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street which is very exciting. The Lonely Planet guide book I have been reading warns that if I hang out on Duval street too long I may be puked on by drunk frat boys, so perhaps this might not be our favorite places on the island but I hear that the Beach at the state park is beautiful and not as popular with the tourists.

I found an all day “do nothing” cruise that I really wanted to go on, but it’s already booked on the only day we could go. So that is a bit sad. But there is plenty to do so it’s not a problem. In case you’re interested here is the link…

http://sunsetwatersportskeywest.com/donothinginkeywest.html

I have a feeling this might be the kind of place we want to go back to over and over to explore all the different islands.

 

 

the vacation verdict?

The Florida Keys! 

(i know they were not even on the list)

I just booked a room in a small house one block north of the famous Duval Street, and i think i have most of the logistics worked out. I can't wait to share all the details with you. but until then i leave you with the following...