Tuesday, November 28, 2006

How I spent my Thanksgiving vacation


You may have noticed (or NOT) that I have been suspiciously quiet these last five days on the blogosphere.

Perhaps you have been enjoying my absence :)

But, guess what...I'm baaaack!

I left for the east coast last Friday, returning to L.A. today. I surprised my brother and sister-in-law for her 5oth birthday. They had no idea I was coming. Even my mother, who left five days earlier from L.A., had no idea I was coming. Only my, niece, who I recruited as my chauffeur, was privvy to this great caper of mine.

I haven't seen my big brother for 2 years...my sis-in-law for 3 1/2.

When I learned they were having a birthday party, I immediately decided that I wouldn't be attending. Afterall, it was Thanksgiving weekend, the busiest travel weekend of the year.

But about a week prior, something inside of me clicked. I remember hearing stories throughout my childhood, about people who found the money and time to attend funerals across the country, but wouldn't go while the person was alive. I didn't want to end up being one of those people. I wanted to be there with them to celebrate, and not wait until tragedy struck.

I really wanted to be there.

So, I figured out a way to go and not miss Thanksgiving with my husband and kids. And...to avoid the nightmare of travelling.

My thought was, that by Friday, everyone would have reached their destination for Thanksgiving, so the travel would be light. I would return Tuesday, after everyone had made there way home from the holiday weekend.

And boy was I right. The plane was only 85% full on Friday, allowing me to have a full row of seats to myself! And today...zipped right through security, little crowds, and our flight was smooth sailing.

I had a wonderful weekend. I am so grateful for the relationship I have with my brother and sister-in-law, nieces and nephew...even living 3000 miles away from eachother.

I even played a new game...Scattegories...almost as much fun as eating icecream.

I did the right thing this weekend. I filled myself with a wonderful, loving, Thanksgiving dinner with my husband, children and extended family. And then spent the weekend filling myself with memories and love.

So that's why I've been missing from the blogosphere the last five days.

...just in case you were wondering.

18 comments:

Ezzie said...

Funny, I was about to ask where you were... glad you had such a great weekend! :)

Anonymous said...

Fantastic! What a wonderful gift you gave them, and yourself!

Anonymous said...

So clever with your travel dates! Glad to hear you had fun!

torontopearl said...

Your absence from us made a wonderful presence (and present!) for others.

You chose a really nice thing to do, CM!

torontopearl said...

Am just waiting for Doctor Bean to comment about Mister Bean with the turkey on his head. That was a GREAT episode!!

Jack Steiner said...

Sounds like fun.

Wendy said...

That is so cool! I'm glad it was wonderful....

And we LOVE Scattegories! (Next, try Quiddler!)

Anonymous said...

That is a VERY disturbing picture, c-m... hysterical AND disturbing.
Glad you had a great time!

marallyn ben moshe said...

good for you!!! and i bet a wonderful time was had by all...welcome back...shabbat shalom

cheated are the clouds said...

Nice plan, I like the fact you want to see them while they are still here, it has always been a beef of mine, in regards to that topic, what a crafty traveller you are

cruisin-mom said...

Ezzie: thanks, glad you were wondering:)

E.K.: thanks, I guess I am a great gift ;)

R.M.: I had to be clever...wasn't willing to be stuck in the middle of millions of travellers.

T.P.: thanks T.P. (you have a way with words, as usual). Yeah, I thought for sure we'd hear from the Doc on that picture!

Jack: thanks, it was.

HOH: it was a blast! thanks

Mia: it made it a very different thanksgiving weekend for me.

Wendy: haven't even heard of that one!

RCJ: it's kinda disgusting too.

Marallyn: thanks :)

Cheated: I agree wholeheartedly.

have popcorn will lurk said...

Great idea, great weekend... kol hakavod :)

Val said...

Awesome... glad you went and had a great time!

Stacey said...

What a wonderful idea that was, CM! And what was the reaction when your brother, SIL and mother saw you? I wish I could've seen the looks on their faces. I hope someone got it on video.

Life is all about special moments with loved ones, and you found a way to have those moments on both coasts! Wonderful!

cruisin-mom said...

chana: thanks :)

Val: me too!

Stacey: the look on my SIL was priceless...she started crying and shaking...I totally surprised her. My brother just couldn't stop smiling, and my mom was in complete shock!

Leann said...

you made a wise choice.my dear mom passed away on the 25th nov.and we didn,t get time to say goodby cause the day we were going to see her she had already gone home to heaven.time waits for no one.glad you had the time with your family.GD BLESS YOU.

... Is the Window to Our Soul said...

What? You mean I missed the opportunity to meet Mrs. Cruisin in person and hang out at the local Ben & Jerry's.

cruisin-mom said...

Leann, I am so sorry about the death of your mother. Thanks for stopping by.

S.T.: believe me, I thought about it...if I had had more time, I would have loved to shared icecream with you!