365-2 | Peaches Prattlings

{November 28, 2014} Bittersweet

This year, celebrating Thanksgiving in Boston was bittersweet.

The reason I say that is that this was the first time in six years that I celebrated Thanksgiving in Boston and not Atlanta. When I was married, we celebrated the holiday in New York City, Boston or Atlanta and the year we got divorced, I came to Boston with TS to celebrate.

Since then, I have hosted Thanksgiving for all my “orphan” friends, people like me, who didn’t have any extended family in Atlanta, who were not going home to be with families. Sometimes, people don’t have the opportunity to go home for the holidays, sometimes they have to work the next day, so I stated hosting and I have loved each year!

It was as pot luck, with me making the turkey, yes, the vegan makes the turkey! One year, I remember flying in from Nevada the day before thanksgiving, getting there either late the night before or early thanksgiving morning and going right to work. Last year it was even Thanksgivingka, the first night of Chanukah was thanksgiving, what a great meal that was!

Different people have joined different years and some people were each year, CKM, SDL, DJL, Miss A, CC and JC and their baby M, JCT and her family, DCM, AB, JB and A and their son, E, just to name a few.

Last year, I don’t know if you remember me telling you about the dollar store thanksgiving! I had already moved to Colorado, but when we came back to Atlanta for thanksgiving, stayed in my house and hosted using things I bought at the dollar store!

There were so many great memories built over the years and I would not trade them for anything. This year, being with my family in Boston was so very important and while I would not have missed the opportunity, I was missing my family in Atlanta and not hosting, very much. Hence, bittersweet.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and celebrated with those they love and care about! I know I did!

{November 28, 2014} Today, I am thankful for…

So very many things!

Today is the American celebrated holiday of Thanksgiving. It is the day we give thanks, it doesn’t matter to anyone else what you are thankful for, they are your thoughts and if you want to share them, go for it, if you want to keep them to yourself, go for it!

Today was a simple day, got up way too early, par for the course, but had a good time playing with the girls, making egg sandwiches, hanging with my brother-in-law, dad and my sister, nice and easy. At some point ACS and dad took the girls to the local high school football game, for the longest running rivalry football game, between Needham and Wellsley High School, the Thanksgiving game has been played on Thanksgiving day since 1882! How’s that for tradition! http://needhamhistory.org/features/articles/needham-wellesley/

While they were gone, GES and I tried to watch a terribel movie, Adult Store and when that didn’t work, we put in “And So it Goes” but didn’t get far because everyone came home and it was more time in front of the fire, holiday movies on The Hallmark Channel, doesn’t this all sound so idyllic?

Then it was time for me to make my corn souffle while everyone took showers to get ready to go to T&S S’ house, we piled in two cars and off we went. We got there, headed in and joined the commotion! There were 4 families there, each with two kids, then three granddads, two grandmas and one extra auntie, me! When I got there, I found out that Little E went home last weekend and told his mommy that he wanted Auntie J to come and babysit! I am SO ready for that! I am spoiled!

We all worked together to get the finishing touches done on the food, heating up things, setting things on the table and then it was time to sit down to eat. Now, as most families do, you go around the table to talk about what you are thankful for and our fabulous hostess started. There are a lot of things that this group is especially thankful for and it was a very touching and tearful time, it has been a tough year and we are so thankful to have made it through and come out of it and we can see 2015 will be here soon and it will be the start of a wonderful new year.

After TS, then it was my turn, then my dad’s and so on down the line. There were some funny things said, some insightful, poignant, tearful and of course, whenever the kids have a turn, it’s always adorable. Some kids are thankful for their friends, their family, their grandparents, their food and we all laugh and smile when they say it, they are being honest. Last, but not least was our very own MGS and she became a bit shy, so together we said for her…”Let’s eat!”

Hours to prep and cook, minutes to devour! The funny thing is the one question I am asked the most at this time of year “But Auntie J, what are you going to eat? Well, if you think about it, usually, all but the turkey and stuffing are vegetarian! We had greenbean cassarole [made with cream of mushroom soup], brussel sprouts with carrots, green beans, there was vegetarian stuffing, carrot souffle, mashed potatoes, home made applesauce, rolls and cranberries, now you tell me…out of all that, what couldn’t I eat?

After dinner, we all helped to clean up, then started to prep the desserts. We had apple crumble, pumpkin pie, fresh fruit, pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate and heathbar cookies, coffee cake, peacan pie and ice cream. I think we were set!

After cleaning up we were treated to a show by all the kids, SO cute and then it was time to go, the kids were getting tired and wound up and the grownups were in food coma mode! Time to pack up, suit up and head home. We got outside and it was flurrying, so pretty and I loved watching MGS trying to catch snow flakes on her tongue!

Home for pjs, relaxing and talking to you!

I know I have said this before, but I am thankful to you, my friends, family and follwers for taking the time to read my posts, comment, like and enjoy my posts. I am thankful to have an audience who likes what I have to say and I will forever be greatful! I hope you all had a fabulous thanksgiving and got to spend the day with friends and family.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving

{November 26, 2014} Traveling the day before Thanksgiving

Was not that bad!!

The day before Thanksgiving is known as the busiest and worst travel day of the year. In most places it is very true.

I got on an earlier flight today, 12 pm, so I headed to the airport about 10am, no traffic. No line at check in, no line through TSA pre-check, got to my gate in about three minutes.

There were no crazy lines, crazy people, no overcrowding, no screaming kids, was this really the day before Thanksgiving?

Boarded flight, sat down and about 10 minutes into boarding, a flight attendant comes over and asks my name and then hands me a boarding pass…for first class!

I move to first class, ahhhh…go United Airlines!

I sit down and immediately get offered a drink. We take off, I start watching a movie, thank you free United Airlines entertainment.

Then came the warm towels, bowl of warm mixed nuts, then the offer of lunch. I had an Asian chicken salad, minus the chicken and warm tomato bisque, then came the warm oatmeal raisin cookie. Not too shabby for a flight just over 2 hours.

Then I got my luggage no problem, except for going to the wrong baggage claim first. Got a taxi quickly and no traffic, made it to my sister’s in no time, despite the freezing rain and sleet.

Got to see my dad and sister alone for a little bit, then the girls and b-i-l came home.

All in all, an easy trip, way better than expected!

A very Happy Thanksgiving to you, one and all!

{November 25, 2014} Sometimes traveling is lonely

I know I’ve talked about how much I love traveling for work.

And I do, don’t doubt it, but some days on the road are just lonely. A few years ago I was on a project that had me in different cities around the country, sometimes for just a night or two. I didn’t travel with anyone, so I was always on my own.

When I started with Deloitte in February, I was put in with a large group and became friends with quite a few, I hope you remember me talking about some of them. KLS and KNOB to name just two. We would go out almost every night and had a wonderful time, it made the time pass quickly.

When I was transitioned to Louisville, PM was transferred as well and we went to dinner almost every night together. Then we came to Chicago and we have gone to dinner a lot of nights, we are only here three nights a week and we get done about six, so not always up for dinner, but we’ve done alright so far.

Last week, I worked remotely and PM was here two days on his own, and this week, he is working remotely, might be next week as well. One thing most of the team does not do is go out to dinner after work. It is back to the hotel and tonight, I did the same, back to the hotel and order room service.

Every once in a while it’s ok, but I like going out, seeing the city or town and trying something new to eat, help to relax and detox from the day. This week, as I am on my own, it hasn’t been bad, I went out, but tonight, it was hotel and room service, it felt kind of lonely.

Not having a pity party, so don’t feel bad for me, just melancholy. Heading to Boston tomorrow for the holiday. Can’t wait!

{November 24, 2014} Smoking allowed in a hotel?

I didn’t think you could still smoke in hotels, especially the bigger chains.

I came back to the hotel today and walked into my room and smelled smoke, what? I thought all hotels were smoke free. I have stayed at a few smaller hotel chains that allow smoking, but that was a few years years ago, I don’t know if the same holds true today but I still didn’t think you could smoke inside any more.

I came back to my room at the hotel and it smelled like smoke, which I thought was odd, so I called down to the front desk and they sent someone up to spray, which helped. I also found out that they allow smoking on the fifth floor, the entire floor, what?

I went down to the front desk and talked to the woman working, it turns out that since they have a lot of flight attendants, especially from Asia, the hotel got permission to allow smoking on the fifth floor. Neither one of us liked the idea, but oh well.

The really unfortunate part is that smoke rises, it comes in through the vents, the balcony, the windows, ick, the point is, it comes up and makes the rooms above smell, very unfortunate.

So…while I am thrilled with the size of my room, the smoke kind of killed the illusion, oh well. It does smell better now.

{November 23, 2014} The Presidential Suite

I know, hold yourself back, another early post! Don’t get too used it, I am in a happy place right now!

The reason I am in a happy place and blogging early is that I am relaxed and happy! I just got out of the jacuzzi!!! Ok, let me start from the beginning…

So…since I started on the project in Chicago, I have been staying at the Sheraton, since the Doubletree was booked for the week and I am doing a status match at Sheraton, a few more nights and I am platinum, hey, we already know I’m spoiled, so why not! But…ever since I started staying there, I felt like I was cheating on Hilton! I know, these companies don’t give a flying fig about me, but I am a loyal person!

This week, I had to be in early on Monday morning, so I flew in on Sunday evening and I am staying at the Doubletree. Since I am Diamond status, I am always on the upgrade list, if I can only book a Queen, I get a King. Well, when I checked in, Dwayne, at the front desk, told me he was able to upgrade me…to the Presidential Suite! What? I’ll take it!

Ok friends, Hilton has spoiled me before, I know I have told you, but let me just say dayum!!! I totally geeked out and took pictures, which you see below. Let me paint a picture…You walk in and there is a walk in coat closet, could be a clothes closet for your guests. There is a full bath next to the closet, a sitting area with a fold out sofa, arm chair, dining table in the center of the room and a big screen tv opposite the arm chair. Oh, I forgot, there is a kitchen sink, microwave and refridgerator when you first come in on the right.

Walk through the door off the sitting room into the master bedroom, nice king sized bed, arm chair, desk, dresser, big screen tv, could be a walk in closet, and next to the closet is a door to the balcony, on the right, you could sit or stand, to the left, two chairs and a table under the cover, you could have a dinner party out there!

Then…ahhhh…the master bath!!! I thought the bathroom I had in Michigan was awesome…to the right, a jacuzzi tub! To the right, the water closet with the toilet, big enough for a few people, across from the jacuzzi…double vanity and to the left…a shower big enough for at least 4-6 comfortably! Double shower heads on opposite walls of the shower!

The front bathroom has full toiletries, the master bath has double toiletries, how happy am I! Oh, don’t forget the robe in the bathroom and another in the bedroom closet!

So…after I went to the mall, not a fun experience, a necessary evil for the week and had a decent dinner at Stir Crazy, one of those wok/stir fry places, I came back to the room, put some shower gel in the jacuzzi, filled the tub, sat down, started the jets and said ahhhhh…after a long soak and subsequent pruning of the fingers and toes, I got out, put on a robe and now I am sitting in the arm chair in the living room, watching and singing along to The Wizard of Oz and writing to you, could anything be better?

I AM SPOILED! And I LOVE IT!!!

{November 23, 2014} Big Hero 6

Tonight, I had a movie date with two of my favorite movie buddies, EJS and MGS.

We went to see Big Hero 6, the description from imdb.com: The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.

It had all the elements of a Disney movie, deceased parents, a hero who doesn’t seem it, who finds himself conflicted between right and wrong, a group of friends who want to help and eventually get through to the hero that s/he doesn’t have to go through anything alone, our loved ones are always with us in our hearts, you can do anything you set your mind to and good will conquer evil. That sounds about right.

At one pont, there was a sad part and EJS asked if there would be a happy ending, I said of course, it’s Disney, animated and a kids movie. There you go.

Boy genious [fourteen and graduated high school at 13], unassuming looking, he and brother are being raised by aunt, quirky friends, weird pet, big bag guy, surprise bad guy! special relationships, big fight scenes, big finish, follow up with happy ending. Sound good?

What is really important is…if you are a Marvel fan, you MUST do two things. Really look at the family portait and stay past the credit to the extra scene at the very end.

Bottom line, a good movie for kids and adults alike.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2245084/?ref_=nv_sr_1

{November 21, 2014} I did it!

I am in the “parent club” again.

You know when you do something and your kid gets embarrassed? Yelling “I love you” at them from across the way at school, kissing them goodbye, existing?

Well, tonight it happened to Me. I picked up EJS from school, everything seemed fine, we drove home and… nothing.

After we get home, I was putting some things away and I heard GES and EJS talking about something that was bothering her, she didn’t want to say anything. I heard GES say if something is bothering you, it won’t get better if you don’t say something.

I walked into the room and looked at GES and pointed to myself, asking if it was me and she nodded. So I looked at EJS and asked what was wrong, she wouldn’t say and walked into the kitchen, I followed. I asked if I did something that embarrassed her and she nodded yes.

Please tell me what it is so I won’t do it anymore, but if you don’t tell me I will keep doing it. She finally told me and we agreed on what I could and could not do in this situation. Done deal.

I’m in the embarrassing parent’s club again! Wahoo, I have arrived!

{November 20, 2014} Don’t gooooooooo

This was the cry from EJS when I was leaving with GES to go to girls night.

What a feeling! “You’re not going are you?” “Yes I am, I’m going with mommy” “But you’re coming right back, right?” “Eventually” “Awe…bbbbuuuttt…” from her sister “I’ll miss you”. And down the stairs we went after kissing the girls goodnight.

At the bottom of the steps, we look up and they are starting to creep, with these sad looks on their faces, down the stairs, GES turns to me and says, this is not for me. Awe, they want me to stay! They’re sad I’m going out for the night! I’m in!

And I have had a giant smile on my face ever since!

{November 19, 2014} Willie Wonka…my issue with Grandpa Joe

I may have blogged about this before, but it’s my blog, so I’m going to do it again!

EJS is reading Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in school and she wanted to watch the movie because a bunch of her classmates have already seen it.

We started watching last night and watched up to Charlie finding the ticket. Tonight we started watching when Charlie asks Grandpa Joe to go with him.

Here is my issue with this scene and Grandpa Joe. Grandpa Joe has been bed ridden along with Grandma Josephine, Grandpa George and Grandma Georgina for 20 years.

First of all, his legs should have atrophied after being in the bed that long and now all of a sudden, he can dance & do the two-step?

Second, he’s been in that bed for 20 years and Charlie’s mom is the one who works, takes care of the bills and the family and doesn’t want to take mom?

Where is the loyalty Charlie?

http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0067992/

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