365-2 | Peaches Prattlings

{November 7, 2014} The Call

Tonight I watched the movie, The Call, with Halle Berry and wow!

I say rent it, download it, whatever, but if you are into suspense films, watch it! And if you’ve already seen, what did you think?

I might give a wee bit of a spoiler alert, but not much, and the movie came out last year, so you will just have to deal with it!

Halle Berry plays a 911 operator who is top of her game, a star, she even has a regular caller who gets thrown in jail for DUI all the time and uses his one phone call to call her, how sweet. One day she gets a call from a girl who gets kidnapped and it changes her life and leaves her broken, for lack of a better term.

Move forward six months and she is now a teacher, I think instructor or trainer is a better word, but that could be because I am one! Anyway, she is now a teacher to the newbies and a call comes in to a probationary operator, six months on the job, who is lost after a few minutes and Jordan, Halle Berry, takes over and she is thrown back into it and has to find the strength within to stay with the girl, played by Abigail Breslin, fabulous by the way! [Little Miss Sunshine is all grown up!]

She stays on the phone with Casey and does everything within her power to help her, keep her calm, keep her talking and hopefully keep her safe. There are some plot twists and turns, a few Oh My Gawds! a few Did that really just happen? Even an Oh Damn! here and there!

I can see how this would have made a great book and I have to tell you watching it in the living room and being able to talk during it definitely helped! Having to keep quiet in the movie theater would not have worked! TS and I are so glad we do not have long blond hair!

Does this movie have a happy ending? I don’t know “happy” is the right word. I would go with satisfied.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1911644/?ref_=nv_sr_2

{November 7, 2014} After being sick at work/Travel Day

This is a dual blog post because i want to talk about two things and it’s my post, so there you go.

So, as you know, I wasn’t feeling well this week and had to stay in bed yesterday. Since I am relatively new to the project, everyone knows who I am and yesterday, there was a big meeting and I was noticeably absent and this was the meeting where the project manager was supposed to introduce PM and I to the group, oh well. So…today, everyone wanted to know if I was feeling better, it was very nice, but a little weird. Even at the airport, when I landed in Atlanta, I saw some of my teammates and they were asking. So nice, but weird. It was definitely appreciated, but at the same time, not the kind of attention I want and how much information do you give? Ramble over.

As for traveling…I left some perishables with the hotel until Monday, I didn’t feel like traveling with them, so that was good. I got an text that my 4:50pm flight was delayed until 5:36pm, go figure, apparently due to high wind, it finally started getting cold in Chicago. Then I have no seat, I will get that at the gate. When I get to the Delta counter, wait with everyone else to drop my bag, about 30 minutes, great…then going through security, TSA pre-check, but a random check, really?

Get to the gate, there was an announcement that there was a gate change, go to the new gate with everyone else, it’s for an earlier flight than ours, how could a flight leave before it was supposed to when it was delayed. Then go back to the original gate and wait with everyone else, finally getting in line because the one woman at the counter said it would be a while, they were still working on the flight that just left.

Got on the plane and waited and waited and waited. Finally took off, as soon as we land, EVERYONE [well, almost everyone] gets up, like that’s going to help. Finally get off the plane, get my bag, break a nail getting the bag off the conveyor belt, what? And lost a charm off the bracelet I got in Ireland, pook. Did meet a nice guy that works for Deloitte as well, he overheard me speaking with someone about what I did. We are both working for the same partner on different projects.

Get my car, which is an Impala, or land yacht as I like to call it. It’s clean, good stereo and rides smoothly. I make it to TS’ house and it’s a wonderful reunion, she feeds me home made veggie soup and is so wonderful because she is a meat eater and used to flavoring with meat, but accommodated me and it was heavenly. I am not eating very much at the moment. There was salad and her mom’s home made pickles. I was in heaven. A wonderful end to a long day.

Goodnight my friends!

{November 5, 2014} Being sick in a hotel…

Is no fun at all!

As my friend ST said, it makes you feel a little more alone. There’s no one checking on you, in person, i had lots of people check on me via text, thank you! No one checking to see if you want or need anything, no one to pat your back and tell you you’re going to be alright. Ok, I know I sound whiney, I’m sick, you’ll get over it!

You know one of the things I like, well, like might not be the right word, but when I’m home and sick, my cats are with me and never leave my side, that is incredibly comforting.It’s their way of taking care of their mommy.

Last night I slept pretty hard, woke up a few times and finally about 7, I woke up, messaged my co-worker and manger telling them I wouldn’t make it in to work today and went back to sleep, or tried to. I spent the rest of the day dozing, the only time I got out of bed was to go to the bathroom and twice I thought a shower would help, it did, the first time was just to stand under the warm water, the second was an actual shower, with soap and shampoo! I felt like a human being again, mostly. And the second time, I put on fresh jammies, that always helps!

I went to sleep achy and woke up that way, not really able to move, but progressively during the day felt a little better and the achy feeling is moving down my body, so that’s better. About 3pm, I messaged my manager to tell him I was upright and see if there was anything he needed me to work on, I could be slightly productive.

The good news is…I talked to GES and everyone is fine at their house! Dad, not so much, but it will run it’s course so I am hopeful for tomorrow!

Thanks for all the good vibes and wishes and I wish you never, ever experience this and if you do…I hope it’s at home where someone will tell you everything will be alright!

{November 4, 2014} I wasn’t so lucky

I told you last night that I got out just in time from my sister’s place. Not so.

I didn’t sleep that well, the room was a little warm, but I slept and got up before the alarm, showered and got dressed leisurely, it was nice. I made a great smoothie (strawberries, bananas, spinach, coconut water and silken tofu).

Picked up the guys, drove to the hospital to get the day started. meetings, getting stuff done, had lunch and a very tasty pear, all seemed fine.

Then about an hour later, not so…I started feeling achy and ill. I made a beeline for the bathroom, nothing. Even PM went ti see if there was a pharmacy, nope. What? Is a hospital!

Finally I couldn’t take it anymore. At 3:00, I arranged for Uber to pick me up, same driver as last night, go figure!

I got to the hotel, got some flu and cold meds, I was hoping it would make me drowsy. I got to the room with a few minutes to spare, put my jammies on, after talking to dad, he was in a bad way too.

I got in bed and about three minutes later jumped up and headed to the bathroom and I felt BETTER!!!

I messaged dad and GES, turns out it was a 24 hour bug, all is well! There’s hope for me!

I’m laying here now and going to try to sleep. I want to be well for work tomorrow. I hope you’re all feeling great!

{November 3, 2014} What a day!

The day started too early, as always, but that’s a Monday morning for you.

Unfortunately, MGS wasn’t feeling well last night, she had an upset tummy late and even after she…she still felt bad, mommy was there to rub her back and rock her to sleep. She had a few more bouts through the night, poor little bit. When I talked to GES, we both thought at first, it might have been too much candy and junk. Now, we know that’s not the case. Why, you ask? I’ll tell you.

After I kissed EJS and headed to the airport for my flight that had been delayed by 30 minutes, based on the text I had gotten last night, due to crew availability. They can only fly so many hours, so they weren’t allowed to leave until at least 9:30. I waited with everyone else for my turn to get on the plane, United Airlines, back of the plane. After it took forever to take off, the flight was uneventful. [I promise, I’m getting there]. But…since the flight was delayed leaving and so many people had connecting flights, it was oh so pleasant when we landed. First, it took forever to get to the gate, people were actually standing before we got to the gate, standing simply because we were on the ground, as if standing would have gotten the plane to the gate faster. Really people?

I finally got off the plane, about 30 minutes later, got my luggage and hopped in a cab, where the driver wanted to use the GPS on my phone, really?

I sent a text to my dad and sister to let them know I arrived, asked how things were and she was on her way to school to pick up EJS, who was sick at school. I checked on them a few hours later and it turns out everyone in the house was sick! Quarantined! GES and ACS had the shivers and EJS and MGS were sick. GES called the pediatrician and it’s going to be a long cold and flu season. It’s hopefully a 24 hour bug.

I don’t know how, but I got out of the house just in time! I feel terrible about not being there to take care of them, I would hope that if I had been there, I might not get sick, but I probably would.Sending them all good vibes, hugs and love for a speedy recovery!!! Please send them good vibes too!!

{November 2, 2014} Ireland Day 1 – Russborough House

This is Russborough House, considered to be the most beautiful house in Ireland. This was my first stop after landing in Ireland. The weather was great, overcast, but comfortable. Brilliant!

http://www.heritageisland.com/attractions/russborough-house/

{November 1, 2014} Post Halloween – No rest for the tricked or treated!

The day started WAY too early! Especially after GES and I were up all night talking about Christmas movies!

EJS decided she was going to wake me and try to scare me with her orange vampire teeth…eeek! Then it was up for the last soccer game of the season, or so we thought, next week there is a make-up game. The game continued, even after the freezing rain started and I must tell you that EJS is a beast on the field! So very proud of her!

On the way home, stop at the local farmers market for treats! Apple cider donuts, scones and bagels, yum! One donut on the way home of course! At home, get ready for play date number one. Then JS and AS show up to hang out and after a while, dad and I head out to Walmart, I need some tubs for my stuff.

Back home, I drop dad and the stuff, realize I forgot something and headed out and found GES, not that she was lost or anything, but the day after Halloween is a must to shop for deeply discounted stuff for next Halloween, of course! I got home and DB was there with her two adorable kids, N and Baby A, what a couple of doll babies. You know Auntie J loves to play with the babies! This was also play date number two for the day.

JS and ACS came home while we were all visiting and eventually DB and the kids left, then it was time for GES and ACS to get ready for their night out to dinner with friends. About 6:30, it was egg and cheese sandwiches on english muffins for everyone left at home while watching futball and How to Train Your Dragon 2. After the movie it was time for books and bed, there were wee tots ready for sleep!

Lots of laughter of course, especially when I was helping MGS get into her pj’s and she ended up with both legs in one! That resulted in uproarious fits of laughter. And again, EJS was so generous when MGS couldn’t find her “lovey” [something they each have in different colors that they sleep with] and EJS said “That’s ok, I always have a spare!’ What a good big sister!

Eventually the kids were asleep and dad and I hung on the sofa watching bad tv mingled with some sports while I nodded off here and there, thinking about sleeping. After the parents got home, everyone went to bed and guess who “woke up”! Laundry, packing, clearing off the bed. And here it is almost 1am and I’m still talking to you! I am beat!!!

When do we set the clocks back?

Good night!

{October 31, 2014} Happy Halloween!

Oh how I wish I could show you pictures of my fantastically adorable family!

Halloween is such a great day, so much fun! Steeped in a long great history, mystery, fright, fun, color, pumpkins, candy, treat, tricks, costumes, legends, ghost stories, tradition.

If you were raised in the north, do you remember trick-or-treating when it was freezing out and you wore your costume over your snow suit, that plastic outfit and the hard plastic mask that had two small eye holes and teeny nose holes, you couldn’t see or barely breath, but you were so stoked to get the costume, you tried to sleep in it?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacqueline-wilson/halloween-for-kids-in-the-70s-vs-halloween-today_b_5932076.html

I have always loved Halloween, it’s so much fun. When I was with the wasband, even before we got married, we loved to celebrate Halloween. We used to throw the biggest Halloween parties, decorated the house BIG time! There were some kids who didn’t even want to come up the path! It was awesome. Needless to say, love Halloween.

I even sent a note to the tenants renting my house telling them what Halloween was like in my neighborhood, crazy amounts of kids, love it! Need lots of candy!

This was the first year I got to spend Halloween in Boston with my family and it was terrific! One of the joys I have is that I am the Halloween Costume Fairy! I get to get the costumes for EJS, MGS, Miss A, Baby A [I won’t be able to call him that much longer!], LB and her baby sister, L, how lucky am I. And…this year, I even got to buy a costume for my sister!

Miss A was Dorothy and SDL made her wheelchair look like a tornado with the house on top! LB wanted the family to go as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Baby A was Harry Potter! What a bunch of cuties! Want to get on Auntie J/G/JJ’s Halloween Costume Train, you let me know!

So…I asked what the girls wanted to be for Halloween and MGS says she wants to be Elsa from Frozen, EJS wanted to be Olaf, go figure! ACS was going to be Sven, the reindeer and GES was Anna, she had to have a costume. What a great looking family!

Dad picked up EJS early from school and then we took her to karate, a yellow belt needs her practice! Then we picked up pizzas on the way home and waited for everyone to show up. And by everyone, I mean several of the usual cast of fabulous characters! We ate, laughed, light the Shabbat candles, did the blessings over the candles, challah and wine. It’s nice to be with family at this time.

Then it was time for everyone to put on their costumes, if they hadn’t already, and what a sight to see! We had the cast from Frozen, The Incredibles family, a cat, a clown and S&A were a T-Bird and Pink Lady, awesome!

It was time to get out there and go door to door and trick-or-treat! The girls, as they’ve gotten older now go up and down the block and then around the block, so we kind of split off, EJS and I with HS, her dad and PK went to the right and everyone else went to the left.

It was nice walking with the kids trick-or-treating, meeting other families, kids in adorable costumes, so many people said to EJS when she went by “Hi Olaf!” Too funny!

I have tell you about something EJS did and I was so proud of her! A lot of the houses, just like this one, who have younger kids and go out trick-or-treating earlier, will leave out bowls of food, some with a note, some not “Please be courteous and leave candy for other kids”. I’ve never seen that, but so many houses did that and these kids were very respectful and only took a piece or two, didn’t go crazy.

So…my niece…there was a house that had a sign and a bowl and the bowl was empty, what did EJS do? She added a few pieces of candy to the bowl! Is that the most awesome thing you’ve ever heard of? So very proud was I and of course, the family when i told them.

Then it was back to the house to check out the stash, it was great, GES was trying to get through on the walkie talkie and EJS said “Are you done?” GES asked “Are you reviewing your stash?” “Yes” “Oh, ok, got it!”

Then eventually, everyone was back at the house for some snacks and of course, some candy! Reviewing the day, playtime and then off to bed!

Now, it’s about 2am and GES and I have been sitting on the couch watching shows on DVR and now Christmas movies! And reminiscing about all the Christmas movies we love, especially the Hallmark ones, we are addicted! OMG!

What a day it was!I am so excited that I was here to see the costumes in person and go trick-or-treating! It felt good when the girls asked me a few weeks ago if I would be here for Halloween and I could say yes. Here I am!

Happy Happy Halloween! Boo!

{October 30, 2014} Good to be home…with family

Today I traveled home for the weekend to Boston.

The day started very early, as it has every morning this week and will be for the next 7 months, Mondays through Thursdays. Work, then head to the airport, best part…upgrade to first class on my flight home! Wahoo! Go United Airlines!

This was a pleasant turn of events after a fall this morning! We came out of the parking deck, I took a step onto the concrete and went down, straight onto my knee. Knee is scuffed up, lost some skin, but my pants…not a scratch, awesome!

Got to the airport and breezed through security because of TSA pre-check, love it! Security was crazy! Got through, got a delicious green shake at Jamba Juice, yum! Got on the plane, turned left and settled into my first class seat, warm towels, warm bowl of nuts, warm chocolate chip cookie [I couldn’t eat the dinner offered, nothing for a veg-head, not a big deal], got to Boston, was met by my friend PK, who was wonderful to give me a ride home.

When I got there, said hello to the kitties, put my stuff in the basement and then GES came downstairs, I wasn’t sure if I would see her tonight, but I did and it was great to catch up. I so love my sister, we get to be grownups together and still can be silly. We talked about how my wardrobe that she helped me pick out went over, talked about grown up clothes and then she finally had to say uncle, she was ready for be. You know me, I could have gone on all night, right?

The best part, after wishing her a good night, hugging and kissing her, I went upstairs and snuck into each of my nieces rooms to kiss them goodnight. Oh my are they so sweet and cute when they’re sleeping, faces squished on their hands when they sleep on their sides. They smell so good. I kissed them, whispered I love you and then snuck out as quietly.

Now, I am in my jammies, I don’t have to wear dress shoes for at least 3 days! wahoo! sitting down to write to you and surrounded by two snoring cats. Heaven!

Have a great night! Tomorrow is Halloween and I am Boston for the first time, can’t wait! And I can’t wait to tell you all about it! Happy Halloween in advance!

{October 29, 2014} Playing dress up is no fun.

Let me rephrase…I love playing dress up, dressing in costumes, putting on a dress and getting gussied up for a night on the town.

Dressing in business professional attire for work is not that much fun. For the last few years, I have only worn business casual attire for work. That usually involves khakis, sweater sets, summer dresses, flats, sometimes boots. Now, with this position, I am in slacks, more formal dresses, dressy sweaters, belts, things that cinch. Oh, and there are the shoes! Boots with heels, shoes with heels, there is a pair of flats, but still…heels, heels, heels.

It’s a new sensation and I feel like a kid playing dress up. Don’t tell anyone, I’m getting away with it!

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