It's All About Family

Last week was both horrendous and wonderful. I caught a monster of a cold on the flight back from China, tried to recover from jet lag without any whining, found out a friend unexpectedly lost his mom, discovered I'm not the be-all-end-all of my office and will have to retake a class due to my worldly travels . I also watched Sydney and Sarah perform in their church play as a rabbit and skunk respectively, visited with cousins I haven't seen in five years and watched our children as they became fast friends, listened to countless stories from masterful storytellers, and remembered that my family is what really matters.

My uncle, Bruce, turned 70 this past weekend and his wife Marie threw a great party inviting his family and close friends. It was really nice; yummy food, bottomless drinks, great weather, and happy moods. One of the best sights was seeing my dad, Uncle Bruce and Uncle Dan together. Three brothers, laughing and reliving raucous times from their childhood. Larry gave Bruce a bottle of Chinese vodka that he'd brought back from his January trip. The girls gave him a bottle of ketchup and a t-shirt that says "Everything tastes better with ketchup". He and Sydney are from the same mold in that regard. My cousin Beth's daughter, Elaina, was such a trooper. Never once became visibly annoyed by my endless talker, Katie. Rick's (my other cousin) boys didn't get too overwhelmed by the Pink Tornados. Evan and Sarah were thick as theives by Saturday night; waltz lessons and massages were said to have taken place.

The weekend jaunt was exactly what I needed at a time when I thought I didn't want to be around anybody. Being with my family, my parents, cousins and other folks who were friendly and funny was just what the doctor ordered. I guess the point I'm trying to make, if to only myself, is that no matter how yucky the world may seem, it took about ten minutes of being around family to make me realize what matters. We are all replaceable in terms of our jobs, but my family is not. Let's not wait another five years before we do this again, OK?

Happy Administrative Professionals Day

So, this has been a long, rough week...and it is only Wednesday. I am recovering from jet lag and suffering from an airplane induced cold. Not that I'm complaining because I'm really not. Larry and I had a great time in China last week. I mean who wouldn't be thrilled to celebrate a birthday and anniversary in a foreign land. Well, I guess lots of folks...but I digress. I will write more about the trip later.

I was surprised a few moments ago when flowers arrived at my office. FOR ME! "What's this?" I wondered. This cute little nosegay was from my office mates. Upon further investigation I realized it's Administrative Professionals Day (Secretary's Day, people!). My peers gave ME flowers, the folks who have worked tirelessly, shorthanded and with minimal complaints (most of the time). Honestly, you guys, you are the ones who deserve the flowers and so much more.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

I've been hesitant to write anything for fear of jinxing it. But the reservations have been made, passport and visa have arrived, and the bags are being packed. Larry & I are going to China...yep, China!

We fly to Shanghai on Saturday for business (and pleasure, how could it not be?). Larry has been offered a 3 year contract position as part of the start up team for a new manufacturing plant in Suzhou, and we are exploring the possibilities. No contract has been signed yet, but this trip will most definitely decide it for us. The folks over there won't let Larry sign a contract until I approve. Gotta love that.

The girls have been telling all of their friends and teachers and complete strangers that they are moving to China. I've been following behind them with our official statement, "no contract has been signed." They will be spending the week with their grandparents. The fact that we won't be together on Easter is heartbreaking to me. This will be our first holiday apart from each other. Thankfully, the girls are excited to be hunting eggs in Mimi and Papa's house as there are more rooms to search. I apologize in advance, Mom and Dad, if in their haste to find eggs things get broken.

Hold That Thought...

So much is going on right now, I'm having a hard time focusing on one thing. My mind is jumping from task to task, event to event...

Our office coordinates the New Student Orientation and yesterday online registration opened. Clear, concise information and directions are spelled out for our newly accepted angels. Our angels (and their parents) don't like to follow directions or read evidently. Don't get me wrong I truly love talking with them. Most are so excited and are friendly. You can almost feel the glow coming through the phone from parents who are beaming about their kids. There are those who choose to make this experience as difficult as possible for themselves and everyone they have to deal with. I enjoy those folks, too. It's like a test to see if I can turn their attitude around. The fee increased substantially this year so I imagine my work is cut out for me.

Class work is piling up due to my persistant problem of procrastination. The girls are busy with Easter performances and plays and being little girls. Other life events are unfolding...and consuming my thoughts...wrap all these things together and you have Melissa, a big bundle of exposed nerve endings. I'm taking deep breaths when I can and letting the chips fall where they may.