1) Disneyland.
Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion- far superior to that in the World. Splash Mountain, and getting soaked- but then appreciating how were saved compared to the two guys sitting in front of us. I just giggled a lot... I couldn't help it. Tea Cups with the three of us- I nearly passed out because I was laughing so hard. We met Mickey. I couldn't find Tigger anywhere. The longest we waited was 30 minutes for a ride, and dare I say it was for Peter Pan? I found my inner child in the Fantasyland Rides, and I held onto her the entire day. It was a GREAT day. Matty had changed his mind last week and decided to go, and I can't imagine that day without him. All in all, a WINNER.
2) The Ocean.
We took a 2.1 mile walk from our hotel in Venice Beach up to the Santa Monica Pier after we checked in on Sunday. Our way up there it was sunny, warm, and beautiful. As the view of the pier came closer into sight, I was excited for on it contains my bench. I was also terrified to share it with Matty and Tex. The significance of that particular spot is so special to me, and only me- how do you share that and let go of the fact with the introduction it will mean something different, something new? They let me sit, and we talked for a little bit. I got to appreciate the view, and I got to smile when thinking about the first time I was there- over a year ago. I remembered when I was first there in August of '07 that I received a text from Tex, who was at my house with everyone, just wanting to check in with me. The exchange of messages that day contained nothing out of the ordinary, but it did connect home with where I was in the moment. Last Sunday, I got to feel on either side of me two friends that I love. It was different then the times I'd been there before. It had changed. The change? It was perfect.
3) Vegas.
Ridiculous. It was the perfect transition into relaxation from the traffic/city life of LA.
We had some amazing food- I would like to mention that we had great food all week, from In & Out Burger, Pinkberry, The World Cafe, to all the fantastic choices in Vegas... winners! But if you know me, you know the highlight is always Justus Kerr- my favorite Stylist at the salon, Color. I met Justus three years ago after leaving CA, and before my return to VA, completing a near month in Bakersfield after Bill died. Justus was the first person I met that had nothing to do with my life in VA, or experience in CA... he wasn't associated with the "pre-heart break me", or the "post-heart break me". It was right in the middle, the limbo before I returned home and would begin the real difficult process of grief in action. As he gave me what would become my first of many favorite hair cuts, he asked me simple questions, and when I was ready I began to talk. That day I sat in the Salon for three hours, and after it was all said and done he gave me a hug, and I knew that I had been heard. My jaunts to Vegas have less to do with where it is then people ever really know. It is about a time, a place, three years ago that I was able to breathe in deeply after holding everything I felt for three weeks inside my heart. I can relax there. It could look different, be different, or be some random little town in Small Town America... my association is not the glitz, the glamor, the excess. Last week I got to visit my Boo, and we talked again, real life, real issues. The boys came and waited for me, and I introduced them to each other. I worried as the time ticked away and I took longer then expected. Anyway, a highlight. I could breathe... deeply and truly. The day followed and lived up to the start with greatness- dinner, show... my dress.
4) The Boys.
I can't imagine being blessed with two travel partners that I could enjoy more. Being miss-solo/independant traveler, I was a little anxious going into a week of my favorite places and sharing the agenda and itinerary. But, I loved it. Beyond where we were, and what we were doing- I loved spending time with them. It was fun to watch these two friends of mine, who work and live together, enjoy themselves and each other outside of the home and work place... it was just them hanging out. They made me laugh when I'd walk behind them, and would be half listening to their conversation. They balanced each other out when there was a tweak of tension, and I was grateful for that more then I was able to acknowledge in those moments. On the phone with Theresa from the airport on Friday she asked how the week went, and I said simply and with great enthusiasm: "I just love them". I was able to share time with each of them, and I was able to enjoy the dynamic we all created. When I was wrestling to get to sleep when I got back, I missed hearing the "Jacques" voice, and I missed them. What better way to end a week with friends then to be content and happy with what was shared- and wanting just a bit more. Seriously? Loved.Every.Moment.With.Them.
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