The Break so far
We had a wonderful time in Houston for Christmas. R's family really pulled out all the stops and there was more food/presents/wine/cheer than anyone could have possibly expected. I feel very blessed to have been able to share that time with them, especially since I know how much it meant to my MIL in particular. The photo book of our cruise that we gave them for Christmas turned out to be a huge hit, which was a big relief. Also, MIL has become somewhat enamored of Thurn and Taxis, so playing lots of that too.
Saturday I flew into Tulsa to see my mom, and we've been having a great time. Sat evening we got dolled up and went dancing - after 10 years, I do remember how to two-step, thank you very much. We also did some line dances, which was fun. What was utterly fabulous was watching Mom dance and have such an obviously good time. She takes such joy in it and my heart soars to see that. I'm even doubly glad that she's not letting her wet blanket of a boyfriend stop her from going out. I think having one partner in a lifetime that doesn't dance is enough. I think I finally understand where my joy in movement comes from. Hurrah for Mom!
Yesterday, we drove down to Norman/OKC to do some visiting. The interstates were totally clear from all the snow, and so it was an easy trip, driving wise. Seeing Marcella was simultaneously wonderful and difficult. She's 92 and starting to get a patchy memory, which I suppose is understandable. She's settled in with her nephew and his wife in quite well and is finally being well looked after and is happy about her living arrangements, which is a major relief to me. We had a really good chat over lunch and got all caught up, so that was good.
Then off to OKC and I got to spend some precious time with adrian_ilo and her Mom, which was lovely. I really wish that my brother's wedding had different timing so that I could combine the trip for that with another up to DC and possibly up also to NY, but that was not meant to be. Still, a little is better than nothing and I was grateful that our schedules matched up this time. The last stop was by to see my Dad's sister, who is doing really well and then back off to Tulsa for roast beef (yum!) and a nice quiet evening in. Mom showed me both dresses she bought for the wedding and she looks amazing in both of them. One is utterly, head-turningly stunning, and the other is super classy and a bit more mother-y. She'll probably wear the latter to the wedding and save the former for another occasion.
Today we're going to do a little shopping this afternoon and then I'm back to Houston. I was so glad to be able to come and get in some good bonding time with Mom; I kind of wish it would be longer, but we do have the wedding in a month's time, so we'll be back for that. Mom has also tasked me with planning something super fun as a family vacation later in 2010, so that's good to look forward to (both the planning and the enjoying!).
Tomorrow, I must, Must, MUST finish that paper. Must. No Options.
And then. . . . New Year's.
Saturday I flew into Tulsa to see my mom, and we've been having a great time. Sat evening we got dolled up and went dancing - after 10 years, I do remember how to two-step, thank you very much. We also did some line dances, which was fun. What was utterly fabulous was watching Mom dance and have such an obviously good time. She takes such joy in it and my heart soars to see that. I'm even doubly glad that she's not letting her wet blanket of a boyfriend stop her from going out. I think having one partner in a lifetime that doesn't dance is enough. I think I finally understand where my joy in movement comes from. Hurrah for Mom!
Yesterday, we drove down to Norman/OKC to do some visiting. The interstates were totally clear from all the snow, and so it was an easy trip, driving wise. Seeing Marcella was simultaneously wonderful and difficult. She's 92 and starting to get a patchy memory, which I suppose is understandable. She's settled in with her nephew and his wife in quite well and is finally being well looked after and is happy about her living arrangements, which is a major relief to me. We had a really good chat over lunch and got all caught up, so that was good.
Then off to OKC and I got to spend some precious time with adrian_ilo and her Mom, which was lovely. I really wish that my brother's wedding had different timing so that I could combine the trip for that with another up to DC and possibly up also to NY, but that was not meant to be. Still, a little is better than nothing and I was grateful that our schedules matched up this time. The last stop was by to see my Dad's sister, who is doing really well and then back off to Tulsa for roast beef (yum!) and a nice quiet evening in. Mom showed me both dresses she bought for the wedding and she looks amazing in both of them. One is utterly, head-turningly stunning, and the other is super classy and a bit more mother-y. She'll probably wear the latter to the wedding and save the former for another occasion.
Today we're going to do a little shopping this afternoon and then I'm back to Houston. I was so glad to be able to come and get in some good bonding time with Mom; I kind of wish it would be longer, but we do have the wedding in a month's time, so we'll be back for that. Mom has also tasked me with planning something super fun as a family vacation later in 2010, so that's good to look forward to (both the planning and the enjoying!).
Tomorrow, I must, Must, MUST finish that paper. Must. No Options.
And then. . . . New Year's.