Wednesday, January 3, 2007

New Year, New Adventures!

This one is a bit long winded, so grab your coffee and have a seat. . .

The holidays have been busy to say the least. They always are, except this year it seems like things are a little busier. I can't quite put my finger on why, though. Christmas at mom and dad's was really good. A lot of eating and napping and spider solitaire. I got for gadgets for my trip.

Everyone took turns trying on mom's wigs!

Dad just took it all in!


I made a trip to Waco to "meet the parents". I've been dating Daniel since July, and went home with him. Very nice family, really great guy!

While I was there I got to see my mom's dear friend Becca. Becca is a nurse practitioner and she and mom did their master's together. Becca's own mother died of ovarian cancer. So when we found out about mom's diagnosis, Becca was a huge help. She was especially helpful during the worst of mom's treatment; talking me through everything, telling me what to do and what questions to ask. Mom has always been the one to take care of the rest of us, and we were all helpless when it came to caring for her. Becca was a great source of comfort and reassurance.

On our way home we stopped at Dublin, Texas and got some Dr. Pepper made from cane sugar. I've heard people talk about how much better it is, so I expected great things. It was ok, but not spectacular like I was expecting. They sure do think a lot of their Dr. Pepper because I nearly coughed up a lung when they told me the total. It was like $5 a six pack.

We also went through Crawford, Texas and had coffee with W. He was a lot shorter than I expected, but very hospitable. Man, that first lady can bake some cookies!!!

New Year's was a trip. I spent the evening with Amanda and Ryan Gray, and the Wiggingtons. We went to the Elk's club for this musician we used to go see when the Grays lived in Lubbock. None of really knew anything about the Elk's club and weren't sure what to expect. It was definitely interesting to say the least. We were the youngest people there by 30 years. I can honestly say that up until that point I have never seen anyone two step to Billy Jean by Michael Jackson. We toasted the New Year around 12:10 and were served champagne out of dixie cups carted around to the tables in a John Deere wagon. I'm talking high class, y'all! The guy who did the toast was about 2 sheets to the wind and was telling us to raise our glasses in honor of our troops serving in KO-REE-UH. You know because we have all those troops in Korea. Nonetheless, it was just amazing to spend time with the Grays and Wiggingtons, and watching others make fools of themselves.

I just found out we are spending a few days in London on our trip. I am so stoked! That means getting to hang out with my friend, Stuart. He is a good friend that lived in Dublin when I was there. London is my favorite city, and am anxious to stock up on Cadbury's, Galaxy, Hob Nobs, Digestives, Kinder Buenos, Hoola Hoops, etc. and have proper tea!

Good news! I have my suitcase a little over half packed. I weighed it and am under 25 lbs at this point. However, since we will be in London, I may have to pack a few heavier clothing items.

So leave me a note and tell me what made your holiday great!

5 comments:

tim rush said...

I don't know where I've been but I didn't know about your mom or about Daniel.

Sorry about your mom. How is she doing?

And sorry Daniel about Sarah. Maybe you can help her. Of course that's a joke, though a poor one. You are good people.

I too did not know about the Elk's club. Good times.

Ah London. There I discovered Who's Line Is It Anyway... the original version though with a couple of the same guys. I was laughing so hard I was shaking the bed and Benjy was trying to sleep and getting mad. (We'd just left Russia and he and Paige were on their way to Ireland... more good times.)

Sarah said...

Tim, Whose Line is it Anyway was my favorite show when I lived in Dublin. I loved it and Home and Away, an Australian soap.

Mom is doing well. She is only taking maintenance chemo right now. It is hard to believe where she came from to where she is now. It really humbled me just how powerful prayer can be.

BTW, Daniel thinks you're funny.

Anonymous said...

WOW!! So this is really happening? Our holidays sure were pretty mild in comparison to your adventures. Of course I think you could have a good time in a paper bag! We did have to put down our schnauzer on the 28th. Matthew and I seem to have taken it the hardest, but what else can you expect from two birds of a feather? I will have to show Matthew exactly where London is in relation to the US. Oh how we will miss you! Love your postings--describe every moment for us--we'll live vicariously through you.

flee said...

Hey Sarah...when do you leave? Too cool that you are getting to do that after talking about doing something like that for so long. Can't wait to hear about it!

Sorry we missed you in Lubbock. We actually were both sick the whole time there, so you wouldn't have wanted to see us anyway. Sounds like New Year's was something straight out of the sticks of Arkansas!! Too funny...ok..so who is Daniel and do I know him? Details please. Much love to you girl..flee

Sarah said...

Elaine, I am sorry to hear about your dog. I know how much you all loved him.

Flee, I leave Jan. 9th. I am very nervous at this point. There are apparently travel warnings out for some of the places we are going and such, so London was a refreshingly familiar relief for me. I am really excited about this trip, but now it is just a few days before I leave and the nerves are a little on edge.

Daniel is the guy I've been dating since July. He is pursuing landscape architecture at Tech. We worked together at the nursery. I have been working at Little Red Riding Hood in the summers. He's a GOOD guy!!! Lisa approves, and John and Faye met him a few days ago. Haven't gotten their two cents worth yet.

I'm glad to hear from you. I hope all is well in Searcy!