Act III: Microwaveless in the Midwest: Monday Musings During Hoarders 5.0

I am taking a break and watching Hoarders. I didn't watch Gossip Girl or House. Aren't you proud? I spent most of the day working - or trying to work- on my historiography paper. I changed the topic... about two hours ago... it is due next Monday. All 15 pages. Needless to say, I have some work to do. But I am taking time to complete my ritual of blogging. Wow. That sounds weird. Anyway.

Where should I start?
Thanksgiving Break

My flight left Toledo at 6:50p.m. so I left around 4 or so and treated myself to Boston Market. As I was growing up < like I am done growing or something > my parents always frowned upon the food at Boston Market. I never really knew why. They had a bad experience or something. Anyway. I absolutely love it. I get the side plate of mashed potatoes, green beans, and mac and cheese. Oh! and of course -- corn bread. Whew. Mix it all together... whew. Wonderful. So um yeah.

Then I went to the Airport. No Xray scans at the Toledo airport. Did have to take my shoes off, but no pat downs or rights violated. Haha. I had downloaded a book on tape called I Went To Vassar For This? eh. Wasn't that great. Time travel and other dumb stuff. And if the character went to Vassar then they need to review who they let graduate. Haha.

I made it to RDU around 10:30p and literally ran to Chase in the Terminal. Half way there I realized my book bag was totally unzipped and I'm lucky that things didn't just rain out of my bag while I rushed around the airport! At first I didn't see him - and my contacts were blurry- but then he popped out from behind the crowd and I about cried I was so happy to be home! We drove to Michelle's house and stumbled into the house super exhausted. The house was quiet and dark and it took everything in us to not just pass out on the couch! But eventually we made our way to our respective rooms and practically fell into sleep comas. I guess grad/law school plus traveling will wear a kid out!

First thing Wednesday morning, I woke up on the couch to a Lila and a Baby Leo. Love the cousins. My parents were on their way so I wanted to make it to Trader Joe's in time to be back when they arrived. This was slightly difficult. I got us a little lost. To busy reading the wrong signs to see the right ones. But it was worth it. Love love love some TJ's. Bought the following: pumpernickel bread, naan, two types of curry sauce, hot chocolate, pumpkin waffle mix, pumpkin butter, some assorted Indian food I can't remember the name of, and sweet potato chips, and..... about a ton of other things. It was so fun!
OH and the worlds best pumpkin cheese cake! Holy cow.

It was so wonderful to be with my parents. To show off the ring and get lots of hugs. People don't hug enough in graduate school- but then again, with how sick everyone has been I am not sure I want anyone even near me! They were just wonderful. We sat around talked about weddings stuff and just enjoyed being in the same stinking state! I don't want to go that long without seeing my parents. I am really blessed to have such wonderful family. My dad gives the bestest hugs. I was so happy to be with everyone, the Gisondi's, my grandparents, and Chase! Whew. Blessed.

That night we ate really awesome sushi and then got to stay at Michelle's friends' house and it was lovely. I always love sleeping in a big bed in a dark dark dark quiet room. Not to mention that Anna (the owner of the house) had a Keurig with Caramel Vanilla Creme coffee pods. That is my favorite from my days back at Beans!

Then... dun dun dun... it was Thanksgiving. And the day went very well. Dad fried a turkey, Michelle and my Mom made amazing food, and Grandma was silly and very Betty like. :) We played Wii (second year in a row), took random snugly naps on the couch (okay that was me and chase!), and just spent the day happy and together.