New assignment, new attitude?

I hope so. I feel like my thoughts have been on auto repeat- must get home, must sleep, must relax. The stress of being away combined with making sure I am ready for Christmas once I get home was heavy. But I made it home, I rested, I watched TV with my daughter and didn’t make a list of everything I’m supposed to do while home. I had Christmas with my family,  ate too much, laughed too loud and it was good.
And today, the boyfriend gets home from his family Christmas and I predict that will make me pretty happy. Okay, ridiculously joyful. There is only so much Trivia Crack and wishful conversation we can have. Being in the same room will be a gift all on its own.
Since I am back home (for a bit) I will share a new dining experience you should have when in Indy. Georgia Reese’s Southern Kitchen will feed your tummy and your soul. The hurry up mode of Chicago left me when I walked in. I meant to only buy a gift certificate but the menu and hospitality whispered “Stay, relax- let us take care of you.” And who was I to refuse. I am hearing that there is a second one planned for downtown and agree-
I don’t normally love chains but this kind of hospitality should be multiplied. Until then, go to northwest side of Indy- near 86th and Michigan – and take in the southern smells of excellent home style cooking and service that asks “where are you from,  and how can we take care of you”? The orange Coca Cola rib tips should be a start for you.
Next assignment is on the horizon – after a few more days in Oakbrook.  Des Moines, Iowa- not sure what I will do with you but that appears to be the next challenge.  I am curious as I never would go there on my own- but am open to any surprises Iowa would bring. I know – the excitement is killing you 😉

title to be determined like so many other things

Disclaimer – while I am normally very festive and yes, if my appetite is good – jolly even around this time of year, I fear this will be not so festive, jolly or even enlightening. You have been warned. And while I look at how many people may read my blog, the truth is – this is for me.

I’m trying, I really am – but I fear I may be turning into the Grinch, but less funny than the Jim Carrey version. Yep, still in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. It’s not you Oakbrook, it’s me. Well, not so much me but a series of events and decisions by others that have me in a state of limbo, unease and desperately missing home. I love this time of year, I am normally getting home, lighting candles, heating up apple cider ( with a splash of cinnamon vodka, perhaps) and planning what fabulous treats to make for others. I am likely also cuddling with a dog or two on the couch, by the Christmas tree and watching White Christmas for the 900th time.

but each weekend home has become a race between me, the clock, the laundry, the grocery store and the guilt of not being able to be there for certain family and friends that I would love to be there more for. A question of which holiday events will I miss, who will I disappoint and how often do I say “I’m sorry I can’t do it all”. The fear I am losing touch with what is important for things that may not happen for all my efforts and sacrifice. And I don’t mean to sound so pathetic and whiny – as I know others who struggle with more. Friends and family that have lost parents,kids or are going thru medical challenges where every day is a gift. I know that – it is a gift- just one I would like to open more at home.

I struggle daily when a guest complains that their room type is not exactly as they reserved it or what they wanted for breakfast was not on the free buffet. There is a little angry woman inside me – who yells – seriously! That is what you are focused on!!?? I quiet that little angry woman inside – I tell her, “They have no idea how much you miss your family, and that you would sleep in a closet if you could be home”. Guests are not my problem – I remind myself that they are someone’s family and I may be the only one they can complain to about anything at that moment.

The truth is  – I need a break, some serious family time and maybe a good cry. Yuck, I hate crying. And I have the worst cry face ever. Perhaps I need to watch The Color Purple, and just be happy I’m not Celie. Or Gone With the Wind, after all  – Tomorrow is another day.

here’s your sign

so I am still in Oakbrook Terrace of the Chicago Oakbrook Terraces… and perhaps starting to get a little crazy. In honor of all business travelers who may be on the road too much, here are signs that well, you may be on the road too much:

1. You used to run to the nearest store once you unpacked to buy whatever it is that you forgot… now you figure, if it was so important – I would have packed it. hello, hairy legs.

2. You know longer care who has the best happy hour specials near your hotel – now, whoever delivers pizza and beer is your best friend. I may have creeped out my delivery person last night. It may have been to soon to ask if they were on Facebook.

3. You stay in to finish accounting work instead of going to a company event where you know people will drink too much and there will be great gossip. true story. ( a cry for help)

4. You wonder what your dogs are doing at home and if they think about you. pathetic. They are still – looking for things to chew up, sniffing butts, licking themselves and taking more naps than anyone has a right to.

5. You offer to sign up your boyfriend for Match.com – and then realize they are too good for you once you list their attributes. Sigh.

6. You realize if you listed yourself on Match.com – the description would be hairy, grumpy and thirsty.

7. You are really friendly to toll booth workers, after all – you see them more than your family. Yeah, I creep them out too.

8. You think about getting a cat, just to have someone hairier than you to cuddle with and talk to at night. JUST KIDDING – sorry cat people but cats are evil and always plotting against us. You’ll see….

9. You start to have paranoid thoughts… about cats….