Friday, June 24, 2005

This weekend I will get on a plane and travel cross country to Southern California. I'll be visiting my grandma who's getting over pneumonia and is in her mid eighties. We hadn't seen one another since my wedding and that is far too long. I am looking forward to seeing her but not how frail she is. I hope to spend as much time as I can with her and my cousins and favorite aunt. And maybe meet a bloggy friend or two.

I still have not gotten over my grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins all moving to California. And that was ten years ago. I still get teary after we speak on the phone and I have to say goodbye. The last time I visited I cried on the plane all the way home. I loved seeing my extended family every day when they lived in New York. To me its odd to even describe them as extended. They are just my family. It's strange that most Americans don't spend more time with their family immediate or extended. Of course I am speaking generally and do not know if ALL of America is like what I see and hear about. Have we been that influenced by television shows that make most families appear like lunatics that we forget the importance of it? I don't know. I know some families are quirkier than others and some people don't even speak to theirs for terrible reasons, but if there isn't a terrible reason why not embrace your family, immediate or extended?

I am also having a difficult time knowing that Niel is unable to come with me. Work responsibilities. I know it's only a short time and we'll both be fine. Heck we both encourage one another to do our own thing. And that Niel and I have been apart from one another before, but it's still difficult each time. I've probably mentioned this story before, but one time Niel was going to go away a few days after one of our anniversaries and I was glum. And I should have known better not to have expressed that in earshot of this person who has their head up their ass as well as their head in the clouds, because they replied "But you'll spend your anniversary together." Well duh! Thanks for clearing that up. Without your explanation I would have no idea! Anyway I don't think this person values family. The point is that I'll miss Niel tremendously while knowing my visit with my family will be short. I'm a major worry wart. Can you tell?

So while I am gone I asked Niel to put some fun posts up, as I don't know if I will have computer access. Hope everyone has a great week and when I return I hope to have stories of my little trip. As well as some stories of a potluck picnic-birthday I recently attended and Father's Day.

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Please go check out Enid's new site. She is a wonderful photographer and artist. You go Enid!

Song Stuck In My Head: "Love's Divine" by Seal

10 comments:

Yvett said...

Have a great time! A lot of my family also lives in California and I LOVE going any chance I get. Take pictures. I understand how you feel about Neil and you being away. Rodrigo's last business trip took him away for 2 days and I missed him. I think it's just knowing that we're apart. Take care.

foodiechickie said...

Thanks a lot Yvett!

Lisanne said...

Hi there, Ani! I hope that you have a very safe trip this weekend and lots of fun with your family. It's hard sometimes (especially now that we have Lucas) that our families are so far away (Indiana). Jeff had to fly to Baltimore today for work, just for the day! Ick! :(

foodiechickie said...

Jess
I don't know if its necessarily the part of the country that people live. Although I do see your point. But there are plenty of extended families who live close to one another in the NYC area. I see blocks where generations hang out on the stoops or picnic in the park. Sometimes its overwhelming to have so many peopel around, but the support is nice. I think some times people move away. And that is definetly harder. Or sometims people just don't make an effort with their families and then when they're alone, wonder why? If they care that is.
Sometimes bad things happen where you cut off family. But if there isn't. Why not see them? I just accustomed to it and still have a difficult time understand why everyone doesn't do that unless there is a very serious reason.
Oh have a lot of fun tonight when the hubby returns!

foodiechickie said...

Thanks Lisanne! Yeah I bet it is diffcult with a little one and you're in a different place. Hope your hubby has a safe trip and you guys have a great weekend!

foodiechickie said...

Hi Laura. That's a distance problem not an alienation. Thanks for the understanding:)

The Miller's Daughter said...

I hope you have a safe and fun time. The majority of my family are spread out in MD. But there I have a slight rift with my father's half that came up during his funeral, so I don't see them as much. I see my mom's family every once and a while. Funny thing is I'm closer to Brian's family.

We almost always have Sunday dinner at my mil's house. And for Thanksgiving, I make dinner at our house and my mom and his come other along with Brian's brothers and their families. So I'm happy that we get to see them pretty regularly--they are a rowdy bunch. By the way, thanks for the link to my site.

foodiechickie said...

That's great you're close to your inlaws. They sound like good fun people. And that you get to spend time with them and your mom. And you see each other regularly. Hope things get better with your dad's side. No problem for the link!

Jessica Moreau Berry said...

Have fun....it's so good that you can take some time to spend with your grandmother! I visit my grandparents every other Monday!

I know what you mean about missing Niel! Jon and I do a lot of traveling apart....in fact we ENCOURAGE each other to do so....but I ALWAYS miss him...(and I know he does me too)!

Chat when you get back!

foodiechickie said...

Thanks! That's great you live so close to your grandparents!