Based on how youthful I look in the picture on my blog (cough, cough), it may be difficult for anyone to believe I have a daughter who is an adult.
It's now five minutes later and I've just now recovered from the shock of seeing that in print. It's true, though, my eldest is now 18 years old and as a big gift for her, we are taking a trip to a beach resort in a couple of weeks. ALRIGHT! It's as much a gift to me as it is to her - I admit it. Anyway, I started the countdown of days some time ago and now that we have dropped below 20 days, I'm starting lists and getting ready to pack.
Whenever I travel with other folks, they always seem to be amazed at how efficiently I pack. I've decided it's really not so much that I excel at it, it's just they really suck at it. So, I'm considering giving a class - "Vacation 101". The Syllabus includes such items as:
- Pack for yourself, not a Pack Mule: You do NOT need to have a 1:1 ratio of items to days for anything except underwear. Underwear is the exception to the rule because it takes up very little space and bringing an extra pair gives you the security of keeping your Mother's voice at bay ('What if you get in to an accident?!?'). Heck, if you wear thongs, live on the edge and bring a few extra - they take up no more room in the suitcase than your average tissue so I say have at it! For those of us over the age of 30, one extra pair should suffice.
- Given the choice, an airline WILL lose your luggage (and laugh while they're doing it): Why, if you don't have to, would you risk heading for St. Thomas while your bags take the scenic tour by way of Anchorage? If your trip is 5 days or less, there is NO reason you can't make use of a carry-on bag and a big purse (sorry guys).
- If you are traveling by plane, there is at least an 80% chance that you will not know a living soul when you get off the plane. Feel free to bring only one bathing suit on a beach vacation, one ski jacket on a ski vacation. Listen to this carefully: NOBODY CARES HOW MANY BATHING SUITS YOU HAVE! Besides, having more than one set of tan lines removes the "Wow!" factor when you get home.
- Jewelry is a thief magnet - you don't need it! Consider this, if you are swimming, sunning, exercising, skiing, golfing, eating, bathing or sleeping, what good does jewelry do? Swimming - lose it in the water. Sunning - reflects the sun and blinds pilots of low flying planes. Exercising - bounces up and down causing God only knows what kind of damage. Skiing - Do you have any idea how COLD metal gets?
Golfing - How can you possibly get a good grip with all of that bling in the way? Eating - Ever prepare and eat a boiled lobster? Any jewelry on you or those within a 10 foot radius will smell like seafood for a week afterwards. Bathing - One word. Drain. Sleeping - If you're anything like me, your fingers swell at night - need I say more?
Using reason when considering the above topics the average traveler will remove at least 10 pounds from their suitcase before they even leave the house. Trust me.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
This should be on every U.S. Citizen's 'Bucket List'...
One week, last fall, we received word that my ten year old daughter and her class would be attending a Naturalization Ceremony at the Federal Court House here in Concord.
She arrived home from school and, with the enthusiasm and energy only a child can display, blurted out that not only would her class be attending the Ceremony but that she and one other student 'won' the chance to lead the Pledge of Allegiance alongside the presiding Judge!
In case you are interested, we did go and buy her a new dress and shoes for the occasion. After giving the thumbs down on countless dresses running the spectrum from strapless to bustier style, we settled on a very cute gray dress adorned with glass beads and a pair of black and cream ballet flats.
Fast forward to the big morning; my daughter was up before the alarm (unheard of these days), ate breakfast, showered, had her hair and teeth brushed and backpack ready to go with five minutes to spare. Again, since we're typically giving a countdown to 'The Bus' that would rival NASA, it was clear this was a big day for her.
The ceremony was scheduled to start at 9:00. At 8:45, I arrived and as I walked up the granite stairs and entered through the revolving door, it occurred to me that I'd never been in the Federal Court House before. Lots of first impressions but mostly, and especially in light of the reason for being there, I was simply in awe. It was a type of awakening and realization of the fact that, in forty four years, I'd never once been involved in or observed this process. Then there was the two-story high bronze statue with the Scales of Justice. It was a very significant moment for me that would pale, moments later, when I walked in to the Court Room atop the stairs...
It's a huge room, beautifully appointed with stone and wood. This room was absolutely full. There was a panel of folks providing representation from various sectors. There were folks from The Elks Club, from the American Legion, the U.S. Senate and even the Governor himself was there. Aside from the esteemed panel, there were probably two to three hundred guests and family members who'd come to bear witness. Off to one side were Faith's classmates and her teacher. Most important was the group of people who humbled what had just been a very significant moment in my life. The 80-plus people, representing 39 different countries. As I sat waiting for the ceremony to start, I imagined how each person must have had an incredible story to tell. Perhaps stories of a painful past, hardships, persecution, love lost, love gained and all had one common thread: A wish, dream or desire for life in the United State of America. It is not an easy process for someone to go through and it takes great perseverance and dedication. Logically, I could only conclude that passion was woven throughout the group as well.
Making these observations, I felt warmth. Not the kind that screams of hundreds of people in a room with no ventilation. It was the kind that makes you feel like you're being hugged. The kind that makes you feel a part of something else and, in this case, something much, much bigger than yourself.
Governor Lynch approached Faith's class and started chatting with them. Camera flashes started going off and I silently cursed myself for not even trying to bring in a camera (I was uncertain of the security regulations, so I left it at home). Then I wondered if it was okay to curse silently in the Federal Court House.
Upon the entry of a few clerks at the front of the Court, the room quieted, save the occasional chatter of those too young to understand the significance of what was about to happen. For the first time, I noticed two women with strong, ebony faces who were wearing the most beautiful head and body dresses. They were absolutely stunning and the emotion and pride emanating from them was tangible. Sounds hokey, but there you have it. And the mist started rolling in...
We were ordered to rise as the judge was announced and entered the room to take his seat. He gave a heartwarming welcome to all in the room. He spoke of the significance of the ceremony, the commitment of the 80-plus people and their families. He talked about the core values of our country, what we stand for, how we came to be and why we are so strong today. His tone changed only slightly when he mentioned those who attempt to divide our country and those who try to destroy what we, as American citizens have built, support, love and honor. He gave a clear and unwavering promise that American citizens have and will ALWAYS stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of any threat. He finished this salutation by emphasizing the importance of the gift and responsibility each of these people were receiving today.
After introducing the esteemed guests, as well as my daughter's class, he asked each of the Immigrants to rise and repeat the “Oath of Allegiance” after him. Two things struck me; First, the voices were strong and sure as they repeated every word, in a language not native to them, with their right hands raised. Second, some court room staff, I don't know their titles or roles, walked around the group, ensuring that right hands were (in fact) raised and everyone was standing. The mist was turning to drizzle....
Next, the judge announced that the fifth grade class would be singing two songs to mark the occasion. The voices that came out of these kids were beautiful. Now, I always get choked up at the National Anthem at athletic events and such but this was VERY different. As this group of kids sang God Bless America and This Land is Your Land, tears of pride streamed down my face and, unlike my typical behavior, I didn't wipe them away. Even if they weren't looking, I wanted to display how an 'every day' American Citizen is moved by the society in which we live, what we stand for and how lucky we really are. One of the men from the American Legion (79 years old at his own admission) walked to the podium and sang The Star Spangled Banner, Every person in the room stood, hands over hearts, and sang with such emotion that the waterworks, at this point, were full on.
When all was said and done, I walked out of the Court House with a lighter step and my head held a bit higher. I felt absolute pride in my daughter's small role in the ceremony, and overall pride in our country and it's 80-plus brand new citizens!!
She arrived home from school and, with the enthusiasm and energy only a child can display, blurted out that not only would her class be attending the Ceremony but that she and one other student 'won' the chance to lead the Pledge of Allegiance alongside the presiding Judge!
In case you are interested, we did go and buy her a new dress and shoes for the occasion. After giving the thumbs down on countless dresses running the spectrum from strapless to bustier style, we settled on a very cute gray dress adorned with glass beads and a pair of black and cream ballet flats.
Fast forward to the big morning; my daughter was up before the alarm (unheard of these days), ate breakfast, showered, had her hair and teeth brushed and backpack ready to go with five minutes to spare. Again, since we're typically giving a countdown to 'The Bus' that would rival NASA, it was clear this was a big day for her.
The ceremony was scheduled to start at 9:00. At 8:45, I arrived and as I walked up the granite stairs and entered through the revolving door, it occurred to me that I'd never been in the Federal Court House before. Lots of first impressions but mostly, and especially in light of the reason for being there, I was simply in awe. It was a type of awakening and realization of the fact that, in forty four years, I'd never once been involved in or observed this process. Then there was the two-story high bronze statue with the Scales of Justice. It was a very significant moment for me that would pale, moments later, when I walked in to the Court Room atop the stairs...
It's a huge room, beautifully appointed with stone and wood. This room was absolutely full. There was a panel of folks providing representation from various sectors. There were folks from The Elks Club, from the American Legion, the U.S. Senate and even the Governor himself was there. Aside from the esteemed panel, there were probably two to three hundred guests and family members who'd come to bear witness. Off to one side were Faith's classmates and her teacher. Most important was the group of people who humbled what had just been a very significant moment in my life. The 80-plus people, representing 39 different countries. As I sat waiting for the ceremony to start, I imagined how each person must have had an incredible story to tell. Perhaps stories of a painful past, hardships, persecution, love lost, love gained and all had one common thread: A wish, dream or desire for life in the United State of America. It is not an easy process for someone to go through and it takes great perseverance and dedication. Logically, I could only conclude that passion was woven throughout the group as well.
Making these observations, I felt warmth. Not the kind that screams of hundreds of people in a room with no ventilation. It was the kind that makes you feel like you're being hugged. The kind that makes you feel a part of something else and, in this case, something much, much bigger than yourself.
Governor Lynch approached Faith's class and started chatting with them. Camera flashes started going off and I silently cursed myself for not even trying to bring in a camera (I was uncertain of the security regulations, so I left it at home). Then I wondered if it was okay to curse silently in the Federal Court House.
Upon the entry of a few clerks at the front of the Court, the room quieted, save the occasional chatter of those too young to understand the significance of what was about to happen. For the first time, I noticed two women with strong, ebony faces who were wearing the most beautiful head and body dresses. They were absolutely stunning and the emotion and pride emanating from them was tangible. Sounds hokey, but there you have it. And the mist started rolling in...
We were ordered to rise as the judge was announced and entered the room to take his seat. He gave a heartwarming welcome to all in the room. He spoke of the significance of the ceremony, the commitment of the 80-plus people and their families. He talked about the core values of our country, what we stand for, how we came to be and why we are so strong today. His tone changed only slightly when he mentioned those who attempt to divide our country and those who try to destroy what we, as American citizens have built, support, love and honor. He gave a clear and unwavering promise that American citizens have and will ALWAYS stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of any threat. He finished this salutation by emphasizing the importance of the gift and responsibility each of these people were receiving today.
After introducing the esteemed guests, as well as my daughter's class, he asked each of the Immigrants to rise and repeat the “Oath of Allegiance” after him. Two things struck me; First, the voices were strong and sure as they repeated every word, in a language not native to them, with their right hands raised. Second, some court room staff, I don't know their titles or roles, walked around the group, ensuring that right hands were (in fact) raised and everyone was standing. The mist was turning to drizzle....
Next, the judge announced that the fifth grade class would be singing two songs to mark the occasion. The voices that came out of these kids were beautiful. Now, I always get choked up at the National Anthem at athletic events and such but this was VERY different. As this group of kids sang God Bless America and This Land is Your Land, tears of pride streamed down my face and, unlike my typical behavior, I didn't wipe them away. Even if they weren't looking, I wanted to display how an 'every day' American Citizen is moved by the society in which we live, what we stand for and how lucky we really are. One of the men from the American Legion (79 years old at his own admission) walked to the podium and sang The Star Spangled Banner, Every person in the room stood, hands over hearts, and sang with such emotion that the waterworks, at this point, were full on.
When all was said and done, I walked out of the Court House with a lighter step and my head held a bit higher. I felt absolute pride in my daughter's small role in the ceremony, and overall pride in our country and it's 80-plus brand new citizens!!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Idiots. All of us.
This morning, I found myself having a deep, meaningful conversation with a friend via Facebook comments. That part really isn't important. What is important is it caused me to reflect on decisions and choices I've made throughout my life.
For example, with an allegedly ginormous storm headed our direction, I wondered about the decision to stay, and raise my kids in New England. At first I thought, I love the change of the seasons and I'd miss it if I moved somewhere more temperate. Then I thought about the smell of wood smoke, hanging in the air from November to April - I love that smell. Next up was going to our camp in the summer - I'm sure it wouldn't be half as meaningful if I could swim in the local body of water for more than two weeks out of the year. I'd probably get spoiled and who wants that? Everyone knows water temps above 70 degrees are for sissies.
These and other things lazily crossed my mind until I actually snapped out of it and said to myself 'What, are you an idiot?' The resounding answer was absofrigginglutely.
Let's make this interactive and do a little word association. You comment with something you like about New England and I'll respond with something I like about, oh I don't know, Hawaii.
Ready? GO!
For example, with an allegedly ginormous storm headed our direction, I wondered about the decision to stay, and raise my kids in New England. At first I thought, I love the change of the seasons and I'd miss it if I moved somewhere more temperate. Then I thought about the smell of wood smoke, hanging in the air from November to April - I love that smell. Next up was going to our camp in the summer - I'm sure it wouldn't be half as meaningful if I could swim in the local body of water for more than two weeks out of the year. I'd probably get spoiled and who wants that? Everyone knows water temps above 70 degrees are for sissies.
These and other things lazily crossed my mind until I actually snapped out of it and said to myself 'What, are you an idiot?' The resounding answer was absofrigginglutely.
Let's make this interactive and do a little word association. You comment with something you like about New England and I'll respond with something I like about, oh I don't know, Hawaii.
Ready? GO!
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