Don't...

Remember when flying (in an airplane) was glamorous?  Well, I do.  You called your travel agent and they competently lead you in your planning and happily handed you the tickets.  You dressed appropriately and were excited for the experience. Upon arriving at the airport, again, an agent cheerfully assisted you and checked your bags-for free.  Security was quick.  You waited and people watched until boarding.  You were greeted by a 'stewardess' who was also called 'the angel of the skys.'  You sat in your seat with a fresh paper cover on the headrest and waited patiently for the booze cart-again free.  If not a full meal, at least a good snack was offered.  It was interesting and fun to feel like a celebrity for a while.

My recent (with the exception of Emirates) airline experiences are the polar opposite.

I make the reservation on line and ticket at the kiosk.  When AA's computer is down and my card can't be verified for free baggage, I am advised to pay the 50.00 and try to recoup it myself.  No, 'I'm sorry, Ma'am' or anything close.  NEXXXXTT..So we wait and enjoy the scene of people who trudge around in their pajamas, short shorts, and such. And don't forget the headphones lest you should have to communicate.

We pack into the tiny seats and risk getting lice or whatever disease from the headrest.  The plane is freezing and when I request a blanket I'm just as coldly informed that they are only for first class.  We'll excuse the hell outta me!  Of course they charge for a cocktail and you have to be ready to catch that little bag of pretzels, because the 'flight attendants' are in an unholy rush.  But sometimes I get lucky and get the ginger cookies..

At the dreaded baggage carousel, tired and over it all, we stand and wait for 20 minutes before some of the luggage shows up.  Another 15 minutes a few more pieces show up-including Randy's bag.  We wait and wait for mine.  Finally we approach the office and the dolt there informs us that, 'Oh, yeah...some of the bags got on the wrong flight.'  Apparently it was too much to walk 20 feet and share his secret.  After the necessary paperwork, I am informed that my bag would be delivered.  Again, no apology or even reassurance.  He didn't dare smile.

Where in the world has customer service gone?  Clearly, you can't pay for it.  I would think that since we now do half of their job for them we could at least get them to crack a smile.  Thank you for enduring my rant. 

Let me know if this is also your travel experience.  Or do I just have 'KICK ME' on my forehead!
xoxo

'You've got a Friend'...

Back in the day two single mom's were looking for love in all the wrong places.  Tami and I shared each others hope for what life could eventually be for us.  We commiserated, we shopped, drank cheap wine, dined and danced, and dreamed.   Boy, did we dream...

Both hoping for a relationship that would share our goals and more importantly accept our children, finding a perfect mate would be something of a challenge.  We dated and discussed, rued and regretted.  But through it all, we supported and loved and laughed.

Too soon, our paths diverged-in a big kind of way.  I found my forever love and she found hers.  I moved to Detroit and she moved to Italy.  Yes, Italy.  Made staying in touch a bit of a challenge.  But I thought of her often, and smiled every time.  We had found love and were happy.

At my Father's funeral, Tami walked in and surprised me.  As you can imagine, it was like no time had passed.  I longed to hear more of her adventures in life and love.  She has always been my 'Carrie Bradshaw' and I needed to meet her 'Mr. Big.'  And then it happened......

Tami and Don transferred back to Detroit and we have picked up where we left off.  With always the warmest of hugs, Tami and I, as well as Don and Randy have had the chance to continue our friendship.  It is the BEST thing you can imagine.  Tami gifted me with a simple metal and leather bracelet that features an infinity loop.  Upon seeing it, she thought of our friendship.  It means everything to me and I love to wear it with her on my mind.  xo

As Tami and Don are now living in New York where 'friends' meet at coffeehouses and Carrie Bradshaw goes out for Manhattans.  But it's also were two old friends can hook up and share each others lives. 

As the circle goes around, I am so grateful for the finer things in life-the friends that have shared the good times and the bad.  I love where we are now and Tami and I can share how are dreams do come true.  And that's what friends are for. See you soon for a glass or two of wine-the good stuff! 
 Love you, Girl.
xoxo

Whatever it Takes...

  September is National Recovery Month, a cause that is near and dear to my heart.  Families Against Narcotics is fighting the opioid epidemic and is committed to assisting in recovery from addiction in any and every way possible.  I am proud to be on that team.

With today being September 11, let's all take a moment to remember the families and the victims of that horrible attack.  I know this has been a rough recovery for those suffering as well as the nation.  I pray for healing and peace for all, as well as our nation.

Hurricane Harvey had us all counting our blessings and praying for the relief from the devastation that was brought down on Texas.  Lives lost and changed forever.  God bless them all as they move through this tragedy.

Then there is Irma.  Randy and I love the Keys like no other and have been nervously watching to see how the landscape of our special area would be changed.  We personally got lucky this time with minimal damage to our future retirement home.  We love the area so much and hate to see one single palm frond damaged.  But the Conch's are a tough bunch and will power through this mess.  I only wish I could be there to help.  I thank the Lord for sparing us.  Also, my family in Marco Island that also got away with minimal damage.  It has been a very nervous, nail biting time for us all.

I need to take a moment to thank the many friends that have contacted us virtual or reality, and expressed their care, concern and love during this scary time as we watch the possibility of our hard work literally being blown/washed out to sea.  I love you all and can't express the comfort that your have been. xoxoxoxo

AND to add insult to injury, Randy and I have had some stomach virus for the past 9 days.  Really, nine days?  Yep.  On and off, miserable.  But we are finally feeling better and recovering.

Even Mickey is in on it.  I hauled his cookies to the vet today for a minor surgery and he is home now and recovering nicely.  Ham and cheese treattreats have soothed his pain.

So, is it too much to hope for a solid nights sleep?  Maybe turning off the weather channel for a good movie?  Having a day with no stomach cramps?  Just a normal day with no treat of some type of apocalypse peering around the corner?  

I am physically and mentally exhausted.  But grateful.  As always, things could be worse.  We are safe and warm with power and water and food.  We will recover and life will go on. 

Have a good week-it's bound to be better.  Peace and love.  xo

Reputation...

Hello Dolls and please join me in my Blogaversary celebration!

For nine years, I have posted essays  and as of last week, I hit 500 of them.  Hard to believe that since 2008, with the support and encouragement from dear friends, I started expressing whatever was on my mind.  This usually happens on a Monday night.  I have ranted and raved, told childhood stories, shared my grief, showed off my pets,  introduced all of my Mustangs, attempted poetry, celebrated birthdays and weddings and family parties.  I have took  you all to the Keys, to the Thumb, up North, Alaska, Dubai, Costa Rica, San Francisco, and the Outer Banks,   I have examined the 'little things' in life and came to the conclusion over and over, that those are the very best things life has to offer.  For me, its Randy and my family, close friends, a good book, the sound of waves,  a nice wine, a good laugh, and beauty in nature.

As I look back, I am tempted to edit all of those early typos, but that's who I was then-so I'll leave 'em in for a laugh.  I have printed out the first four years and they are in Jspotted folders.  I need to do the rest when I'm ready to spend about 500 dollars on printer ink! 

Thank you all for your comments and support over the years.  Writing even about nothing, simply makes me happy.  Oh, and cupcakes... they make me happy too! 

Luv u all.  Peace, Jodi