Well, I haven't left the blogging community quite yet. ;) I like the comment made by "anonymous" that said it might be good to leave the blog open for when the mood strikes to write.
This is one of those times. It is a COLD, quiet afternoon at my house--Gemma is napping and Hannah is watching "The Lion King" (for "kind of" the second time today, as she watched a short portion of it at the mall during their free movie screenings--brilliant!) I figured I could write about my trip to see Senia, since that was particularly noteworthy, and then maybe that will get my blogging moods back in swing.
I visted Senia two weeks ago tomorrow, and it was such a wonderful time! I hadn't flown anywhere in years, so it was a big deal for many reasons. I actually had the blessing of going to our church women's retreat the weekend before, so I was feeling a little teary at the thought of leaving the girls & Keith again, but I made it through the good-byes without shedding any tears! :) Getting through security was interesting, as the last time I flew, although you had to go through the security screening, they hadn't quite made everyone take off their shoes, all metal (even the metallic in my scarf!), and practically strip down to the bare minimum before going through the metal detector that felt more like an MRI machine. Crazy!
I discovered it is kind of lonely to fly by yourself. I didn't like that part. As Senia and I were discussing later, you don't have anyone around to raise your eyebrows to, make funny comments to, or watch your stuff while you go to the bathroom! I made it through the flight, and other than having to use the restroom the SECOND I got off the plane, I really enjoyed flying!
After a joyous reunion with Senia and realizing I had overdressed for the weekend, since Minnesota was currently warmer & dryer than Vancouver, we headed to her apartment to settle in for the night.
The weekend was then filled with lovely facials at the Aveda institute (highly recommended, by the way!), trips to some of Senia's favorite eating establishments, multiple french press pots, shopping, visits with friends, and walks...lots of walks. I thought I walked fast, but after being with Senia, I realized I'm like a turtle! :)
One of the most important visits was with Senia's boyfriend Kevin. I can happily tell you that I approve with two thumbs up, and that I can see why Senia is so giddy these days. They are so cute together! They both respect each other, and yet are comfortable enough in their own skin that they can tease as well. (Very important in our family, as we like to joke around just a little bit. ;) I was really honored to be able to be the first one in our family to meet Kevin as her boyfriend, and I am excited for their upcoming visit this weekend! (Scheduled after my trip was planned, but very perfect because then I didn't have to say good-bye for an indefinite amount of time when I left Minneapolis.)
So the weekend was a wonderful get-away for me. I got to sleep in every morning, we watched "The Today Show"--a rarity for both of us!--and we spent lots of sister time together. I loved seeing Senia as an adult in her own place, and I can tell she's really developed her own routine & lifestyle. She's got a cute apartment, and the area is very fun & convenient, with a Trader Joe's within walking distance! We tried out a new frozen yogurt place that I can picture Senia enjoying in the summer months, and she showed me all sorts of fun areas as we toured around. We also got to attend a ballet (a first for both of us as well, outside of the community theater version of "The Nutcracker.") Those tickets were made available to her through work, which meant they were free! :) Yay!
I was thankful to be with Senia, and I'm so happy that I got to see her as an adult in her adult life. :) She's become quite the confident, happy, healthy woman...although she's still my little sister, and it's amazing to think of all she has accomplished in the last four to six years. Love you, Sen! :)
