Facelift

What can I say? I'm sorry I haven't blogged lately. I guess you could say I have hit a creative writers brick wall. In an attempt to kick-start my blogging since my return from the United States, I have given my blog a face lift.

I haven't done anything exciting since my return to Abu Dhabi however, I admit my trip back from the states was an awful experience for me. When I left my home state bound for Pensacola Florida, my attitude was solemn. I was indeed very sad about leaving my family. I arrived in Pcola without a hiccup. Once I checked in to my hotel I notified my eldest son of my arrival.

I spent two wonderful days with my son. He was a bit thin for my liking albeit a little larger than the most recent photo I had of him. The first day started out with a huge breakfast at the IHOP (International House of Pancakes). We chatted and went shopping. The next day was another day just like the first but of course my departure loomed over heads. Needless to say, I again shed tears leaving him on my way to a two day layover with my very best friend Mona, Paul, and of course my angel Maria. Before leaving the Northwest FL area, I absolutely had to make a trip to the Niceville area and visit my good friend, Nancy and her hubby. They thoughtfully ordered fantastic pizza and popped a nice bottle of red wine. They had me at "red" hahahaha. Of course an hour and a half was not enough time to get caught up. Thank goodness for this blog right?????? I was on my way back to Pcola for a good nights rest before my flight the next day to Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale Florida is truly a beautiful place. The economy seemed Little better in FLL at first glance, as opposed to my home state, which lifted my spirits a bit. Mona, Riri(Maria), and myself went out to Olive Garden (Haven't been there in years). If you've never tried their chicken soup, I suggest you do (bottomless bowl). Wes girls went shopping and and got caught up with the goings on over the past year and a half. Mona asked about Nancy and if our mutual friend, Tabitha was still working for Nancy and how she was making out. Again, the stay was short lived. I was do at the airport at the ungodly hour of 5:00AM to catch a flight into JFK, Jamaica, New York, where I missed my connecting flight with Etihad.

I was livid to say the least. I arrived at 8:41 and my connecting flight was to leave at 10:05AM. This short layover seemed like a reasonable amount of time to pick up my bags and check in with Etihad right? NO Jet Blue took sooo long getting our bags to us that by the time I reached the terminal to check into Etihad, they were making last call. By the time I reached the counter, the doors had been closed which indicates a closed flight. PANIC SETS IN. Not only is the flight to Abu Dhabi closed (still on the ground mind you), it is the ONLY flight out that day. I was now stuck in JFK airport, alone, scared, and not knowing which way was up. After some really big crocodile tears, I phoned my hubby. Hubby is obviously very worried (guess because I started crying again and could not get a word out). It took a bit to get me calmed down enough to explain what had happened to me. Hubby had all the answers. I spend the night in a hotel and really did get a fantastic nights sleep. I woke up fresh and ready to tackle the twelve hour flight home to Abu Dhabi.

The flight to Abu Dhabi wasn't too bad. I like Etihad Airways however, because we were so high up in the air, I swelled so badly. I had taken my boots off in the very beginning of the flight, but by the end of the flight I had a hard time getting my feet into my boots let alone getting them zipped up. The Captain announced the weather, which I have yet to learn to convert C from F quick enough but boy it sounded good.

When I emerged from the airport, I had to immediately start shedding layers. The weather has been phenomenal since then and I am genuinely happy to be back.