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I pulled into my driveway at about 11pm Wednesday, very exhausted and a little sad. Valen and I were delayed two hours at the airport because of crazy Floridian weather, and I'm sure you can all use your imaginations about what it's like for a toddler to sit on someone's lap thousands of feet in the air for nearly three hours. Add four hours in the airport, and an hour drive to the airport, and you have a super-duper good time for mom and pajama-clad baby. Thankfully, flights to and from Florida always have a ton of kiddos screaming and embarrassing their parents so I never feel out of place. I guess I've covered "exhausted" pretty sufficiently, but there's still the matter of "sad". I always miss my bed after a long trip up north, my routine with Vale, the beautiful weather, etc. but it's hard not to have a stomach ache whenever I leave. I never feel like I get enough time with my nephew or sister even though we spend every day together; there is always a huge list of people I want to see, but never get to see even half of them; if I'm staying in PA with my sister it's next to impossible for me to get down the shore to see all of my Jersey friends; and when I come back home I realize what my life in Florida is missing.
I love this state. It's beautiful, it's fun, and the people are wonderful; but, they're not my people. Most of my friends and family (besides my papa, LOVE YOU DAD!) are concentrated in a small area in the Northeast and I forget how good it is to have a network of support until I have it and leave it. So today's blog post is for you beautiful people: the people I was able to spend time with, the people I didn't spend enough time with, and the people I wish I could have spent time with.
Kristin, Steve and Casen: I am so proud of you and your sweet family. You're an incredible inspiration for what a solid relationship should look like, and how such a partnership can produce the happiest and most fulfilled children. I love you guys so much, and I'll miss you every day until I get to see you next.
Kim and Jackson: My friend, I am in awe of you. Not only are you a single mom, but you're a great one. Your son is the sweetest, and gentlest little boy I know and he's both of those things because of you. I'm so glad I got to spend a little time with you, and even though we aren't still snuggling in Pleasure Bay every night you're my main squeeze and I miss you every day.
Johnny and Vanessa: I am so excited to watch you two get married in September! You both deserve every happiness this world has to offer, and I hope you're enjoying all of the pre-wedding festivities!
Kellyanne and Brandon: Thank you for letting me get my hands on all of your furniture! I can't wait to watch you two get married in July. You're so sweet to watch together and I'm so happy you found one another. I missed my beautiful, amazonian friend and it was really special spending time with her.
Jaka and Chrissy: I'm so obsessed with that baby boy of yours, and I'm looking forward to many more beautiful days in the park. He's the happiest little chunk, and that's a real testament to your character and the strength of your relationship. Keep posting a zillion pictures so I don't miss a thing!
Caitlin and Dennis: I am insanely happy for you two, and can't wait to see you in a few weeks! Those little boys are the luckiest ducks, and they'll have in you the most wonderful parents. I'm pretty confident you'll survive the first year.
Melanie and Guy: I'm so sad I didn't get to meet your beautiful baby girl while I was up, but I can't wait to. She is lovely, and the perfect combination of you two. You must be over-the-moon in love with her! Miss you both like you wouldn't believe.
The Aidala Girls: I love you ladies so much. It's so great sitting around the dining room table gossiping and catching up with you. My trip home is never complete without some (many) Italian delights getting shoved down my throat (albeit politely) at your house, which has so many beautiful memories. Don't get rid of any of that antique f**king furniture, Jayne, or so help me, I will take you out.
Diane and Pete: I'm so glad I got to spend a little time with you! Thank you for trusting me to work on your beautiful decor pieces. I can't wait to get started on the rest when I'm back in town! I'm so blessed to have grown up with such wonderful neighbors.
Ashley and Jeff: I'm really upset I didn't get to stop by and see that baby bump, and stare at your nursery, and gush about parenthood. You two are going to be the best, most hysterical parents and that little lady of yours is so lucky to have you. Next time I'm up north you'll have your very own baby girl, and probably a lot more firearms if I know my pal Jeff.
To all of my friends and family members who aren't celebrating any special milestones at this particular moment, I love you as much as everyone above, but my fingers will fall off and I'll just DIE if I keep typing. Had to shout out to the procreators and fornicators this time around, but you are wonderful, and I keep you in my heart always. You constantly inspire me to be the best version of myself, and I'm so grateful.
So here I am, getting reacquainted with my Cujo-esque poochie, in my sweet little house, in the great state of Florida. The sun is shining, as it usually is, the birds are chirping, and I can't breathe because the next wave of foliage is exploding out of the ground. It's a beautiful place, and it's the best place to get over a broken heart. I will miss you all, until next time! Back to reality, and keep checking in for the rest of the pictures from my PA-adventure-DIY-extravaganza.
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