a lovely visit

Wednesday morning after night shift I finished packing a few items, then hopped a bus to the airport. The bus ride was about an hour, and would place me at the airport 2.5 hrs before boarding my flight.  No matter how I tried I couldn't fall asleep while waiting, or en route. 

 

Hours later I arrived in DC. It was late at night so I decided to let Erin sleep and I would take the Super Shuttle to her apartment. Good in theory, but when you've had minimal sleep, shared transportation isn't the best experience.  At first the driver and a person in the vehicle had a screaming fight because she had only paid for 5 of the 7 people in their group.  40 minutes later, with tensions high, we pulled out of the airport.  The driver dropped the first passenger off then decided to get gas.  Another passenger was a policeman who was banging on the window from inside shouting at the driver to turn the ignition off while pumping gas because we were essentially, "sitting on a bomb". The driver angrily turned the key to shut the car down but left it in the ignition, flooding the van with a persistent high pitched dinging. Finally, at 2 am, I arrived at Erin's and allowed myself comfortable, satisfying, peaceful sleep.

Thursday was low key, what with me sleeping in to make up for lost time.  I went for a walk, sat outside reading, and enjoyed having nothing in particular to do.  In the evening we went out for dinner.

Friday I joined Erin at her school.  Erin teaches cooking classes in a Maryland school district just outside of DC. 

While almost half of her students weren't in class that day because of a senior picnic, I cannot tell you how overwhelming it was in that class at times, especially at the end of the day.  She has a gift for teaching and managing that classroom that I could never learn.  It was really cool observe these students that respect her and appreciate her.  Also quite entertaining.

In the evening we enjoyed a BBQ and exchange of May birthday gifts with Rachel, Emily, Mike, and Jocelyn 

Saturday we set up for the rooftop party

It was beautiful and humid Saturday.  Throughout the day I had the opportunity to meet some of Erin's friends.  

In the evening we went out for dinner, had a champagne toast, then headed to the party. 

We had a great time celebrating with Erin and her friends. And dancing of course. 

Lawrence, Rachel, and Emily Holuta

While we were getting ready I had the thought to surprise my parents in Indiana. The plan was for me to ride  home with Mike and Jocelyn, then fly out of Pittsburgh.  The airline helped me switch my ticket, and the secret mission was under way... 

We left from Maryland early Sunday morning.  Soon enough I was seeing those familiar hillsides and roads that led me to Indiana. 

One by one I surprised people in my family by showing up on their doorstep.  It was wonderful to be home. It has been 5 months, far too long since I've seen most of the people and places I love.  We spent time just talking and being together, which was perfect. 

My grandfather's response was the best when I surprised him.  He slammed the door in my face. 

I don't know why, but I didn't expect it to be so emotional visiting home. My grandpa said he was choked up because seeing me made him realize how long it had been and how much they missed me. 

I missed them too.  

It was the perfect brief impromptu visit. I also got to crash a baby shower and see a lot of Indiana friends.

Then I got to play with my niece, Teagan. 

 She's too big.

And too cute :)

We went to the Meadows for ice cream, which is a must when visiting Indiana. I watched the final stage of the AMGEN Tour of California with my dad, then said goodnight. 

In the morning I said goodbye, and my parents went to work.  I sorted through some things in my room, finding stuff to get rid of and things to keep.  There's all this stuff I had from my apartment, decorations, furniture, dishes. It was just weird to go through it and think how when I bought that stuff for my Pittsburgh apartment, I never imagined it would end up in my parent's house a year and a half later, while I lived in California.  Pretty neat :)

Jocelyn and Mike took me to the airport after a final stop at Sheetz, which is also something I desperately miss in Cali. 

She gave me flowers for my hair, and they sent me on my way to San Francisco.

I find myself already counting down these next three weeks until I'm home with all of them again :)