Not as painful

I anticipated the weekend before The Vegas Wedding to be full of stress. I was working all weekend. Based on past experiences at work, I was ready for more of the same. Busy, not enough staff, lots of emergences, lots of "I can't believe you came to the hospital for this" that keeps us even more busy. But it was surprisingly wonderful. I went home early. Two days in a row! Shocking!

Because I am a woman AND a wife, I came home early and cleaned the house, did a load of laundry, made some to-do lists, walked the dogs, took care of some correspondance, emptied the garbage, and overall prepared for our 24 hour trip.

Uncle Stan and I had been chatting on line for a few months, planning our visit. He emailed all us kids, but since I'm the only one who actually uses email, I'm the only one who answered. He thought for a brief moment that perhaps the boys didn't want to see him. Uncle Stan forgot a key factor. They are boys. It takes a crowbar to pry information out of them. But the day worked for all of us, a miracle in itself. I arrived first to the hotel, driving up in Kevin's truck since my radio has yet to be replaced and I didn't want to wear my walkman for the entire drive (I have done this in the past). Outside the hotel, smoking, was a bald guy. I figured it was Uncle Stan when he hugged me and started tearing up.

Chases cry at everything.

I had him all to myself for a few hours. Then John, David, and Beth arrived. Because they are all cooler than me, I had to settle with being teased for the rest of the visit about what a dork I am. However, as Beth teased David, I realized that David is very much like ME. His big sister. He thinks he does all the work around the house. He bugs Beth about spending money. He's like me! Hee Hee.

Uncle Stan sweetly took us out for dinner. We went to a chain restaurant that David was fired from for drinking underage off shift. Naturally, the gal that ratted him out was sitting there with girlfriends. She came over to say hi. David told his story to everybody that waited on us.

We talked and told stories until 9pm. They might have continued longer, but I had a drive ahead of me and a shift at work the following day. I was sad to leave. I don't have too many opportunities to connect with my Dad's side of the family. They live so far away. And my Uncle Stan has so many shared characteristic with Dad, that it brings him back to life in my memory. The way he tells stories. His voice. How he sits in a chair and gestures with his cigarette. His laugh. Not exactly the same. But close enough to remember.

Dad would really enjoy this Vegas Wedding. I wish he could be there.

It was a wonderful evening. Now Uncle Stan (who is a big ol' hot shot in the Air Force) needs to get himself up to McCord Base to see us again! He'll probably want to stay in a hotel because I don't love him enough to let him smoke in the house. Uncle Stan won't be in Vegas due to work, but his wife, the lovely Aunt Irene, will be there with Aunt Jean and Uncle John. I just wish there was more time to socialize with everybody!

I've got some great pictures on the camera. But I have no idea how to get them onto the computer. If Kevin has time tomorrow, I'll sweet talk him into it so I can post them.