Thursday, April 11, 2013

Candy Beans


The Jeanners and I have returned from a week-long trip to St. Louis that, in my opinion, was pretty great.  The highlights for me include (but are not limited to):  

1.  Meeting the family of Jeannie's long-lost cousin, as well as the relatively new husband of Jeannie's aunt. 
2.  Running into, entirely by chance, our old friend J. Sparks.  She was Jeannie's best friend growing up, and I dated her briefly in high school, and we haven't seen her in about 12-13 years.  
3.  Getting to hang out with Eric and Catherine, who were thankfully available without much notice, and who entertained us with their discussion of nocturnal foot-position. (mine stick out to the sides, by the way, like a very wide "V")

4.  Taking a solo day trip up to Kirksville to hang out with Ron and Randy and visit the past a little bit.  I was mildly surprised by the few things that have changed and greatly surprised by the many things that haven't.  But it was great to see Ron.  Also enjoyed the drive.  Through Columbia, Moberly, and Macon on the way up, and then back down through Edina and Hannibal on the way home.  Had some CD's of  Car Talk, This American Life, Prairie Home Companion, Taylor Swift (no joke), Tegan & Sara, and Trixie Whitley for the ride.    




5.  Getting to hang out with Uncle Rico, who was also thankfully available on short notice (I guess we like to spring things on people), and who I am sending positive refi vibes to.  And you should, too.

6.  Getting $850 worth of Southwest Airlines travel vouchers for agreeing to let them bump us off our flight and taking a later flight.  The nice thing is is that the later flight left only 20 minutes later and only added maybe an hour and a half to our travel day.   Which means we made $566.67 an hour.  Which is more than I make at the Nobes. 

During the trip, Sam had some exciting foods for the first time.  Ice cream, soda, cake, and probably others that I'm forgetting.  All given to him by grandparents.  He seems to be a lot older than he was just a couple of weeks ago.  Very curious, into everything, very close to walking, and his hair is growing curly in the back.  Lets listen to him laugh: