Ignorant Historian

While most people are enjoying a long weekend or getting back in the swing of things after the 4th, I’m heading off to a 3-night kid’s camp today.

While it’s not a “camp” camp (yay for using a college campus!), I’m looking forward to being at camp again.  I LOVED going to Girl Scout camp as a kid, and then later working 5 summers at a Girl Scout day camp.

Since this is the first year for us as a church, we’re only taking 8 kids.  And 4 adults…AWESOME ratio.  Plus, I already know the kids, so I know that we won’t have behavior issues in our group.  I look forward to getting to know them more.

So, since I’m going to be off doing the camp thang, I’m taking a blogging break.  I’ll be back Friday with an awesome camp update!

Photo by ex.libris

Yesterday I left work early and hopped on a plane.  Of course it was planned (who do you think I am?  I plan EVERYTHING), but it’s still nice to get away.

So where I am?

Nowhere exciting (at least not to you all).  I’m in the land of the sunflower, wheat, tornadoes, good highways (at least that’s what everyone who drives through it says), and Ronnica.

What, you didn’t know that Kansas was famous for producing me?

I’m visiting family for a long weekend.  I even get to go visit the bro and SIL at their new home.

I’m looking forward to a feet-up, fun, family-filled weekend!

Sir Walter Raleigh, our city's namesake

For the last few weeks now, I’ve enjoyed travelling all over the blogosphere with the BlogTrotters. It’s like a really cool virtual tour group.

Today I’m happy to be hosting you Blog Trotters in Raleigh, North Carolina! I’ve been a resident of the Raleigh area for almost 5 years now. What I meant to be a temporary move (for school) has happily become permanent.

As far as places go, Raleigh is definitely underrated.  When people think of North Carolina, they often think of the mountains, the Outer Banks, or Charlotte (all great places).  But Raleigh holds it’s own in North Carolina, not only because it’s the state capitol and centrally located, but also because it has it’s own unique features.

It's hard to get a good view of downtown with all the hills

Raleigh itself only has about 400K people, but it’s only one corner of the Triangle (which also includes Durham and Chapel Hill).   The Triangle got its name from the trio of top-notch research schools located within 30 minutes of each other: UNC, Duke, and NC State.

These schools in turn have drawn techie computer and pharmaceutical companies, which not only makes Raleigh one of the fastest growing places in the US, but brings in a lot of Yankees.  I love not being the odd-one-out…you’re more likely to meet a recent Raleigh transplant than a lifelong resident.

This also makes Raleigh quite diverse and educated.  Love that, too.

The acorn statue downtown

As far as climate, Raleigh is definitely in the South, muggy and warm.  It can get cold too (especially this past winter!).  Neither the heat or the cold is as extreme here as what I was used to growing up in Kansas, though.

The big differences from Kansas, though are the hills and the trees.  Especially the trees…which are everywhere.  Gotta love the neon-green pollen in the spring and the brilliant foliage in the fall.  Raleigh is actually called “The City of Oaks”…and we drop an acorn instead of a ball on New Year’s Eve.  Classy, right?

While visitors to Raleigh are much more likely to be here for business than pleasure, there are cultural things to do here.  So I’m told.  But you just might have to ask someone else about that…I just know that it’s a great place to live.

Photos by bobistraveling, pamocampo, and jamieca

As nasty as these things are, they seem to pass quickly, praise God.

Disposable ice buckets make excellent barf buckets.

Having a nurse for an aunt is incredibly handy.

Watching my brother make his wedding vows is incredibly surreal.

My brother’s friends don’t remain high schoolers forever.

Illness is a great distraction when I’m trying not to cry.

Just because he’s getting married doesn’t mean my brother will stop being a pest.

Being ill gets me out of talking to virtual strangers.

Though the thought of most food makes me want to barf when I have a stomach bug, wedding cake still sounds appealing.

My brother can be kind and compassionate (to his sister!) when required.

My dad will always go to great lengths to care for his daughter.

When I’m ill, it’s always best to have my mommy around.

I hadn’t planned on blogging this weekend.  I had thought I’d come back Monday with a cutesy “it all went well, and they’re married” post, but it seems that further developments require me to share the story with you prematurely.  At least if someone laughs at the situation, then I can feel like there’s some good from it!

So, last night after the rehearsal, I got ready for bed late.  Two of my Seattle cousins were sharing a hotel room with me, and I was doing my best to be quiet as I finished packing and showering while they slept.  As I lay under the covers, I felt unusually tense.  I assumed it was stress and/or the bed, but I found out otherwise shortly.

About an hour later, I woke up extremely hot.  I took measures to be cooler (including sitting on the cold toilet seat!), and was eventually able to cool off enough to get back to sleep.  Which lasted about 30 minutes.

At which time I knew I had an imminent date with that cold toilet, but didn’t quite make it.

Is now the time where I should say you might not want to read this if you’re queasy?  Or is it too late?

Yes, in the hotel room that I was sharing with the cousins I haven’t seen in 3 years, I threw up on the floor.  It’s a bad habit of mine; not making it to the bathroom (not that I throw up often).

At that point, I knew something was up.  I knew the tenseness and hot flashes I was feeling were not stress, but something far yuckier.

Not having any reasonable medicine, I woke up my cousins to ask if they did (they did not).  I found out later that they weren’t able to go back to sleep right away…I felt so bad!  I don’t want others to be miserable simply because I am.

Then I went down to my parents’ room and cried for help. That’s what parents are for, right?  My dad was able to find a 24-hour gas station in this 2,500-person town, and bought me a bottle of Pepto.  The color of which I promptly saw in the toilet bowl several more times in the middle of the night.

Scared to go back to bed, I slept on the recliner in my parents’ room.  I was able to sleep for about 45-minute stretches in between bathroom runs, so I certainly didn’t get much sleep.

When it was time for me to start getting ready to go to the church (5:30 AM), we knew we had a real problem on our hands.  I hoped it would have gone away, so that I wouldn’t even have to tell the bride, Amanda.  Unfortunately, there was no hiding it from her.

As an aside, Riley and Amanda were both incredibly gracious to me, carrying more for my health than my ability to participate.  She even texted me on their wedding evening to check in on me!  I’m so happy to be able to officially call her my sister.

So I went to church late (7 AM), with just enough time to get my hair and makeup done before picture.  I had one more bathroom run, but thanks to some medicine from my nurse aunt and her warning to eat and drink NOTHING, that was the last of it (I hope I didn’t jinx it…I’m not in the clear, yet)!

I was feeling better by pictures, and was able to fully participate.  But, as the time drug on and the drowsiness of the medicine started to kick in, it was obvious to all that I wasn’t all right (I’ve heard I was anything from pale or gray to green from various sources).  Thanks to some fast acting, I was made to lay down on a back pew until it was time for me again.  Without those naps between pictures and the wedding, I wouldn’t have made it!

Praise God, I was able to stick out the wedding, and look normal while doing it.  It was funny how many people whispered “Are you sure you’re okay?” to me as I walked down the aisle to take my place as maid of honor.  I actually think my sickness kept me for tearing up as I likely otherwise would have.  About 5 minutes from the end, I knew that I was on my last legs, but I made it…and promptly took a 2-hour nap during the reception.  At this point I was able to slowly introduce water back into my system, of which I was very grateful.

I also slept through the clean-up (I promise that I didn’t fake it to get out of work!) before we made the hour-and-a-half ride back to my parents house.  I’m thankful to be in some borrowed pajamas and resting with the TV to distract me (I have a hard time concentrating on reading at the moment).  I hope to take a nice bath shortly and hope into bed.  Here’s hoping for a must-needed good night’s sleep!

And that’s how NOT to spend your brother’s wedding.

Yesterday went smoothly, though it was pleasantly exhausting.  I love my job…have I mentioned that before?  Seeing the joy in someone’s face as they know they won’t have to pay as much as $500 to get their money back is priceless.  I also have had several returning clients get so excited to find out that I’m still here as they want me to do their taxes again!  Makes your day to be wanted like that.

This’ll be a short week as tomorrow night I’ll be flying out of here (barring snow!…though it’s not in the forecast).  The last two times I’ve tried to leave the state, the weather has changed my plans.  On top of that, it thundered here on Sunday, and people here in North Carolina say that means that it’ll snow in 7 days.  Have you heard that saying?  I haven’t, and neither had my friend who’s from Pennsylvania.  Is it just a North Carolina thing or have you heard of it, too?

I’m looking forward to this trip as almost all my extended family will be there.  While obviously my brother Riley and Amanda will be in focus as the groom and bride (I know that we don’t say it that way usually, but if I say it the other way, it’ll look like I’m calling my brother the bride!), we’ll also get some good family time in, too.  I took good notes on how to be a good Maid of Honor at my last wedding, so I hope I’m up to snuff!

* Because of the potential wrinkle of snow/ice, we left for Georgia at 7 AM on Friday.  It was 37 degrees when we left Raleigh.  When we arrived in Newnan, Georgia at 3 PM, it was 26 degrees.  We went from North to South, from the coldest part of the day to the warmest, and we lost 11 degrees.

* Even with the cold and the snow on the ground in Newnan (just a dusting, but it was too cold to melt) I still wore flip flops the morning of the wedding.

* I know this’ll sound vain, but my hair looked GOOD.  All it took from my usual hairstyle was a couple of crystal-studded bobby pins.  I’m going to have to put my hair back like that with bobby pins more often, because it keeps the long curls around my face from looking droopy!

* Though I’m very thankful I didn’t trip, I did lose feeling in the entire bottom half of my feet during the ceremony.  Since the Lutheran service next week will be much longer than the Baptist one, I’m going to have to get creative on how I won’t lose feeling in my toes.  I think the key is not to wear the heels one minute longer than I have to before the wedding, which was a strategy I took up only after the wedding this time.

* It was nice to walk back down the aisle at the end of the wedding and actually recognize a couple of people.  This next wedding, I’ll recognize more than a couple…

* Not quite weekend-related, but I went to the doctor yesterday for a physical and was told that I’m significantly short on Vitamin D.  I cut out tanning last year for health reasons, but it seems like it’s had the opposite affect!  The good thing is that while I haven’t had any noticeable symptoms, it was caught so I can be treated.  I think my body’s been telling me all along that I need the sun.  Low Vitamin D levels have been linked with fatigue and joint pain, so I’m hoping getting back to adequate levels will give me more energy and help the pain in my knees.

* Also, my glucose is high, so I now have doctor’s orders to exercise and cut out some carbs…something I knew I should have been doing anyway.  Having the doctor tell me, though, is what I needed to actually do it!

The wedding went well without any hitches.  The only person who tripped was the flowergirl, and that was more cute than embarrassing.

Not that I don’t have anything more to say, but I don’t have more time to say it.  But a picture is worth a thousand words, right?

I can’t believe how quickly the week went.  I was about to say my first full-week back went quickly, but I forgot that I’m off tomorrow (again).  Even after realizing that it was only 4 days, it still seems fast.

Tax season begins a week from tomorrow.  Eek.  Even though I’ve been preparing for it for months, there still is a lot that I have to do in the next week to get ready.  I’ve been working hard to find every (free! we’re a non-profit) way I can to promote this free service.  Sometimes I think it would be easier to sell if it was in fact something we were selling and not just giving away.

Once someone has come in and realized that there is no catch, they will come back and often bring several friends in, too.  Word of mouth was the primary reason we were able to double the amount of returns we did last year!  If you’re local (Wake County), and make less than $49,000 or know someone that does, please spread the word!  You can find all the information about the various sites throughout the county on our website.

Enough tax talk.  On the more immediate horizon, my good friend April is getting married Saturday.  I tried my dress on on Monday…I was having scary thoughts about it not fitting, and not realizing it until Saturday morning!  I think I’m all set to brave the snow as we drive down to Georgia…very thankful that the trace to 1 inch we’re expecting  is coming overnight (if at all) and not while I’m driving.  It’s also all interstate (from about 2 minutes from our door) and my roommate will be with me, so don’t worry (Mom, G. Zoe…I’m talking to you).

This is my first time as a bridesmaid, so that’s something new.  I just hope I don’t trip over my slightly-too-long dress in my high heels!

For those of you keeping score at home, one of the two weddings I’m in is this weekend.  This time, in Georgia.  The other, my brother’s,  is two weeks later.  Two more trips, and then I’ll be done with my holiday travels and well on my way into tax season.

Instead of trying to recreate my last two weeks for you, I thought I’d pull out a selection of my tweets that will hit the highlights for ya.

So my flight in the morning got cancelled cuz of the weather. Leaving at 6 PM instead of 6 AM. No long layover for me!4:29 PM Dec 18th, 2009

Ironically, I’m now flying through Min/St. Paul. As if they never get snow there.4:30 PM Dec 18th, 2009

I think I’m inordinately hard on my suitcases. I’ve had this one for 3 years, and it’s on it’s last leg. Err, wheel. [My parents ended up buying me a new one for Christmas!]12:36 PM Dec 19th, 2009

All packed. My bags aren’t full. I’m like the Grinch…bag is empty when I go, full when I come home. So blessed.2:30 PM Dec 19th, 2009

The Raleigh airport is strangely quiet. I suppose it’s the time of day…didn’t even have to wait in line at security.4:35 PM Dec 19th, 2009

At Thanksgiving, my watch that I use only to know what time it is on the plane broke. I’ll have to track the time by the # of pgs I’ve read.5:05 PM Dec 19th, 2009

Hmm. We’re on a 5-10 minute delay. Originally scheduled to land at 11:37, and I have to pick up the car by midnight. It’ll be close…10:22 PM Dec 19th, 2009

Made it to Wichita and got my car, 5 minutes before they closed. Very thankful! Hoping to have my bag, too.1:02 AM Dec 20th, 2009

Though a 12-hour delay wouldn’t be great for most trips, for a Christmas trip this was a complete success. Got my bag and my car…perfect!2:00 AM Dec 20th, 2009

I’ve been so not in a Xmas mood that I was rather surprised to see my parents house decorated for Xmas and talk about present snooping.2:10 AM Dec 20th, 2009

Just saw someone riding a John Deere to Walmart with a kid in the back. #onlyinTexas1:54 PM Dec 21st, 2009

About to surprise a 4yo girl with an afternoon movie…love playing auntie. =)5:12 PM Dec 21st, 2009

Sitting in Panera checking my work email for the 2nd and hopefully last time on vacation.

9:58 AM Dec 22nd, 2009

Just left Texas and 2 of my favorite people.10:50 AM Dec 23rd, 2009

Back in Kansas and in touch with the rest of the world.6:44 PM Dec 23rd, 2009

Staying up late reading is one of the great perks of Christmastime. Will finish Girl with the Dragon Tattoo tonight.11:49 PM Dec 23rd, 2009

If I could sneak my bed from my parents into my carry-on, I’d totally would. SUCH great sleep.10:21 AM Dec 24th, 2009

Hoping my bro and sil will be able to make it in safely for Christmas. Snow may be pretty, but it’s ugly, too.8:25 PM Dec 24th, 2009

Glad the family is finally all home. Much better than last year!3:11 AM Dec 25th, 2009

Umm, Twitter? “Marry” Christmas? I suppose it’s an intern’s intern that’s manning the tweet desk tonight. All the same, Merry Christmas!3:14 AM Dec 25th, 2009

Enjoyed a wonderful Christmas morning. I think one of my favorite parts is that we all rest and enjoy one another.12:58 PM Dec 25th, 2009

Christmas surprise that I must say I love: a Snuggie.11:56 PM Dec 26th, 2009

If you’re going to put a blurb from the book on the back, it shouldn’t be from 30 pgs from the end of the book. Unless the book is only 30 pgs.11:19 AM Dec 27th, 2009

Not looking forward to flying in a couple of days. I’ve flown just after they tighten security before, and it’s chaotic and slow.11:30 AM Dec 27th, 2009

Helped bro and SIL package favors for their wedding. Glad to help even this little bit.12:38 AM Dec 28th, 2009

I haven’t had to wait that long for security at the Wichita airport in a long time. Extra security measures.7:06 AM Dec 29th, 2009

Landed in Atlanta. The loud child to adult ratio on this flight was quite high.9:59 AM Dec 29th, 2009

Made it to Raleigh. Why are the flights back so much less eventful than my flights to Wichita?12:37 PM Dec 29th, 2009

Boy, I look like I only got 4 hours of sleep…oh, wait…1:04 PM Dec 29th, 2009

My hair smells like airplane. Blech.2:10 PM Dec 29th, 2009

Getting ready to start watching Season 7 of 24…gotta get ready for Season 8!4:48 PM Dec 29th, 2009

Lost 4 pounds since my last Spark People weigh-in a couple of months ago. Not bad since Turkey and the holidays were since then!1:31 PM Dec 30th, 2009

I’ve decided this weekend I’m going to do things in ones in honor of the upcoming 1/1: 1 hour reading, 1 hour cleaning/organizing & repeat.8:40 PM Dec 30th, 2009

Woke up naturally after a delicious night sleep. With football and a New Year’s party, today will be more fun than productive. =)8:44 AM Dec 31st, 2009

Wearing my hair in a bun. It’s to be a new decade, but I’ve aged a few myself.5:56 PM Dec 31st, 2009

11 children and 7 adults made it to midnight…not bad. Happy New Year, East Coast!12:19 AM Jan 1st

My official count is that I read 97 books in 2009. Aiming for an even 100 for 2010.12:30 AM Jan 1st

I hope to do all year what I was doing at midnight…fellowshipping with my church family.12:34 AM Jan 1st

Am I nerd for enjoying when the time on 24 and in real life are in sync?10:56 PM Jan 1st

I love reading by candlelight. Snuggie can’t join me though…figure that’s too much of a fire hazard.about 18 hours ago