November 12-15...What a whirlwind...

Okay, so I've been off for several days because of my extremely hectic schedule. Let me begin by adding that whirlwind weekends are very bad for dieting. I knew it was coming but had no battle plan because I didn't realize the extent of the tiredness that would occur. Allow me to elaborate....
On Thursday the daily grind went much like it has been going. Very busy days...a couple of 'full moons' for lack of better terminology to fit the situation and welcoming 4;30 with the catching of my breath and wiping sweat from my brow. My husband was leaving for Key Largo with his students so packing for that was on the evening agenda. That took some doing but we got through it in a frustrating, agitated manner. Stress was prevalent but still I was able to maintain focus on my battle of the bulge.
At 3am the alarm rang because I had to get my husband to the airport by 4am for his 6am flight. Let me just say here that I think it is ridiculous to expect people to be at the airport two hours before a flight. I would understand an hour...but we follow rules no matter how stupid they are. I dragged myself out of bed, got a shower collected my husband who was doing last minute things and putting the suitcases in the car and we were off. I got home from dropping him off at approximately 5am and tried to lay down for a little while before work. That was futile.
I dragged myself into work on time and had another grueling day. Thank heaven it was so busy though; there wasn't time to take a deep breath, never mind remember how tired I was. 4:30 came not a moment too soon. From there I went home and prepared the items needed to bake the father/son cake with my nephew for the cub scouts. He came over at six. We had a heavy duty talk about his father. I was surprised that he chose to come to me with questions. I always assumed that it would be my husband. I answered them honestly- without lying. I thought my answers out and even I was astounded that the right answers came and they were both forgiving and soothing to the child. I believe the answers were divinely inspired. The Lord talked to that little boy through me as we worked side by side creating the spider cake. There's no other explanation.
He left me around 8:30pm. I cleaned up the kitchen and literally fell into bed. I awoke with pajama bottoms on, my work blouse and one sock on me as the leg with the sock hung over the side of the made bed. I guess that I can safely say that I was exhausted.
Friday's work went well. Steady but not overwhelming work and clients filled the hours and the day was over in no time flat. I still clung to my diet and this is where it went sour. After work was the Cub Scouts bake off contest. Needless to say, I couldn't miss that. I put off going to see my younger sister until Saturday just to be there for my nephew. I had to. Especially after the things we talked about and the depth of them. I love that child.
Anyway- the cakes there before us were absolute works of art. Ours was good- but clearly done by the sweet hands of my eleven year old nephew. In my mind that was the way a real boy scout would behave. you know...honesty-truth...that type of thing? I had him do it with me guiding. There was no way that these pieces of art were done that way. My heart ached and I truly cursed myself for the mistake that I believed costed the child a spot in the winning circle. My sister in law said it before I did. I understood. I felt as if I'd let everyone down though- not that they said or meant it. I just felt that way.
As we heard each cake of the ten categories called, and saw each magnificent piece of art brought up for applause my heart sank into my stomach. The final award given was called the Judges Choice Award. It was First Place and the winner got the coveted big mixing spoon that can be found in most every kitchen on the planet. The drum roll went out and you could've knocked me over with a feather when they announced the Spider Cake by my nephew as the winner! I just sat there clapping and thanking the angels. I damn near cried- as silly as that sounds. The lesson learned here was by me. Honesty and truth....Maybe I should've been a boy scout. ;-)
My nephew then asked me to come over to his house and have cake. Obviously I wouldn't turn that down. It was as good as it was amazing that he won. I blew the diet but to be perfectly truthful- it didn't matter. He was so beyond happy. It's the first time I've seen that in him since the death of his father last May. He smiles- don't get me wrong- but the glimmer in his eyes was back- I'm not sure how to explain....
I went out that night with my friend to karaoke. It was karaoke buddy's girlfriend. She needed to talk. Her brother passed away last week; not unexpectedly but it is still a blow- she needed a friend. I provided one. We talked until the wee hours of the morning.
Saturday morning I went to see my younger sister. She has been sick herself. She literally could not walk without pain. It was impossible. As the mother of three teens, a nurses aide full time and a college student of nursing she needs to walk. I went out to see if I could help. I grocery shopped for her. Drove her where she needed to go and then took she and her daughter to see the Michael Jackson movie "This is it," which was both nostalgic and so very sad.
We spent the rest of the night watching television, talking and laughing. Our diet was awful. I had to go with portion control. I didn't really succeed though.
This morning- Sunday I drove from her house to Newark airport to get my husband. That trip was frightening! The GPS took me through Manhattan, a cop yelled at me for being in a turning lane- no matter that there was no signs or arrows on the road or notice of any kind...I was clearly out of line. I did not get a ticket. I think once I spoke to him he realized I was a frightened sweet old lady type and he let me go with a stern warning. This was in the heart of Manhattan mind you. I continued through the Holland Tunnel- where the GPS lost signal- not something that's ever happened before so I was petrified that I would be lost in the city...luckily it got the signal as I emerged from the Tunnel. I got to the airport on time. Hubby was late... I SO SO SO had to go the bathroom by the time he got into the car. He offered to drive home from the airport and I let him. He'd also had a rough morning but the trip had been wonderful. He told me each detail as we drove. I was glad to see him and glad to resume normalcy-for lack of better terminology -once again. So hubby is home safe and so am I. Tomorrow I am going back on track obviously... (sigh). I wish this wasn't so hard but that's everything. I'll see you next time. ;-)