October 31- November 2 Florida Trip

We were up at 3:30 am to get ready for our 6am flight to Florida for the weekend. My niece's wedding; medieval theme.... Once on the plane I immediately drifted off into a very deep sleep. The televisions in our row did not work, but I had the ipod that my husband gave me for the body conditioning class so it was fine.
About an hour in I woke up to snacks being served. I had a muffin before we took off- actually half of one because my husband and I split one, so I was hungry. The snack was Doritos mix. It was as delicious as it was bad for my diet. Still, I ate it. The woman next to me, who was an absolutely stunning blond not too far back from my age enjoyed hers with as much vigor.
We got to talking, although I must admit that the conversation was initiated by her. She told me that being pretty was as lousy as feeling the way that I do. She said the judgement goes by that and not the fact that she has a brain or that she is an astute business woman. She owns a bed and breakfast in the quaint town of Warwick New York. She was a lovely person and I marveled at her take from 'the other side of the fence' from my view. It's the second time I've heard it in a week.
The conversation- again at her initiation- veered to career- when she asked me what I did. I, of course mentioned my position as receptionist at the courthouse, my 4.0 in college toward my degree and my dreams of being a successful published author when my book comes out in the 'fall.' (It is fall. I've emailed the publisher. I'm still waiting for a response.) To make a long story short, her business-like astute mind took charge and I'm going to do a book signing at the bed and breakfast. She is also going to put me up on her website. She said that she knows other bed and breakfast owners that she will give my name to and 'George' the owner of the local bookstore as well. It was all so exciting! I took her card and wrote down my information for her. I'm going to mail her two of my manuscripts as well. (That's my own idea though.) So- how about that?
We got to the magnificent Crowne Plaza Hotel in Orlando and we had breakfast with my niece (the older sister of the bride) and her two cousins from the other side of her family. I could not believe how beautiful the three of them were. They were women- one; my niece a college graduate, one in Dartmouth in her senior year and the other in high school. I was astounded. By the way let me just say, if you want to stay in an excellent place- go there. It was superb.
We swam and got a little color. It was 90 degrees. It was HOT! We got to the wedding around 3:30 in the afternoon. We sat with my younger sister, her 12 year old daughter, and my Aunt. My niece was a stunning bride in her hand made medieval bridal gown and her groom was handsome and really looked the part in his chain link long tee shirt, belt, sword and black tights.
After the wedding we went back to the hotel and enjoyed frosty beverages and snacks in the lounge before retiring for the night.
The food intake was greasy and fattening. It was also done to medieval expectations. To explain it all would take about 25 blog spaces so I'll just leave it at that. I did not have cakes or sweets of any kind and my beverage was water all day with the exception of two sips of the two different types of moonshine that were made in the battle pit especially for this occasion. It was very hot and we were out in the woods with the dirt and the bugs so I really felt that drinking would make me ill- I was already feeling sour stomach from the food. It was good- I'm just used to eating healthier.
Sunday began with an early swim and meeting other patrons of the hotel. We all agreed about the awesome service and accommodations there. It was really first rate. We checked out at eleven am and were on our way into our final day in the sunshine. Among the highlights were having my picture taken with snow white, and sitting on a Harley- also having my photograph taken. Needless to say I sent the one of the Harley out via text to all of my friends. Believe me- that's NOT something they see everyday! They all loved it and most responded immediately. The food intake was another uncontrollable situation so I just did portion control to the best of my ability- but it didn't matter. It was all bad. I didn't throw the towel in though. I just worked with what I had and left the rest up to the Lord.
We were delayed at the airport two hours because President Obama was in town supporting a candidate in his party so instead of getting home at 7pm we landed at 9pm. We got home around 11pm. We were exhausted. It was fun. My husband says that we 'were quite the jet setters.' I guess we are. See you next Blog.