From the Seat of 5A

Okay, it's been some time since I pulled out my soapbox but it is time that I pass judgment and share with all of you.

I had to fly up to Philly this week. That's not too surprising since I'm in Philly weekly. My upgrade cleared and I flew DFW-PHL in first. I have to say, I did not enjoy all the travel I had to do last year but making Executive Platinum sure has its benefits. My upgrades are clearing left and right. Anywho... back to my story. I'm in 5A. An older gentleman was next to me in 5B. I would guess he was late 50's, early 60's. Nothing special. Looked like every other schlub out there wearing ill-fitting khaki pants and a sweater that he's had since 1980. But it's an airplane and not a fashion runway. When the flight attendant came by to offer pre-flight beverages he was upset that they did not have his choice of whiskey. He settled for something else and off we went. Once airborne, he kept drinking his whiskey but also had a club soda and a diet sierra mist. That's a lot of cans balancing on our armrest. The flight attendant brought my nuts and as she was placing them on my try he barked at her "where are my nuts?" Well, I could have easily told him where his nuts are and where he could put them but the flight attendant was quicker than me and a lot more tactful. She brought his nuts and he ate them. All is happy. When it came time for dinner I was totally grossed out. He ordered another round of his beverage collection. Then he started eating. Absolutely disgusting. He has crouched over his tray, hovering over his food. He at his shrimp and slurped the cocktail sauce off each shrimp. Then he moved to his main course. Food was falling from his open jaw. I felt like I was on a boat and we were feeding sharks. I was a witness to him devouring his food like it was chum. He took his bread and sopped up every ounce of his leftover cocktail sauce with the bread. Absolutely disgusting. As much as I didn't want to look, I couldn't help but steal a glance. I was never so glad for a meal service to end.

So, lesson in this for me... always remember my manners. Etiquette goes a long way.

Sticks and Stones...

Normally said as an attempt to wash away the bad, this time I say it to usher in some good news. Our little house is underway. Mother Nature spared us from rain for a week+ allowing our contractors to get to work. The ground was leveled out and then raised (long story but they had to raise the house), the dirt was formed, foundation framed, electrical run under the house, and plumbing started. Behold the beauty of our little patch of dirt with things sticking out from it.

Apparently, all this has passed city inspection and the slab will be poured next week. We were hoping for a slab in January but hey, be grateful for what you get. There are people out there without a slab.

Enjoying a rainy, lazy Sunday.

I am so looking forward to enjoying today. First, both Shawn and I are home. Yes, same country, same state, same exact geographic location at the same time. It doesn't happen often. Neither of us have anything planned or prior commitments allowing us to spend the whole day together. It's raining -- While normally that would not be ideal, I love spending a rainy day at home. And lastly, I know next week is going to be a busy one so I am going to enjoy one last stress-free day.

I wish I had fun and exciting news to share but the last few weeks have been pretty typical. I returned home from Amsterdam safely. However, I brought a nasty case of the flu back with me. The flight home was long. And feeling sick made it a million time worse. The rest of the week I took it super easy and tried to recover.

The house is staring to show a bit of progress. It has been a slow start to the build. Mother Nature and all her rain caused the construction crew to hold for a few days. Which turned into weeks. Since last week was rain-free, the dirt was brought in, the house shape outlined in dirt, the foundation boarded, and marked off. Once the plumbers and electricians run all their respective cords and pipes the foundation will be poured. Behold progress...

This is from the street. Front of the house and yard.


This is from the yard, looking to the street.


And Shawn standing in the pool. (You need your creative thinking hat on for this pic.)


I'm hoping the progress continues and that we don't face many more delays.

That's it for now. More to come.