Losing My Keys
My family and I arrived back from Florida on Tuesday. By Wednesday morning our normal life resumed.
Dadisodes is back to work. Toys are strewn across the living room floor. And I have my laptop cracked open to begin the daunting task of checking my inbox.
Despite the 150+ unopened emails, I constantly find my fingers migrating back to the mouse pad to click on photos from our trip. I must have taken over 500 photos during our vacation, and right now, they are the only physical evidence that I was actually there. Proof that it was not dream. A reminder, that for brief moments, our life existed over there.
For two whole weeks, I always had an extra set of loving hands to care for my daughter. I sipped wine with old friends. Dadisodes and I snuck away to the most beautiful coastline we have ever seen. I visited the stomping grounds of my twenties. And I made my way back through the halls of my grandmother’s house. Her 1940’s pink, tiled walls transporting me to a more simple time. Sleeping over her house meant endless treats, stacking mah-jongg pieces, and picking mangos from her tree. They were all still there. Frozen in time behind her cement walls. Only last week, its novelty and excitement lit my daughter’s eyes.
Don’t get me wrong, the comforts of having my own bed and pillows, our clothes folded back inside our dresser drawers, all feel and fit nicely. But at the same time, it’s hard to ignore my new honey-toned skin, my daughter’s sun-drenched hair, and the excitement in her voice spouting new words in Cantonese.
I wish they would never fade.
But they will.
In a few weeks, my bikini lines will lighten, Babisodes’ hair will darken, and grandma will have to convey via telephone how to say things in Chinese. Slowly, the three of us will settle ourselves back into our usual mold.
But for now, Babisodes is still recovering from her grandparent hangover, while Dadisodes is busy planning for our retirement in someplace tropical.
As for me, although I am physically back in Massachusetts, my mind lies somewhere along the Florida coastline, reluctant to return with the tide.
It still longs for the simplicity, warmth, and breathtaking views of life over there.
WOW! Looks and sounds amazing — I am so jealous and really need one of those tropical breaks. I am so happy things are well and you enjoyed the moments spent without anything to worry about — those are the best times.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I understand what you are saying all too well. Your blog was a pleasure to read! Thank you for sharing.
Tori – Founder of Zoe Foods’s last blog post..Benefits of Breakfast
May 14th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Gorgeous shot Sandy. Isn’t the digital camera one of the BEST inventions ever, especially for families?
Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation. The wonderful ones are always too short, aren’t they?
Sighing along with you…
Karen MEG’s last blog post..Meatball for breakfast
May 14th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
I hear you! Only I’m mentally in Southern California.
Chris’s last blog post..Photostory Friday: The Emma Show
May 14th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Wow Sandy that picture is beautiful! It definitely makes me long for our own Florida vacation in October!
May 14th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Great picture!! So glad you had a wonderful vacation with family and got to spend some time alone for a much needed “honeymoon.”
Glad you’re back!
Dejoni’s last blog post..Leave it to a friend
May 14th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
This was a much needed and deserved vacation. Glad to hear everyone had a great time. I love that photo. Feel free to share more vacation pics!
Joyce-Anne’s last blog post..It is crack.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
It sounds like it was such an amazing trip…but I’m glad you’re back.
Muthering Heights’s last blog post..Beauty School Drop Out
May 14th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
I hope every word she learned was completely appropriate to say in front of others…even if we don’t know what it is.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Beautiful shot.
I love Florida. And if I lived in the USA, that’s where I’d live. But alas, I’m a Canadian, and must hope that someday, I meet someone who can get me a green card…
May 14th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
I love trips back “home” (wherever that is!) and I always hate returning… (Even though my “home” has never been someplace beautiful and tropical; think corn fields and cattle!)
I’m glad that you guys had such a great experience though! And that Babisodes is on a Grandparent hangover!!
Jac’s last blog post..It’s my (pity) party, I’ll cry if I want to
May 14th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Welcome Back! It’s so great to hear you had a wonderful time with your loving family
)
May 15th, 2009 at 12:08 am
oh south florida. lovely. i must say selfishly i’m glad you’re blogging again.
jameil’s last blog post..Bullseye
May 15th, 2009 at 1:45 am
Gorgeousness! Glad you had an awesome time. It’s often kind of bittersweet like that, isn’t it? Getting to go feels so good, coming back does, too, but there is much to miss.
Also, glad to hear Daddisodes is working! Not sure if you mentioned it before and I just missed it, but that’s gotta feel nice, too.
Maggie’s Mind’s last blog post..Haiku Friday 5/15/09
May 15th, 2009 at 2:07 am
I know..it’s so hard to come back to “reality.” Sounds like you had a wonderful time!!!
May 15th, 2009 at 2:18 am
i’d want to go back too…
the planet of janet’s last blog post..Richard Gere wasn’t even there!
May 15th, 2009 at 2:56 am
Gorgeous picture! Where in the keys did you take that one?
Angela’s last blog post..ATWT: He rolled over!
May 15th, 2009 at 3:18 am
The old ‘back to reality’ thing kinda sucks, ain’t it? (’ain’t it’. Midwestern colloquialism than means – is that not true?) I know exactly how you feel, Sandy. Did that to myself in January upon the return from Trinidad. The only bad thing about going someplace really nice is the yearning to go back there once one comes home. On the other hand – like has been said – thank the Goddess for Digital Cameras.
lceel’s last blog post..Friday Haiku – Universe
May 15th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Wow! Incredible photograph! It’s so nice to have you back, even though you’re not really here.
Dot’s last blog post..Jangled
May 15th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Sounds like you had a wonderful vacay……getting back to reality sucks, but daydreaming about what you did and looking back at all the pictures is fun.
Mah-jongg pieces…I used to get into my Mom’s set all the time to build things with them. Those were the days!
Michelle’s last blog post..It’s The LITTLE Things That Matter The Most
May 15th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Welcome back! I am such a staunch New Englander, the thought of 97F makes me sweat and shudder. You’ll have many opportunities to go back since your family lives there. And why don’t my kids pick up Mandarin when they visit their Grandma? I guess she’s too American too.
Angela at mommy bytes’s last blog post..PSF – Never Take a Half Day Off in the Morning
May 15th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Welcome back! Funny how just getting away from the daily life is the key (no pun intended). Our trips to Boston do the same thing sometimes. Although my family does their best to keep it from happening.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I’m glad you had such a good time even if this means it takes a little bit of adjusting right now!! I’m going to feel the same after my visit to the States and Hawaii next November, I know I will!
Jientje’s last blog post..Friday’s Fave Five, Mothers and Daughters, Husbands, Family and Friends…
May 15th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Welcome back! So glad you had a nice time. And even though you aren’t still there, you’ve always got the beautiful pictures and the lovely memories.
Beth (A Mom’s Life)’s last blog post..Don’t you just hate it when that happens?
May 15th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Recovering from Grandparent hangover… I completely understand! What a great way to describe it!
Tiffany @ Paging Doctor Mommy’s last blog post..By the Numbers
May 15th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Welcome back! It’s always hard to come back from paradise.
Beautiful sunset shot there!
Amy @ The Q Family’s last blog post..Photo Friday: Cable Ride on Ngong Ping 360
May 15th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Sandy, that photo is stunning.. it needs to go on a canvas..
Kim’s last blog post..Introduction to What the Heck?
May 15th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Beeeeauuuuutiful.
Now I really can’t wait to go to Florida next year!
Betty @ JustanotherSAHM’s last blog post..PSF – Birds
May 15th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Sounds like a lovely and much needed trip.
Be glad for the 500 pictures that’s for sure. Even if the tan line fades the pictures will always be there.
killlashandra’s last blog post..Welding for Little Boys
May 15th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Girl you most CERTAINLY deserved that vacation. And if you got to take that picture in person, I’d say it was divine. THAT picture? So serene and so incredibly beautiful.
MamaGeek’s last blog post..Pregnancy. The New Thin.
May 15th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Sounds like you had a wonderful time… and wow at the cantonese in such a short time!
Jeanette’s last blog post..Thunder and Rain
May 15th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
I loved the description of your grandmother’s house, and the picture….breath taking
brittany’s last blog post..Babies are hard, yo.
May 15th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Hope the grandparent hangover lasts.
Glad you had a great time!
Holly’s last blog post..Flatwater kayaking
May 15th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
beautiful, peaceful place. Vacations are SO nice!
Carrie Keiser’s last blog post..Foto Story Friday #49 — Chicken
May 15th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
No good vacation ever goes unpunished. Even if the only punishment is leaving the vacation.
The Mother’s last blog post..Demons, Caves and Death (NefHxMotherhood)
May 15th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Wow, you’ve got me longing for it too. Beautiful.
Jeanette’s last blog post..Rowdy…
May 15th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Sounds wonderful!
Nap Warden’s last blog post..Oh LOST…
May 15th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Welcome back! Sounds like an awesome trip.
Asianmommy’s last blog post..Book Review: Julie and Romeo
May 15th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Great picture Sandy. I’m so happy you all had such a fantastic time!
perpstu’s last blog post..Birthday? We don’t need no stinking birthday!
May 15th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
I would love to move there but I would even settle for a holiday. I looks like paradise. Sounds like you had a grand time.
Christine’s last blog post..Arghh, Blah, Sigh and Hrumph!
May 16th, 2009 at 12:45 am
beautiful post!
Melissa’s last blog post..The Graboid
May 16th, 2009 at 1:00 am
THat pic is GORGEOUS
Welcome back to the real world honey.
XOXO
May 16th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Such a gorgeous post, Sandy! I actually read it last night in my reader. Heh. Yes, my name is Lotus and I’m a Blog Reader Lurkapotomus.
Blog Hopping brought me out!
May 16th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Ah, vacations… so nice! We spent 2 weeks in Saudi Arabia in March with grandparents to help out. Yeah!
Happy bloggin’ and hoppin’!
Hot Mama’s last blog post..Book: Beloved Counterfeit
May 16th, 2009 at 2:10 am
wow, look at that ocean… absolutely beautiful!
shadow’s last blog post..55 – harmony recaptured
May 16th, 2009 at 2:38 am
It sounds like it was a lovely respite for all of you! I’ve been on a long hiatus, but I hope all is well. It’s so good to be reading you again!
Jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..The Return of the Return
May 16th, 2009 at 8:12 am
I can imagine how you feel.
That must have been a great time and being able to enjoy a vacation fully is a traet you all deserved well.
May 16th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Welcome back, Sandy! I can only imagine how hard it’s been to get back into things after a blissful two weeks away. We did a week away last summer and I was like a cat clawing at the carpet to stay when it was time to leave.
I hope you can ease in slowly, and relish in all the memories! -Christine
Boston Mamas’s last blog post..Math Moments in Everyday
May 16th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
You’ve described the feelings so perfectly! I can imagine just how you’re feeling…and I’m glad you were able to enjoy such a wonderful vacation…you deserved it!!!
Sarah’s last blog post..I didn’t know I was pregnant…
May 16th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I can’t wait to take a vacation this summer. Your photo has made me move the date forward.
Mocha Dad’s last blog post..Marriage is For White People
May 16th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I hear ya! I went to Sedona 2 yrs ago and my mind has been there ever since. ((sigh))
sheila’s last blog post..Pretty in Pink (and Black)
May 16th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Sounds like you had a good time. I’m so jealous!
Eve’s last blog post..Beautiful Day
May 16th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I’m glad you had a good time on your getaway, that sunset photo is amazing. Welcome back!
Tara R.’s last blog post..PhotoHunt & SOOC
May 16th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I love the pictures, I always have that same torn feeling whe I go visit my family down in FL and then come back home, did I just call this “home” (thats surprising to me).
May 16th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
I’d love to be in Massachusetts! It’s getting sooooo hot here already.
Jannie Funster’s last blog post..Folks, I couldn’t make these up if I tried! (and song video coming next post, I hope.)
May 16th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Vacation hangovers are the worst. Glad you had such a good time!
Cara’s last blog post..Random Thoughts Thursday
May 16th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I have the same feelings…about Colorado and Wyoming. And I grew up here. In NY. Maybe one day I’ll have the same feelings about NY, when we move out to Colorado (not likely).
Happy Blog Hoppin’
Hookin’ Angel
P.S. How did you like your candle?
Hookin’ Angel’s last blog post..Doncha just love updates?
May 17th, 2009 at 12:26 am
That sounds lovely. Home from vacation is like awaking from a wonderful dream because the smoke detector starting going off.
WeaselMomma’s last blog post..Geeking Out
May 17th, 2009 at 8:34 am
So glad (and jealous) that you had a great vacation. All of that nostalgia…I bet it was just wonderful!! Well, back to the old grind, eh. Glad you are back and blogging away!
Christie-A Work In Progress’s last blog post..Monday Morning Announcements: How Bad Do You Want to Go to BlogHer ‘09
May 17th, 2009 at 8:59 am
I know the feeling…although…I guess you could always move to FL!
Ashley’s last blog post..Life with two daughters
May 19th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
I love the way you write. =)
I’m so glad you had such a nice and memorable visit.
dysfunctional mom’s last blog post..WordFUL Wednesday ~ Cute Edition
May 20th, 2009 at 7:01 am