Nothin’ to sneeze at
There is something to be said about timing.
To some people, they see it as fate. The way things were meant to be, to happen, or pan out. It is their destiny.
And to others, it is purely the luck of the draw. With luck playing a key role.
For 24 years, I lived all over Miami, Florida. The addresses I compiled throughout the years resided anywhere from small town suburban neighborhoods, to the bustling high rises in South Beach. Despite my usual 2am stroll along the beach, or 7am train commute to the county hospital, I was never privy to the fact that Miami had the highest violent crime rate in the nation (especially in robbery and assault).
Twenty-four years, and nothing ever happened. Actually. I take that back. My ex-BFF stole my boyfriend, and I totally wanted to kick her ass.
Anyway, I eventually moved away. In fact, I moved every 3 months as a traveling nurse. My first work assignment was in a very upscale part of Southern California. A place where the average engagement ring size is nearly 10 times the national average (don’t ask how I know) and million dollar homes are the norm.
<<BAM>>
The barrel of a gun slammed against my car window. A young kid in a hoodie ordered me to get out. I was merely in the neighborhood to check up on a friend’s house while she is away on vacation.
Perfect timing.
Had I taken a few minutes longer to water the plants, or snooped around in her medicine cabinet, I would have missed the carjacking. And I would still be driving that brand new Toyota today.
Throughout high school, I dated the same guy. You know? The guy you swore was right for you. The one you could see yourself with forever and ever, even if “forever” at sixteen is next week.
He was a decent guy. At least he started out that way. Until he started smoking anything that could be inhaled, and told me that he would rather be tripping on acid than to ever see my face again…over and over for four years.
High school. Good times.
Luckily, soon after that relationship ended, I met someone new, and (sort of) normal.
It was the first time I was with someone who was actually sober enough to give me attention.
But he was 18. I was….um…older.
He proposed with a spearmint gum wrapper folded into ring.
I said “yes.” After all, it was still early on in the relationship, and he had not cheated on me yet.
Timing. He totally took advantage of it.
And then last month, I happened to stumble upon incredibly cheap airfare to Florida. In four years of marriage, Dadisodes and I have never taken a honeymoon. With these cheap tickets, we planned on taking a family vacation and visiting my parents. Perhaps leave Babisodes with them for a few days and gallivant child-free along the coastline.
I started packing three weeks ago.
Then this weekend, every headline in the news is squawking about the swine flu becoming an international epidemic. Over 100 deaths in Mexico have already been reported, and that number is climbing. Travel between South Florida and Mexico is heavy on a daily basis. We are watching the news and travel restrictions very closely.
Even if they do not end up restricting travel, is it worth it? Would you cancel or reschedule your trip? Or would you risk traveling with a toddler?
Timing.
I’m starting to think that it is our fate to never have a honeymoon. Or our luck just really sucks.
Either way, Mr. Murphy can suck it.
p.s. The engagement was as authentic as the ring, and it was kept totally under wraps from my parents. So shhhh!
I wouldn’t change plans. Just wash your hands… a lot!
Emily/Randomability’s last blog post..Photohunt: Protect(ion)
April 27th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Go! If they are not restricting travel, I would go. Maybe check the local news in the parts of Florida you are headed to and see if they are having problems with Swine Flu first, but if not I would go!
April 27th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Hmmmm. . . I’m not sure what I’d do. You’re probably safe, but it does make me a bit nervous.
April 27th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I think you need that honeymoon/vacation. Maybe the next baby would be made there, who knows? Just be careful!
ceemee’s last blog post..Should I Go? Or Should I Go?
April 27th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Or you could consult your parents regarding the swine flu and traveling.
ceemee’s last blog post..Should I Go? Or Should I Go?
April 27th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Regarding the BFF stealing your ex… I so would have wanted to kick her ass as well!
Tiffany @ Paging Doctor Mommy’s last blog post..Happy Third Birthday Reagan
April 27th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Shucks
I don’t think I would travel alone, let alone with a toddler, especially in a region that is heavily traveled to and fro Mexico
Nicole’s last blog post..Rape fields – Rapsfelder
April 27th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I am a wimp only about certain things, but my children are on that list. I would travel almost anywhere without them or if it wouldn’t affect them. But any place that would be too dangerous for them, or that might result in me bringing back danger to them? That would be off limits for me. Just my two (chicken) cents…
MommyTime’s last blog post..A Quiz to Start Your Week
April 27th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Yeah Mr. Murphy – suck it! I’m sorry I don’t have any great words of wisdom. I wouldn’t know what to do either. This swine flu crap is scary stuff.
Sharon’s last blog post..Sanity Saver for $2.40!
April 27th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Just get three surgical masks…small, medium and large…and travel on, my friend!
Beth (A Mom’s Life)’s last blog post..Miracle Monday
April 27th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Your were/are a nurse, you know how to be grem free, and how to take care of washing your hands and all! Don’t change plans, you two need this late honeymoon, even if it is with your baby!!
krystal’s last blog post..Spring Roses on Earth Day
April 27th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I wouldn’t cancel your travel plans. We live in Texas, where we also have confirmed cases, and other than washing our hands more often than usual, we’re not doing anything different.
It is VERY relevant that the US cases are mild. Not a single fatality, and I think only one hospitalized.
The public health system is ALL OVER this. If they’re not quarantining Florida, GO.
ENJOY. That’s an order.
The Mother’s last blog post..Don’t Panic! (Not Yet)
April 27th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Oh ya, I totally kick the former BFF in the tant…
krystal’s last blog post..Spring Roses on Earth Day
April 27th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I really hope you get to take your holiday!
Jeanette’s last blog post..Stacey’s 21st | Johannesburg Party Photographer
April 27th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
just go! don’t let flu or crime keep you down. the average engagement ring size is nearly 10 times the national average? what on earth? i need to know how you found that out.
jameil’s last blog post..Crazy Movie Lady 14
April 27th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Sorry to hear about the carjacking… It really sucks having your sense of security in the world rattled like that.
Melissa’s last blog post..Meet Cowboy
April 27th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Hmmm, I would probably still go, but be very vigilant over babisodes, and what she would come in contact with. I suppose you can always stock up on hand sanitizer!
April 27th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
I say go. No one knows anti germing like a nurse… So I am sure you could keep a watchful eye on babisodes!
April 27th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I cannot begin to relate to the scare you must have had by getting your car hijacked! I actually got robbed in Florida from the Budget Rental Car parking lot. A man wearing a t-shirt with the Company logo came up to my boyfriend, at the time, and I and said he needed to check the doors to make sure they were not broken. Next thing I know my boyfriend was chasing after him as he raced off to his getaway car with my pocket. I was thankful that nobody got shot.
I visit Miami often and love the Latin influence there, especially coming from home grown Aspen. I’m glad that you never encountered any danger.
Had fun reading your posts. Best, Jillian
April 27th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I tend to agree with krystal. As for luck or fate, I hope you don’t get too cynical or start expecting only negatives. You might miss the positives!
Dot’s last blog post..Feelings About Spring
April 27th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
That is some crazy timing. I wouldn’t travel… but damn! You need a honeymoon!!!
Kmommy’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Lost Sucker Edition
April 27th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Hmmm. That is kind of a tough call. But I think I would still go.
Kat’s last blog post..Destressing
April 27th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I would TOTALLY still go. But then again, I’m kind of one of those “it’ll never happen to me” people, so take my advice at your own risk. I do hope it works out!
Rachel @ Grasping for Objectivity in my Subjective Life’s last blog post..Early Monday Mornings: Week Three
April 27th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
i am a chicken, i will prob change my plan and just wait a little while. but that’s me!
savvymode sg’s last blog post..Loving Relationshiop is Not Rocket Science?
April 27th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I wouldn’t change your plans. At this point, it seems like swine flu is more of something to be aware of than something to be afraid of.
April 27th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
If going to Mexico, cancel. If going to Canada, go. I wouldn’t risk it. It seems to be much worse in Mexico for some reason.
sheila’s last blog post..Manner of Death…Crawly Things
April 27th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Travelling with a toddler isn’t that bad actually, it’s a huge adventure. Just take surprise stuff she hasn’t seen before colouring books/colorwonder books and markers or a new toy. We took binoculars with us so Ian could look for Jack and the Beanstalk, it was kinda cute.
The swine flu thing is a bit scary, and I can see your reservations, but I’d still go if I were you. I’d be a little more concerned if you were headed to Cali. Go! Have fun!
April 27th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
If it were just you and Daddisodes I’d say go, but with Babisodes in tow I’m not so sure. The air on a plane is stale to begin with, and germs grow rampid — not sure.
I’m sure you will make the right decission. Yep, timing sucks.
Patsy’s last blog post..I Had to Get Home
April 27th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Your former BFF does deserve a good A55-kicking! Good luck deciding and hope you get that honeymoon!
Emily’s last blog post..bathtime at the Powell house
April 27th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
I would say go. You are probably not in any greater danger in Florida than in Boston. From what I hear it is responsive to antibiotics and the only fatalities have been in Mexico, which is basically a third world country with limited health care. We face a thousand potential tragedies every day. We can’t avoid life, just to avoid the one in a billion chance that something bad will happen. You need the vacation…go…enjoy yourself!
Cara’s last blog post..Nope
April 27th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I would go, but don’t breathe, don’t touch anything, and take plenty of antibacterial wipes…..oh, and have FUN!
abunslife’s last blog post..I’m becoming one of those moms….
April 27th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Aww man! Mr. Murphy sucks. I totally don’t know what I would do. Knowing my husband, however, he’d say “Turn in the tickets and we’ll drive to Florida. Hey, is that an option? Driving, I mean.
Joyce-Anne’s last blog post..Holding on to hope
April 27th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
It’s a risk. If you were MY daughter, I would keep you home – perhaps find somewhere closer to home to have fun. But that’s just me. I would never, ever take a chance with you, or your daughter, or your husband.
But then — that’s just me.
lceel’s last blog post..Silk Purses
April 27th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
You could stay in north Florida, say along the Gulf Coast. I have it on good authority it’s really beautiful there, and no travel restrictions that I’ve heard of… just a thought. *wink, wink*
Tara R.’s last blog post..Just rewards
April 27th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I have no idea what I’d do…No help, I know:P
Nap Warden’s last blog post..Peach Style
April 27th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
hmmm tough call. Any way you could avoid Mexico? Not sure what I’d do…but you guys definitely need the vacation.
Jessi’s last blog post..Sometimes it takes a sledge hammer to…
April 28th, 2009 at 12:48 am
sigh. i would hate to give up the opportunity.
just stock up on purell and go for it.
the planet of janet’s last blog post..Parlez-vous problem-solving?
April 28th, 2009 at 1:00 am
We already have a couple of suspected cased here in Saskatchewan so we probably will all be facing it anyway. I am already being careful in public places. We have had to be. We have lots of practice. Watch out for door knobs and shopping carts. How many cases are there in that area? That would help me to decide. Like if heavy infection means five cases…Go.
Christine’s last blog post..Hosta La Vista Baby!
April 28th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Timing is crazy. I’d say to keep an eye on the news, talk hypothetical re-schedules with the airline (some are actually decent about changing dates, really, oddly) and be ready to make the best of it either way. Decide for sure once it’s closer and call either outcome spontaneous, but be sure to do something fun. With hand sanitizer, either place, just in case.
Maggie’s Mind’s last blog post..Haiku Friday 4/24/09
April 28th, 2009 at 3:30 am
OH, I hope you get to go!!!!!
I’m still kind of wigged out at your carjacking story…that is SCARY!!
Cecily R’s last blog post..Photo Story Friday and Being Okay
April 28th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Ah yes, that is awful timing! Let us know what you decide. I know we are all wishing for you and your family to have a lovely holiday, and disappointed for you that the swine flu had to rear its ugly head.
Kelly’s last blog post..7 Days of Happy Moments: Day Three – Sunshine
April 28th, 2009 at 5:23 am
I would say keep your plans and keep your eye on the news, it might just go away before your trip.
Leidy’s last blog post..I am going to bite the bullet
April 28th, 2009 at 9:10 am
I hope you can go.
Jientje’s last blog post..Ruby Tuesday, Raindrops
April 28th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Oh, that sucks! Hopefully you will still be able to make it. Keep the tickets and see if this whole swine flu thing dies down. http://shouldibeworriedaboutswineflu.com/
And that engagement? Hilarious.
Allison’s last blog post..He Says I Don’t Write About Him Enough
April 28th, 2009 at 10:10 am
I’ve not researched the swine flu but if it’s big, I probably wouldn’t risk it. But, that’s me. Can you travel to another part of FL? Less south? You’ll get your honeymoon…we had to wait a long time too.
April 28th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Crazy timing , but I think you deserve a vacation, so just go, enjoy your vacation and wash your hands often!
April 28th, 2009 at 10:18 am
I’m sure it’s not fun to have to deal with all these news while you try to plan for your vacation. I have no wise words.. I think it depends on your risk tolerance. I probably will go for it but Mr. Rojo might have the reservation on this.. Good luck on your decision either way. I hope the situation will die down soon so you can take your long-awaited honeymoon.
Amy @ The Q Family’s last blog post..The World of Coca-Cola
April 28th, 2009 at 11:05 am
So sorry about this. What a bummer! Talk about lousy timing.
Asianmommy’s last blog post..Knit Sushi
April 28th, 2009 at 11:59 am
That’s really a tough call! A honeymoon is something I never had either…so I can understand the desire…but I’m also a hypochondriac *lol*
Do what you think is best for you!
Sarah’s last blog post..Spring has sprung and Birthday fun!
April 28th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I wouldn’t cancel your trip. I think it’s important for your relationship to go on that “honeymoon”. Just be sure to bring some sanitizers with you.
The Car Jacking story freaked me out. I think I would have frozed and not known what to do. Luckily, he only wanted your car.
Maria@Conversations with Moms’s last blog post..Friday Frustrations – A New Friday Meme
April 28th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I wouldn’t cancel your trip. I live here in Florida (in a port city with lots of cruise ships from Mexico) and we haven’t had any reports of swine flu. Come enjoy the sunshine!
Lauren’s last blog post..A letter to my cervix
April 28th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
If you decide to change plans try having a local honeymoon. Me and hubby use to do this when I was a meeting planner and had to stay in local hotels. Rent a room for a night or two and be tourists. That’s always fun.
April 28th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Oh the timing does SUCK! It reminds me of the whole SARS thing, but that was right here, and I was also in the middle of infertility treatment.
Anyhoo, back to you. I’ve heard that the cases in US and Canada are more mild than those in Mexico, for whatever reason. It would be more clearcut if you had actually booked a trip to Mexico, I guess.
I hope you don’t cancel, but I understand your concern. Anyway to get your hands on some Tamiflu or Relenza just in case?
(And I also, am FREAKED that you were carjacked!)
Karen MEG’s last blog post..The Fear
April 28th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Oh, come on! You’ve been around worse just working in a hospital. And this flu isn’t impacting kids, so you’re good to go. Wash your hands lots (you know that!) and go to the places you know – because you’re from there – that won’t be heavily traveled by tourists.
I wish you the very, very happiest of honeymoons!!!
April 28th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Go and have a wonderful time. You could get run over in front of your house. Live and love and have a wonderful honeymoon…who knows…you may get pregnant!
Dejoni’s last blog post..Redneck Plumbing
April 28th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Glad you decided to go – sorry I have been out of it lately
now trying to catch up
Elle’s last blog post..My own version of Design on a Dime
May 5th, 2009 at 3:09 am
Gosh, that must’ve been a scary experience, being at gunpoint. I guess I’m quite lucky I never experienced it even if I always go home late.
As I am reading this, you’re already having your well-deserved vacation, so I guess it was a great decision to continue with the trip.
katcarneo’s last blog post..The Pacquiao Effect
May 6th, 2009 at 9:46 am