Sunday, July 20, 2008

Next Stop: Beach!

In my mind, I had a really nicely-crafted, essay-like post to give to all of you this evening. But, on this Sunday night, I am extremely tired and anticipating a big day tomorrow. So, instead of waxing poetic about creativity and best friends and spending the night in a hotel without my husband, can I just give you a really brief recap of my weekend?

Okay, you said it was okay...so...

* I had a wonderful time speaking this past weekend at the Alabama Writers Conclave. Met lots of really great people and, as always, got a kick out of encouraging other writers.

* I had a really nice, BIG hotel room, with nice, CUSHY pillows while at the conference. I was alone for the weekend (Gary and the girls--along with two friends--have already driven the fifteen hours for Delaney's World Series/beach trip in Maryland), so I enjoyed some "me time" which was really pretty nice. But, I have to say...I kinda missed having the kiddoes jumping up and down on the bed, or having Gary cuddle up next to me.

* The conference was on the campus of The University of Alabama, so I totally enjoyed being in one of my favorite towns ever. On Saturday night, I decided to wander around for a little while--you'd think I'd enjoy the television and the bathtub and everything by myself, but it was a sorta quiet in that hotel room and I decided to drive around a bit--and it made me miss the days of being 19-years-old. There is such wonderful energy on a college campus.

* After the conference was over, I went to see "Mama Mia!" with my friend, Angela. It is such a FUN movie and a perfect night-out with girlfriends. (And Pierce Brosnan is so yummy that it really should be a crime!)

* I talked with Gary numerous times over the weekend, checking up on the traveling progress and making sure that Sydney was doing okay (when I left for the conference on Friday afternoon, she was crying that "I'm gonna miss my Mommy!"). Gary, amazingly, survived the car trip (he seriously deserves a medal or something!) and Sydney has been having fun (she's already made a sand castle on the beach!) every time I've talked to her.

So, all in all, it was a really wonderful weekend!

And now, I'm venturing out to do another thing for the very first time (in addition to the solo hotel stay). I am flying for the first time BY MYSELF, and I'm just crossing my fingers that I don't get totally confused during the layover and get on the wrong plane. (If you hear about some frantic woman stranded in the Charlotte, North Carolina airport, that would be me!)

I don't know if there is Internet connection at our hotel, but if there is...you know that there will be World Series reports and beach photos!

In the meantime, here is me with my new beach-friendly haircut and a view from my me-only hotel room. Yep, I kicked off my shoes and watched "Sportscenter" the whole time I was in the room...


And, also in the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful Monday and rest of the week! I will "see" you all when I get back!

Cross your fingers for the Birmingham Mustangs, and be thinking of what a rough time I'm having on the beach with a pina colada in my hand!

Ciao!

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to hear "softball updates"...I'm missing it already...but we'll have practice this week to give me a fill.
Enjoy your flight...you will do just fine!

Adrienne said...

Have a good time!!!! Everything will be just fine!

Monogram Queen said...

Crossing my fingers for the 'Stangs!!!!!
Enjoy a pina colada for me lady!
Glad you enjoyed your alone time too. :)

Travis Erwin said...

Nice do.

camport said...

Charlotte airport?? You're so close to me{and Jude!}. I hope all goes well in getting on your next flight. Enjoy the alone time and the beach and your hair looks great!

:)

Edleen said...

hey Cheryl, looking good there! enjoy your time and have fun :)

Mississippi Songbird said...

I am about jealous!lol


Hope you have a wonderful time at the beach. Don't you drink too many of those girly drinks, ya hear?

Mz.Elle said...

Ooohmygosh! Your hair is gorgeous!
Have the BEST time!
I'm sure you'll make your connections safely and on time.
You'll come back with loads of new confidence!

Irene Latham said...

Hi Cheryl - it was so great to see you this weekend, and everyone had such wonderful things to say about your workshops. It's nice to know you've "still got it" after all these years past the time I sat in your classroom. And you look just the same! Thank you thank you thank you. Go mustangs! :)

j said...

Love the new do! It looks great on you. Be careful and have a good time.

Jen

Kari (GrannySkywalker) said...

Cheryl, do you know anything about the Ross Bridge resort? And do you know of "the best" scrapbook stores in the B'ham area? No big hurry on this info...my cousins and sister and I are looking to get together for a weekend and someone suggested Ross Bridge. It looks great online, but I'm interested in where the scrapbook stores are! lol If you get the chance when you return, please let me know if you can recommend any.
Thanks,
Kari

hippo chick said...

First of all, let me say that I LOVE the new hairdo. It is fabulous. You look great.

I plan to see Mama Mia. I love ABBA and have seen the stage show twice.

And I'm jealous as all get out about your going to the beach.

By now the flying is over. I remember the first time I flew alone - it was to Paris. I was TERRIFIED. Hope the trip was good.

Have a great vacation in Maryland.

~hippo hugs~

Auburn Kat said...

I LOVE the new haircut! Very, very cute!

It's funny but I'm so used to flying alone that when someone flies with me it feels like a treat! The last time I flew you might remember that I DID get stuck in Charlotte!

Have fun at the beach and buy some Candy Kitchen saltwater taffy when you are there!

Katrin said...

The short hair looks fabulous! Have fun at the beach, don't get a sunburn and drink as many cocktails as possible. :)

Anonymous said...

love the hair, you are so prety!!

Anonymous said...

Great haircut!

Anonymous said...

Whoo Wee...look at you, hot momma! :)

Marjolein said...

Just stopping by to say HI! How're you doing, good I think? Have a great time!!!
Love your hair btw!!

Dawn Bibbs said...

Keep having fun...but hurry back...I miss you! :-)

Dettao said...

great haircut!

Dettao said...

BTW, have I told you my in laws live in Sylacauga? How close is that to you?