(Crazy) Autumn Rush

I'm not referencing the movie - just the craziness of being back. I have to say that the trip to Madrid was amazing, but it's wonderful to come back and enjoy the warmth and comfort of friends and family (family only via phone at this point). I've been fairly busy - work of course, but more importantly on the social front. The week back I ended up getting drinks several nights to catch up with friends. I realized, since I was enjoying the customs of Spain/Portugal, that I ended up drinking for two weeks straight. Crazy considering I don't drink that much. However, it's the good drink - with friends and over good food and in moderation. I'm officially 5 days dry now. The day after I got back, I took off work since I didn't get in until close to midnight, but still managed my way into the city to have some drinks with some close girlfriends. It was great to catch up and share all the wonderful crazy times of the trip while still fresh.

So last week was a bit hazy, stradling the two worlds and juggling many changes. Saturday, I had plans to visit a friend/coworker who lives in NH. I tried to sleep in as much as I could. I had been planning on chilling the whole weekend to recover from the trip but had forgotten about the plans. I was glad to have them as this is the time to enjoy the outdoors. Which I discovered while trapped on I-93 heading north that everyone else thought the same. The traffic was so bad, worse then normal rush hour during the week. But the trees were so vibrant. I haven't seen this bright in years, which I hope is a good sign.

I met Dawn and we went to a highschool football game, well part of one. The main attraction was to see her little sister perform at half time in the band. She's one of the drummers on the left. I was impressed as they were a lot more choregraphed than what I remember my highschool band being. They played several pieces and had all these neat configurations. I don't know how you do it: Be able to play, then carry the instrument at the same time (I was a piano gal) and on top of all that remember all the choreographed steps.

After the performance we headed over to Robert Frost's farm. They had a festival going as the beautiful old tree, that one of his poems is written about, had finally fallen in a storm. They had live music and we got a tour from a guide who really loved her job. Her favorite phrase was, "Oh, and one more thing". She was just so happy to share the stories. I view Robert in a completely different light now. That and I feel closer as I sat in the one seat they can guarantee he sat in - the good old crapper (I kept my jeans on). I was getting a little hungry so got the most wonderful skewer. It was fresh scallops wrapped in bacon, grilled with real maple syrup poured over it. It was so marvelous - everything so fresh and good. I still have fond memories of that food. Well, then we headed off to a local orchid with a beautiful view. It was a day that makes you appreciate being in New England. Having lived in a few places in our fine country, I have to say New England rules - nothing compares. Kids giggling on hayrides and the smell of fresh apple cider while devouring hot out of the oil donuts that melt in your mouth. Glorious!

That evening I enjoyed more band performances. Over 20 schools performed on the football field and it was quite impressive. Some were small and good. Some were small and needed more practice. Some were big and good. And one was gigantic. Most schools had probably around 80 kids except for Londenery, they have some requirement and had 350 kids. They filled the whole football field. I guess the joke is that half the kids don't actually play the instruments but fake it, and yet you can't tell. I think the secret is in the size, after a certain size, it's harder to suck. I didn't quite make it through all of it as I was really getting tired and still had to drive home. Speaking of which, on my way home, I'm in the far left lane, when I realize there's an ambulance two vehicles back, so I switch lanes and keep an eye on things. It's strange because there's this SUV in front of the ambulance who isn't moving over, and then suddenly does and nearly clips me. I think she was honestly an inch away from hitting me. She must have suddenly realized and just instictively swerved not realizing I was in the way. Needless to say, I was more then wide awake the rest of hte way home.

Sunday I had the benefit of being able to hang out with some close friends while they went through a horrible medical tragedy. I was really happy I could be there for them and do something. These things are always so horrible and you hate it when it happens to such good people. It's of course made me reevaluate the crazy little stuff I focus on instead of hte big important stuff. It was a long day, and I couldn't work on my knitting project as it was a gift for their baby due in Friday - still trying to keep it a surprise. Luckily though I had a tangled ball of yarn that she had given me. I had started detangling the ball before my trip but this one is a doozy. Finger weight, cream and super tangled. On the ride home I had to rush, but I got it done, at least one thing accomplished that day.

Wonderful weekend, but not much catch up on sleep, chores, unpacking, etc. And then Monday. I had put in place a practical joke before I left for vacation. I hand selected about a third of the staff and sent them "the memo". You know how sometimes you and someone show up in similar outfits and someone else says they didn't get the memo about the new dress code or whatever. Well, since we have staff meeting Monday mornings, I thought it'd be a hoot if a bunch of us showed up in similar outfits. We finally agreed on a red top/black bottom combo. I was giddy with excitement. And, long story short, it completely bombed - noone noticed. The following is an excerpt of the email I sent staff afterwards:

I would just like to thank all those who participated in the practical joke today – both the ones who got it and the ones who didn’t and the ones who accidently participated. For those of you who are still unclear on the joke, here it is. Today at the staff meeting, if you looked around at your fellow colleagues you would have noticed that every third person was wearing something similar – red top/black pants. And yet, other than those actually in on the joke, I don’t think anyone noticed. Which leads us to a larger question at hand:

1. Is 10 am in the morning still a little too early and was not enough coffee ingested yet?

2. Are we made up of a group that are so focused on brilliant things like the big picture, we miss the little details?

3. Is Monday just not a day for practical jokes? Would people have noticed sooner on, say a Friday?

4. Is it possible that the there is a large population of color blind people in the environmental sector?

5. Why is it people will notice two people with similar outfits, but not 5 people? Is there some inverse relationship going on?



All good questions that I would like you to ponder as I hatch my next brilliant practical joke. Attached is a picture of those involved, plus Aaron who accidently wore red (and can I point out there was a high percentage of black pants today). Thanks to everyone again for being good sports.

And finally, since I have one more picture, I'll make this post really long. I've been enjoying lunch in the park a bunch since I've been back. Perfect weather for it - crisp fall with the sound of rustling leaves, clear skies, bright colors and eveyone out and about. Yesterday, three of us escaped work and made it to the beautiful Boston Gardens (just west of hte Common). And today, Noah (old coworker) and I hung out and I debriefed him on what to see in Madrid when he visits next month. I tried so hard to find a hiding place for a little gift I had for him, but you try finding a place in public to hide something that will survive the elements, maitenance staff and the general public. I failed. I feel bad. But it was a good idea.