When I was a kid, my dad would take our family to Spring Training baseball games. A few years back, I revived that tradition with my dad. Each year my dad and I attend a Cactus League Spring Training baseball game. We usually tried to attend a Cleveland Indians game because that was the team my dad remembered seeing as a child. However, they haven't done so well in the past several years and I suggested we jump the sinking ship and start to support the Anaheim Angels (plus I like their logo...the letter A with a halo...could stand for Alisha!). In any case, a part of the condition of my father giving Jeff permission to marry me, was that Jeff had to promise dad that he would send me down for a game each year. I think it was a "win-win" condition for me! Since it was Spring Break in AZ this week, my mom had the week off so it was the perfect time for me to enjoy the week with my parents. I was also glad to feel the warm sun on my skin!! (even if it did reach 93 degrees while I was there). I flew in on Monday and went out to dinner with my parents to my favorite restaurant - Pita Jungle. For all those in AZ, you'll know why it's my favorite! They have excellent food with a variety of mediterrean flavor combinations. After we ate, we dropped by Joe's BBQ to get some homemade rootbeer and a chocolate chip cookie for dessert (more of my favorites - I've been going through withdrawls). Tuesday I spent the day shopping with my mom. It was nice to have some "mommy and me" time. I love my new family, but I miss the family I left behind, especially my parents. It was nice to be the "kid" for the week again, before coming back to be "mom". Wednesday morning my parents and I went to watch the new movie, OZ: The Great and Powerful. My dad and I were pretty excited, while my mom endured. Wizard of Oz was a movie I watched as a little girl and my dad would reenact the movie with my older sister and I. Of course, I had to see this new movie with my daddy.
That evening I met up with two of my friends, Camany and Andie. I've known these girls since junior high schoo. It was nice to see them again and reflect on how different our lives are compared to what we thought they'd be as naive preteens. We met up at Liberty Market for dessert. I had a Salt River bar. These are an AZ classic that involves club crackers, chocolate, and peanut butter. Enough said!
Finally, Thursday arrived! Spring Training!! We headed out early so we could drop into the team store to get some t-shirts and grab a traditional hot dog before the singing of the National Anthem. To be honest, while I do enjoy watching the game, it's the hot dog and National Anthem that I really look forward to. Thursdady was the hottest day of the week so we only stayed through the 5th inning (when we were sure the Angels were winning) before we headed back home to cool off.
Friday I woke up, packed up, and headed to the airport. I truly enjoyed spending the week with my parents and seeing my friends, but I did miss Jeff and the kids. I love modern technology (e.g., cell phones, Skype) that allow me to keep in touch with all my loved ones...even if it isn't the same as being with them. I am so grateful for my parents. I feel lucky to have been blessed with parents who have molded me into the person I've become and who have loved me enough to let me go. Thank you Mom and Dad for everything!
No comments:
Post a Comment