48 hours of Vitamin D

It was only 48 hours but the re-charging I may have needed. Or was it?

I consider myself to be on the cutting edge, adventurous, semi-spontaneous (as much as can be with MAJOR responsibilities) and a 'fun-loving lover of life.'

I'm proud of the reception I received when I called my best friend a while ago.

I initially emailed him not knowing that his computer has been on the fritz and he has not been reading any of the email I've sent pretty much since he left Ohio. (In some ways that's a good thing!!!)

Hearing his reaction to my initial 'fishing around,' I asked him --"Do you think there are any tickets left for the Tribe-Rays games?

At first, speechless (which is not his MO). Next, he slowly and confusedly asked, "Why? Are you planning on coming down?" And I answered, "Yes, I am."

Yet again, speechless.

I felt like I had really pulled a fast one on him, which is impossible to do.

He asked if I had gotten my ticket yet, which I had, which silenced him one last time.

Honestly, I did not believe it would happen. I was sure something would come up causing me to cancel the trip--Mom not feeling well, a development at work, any number of items to rain on my parade.

I had many tasks to complete before I could fly the friendly skies. I did not accomplish as much as I would have liked BUT more than I realistically thought I would conquer.

Being 'Miss Organized,' I had to orchestrate every movement, every action. Make sure all my ducks were in a row back here in Cleveland and then I had every minute planned out on the road.

Finally, time to depart. Things were going too well. Eerie feeling came over me.

True story: Knowing we are huge baseball fans, an acquaintance I see each Monday, Wednesday and Friday asked who the Tribe was playing? I said, "The Rays, in fact I am on my way to the game right now." They looked at me like I had gone off the deep end and could not believe I was jetting off to see my Tribe!

But, amazingly, everything went off without a hitch. I arrived early and had the most glorious 48 hours with my dearest friend in the world. How could I not enjoy my mini-vacation away from reality, responsibility and cool temperatures?!?!?!

Well, upon arriving in FLA --a little rocky as my purse spilled all over and I went fishing for lipstick, cell phone, lip gloss, keys.....I totally lost my lipstick lid which I still can't figure out since I was in the ladies room and there is only so much room in there?!?! There are huge signs saying 'do not leave your luggage unattended.' Well, I am crawling all over the restroom floor trying to gather my belongings --leaving my luggage unattended and thinking someone is going to think I am a nut looking under stalls! Great start, huh!!! Then because of my purse mishap, I missed the first shuttle tram. I'm thinking: D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R! It did get better from here on in.

The minute I arrived it was off to the Indians' Game.....with Mark DeRosa and Evan Longoria! Heaven! An Indians' Game in 92 degree temperatures! Double heaven!! I nice cool Bacardi-Diet Coke with ball park food! Tri-fecta!!!

Another true story: I was enjoying the company, the ambiance, the moment when I checked my phone and had 4 text messages. That's unheard of! Turns out, I had just been on TV and Matt Underwood and Rick Manning were talking about me on the air. Oblivious! The magic of cameras not right in your face. Apparently, Matt, who I had worked with, was telling everyone what I do and who I was....as I am taking pictures galore of my boys! Now, if that does not beat all and make a most memorable remembrance of this trip, nothing will!!!

(Sidebar --Ironically, while writing this at 339am in the morning, I am rousted. Duty calls and I must go help a family member in need. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE tending to family and friends. However, being away for 48 hours was free of interruptions such as these and totally necessary. It's too bad they only happen every 4 and 1/2 years & the only way I can get a little freedom and peace of mind back is totally leaving the state!!!)

I won't go into details of my fabulous weekend. A little mystery is good for the soul. Suffice it to say, Indians/warmth/good company/good seafood/sun/cocktails galore /jamming to really good tunes /not having to drive /not having to be in charge /not having to make any decisions /not having to wake up with an alarm clock or the beck & call of family members /laying by the pool /the list is endless.........

I really tried to enjoy every single second because Billy Joel told me --"it's just a fantasy, it's not the real thing, but sometimes a fantasy is all you need."

I knew before I knew it, I'd be back in reality and my 48 hours of Vitamin D would appear like a dream, a fantasy.

I did enjoy every single second. I knew it would soon come to an end but if I was lucky, I would try very hard to let the memories linger and incorporate, if possible, a little 'fantasy' into my every day life.

It re-charged me for the moment. Was it enough. Heck no. But, back to reality and but quick!

The freedom may be gone for another 4 and 1/2 years but I will cherish those memories forever!

No matter how many responsibilities we carry on our shoulders, no matter how alone we feel each and every day, God is carrying us during our toughest times. And, it's ok to dream. It's healthy to savor endearing moments and memories. And frankly, having the blessed life I have, I continue to make new memories each and every day. I still try to enjoy every single second, because it could be snatched in a heart beat.