The Best, so far

So. .I am lacking in updating you on these adventures of mine here.


I returned to Louisiana and the fold of the family the week of Thanksgiving 2008.


Keith was ever so wonderful enough to drive me (be dragged along) and put up with pretty much the worst amount of Murphy's Law one could ask for.. but who's surprised? I was involved.

We wrapped up the trip with a side trip to New Orleans.. Keith had never been and my love for the city and its people and places is well known around anyone who can stand me. I hope my fair city made an impression.. I hope he comes back -- there are so many places we didn't come near to getting to.

The weekend after things got back to normal and after a week of work in a new building with the appearance of a familiar face from Atlanta to give me courage.. was a jewelry show.

Now.. one of the hardest things about living in Atlanta was missing out on all the family events and shopping that I would WANT to partake in.. but how can you say I want x, y, z from the jewelry show when you have no idea whats available and God forbid you trust your mothers taste -- or my mother anyway ..

I was tired. Worn out. I can't say I'm the most energetic person ever.. but the trip and the emotions of leaving -- even with the drama of getting here to distract me -- were wearing.. and I was sad and homesick.. for my other home.


I did *not* want to go to the show. Money was tight.. Holidays were coming..

Mom did *not* want to go to the show. Her own reasons will remain jus that.. her own.


I was cranky. I was not much fun. I am particular about my personal space and ladies at jewelry shows don't much respect personal space.. muchless manners.

Momma was determined to find a few things. My Aunt Sue had asked for us to look for a few things. I had my own list of wants for K'bert's birthday and Christmas .. If the price was right.

I had my own mission ... but I think that's another post

So here my mother and I are ... dragging each other around this convention center in Baton Rouge. . . surrounded by ladies of all sorts.. MOST lacking manners.

And while my mom looked at wall art I looked up to see a classmate of my mothers.


I've always been a bit more grown up than I should be.. but this particular lady had a son a year or two older than me and a daughter a year or two younger than me.. and she was always kind and I liked her.. she amused me.. So I was pretty happy to see her.


As we sorta scrambled to gather and visit things are going well.. I am being polite and interested -- something I sometimes have to strive for around people from home.. I just dont like the fake "hi how are you" visits... it's too much like being in WalMart and not wanting to see or hang around to see what all is going on... but like I said.. I liked this lady.

Til she looked me up and down and said.. something towards...
" so.. what.. did you finally get married.. ever have any kids or what? "


Yes. My friends.. it has happened.. and in the most blunt of manners.


I wonder if I should type up a short blurb of some sorts to hand out in these instances.. as I apparently am the last person from my home town to settle in (more on that to come) and at least pop out a kid or two.. or seven.

My blurb would go something like this:

I am 32 years old. I have managed to become a semi responsible human
being and am well liked and considered as a well spoken, well regarded adult in
my chosen career.

I recovered from a major natural disaster and chose to leave my
home and family to move on in said career and life. While doing this I
have provided my family, friends, and various loved ones with hours of
entertainment as I attempt this thing called dating. I have determined the
following:

I am happy single. Yes. I know... I'm quite fluffy still. Yes, I had that surgery.
I am interested in men. If you know of a mister wonderful who can afford me and still be attracted to me and amused by me.. by all means give them my contact information. My mom might have a cow or two set aside for a dowery. I am sure.
I have made poor (but very entertaining) choices in the people I allow into
my heart.
I refuse to settle and be miserable with someone just to appease you or the general population of our small town.
I plan on having a child with or without said husband and then I'll really,
really give you and your family something to talk about.

I did answer her.. I am sure I either went (more) pale or bright red.. I don't think I need to inform her of my full dating history.. yet I also refrained from asking about her unwed daughter/grandchild(ren) and if she's still livin in sin.. which... my loves, is something very Nikki like. And yet.. it's over. it's the best one yet.. of these moments of "I did this to myself when I chose to come home."

The best so far.. yet I know.. there's more to come.

So.. One post from the past.. with a tinge of time it's not as devastating as it felt like at the moment.. I suppose I can see the humor in it now.


It did make me feel slightly better when I spoke with one of my cousins (Jlizzie) who informed me that said unmarried daughter used to cringe when her mother opened her mouth.. apparently she's lacking couth. And that's ok. Just dont be surprised when I hand you a small print out with an about me section so we can save time and you have notes as a point of reference when you discuss me later.



By the way... our day continued. I found a pendant.. and found out Santa would get me the matching ring to my earrings that I love so much.. and I wear it now.. daily. And it reminds me of my journey.. of a year away .. and a struggle to get home.. to do *this* exactly.. because, after all, I was raised right.