Back at 35k feet.
Spring is my busy travel season. This past weekend I was in Chicago for MGCA, I went a day early, and stayed two days late to spend time with Novali. Took her to school, picked up from school, and played, ate, and watched movies in between. I was glad I happened to be in Chicago this weekend of all... Tamara's very close friend Alma was in a bad car accident over the weekend. Novali had been wanting to go see her in the hospital but of course she is too young to see someone in the ICU. Well Monday morning she passed on to be the lord, I knew her as well, but more importantly was glad that I was able to be there to help Tamara grieve, and that Tamara and I broke the news to Novali together. She took it well... it might hit her more later, she is still a little young t fully understand.

For Alma... who was a great friend to Tamara, always gave me a warm greeting, and was a great baby sitter and practically an aunt to little Novi... Rest In Peace. In all the tears this weekend I thought it was important to remember the good things... Alma always had a little something for Novali when she visited. Novali always had little toys she would say, "My friend Alma gave this to me." Thanks Alma.

There was good news in Chicago though over the weekend. The conference went very well, one of the most diverse conferences ever! I'd like to say I had something to do with it... but I know I at least have contributed. I am looking to try and get more involved in MGCA and fade a little from WRGA so I can give more time to one association. Other good news and fun was that Novi and I made JELLO! She had it at dinner on Sunday at the local Chinese place (her suggestion!) and I asked if she ever made it. She got excited when I told her we could make it at home! So we did.

For some reason she loves to get dressed up all the time. And of course pose with Nono.

Mixing the Jello. When we called Heather she explained to Heather how to make Jello.

She was so excited as we put in the fridge... she was not excited to learn it would take hours to sit.

We planned to have Jello for desert the following night when it was done..

We didn't have small bowls.. but these martini glasses matched the orange so we went for it.

The Lil Chef... taking her fancy desert to the table. Yum.

So I am back at 35k feet and right now I am blogging from my plane. I used to travel a lot more a few years back, and writing in planes and airports for some reason was always great inspiration for me. Either that or dedicated down time when I could relax and write. Lately not a lot of down time for me to relax and blogging has often become something brushed to the side. Especially now that most of my family emails, I don't have the need to update as much.

Anyhow this spring will be busy. I have a busy travel schedule lined up. With in the next three months I will be in San Francisco (en route now), couple trips to Chicago of course, Toledo, Iowa City, Washington DC, and Atlanta. This is excluding all my short trips planned to Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Saginaw (Kelly I am coming to visit!). Add up all the trips and its nearly every weekend, so either I am traveling for business or hanging out with Novali. I will rest this summer.

Wish me safe travels, say a prayer for Alma's family, and keep checking my site for updates... with all this traveling you get a few blogs a week!
- posted by Sam @ 8:12:00 PM