Vacation Saga: Part Two

I suppose I owe an explanation for the name Hot Shot...or maybe not, but I imagine this post should do the trick.  Hot Shot is my cousin, she is older than me, and because of that, we have never been overly close. I remember the days of visiting Hot Shot in her apartment, and playing in the little kiddy pool she bought for me from Rite Aid. I also remember her cooking me dinner and coloring with me.  As I grew a little older, I remember pretending I was stronger than her and punching her arm, only to get the "I will hunt you down, and beat you" look that caused me to run and lock myself in the bathroom until I knew it was safe to come out! But never before have we bonded like we did on the night of my Nana's 90th birthday party.

Being the youngest cousin on dad's side of the family always had me looking to Hot Shot as more of a sisterly role model. I always admired the way she would carry herself, and stand her own ground when being picked on by the uncle's.

After many people left the party on Saturday night, Hot Shot and I were left with a few Aunts and Uncles sitting in the backyard enjoying our wine.  I'm not sure who's idea it was, but Hot Shot and I decided it would be fun to do a shot of some sort (we have never drank together before since I was always underage). So into the house we went to raid Aunt J's liquor cabinet. No shot glasses to be found, Hot Shot decided to just pour some Bicardi into a couple plastic party glasses, we toasted, we drank....and we realized that there was about enough in each glass for 4 shots! Feeling giggly and warm, and slightly tipsy  pretty drunk already, we just hung out on the back patio giggling and sharing a beer. (I really hate beer)!

Upon the safe return home, I immediately felt the effects of the horrible combination of the wine, bicardi and beer and slept a good couple of hours on the bathroom floor, with a bottle of water and some crackers....

Here's to you Hot Shot! Never again will I let you poor me a "shot" of anything! Next time, I'm playing bartender!

Vacation Saga: Part One

I had the chance to go back to my hometown in Northern-yes even farther north than San Francisco-California recently. Since moving away from Redding two years ago, I have not been back, even for a brief visit. I have to admit, it was nice to be back for the week! Anyways, I left Madison on Friday, and arrived in Redding after several layovers and delays and a whole day spent wasted in numerous airports in the U.S., but, in the end, I made it to Redding only to be greeted upon arrival by my wonderful mom and dad! What a nice feeling, to come home and be immediately greeted by loved ones! We went for a lovely dinner (which I think the leftovers are still in your fridge mom) with some dear friends of the family.

On Saturday we celebrated the 90th birthday of my Nana! I should have previously mentioned that this was the primary reason for my visit also! Saturday was also the 5th birthday of my little Cousin. While my mom and dad kept my Nana occupied at the local casino for the afternoon, I spent the day shopping with my other Grandma and spent some quality time with my little cousins. Later in the afternoon I went to my Aunt J's house where the party would be held to be greeted by Aunt's and Uncle's and Cousins-Oh My! It was quite a turnout!! As I was given the queue to send the covert text message to my mom that we were ready for them to bring Nana to the party (in case you haven't guessed by now, it was a surprise party) the many guests fumbled in the backyard to be out of sight until Nana's arrival. I have never before seen my Nana so incredibly surprised to walk into the backyard before! My dad had to steady her as she nearly fell over backwards at the shock of seeing so many loved ones in one place gathered for the sole purpose of celebrating her 90 years along with her!

As the evening started to calm, and long after Nana had gone to bed, we were still at Aunt J's house with only a few relatives left to enjoy to company. My older cousin, we will call her hot shot (reasoning for this name will be explained in a later post) and I have not seen each other in many years. Let's just say, we had quite a bit of fun that night! More to come in Part Two....keep reading!!!