Week 37: Mile High Meals

Anyone who knows me or follows me on Instagram knows I've done more than my fair share of flying the past three+ years while being in a long-distance relationship. 

After boarding dozens of flights a year, I have my routines and typically do my best to focus on catching up on work, checking in with my kids, and keeping my guy up-to-date on my travels prior to boarding. That is, unless I can't help but notice things. Like I did while waiting for my last flight out to Colorado. 

I was working on my laptop next to two kids who appeared to be meeting for the first time. I overheard them discussing where they were from and what their families were like. I found myself thinking about what kind young men they seemed to be as I caught tidbits of their conversation while answering emails and texts to clients. 

And then I saw them join a few more kids who had the same look about them. The look of new kids in the military. And I choked up as I always do when thinking of those who give so much for me to live my little life travelling back and forth, working freely, expressing myself so opening, enjoying all my time here on Earth to the fullest. 

And then my head and heart got to work.

As the flight attendants were making their final round prior to takeoff I flagged one down. I asked her if she could find out if the kids in the back were of legal drinking age, and if so, could she ask if I could buy them a round of drinks. 

She came back and said they were all of age and so excited someone wanted to get them a round, but they weren't allowed to drink as they were technically already active. 

I sent her back, as my "second" 😉 in this negotiation game, with the offer to buy a meal or snack, I told her to really push for it, not to let them be too polite. She came back and said they all took me up on the offer and sent back so many thank yous. 💗

For the rest of the flight, each time the attendant passed, she asked if she could get me anything, on United, because she thought what I did was so thoughtful. I told her I was all good but really appreciated the offer. 

I never spoke those young men but I've thought of them and their families often, praying for their safety and grateful for their service. 

Psst! Kindness is contagious! Pass it on!

Week 36: Serving a Stranger

My youngest daughter and I went to Kentucky for her spring break to take in all things horses. We stayed at an awesome ranch in Berea where it was proven once again what a small world it is. 

My daughter snapped a friend of hers a picture of the donkeys on the property to keep their streak alive. Her friend asked if she was in Kentucky. My daughter said yes. Her friend asked if she was staying at Nicura Ranch. Why yes we were! 

Wouldn't you know, they were the other family overlapping our visit. What an unexpected treat to meet up and talk horses and bourbon with other Wisconsinites on our trip!

While our trip was planned with only horses in mind, this whiskey-lover couldn't help but scope out the old fashioneds on the menus during our meals and google places known for smokey offerings. ;) 

After one meal, my daughter and I made our way to Sedona Taphouse for me to give their smoked hickory small batch bourbon old fashioned a try. It was delicious! While smoke-infused ice cubes is my favorite way for the flavor delivery, a smoked glass is pretty great too (I don't love the smoke things they put on top, the flavor dissipates too quickly), and that's what I found here, a lovely-coated earthy flavor. 

Anyway, I digress...

While I was taking the last few sips of my cocktail, I noticed a gentleman walk in, take a seat to our right, and ask what the cheapest beer was on tap. He said he was looking to spend $3 and was used to cheap beer being a US Navy veteran. 

I looked over at him and noticed he had done his best to look presentable to walk into a restaurant, most likely spending most of his time on the street. The bartender poured his beer and after setting it down in front of him made her way over to me with my check. 

I asked her to please add some food onto my bill for the gentleman sitting to my right and bring me a new check. While we waited for the new bill, we overheard the man ask the patrons on his other side if they were finished with their food. They said they were and handed him their plates; he ate the food they hadn't finished up fast. 

While we didn't stay to see his cooked-just-for-him food get delivered, I hope he enjoyed it hot and fresh. And I hope this serves as a reminder to waste less. Unfortunately, there are hungry bellies all around. 

Week 35: Wally the Whale

Hello! Long time, no posting. Again. 😅 Also again, I've kept up with activities but have been inconsistent with the writing of these posts. I'm not gonna go into why, but if you see me IRL, feel free to ask. Over a good cup of coffee or cocktail. 😉 

OK, onto week 35's activity...

You may recall a few months ago, my boyfriend's very talented sister crocheted 50 chickens we named Mabel and I wrote notes for them all. We placed them inside of plastic eggs and added some paper nesting materials to a bag and had The Ronald McDonald House hand them out to children staying with them while they received treatments in Milwaukee. 

Well, they were so well received, we thought we'd do it again. This time, the crochet queen created 50 adorable whales I named Wally. I again wrote out 50 notes and placed them inside of plastic shell cases before adding everything to individual bags for the kids. 

The notes read as follows: 

"Whale, hello there! My name is Wally and I'm here to help you navigate these rough waters.

Want to hear my sea-riously good idea? Give me a squeeze when you need it; I'm hooked on helping you!"

Each of the whales were different. 

There were large ones and small ones. Black, light blue, pink, and dark blue whales. Some had rattles inside. All had reinforced eyes thoughtfully (and I'd assume, painstakingly, not that the artist would ever complain) sewn on. 

I love that each child got to pick which whale spoke to them. 

As I assembled the whale bags, I said a prayer of hope they'd bring comfort while in the depths they were experiencing with their new friend, and that they'd celebrate when reaching the calm waters and sunshine ahead.