Grateful Journal 6/29-30

Okay, just to clear things up, I’ve been out of town for the past couple of days. Bill and I went to Bloomington/Normal for the DCI regional competition. We had a complementary room at the Double Tree (long story—including a “bad” previous stay). We were awestruck this time, however when we opened the hotel room door. . . behind the door was a executive suite, including kitchen with a dishwasher and microwave, living room with TV, bedroom with a plush King bed and another TV, and a bathroom fit for a king—complete with a whirpool tub for two. Woo hoo!! Can you say luxurious? This is simple something we could never afford. What a blessing! Needless to say, we really enjoyed our stay at the Double Tree this time (sans kids!)

So today I’m thankful for the following:-Time alone with Bill (corresponds well with the LPM blog; Good timing on sharing those responses, Beth!)
-The kids staying at home.
-The luxurious FREE suite at the Double Tree
-Meeting friends at the ISU Alumni Dinner
-Wearing my BRMM wind shirt (it was downright cold in the stands)
-Talking about homecoming in October
-Safe travel both ways!
-Avanti’s (you have to be from Bloomington/Normal to understand this one)
-Great, cool weather for the DCI competition
-The talent of the kids participating in the drum and bugle corps. (oh my goodness!!)
-Memories of my college days in the Big Red Marching Machine.
-Talking to an alum who was in band the same time I was (just for perspective there were 500 marching member of the band. . biggest one in the country, I think) So, I know “few” people who show up at these events.
-My fellow alumni board members.
-buying DCI t-shirts
-FREE breakfast this morning (another perk from the hotel)
-Finding some cute costume jewelry
-Starbucks!!!!
-Barb: driving Sammie to class while we were gone.
-Payton’s welcome when we got back
-Family dinner together tonight at Rich and Charlie’s
-Watching Payton with her new whale toy
-Finding black work pants on clearance at Target.
-The good sleep I got last night, even though I wasn’t in my own bed.
-Finding Water Joe (caffeinated water) and buying a case to bring home.
-The DSL working (at leas briefly) when I got home.
-Reading the LPM and AJ blogs.
-Access to my computer again even if the DSL’s down (again).
-Coming home!!!!