Just Plain Creepy

This night has finally arrived. The much anticipated 10 hour visit is upon us! My BIL is on a layover on his way to Tokyo. The kids are over the moon happy to see him. We had a great time just chatting. He's a good-hearted soul.

But... We drove up to the airport and out to the Cell Phone Parking area. As I drove through the lot I saw a large white van that appeared to be re-inforced such that no one would be able to get out of the windows. And printed on the side of the van was:

Prisoner Extradition Van. Stay Back.

I locked the doors to my car immediately! I could see through the mesh that there were people in the van wearing orange jump suites. S wanted to know why I locked the doors and why I would not let her unbuckle her seat belt.

I told her the truth, "If one of those prisoners gets loose, I want to be ready to run him over with my car if he starts looking in our direction."

And I meant it.

I was really happy when the van pulled away.

Cell Phone Parking Lot... What an odd name if you really think about it. And what a creepy place.

I hugged Them Tighter

Last night I laid down to sleep just a little before 11PM. I turned the radio on to catch the news before going to sleep. As I listened I realized something awful had happened. I jumped out of bed and grabbed my computer. I immediately got up to speed as the events of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. My sister-in-law is in Tokyo because her mother is in the midst of open heart surgery (she had a valve repaired about 2 weeks ago, and yesterday needed to have a pace maker installed). I was very concerned.

I called my brother-in-law in New York to wake him and tell him. I emailed my SIL, her sister and her Brother-in-law. After 20 minutes I heard from my brother-in-law-in-law (!) that he was in a meeting in Yokohama when the quake hit. He'd not yet heard from his wife or our sister in law. This morning My BIL e-mailed that he heard from his wife and that all are well and safe.

I am so sorry for the thousands of people and their families who are not so fortunate today. I can't imagine the suffering and loss.

I held my children tighter last night and again this morning.

Ami (Pronounced Ahmee)

Seems I have a new name. Ami. That's Urdu (i.e. Pakistani) for Mommy. From out of nowhere Z. has started calling me this. Its okay. My MIL will always be "Ami" as far as I am concerned, but since she baled, I guess I'll take over the name. He sounds so cute, "Ami, I love you!"

S. hasn't caught on to this, but that's okay with me.

As my dad always says, call me what you want, but don't call me late for dinner :-)

When I have work stuff, home stuff suffers. I get all twisted up inside and it shows at home. I hate that. I wish I had a job I loved. A job where I thrived. I don't thrive here. I don't thrive around these people. Too much pressure. Too many agendas. Too much game-playing.

I suppose I should do something about it, but the effort would be monumental. And I probably couldn't find a job where I am so well-paid. That would be a real problem.

Enough wallowing.

I'll have a lovely, blessed day and pray that you do, too.