Don't You Forget About Me

Hellooooooo everyone. (Read that in the booming voice from Seinfeld).  Can't you just see Jerry saying, "Helloooo Elaine"?  It's a classic.  Along with the sneering, "Hello Newman".  I just love that show and stealing their lines.
   So, I am planning my first solo trip since having Jefferson.  I am driving out to western MA to visit my best friend from college.  Being with her is always a great time.  You know those friends that you have that it's just so easy.  It doesn't matter how long it has been since you saw each other, you just slip back into old familiar patterns.  Like putting on your favorite sweatshirt.  It makes you feel warm, cozy and just good.  Unfortunately we don't get to see each other too often. Between our schedules and busy lives with kids and family it is difficult.  It doesn't help that we live almost 3 hours apart, on opposite ends of the state.  The last few times we have seen each other she has come here.  We have our annual Christmas shopping trip which occurs here, because truthfully the shopping is better here.  Then before that it was her coming out for my baby shower and then to meet Jeff.  The last time I was out there was 2 years ago.  Needless to say I am long overdue for a visit. 
   It's funny how I can remember the drive like the back of my hand even though it has been 2 years.  I know the order of the towns that I will drive through.  Know when the road goes from 2 lanes down to 1.  When the speed limit changes around every corner it seems.  Once I hit the hairpin turn I know I am almost there.  Then I drive by places that I have gone to with my friend and get a little chuckle to myself.  Like the Indian-ish bar that we went to because we were looking for a bar with live music.  Let  me just say Indian-ish because it was on the strip with the tee-pees and signs advertising pow wows.  Oh yes my faithful followers I drive by tee-pees and Indian gift shops on the way out to see my friend.  Of course the road I am on is called the Mohawk Trail.  Anyway, let's carry on with the story.  The clientele there were interesting to put it politely.  The most memorable was the biker guy who tried to hit on us.  The best part of that story is he was wearing a bright red t-shirt with the sleeves cut off and on the front in big, bold white letters was the saying "bad cop no donut". It just complimented the acid wash jeans and leather do rag covering the long braid.  One word for that guy---Sexy.  Haha.  And he was probably the least scary person in there.  We didn't stay very long.  It does take a while to get out there to see her, but it's always worth it. 
   I am a jumble of emotions about this trip.  I am so looking forward to some adult me time, but on the flip side I am racked with guilt over leaving my baby.  There hasn't been a day in his life that he hasn't seen me.  It is so easy to get wrapped up in all my crazy thoughts.  "Will he remember me?"  "Will he miss me?"  "Will he even know I am gone?"  It's crazy isn't it?  We're talking about 2 days here for pete's sake!  Not that I am disappearing!  What it boils down to, what my concern is, will David take care of him the way I do.  That's what I worry about.  And the honest truth is that David won't.  Because he isn't me, so therefore he can't.  But does that mean the way he cares for Jeff is bad or wrong?  And the answer to that is no.  I am sure they will have a great time together.  David may not feed him what I would give him, but I know that he will stick to Jeff's schedule and kiss and hug him until Jeff pushes him away.  Now, will my husband miss me?  I certainly hope so!  Although he doesn't seem to mind that I am leaving. Maybe it's just because he knows that I need this time and he's happy for me.  Yeah, I'll go with that one.
   This time will be good for me.  It will be nice to have some adult time with my favorite friend.  Just being able to laugh and joke and be carefree.  My biggest concern is what to pack to wear.  The weather will be nice but they still have a ton of snow out there.  So footwear is going to be tricky.  I texted her asking what to bring and she said and I quote, "regular shoes with a side of rubber boots".  She's a freaking riot.  I love her.  She is the friend I have had the longest and is such a part of my life.  I can't imagine not knowing her. 
   That ladies and gentlemen is what I am looking forward to for the next 2 days.  That's just a glimpse into what our conversations will be like.  So, whatever worries or concerns I may have about leaving, I know they will all disappear once I get there.  Or at least I hope so......