Weekend Warriors

What’s on the iPod: Sweetness by Jimmy Eat World


Writers: Visit me over on Jenn Mattern’s All Indie Writers blog this week for both the book giveaway and the interview.

We have to stop meeting like this. Every Monday lately, I’m sitting here feeling hung over from too much weekend. Today is no exception.

I spent a glorious fall day relaxing and writing in Jenn Mattern’s office chair on Friday, kept company by Jenn, her pup, and one of her cats, who spent the afternoon lounging in my lap and relishing gobs of attention from me. We had a nice NaNo session and an even better gab session. It’s so great to have a friend who writes, and one who is just so fun to be around. Thank you, Jenn.

Saturday my daughter and I got up early and started driving west. Five hours later, we were in my hometown with family. It was a short visit, but nice. As we all get older, I crave time with my family more than ever. Also, we were able to see friends, so that was an unexpected bonus in such a short visit.

Sunday, again, up early and driving. We made it to Heinz Field four hours before game time. Good thing, too. Most of the parking lots were full and the smell of grilled food all around us was incredible. We spent the time having breakfast with my mom, a little gambling (we parked at the casino), then we headed to the game. In the rain. Pouring rain all day, but we were undaunted. True fans get wet, cold, hot, etc.

The game was fantastic (Steelers won!). We had taken a picture of the three of us (the one above) — three generations of fans — and tweeted it. Darned if it didn’t show up on the big board! Plus, we had fun with complete strangers, per usual. We did what the locals do (because we are locals) — we chatted with each other, cheered alongside each other, and parted by saying how much we enjoyed meeting each other. It’s why I love my hometown. Genuine people who aren’t afraid to open up to strangers.

We did see one moron heckling a Lions fan on the way out. My daughter couldn’t take it — she walked up to the Lions fan and said “Sorry for that guy. I just want you to know we’re not all assholes.” He said it was shocking because up to that point, everyone had been so nice to him, even in the stands when his team was winning. But he thanked her and went on his way, hopefully with a better opinion of the city. We’re judged on our interactions with others, after all. Every one of us.

We dropped Mom off back home, then drove 300 miles through downpours, sprinkles, high winds. We got home around 11:30, and collapsed into bed.

What a weekend.

Today, it’s back to work. I have one project to proof and send off, and another to complete. The third will probably be put into motion this week, but hopefully not today. Today, there’s a nap scheduled.

How was your weekend?