Hello again. We’re home and already, sadly, back into the routine of our every day lives. After two and a bit weeks in the technicolour landscapes of Florida, landing back in Manchester on Tuesday was like living through the Wizard of Oz but in reverse, ending up in black and white.
We returned home with one of the party missing of course, and I can confirm that it is entirely possible to be upset for an entire eight-hour flight. We were fine(ish) when we said goodbye to Emily in her apartment, but as soon as the wheels left the tarmac of Orlando airport both Louise and I fell to pieces. We apologise to those around us for the sniffles and wailing as you tried to watch that film.
The holiday itself brought us many more new memories and some definite highlights we’ll remember forever. With the other stuff going on during the holiday, it was a bit of an emotional roller coaster at times, knowing that it would end with Emily staying behind and understanding that, with the girls at the ages they are, it could very likely be the last of its kind.
For anyone who hasn’t seen this via Facebook, this is Emily from her first day on stage. By God, it’s been a long stressful road to get there for her, but we’re so proud of her.
It was reassuring for us to meet most of her flat mates who seem lovely, and to know that she’s made friends with her UK pavilion colleagues. It doesn’t stop us thinking about her all the time whilst she is thousands of miles away of course and hoping she is doing OK. She has been so busy with work since we left that we’ve only managed a few quick Facebook chats. Hopefully we’ll be able to Facetime her on her days off soon…..(take note Emily!).
Work was right where I left it, and within half an hour of resuming my place at my desk it felt like the holiday never happened. Imagine how that post holiday grief was magnified as this weekend I have had to go away with work on our annual conference thingy. As much as I appreciate the investment my company makes in taking us all away for these things, this weekend, of all weekends, I just needed to lock myself in the house and rock myself slowly in a corner. A day of Powerpoint slides with Kris Akabusi (true story) in a Birmingham hotel was not at the top of my “must do” list right now.
I haven’t even thought about writing any of the trip report. Work has been manic and my weekend has been seriously curtailed. The coming weeks look similarly bobbins with trips to head office down south and, more pleasingly, quite a few gigs on the horizon. Right now, I don’t feel exactly driven to write the thing, but I’m putting that down to jet lag, worry about Emily and the shock of not being in Florida any more. I’m sure I will get to it, but don’t hold your breath.
We have also returned home to some good news. Rebecca has her first job. Before we left she interviewed for an apprenticeship in Childcare and she got it! She’ll be starting as soon as her CRB check is done, which is just great news and another source of enormous pride for us. Well done pud.
So allow me this weird, all over the place post today as I acclimatise once again to a non holiday life and I’m sure by the time next week rolls around things may feel more normal.
Till the next time….
Mkingdon's Blog 
Glad you are back, wow your holiday went quick!!
I’m sure you are suffering from the distance apart more than Emily. She will be having the time of her life. Mind you, mine only goes to York and I am a quivering wreck for several weeks. Fantastic news about Rebecca’s apprenticeship. Well Done Rebecca 😀 !!! So, welcome back to reality. I am really glad you all enjoyed your holiday and I will wait patiently for the trippie then 😀 .
Had the honour of saying hello to Emily last night and her happiness at being there was just so infectious, she appeared to be having the time of her life. She is certainly living her dream.
Your holiday went super quick! Hope emily is settling in ok…. Will you be posting the links to your trip reports on here once you can face doing them?
I’m not a frequent dibber & don’t want to miss them 🙂
Sure whenever they are ready I’ll let everyone know 🙂
By now Craig you know the cure….just book another one. We came back the same week you arrived in the World, next trip has been booked. Albeit to DLP but thats another story, and its in March so small count down.
Oh my goodness, I am filling up thinking about how you and Louise must have felt on the flight home. Just think though how much Emily will be enjoying her dream for the next few months. I’ll be sure to say hello if we see her when we’re there on October. Well done to Rebecca on her new job and best of luck!
Looking forward to the trippie when you are back to “normal”, whatever that is!
Ahhh the post Florida blues! Wecome back to reality 😦 Great news for Rebecca. It’s very strange when the ‘kids’ become working adults. Look at it this way, you’ve just halved (ish) the price of your next trip to Florida lol. I will certainly look out for Emily when we are at WDW and would love to read if she is blogging. I don’t facebook, so can’t keep up that way.