I’m sitting in a Starbucks in Orange County, California in boots, jaunty wool cap and sweater. I know it’s November but I’m surrounded by Palm Trees and capris in 80 degree weather. I feel a little out of place.
I’m also the only girl under 50 in a 50 mile radius who is not wearing skinny jeans.
I am visiting my grandparents, my grandpa just turned 89 on Sunday and is the only man on his block to take care of his own yard. My grandma is 85 and volunteers twice a week at the Nixon library. They just finished a cruise to Scandinavia, earlier this year they cruised the tip on South America, last year they went to New Zealand and the year before they walked the Great Wall. I come from some fantastic genetics.
I have spent the last few days cornered by my grandpa telling me stories from WWII, he was sent to Pearl Harbor 3 weeks after the war started and was a forensic entomologist, meaning he was in charge of keeping the bugs that make people sick at bay. He has hundreds of photos from his service as Malaria control and one of his college professors was in charge of designing the Panama Canal. He still works as an entomologist for citrus groves all over Southern California. The man loooves bugs.
They have been married 62 years. They both served in WWII, lived through the Great Depression, segregation, the invention of television, the first man on the moon and now the first African American President.
the moosh is named after my grandma.
I apologize to any of you who were worried after my last post, a lot is going on in my life and it all became overwhelming right before I was about to leave for two months.
I broke down into hysterical sobs because my favorite sweater had fuzzballs on it.
Cody has law school finals and since this is his last year, and it’s kind of our tradition, the moosh and I took off on a migration to let Cody psychotically study for the next month and half and he’ll join us in Utah in December for Christmas.
I’ll be all over Southern California until November 18th. I’ll be spending a lot of my time with her. If you know her, email her, let’s party. If you don’t know her, you should really reconsider. After that time I’ll be in Utah.
the moosh has finished her muffin, her milk is gone, which means my time at Starbucks is spent.
Thank you to all of you who have stuck around, or who have just come here. This blog has been a lifeline for me when I have nothing left, nowhere to go to, or no one to talk to. It has also been my sounding board for things I love, things that bug me and for all the ridiculous little nuances of life.
I know you all have a hundred other things you could be or should be doing and I’m truly blessed and honored that you spend a little bit of your life in mine.
xoxo






53 Comments so far
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I hope your time away from your honey goes quickly! It is so hard to be apart and just the thought of it can make anyone hysterical. Your grandparents sound fascinating, I am sure you will enjoy your time with them.
Bug Hugs!
By Cristina on 11.07.08 1:41 pm | Permalink
I can’t really put into words what I really want to say. I love your blog. Sometimes I have those days when I think that everything is going wrong. I find inspiration in reading about how you survive everyday. I love reading about your little Moosh. I too someday (when the time is right hope to be a mom). I know you don’t know me but, thanks. Thanks for having the strength to share your life with the world. Thanks for being an inspiration. Thanks for everything!
~Alicia
By Alicia on 11.07.08 1:46 pm | Permalink
WHEW! I was so worried!
By Memphislis on 11.07.08 1:52 pm | Permalink
Glad you are safe! Enjoy your time in California…
Reeses last blog post..Travelling
By Reese on 11.07.08 2:01 pm | Permalink
I thank you for writing your blog. You have given me hope and the courage to do what I thought I could never do. You are an inspiration for me. The moosh is adorable and thanks so much for sharing your life with me. Thank you for everything. Have fun in California, and I hope to get to meet you at BlogHer or if we’re ever in the same city.
By perksofbeingme on 11.07.08 2:17 pm | Permalink
I absolutley love LOVE LOVE! that you blog.
Also, I LOVE that you’re in my hood. Nixon library, Right down the road from me. BLVD really, but yeah.
I hope you have a wonderful time. Sometimes getting away is what we need.
JachiCues last blog post..Holding my breathe…
By JachiCue on 11.07.08 2:50 pm | Permalink
i SO want to come and hang out with you and heather…

just saying.
love.
alis last blog post..a conversation between me and my spouse
By ali on 11.07.08 3:49 pm | Permalink
A pox on skinny jeans! You’re so lucky to still have your grandparents! My parents are their generation and I hear all the stories from them, but my grandmother was the the St. Louis World’s Fair and sometimes I wish I’d known her.
By Amy in StL on 11.07.08 4:07 pm | Permalink
Glad that you’re (relatively) ok and that you’re hanging out with some awesome people
Make sure you get lots of hugs, that’s what grandparents are for!
Megs last blog post..Addendum
By Meg on 11.07.08 4:08 pm | Permalink
Your grandparents sound like amazing people. But why should anyone be surprised. Glad it’s all okay. Your last post did have me worried, but I didn’t want to be nosy. Anyway, have fun in CA. Maybe more mouse worshiping? I hope so!
By Rachel on 11.07.08 4:29 pm | Permalink
I hope you have a happy time in your travels. That is great you get to visit with your grandparents. I never got to know mine, I only saw them a handful of times (we lived very far away). I was grandparentless by the time I was 18. Enjoy the warm weather. We got our first snow here in Iowa today.
By Emmy on 11.07.08 4:46 pm | Permalink
Is it weird that now I sort of want to hang out with your Grandparents? Hope the trip goes well!
Rachaels last blog post..Can’t. Breathe. Too. Cute.
By Rachael on 11.07.08 5:18 pm | Permalink
I’m visiting Southern CA too! Wanna meet up? I was going to say that in your last post but I didn’t want to sound to stalkerish. I hope your having a great time with your grandparents!
By Kim on 11.07.08 5:47 pm | Permalink
Okay, I’m good now! I was just trying to figure out why you were going to CA instead of UT! Good luck to the law school student on getting it all done and done well!
By Krista on 11.07.08 6:14 pm | Permalink
whew! So glad you are OK. You had me worried.
Enjoy beautiful CA!
Give the moosh a hug. And good luck to Cody and his finals.
By Linda in Canada on 11.07.08 6:20 pm | Permalink
But hey, it’s his last year! You won’t have to be apart for months anymore! I hope this last time goes quickly.
By Rachie on 11.07.08 7:01 pm | Permalink
Tell your grandmother that I love the Nixon Library. I really enjoyed visiting his old home and the museum is excellent in showcasing Nixon’s amazing career as a politician.
By Neil on 11.07.08 8:38 pm | Permalink
I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, dear. This is a fine place to sit for a spell.
By Momo Fali on 11.07.08 8:44 pm | Permalink
*smooch*
Mr Ladys last blog post..That’ll Teach Me
By Mr Lady on 11.07.08 8:46 pm | Permalink
You know…if you wanted to take a break from all of the palm trees you could both come visit a little town up north. I have a spare backpack that Heather could put Maddy in.
Backpacking Dads last blog post..Proposition 8: A Glimmer, A Glimpse, of Hope
By Backpacking Dad on 11.07.08 9:06 pm | Permalink
Is it because I follow you on twitter that I wasn’t worried?? I knew you’d be going west for a couple of months and figured that was why you were feeling a bit heavy. I hope you have a fantastic time in CA/UT and that Cody kicks ass on his finals.
By Lindy on 11.07.08 9:24 pm | Permalink
You’re scaring me a little, you need to know. Your thoughts sound heavy…
By Rhea on 11.07.08 9:30 pm | Permalink
Your grandparents sound amazing, btw. Just amazing.
By Rhea on 11.07.08 9:30 pm | Permalink
Huge hugs darling one! I hope you and the darling and unstoppable Moosh have a fabulous time.
Enjoy and God Bless love. Don’t worry, I’m in a similar climate and you wouldn’t catch me in skinny jeans even for money
and you’re way cuter and skinnier than I am
God Bless you honey. Relax and enjoy your family time.
By Rachel on 11.07.08 9:39 pm | Permalink
If you have time to burn, you should také the moosh on a trip up the coast to Monterey. (Yes, it’s a bit of a drive.) But, the Monterey Bay Aquarium will rock your daughter’s world. Also, the weather on the Central Coast is much more conducive to the boots and jaunty cap thing. Also, grandparents/great-grandparents get a kick out of watching the little ones at the aquarium. Oh- also Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel/Big Sur is breathtakingly beautiful in a way SoCal will never be. (I’m allowed to say that - I’ve lived in both places)
By Andria on 11.07.08 9:44 pm | Permalink
Glad to hear that everyone is healthy and without family ememrgency. I can’t imagine leaving my husband for months, he’s at a scout campout tonight and I hate being alone in our house! I doubt it’s any easier for you and the Moosh. You both must love him a ton to give him this time to study.
On a different thread, I LOVE your blog. I love knowing that somewhere out there someone I don’t “know” I already like and admire. Thanks for being you and sharing your life through your blog. I for one am sticking around here a while.
By Erika on 11.07.08 11:10 pm | Permalink
You and Heather are going to have such a blast! And I’m willing to bet the moosh and Maddie will be thick as theives before too long, as well!
By Andrea's Sweet Life on 11.07.08 11:29 pm | Permalink
if you’re ever down in provo while in utah, i would love to meet you/hang out with you. not kidding. let me know
i look forward to reading your blog, your posts always make my day!
Taras last blog post..you down with OCD?
By Tara on 11.08.08 4:50 am | Permalink
I hope that you and your little moosh enjoy your vacation. I wish we had a nice warm day here
Nicoles last blog post..Let’s Go Bowling!
By Nicole on 11.08.08 9:47 am | Permalink
Have fun Casey! Can’t wait until you’re back for regular posting, until then there is always archives.
ashleys last blog post..Empty Headed
By ashley on 11.08.08 10:08 am | Permalink
I’ve enjoyed every minute I’ve spent reading your blog. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Have a great time in California!
Mrs. Wilsons last blog post..NaBloPoMo Day 3: Beauty or Beast?
By Mrs. Wilson on 11.08.08 10:19 am | Permalink
Enjoy SoCal! I just left there and it was nothing but blue skies and sunshine.
Lauryns last blog post..Hollywood Blvd.
By Lauryn on 11.08.08 11:43 am | Permalink
I don’t comment often, well, only once, but I follow your blog religiously. When you said you were gone I was concerned for you. Thanks for sharing the reasons. I understand how you are feeling. I am in that same moment in my life. That moment where you don’t quite belong and you no where is quite home. That place where you long for nothing else but a small little space to go that is yours and yours alone. I get it. Hang on. Can’t last forever. Right?
Brees last blog post..Butterbean Turn’s 5
By Bree on 11.08.08 12:14 pm | Permalink
omgoodness, I just shared some love for my commentors today…it is a great outlet to blog, it is a great place to cry, laugh and just be!
I hope you enjoy your VERY long vacation…can’t wait to see pictures!
staciesmadnesss last blog post..What’s your hourly fee?
By staciesmadness on 11.08.08 1:19 pm | Permalink
Just delurking to say HI and I really like your blog and I used to live down the street from the Nixon library! We recently moved to St. Louis from OC and miss that nice 80 degree weather that is year round.
By Mary Jo on 11.08.08 2:10 pm | Permalink
This post made me SO miss my grandparents! Enjoy your time with them! And keep your beautiful chin up!!!
Skyes last blog post..Good Luck Goober!
By Skye on 11.08.08 3:44 pm | Permalink
Thanks for the update. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, and hope whatever is getting to you will be over soon. Take care.
SciFi Dads last blog post..Hurt
By SciFi Dad on 11.08.08 4:04 pm | Permalink
Your grandparents sound like amazing people, they have lived! I love hearing about older people who don’t let their age slow them down, it is so inspiring.
Your blog is wonderful and I’m glad I found it. I hope you have an awesome time with your friends and family.
By Rachel on 11.08.08 11:39 pm | Permalink
Hoping your trip is good. Hoping finals are fast and painless.
Hoping you and Heather are somewhat empty and sad because I am totally swamped with mad jealousy for you two getting to hang! If you don’t post a million pictures of Maddie and the Moosh, there will be no forgiveness possible.
HAVE FUN!
By Anissa@Hope4Peyton on 11.09.08 1:07 am | Permalink
You are totally addictive. The topics you write that I don’t get, help me “get” someone else. Otherwise I’m either trying not to pee my pants, nodding in total agreement or wanting to kill someone on your behalf. Anyways, please, please keep it up. You’re a lifeline for what is I’m sure a much larger audience than leaves you little notes.
Jolenes last blog post..The Smelly Kid
By Jolene on 11.09.08 2:26 am | Permalink
See, I am sad that you won’t be in Utah before the 16th, because I am going this weekend. But grandparents are important and stuff…
I hope you have a lovely time and that things settle down.
By Kim on 11.09.08 9:08 am | Permalink
I hope you enjoy your time in “migration” and I am wishing Cody LOTS of luck with his exam. I hope you’ll check in from time to time– I just found you and I already miss your posts! :]
Heathers last blog post..NaBloPoNO…..NO…NO…
By Heather on 11.09.08 5:51 pm | Permalink
whew, at least nothing catastrophic!
so can we call your grandma “Gramoosh” since the Moosh is named after her?
Ambers last blog post..I have nothing to say
By Amber on 11.09.08 7:24 pm | Permalink
Wow, 62 years of marriage! That’s truly inspirational.
By Assertagirl on 11.09.08 11:10 pm | Permalink
So I have to tell you that we were sitting in the row infront of Cody during the fireside tonight and Paige looks at him and says “mommy, where’s “moosh” and “moosh’s mommy?” and I told her that you were with your family and she said. “When is she coming home?” I told her after we go to see Nana in Canada and then she told me “mommy, I miss “moosh” I thought it was so sweet and had to share and let you know that you are missed here!
By Sarah on 11.10.08 12:17 am | Permalink
Have fun with Miz Heather. Keep us up to date about your time out west!
Kristins last blog post..Friendship Part Deux
By Kristin on 11.10.08 2:07 pm | Permalink
There are no skinny jeans in this lady’s closet! Glad you’re enjoying your trip.
Melanie @ MelADramatic Mommys last blog post..In the Blink of An Eye
By Melanie @ MelADramatic Mommy on 11.10.08 3:05 pm | Permalink
Indy will miss you..
You however, will not miss Indy. High of 40 all week!???
Glad you are ok though!
(de-lurker here :))
Jennys last blog post..Clumsy.. (not in the Fergie way)
By Jenny on 11.10.08 3:12 pm | Permalink
Glad everyone is okay, even though you are having a hard time right now! I have to say that you are such a wonderful writer, you make me feel so content after reading and I love how raw and honest you always are. Thank you Casey, you rock. Have fun in Cali and Utah
By Kristin on 11.10.08 4:24 pm | Permalink
I’m always happy to spend a bit of time here. You *really* let people in, and that’s rare. I feel like I know you, just by reading.
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By Maria on 11.10.08 8:56 pm | Permalink
Yay! Casey in Utah! That means you will soon be inhaling Crown Burgers with fry sauce like the rest of us fine Utahns!
Emily the Utah transplant from the Midwests last blog post..Mad Hatter
By Emily the Utah transplant from the Midwest on 11.11.08 11:14 am | Permalink
Have fun in SoCal I am so jealous. I haven’t been back since we moved in 97, gah, I miss it so!
Domestic Extraordinaires last blog post..Can I be a Winner Twice in One Week?
By Domestic Extraordinaire on 11.11.08 4:58 pm | Permalink
Your grandpa sounds fascinating. I have a degree in entomology. Have a good trip, it is special to get to spend time with the grents, they are soon gone. I only have one left now.
White Hot Magiks last blog post..Facbook Academy Class of 2009
By White Hot Magik on 11.12.08 1:47 pm | Permalink
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