Vodka Logic: Payback's a Bitch

Lots of things I could have called this, payback's a bitch, murphy's law, or no good deed goes unpunished but the one I have chosen I think is the best. What seems to be happening is whenever I take a trip or do something fun, shit follows.

For starters I went to England for a vacation. Ten days away from the husband, kids, job, the whole rat race. I had a wonderful time, I met some great people saw most of England and refreshed myself. It was just what I needed. No sooner was I off the plane when I was hit by a nasty flu. I had to leave work after four hours and was out sick for three days. It was not fun, I don't remember the last time I was sick like that...I won't go into details, you've all been there. As I got better the ice storm of the century hit New England and we and a million other people lost our electricity. We had no power for 4 days. It sucked. My husband called it "indoor camping" and that about says it all, a fire for some warmth, cooking over the camp stove, smores even. Worse part was finding places to shower, thank god for good friends.

We finally get power back, but still waiting for cable, phone and internet. (edit: on line finally) My husband said now I know what it is like if we are ever hit with an EMP (electomagnetic pulse, that would wipe out all electronic equipement).I can handle it I have a BlackBerry. Husband shakes his head, he had forgotten about that. It kept me connected to family, friends and the internet.

This past Wednesday my daughter and I drove to NYC to see an Oasis concert. She didn't mind driving and I did pay for the tickets (good deed). We left a snowy New England and headed out. The "mapquest" directions were perfect and we didn't get lost once. We arrived around noon time and checked into the hotel. The receptionist reminded us that check in wasn't until 3 pm..."I know", I replied but we were hoping to get in early. The only room available has one king sized bed. No problem. We drop our stuff in the room and head out to explore.

We go to "Madame Tussaud's" and had a great time. Most of the celebrities don't look too much like who they are but you can usually tell who they are supposed to be. After, we look around Time's Square, very cool, lots of lights and people and general interesting things. Neither of us has been to NYC so it was all fascinating. We wandered around Virgin Records Megastore and bought a few hard to find cds and dvds. Next was on to Rockefeller Center and the Christmas tree. We were not disappointed. It was beautiful. At the "Top of the Rock" we got to see the real beauty of NYC at night. The lights were amazing and the Empire State Building is stunning all lit up and glowing. We take a million pictures and leave to go back to the hotel.

Inside Madison Square Garden we are surprised how small it seemed for a big city venue. Our seats couln't have been higher if we wanted them to be but we were there and loving it. Matt something or other opened first then it was Ryan Adams and the Cardinals. They were great and I will be buying a cd or two to explore him. Oasis came on stage and rocked the house, playing all my favorites and more. I had a few beers and it was great. So worth the trip.

The next morning we went back to the top of Rockefeller Center to see the city in day light. Probably nicer in spring or summer, but still amazing. We then went to the top of the Empire State Building, we were told you could see the site of the Twin Towers. I asked one of the guides at the top and he said you couldn't really and didn't seem to interested in helping. I may have seen it but didn't realize, I can only imagine how moving it is. By the time I got detailed instructions of where to look we had come down. I have to say I prefered the view from The Rock because the Empire State building was part of the view.

Payback you are wondering....we are walking back to the hotel and I catch my foot on the edge of a sidewalk paver and my ankle turns out. I heard something give as I went down. I landed on my right knee, the "bad" one and my right wrist, the one that had surgery last spring. My left ankle instantly starts to throb and looking like a fool, I manage to get up with the help of my daughter and a kind couple that stopped to help. He offers to call for an ambulance but I say no thanks and I hobble back to the hotel. We get home fine, thanks again to "mapquest". And a quick thanks to the friend that recommeneded the hotel, it was in a perfect location for The Garden and the sites.

And for the final payback, it is currently snowing and we are expecting up to a foot of snow. There are two storms to follow this one as well. I am not a big fan of snow if I have to drive in it and since it is my weekend to work quess what... And speaking of work I was 15 minutes late due to the hobbling and bad weather, but then find out I was actually 30 minutes late because I was supposed to go in early. I had forgotten that the police were there to re-fingerprint me. Why? The entire department is being fingerprinted and "researched" by the FBI. Why? That's another story for another day....Oh and the ankle is turning purple and the knee is swollen. Thank goodness for pain killers.

I think I need to stay home for awhile so I don't get sick or hurt myself more..and maybe the weather will cooperate. *sigh*

Witley Court in Worcestershire, England