a search for authenticity
My family & I have decided to spend the weekend of Jarrett’s birthday at one of his favorite places, the beach. I have been put in charge of finding a nice beach house to rent for a weekend in March. I am thinking we will just go down to North Carolina. I am looking for advice on places to find good rentals. I checked out CraigsList, but didn’t really see anything I liked.
Ah, what a weekend.
I feel like my weekend was so full of emotional events that I need at least a week’s worth of “me time” to process it.
My in-laws came to visit, which, as usual was a joy (and I don’t just say that b/c I know they read my blog). There are a couple of women in my life right now that I feel like I was destined to know. I feel we will impact and shape each others’ lives in ways we will never fully understand. My mother-in-law is one of those women. So, I of course, cherish any time I get to spend with her. And, her hubby isn’t that bad either. 
Sadly, this weekend I have a close friend who is with family now, remembering and celebrating her mother who passed away a year ago. As I passed over 10 months, she reached a year. She is 2 months and 3 days ahead of me in grief. Which means, she is 2 months and 3 days ahead of me in dealing with awkward, painful anniversaries. Although she may have had a good, peaceful time, I hurt for her.
Also this weekend I had a tough phone call with my mom, who struggles with loneliness and is reminded of our pain with the recent school shooting in Illinois.
The weekend ended with a surprise treat. We just spent the evening catching up with friends that I adore and then watched a beautiful movie together.
Really, it’s too much to carry to work tomorrow.
Yesterday I received a small, unexpected package in the mail. I was confused to see the return address was for Annie Dillard. The only Annie Dillard I know is “Annie Dillard the author of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and other fabulous things”. And, by know I mean I know of her. I have been reading her writings since I was 14 or 15 years old. I can easily remember the first essay I read by Annie Dillard – it was a sunny afternoon at MACC practice with my friends and Mrs. Wood, one of the most influential teachers I have ever had. I still feel excitement as I think about the incredible details and descriptions we poured ourselves over that afternoon. Flooded with those memories, I quickly opened the package to find Mornings Like This, Found Poems, by Annie Dillard, a book that has been sitting on my Amazon Wish List. Inside, I found a short note saying, “For Alicia Farrell, From Annie Dillard”. I have no idea why or how Annie Dillard sent me this book, but I am grateful for the gift. I am grateful for the memories it has brought to the front of my mind, memories that inspire me to be creative and give myself to the writing life.
I would like to officially announce that I will be playing co-ed touch football this spring season. To avoid a frenzy, I’m going to delay the announcement of which team recruited me until we get closer to the season’s first game.Let the training begin. UPDATE: In a disappointing turn of events I will not be playing football this season. 
UPDATE#2: Last night I found out I will get to play football this season! Alisha & I will fill 1 spot on the team and take turns either playing on the team, or being the team cheerleader! Either way, I feel like this puts me closer to fulfilling my dream of someday becoming a B’more Ravens Cheerleader!
It was just one of “those” weeks this week. A couple of not so great days at work. A couple of restless nights. Too many things added to the to-do list and none taken off. Then, today started out to be cold and gloomy. But, by some miracle things turned around…the sun came out and I worked on my favorite project at work (thus far), then I came home to roses, pizza and wine. Now I fully expect to win the lottery tonight.
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