Hip Hip...HOORAY!

Starting to get itchy feet in Atlanta (actually this is a total lie), the Lovehardsteins took off to Cincy. Going through that dang airport security was annoying, and since neither of us is on the "go to Hartsfield Jackson once or twice a week" routine anymore, we were both quite out of the loop. It's actually quite hard to pull off your shoes, off your coat, and out your computer in 2 seconds and not garner someone's wrath--either the person behind you or the security guard. Yikes. Need of practice.

Cincy was well worth the airport work though...we met up with Adam, Meredith, Jessie, and of course the lovely Mimi & Al duo, in their wonderful abode. The real reason we were there was to celebrate Al, who was being honored by the Southwest Ohio regional office of Planned Parenthood for being a lifetime crusader for them and a torch bearer of justice. This is honestly no overstatement whatsoever. Al strongly deserved this award. But I'm not there yet.

After a work day on Fri, we dressed ourselves up with the mischeviousness of third graders and went to the mall. STOOPID, yes, but an errand had to be done, so Ben and I walked around looking totally foolish and ghoulish and weird, and saw exactly one other person at the mall dressed up. Yes, he was three. I wouldn't say we were warmly received in stores, either, Ben looked super bizarre in his Monk costume (with a creepy hood) and the employees said "Sorry--we're not giving out trick or treating candy this year." Uh....DUH!

Jessie stared as Ms. California raisin, complete with white gloves, yellow shoes, and a sparkly purple dress. Adam & Meredith took the cake, as they were superheroes for Obama.

Saturday was dedicated to Obama (Jessie & Ben had already spent some time on Friday canvassing for him), and we all trekked all over Cincy to have doors slammed in our faces, or the kindness of people yelling at us saying "WEVE BEEN CONTACTED 4839 times ALREADY TODAY!" and the best, people yelling at us through the door (we couldn't understand, and it was unclear whether they wanted us to stay or go). But nonetheless, it was enjoyable to suffer nobly.

That night was the incredible celebration, celebrating "The Incredible Al Gerhardstein." It was a moving, inspiring, and wonderful event, on so many levels. We got dressed up in our best clothes (mine was a German-Latino dress...either hated or loved by the many who commented on it) and headed to the downtown Hilton.

This swanky event was attended by hundreds of people. The appetizers were good (puff pasty with brie and raspberries, oh my!) and the raffle tickets gave you options for good prizes. Al asked me to hold on to his and ask Mimi where to put them, so I consulted her for her opinion, but basically put them in places where we had a good chance of winning. Mimi told me she really wanted to win this picture below, but sadly, we didn't win it.Funny, eh? Nevertheless, we did win two other fabulous prizes, including an NPR bag with waterbottles, a gym bag, travel mugs, shirts, cds, and books galore. THAT is exciting! And a dinner for two at an Italian restaurant + 2 movie tix. YAY! Best luck I ever had in a raffle.

But, more importantly--WAY more importantly--we got to hear the ceremony honoring Al. Boy, he is a true hero in this area. And his remarks were inspiring. Adam alternately laughed and cried. We all did! His speech was moving, powerful, and a shoutout to all those who inspire him in the crowd---doctors, directors, lawyers, who have taken reproductive health as their cause in life.

This award was so deeply deserved, and I was so glad we were there for it. It was a BIG deal.

Sunday, sadly, was not so celebratory. Jessie had some problems with her tummy and wound up in the hospital. Not a fun experience, but she is recovering well. We spent all morning playing with games won in the NPR bag and playing with the sombrero we brought and some dinky hospital masks. I admit, I am the worst in a hospital. Everything grosses me out and I just want out. I was glad to be there with my beloved JGG, though, and she's doing well.

Sunday afternoon swept by quickly, involving some ice cream from Graeters and Skyline Chilli.

Arriving back in ATL felt good. It's always nice to come home here, this is a special place.

Adam, please send me the pictures!!!!!!

T minus 2 days folks...get out there!