It feels so good to be home. I mean check out this sunset from my first night back in Florida:
You just don’t get this in Penang.
The past week or so has been an absolute whirlwind but I’ve loved every second of it. It all started when I was upgraded to business class on my flight from Moscow to Houston. Let’s just say it was the best plane ride of my life. I am not kidding, my life was forever changed! I had an entire leather pod to myself with a big personal TV screen and free cocktails whenever I desired. The pod pulled out into a full-sized bed in which I spent hours snoozing with my eye mask and large blanket. I enjoyed insane 4 course meals served on a flippin’ tablecloth from the amazing Singapore Air flight attendants. Now I am forever spoiled and will be even more cramped back in economy among the skewed limbs of sleeping Asians. Hopefully they will upgrade me again after I’ve collected a few thousand more frequent flier miles. Ugh.
After that wonderful trip home, I was dropped into a sea of appointments and errands before a weekend wedding. I had a haircut, facial, and shopping trip with my mom and sister to buy cocktail attire while we dodged storms across Tampa Bay.
By Friday at noon, my family was scrambling to coordinate 3 separate cars driving north to Tallahassee. Peter and I were in charge of driving my grandparents for the most boring 4 hour drive ever through Florida. Just think of a straight hot road for hours on end with absolutely nothing to look at. I was thrilled to arrive in our state’s capital and get the festivities started!
My cousin was getting hitched to her handsome southern gentleman and my entire family was there to celebrate. She is my only cousin on my mom’s side and the first of us to get married so everybody was excited! As soon as we arrived at our hotel, we hurried to the rehearsal dinner at the beautifully restored Governor’s House in downtown Tallahassee. The dinner was delicious and full of charming toasts to the bride and groom. After the dinner ended, my family decided to keep the party going at a bar down the street. Let’s just say we had a lot of fun and Peter was teased endlessly by my devious uncles. I guess that’s what happens when a man orders a “peachy tea” 
.
The next day we enjoyed a very slow morning which involved hanging out at the mall to get our nails done and go shopping. My mom and I helped Peter buy some shoes which was fun and much needed. Then we spent hours at the Macaroni Grill hanging out and eating a big lunch in preparation for the long evening ahead.
The ceremony took place in an adorable Baptist Church and was short but sweet. I cried when I saw the way the groom looked at the bride as she walked down the aisle. She looked stunning! The reception was held at the Goodwood Museum & Gardens inside the Carriage House which was the perfect location for this shabby chic wedding.
Introducing the bride and groom!
The reception went by in a blur and was so much fun. I love my family so much and it was awesome spending time with them while dancing the night away. Our family hogged the dance floor the entire night while we boogied, twisted, and bopped around too many dance circles. We Jantschek’s sure know how to party! Of course we kept the party going again back at our hotel while I laughed till I cried while my family shared hilarious stories till early in the morning. This is what family is all about.
It was sad leaving Tallahassee and saying goodbye to our family that lives in Canada but I hope we will see them soon. Maybe for another wedding?? Hmmm, I’ll give it a few years.
After such a fun wedding weekend I was exhausted but would still be busy for a few more days. On Tuesday I drove my sister to Orlando and was able to meet up with Carina for a couple of hours in Downtown Disney! I hadn’t seen her since our great adventure and it was nice to catch up back in Florida. Downtown Disney was PACKED and it felt like we were back in Asia! We definitely need a break.
Peter went back to Malaysia on Thursday so we made sure to spend some time together before then. We went kayaking one day and took the boat out with my dad on his final night. It was a beautiful evening and we enjoyed a seafood dinner while overlooking the harbor. You can’t get any more Florida than this!
Thursday morning we woke ridiculously early for Peter’s early morning flight but witnessed an incredible sunrise over the city of Tampa. I feel guilty leaving Peter alone in Penang but I am happy to stay home for a little while longer. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder and I know that we will be together soon. I really need a break from Asia to regain my sanity! The life of an expat is fun but also hard. When you have an opportunity to spend time with family, you take it!
Since dropping Peter off at the airport, I have been resting and trying to fight a cold. In my spare time I have been watching Season 3 of the Vampire Diaries (omg awesome) and editing pictures. But mostly watching Vampire Diaries haha.
This weekend will probably include boating and a baseball game. This is the Florida life and I’m loving it. I can’t say this enough but IT FEELS SO GOOD TO BE HOME!
