Really, all over my Christmas letter?

Today I received a Valentine in the mail. I was excited, I love Valentines! This was a sweet card from the outside, pink with hearts and the word, "granddaughter" written on it. I opened the card and found out it was from my grandfather. I was surprised to see a decent amount of writing in the card. Right away the note said that my Valentine was in response to my Christmas letter. I thought, "oh, I bet my grandfather is worried about the surgery I had." Hmm, I wish. Instead he was upset that we made a road trip with several stops that did not include stopping to see him. To be honest, I didn't even think about it. I know, I know, shame on me, right? We just packed so many stops in to our road trip as it was and tried to see as many friends and family members as possible. In that respect, I thought I made good use of our time. Apparently I should either slim down my holiday letter or make a special trip to North Dakota. I also left out a family member we stopped to see in my letter. Oops. I even sent the letter to the family member I forgot about! Okay, in my defense I just looked up where my grandfather lived. I would have driven three hours out of my way each direction, to add 6 hours on to our trip. Sigh, not sure why I am fretting, it's in the past. I guess I just feel bad. Now what? Do I write back with an apology and explanation (rather lame excuse)? Do I ignore the letter and just pretend it was a nice Valentine card from a family member I hear from, but once a year? I don't call my grandfather because he is deaf. There is also this strange tension as he has said some hurtful things in the past to almost everyone in my family. I suppose I should just saddle up and write him a letter.

Here is the other option, I am making a trip in May that could potentially go through his neck of the woods. If I add just four hours on to the trip, I could stop and see him. He has never met my husband and we have been married for two and a half years. Hmm, perhaps I could write a letter and make note of a pending trip. Thoughts? Suggestions? I value time with my family, but I also feel like when I take road trips I shouldn't feel guilted in to stopping somewhere. For example, I drove near other family members and didn't stop. I drove right past my Aunt & Uncle's place, and my cousin's home. They didn't write me rather rude notes, although I did see them just a few days later. I guess I feel like I should get some kudos for trying to see as many people as possible.

So, should I suck it up and admit I'm in the wrong? Do that and stop in May? Be confident that I'm a big girl and just move on? What do you think? I am open to suggestions.

Okay, let's move on to a happier topic. Before opening my mail I had an orthodontist appointment. I was SO excited when the doctor told me I had 1-2 appointments left!! My braces could be off in 10-12 weeks! YAY! The time has flown by, really it has. I will have my braces on for just under 2 years. Additionally, I could have my braces off in time for my sister's graduation from college. I currently have a type of braces called the Damon System, they have been fairly comfortable. They require fewer appointments and are less painful than traditional braces. Treatment time is usually shorter as well. I feel very fortunate that this technology was available by the time I got braces. I have had a really good experience. I took before pictures of my teeth and can't wait to see the after pictures! Not to mention I have dropped a significant amount of weight since my original pictures. Should be a fabulous transformation!

Today is my dear husband's birthday!!! I am so blessed and so thankful he is in my life. We are having the haole version of Kahlua Pork for dinner (I think this is one of the hubby's favorite meals), made even healthier by switching the cut of meat. Rather than a traditional pork butt or shoulder, we are using a tenderloin. It's been slow cooking all day. I expected the meat would remain in a log like shape, but am pleasantly surprised that it is actually tender enough to shred! I sampled a bite and it was pretty tasty. Two thumbs up for our lightened version of Kahlua Pork!

Okay, I am off for the evening to work on homework and celebrate a birthday! Happy Tuesday.

P.S. I just looked back at the card and my name is spelled wrong. Really? I am one of 4 grandchildren and I'm the oldest. Oh well.