HONG KONG AND BACK IN 72 HOURS.....




Or...... how to read a 400 page book [plus 1/2 of another], watch 5 movies, read 10 magazines....sleep only a couple of hours in 32 hours on a plane.  OK...maybe there was some eating.


As you know I flew my husbands final turn at the helm with his  career at United Airlines.  We picked Hong Kong because there is no visa required and it actually had a one day layover.


I was lucky to be seated in business class.  #thankgod

 This was the panoramic scene from the Marriott Renaissance but unfortunately this was the view on Tuesday.  Insert sad face.

 Yep....it got worse.

Fortunately I managed to talk big daddy into going for a walk.  He would have been perfectly happy to hang in the room with the bottle of champagne the flight attendant gave us....wink wink:)

But there was a small window of no rain and I felt that was my best shot....let's roll baby.

We started out with another [female] pilot on the trip who happens to be a very good friend.

Sad to say it just kept pouring so we did the next best thing.....duck [reference to animal who does not mind water]  in a restaurant....order a bottle of good wine and eat.

Right? 


We ordered this amazing salad that I can't wait to try and recreate. Those of you who know I don't really cook....go ahead and laugh.  This is pretty easy.


Check this out....sweet potatoes, goat cheese and pomegranate seeds.  Mouth party.


 This was the morning we were leaving.  This is my husbands best friend and he managed to fly in the night before [he is also a pilot and was on the same trip only a day later] as a surprise!


Us a dinner that night!

I have to say it was so emotional.....he did both landings [there are a total of 4 pilots in the cockpit]...and they were smooth as a babies butt.  As I watched him pull into the gate for the last time I felt so proud thinking of his 40 year career and how many times he took people safely to their destinations.  I also thought of all the  occasions when he missed parties and fun events because he had to fly on the weekends and holidays.


Seriously....I do not want to know what everyone of these buttons do to make this baby [Boeing 777] stay in the air.  Explain flying to me as many times as you want and I will cock my head like a dog and go "huh"?  Need a paint color fella?


I know it is a small picture but see the 2 lime green trucks?  When a pilot retires the plane will fly in between while water cannons  spray over it!  That is when I started the ugly cry.

After being up 24 hours and crying....good lord girl some blush and lipstick might have been a good idea:)

Now for the part when I got a little crabby, irritable......grumpy.  Our 4:00 flight back to Atlanta cancelled because of  thunder storms in Chocago....[would have been home by 7 pm].   We managed to get on another flight that was leaving at 6 but actually left at 9:30 so we rolled into the ATL after midnight.  Which meant I had been up for about 36 hours....

I guess now he will be home all "up in my business" as they say but I am kind of looking forward to having him around:)

Oh yeah...here is the book I read and it was  damn good ...


If you got this far you have figured out that there is no design happening on this post.  There are times when we have to take note of the important moments in our life and today I was happy I had a place to  share one of mine.....with you guys.

Thanks.....

Shamotional



56 comments

Robyn said...

I totally love your blog....not even sure how I found it...except that it must have been through another design blog! Congrats to hubbers on his 40yr career. Hope you both enjoy the next part of your journey together. You look like sweet peeps:)

PS. YOu're hilarious...but, you didn't need a total stranger to tell you that! ha.

Anonymous said...

Oh Sher, I am totally boo-hoo-ing! I always enjoy your posts, most of the time I am on floor laughing! This post, I am still smiling, but in a different way. My heart was so touched by your words!!!!
Love ya, Cindy Rodriguez

An Urban Cottage said...

Congratulations to your husband!

Unknown said...

Congratulations to your hubs for a stellar career! and I hope a lovely pension! My bro-in-law flew for Piedmont and then US AIR and I followed this all with similarities. Youre a good wife to have survived it all; never home-then always home.. It's tough but Im glad he's safely done! Best wishes on his retirement and good luck with the transition! Doing that this year myself, husband newly retired ( retarded, as my kids say.)
xoxo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Cassie Bustamante said...

i am totally crying for you now- congrats to your husband on an amazing career! i can tell in your writing how proud you are! now go rehydrate with some water after all the wine and tears! ;)

Tiffany @ Savor Home said...

Aww! Even though it was quick, it looks like you made the most of it in pure Sherika fashion. Love it. Congrats to the hubs!

Dana Frieling said...

Wow,what an accomplishment! Congrats to your hubby. So neat that you tagged along on his final flight. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!

Simply LKJ said...

Such a sweet post! Congratulations to your husband. 40 years is a long time to be flying!!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Wow, I am surprised you are even awake much less write a post. Congrats to your hubby. Mine may be 70 before he gets to retire. Darn economy. Things are getting better thank goodness.

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

Happy "Retirement" to you BOTH!
Enjoy, have fun!!!

Lori said...

Sniff...sniff... What a cute couple you two are!! Congrats to your hubby on his 40 yrs of hard work and long days away from you. I hope it wasn't that mandatory pilot retirement thing. We need more of your hubbys in the cockpit. Enjoy your much earned time together. I love your blog, your humor, and eye for design. I'm hoping one day I can get you to North GA to help me with my decorating dilemmas.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Congratulations to your hubby! A career to be proud of! I hope you both enjoy his retirement! :)

Debbie said...

Loved your story! My husband retired in January and I am getting used to all this "togetherness". But honesty, it is a great great thing. Breakfast and lunch together if you want, spontaneous trips, and getting more and more mellow. Best wishes to you!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Great post. Congrats to you hubby, what a long and successful career. You look amazing with no sleep. Hugs, Marty

mapleleavessycamoretrees said...

You're just an entertaining writer, whether you're talking about pillows, your husband, or poop. I love reading your posts! And congrats to your husband for this amazing milestone. Enjoy your time spent together:)

Karen at Home Sweet Hollywood said...

Aw Sherry, I got all teared up & goose bumpy just reading this! It's a very big deal! I remember when my sister's hubby went through it...we all cried like fools at the airport! It's so awesome that you and best friend were able to be there...super huge life milestone!! Big congrats to your husband on a fantastic career!

JPost said...

I loved your posting. My father was a pilot for UAL and retired in 1992. He flew during the golden years of aviation and was so proud to be a member of ALPA. He passed away last September. He didn't want a service so we toasted him at The Proud Bird located the beginning of the LAX runway. It was a wonderful life.

amanda@studio1404.com said...

You made me tear up! Your posts are always entertaining and inspirational. You are so talented! I follow your blog for YOU - and your beautiful design. Thanks for sharing! And congrats to your hubby! He WILL be "all up in your business" now - I know because my hubby is my business partner. But you will love it!

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

Congratulations to your husband. I am sure my husband was on one of his flights! I can't even imagine all the feelings you had. Now he has chair shopping with you to look forward to.

Unknown said...

Loved this post Sherry! Congrats to your hubby on 40 years of, from the sounds of it, doing what he loves! What a great way to cap the experience, wife and friends in tow! I would be "Shamotional" too. Now watch out while he gets all "up in your business!"

Emily said...

Oh my goodness...I so saw you at the Chicago airport last night! I have been reading your blog for ages, but didn't even make the connection last night! I was also on your flight that left at 9:30ish. I was grumpy and I hadn't been to HK and back. I would have been bitter and surly had I been y'all.

My dad was a pilot, and his retirement flight was one of the top highlights of my entire life! Congrats to your husband! Enjoy the new life!

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

That is a huge milestone! Congratulations! I would have cried too and looked a hell of a lot worse. You look awesome!
Have fun with the big guy under foot.

A Perfect Gray said...

best post ever, sherry. I know you are so proud of your guy. that is so cool about the spray of water from the trucks. what a moment. glad you had a good trip and glad you're back! you look great for no sleep!

so awesome to meet you and I look forward to many more times together! donna

Taylor Greenwalt said...

What a sweet post...congrats to your hubby and to his future...pretty cool you got to tag along!

The enchanted home said...

The landing smooth as a babies butt...so funny! Congrats to your husband for a wonderful career! There is little a glass of wine can't cure......I love that you were there for his final flight. A final memory you created together...you rock Sharika!

marlene said...

Congratulations to your husband! Wow! I loved reading this and that you were able to go along was so neat.
I so enjoy your post and you always make me smile and sometimes laugh out loud.

Naz said...

A moving tribute to your husband. 40 years of service to such a demanding job is certainly something to salute. Well done in writing such a closing chapter in his life.

Victoria said...

Congratulations to you and your husband, and thanks him for all those years of service to the public.
XO, Victoria

Heather@SatisfyingSpaces said...

I have seen the pilot retirement water hose event. I didn't even know the pilot and I cried. Congratulations to your husband for a successful career and kudos to you for supporting him all these years!

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

Wow, what a trip. Congrats to your husband and enjoy the time with him at home. I read Gone Girl last weekend too....couldn't put it down....but the end left me unsatisfied. You?

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your husband's retirement. I try to thank the pilot(s) after each flight we take for getting us back to ground safely. Always grateful!! Love your blog and humor. I'm a loyal follower. You are SO talented in so many ways.
Arti Iyer

Unknown said...

I'm weepy too! LOVED this post. Enjoy having your hubs around...bring em to our get togethers, hahaha.

xoxo

jerri said...

Congratulations to both of you. As a pilots wife, I know how hard your job is too. My hubs is on the 777 as well & I know how emotional that last flight will be because he loves it so much. Best of luck on your new chapter.

Virginia Country House said...

What a great post. Please thank your husband for me. I'm sure that pilots everywhere are caring and competent. However, I wish your husband could know what it feels like, when one has been flying all over the world for months in tin buckets via 3rd World Airline, to finally get on a plane bound for home (Home!!!) and hear some good 'ole Texas drawl, say "Welcome aboard." I practically weep with joy. I know there is always the chance for some sort of malfunction, but I have always felt that if there is a way to save the day, guys like your husband have the brains, the cool and the experience to do it. So, congratulations. And thanks! N.G.

Junell said...

Awe, Honey that was just 'bout the sweetest post I ever read ~ "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion." Now- 10 points - who said it???

Kelly@Bungalow Blue said...

Congrats to your hubby on such an accomplished career, Sherry!

alysa said...


I hope the honey moon/retirement feeling lasts forever and congrats to you both

alysa

Donna-s Lair said...

What a beautiful story to a great ending and beginning!! My husband retired from the Air Force ( jets and B52) after 30 years in 2005 and will be retiring from Lockheed's F22 fighter program in 9 days! I'm bringing him to Scott's..so could you bring yours too...we could sit them together holding pretty pillows. SO happy for you both!

Kim said...

I love seeing "life moments!" Congrats to the Mr. and that you got to fly the last flight with him. while it may be the last in his career ... may you have wonderful flights together for the rest of your life! xo

Christina Baker said...

Oh my goodness Sherry. I loved reading this soooooo much just now. I am almost in tears. You captured this adventure so perfectly that it's as if we were all there feeling each emotion, good and bad, that you all felt. When I saw the pictures of the rain I knew exactly what you were trying to express just by the images. What a sweet sweet touching story. Tell hubby congratulations!

Barbara said...

Hoping the next chapter of your lives together is filled with wonderful times. We often get on airplanes to-day without thinking what a tremendous responsibility the guys in the cockpit have so a massive thank you to your husband for bringing all his thousands of oassengers back on the ground safely.



Barbara

Kathysue said...

Congratulations to your hubby! What a wonderful way to end his career with you by his side. You will love retirement! I love having my guy, rested and at home, so much more fun now!!
xo Kathysue

pam {simple details} said...

Congrats to your husband, what a fun way to top off a wonderful career! I think you should take him with you to Scott's, I have a feeling it'd make a great post! :)

Cindy said...

Awwwwwww... that is emotional. Dang, 40 years safely flying people all over the world. Pretty darn amazing.

Cindy

pixelimpress said...

happy retirement to you husband! glad you were there to share that last trip with him. (the book is next on my list.)

{darlene} @ fieldstonehill said...

love it all! will NEVER understand how those planes stay up in the air... Paint color fella????
Congrats to your hubby!

michele said...

i love the shamotional healing of it all, sherry. congratulations to your husband on this admirable achievement. and cheers to you for writing such a heartfelt entertaining commentary.

smiles to you both.

michele

Unknown said...

What a special moment! I'm all teary-eyed over here now. I have that book in my car - need to bring it in the house and actually open it. ;)

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

What a way to retire…..with your beautiful wife making the final journey across the world with you! What an amazing career, seeing the world and taking people there safely. It's incredible, really. Congratulations to your husband, and I hope you enjoy your newfound time together, uninterrupted by big trips away! Hopefully you'll be spending more time sailing in Caribbean waters together!

Tina R said...

It's all been said here Sha, such a very special post, so glad you could join on the trip and HUGE congrats to David! Seriously I don't know what you're best talents are ... I so look forward to your weekly posts you are such an hilarious lovely writer, a bad ass designer and now becoming such an awesome photog ... on my tail dammit girl !!!

Big love, xoxox.

Woodside Park said...

What an esteemed career!! Congratulations to your husband! We have a couple of military pilots in our family. A high honor!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

We usually fly on United...I feel like I could have been one of the people your husband flew safely home. Give him a big hug. Perhaps he'll take up cooking and make you that delicious salad!

Puttin' On The GRITS said...

I have always been fascinated by pilots. Such a unique skill and knowledge they have. And the places he's been! I'm sure you are thrilled at the thought of having him home now- it's the small everyday things that they miss that are the hardest in my opinion.

Congratulations to your husband!

Blog Author(s) said...

FANTASTIC !!!!! What a great place to choose for this EVENT. Steeped in Love in the Pearl of the Orient. Congratulations on a fabulous job well done. May you both find Retirement to be soooo much better than you could have imagined. One door closes,--another opens. What fun !!!

René said...

You made me cry! What a special time for you both and what a treat to see some of it on instagram. The planes flying between the trucks is special. I would have out-ugly cried you ;). My husband is in my business too and I like it.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sherry, I have been reading your blog since early this morning. I had lunch with Jane yesterday and when I asked about you, she told me of your great blog and sent me the link. It is "so you" and I love it! I decided I had to write when I read this one in particular. Please congrats David for me; look forward to running into you! Susan Pavone

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