New York/ Connecticut Trip

The trip was a blast. I have been so busy and I let over a month to go by to report about it. Check out the previous entry to get the link to my Flickr account. I am too lazy at this point to set up a link. The few things I've learned on the trip. One: Connecticut is a funny word to spell. Never really thought about it before. Hahahaha. Two: The High Line was an awesome place to spend some time when you are in Manhattan. I was sad we just missed the opening of the new phase. Three: We have mastered the subway system. Out of necessity, Jason and I toted all our luggage and walked to Grand Central to then go to Penn Station to catch the LIRR. We saved ourselves probably a lot of money not taking a cab (none available anyway) and we got our morning exercise. Four: People from Georgia love to party!!!!Nuff Said.:)

The Gang Back Together 10 Years Later!!!!!

It was such a nice reunion of us four; The Girls. I was pleasantly not surprised that we all remained unchanged in many ways. True, we've all grown up, married, had families, lives, and careers, but fundamentally, we remain the same. It was awesome to spend hours talking and going down memory lane without any distraction. The mountains were awesome. The moment we got to the condo, I was already making plans to come again. Of course, I was the one who couldn't stay up until 3 and sing karaoke and play Just Dance on the Wii. Mesha could outlast the energizer bunny on that. Niki, the prepared one, had dinner prepared and activities that were free. I wish I was that organized. Gillian was such a good companion, even when I did almost have a nervous breakdown in the airport. I will NEVER FLY Allegiant Air. They Stink!

For the most part, everything was excellent. I made picture albums for all the girls of old memories of Indiantown, West Palm, and all other craziness. Good Times........

Working out is working out

I finally completed my first work week of working out. I am so glad to have Elaine as a workout buddy. Jason and I finally made the switch from "Ghetto Fitness" to LA Fitness. I know I really shouldn't care if the gym is fancy or not, but it does motivate me to get up and go to a place that has a pool and doesn't smell of sweat and cologne. My schedule is M W F at 5:30 am. I still meet Jason on Tues and Thurs to work out together. I do think I will ditch him on Thursdays to do the 4:30 mat pilates class. Super.

We've finally finalized the Girl's Weekend Spectacular with Gill, Niki, and Mesha. I am dying to see them again. I can't believe it's been 10 years since we went our different ways. Wow, where does the time go? Gillian and I are flying to Greensboro on a Thursday morning and Niki is picking us up. Then, off to Boone, NC to spend 2 days in a luxury mountain condo. Mesha really wanted to do something a little more rugged. She loved my creek side cabin website that I found and linked to the rest of the girls. She said it was the closest thing to camping she'd get, since Jonathan isn't the outdoor-sy type. Nikisha, on the other hand, didn't think that we should stick ourselves way out in the sticks. I think the condo in the mountains is a great compromise. It's not really a compromise at all. I just wanted something with a hot tub. What goes better with mountains than a hot tub? Nothing, I tell you, nothing.

I've also made plans to go to NYC and Conn. in May. I can't believe we'll be away from home for 10 days. It's a long-awaited event. It will be so fun to go to Yankee Stadium (the new one) to see a Subway Series. Eat your heart out, Frank Valentine. Hahaha. I don't know what else we might do. Possibly the Met. I also was to try this place out, since I'm such a fan of Vodka. Russian Vodka Room

En Vacances Avec La Famille

I spent the weekend at my brother's place in Savannah. Family can be such an adventure sometimes. We get closer to realizing that we are becoming our parents. My brother and dad talked at great length about planes and finances. Two of my favorite topics, of course.

We took a trip the the two Civil War forts just outside the city. I am a sucker for old buildings. I even snacked on the pecans from the tree in the courtyard of Ft. Polaski. I haven't fallen over dead yet, so they must have been okay.

Nate was such a fine host driving us all around town. We ate lunch on Saturday at the Pirate House which is essentially a tourist trap. The secret tunnel is quite a nice touch. I have my doubts that they actually used it to take drunks to the river and ship them off to Australia. But it's a nice story.

I discovered pralines on this last visit. I really wish I hadn't. Anything involving sugar, vanilla, and nuts is a fine treat. I bought 1.5 lbs, mostly as a gift for the Handshews and to share at work. I did do some sampling on the way home. I'm scouring Food Network online for the perfect recipe. They would make excellent gift or party favors for a bridal or baby shower.

Savannah Swing Part Deux

Savannah Swing

The Building In Miami I Want to Buy

I'll just have to paint it for the meantime. It is for sale, though. Anyone have a few million to lend me?

Miami Classico Part Deux

Just a few snaps from my recent trip to see Christina. It was a pleasant time, made even more pleasant with a stay at her friend's condo at the Canyon Ranch. I became an instant fan of the spa. I would like to go again and take advantage of all the classes.

Miami Classico

White Gators and Evil Birds

Jason and I went to Gatorland last weekend. It was nice to spend a day with the animals.

Tableaux

I am looking for love at first sight, which I know is out there'

I just watched a great documentary on Picasso and Matisse. I had no idea they were such great friends. It is a coincidence that Henri Matisse's grandson lives in Ormond. He is also an artist. A friend of mine helps him sell his art work. According to Jourdan, he really is riding on the whole "I'm related to Matisse" thing. I would love to get one of his pieces. If I ever have 500 to 1000 dollars that I don't need, I will jump right on it.

The in-laws will be in this weekend. That is why I am taking the day as a mental health day. I am still not sure if I will be going to pioneer school next week. No one has confirmed anything with me yet. I am assuming that it is all a go. If not, I think I'll be helping out more at work.

We have a new doctor at work. She is really nice and is a real change for our clinic. Dr. Mck has been running the show by himself for the last 2 years. We've all been players in this three-ringed circus. It's just a nice way to say that he likes to multi-task.

I spent a lot of time cleaning the house yesterday. I got the carpet cleaner from work and slaved to move furniture and dust everything. All the laundry is done. Sure enough, at 4 am, one of my cats is puking on my freshly cleaned, white carpet. I didn't know cats were nauseated by the smell of Woolite. So, out came the carpet cleaner this morning.

I love my new kitten. He is so playful and happy. I now a household of cats who don't think that they are cats. Bronx thinks he is a king. Harlem thinks he's retarded, and Bernie thinks he's a dog. I sometimes wish I had normal cats. What is a wish?

I think I am going to see either my brother or my sister in the next couple of months. I feel bad that they both live 4 hours away and I haven't taken the time to go and visit. So the question is: Do I want to visit Southern mansions, or eat cubans on the beach? The operative question is still this: Savannah or Miami? Depends on how pretentious I am feeling.........

I have a feeling that the next 2 months are going to be hectic. Pioneer school, Jason's first talk, convention. I probably won't be able to think about visiting until the end of September. Jason talked to Garth in Bulgaria. That is still an option. Plus, my sister can get me a mad discount for W hotels. $29/night for family. Is there a W in Paris and Bulgaria? We'll have to make two stops.

Catch it!!!!

I just found out that a friend of mine moved to Bulgaria for work. Jason is actually toying with the idea of going there. Awesome. I've always wanted to go to Europe. Eastern Europe wasn't always my first choice, but now I'm intrigued. I don't even know much about Bulgaria. Looking at the map, it's awfully close to the middle east. I never really think of places like Iraq and Iran being close to Europe.

Plane tickets are so madly expensive, but at least we will have a place to stay. How expensive could Bulgaria be? Certainly not as expensive as Paris. It's just nice to know that it's actually an idea my husband is considering.
'
Now I'm doing all this research on Bulgaria. I love looking up info for a trip. I love to search for cheap airfare. See how low I can go. The search is probably my favorite part. I rarely get to book anything. It's kind of like window shopping.

Awake! had an amazing article on the Bulgarian town of Plovdiv, which is older than Rome, Carthage, and Constantinople. I will have to re-read that article with a different view.

Just a Few Shots of Cozumel

The iguana was hanging out by the Mayan Ruins, just blending in. I almost missed him. Just to clear things up, my car in okay. I don't know why the lights came on when we were heading to Tampa. They weren't on when we drove home and the brakes worked fine. We had Juan come by to check the brakes and everything was in working order.

Fun in the Caribbean Sun.......

Well, vacation has come and it has gone, my friends. It was a great time for my husband and I to relax. I say that as I have finished folding underwear and t shirts for Jason. But seriously, we had a blast.

We left Saturday around 11 am. We had a smooth ride to Tampa, until 30 minutes before we reached our destination. A brake light came on the dashboard of our Pacifica saying that our Anti-lock brake system and anti traction system had failed. Great. We've had this vehicle for 6 months, and now, as we go on vacation, 2 hours from home, it decides to crap out. In the midst of all this, I get us lost in downtown Tampa and we cannot find the port. We stop at a convenient store. Our brakes start to grind as we leave. Great, another bad thing before we go on vacation.

Twenty minutes after stopping at the store, we find the port. We drove through Ybor city, which reminds me a lot of St. Augustine with it's quaint shops and brass railings on it's buildings. Guess it's all the Spanish influence.

We send our car off to the valet and pack our belonging with the curb side guy, confident that our hidden liquor supply will not be disturbed. We had hidden Bacardi and Vodka in water bottles and put them back in the plastic wrapping. Genius, so I thought. When we arrived at our stateroom and received our bags, we had a note in the one with the contraband. "For the safety of other passengers, we randomly search luggage for banned items. The items, (4 bottles) have been seized and will not be returned to you. Please contact security if you have any questions or concerns." I had failed to realize that it was Spring Break and that alcohol patrol was in full effect. I should have had an idea when the 20 something boys in the elevator were bragging that 4 of their 7 bags had made it through with their supply. Jason was totally bummed. Dommage.

The first night was very nice. We went to dinner in the main dining room for the early seating. As I thought, we were the youngest people at the table. No offense to any of the people. They were all nice, but wanted to talk of politics and health issues. Yuck. Not what I want to discuss on my vacation on the Caribbean seas.

We promptly changed our seating to the later time. This was also to give us more time to recoup from a days activities, meaning lounging and drinking. To be honest, not that much drinking was done. Who could afford it at 6 to 8 dollars a pop. We had to be especially careful, since we did not have our secret stash.

The 2nd day was what I refer to as "The Fun Day At Sea." We ate breakfast, went to the gym, and laid out on the deck. We met some nice people from Boston. The conversation quickly drifted towards Yankees vs. Red Sox. How typical. Gotta love the rivalry. After a few drinks, Jason's sun baking, and a nap, we got ready for the Welcome party and formal dinner. I was able to wear the black dress I had to buy for Gil's wedding. This time I wasn't force to have the poodle hair. It was nice to not have to buy drinks for once. The welcome party was flowing with champagne, chambourde, and mimosas.

I was a little disappointed with the entertainment on Royal Caribbean. The dancers seemed very out of sync and the choreography was not very good, to say the least. In my corny opinion, I could have come up with better moves. The singers were not half bad. What was I to expect from cruise line entertainment? I guess I expected a little more.

The next day was in Cozumel. We boarded a speed boat and went out to Punta Sur Eco park for a tour of the reserve. The first thing we did was snorkel. I think snorkeling is the perfect thing for newlywed couples to do together. For one thing, you both look so silly in the snorkel gear. You smell like salt water and your hair looks like crap. You have to look graceful in the water, even though it's hell to do it. Let me tell you, I am impressing no one with my snorkeling skills. I think I elbowed Jason about 6 times. I had to apologize a lot that day. I think that is the lesson. When you snorkel, you have to also apologize. I saw some angel fish, star fish, conch and eel. I saw other sort of fish, but I don't know what they were. Creation is so wonderful.

After the snorkeling we went through the jungle to the end of the island near the lighthouse. The water was so crystal blue. If it weren't for the rocks and the rough seas, I would be in their, just like a mermaid. Had to settle for pictures. We jumped on some bikes and rode about 2 miles up the road to the salt water crocs and Mayan ruins. The salt water crocs were impressive. The Mayan ruins at this particular sight were not so much. They stood about 6 feet high and looked like a Mayan doghouse. The truth was that the building is buried in the dirt, only showing the top floor of what was the Mayan weather center. Sounds bizarre, but the Mayans used this particular building near the coast to predict when the hurricanes were coming. The guide Christian explained that they used conch shells and studied the whistling noises the shells made when the wind blew.

After the bike ride we had a Mexican lunch that was great. I had the best Guacamole that I have had in my entire life. It even beats out what I had at the upper class snobbish Miami hot spot the Delano. This guac was the shiznit. I could have eating the entire plate of it with the homemade flour tortilla chips. They tasted much like a pita chip. The arroz con pollo was great too, but the guacamole was the star of the show. What goes great after a Mexican lunch? A Mexican siesta. We passed on the kayaks for the hammocks on the beach with our new friends we made from Georgia. Nice people. The wife reminded me a lot of Susan Moren, one of my clients. Like they say, everyone has a twin somewhere.

There was not much to speak of in terms of shopping in the port of Cozumel. Many shops selling leather boots and sombreros. I know it's stereotypical, but what else would you imagine Mexicans selling? Besides tacos and burritos, of course. I didn't buy anything other than a straw hat that I wanted to wear on the boat ride. I was proud of myself because I spoke to the guy at the kiosk in Spanish. I probably still paid too much for the hat, but I did bargain some. Those weeks in Ecuador weren't a total waste, you see.

We were unable to go to Costa Maya the next day, because of inclement weather. Our docking gateway was deemed unsafe after an older couple slipped and hurt themselves first thing in the morning. Some of the passengers had already made it off the boat and on their way to their excursions. They had to reboard and we sailed off by 9:30 am. We were very disappointed. Jason and I wanted to find some hole-in-the-wall joint to have some more authentic Mexican cuisine and some cervezas without paying 5 bucks a pop. We were so sad to stay on the boat for another day. We filled the day with breakfast, the gym, laying out by the deck, and, for Jason, drinking by the pool. By 2 pm, I didn't feel well. I showered and went back to the cabin. I got sicker as the night went on. I even missed dinner

On this trip, I got caught up on some movies that I had been dying to see. I saw Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist- cute and predictable. The Dutchess- alright Vicky/Christina/Barcelona- strange movie, but I like the guy in the movie. Javier something. Quantum of Solace- I fell asleep.

The following day was dreary. The sun peaked out a little in the morning, with a cool breeze. It was a perfect day to wear a long white linen dress, which is exactly what I did. Jason was disappointed that there was not more sun to bake it. I assured him that he would have the rest of the summer to get some more sun.

The food on the trip was really good. I enjoyed dessert almost every evening. I am really going to have to get used to cooking and cleaning after myself again. No one to put a napkin in my lap. No one to fold my towels into animal shapes. However, I am still swaying as walk as if I am still on the ship. I guess that will be my lasting memento. At least for the next few days.

The Saddest Girl with a Martini......

Oh, I do love Vanilla Sky. I hate it, but I still love it. Mostly, I love the scene of Tom Cruise running through Time Square when it is empty. Very disturbing......

So, the drama continues at work. Tabby comes back tomorrow, but Debi had us leave up the "Now Hiring" sign. I guess we still don't know the ends and outs of what will happen. All I know is that I am leaving in 2 weeks, regardless.

I bought a hammock. I don't know if I have mentioned it before. Ever since we moved into this house I've wanted to have a hammock. My grandma sent me some money, so I used it to finally buy one. 40 bucks at Target.

It has been kinda cold for the last 2 days. Sunday we had a cold front come through and it feels like New Jersey. It was amazing how quick the temperature changed. Before the meeting it was 70. Walking out of the Kingdom Hall it must have been like 45 degrees. I was sad that I didn't wear pantyhose.

I watched Cloverfield this weekend. What a craphole of a movie. I liked the idea of the single tape with the 2 story lines: the monster part and the love story of the 2 main characters being weaved on the tape. (if you didn't know, the movie is basically someone camcorder viewing of being attacked by a monster) It either could have been really good or really bad. It was the latter. It was Godzilla meets Blair Witch Project.

My anniversary is in 2 days. I can't believe it has been 4 years now. How time does fly. It seems only yesterday that I was scrambling around looking for a place to have a reception and putting together Hersey Kiss wedding favors.

On vacation, I want to at least read one book. My mom gave me The Secret Life of Bees. I think that will be the book. I've cheated because I've already seen the movie. Great movie.

Dave and Sharon are coming over on Sunday for dinner. We haven't seen them or had them over in a while. They are moving up to Conn. soon, I guess. I guess we'll find out more on Sunday.

Jason has something planned for our anniversary this weekend. It's a surprise, but I've been trying to figure out what it is. I thought it could be Sea World, but I don't think we'll be taking a whole day off from service on Saturday. I thought maybe he'll take me to that wine bar on Park Avenue in Winter Park. Maybe the Cheesecake Factory. I'm not sure.

My blow dryer died, so my hair looks like a rat's nest this morning because I went to bed with semi-wet hair. I definitely have to get out the chi this morning and work some magic so I don't scare anyone in service.

I found out that Abby and Wendy are going to the New Kids concert, too. I'll have to post some awesome pictures. It will be nice to see Abby. She moved to Ft. Meyers about 6 months ago. I am excited about the show, and even more excited that I don't probably have to work the next day.

I can't wait to get out in the yard and do something other than rake leaves. Jason was so kind as to get me a wheel barrow so I could just take the leaves behind the fence. That is instead of bagging them up. How sweet. No sarcasm. I am glad to say the impatiens are coming back. Slow but surely.

I love this new song by Lily Allen called "The Fear." It really is like nothing I've heard before from her. It might not be extremely new, but new to me. I put a bunch of new music on the ipod. Some new New Kids, some 90's booty rap, stuff from a group called Passion Pit, which is like a Postal Service sort of sound, some Rod Stewart. Just a bunch of random music. Oh, I forgot, new U2. I have to get the new album..........Suppose to be a lot like Achtung Baby! We'll see about that......

I am patiently waiting for a vacation.....

only 5 weeks to go. I'm not excited or anything. My bathrooms are almost finally done. Jim Dykstra came over and installed our other sink and our new bathroom lights. What a difference that makes. My bathrooms almost look modern. Hoorah!!!

Work has been tiring. So much to do, and so little time. I am not complaining, but the economy hasn't affected us yet. I just wish Dr. Mck would take a vacation. He seriously needs one.

I've been researching which snorkeling tour I should take. I am thinking of two in general. One is off a catamaran, and the other is off a boat that includes lunch and takes you to three separate spots. I can't decide. I figure we'll probably just spend time in Costa Maya just lounging around and shopping. I want to actually do something when I am in Cozumel. Note to self: must get an underwater camera.

Viva La Mexico!!!!

It's official, we're going. I can't wait. Got the tax money and swiftly booked our vacation. If only my passport would get here. Jason got his three days ago. Mine was a renew. I don't understand why mine takes longer.

I am trying to eat right before the big trip. 44 days away. I am trying to be balanced, not leaving out every indulgence.

I am not keeping in contact with my friends like I should. Life gets so complicated and busy.

It's freezing cold in Florida right now. Today is not even going to get up in the fifties. So long to all my tropical plants. I will spend the weekend seeing what I didn't let die. I haven't been so gung-ho about gardening for that very reason. Also, I've been obsessed with booking our first vacation in over 2 and a half years. It will be so nice to relax and not have to worry about work, repairs, dealing with people you hate, etc. I want to sit on the beach and vegetate with a margarita. Nice.

Bathroom are almost finished. I can't wait till the other sink is installed.

I hate it when people bail out on you at the last minute. It so gets on my nerves. I think that is what is going to happen to me this afternoon for a study. It is really becoming a nuisance. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to get over it:)

Happy House Anniversary!!!!!

Yes, it was exactly one year ago on this day that Jason and I were pouring over closing papers in Lake Mary. Our closing took almost 45 minutes. Of course, our taxes were re assessed right before we moved, so our payment went up like 200 dollars. Not to worry. We still love the house and we are still doing things to improve it. I will have to link you to my Facebook pictures.

Oh, to be or not to be on Facebook. Jason hates the idea of me being on ANOTHER social network. I can sort of understand, but I know all these people and it's pretty harmless. Oh well. I really only use it to share pictures. That's pretty much it. I don't go all crazy.

Plans are underway for J and I to go to Mexico and Belize in March. I am so excited. I would love to go snorkeling in Cozumel and drink margaritas on the beach. I have it all figured out.

For the time being, I have to study my Watchtower and make breakfast. No vacation yet, but it's getting there. A little spin on one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs.

Random Savannah pics, pardon the randomness

my dad had me take pictures of the airplanes. I need to reemail them to him. Had the wrong address. Love to take pictures of buildings. The mussy picture is of the defunct Ellis square. I intend to retake it when it is restore.

Some Savannah pics.

We had a splendid time with Nate in Savannah. We arrived Friday night. We went on one of the corniest, most touristy tours, a ghost tour. I don't believe in ghosts, but the tour guide was neato. He reminded me of Kris Kristopherson. I don't even think I spelled his name right. Anyway, it was kinda neat to walk around the city at night. The spookiest thing was a big car crash right next to our tour group. I think the tour guide was even shaken up a bit.

Nate's roomies are pretty cool. It's a married couple from Vietnam. They are like close to my parents age and they have 3 kids in West Palm. I think they keep an eye out for my brother. We all went to dinner before the tour at a Japanese place. Then, we introduced my dad to Starbucks. He's kind of an old fashioned guy. Not used to places like Starbucks.

Saturday was gross weather. We went to the AirForce museum near the interstate. My dad was in hog heaven. Mom and I were bored out of our skulls, but it was interesting. We drove out to where Nate works by the airport. We also took a tour of the city by trolley. Hung (Nate's roomy) made us a dinner of steak and shrimp kabobs and sushi rolls. Delish. Evalyn would have been proud.

Sunday, we ran into the Hunds at an interstate gas station, almost 300 miles from home. They were heading up to New York to donate a concrete pump to Bethel. What timing to run into them. Nate took off work and we went back downtown to shop and to get some more pictures. I'll have to post more, when I can. No Paula Deen sightings. No ghosts. Just good times. And Nate making fun of me for not being able to play Guitar Hero. Seriously, though, I suck.