It's been a while, but December has been a busy month. Last week we went to the TAPS/Darkness Radio event at the Queen Mary. It was a 3-day paranormal event and we got to meet and ghost hunt with a lot of celebrity people in the paranormal "industry." The days were filled with seminars and the nights were packed with events. It was a blast and except for getting a piece of glass stuck in my hand (from the bed in our room after we checked in) and the insanely thin walls of the hotel rooms on the Queen Mary, we had a great time. Jay and Grant were the nicest guys!
Before the Queen Mary event we stopped at the Aquarium of the Pacific because I'd never been. Got some great shots, like this one of a lorikeet, and enjoyed seeing some of the animals. It's a great educational place for kids...maybe some day we can take ours there!
Work has been interesting. I've been busting my ass getting realignments done and so it's been quite busy. The most interesting thing is that I was approached by my old supervisor about possibly moving departments and being promoted into a supervisor position. Although a little scary at first, with some time to think about it and some conversations with him, I'm very excited. I still have to officially apply and interview for the position, but it looks promising at this point. Basically the job I have now won't really go anywhere in the years to come, and with all of the experience under my belt, the best career decision for me would be to take the new job. Albeit loads more responsibility, work, and hours, it's going to push my career into the right direction and it would mean more stability for our family in case Jeff loses his job. And you know me, I love challenges and I hate being bored, and supervising 14 people would be an awesome challenge. My former supervisor and I could really grow that department into something more and we could do it together. So anyways, this may be in the works for me Q1 of 2009!
Christmas...holy cow it came fast. No real plans. We're going to have my Aunt and Julie over on Christmas eve for dinner and then Christmas day we're going to be alone. We'll open gifts and probably go see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." It will be relaxing and nice. I have the 24th - 5th of January off, so I may work on projects around the house.
Well that's about it for now! Happy Holidays!
M
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Not much here to report...
Took this pic at Jerrod's first bday party and I love it. It's a great expression and shows just what a happy and smiley baby he is! Babies are on my mind so much lately, seemed like a good pic to add to this post!
We started trying for our first baby this past weekend! I know it will take months, but since my cycle is still staying regular (for the time being I'm sure), thought it was worth a shot. Why not? Ordered some books on PCOS so I can educate myself more, especially about foods I should steer away from. I eat pretty healthy and I don't seem to digest anything that could add to PCOS symptoms, so that's good! I'm trying to stay positive even though it's hard with all of these things stacked against me!
We painted the rest of the downstairs of our house over the weekend. Put a pale yellow in the guest bathroom to complete my "little French bathroom," caramel in the hallway/entryway and my pumpkin brown color in the library. This weekend someone is coming to paint our tall walls going up the stairs and also our upstairs hallway. It's going to look so pretty for our little family get together on Thanksgiving! Cross your fingers that the next project we paint is a baby's room!
Tiring week...between painting all weekend and feeling sore and tired from that and then having lots of upper management in town for training, I've been out to a couple of late night dinners, and I just feel exhausted! I could sleep at least another 2 hours from when my alarm goes off every morning!
Megan L's in China so work has been non-entertaining this week. Realignments. Headcount. Q1 2009. Budgets. Blah blah blah. At least my boss is letting me work from home on Monday so the painter can come finish everything. The only day I have to come to the office next week is Tuesday. Score!
Busy weekend although I never set out for it to be that way! We have bowling with a big group of friends tomorrow night at 7:30. Saturday the painter is there all day and I have to clean for Turkey day. Saturday night is another dinner with some friends. Sunday I have at least 6 places I need to go to and run errands. I have to finish shopping for my parent's Xmas gifts and then wrap them so I can give it to them when they come for Thanksgiving. Ahh!
Well, not much else to report here. Busy week, yet nothing interesting enough to post here!
Ciao!
We started trying for our first baby this past weekend! I know it will take months, but since my cycle is still staying regular (for the time being I'm sure), thought it was worth a shot. Why not? Ordered some books on PCOS so I can educate myself more, especially about foods I should steer away from. I eat pretty healthy and I don't seem to digest anything that could add to PCOS symptoms, so that's good! I'm trying to stay positive even though it's hard with all of these things stacked against me!
We painted the rest of the downstairs of our house over the weekend. Put a pale yellow in the guest bathroom to complete my "little French bathroom," caramel in the hallway/entryway and my pumpkin brown color in the library. This weekend someone is coming to paint our tall walls going up the stairs and also our upstairs hallway. It's going to look so pretty for our little family get together on Thanksgiving! Cross your fingers that the next project we paint is a baby's room!
Tiring week...between painting all weekend and feeling sore and tired from that and then having lots of upper management in town for training, I've been out to a couple of late night dinners, and I just feel exhausted! I could sleep at least another 2 hours from when my alarm goes off every morning!
Megan L's in China so work has been non-entertaining this week. Realignments. Headcount. Q1 2009. Budgets. Blah blah blah. At least my boss is letting me work from home on Monday so the painter can come finish everything. The only day I have to come to the office next week is Tuesday. Score!
Busy weekend although I never set out for it to be that way! We have bowling with a big group of friends tomorrow night at 7:30. Saturday the painter is there all day and I have to clean for Turkey day. Saturday night is another dinner with some friends. Sunday I have at least 6 places I need to go to and run errands. I have to finish shopping for my parent's Xmas gifts and then wrap them so I can give it to them when they come for Thanksgiving. Ahh!
Well, not much else to report here. Busy week, yet nothing interesting enough to post here!
Ciao!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
PCOS
Had a doc appointment yesterday for a Pre-Conception exam and consultation. She gave us the okay to start trying except...she did a sonogram of my ovaries and little black spots showed up on them. She said it looks like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Which would actually make a lot of sense given my mom's problems with "a male hormone" (as diagnosed in 1979) and given my irregular periods, acne, weight problems, and all sorts of other issues I've had since I was 15 years old. She said she can't be positive I have it yet, to give it two months and see if I get a period and if I don't then they'll run blood work to see what it is. From there if it's PCOS they would send me to a fertility specialist to be put on clomid or another one of those medicines that helps treat people with PCOS/Infertility. The good thing is that I've lost a good amount of weight and I eat healthier now, which are two things that can really effect PCOS. The "disease" can be reversible with a good weight, diet, and exercise. Here's more info on PCOS: http://www.babycenter.com/0_polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos_7432.bc
The only thing about PCOS that is really scary is that 1 in 5 women with PCOS miscarry due to complications with PCOS. I've read about a lot of women on the message boards on babycenter.com who have had miscarriages with PCOS. It does seem like 1 in every 5 I read has that problem. That really scares me. It's like, if I wasn't already worried about that happening, now I'm really concerned because my chances are higher.
She also said there's a chance I could have no problems at all. But for some reason, given my history, I highly doubt that. I have a feeling if this is like everything else in my life, it's not going to be an easy road and it will be long, but we're ready to do it and work through it and we're going to stay positive.
Cheers,
M
The only thing about PCOS that is really scary is that 1 in 5 women with PCOS miscarry due to complications with PCOS. I've read about a lot of women on the message boards on babycenter.com who have had miscarriages with PCOS. It does seem like 1 in every 5 I read has that problem. That really scares me. It's like, if I wasn't already worried about that happening, now I'm really concerned because my chances are higher.
She also said there's a chance I could have no problems at all. But for some reason, given my history, I highly doubt that. I have a feeling if this is like everything else in my life, it's not going to be an easy road and it will be long, but we're ready to do it and work through it and we're going to stay positive.
Cheers,
M
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
It’s about Human & Civil Rights...
The passage below is quoted from Keith Olbermann about Prop 8. He said it better than I ever could...so I decided to post it on my myspace and facebook (linked to my blog):
Finally tonight as promised, a Special Comment on the passage, last week, of Proposition Eight in California, which rescinded the right of same-sex couples to marry, and tilted the balance on this issue, from coast to coast.
Some parameters, as preface. This isn't about yelling, and this isn't about politics, and this isn't really just about Prop-8. And I don't have a personal investment in this: I'm not gay, I had to strain to think of one member of even my very extended family who is, I have no personal stories of close friends or colleagues fighting the prejudice that still pervades their lives.
And yet to me this vote is horrible. Horrible. Because this isn't about yelling, and this isn't about politics...
This is about the... human heart, and if that sounds corny, so be it.
If you voted for this Proposition or support those who did or the sentiment they expressed, I have some questions, because, truly, I do not... understand. Why does this matter to you? What is it to you? In a time of impermanence and fly-by-night relationships, these people over here want the same chance at permanence and happiness that is your option. They don't want to deny you yours. They don't want to take anything away from you. They want what you want -- a chance to be a little less alone in the world.
Only now you are saying to them -- no. You can't have it on these terms. Maybe something similar. If they behave. If they don't cause too much trouble. You'll even give them all the same legal rights -- even as you're taking away the legal right, which they already had. A world around them, still anchored in love and marriage, and you are saying, no, you can't marry. What if somebody passed a law that said you couldn't marry?
I keep hearing this term "re-defining" marriage.
If this country hadn't re-defined marriage, black people still couldn't marry white people. Sixteen states had laws on the books which made that illegal... in 1967. 1967.
The parents of the President-Elect of the United States couldn't have married in nearly one third of the states of the country their son grew up to lead. But it's worse than that. If this country had not "re-defined" marriage, some black people still couldn't marry...black people. It is one of the most overlooked and cruelest parts of our sad story of slavery. Marriages were not legally recognized, if the people were slaves. Since slaves were property, they could not legally be husband and wife, or mother and child. Their marriage vows were different: not "Until Death, Do You Part," but "Until Death or Distance, Do You Part." Marriages among slaves were not legally recognized.
You know, just like marriages today in California are not legally recognized, if the people are... gay.
And uncountable in our history are the number of men and women, forced by society into marrying the opposite sex, in sham marriages, or marriages of convenience, or just marriages of not knowing -- centuries of men and women who have lived their lives in shame and unhappiness, and who have, through a lie to themselves or others, broken countless other lives, of spouses and children... All because we said a man couldn't marry another man, or a woman couldn't marry another woman. The sanctity of marriage. How many marriages like that have there been and how on earth do they increase the "sanctity" of marriage rather than render the term, meaningless?
What is this, to you? Nobody is asking you to embrace their expression of love. But don't you, as human beings, have to embrace... that love? The world is barren enough.
It is stacked against love, and against hope, and against those very few and precious emotions that enable us to go forward. Your marriage only stands a 50-50 chance of lasting, no matter how much you feel and how hard you work.
And here are people overjoyed at the prospect of just that chance, and that work, just for the hope of having that feeling. With so much hate in the world, with so much meaningless division, and people pitted against people for no good reason, this is what your religion tells you to do? With your experience of life and this world and all its sadnesses, this is what your conscience tells you to do?
With your knowledge that life, with endless vigor, seems to tilt the playing field on which we all live, in favor of unhappiness and hate... this is what your heart tells you to do? You want to sanctify marriage? You want to honor your God and the universal love you believe he represents? Then Spread happiness -- this tiny, symbolic, semantical grain of happiness -- share it with all those who seek it. Quote me anything from your religious leader or book of choice telling you to stand against this. And then tell me how you can believe both that statement and another statement, another one which reads only "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
You are asked now, by your country, and perhaps by your creator, to stand on one side or another. You are asked now to stand, not on a question of politics, not on a question of religion, not on a question of gay or straight. You are asked now to stand, on a question of...love. All you need do is stand, and let the tiny ember of love meet its own fate. You don't have to help it, you don't have it applaud it, you don't have to fight for it. Just don't put it out. Just don't extinguish it. Because while it may at first look like that love is between two people you don't know and you don't understand and maybe you don't even want to know...It is, in fact, the ember of your love, for your fellow **person...
Just because this is the only world we have. And the other guy counts, too.
This is the second time in ten days I find myself concluding by turning to, of all things, the closing plea for mercy by Clarence Darrow in a murder trial.
But what he said, fits what is really at the heart of this:
"I was reading last night of the aspiration of the old Persian poet, Omar-Khayyam," he told the judge.
"It appealed to me as the highest that I can vision. I wish it was in my heart, and I wish it was in the hearts of all:
"So I be written in the Book of Love;
"I do not care about that Book above.
"Erase my name, or write it as you will,
"So I be written in the Book of Love."
Finally tonight as promised, a Special Comment on the passage, last week, of Proposition Eight in California, which rescinded the right of same-sex couples to marry, and tilted the balance on this issue, from coast to coast.
Some parameters, as preface. This isn't about yelling, and this isn't about politics, and this isn't really just about Prop-8. And I don't have a personal investment in this: I'm not gay, I had to strain to think of one member of even my very extended family who is, I have no personal stories of close friends or colleagues fighting the prejudice that still pervades their lives.
And yet to me this vote is horrible. Horrible. Because this isn't about yelling, and this isn't about politics...
This is about the... human heart, and if that sounds corny, so be it.
If you voted for this Proposition or support those who did or the sentiment they expressed, I have some questions, because, truly, I do not... understand. Why does this matter to you? What is it to you? In a time of impermanence and fly-by-night relationships, these people over here want the same chance at permanence and happiness that is your option. They don't want to deny you yours. They don't want to take anything away from you. They want what you want -- a chance to be a little less alone in the world.
Only now you are saying to them -- no. You can't have it on these terms. Maybe something similar. If they behave. If they don't cause too much trouble. You'll even give them all the same legal rights -- even as you're taking away the legal right, which they already had. A world around them, still anchored in love and marriage, and you are saying, no, you can't marry. What if somebody passed a law that said you couldn't marry?
I keep hearing this term "re-defining" marriage.
If this country hadn't re-defined marriage, black people still couldn't marry white people. Sixteen states had laws on the books which made that illegal... in 1967. 1967.
The parents of the President-Elect of the United States couldn't have married in nearly one third of the states of the country their son grew up to lead. But it's worse than that. If this country had not "re-defined" marriage, some black people still couldn't marry...black people. It is one of the most overlooked and cruelest parts of our sad story of slavery. Marriages were not legally recognized, if the people were slaves. Since slaves were property, they could not legally be husband and wife, or mother and child. Their marriage vows were different: not "Until Death, Do You Part," but "Until Death or Distance, Do You Part." Marriages among slaves were not legally recognized.
You know, just like marriages today in California are not legally recognized, if the people are... gay.
And uncountable in our history are the number of men and women, forced by society into marrying the opposite sex, in sham marriages, or marriages of convenience, or just marriages of not knowing -- centuries of men and women who have lived their lives in shame and unhappiness, and who have, through a lie to themselves or others, broken countless other lives, of spouses and children... All because we said a man couldn't marry another man, or a woman couldn't marry another woman. The sanctity of marriage. How many marriages like that have there been and how on earth do they increase the "sanctity" of marriage rather than render the term, meaningless?
What is this, to you? Nobody is asking you to embrace their expression of love. But don't you, as human beings, have to embrace... that love? The world is barren enough.
It is stacked against love, and against hope, and against those very few and precious emotions that enable us to go forward. Your marriage only stands a 50-50 chance of lasting, no matter how much you feel and how hard you work.
And here are people overjoyed at the prospect of just that chance, and that work, just for the hope of having that feeling. With so much hate in the world, with so much meaningless division, and people pitted against people for no good reason, this is what your religion tells you to do? With your experience of life and this world and all its sadnesses, this is what your conscience tells you to do?
With your knowledge that life, with endless vigor, seems to tilt the playing field on which we all live, in favor of unhappiness and hate... this is what your heart tells you to do? You want to sanctify marriage? You want to honor your God and the universal love you believe he represents? Then Spread happiness -- this tiny, symbolic, semantical grain of happiness -- share it with all those who seek it. Quote me anything from your religious leader or book of choice telling you to stand against this. And then tell me how you can believe both that statement and another statement, another one which reads only "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
You are asked now, by your country, and perhaps by your creator, to stand on one side or another. You are asked now to stand, not on a question of politics, not on a question of religion, not on a question of gay or straight. You are asked now to stand, on a question of...love. All you need do is stand, and let the tiny ember of love meet its own fate. You don't have to help it, you don't have it applaud it, you don't have to fight for it. Just don't put it out. Just don't extinguish it. Because while it may at first look like that love is between two people you don't know and you don't understand and maybe you don't even want to know...It is, in fact, the ember of your love, for your fellow **person...
Just because this is the only world we have. And the other guy counts, too.
This is the second time in ten days I find myself concluding by turning to, of all things, the closing plea for mercy by Clarence Darrow in a murder trial.
But what he said, fits what is really at the heart of this:
"I was reading last night of the aspiration of the old Persian poet, Omar-Khayyam," he told the judge.
"It appealed to me as the highest that I can vision. I wish it was in my heart, and I wish it was in the hearts of all:
"So I be written in the Book of Love;
"I do not care about that Book above.
"Erase my name, or write it as you will,
"So I be written in the Book of Love."
Friday, November 7, 2008
Gone baby crazy...
The stork sure bit me bad! I've gone completely baby-mad! Which worries me. It worries me because it could take us 5 years to get pregnant and that will be really really frustrating. It's hard to not get your hopes up because you never know what's going to happen. It's kind of weird...to want something...and not just be able to go out and get it HAHA.
Anyways, I've been bored at work a few days a week, so that makes me read sites, look at nursery collections, track my ovulation calendar and play with the babynamegenie.com generator. I feel like such a geek...is this normal for being a woman? I've never done this stuff before and I don't know why I'm obsessing over it. Someone please tell me I'm friggin' normal...
So as it stands, our names are finalized:
Connor William Christian Happ
Olivia Jeanne Ryleigh Happ
William Christian for Jeff's great grandpa and also himself (Jeffrey William). Jeanne is from Norma Jean (my grandma) but spelled Jeanne because she went by that her entire life. Ryleigh is a combo of Ry(ia-obviously my maiden name) and Leigh for my mom's middle name. The two middle name tradition we're carrying on with Jeff's mom's side of the family.
For some reason unknown to me, if we have twins, then our second boy name choice is Aaden Cole and Emma Isabella or Sophia. I love Madelyn, but he doesn't, so we'll see.
Our decor will be either pink and brown or blue and brown depending on the sex of the baby obviously. And of course there will be some kind of Disney something-or-another somewhere. Probably Classic Pooh. Seems like I've always had these things figured out, even when I wasn't ready for baby-hood!
And if you didn't think I was crazy from all of the items above, look at this item I added to my wishlist: http://www.amazon.com/Kee-Ka-3-pc-Organic-Gift-Burpcloth/dp/B000XBA96Q/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1QI8TL5XDFZCF&colid=1QSV1BO6IA53V
Yeah I've lost it...
Anywhoo, some new pics from Disneyland up on my flickr site. Have loads more to sift through at home. Will leave work early and try and work on that today and over the weekend.
Love,
M
Anyways, I've been bored at work a few days a week, so that makes me read sites, look at nursery collections, track my ovulation calendar and play with the babynamegenie.com generator. I feel like such a geek...is this normal for being a woman? I've never done this stuff before and I don't know why I'm obsessing over it. Someone please tell me I'm friggin' normal...
So as it stands, our names are finalized:
Connor William Christian Happ
Olivia Jeanne Ryleigh Happ
William Christian for Jeff's great grandpa and also himself (Jeffrey William). Jeanne is from Norma Jean (my grandma) but spelled Jeanne because she went by that her entire life. Ryleigh is a combo of Ry(ia-obviously my maiden name) and Leigh for my mom's middle name. The two middle name tradition we're carrying on with Jeff's mom's side of the family.
For some reason unknown to me, if we have twins, then our second boy name choice is Aaden Cole and Emma Isabella or Sophia. I love Madelyn, but he doesn't, so we'll see.
Our decor will be either pink and brown or blue and brown depending on the sex of the baby obviously. And of course there will be some kind of Disney something-or-another somewhere. Probably Classic Pooh. Seems like I've always had these things figured out, even when I wasn't ready for baby-hood!
And if you didn't think I was crazy from all of the items above, look at this item I added to my wishlist: http://www.amazon.com/Kee-Ka-3-pc-Organic-Gift-Burpcloth/dp/B000XBA96Q/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1QI8TL5XDFZCF&colid=1QSV1BO6IA53V
Yeah I've lost it...
Anywhoo, some new pics from Disneyland up on my flickr site. Have loads more to sift through at home. Will leave work early and try and work on that today and over the weekend.
Love,
M
Monday, October 27, 2008
Things are looking up from my last entry...
Excuse the angry entry below...but it's hard to be told you can't have things...like a family. Seems like that's the right of any woman, whether it's having a kid or adopting a kid. If you want it and you can take care of and raise a child properly, you should be allowed to!
But anyways, I called my mom that night, half-heartedly expecting her to agree with my boss, but it was quite the opposite. She said to do what we feel is right and we'll figure it out. Whether my mom comes and stays with us while they try and sell their house, or my dad comes to help out, we'll figure it out. My mom said she'll be there every minute I need her and not to worry. That she's ready to quit working and be a grandma. We also have Jeff's mom, who's only an hour and a half away, and my adopted mom (our friend and realtor) who has very young grandkids herself and has a baby-proof house. So it's not as bad as we originally had thought and "no time is the right time" whether financially or whatever, but us, like everyone else, will figure it out.
So, we are really excited. I scheduled my doctor's appointment on November 11th for a consolation and for any exams and blood work I need done. We stocked up on the vitamins we'll need. What's funny is that I don't really have to change my diet any (except for wine and I'll have to cut back on sushi) because we already eat really healthy. We already eat whole grains, calcium rich products and veggies, and we're very good about not eating sugar. So at least it won't be a complete lifestyle change for me (being pregnant - I know it'll be a complete lifestyle change once it's born!). We're already putting things in motion to cut down on our spending and put more away. I'm upping my 401k to 3% beginning in January for our long-term savings plan. We already have all of the necessary medical care for pre-natal, delivery, and well-baby visits. Our cars are paid for and our only outstanding debt is our house and Jeff's student loan. We have a great buffer in our income to be able to afford a baby and still be able to put away money every month for emergencies and future travel. And we have great family and friends supporting us. So I feel really great about this, I'm so excited I can hardly stand it and I'm hoping that 2009 will be another amazing year for us.
Oh and the reason for the picture - not only do I like posting pictures with my entries - but I feel like a butterfly is a great symbol for my discussion in this post. :-D
But anyways, I called my mom that night, half-heartedly expecting her to agree with my boss, but it was quite the opposite. She said to do what we feel is right and we'll figure it out. Whether my mom comes and stays with us while they try and sell their house, or my dad comes to help out, we'll figure it out. My mom said she'll be there every minute I need her and not to worry. That she's ready to quit working and be a grandma. We also have Jeff's mom, who's only an hour and a half away, and my adopted mom (our friend and realtor) who has very young grandkids herself and has a baby-proof house. So it's not as bad as we originally had thought and "no time is the right time" whether financially or whatever, but us, like everyone else, will figure it out.
So, we are really excited. I scheduled my doctor's appointment on November 11th for a consolation and for any exams and blood work I need done. We stocked up on the vitamins we'll need. What's funny is that I don't really have to change my diet any (except for wine and I'll have to cut back on sushi) because we already eat really healthy. We already eat whole grains, calcium rich products and veggies, and we're very good about not eating sugar. So at least it won't be a complete lifestyle change for me (being pregnant - I know it'll be a complete lifestyle change once it's born!). We're already putting things in motion to cut down on our spending and put more away. I'm upping my 401k to 3% beginning in January for our long-term savings plan. We already have all of the necessary medical care for pre-natal, delivery, and well-baby visits. Our cars are paid for and our only outstanding debt is our house and Jeff's student loan. We have a great buffer in our income to be able to afford a baby and still be able to put away money every month for emergencies and future travel. And we have great family and friends supporting us. So I feel really great about this, I'm so excited I can hardly stand it and I'm hoping that 2009 will be another amazing year for us.
Oh and the reason for the picture - not only do I like posting pictures with my entries - but I feel like a butterfly is a great symbol for my discussion in this post. :-D
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Being a Woman sucks
Growing up I was focused on going to college, getting married, starting a family, all the while having a career. There was no question that I would be a working mom. As time has progressed and reality has set in, the idea I'd had about "taking a few years off and then going back to work" has become a fantasy. It's apparent that after 3.5 years at Jeff's job, he'll never make more than I made with my starting pay here (4 years ago), and I'll never make enough to supplement Jeff's income so that he could be a stay at home dad. The reality of it is, is that we both have to work and most likely it will always be that way.
With that reality in mind, we set out on planning and discussing on how to make kids work in the next year or two. It seemed like it would be doable until a reality check (again) came from my boss.
Jeff had talked to his boss and she agreed to (4) ten hour shifts so he could have every Friday off to take care of the baby. That would give us one day of child care. Then I was convinced my boss wouldn't have a problem with me working two days a week from home, as my job is very doable from home, so that would only leave us two days a week for child care. Two days a week is affordable (with several cut-backs) and we could still manage to make it without a whole load of worry about paying the bills. That was until I finally decided to discuss this with my boss...and was shot down. Working two days a week sets a precedent that "it's ok" for working mother's to work part time from home and that I'll never really get anywhere in the company by setting that precedent. The only option I would have (if HR would allow it) is to work full time from home at a lower title, but I would then sacrifice a career. Because once I took the "demotion" I could never build a career from that. Also that I can't have a significant raise unless I took a management or supervisor position, therefore taking an increase in work, therefore not being able to work from home and raise a child. So pretty much, on a platter I was given the choice of children or career. This loss of control over what I've aimed to do my entire life, makes me sad, it makes me angry, and it makes me feel discouraged.
Going into this conversation I thought I was making the best move. I'm still early on in my career, so I thought now was a good time to have kids because by the time their school age I would be able to grow more and move into a position that would be more responsibility. But apparently it's only one or the other.
No matter how many times I play the numbers over in my head, there's just no way we could make it with Jeff out of work. We'd literally have pennies left to our name, we wouldn't be able to save much at all, and would have nothing for emergencies. That's not the way I want to live.
But everyone keeps telling me that there's never a right time for kids and "things will work themselves out..." but I just don't see any other way around this. You can't magically make someone affordable come out of no where and be able to give you child care. And who wants to send a 3-month old baby to a child care facility 4 days a week anyways?
With that reality in mind, we set out on planning and discussing on how to make kids work in the next year or two. It seemed like it would be doable until a reality check (again) came from my boss.
Jeff had talked to his boss and she agreed to (4) ten hour shifts so he could have every Friday off to take care of the baby. That would give us one day of child care. Then I was convinced my boss wouldn't have a problem with me working two days a week from home, as my job is very doable from home, so that would only leave us two days a week for child care. Two days a week is affordable (with several cut-backs) and we could still manage to make it without a whole load of worry about paying the bills. That was until I finally decided to discuss this with my boss...and was shot down. Working two days a week sets a precedent that "it's ok" for working mother's to work part time from home and that I'll never really get anywhere in the company by setting that precedent. The only option I would have (if HR would allow it) is to work full time from home at a lower title, but I would then sacrifice a career. Because once I took the "demotion" I could never build a career from that. Also that I can't have a significant raise unless I took a management or supervisor position, therefore taking an increase in work, therefore not being able to work from home and raise a child. So pretty much, on a platter I was given the choice of children or career. This loss of control over what I've aimed to do my entire life, makes me sad, it makes me angry, and it makes me feel discouraged.
Going into this conversation I thought I was making the best move. I'm still early on in my career, so I thought now was a good time to have kids because by the time their school age I would be able to grow more and move into a position that would be more responsibility. But apparently it's only one or the other.
No matter how many times I play the numbers over in my head, there's just no way we could make it with Jeff out of work. We'd literally have pennies left to our name, we wouldn't be able to save much at all, and would have nothing for emergencies. That's not the way I want to live.
But everyone keeps telling me that there's never a right time for kids and "things will work themselves out..." but I just don't see any other way around this. You can't magically make someone affordable come out of no where and be able to give you child care. And who wants to send a 3-month old baby to a child care facility 4 days a week anyways?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Pismo Beach
My birthday was great this year. I did work, but that's ok. After work, 7 of us met at Kabuki for sushi. I haven't eaten much in the past three weeks and I hadn't had a drink since Italy, so I was really excited to stuff my face with some yummy sushi and mojitos! They sang happy birthday to me in Japanese which was highly entertaining to Ale and Liz and pretty funny after two drinks!
The next afternoon Jeff and I drove up to Pismo Beach to meet my parents for the weekend. Had an AWESOME Italian meal at Giuseppe's in downtown Pismo. What a great place to have an Italian meal after coming back from Italy...it was very authentic and the best Italian meal I've ever had in America!
The next morning we went to see the Monarch Grove. The Monarch's are in Pismo from October/November - February. It's the biggest Monarch Grove in the state and it's absolutely beautiful! I've never seen so many butterflies in my life and they were amazing. What an experience - especially as a photographer!
Then we headed back downtown for a little shopping and eating before heading out to Paso Robles for some much needed wine tasting! Went to J Lohr, Tobin James, and EOS. All were fantastic and inherited 5 more bottles of wine from it!
Later we had dinner at F McLintock's - a huge steak place in Pismo. Fun experience and the food was good. They took my picture with my birthday cake and ice cream with a Polaroid, so I have it forever. :-)
We had a great weekend and enjoyed the sea air and views from our hotel. It's so beautiful up there and I definitely want to go back! Not only to see the butterflies, but to eat at Giuseppe's!
The next afternoon Jeff and I drove up to Pismo Beach to meet my parents for the weekend. Had an AWESOME Italian meal at Giuseppe's in downtown Pismo. What a great place to have an Italian meal after coming back from Italy...it was very authentic and the best Italian meal I've ever had in America!
The next morning we went to see the Monarch Grove. The Monarch's are in Pismo from October/November - February. It's the biggest Monarch Grove in the state and it's absolutely beautiful! I've never seen so many butterflies in my life and they were amazing. What an experience - especially as a photographer!
Then we headed back downtown for a little shopping and eating before heading out to Paso Robles for some much needed wine tasting! Went to J Lohr, Tobin James, and EOS. All were fantastic and inherited 5 more bottles of wine from it!
Later we had dinner at F McLintock's - a huge steak place in Pismo. Fun experience and the food was good. They took my picture with my birthday cake and ice cream with a Polaroid, so I have it forever. :-)
We had a great weekend and enjoyed the sea air and views from our hotel. It's so beautiful up there and I definitely want to go back! Not only to see the butterflies, but to eat at Giuseppe's!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Italy - Closing Thoughts
I didn't know if I was going to enjoy being with a group of 27 people, but I did. Jeff really came out of his shell and people really enjoyed his company, which took some social pressure off of me. It was also stress free as the tour took the reins and led the way. I was able to relax and actually take the time to take it all in. And it also gave us friends for life.
Italy was beautiful - every city and every bus drive offered new sights, great memories, and new experiences.
I would return to the Almafi Coast, Florence and Venice again for sure. In the time being I will take my 12 days and 13 cities of memories and hold them close to my heart. This was the best journey of my lifetime.
Ciao Bella,
Meg <3
Italy was beautiful - every city and every bus drive offered new sights, great memories, and new experiences.
I would return to the Almafi Coast, Florence and Venice again for sure. In the time being I will take my 12 days and 13 cities of memories and hold them close to my heart. This was the best journey of my lifetime.
Ciao Bella,
Meg <3
Day Twelve - September 29, 2008 - Rome, Washington DC, Los Angeles
Six a.m. wakeup call this morning so we could catch the 6:45 shuttle into the airport with the rest of the North Americans.Quiet ride over - everyone dreading the long trip back to the states.
After some goodbyes, duty free olive oil shopping, snow globe and t-shirt purchases, we gave one last goodbye to Michelle, Hollie, and Amber and then boarded our flight.
Nine hours to DC and then five hours to L.A. from there.
So since I have a long journey ahead, I want to summarize my favorite things or experiences about each city.
Rome: I've wanted to go to Rome as long as I can remember. The sites and history didn't let me down amid the crazy traffic, rain, and insane roads. The colosseum was truly amazing and a sight everyone should see in their lifetime. Just pressing my hand against the ancient walls makes me feel in some small way that I am a part of that history.
Sorrento: Amazing. The coast line is like nothing I've ever seen in my life. It was almost too much for my eyes to take in; like my brain couldn't process the beauty. I'll always remember my first moment on the bus seeing Mt. Vesuvius for the first time. Despite its danger, it is truly the most beautiful mountain I've ever laid eyes on. The view from our hotel was so spectacular that I will never ever forget it. Oh and who could forget the 4-foot pizza at Pizza a Metro!
Positano: A surprise excursion that didn't let me down. The city is buried deep into a mountain at sea level and on the coast. Very hard to get to! We watched the sun set just behind the mountain over the ocean. The city itself was amazing with hilly streets lined with cute little shops and cafes. I loved it!
Capri: Touristy, but gorgeous. I'll always remember sitting on the water sipping wine with Jeff and Michelle and just enjoying the view.
Pompeii: I never thought I would make it to the city of Pompeii in my lifetime. I thought it would always be just a dream of mine. I've been fascinated with it for years and although I didn't get to see as much of it as I had hoped, I'm still extremely blessed that I got to set foot in a city that was so advanced and is nearly 2000 years old. It was an experience like no other and I will never forget it. In Pompeii I'll always remember the petrified boy frozen in time as he tried to shield himself from the poison in the air.
Florence: What a beautiful city! It's a "big city," yet still a pretty city. Not dirty or chaotic like Rome, with lots of beautiful tree-lined streets. The feel of the influence of art also gives this city a great vibe. I will never forget laying my eyes on the beautiful David or Michelangelo's unfinished works. Another highlight was seeing the mountains between Florence and Pisa where for centuries (even Michelangelo) marble has been carved out of the mountains. Amazing!
Pisa: This will be known as the quickest sightseeing trip in history! The tower was cool - smaller than I thought, but every year when I look at my little Pinocchio on the xmas tree, I will think of Tuscany and Pisa.
Portofino: A beautiful tiny town hidden on a island. It's a sleepy town and we enjoyed relaxing by the water. The green water was so clear I could watch the fishes swimming below me. All of the colored houses add so much charm to this coastal town, it's hard not to love it!
Milan: We were only here a little over 12 hours and I'll probably remember it most for the nice hotel room! But the minestrone soup was awesome.
Lake Garda: Another surprise trip that was enjoyable. I've always heard the Italian Lakes are amazing and Lake Garda (the largest of the 3) definitely was. I'll always remember the yummy strawberry gelato!
Verona: A complete surprise - a pleasant one - that this town, known for Juliet's balcony, was actually a very cute little town. The Arena is a smaller version of the Colosseum and built around the same time. It was beautiful. I'll never forget all of the "graffiti" on the Lover's Wall at Juliet's House.
Venice: Ahhh (sigh)...I absolutely adored Venice. My favorite moment (in Venice and the entire trip) was our evening drink in St. Mark's Square (me with my rose is in the picture on this post). Venice is crowded, but by far the most different place I've ever been to in my life. The architecture and green water just make it quite a sight to take in. I enjoyed wandering the back streets and also going up to the top of the bell tower and seeing out all over Venice. Amazing.
Burano: This excursion was worth every penny. Burano is a gem about 40 minutes from Venice. The brightly colored houses and shops were an amazing sight. And no crowds! Great photos and great cheesy/creamy lasagna too!
Assisi: The view of the Tuscan region from this city carved into a mountainside was priceless. Quite hilly, but a great stop!
Now for my favorites!! Oh course there's going to be some food in here...
My favorite...
Wine: The first night in Florence we had dinner at a pizza place. I ordered their Chianti and it was so amazing. The flavor was full and the aroma was sweet - it was awesome.
Dessert: Tiramisu the first night in Rome. It had a slight coffee flavor to it which I really enjoyed.
Coffee: Generally bad in Italy, but the quick Cappuccino at the stand-only bar in Venice was amazing. Runner up were the latte's outside the Pantheon in Rome.
Seafood: A tie between the seafood risotto in Positano and the creamy seafood lasagna in Burano.
Shopping: Florence! I bought a true Italian leather purse and some Chanel sunglasses, what else can I say?
Olive Oil: Best and most flavor was in Sorrento.
Meat: The gigantic Florentine steak in the Chianti Hills at our dinner excursion.
Best Optional Excursion: Burano and Positano. Both colorful cities on the water and gorgeous!
Best Hotel: Honestly, Milan was the most luxurious, but the last night in Rome at Hotel Pinewood had the best package. Best shower, best temperature control, and no mosquitoes (mossi's!).
Best moment: As mentioned before, St. Mark's Square at night, drinking with the band playing.
Best Pasta: The three small bites of creamy pasta at the Florence dinner. So cheesy! Runner up is the seafood lasagna and the first meal at the Campo de Fiori.
Time to settle in for a long flight...
Ciao Bella Italia!
~ M <3>
Day Eleven - September 28, 2008 - Assisi and Rome, Italy
Long drive today, but it wasn't too bad. We stopped after we came out of the Apennine Mountains and then again in Assisi.
Assisi is a beautiful little (and hilly) town perched on (and in) a mountain side. It's best known for Saint Frances of Assisi, who is kept in a crypt there. He was the saint of nature and also the patron saint of Italy.
The crowds there were unexpected (bus loads of nuns arriving when we left), but we were still able to visit the basilica and crypt before climbing uphill for views of the countryside. A great little place to stop before we did our final 2 hour drive into Rome.
Coming back to Rome was surreal because in so many ways it feels like we were just there and then it feels like we were gone for a month.
The hotel room was tons better than Venice and probably the second best (if not the best) the entire trip.
We quickly packed for our journey the following morning and then left to go into the heart of Rome for our farewell dinner.
Only about 14 of us went, but it was a good group and another large and fabulous dinner. First course was a plateful of anti-pasta and we sliced fresh pepperoni and salami at the table. Second course was ricotta stuffed ravioli and bowtie creamy pasta and a tomato pasta that looked like little shells. Next was a plate of meat including veal, chicken, pork and some potatoes and salad. Last was a slice of almond cake with a shot of limoncello and a cappuccino. I'm pretty tired of eating which is sad!
We then walked to the Spanish Steps and climbed to the top and looked out over Rome.
We only had a few goodbye's as everyone we spent most of our time with were going to be on our shuttle the next morning.
M
Assisi is a beautiful little (and hilly) town perched on (and in) a mountain side. It's best known for Saint Frances of Assisi, who is kept in a crypt there. He was the saint of nature and also the patron saint of Italy.
The crowds there were unexpected (bus loads of nuns arriving when we left), but we were still able to visit the basilica and crypt before climbing uphill for views of the countryside. A great little place to stop before we did our final 2 hour drive into Rome.
Coming back to Rome was surreal because in so many ways it feels like we were just there and then it feels like we were gone for a month.
The hotel room was tons better than Venice and probably the second best (if not the best) the entire trip.
We quickly packed for our journey the following morning and then left to go into the heart of Rome for our farewell dinner.
Only about 14 of us went, but it was a good group and another large and fabulous dinner. First course was a plateful of anti-pasta and we sliced fresh pepperoni and salami at the table. Second course was ricotta stuffed ravioli and bowtie creamy pasta and a tomato pasta that looked like little shells. Next was a plate of meat including veal, chicken, pork and some potatoes and salad. Last was a slice of almond cake with a shot of limoncello and a cappuccino. I'm pretty tired of eating which is sad!
We then walked to the Spanish Steps and climbed to the top and looked out over Rome.
We only had a few goodbye's as everyone we spent most of our time with were going to be on our shuttle the next morning.
M
Day Ten - September 27, 2008 - Venice and Burano, Italy
We woke up to a shower with no hot water! We didn't have time to switch rooms, so I washed my face and hair in the sink and stuck my arms and legs in the freezing cold water. What an experience!
We took a water taxi into St. Mark's Square. Crazy and crowded during the day! We then walked to the original Murano Glass blowing factory to watch a demonstration and make some purchases. Three vases - all 24kt gold trim and designs. Ours is the original amethyst and the two for our moms are cobalt blue.
Kristy then took us to one of only two authentic Venetian mask makers. We only purchased a small mask, but to be able to see them all hanging on the walls was awesome. The animal masks were my favorite, so the small one I purchased was a cat mask.
We grabbed a sandwich to go and walked the small streets to the Rialto Bridge and then followed the signs back to St. Mark's Square to take the elevator up the Bell Tower for a great 360 degree view of Venice and its surrounding islands. Amazing and totally worth the 8 Euro. All of the orange and red rooftops against the backdrop of the water was spectacular.
We then strolled through the winding streets to the Accademia Bridge. It's the only wooden bridge in Venice and since the sun was peeking through the clouds, it had some great views for pictures.
We met the group back in St. Mark's at 2:45 for a gondola ride. Fun! Again, I felt like I was at Disneyland! We were also given a bottle of prosecco to drink on the ride. Music and a singer followed in the boat behind us. It was fun and gave us a great look at the canals.
After the ride we grabbed a (the best one the entire trip) cappuccino before meeting the group for a 40 minute ride out to Burano.
Burano was beautiful and truly one of my favorite places the entire trip. No crowds, brightly painted houses, and a small town feel. It was definitely one of the best excursions we did.
We had dinner there on Burano after some free time. A four-course meal. It started with something similar to a tuna pate and bread. Then a seafood risotto and a creamy (non-tomato) cheesy lasagna - SOOOO yummy! Then calamari and little friend shrimp. Dessert was little almond bars (like peanut brittle, but with almonds) and lemon cookies with fresh fruit.
It was a cold and chilly evening as we left Burano for Venice to pick up the others and headed back to the hotel.
Long drive tomorrow!
M
We took a water taxi into St. Mark's Square. Crazy and crowded during the day! We then walked to the original Murano Glass blowing factory to watch a demonstration and make some purchases. Three vases - all 24kt gold trim and designs. Ours is the original amethyst and the two for our moms are cobalt blue.
Kristy then took us to one of only two authentic Venetian mask makers. We only purchased a small mask, but to be able to see them all hanging on the walls was awesome. The animal masks were my favorite, so the small one I purchased was a cat mask.
We grabbed a sandwich to go and walked the small streets to the Rialto Bridge and then followed the signs back to St. Mark's Square to take the elevator up the Bell Tower for a great 360 degree view of Venice and its surrounding islands. Amazing and totally worth the 8 Euro. All of the orange and red rooftops against the backdrop of the water was spectacular.
We then strolled through the winding streets to the Accademia Bridge. It's the only wooden bridge in Venice and since the sun was peeking through the clouds, it had some great views for pictures.
We met the group back in St. Mark's at 2:45 for a gondola ride. Fun! Again, I felt like I was at Disneyland! We were also given a bottle of prosecco to drink on the ride. Music and a singer followed in the boat behind us. It was fun and gave us a great look at the canals.
After the ride we grabbed a (the best one the entire trip) cappuccino before meeting the group for a 40 minute ride out to Burano.
Burano was beautiful and truly one of my favorite places the entire trip. No crowds, brightly painted houses, and a small town feel. It was definitely one of the best excursions we did.
We had dinner there on Burano after some free time. A four-course meal. It started with something similar to a tuna pate and bread. Then a seafood risotto and a creamy (non-tomato) cheesy lasagna - SOOOO yummy! Then calamari and little friend shrimp. Dessert was little almond bars (like peanut brittle, but with almonds) and lemon cookies with fresh fruit.
It was a cold and chilly evening as we left Burano for Venice to pick up the others and headed back to the hotel.
Long drive tomorrow!
M
Day Nine - September 26, 2008 - Lake Garda, Verona, and Venice, Italy
After departing Milan, Kristy surprised us with a 40 minute stop in the Lake District at Lake Garda. It's the largest lake in Italy and was beautiful! A great treat for all of us. We picked up some strawberry gelato before getting back on the bus towards Verona. [Best gelato the entire trip!]
We arrived in Verona around 12:30 and immediately got to see the Roman Arena (built in the 1st Century AD) which is also (like the Colosseum) missing its outer wall, but is smaller in scale and made of pink and white marble. Verona is a very cute little town!
Then onto Juliet's balcony and the House of Juliet where we wrote our names and date on a piece of paper and stuck it on the [Lover's] Wall. After that Jeff and I returned to Piazza Bra and chose from 42 different pizzas while watching the people around the Arena. My pizza was artichoke, mushroom and ham. Yum! We then strolled the Piazza before hopping on the bus and heading off to Venice.
We arrived at our hotel in Venice around 5:30 and had some time to freshen up in our broom closet of a room before we headed into Venice.
Had dinner at a nice hotel (Hotel Continental) in Venice and then took a boat down the Grand Canal. SO AMAZING! Felt like a ride at Disneyland. We docked at St. Mark's Square and got to see the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and St. Mark's Square completely lit up at night. Kristy arranged for us to sit at a cafe on the square and listen to a band and take in the sights. It was a beautiful evening and we had a great time. Oh and we also got a glass of prosecco and a rose for all of the ladies!
M
We arrived in Verona around 12:30 and immediately got to see the Roman Arena (built in the 1st Century AD) which is also (like the Colosseum) missing its outer wall, but is smaller in scale and made of pink and white marble. Verona is a very cute little town!
Then onto Juliet's balcony and the House of Juliet where we wrote our names and date on a piece of paper and stuck it on the [Lover's] Wall. After that Jeff and I returned to Piazza Bra and chose from 42 different pizzas while watching the people around the Arena. My pizza was artichoke, mushroom and ham. Yum! We then strolled the Piazza before hopping on the bus and heading off to Venice.
We arrived at our hotel in Venice around 5:30 and had some time to freshen up in our broom closet of a room before we headed into Venice.
Had dinner at a nice hotel (Hotel Continental) in Venice and then took a boat down the Grand Canal. SO AMAZING! Felt like a ride at Disneyland. We docked at St. Mark's Square and got to see the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and St. Mark's Square completely lit up at night. Kristy arranged for us to sit at a cafe on the square and listen to a band and take in the sights. It was a beautiful evening and we had a great time. Oh and we also got a glass of prosecco and a rose for all of the ladies!
M
Day Eight - September 25, 2008 - Pisa, Portofino, and Milan, Italy
Early wake-up call this morning along with a crappy breakfast and a swollen eye. [The mosquitoes here are hideous creatures!] We made the 1.5 hour drive to Pisa for a really quick half-hour stop. The leaning tower of Pisa was actually a little smaller than I thought, but also leaning more too! Nice little pit stop to say we saw it and paid 30 cents to use the restroom.
Onto the Italian Riviera in Portofino. We had to take a ferry over from Santa Margherita, but it was a beautiful day so we stood on the top deck [and enjoyed the views]. Portofino is small but gorgeous with its different color buildings against the bright blue sky and green water.
Enjoyed some seafood risotto while Jeff had Lasagne Pesto. We stayed for about 2 hours until we took the ferry back and began our trip to Milan.
We arrived in Milan around 5:30pm and went directly into the city center to the Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo in Milan is very Gothic and reminds me of the famous one in Spain. It has the most marble sculptures in the world. The stained glass was so vibrant and brilliant...beautiful.
We traveled through the Galleria to the Piazza della Scala to see the Opera House and City Hall.
We then dined in a trattoria in the Galleria. Had the best minestrone soup ever! The beans and veggies were gigantic! Also tried Milanese Risotto, which is basically a cheesy rice. Tasty! Good house vino rosso too!
Quick stop for perfume and clothes in Zara and then went to the hotel around 9pm. Beautiful hotel and the nicest room we've ever stayed in. Accept for the mosquitoes and lack of air conditioning!
Can't wait for Venice!
M <3
Onto the Italian Riviera in Portofino. We had to take a ferry over from Santa Margherita, but it was a beautiful day so we stood on the top deck [and enjoyed the views]. Portofino is small but gorgeous with its different color buildings against the bright blue sky and green water.
Enjoyed some seafood risotto while Jeff had Lasagne Pesto. We stayed for about 2 hours until we took the ferry back and began our trip to Milan.
We arrived in Milan around 5:30pm and went directly into the city center to the Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo in Milan is very Gothic and reminds me of the famous one in Spain. It has the most marble sculptures in the world. The stained glass was so vibrant and brilliant...beautiful.
We traveled through the Galleria to the Piazza della Scala to see the Opera House and City Hall.
We then dined in a trattoria in the Galleria. Had the best minestrone soup ever! The beans and veggies were gigantic! Also tried Milanese Risotto, which is basically a cheesy rice. Tasty! Good house vino rosso too!
Quick stop for perfume and clothes in Zara and then went to the hotel around 9pm. Beautiful hotel and the nicest room we've ever stayed in. Accept for the mosquitoes and lack of air conditioning!
Can't wait for Venice!
M <3
Day Seven - September 24, 2008 - Florence, Italy
We started our day in this beautiful city with a walking tour at the amazing Duomo. What a colorful and beautiful cathedral. Third largest in the world. It's like nothing I've ever seen. Then onto the Piazza della Signoria to see where David once stood, the "Rape of the Sabine Woman," and Persius cutting off Medusas' head. We breezed by the Uffizi Galleries and then took some photos by the Ponte Vecchio. Our meeting place was Santa Croce where we saw our [lame] "leather demonstration."
We then had a quick lunch with asparagus risotto, spinach and ricotta ravioli and spaghetti Florentine. We ate in Piazza della Signoria and then met with the group to to the Accademia to see David. What a sight! David is 13 feet tall (without his platform) and is amazing. The tour guide also showed us some of Michelangelo's unfinished works which gave great insight into how he carved David and other works of art. So amazing! Anyways, David was so beautiful and so precise.
Afterwards we went leather shopping (yay for my new red purse!) and then to the Church in Santa Croce. Santa Croce Church is where Michelangelo, Dante, Marconi, and many others are buried.
We then met the group and did a wine, olive oil, balsamic, and tapanade tasting. Fun! Love the truffles in the olive oil - amazing taste!
That night we were off into the Tuscan Hills for a group dinner excursion. Amazing! The restaurant was a Tuscan villa hid among the trees. Our first course was an anti-pasta buffet with some strawberry wine. Then a ricotta stuffed ravioli, some creamy bow-tie pasta, and some type of meat penne. We then got served potatoes (fries-style) and salad with our GIGANTIC Florentine steak. Red wine and champagne accompanied our fantastic meal. Everyone had an amazing time and enjoyed themselves immensely.
Onto Milano!
M
We then had a quick lunch with asparagus risotto, spinach and ricotta ravioli and spaghetti Florentine. We ate in Piazza della Signoria and then met with the group to to the Accademia to see David. What a sight! David is 13 feet tall (without his platform) and is amazing. The tour guide also showed us some of Michelangelo's unfinished works which gave great insight into how he carved David and other works of art. So amazing! Anyways, David was so beautiful and so precise.
Afterwards we went leather shopping (yay for my new red purse!) and then to the Church in Santa Croce. Santa Croce Church is where Michelangelo, Dante, Marconi, and many others are buried.
We then met the group and did a wine, olive oil, balsamic, and tapanade tasting. Fun! Love the truffles in the olive oil - amazing taste!
That night we were off into the Tuscan Hills for a group dinner excursion. Amazing! The restaurant was a Tuscan villa hid among the trees. Our first course was an anti-pasta buffet with some strawberry wine. Then a ricotta stuffed ravioli, some creamy bow-tie pasta, and some type of meat penne. We then got served potatoes (fries-style) and salad with our GIGANTIC Florentine steak. Red wine and champagne accompanied our fantastic meal. Everyone had an amazing time and enjoyed themselves immensely.
Onto Milano!
M
Day Six - September 23, 2008 - Pompeii & Florence, Italy
Early wake up call this morning for Pompeii. Even though it poured rain last night, it was a clear and beautiful morning. Pompeii was a lot more touristy than I thought it would be. We had a local guide who was able to give us lots of details and paint a vivid picture of Roman life from around 64BC - 79AD. It's overwhelming and surreal standing and walking on the same cobblestones that these people did. They had stores, homes, shops, laundry services, brothels, public baths, and even a sewer and some plumbing! They were so advanced, it's just insane. Sadly most of the artifacts and petrified people [I was hoping to see] are only on display in the museum in Napoli, so we were only able to see a few vases, two people, and only pieces of the city. You could spend hours there and never see it all. It's over 4 square miles long. Amazing and I would love to go back.
We then piled on the bus for a beautiful (and sleepy) 5.5 hour ride into the Tuscan region and Florence.
At sunset we drove above the city to Piazzle Michelangelo for a sunset view of Florence. Beautiful!! Then another dinner of pizza with some spectacular Chianti wine before we headed to a local bar (Obio) for their strawberry daiquiris. Capped off the night with a view of Piazza della Signoria. [Florence is such a beautiful city!]
M <3
We then piled on the bus for a beautiful (and sleepy) 5.5 hour ride into the Tuscan region and Florence.
At sunset we drove above the city to Piazzle Michelangelo for a sunset view of Florence. Beautiful!! Then another dinner of pizza with some spectacular Chianti wine before we headed to a local bar (Obio) for their strawberry daiquiris. Capped off the night with a view of Piazza della Signoria. [Florence is such a beautiful city!]
M <3
Day Five - September 22, 2008 - Sorrento & Capri, Italy
This morning we had an hour of free time in Piazza Tasso. We purchased some gifts and a piece of inlaid wood before we caught the ferry over to the Isle of Capri. What a beautiful place! Different color boats line the shore with a bunch of multi-colored houses. We then took the funicular up to Capri Town. A bit crowded but a nice place for the 7 of us not taking the excursion to go to. We enjoyed anti-pasta and caprese salad for lunch and then walked around Capri Town a bit. Then we headed down to the shore and had drinks by the water.
We left late afternoon and headed back to Sorrento for dinner at Pizza a Metro. They claim to have invented pizza! The pizzas came out and were at least four feet long! We had a variety; one with tomatoes, another with tomatoes and sausage, and another with broccoli, mushrooms and green tomatoes. Amber, Jeff and I shared 2 bottles of wine and ate WAAAY too much pizza! [During dinner a thunder and lightening storm came out of nowhere and we ran laughing and giggling back to the bus as we all got drenched.]
After dinner [and back at the hotel] we had "Crema di Lemone" aka Cream Limoncello - tasty! My faves in Sorrento (besides the awesome view from our hotel) were the olive oil and limoncello. Tomorrow - Pompeii!
M<3
We left late afternoon and headed back to Sorrento for dinner at Pizza a Metro. They claim to have invented pizza! The pizzas came out and were at least four feet long! We had a variety; one with tomatoes, another with tomatoes and sausage, and another with broccoli, mushrooms and green tomatoes. Amber, Jeff and I shared 2 bottles of wine and ate WAAAY too much pizza! [During dinner a thunder and lightening storm came out of nowhere and we ran laughing and giggling back to the bus as we all got drenched.]
After dinner [and back at the hotel] we had "Crema di Lemone" aka Cream Limoncello - tasty! My faves in Sorrento (besides the awesome view from our hotel) were the olive oil and limoncello. Tomorrow - Pompeii!
M<3
Day Four - September 21, 2008 - Sorrento & Positano, Italy
Three and a half [hour] beautiful (and winding) drive down to spectacular Sorrento. This is the most beautiful place I have ever set foot in my life. Breathtaking views, quaint cafes, tiny stores filled with the most brilliant gems...I could live here!
We spent two hours in Piazza Tasso eating (the best!) Salame Pizza, shopping, and had our first samples of Limoncello. Also saw some ruins from the 5th century BC below the city.
We then checked into our fabulous hotel where I'm pretty sure we were lucky and got THE best room - 4th floor with a full view of Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, and the Bay of Naples. I could sit on our balcony for an entire day and never get tired of it. It's so amazing it makes me want to cry.
We were then fortunate enough to take a sunset and evening excursion down into Positano. The hilltop views of the Bay were unbelievable. Positano itself is hard to get to, but a city with lots of charm and beauty. Had dinner with some people from our group. Positano is known for its seafood, so of course, we tried it! Jeff had clam fettuccini and we also had seafood risotto - so yummy! Also bruschetta and I tried a local fave - spaghetti made with olive oil "chilis" and cheese. "Aigio" or something like that. The olive oil here is the best I've ever had. It's so flavorful I don't know how I'll ever eat American [olive oil] again!
Tomorrow we're off to the Isle of Capri.
Arrivederci!
M
We spent two hours in Piazza Tasso eating (the best!) Salame Pizza, shopping, and had our first samples of Limoncello. Also saw some ruins from the 5th century BC below the city.
We then checked into our fabulous hotel where I'm pretty sure we were lucky and got THE best room - 4th floor with a full view of Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, and the Bay of Naples. I could sit on our balcony for an entire day and never get tired of it. It's so amazing it makes me want to cry.
We were then fortunate enough to take a sunset and evening excursion down into Positano. The hilltop views of the Bay were unbelievable. Positano itself is hard to get to, but a city with lots of charm and beauty. Had dinner with some people from our group. Positano is known for its seafood, so of course, we tried it! Jeff had clam fettuccini and we also had seafood risotto - so yummy! Also bruschetta and I tried a local fave - spaghetti made with olive oil "chilis" and cheese. "Aigio" or something like that. The olive oil here is the best I've ever had. It's so flavorful I don't know how I'll ever eat American [olive oil] again!
Tomorrow we're off to the Isle of Capri.
Arrivederci!
M
Day Three - September 20, 2008 - Rome, Italy
Very packed day! On the tour bus at 7am and headed over to the Vatican. Started in the Vatican Museum with halls of painted ceilings, telling many stories of Italy and religion. Then onto the Sistine Chapel, which was the craziest thing I've ever seen. Floor to ceiling paintings by Michelangelo telling stories of Jesus, Moses and judgment day. It's way too much to take in!
St. Peter's Basilica was last and it was huge! Saw a Michelangelo statue "Pieta" as well as the crypt of many popes (including the late John Paul II). The basilica was spectacular with many huge domes, magnificent statues and even a measurement of how smaller churches in the world compare. Our local guide, Daniella, was very informative and a pleasure!
Onto yet another pizza lunch in the Colosseum neighborhood before another quick tour of the Colosseum. Jeff and I then took the metro [scary!] to the Piazza di Spagna to have a look at the Spanish steps and grab some chocolate gelato. One theme that stands out today (and for our next stop) is CROWDED! I've never seen so many people in my whole life!
Onto the Trevi Fountain, just as amazing as I thought, though it's hard to enjoy anything with so many people around. Threw a United States quarter into the fountain for luck.
Dinner in Piazza Navona at a ristorante called "4 Fiumi" for their famous "tartufo" dessert. Basically rich chocolate ice cream with dark chocolate chunks on top. Very tasty! Veal again though much better tonight. [Bought a painting in the Piazza and then headed back to the hotel with Carl and Carly.]
Very exhausted as I've been up since 2am. Onto Sorrento tomorrow! [Rome is insane and I'm excited to head for the coast!]
M <3
St. Peter's Basilica was last and it was huge! Saw a Michelangelo statue "Pieta" as well as the crypt of many popes (including the late John Paul II). The basilica was spectacular with many huge domes, magnificent statues and even a measurement of how smaller churches in the world compare. Our local guide, Daniella, was very informative and a pleasure!
Onto yet another pizza lunch in the Colosseum neighborhood before another quick tour of the Colosseum. Jeff and I then took the metro [scary!] to the Piazza di Spagna to have a look at the Spanish steps and grab some chocolate gelato. One theme that stands out today (and for our next stop) is CROWDED! I've never seen so many people in my whole life!
Onto the Trevi Fountain, just as amazing as I thought, though it's hard to enjoy anything with so many people around. Threw a United States quarter into the fountain for luck.
Dinner in Piazza Navona at a ristorante called "4 Fiumi" for their famous "tartufo" dessert. Basically rich chocolate ice cream with dark chocolate chunks on top. Very tasty! Veal again though much better tonight. [Bought a painting in the Piazza and then headed back to the hotel with Carl and Carly.]
Very exhausted as I've been up since 2am. Onto Sorrento tomorrow! [Rome is insane and I'm excited to head for the coast!]
M <3
Day Two - September 19, 2008 - Rome, Italy
A very wet and rainy day here in Roma. We were able to escape rain when we went to the Colosseum this morning. Amazing! There's really only so much one can process about a city and building so old. Oddly enough it seemed a little smaller than I thought, but just as spectacular as I had imagined. We have a stop there tomorrow, so hopefully I can get some shots with blue sky!
After the Colosseum we did the archeological walk, starting with the palaces atop Palatine Hill and down into the Forum. It started pouring rain then [at the Forum] and although the sites were awesome, it was quite hard to enjoy in the rain and be soaking wet.
Lunch was [a] "Panina Capri." Bread with proscuitto, mozzarella, tomato and lettuce. We then got a little lost, but finally found the Pantheon. It's very well preserved inside - I believe the best preserved interior in [Ancient] Rome. Crypts and an open dome are what makes it amazing.
[We sat in the Pantheon square and enjoyed a hot café latte while the rain poured down. Then waited in a really long taxi line in the rain with my newly purchased rainbow-colored umbrella.]
Still pouring rain we headed back to the hotel to meet our tour group. 27 people from all over the world. We'll see how it goes!
We headed back into ancient Rome and had dinner just inside the Aurellian Walls. Had dinner at "Segafredo Zanetti." Pasta, veal, potatoes, and the best tiramisu I've ever had! Then a night time highlight tour of the city.
Early day tomorrow. We depart at 7am for the Vatican. Long but exciting day tomorrow!
M <3
After the Colosseum we did the archeological walk, starting with the palaces atop Palatine Hill and down into the Forum. It started pouring rain then [at the Forum] and although the sites were awesome, it was quite hard to enjoy in the rain and be soaking wet.
Lunch was [a] "Panina Capri." Bread with proscuitto, mozzarella, tomato and lettuce. We then got a little lost, but finally found the Pantheon. It's very well preserved inside - I believe the best preserved interior in [Ancient] Rome. Crypts and an open dome are what makes it amazing.
[We sat in the Pantheon square and enjoyed a hot café latte while the rain poured down. Then waited in a really long taxi line in the rain with my newly purchased rainbow-colored umbrella.]
Still pouring rain we headed back to the hotel to meet our tour group. 27 people from all over the world. We'll see how it goes!
We headed back into ancient Rome and had dinner just inside the Aurellian Walls. Had dinner at "Segafredo Zanetti." Pasta, veal, potatoes, and the best tiramisu I've ever had! Then a night time highlight tour of the city.
Early day tomorrow. We depart at 7am for the Vatican. Long but exciting day tomorrow!
M <3
Day One - September 18, 2008 - Rome, Italy
Long over night flight from DC to Rome. Slept a little, but not much. It was 4.5 hours from L.A. to DC and 8 hours from DC to Rome. Took us at least an hour and fifteen minutes to get our luggage - slowest baggage claim EVER. Then the bumpiest most nauseating hour-long shuttle ride of my life. We arrived at our hotel around 11:45am. Our first meal was here at Rouge et Noir Hotel. Pizza margherita (olive oil, tomato sauce & cheese) with salad and fruit.
Our room was finally ready by the time we finished lunch at 1pm. The room - is a room - seems clean enough - accept for the yucky shower curtain - but otherwise big by European standards.
After a nap until 3pm, we showered and made phone calls home. By 5pm we headed back into the city [via the free hotel shuttle that drops you at Termini Station. From there we took a cab into the Campo de Fiori].
We strolled around the Campo de Fiori and then settled into some outdoor seats at a local cafe so we could enjoy dinner in a Roman atmosphere.
"Samby's" was the name of the ristorante and my meal was fabulous. Started with a 1/2 liter of red wine and an order of caprese. My entree was "Rigatoni all'Amatricana" which the waitress recommended. It was rigatoni with tomato, bacon, and pecorino cheese. Great recommendation! Jeff's pasta was "Rigatoni all'Carbonera" which was made with bacon, egg and cheese.
We strolled around a bit before grabbing a cab and heading back for some much needed sleep.
Tomorrow is a big day - Ancient Rome - here we come! Hope the weather holds out.
Ciao Bella!
~M
Our room was finally ready by the time we finished lunch at 1pm. The room - is a room - seems clean enough - accept for the yucky shower curtain - but otherwise big by European standards.
After a nap until 3pm, we showered and made phone calls home. By 5pm we headed back into the city [via the free hotel shuttle that drops you at Termini Station. From there we took a cab into the Campo de Fiori].
We strolled around the Campo de Fiori and then settled into some outdoor seats at a local cafe so we could enjoy dinner in a Roman atmosphere.
"Samby's" was the name of the ristorante and my meal was fabulous. Started with a 1/2 liter of red wine and an order of caprese. My entree was "Rigatoni all'Amatricana" which the waitress recommended. It was rigatoni with tomato, bacon, and pecorino cheese. Great recommendation! Jeff's pasta was "Rigatoni all'Carbonera" which was made with bacon, egg and cheese.
We strolled around a bit before grabbing a cab and heading back for some much needed sleep.
Tomorrow is a big day - Ancient Rome - here we come! Hope the weather holds out.
Ciao Bella!
~M
Italy
I've been so sick with the stomach flu that I haven't even felt like blogging about my trip! I journaled every day and I want to post them on here. I'm going to try and work on that today.
In a nutshell we had the time of our lives. What an amazing experience! 13 cities in 12 days and a complete look at so many different regions and cultures in Italy. We made new friends and enjoyed lots of wine and food and the best part is that we made memories that will last us a lifetime. Italy is a gem and although crowded, is a place to see in your lifetime. I don't regret a dime we spent and I wouldn't have changed a thing!
Will be back to blog later! :-) Ciao!
~M
In a nutshell we had the time of our lives. What an amazing experience! 13 cities in 12 days and a complete look at so many different regions and cultures in Italy. We made new friends and enjoyed lots of wine and food and the best part is that we made memories that will last us a lifetime. Italy is a gem and although crowded, is a place to see in your lifetime. I don't regret a dime we spent and I wouldn't have changed a thing!
Will be back to blog later! :-) Ciao!
~M
Friday, September 12, 2008
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page." - St. Augustine
It's the Friday before we leave for our big trip. I've ordered the memory cards for my camera, I've got my new lenses, my new less-than-2-lbs tripod in a case, all of my travel-sized crap, guidebooks, things to do on the plane, hell even a hot pink fleece blow up pillow for the ride over. I'm all set! The thing that irks me when I return from a trip is how I didn't get "this shot" or "that shot," so I'm beyond determined to focus more on shooting better shots when we travel this time. Although I will feel a little rushed, I've got to focus on composition so I'm not kicking myself when I return home.
I decided to post this entry with still my favorite shot I've ever taken while traveling. Considering I took this with my tiny Nikon coolpix and no tripod, I think it turned out pretty damned good! Perhaps I favor it because of the subject matter, but I still feel like it's not only one of my best, but my favorite. If I can come back from the trip with at least 5 shots I adore, I'll be content. You can shoot 2000 pictures and still come back with nothing you like. So is the life of a photographer.
Tuesday is our 2 year wedding anniversary! HOLY COW! Two years ago I was so focused on the wedding that I almost forgot we were going to England and France and now, two years later, there's no wedding to focus on, so my mind is obsessing over getting the hell out of Dodge. I guess everyone has the things they look forward to in life and for me it's travel. I hope that when our kids are old enough we can put them on the Eurorail and go around Europe or take them scuba diving in Australia. I want them to see the world and know that the possibilities are endless. I want them to learn about other cultures, other languages, other religions, and other countries. These are all things that I wish I could have experienced at a younger age and I will try and work my hardest to give this to my kids.
With those positive thoughts for a great future, I'm off to work and dream about sipping wine in Italy...
I decided to post this entry with still my favorite shot I've ever taken while traveling. Considering I took this with my tiny Nikon coolpix and no tripod, I think it turned out pretty damned good! Perhaps I favor it because of the subject matter, but I still feel like it's not only one of my best, but my favorite. If I can come back from the trip with at least 5 shots I adore, I'll be content. You can shoot 2000 pictures and still come back with nothing you like. So is the life of a photographer.
Tuesday is our 2 year wedding anniversary! HOLY COW! Two years ago I was so focused on the wedding that I almost forgot we were going to England and France and now, two years later, there's no wedding to focus on, so my mind is obsessing over getting the hell out of Dodge. I guess everyone has the things they look forward to in life and for me it's travel. I hope that when our kids are old enough we can put them on the Eurorail and go around Europe or take them scuba diving in Australia. I want them to see the world and know that the possibilities are endless. I want them to learn about other cultures, other languages, other religions, and other countries. These are all things that I wish I could have experienced at a younger age and I will try and work my hardest to give this to my kids.
With those positive thoughts for a great future, I'm off to work and dream about sipping wine in Italy...
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
One week until Italy!
There is not much going on here as I'm already horribly in vacation mode. I'm so out of it I can't even focus at work! All I think about is our trip...I think I'm beyond excited now! 1 week from now we'll be in the air.
Next Tuesday is our two-year wedding anniversary - holy cow! I can't believe how time flies and things change. Since we leave for the trip the day after our anniversary, we're just going to grab a meal at Outback on Saturday night to celebrate. Maybe catch the new Brad Pitt and George Clooney movie. No time for anything else as I have lots of cleaning and packing to do before the weekend is over. How nice will it be to work only a day and a half next week? Awesome!
Well, off to my hair appointment now. Ciao!
Next Tuesday is our two-year wedding anniversary - holy cow! I can't believe how time flies and things change. Since we leave for the trip the day after our anniversary, we're just going to grab a meal at Outback on Saturday night to celebrate. Maybe catch the new Brad Pitt and George Clooney movie. No time for anything else as I have lots of cleaning and packing to do before the weekend is over. How nice will it be to work only a day and a half next week? Awesome!
Well, off to my hair appointment now. Ciao!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Since we haven't taken a picture together in a while...
This was taken in Montana the week before last after the grave site service for Jeff's grandpa. We haven't taken a good picture together in a while, so I wanted to post.
Vacation
After a three day weekend, all I can think about is how many days until we leave for Italy! So I picked one of my pictures with a train, making me think about traveling, and making me feel at ease as I deal with another 9 days of work. I finally gathered websites for all of the hotels we're staying at:
First three nights in Rome - http://www.hotelrougeetnoir.it/
Sorrento - http://www.moonvalley.it/home.php?idLingua=2
Florence - http://www.goldentulipmirageflorence.com/
Milan - http://www.atahotels.it/struttura.asp?id=quark&ln=eng
Venice - http://www.hotellugano.it/
Last night in Rome - http://www.romehotelpinewood.com/
Nothing fancy, but clean and a place to sleep. That's all that matters to me!
I have a lot to do the next two weekends. This weekend I have to make sure everything we need for the trip is purchased so we can pack the following weekend. That weekend before we leave I have to somewhat clean the house because my mother-in-law is staying there and house-sitting/cat sitting while we're away. I will not let her come and stay in a dirty house. Who has the time to clean 1800 square feet with work, the gym, and planning for our trip? Not to mention a lot of TV shows started this week. We have to keep caught up before we leave so our fake TiVo doesn't get full. I can't believe SVU starts while I'm on vacation. At least I'll have something to look forward to when I return.
First three nights in Rome - http://www.hotelrougeetnoir.it/
Sorrento - http://www.moonvalley.it/home.php?idLingua=2
Florence - http://www.goldentulipmirageflorence.com/
Milan - http://www.atahotels.it/struttura.asp?id=quark&ln=eng
Venice - http://www.hotellugano.it/
Last night in Rome - http://www.romehotelpinewood.com/
Nothing fancy, but clean and a place to sleep. That's all that matters to me!
I have a lot to do the next two weekends. This weekend I have to make sure everything we need for the trip is purchased so we can pack the following weekend. That weekend before we leave I have to somewhat clean the house because my mother-in-law is staying there and house-sitting/cat sitting while we're away. I will not let her come and stay in a dirty house. Who has the time to clean 1800 square feet with work, the gym, and planning for our trip? Not to mention a lot of TV shows started this week. We have to keep caught up before we leave so our fake TiVo doesn't get full. I can't believe SVU starts while I'm on vacation. At least I'll have something to look forward to when I return.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Hope
Last night I was able to get over a small part of my disappointment about Hillary falling out of the race. I listened to Obama's entire speech, plus his little video biography, and I can honestly say I feel a little better about this election today. I would still vote for Hillary hands down over Obama and really felt like they could have been the Dream Team that repaired this country or at least got it going in the right direction, but it is what it is and at least Biden can make up for Obama's short-falls and vice versa. For the first time I'm filled with hope that we can put this country back together.
What concerns me this Friday morning is the lack of experience of McCain's VP candidate. I feel more so than Obama that something could happen to McCain (health-wise) while he is in office and the fact that he'd leave us with someone with little-to-no experience is really scary. Especially someone with no International experience and with all of the relationships that need to be repaired abroad, it's a little scary.
Who knows if I would have always been this passionate about politics, because I never used to be, but I think after spending the past 8 years seeing what's happening to our country and the economy, I'm very pumped about this election. There are so many people losing jobs and healthcare, how could you not vote for someone that is going to begin fixing that? With the price of gas and food skyrocketing, how could you vote to continue the tax cuts on the wealthy and tax the lower-middle class even more? How could people with young children vote for someone that doesn't make college affordable, or give them affordable healthcare? We don't even have kids yet and with the way the economy is, I wonder "how will we ever put our kids through college?" This country is just as bad now as it was during the Great Depression and if we don't at least move into the right direction soon, it's going to get really bad. Sure, it can't all be fixed in four years, but we can get on the right track, a more positive track, and begin the healing process.
I'm thankful day to day that I can afford groceries and gas and healthcare and that I work for a great employer that takes care of me. But there's so many people who aren't fortunate enough to have that and I don't think it's fair. We're Americans and we're supposed to care about each other and our country and stop being so damned selfish.
So that's my rant, I will now step down off of my soap box.
Obama-Biden-08 - let's go!
What concerns me this Friday morning is the lack of experience of McCain's VP candidate. I feel more so than Obama that something could happen to McCain (health-wise) while he is in office and the fact that he'd leave us with someone with little-to-no experience is really scary. Especially someone with no International experience and with all of the relationships that need to be repaired abroad, it's a little scary.
Who knows if I would have always been this passionate about politics, because I never used to be, but I think after spending the past 8 years seeing what's happening to our country and the economy, I'm very pumped about this election. There are so many people losing jobs and healthcare, how could you not vote for someone that is going to begin fixing that? With the price of gas and food skyrocketing, how could you vote to continue the tax cuts on the wealthy and tax the lower-middle class even more? How could people with young children vote for someone that doesn't make college affordable, or give them affordable healthcare? We don't even have kids yet and with the way the economy is, I wonder "how will we ever put our kids through college?" This country is just as bad now as it was during the Great Depression and if we don't at least move into the right direction soon, it's going to get really bad. Sure, it can't all be fixed in four years, but we can get on the right track, a more positive track, and begin the healing process.
I'm thankful day to day that I can afford groceries and gas and healthcare and that I work for a great employer that takes care of me. But there's so many people who aren't fortunate enough to have that and I don't think it's fair. We're Americans and we're supposed to care about each other and our country and stop being so damned selfish.
So that's my rant, I will now step down off of my soap box.
Obama-Biden-08 - let's go!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Is it Friday yet?
Perhaps the lack of sleep and all of the travel and drama from last week has put me in a permanently bad mood this week. Not even my cute little bee picture (critisized for being over-saturated when I was asking about cropping) can lighten me up. My usual pretending to be nice and in a good mood when I'm not is not working. I can only be blantantly honest with those I'm close to. Little things are making me irritated when they shouldn't. Like someone leaving a burrito in the microwave 5 minutes after it's done cooking when all I want to do is heat up my lunch. The fact that two of my closest friends are now really good friends and often enjoy things without me (or ignore me when I'm there). Someone speaking in excel language to me that I just don't understand and getting frustrated with me because I don't get it. People asking dumb questions...the list goes on and on. Things that I typically brush off, just seem to bother the crap out of me this week. I'm way more moody and whiney than normal and I hope a long weekend helps get rid of that. Perhaps a vacation...
Ordered my Slik travel tripod for our trip. Hope it comes soon! Can't wait to bring it along to Italy. Oh how I love receiving things in the mail, epescially when they come from Amazon.com.
No big plans for the weekend. I need to go to Hollywood and exchange some shoes I bought so I figured we could spend a couple hours out there and grab something to eat. Sunday we're volunteering to hand out clothes and food to the homeless with our friend Shannon and then have dinner with her. I have some cleaning to do, but I'd really enjoy sitting on my butt all day Monday if I can.
Cheers!
Ordered my Slik travel tripod for our trip. Hope it comes soon! Can't wait to bring it along to Italy. Oh how I love receiving things in the mail, epescially when they come from Amazon.com.
No big plans for the weekend. I need to go to Hollywood and exchange some shoes I bought so I figured we could spend a couple hours out there and grab something to eat. Sunday we're volunteering to hand out clothes and food to the homeless with our friend Shannon and then have dinner with her. I have some cleaning to do, but I'd really enjoy sitting on my butt all day Monday if I can.
Cheers!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Montana
On Tuesday morning Jeff's grandpa passed away, so we quickly hopped onto a standby flight Wednesday morning to Montana. Although a sad occasion, I never miss an opportunity to take my camera to some place new. My camera has been to almost all of the new places I've been to and is my best companion next to my husband and cat. It almost makes me feel more at ease when I'm behind my lens. Like I don't have to deal with anything but composing that great shot. I actually took this shot from a moving vehicle during our 6.5 hour drive from Missoula to Billings. I thought none of my pictures would come out, but quite a few did...and well.
I have a hard time stepping out of my comfort zone. It's not something that will ever change about me, it's just the way I am. Everyone has their vice and mine is that I get stressed out and anxious in new situations. Funny because I love to travel, but traveling is only great if I've had time to prepare mentally for it. That combined with the family drama that is part of the Happ-Family-clan makes for a very uncomfortable and awkward situation. To most people it seemed odd that I even went to the funeral, but not only did I need to be there to support Jeff, but his family would probably frown upon my non-existence had I not gone. That's the way that they are unfortunately.
So today I am rightfully blessed with a cold. Of course I can't travel, not get any sleep, eat crappy food, and come back to work without getting sick. And since I was out so much last week, there's no way I could take a sick day to get better, so who knows how long it'll take me to recoop. At lunch I'm off to Wal-Mart to purchase cold pills before we head to AAA to get our documents for Italy.
I have a hard time stepping out of my comfort zone. It's not something that will ever change about me, it's just the way I am. Everyone has their vice and mine is that I get stressed out and anxious in new situations. Funny because I love to travel, but traveling is only great if I've had time to prepare mentally for it. That combined with the family drama that is part of the Happ-Family-clan makes for a very uncomfortable and awkward situation. To most people it seemed odd that I even went to the funeral, but not only did I need to be there to support Jeff, but his family would probably frown upon my non-existence had I not gone. That's the way that they are unfortunately.
So today I am rightfully blessed with a cold. Of course I can't travel, not get any sleep, eat crappy food, and come back to work without getting sick. And since I was out so much last week, there's no way I could take a sick day to get better, so who knows how long it'll take me to recoop. At lunch I'm off to Wal-Mart to purchase cold pills before we head to AAA to get our documents for Italy.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Getting artsy with fruit...and accomplishments
Sometimes I'm just looking for a muse...last night it was an apple and banana. And then I didn't like the colors, so I decided to drop it into post and cross-process it. I rather like the way it turned out. We'll just call it "retro fruit" ha ha.
One month from today I will be wondering the streets of Rome, hopefully with a few scoops of gelato in hand and of course, my camera in the other. I can't even begin to explain how excited I am about going to Italy. I set out when I left for college to accomplish quite a few things before I settled down with kids. I've accomplished pretty much all of it:
1.) Get my degree - although I'm not using it, I like to think I'm paid accordingly for it.
2.) Find my future husband - accomplished that while in college.
3.) Get a cat - I love my baby Belle
4.) See more of the United States - did a lot of that last year with all of my work trips. In 2007 I went to New Orleans, Seattle, Memphis, Baltimore, Las Vegas, New York City, Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, Virginia, Walt Disney World (Orlando), Ft. Lauderdale, Denver, and San Diego. Wow, say that ten times fast.
5.) Go to Paris - the top city on my list was conquered during our Honeymoon in Sept 06. Six successful days of trekking through almost every arrondissement that exists. And the icing on the cake was also making it over to London for 4 days.
6.) Build a better relationship with my parents - the trick was to just move out! Move out and move away and things will be great!
7.) Find a hobby - so the celeb stalking thing was getting way too teeny for me, especially after finally meeting Shania. When I turned 22 I got my first digital camera and it was love at first sight. I've been hooked on photography ever since.
8.) Lose weight! Did that and I'm still working on it! Lost 69lbs originally and I've gained about 10 pounds back, but I'm currently working on it.
9.) Get healthy! - ties in with the items above. I now go to the gym 2 - 3 times a week, eat healthy, and drink more water.
10.) Besides Paris and London, see more of the world. Italy was next on my list and off we go next month!
11.) Make friends that will last a lifetime. So I've had trouble with this in the past and really only have 2 friends left from when I was younger. I don't need a load of friends, but I want friends who are supportive, understanding, and are going to be there through thick and thin for the rest of our lives. Love me for me sort of thing. So my lonely 2 has expanded over the past year and now I may only be up to maybe 5, but that's ok. I finally have a small group of people to go out with, text with, email with, and people who are just as silly and nerdy as I am. And who amuse me by looking at my photography which is super important!
There's only a few more things I'd like to accomplish, but they can be before or after we have kids. I definitely want to see more of the world. The British Isles/UK, Australia and New Zealand, Scandinavia, the list goes on and on. I suppose at some point I should take some kind of "beach" vacation too. Instead of trekking all over major cities and wearing myself out, but it's just so awesome to see the world!
I'd like to do more with my photography. Work freelance or sell my images eventually. That's years down the road as I still have so much work to do in becoming a better and more all-around photographer. I'm a perfectionist at all that I do, so I won't stop the learning process probably ever.
And I'd like to advance more in my career. I've been lucky to be where I am only 4 years into it, and I've done very well. But eventually moving into management would be a great goal.
And so there it is. My little rant about wanting to pig out on gelato and roam the streets of Italy has turned into a list of accomplishments. Makes me feel better for the day...
One month from today I will be wondering the streets of Rome, hopefully with a few scoops of gelato in hand and of course, my camera in the other. I can't even begin to explain how excited I am about going to Italy. I set out when I left for college to accomplish quite a few things before I settled down with kids. I've accomplished pretty much all of it:
1.) Get my degree - although I'm not using it, I like to think I'm paid accordingly for it.
2.) Find my future husband - accomplished that while in college.
3.) Get a cat - I love my baby Belle
4.) See more of the United States - did a lot of that last year with all of my work trips. In 2007 I went to New Orleans, Seattle, Memphis, Baltimore, Las Vegas, New York City, Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, Virginia, Walt Disney World (Orlando), Ft. Lauderdale, Denver, and San Diego. Wow, say that ten times fast.
5.) Go to Paris - the top city on my list was conquered during our Honeymoon in Sept 06. Six successful days of trekking through almost every arrondissement that exists. And the icing on the cake was also making it over to London for 4 days.
6.) Build a better relationship with my parents - the trick was to just move out! Move out and move away and things will be great!
7.) Find a hobby - so the celeb stalking thing was getting way too teeny for me, especially after finally meeting Shania. When I turned 22 I got my first digital camera and it was love at first sight. I've been hooked on photography ever since.
8.) Lose weight! Did that and I'm still working on it! Lost 69lbs originally and I've gained about 10 pounds back, but I'm currently working on it.
9.) Get healthy! - ties in with the items above. I now go to the gym 2 - 3 times a week, eat healthy, and drink more water.
10.) Besides Paris and London, see more of the world. Italy was next on my list and off we go next month!
11.) Make friends that will last a lifetime. So I've had trouble with this in the past and really only have 2 friends left from when I was younger. I don't need a load of friends, but I want friends who are supportive, understanding, and are going to be there through thick and thin for the rest of our lives. Love me for me sort of thing. So my lonely 2 has expanded over the past year and now I may only be up to maybe 5, but that's ok. I finally have a small group of people to go out with, text with, email with, and people who are just as silly and nerdy as I am. And who amuse me by looking at my photography which is super important!
There's only a few more things I'd like to accomplish, but they can be before or after we have kids. I definitely want to see more of the world. The British Isles/UK, Australia and New Zealand, Scandinavia, the list goes on and on. I suppose at some point I should take some kind of "beach" vacation too. Instead of trekking all over major cities and wearing myself out, but it's just so awesome to see the world!
I'd like to do more with my photography. Work freelance or sell my images eventually. That's years down the road as I still have so much work to do in becoming a better and more all-around photographer. I'm a perfectionist at all that I do, so I won't stop the learning process probably ever.
And I'd like to advance more in my career. I've been lucky to be where I am only 4 years into it, and I've done very well. But eventually moving into management would be a great goal.
And so there it is. My little rant about wanting to pig out on gelato and roam the streets of Italy has turned into a list of accomplishments. Makes me feel better for the day...
Monday, August 18, 2008
Hollywood
It's been a while since I've stretched the legs of my camera in the city. I've been mostly shooting nature or landscapes over the past year or so. Going to Hollywood with Jeanine gave me a great opportunity to try and apply the things I've learned on DPS over the past 2 months. I felt it was a huge challenge with the amount of people, the hot and humid weather, and where the sun was mid-day. With all of those challenges I think I did pretty good! I did have some trouble in post, but all in all I think I got a good handful of pictures. Please see my Flickr page for more from Hollywood...
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