Good thing I don't believe in the devil.
I'm in Minneapolis and I'm enjoying almost every minute of it. But who in their right mind would choose to live here? I mean, GOOD LORD, this climate is ridiculous! It's 20 degrees outside and I'm about frozen to death. What is my family thinking? The Midwest is a pretty subdued place, but not when it comes to the weather. It is VERY PROBABLE that I will never move back. And shoveling? What's that? Who wants to do that? Ew.
Alright, I'm going to have a pleasant weekend in Minneapolis now. And you should have a pleasant weekend, yourself.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What the Stars Say
"It is the season of miracles and epiphanies for you. You should expect sublime help and inspiration."
Hmm. It's surely something to contemplate. In fact, I think it's a statement of value and truth considering I've definitely turned a corner in my life. I've taken a leap and (finally) purchased a new computer (and a different brand at that!), I'm completely in love with someone super special, I feel unburdened (and actually excited) by the prospect of finding a new job in a few months, and somehow, I'm taking care of my shit on a more daily basis.
I mean, I've always been a Type A planner who is so obsessed with being perfect that she can never get anything done without a good deal of procrastination beforehand. I'm slowing learning that making mistakes is not equivalent to chopping off a limb. Mistakes are natural parts of life and, as the USA Today newspaper puts it, "Mistakes are like passwords, we all make 'em." Alright. I guess.
Enough about my personal progress, I don't feel coherent enough at the moment to post something life-changing, so instead, I want to highlight a few interesting things about my week on the road:
Calgary, Alberta - Some of the rudest banquet staff I've worked with thus far. I had to tape my own AV cords (shoot!) and I had to do some damage control after a few of the servers interrupted the seminar. Did I mention that their accents drive me crazy?
Salt Lake City, Utah - I visited Temple Square today (the epicenter for the Jesus of Latter Day Saints religion) and had an interesting (and pleasant) conversation with two young girls on their missions. One of the girls was from France and I found a rare opportunity in the discussion to quickly ask about the origins of her accent instead of hearing about how Joseph Smith became a prophet by the hands of Saint John the Baptist when he rose out of thin air. If I would have had 4 hours to spare, I would have willingly engaged in a hearty dialogue about their religious backgrounds as well as personal questions I have about the inclusiveness of their faith, but I was on my lunch break and only had about 10 minutes before running back to the Marriott to pack up my belongings and heading back to the Salt Palace Convention Center to welcome back participants. Dang. In the same place, a small girl - only about, maybe, 18 months old - mistook me for her mother. She was quite friendly and social (not to mention adorable), and I was flattered (?) I think. I guess I've never been mistaken as a mom before. (Hmm. What does this mean for me?)
At the moment, I'm in Billings, Montana and the only other time I've been here is when I drove my car from Green Bay to Seattle. KR and I stayed at a low-budget Super 8 Motel in Billings (it's halfway from Minneapolis to Seattle) where there's not a whole lot of shakin' goin' on. As I'm sure you can imagine.
Hmm. It's surely something to contemplate. In fact, I think it's a statement of value and truth considering I've definitely turned a corner in my life. I've taken a leap and (finally) purchased a new computer (and a different brand at that!), I'm completely in love with someone super special, I feel unburdened (and actually excited) by the prospect of finding a new job in a few months, and somehow, I'm taking care of my shit on a more daily basis.
I mean, I've always been a Type A planner who is so obsessed with being perfect that she can never get anything done without a good deal of procrastination beforehand. I'm slowing learning that making mistakes is not equivalent to chopping off a limb. Mistakes are natural parts of life and, as the USA Today newspaper puts it, "Mistakes are like passwords, we all make 'em." Alright. I guess.
Enough about my personal progress, I don't feel coherent enough at the moment to post something life-changing, so instead, I want to highlight a few interesting things about my week on the road:
Calgary, Alberta - Some of the rudest banquet staff I've worked with thus far. I had to tape my own AV cords (shoot!) and I had to do some damage control after a few of the servers interrupted the seminar. Did I mention that their accents drive me crazy?
Salt Lake City, Utah - I visited Temple Square today (the epicenter for the Jesus of Latter Day Saints religion) and had an interesting (and pleasant) conversation with two young girls on their missions. One of the girls was from France and I found a rare opportunity in the discussion to quickly ask about the origins of her accent instead of hearing about how Joseph Smith became a prophet by the hands of Saint John the Baptist when he rose out of thin air. If I would have had 4 hours to spare, I would have willingly engaged in a hearty dialogue about their religious backgrounds as well as personal questions I have about the inclusiveness of their faith, but I was on my lunch break and only had about 10 minutes before running back to the Marriott to pack up my belongings and heading back to the Salt Palace Convention Center to welcome back participants. Dang. In the same place, a small girl - only about, maybe, 18 months old - mistook me for her mother. She was quite friendly and social (not to mention adorable), and I was flattered (?) I think. I guess I've never been mistaken as a mom before. (Hmm. What does this mean for me?)
At the moment, I'm in Billings, Montana and the only other time I've been here is when I drove my car from Green Bay to Seattle. KR and I stayed at a low-budget Super 8 Motel in Billings (it's halfway from Minneapolis to Seattle) where there's not a whole lot of shakin' goin' on. As I'm sure you can imagine.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Lion King
OMG. Last night, I saw the on-stage musical production of the Lion King with JH and parents. I have a million words to describe it:
Incredible.
Breathtaking.
Awe-inspiring.
Enchanting.
Addicting.
Exhausting.
Amazing.
Exhilarating.
Delightful!
I had a great time (if you couldn't tell) and I believe it is imperative for you all to see this show no matter the cost. It will change your life! Remember that little pipe dream I used to have about performing on Broadway? Well, it's in full swing again! It's come back strong and fierce. Man, there are few things more powerful than seeing a live stage performance and I'd love to be a part of something so moving. I got goosebumps about 144 times last night!
And, in case you're wondering, this computer is still precious. She's a doll!
Incredible.
Breathtaking.
Awe-inspiring.
Enchanting.
Addicting.
Exhausting.
Amazing.
Exhilarating.
Delightful!
I had a great time (if you couldn't tell) and I believe it is imperative for you all to see this show no matter the cost. It will change your life! Remember that little pipe dream I used to have about performing on Broadway? Well, it's in full swing again! It's come back strong and fierce. Man, there are few things more powerful than seeing a live stage performance and I'd love to be a part of something so moving. I got goosebumps about 144 times last night!
And, in case you're wondering, this computer is still precious. She's a doll!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Glorious Day!
Guess who is the lucky owner of a brand new aluminum MacBook? It's ME!
You know what this means...more emailing, more music in my life, more blogging, and generally more contact with the outside world while I'm a traveling madwoman.
I'M SO EXCITED!
Now, the question is: How will I ever get to bed tonight?
You know what this means...more emailing, more music in my life, more blogging, and generally more contact with the outside world while I'm a traveling madwoman.
I'M SO EXCITED!
Now, the question is: How will I ever get to bed tonight?
Monday, February 9, 2009
DC is a Wonderland.
I frickin' love it there. It's my next move. The people are young and friendly, the culture is hip and inspiring, the atmosphere is "work hard, play harder." What more could you want from a city? It's got history, money, power, events, and one of my best friends. It's got a metro. It's even got (gasp) two airports.
AB and I had a ball this past weekend. Nothing more could be desired...except for a stomach pump when we ate too much food at the Spanish tapas restaurant on Friday night during our epic dinner. On Saturday, we went to Eastern Market and gathered veggies and cheese (and various other trinkets) at the farmer's market before setting off for the National Mall walking tour. We visited the monuments and memorials, we chatted, we soaked up the 60-degree sunlight, and we chatted some more. That night, we made dinner at her apartment (a quaint row house in the U Street area) and reluctantly met some friends at a bar down the street.
Sunday morning was lovely again; the city had barely woken up by 9am when we started our walk of the neighborhood and it was mighty peaceful. We had an amazing brunch in town and took the metro to the airport where I flew to Springfield, MO.
DC rocks my socks off.
AB and I had a ball this past weekend. Nothing more could be desired...except for a stomach pump when we ate too much food at the Spanish tapas restaurant on Friday night during our epic dinner. On Saturday, we went to Eastern Market and gathered veggies and cheese (and various other trinkets) at the farmer's market before setting off for the National Mall walking tour. We visited the monuments and memorials, we chatted, we soaked up the 60-degree sunlight, and we chatted some more. That night, we made dinner at her apartment (a quaint row house in the U Street area) and reluctantly met some friends at a bar down the street.
Sunday morning was lovely again; the city had barely woken up by 9am when we started our walk of the neighborhood and it was mighty peaceful. We had an amazing brunch in town and took the metro to the airport where I flew to Springfield, MO.
DC rocks my socks off.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A Frenzied State
I'm just about to wrap up my day in Baltimore and I thought I'd show a little "blog love" to all of my ADORING fans. (Read: Sarcasm.)
Maryland is the 45th state I've been to, thanks to this trip. I have 5 left: Delaware (to be taken care of in March by a quick drive there from Cherry Hill, New Jersey), Arkansas, Alaska, South Carolina, and West Virginia. No problem, right? Well, after this job, I can't think of another time I'd actively WANT to go to West Virginia...or Arkansas for that matter! But, I think I can swing Alaska (by way of a birthday cruise for my beautiful mother?) and South Carolina (warmer weather equals 3-day vacation spot...). I'm almost to all 50 states, now it's just a matter of broadening my list of countries and continents!
In any case, I'm headed to Richmond tonight for another seminar and more fun. I've seen a lot of my colleagues on the road this week and I'm spending the weekend in DC with a dear friend, so I've got a lot to look forward to. This is ironic, though, because I'm trying this new thing (maybe you've heard of it)...it's called: "Living in the Moment." Well, if you haven't heard of it, let me be the first to tell you, it is NOT EASY. At least for me. Phew! Lots of mental energy expended on trying to ensure I'm living IN THE PRESENT. Surely, it alleviates my stress some, but man, it's tough to do. Luckily, I have JH to help me out whenever I get too "plan happy." Yay for him! (No, I'm being serious.)
Alrighty, then. Onto my next city (and my possibly heinous drive through DC)! But hooray for Ethopian food in Virginia - it will be waiting for me when I get there!
Maryland is the 45th state I've been to, thanks to this trip. I have 5 left: Delaware (to be taken care of in March by a quick drive there from Cherry Hill, New Jersey), Arkansas, Alaska, South Carolina, and West Virginia. No problem, right? Well, after this job, I can't think of another time I'd actively WANT to go to West Virginia...or Arkansas for that matter! But, I think I can swing Alaska (by way of a birthday cruise for my beautiful mother?) and South Carolina (warmer weather equals 3-day vacation spot...). I'm almost to all 50 states, now it's just a matter of broadening my list of countries and continents!
In any case, I'm headed to Richmond tonight for another seminar and more fun. I've seen a lot of my colleagues on the road this week and I'm spending the weekend in DC with a dear friend, so I've got a lot to look forward to. This is ironic, though, because I'm trying this new thing (maybe you've heard of it)...it's called: "Living in the Moment." Well, if you haven't heard of it, let me be the first to tell you, it is NOT EASY. At least for me. Phew! Lots of mental energy expended on trying to ensure I'm living IN THE PRESENT. Surely, it alleviates my stress some, but man, it's tough to do. Luckily, I have JH to help me out whenever I get too "plan happy." Yay for him! (No, I'm being serious.)
Alrighty, then. Onto my next city (and my possibly heinous drive through DC)! But hooray for Ethopian food in Virginia - it will be waiting for me when I get there!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Yes, Hawaii was quite the trip...
...made memorable by the fact that my phone totally died and I spent the majority of Saturday afternoon taking the bus to the nearest Sprint store to get it fixed up.
It's both interesting and unfortunate (and a little bit disgusting) how attached I am to my phone. I have this urgency about me, this NEED to be available at any time in any place to anyone. It's a sick, sick disease and I'm hoping to rid myself of it soon. My remedy, you ask? A trip to Europe where absolutely no cell phoning can take place.
Other than that (which, sadly, did mar the trip a bit) I had a GREAT time in Honolulu. I did, in fact, spend some time on Waikiki which included going for a morning run down the strip and doing yoga on the beach before soaking up the rays. I am definitely tanner than I was on Thursday. Surely.
Also, let it be known that I packed for this three-week trip to cities such as Portland, Los Angeles (area), Honolulu, Chicago, DC, St. Louis, Newark, and Long Island (in January and February) all in a 22-inch suitcase.
I pretty much rock, thankyouverymuch.
It's both interesting and unfortunate (and a little bit disgusting) how attached I am to my phone. I have this urgency about me, this NEED to be available at any time in any place to anyone. It's a sick, sick disease and I'm hoping to rid myself of it soon. My remedy, you ask? A trip to Europe where absolutely no cell phoning can take place.
Other than that (which, sadly, did mar the trip a bit) I had a GREAT time in Honolulu. I did, in fact, spend some time on Waikiki which included going for a morning run down the strip and doing yoga on the beach before soaking up the rays. I am definitely tanner than I was on Thursday. Surely.
Also, let it be known that I packed for this three-week trip to cities such as Portland, Los Angeles (area), Honolulu, Chicago, DC, St. Louis, Newark, and Long Island (in January and February) all in a 22-inch suitcase.
I pretty much rock, thankyouverymuch.
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