office namaste

Day one of having some om in the office...

I am spending more and more time at work, getting grumpier and grumpier with the darkness that comes at 4:49pm and frustrated with the stiffness in my joints, and let's be honest, not so thrilled with the constant honking of horns. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. 

Yep, that's a red carpet, in my office, rolled out just for me. I for one need a daily escape and rest from my computer, the frenetic energy of the city, the hustle of the sidewalk, and the mood swings of myself and my office mates. Even for five long minutes. So I brought in my yoga mat. I found a little corner, unrolled the plush mat and lay down. I stretched, I took some deep breaths, I lay in child's pose. Changed my day. I highly suggest that you get one. Your sanity will thank you. Let's hope that there's no drooling in the future (or snoring)! 

on the road again

We all have a road in life. Sometimes we get off at a wrong exit, take a detour or lose our way. But as long as we keep our eyes focused on the passing beauty, aware of the vast horizon in our midst, we can appreciate the flat tires and wrong turns, the passing trees and villages along the side of the road, the company beside us and the image in the rearview mirror, reminding us every once in a while of what came before. Our journey on the road, in our hearts, in life and in relationships is a powerful time to reflect, to pause and evaluate our direction.

happy weekend

This city bear is leaving on a jet plane for a wedding in Florida. My "rolly" suitcase is busting at the seams in the overhead compartment. It was a busy week at work and on the personal front so I am trying to balance multi tasking with a sense of humor. As in, being on a conference call while going through security and asking the TSA agent if I could stay on the call while going through the metal detector. Uhh, that's a negative. Thank goodness for the mute button! FYI - you can keep your phone on and put it through the X-ray machine without dropping the call and, as long as you don't have to participate for those 5 minutes, your fellow callers will be none the wiser. Genius. Didn't have time to get all prepped for the festivities, i.e.. self tanner, hairbrush, dress, and I'm hoping that the two bags that checked in under my eyes get lost on the flight there. But honestly S, it's not about you. Lets hope for dim lighting. Looking forward to taking off soon for warmer weather, friends and family. A cop car just passed our plane with its sirens on...hmmm. Florida can't come soon enough. Happy weekend.

View from the top

My vote was counted, I hope. Tonight I circled in my ballot, SAT style - what happened to the technology boom of computers and iPads? At this stage in the game, we should be voting through some app! Call me old fashioned but this way is fine by me...I kind of like the manual system, somehow making each decision a bit more thoughtful as I laboriously fill in each bubble while I contemplate my next choice. If only the SAT had just six questions with two choices each. I am watching the numbers live from the city that has the right idea. At the end of the day, we are all Americans. Red white or blue, side by side we should stand like the colors in our flag.

sandy days

She came, she went and she left quite a mess. I chose to ride out her furry at my parents house in Connecticut, worried that my steps in the city would be limited to the footsteps of my 500 square foot apartment.  Plus, after a weekend of togetherness with everyone home, including baby niece Dodo, I was relishing in the comfort of being surrounded by nostalgia as the skies grew dark and the wind threatened to lift the house. The damage was powerful out in the country with trees down on every corner, bringing power lines hostage as they fell. While Sandy had her fun outside, we celebrated an anniversary and two birthdays, carved pumpkins, took walks in between the storm, cried from laughing to hard, laughed from crying over spilled milk and sang to the youngest member of the clan. My father even gave us a tutorial of how to vacuum properly, leaving a pattern with each push of the machine...quite the excitement of country living. Good news is he has a day job which keeps him quite busy, otherwise their power might go out more often from blown fuses! With cabin fever came a few anxious moments but nothing that a little dancing and come on's couldn't negotiate. Plus, Sandy really was a scheme of my little brother's to keep us all home so that we could celebrate his 21st birthday together. Instead of a snow day he chose a Sandy day. Quite the perfect plan. This exceptional stud sure knows how to throw a party. And I was thrilled that he included me in the planning. With trains out until who knows when, and work looming tomorrow (I can walk to work so no more Sandy days for me), my sister and I drove back in to NYC this afternoon, saddened to leave the fun behind but knowing that reality had to come some time. Back in NYC, the streets were alive with people, all happy to come out from seclusion, taking the aftermath in stride with bars welcoming the powered and the powerless. Up where I live, Sandy left little sign that she was ever here but I know her stay was much too long for many others, especially downtown. So tonight I hope for sunshine tomorrow, receding water lines and a call from my brother with another scheme in mind to get into some trouble. Sweet dreams. 

Birthday Fun

Sandy's way

The city that never sleeps, even after a Sandy

33

Happy Anniversary to a most extraordinary pair. You both teach me every day how to be strong, kind, compassionate and loving. You are what life is all about.

thoughts

A few things that I am thankful for this Monday night:

1. The jewel tones of Fall
2. Debates, especially when they make me laugh (increasing the already largest military budget in the world, ie. adding the number of Navy ships - seriously?)
3. Mr. Silver
4. Striving for a balanced budget both at home and abroad...DC, perhaps we should compare notes. I can show you a mean Excel spreadsheet
5. Long voicemails from my boyfriend
6. The floor (currently lying on it)
7. October girls weekend with old friends and new friends
8. Anticipation for seeing my favorites on Friday
9. Tax refund ATM cards?!...a sure sign that we don't need more Navy ships, horses or bayonets, welcome to the 21st century
10. Ice cream (I wish I was eating some right now)
11. Wisdom from my Advisors

stop

Every day I stop for at least one minute. To smell, to see, to listen. I heard these words recently and think they are a daily mantra to live by. So in the spirit of practicing what I preach, I share with you one thing that I see tonight. From the window of my office, at 8:51pm. Quite a breathtaking view of Manhattan - the constancy of concrete, beacons of stability among the chaos that runs through and beneath them. For a second I hear only the clock tick. Amazing in a city of...nope, two horns interrupt, even on the 24th floor. City living. Down I go to join the rest of the frenzy on my way home. But maybe I will stop and listen to the noise of it all. 

verdict

Mine was the third name to be called. It was day one at the New York City Federal Court House and the time read 3:54pm. Most of us thought that we were in the clear. Only four more minutes until we were dismissed for the day and then Court Officer Robb approached the microphone. So we have a case. Listen for your name and proceed to the hallway for further instructions. I had a feeling my name was coming. Sure enough. I collected my belongings and climbed over my spared neighbors, hitting them with my large carry-on. This was my first time at Jury Duty and I wanted to be prepared with all of the necessities, just in case I was called in for trial and locked in the jury room for deliberations all night. I mean, not likely but I have seen one to many episodes of Law and Order: SVU. I needed to be ready. So here is what I packed: Laptop, Vanity Fair, work folders, bottled water, Purel, reading glasses, Advil, sunglasses, umbrella, unopened mail, opened mail, a New York Times, the elastic band that the physical therapist gave me for stretching, some almonds, Kleenex, gum, a large coffee cup and my makeup case which I planned to use on my way to to the court house but couldn't because of how weighed down I was from everything else. Putting mascara on while in a crowded Subway is not recommended by the Surgeon General. We followed Court Officer Robb down ten flights to the next waiting chamber where we sat for another hour until we were told to return the following day at 9:30am sharp. Room 538. Don't be late. 

Day two. I walked into 538 at 9:48am. I am so very sorry Officer. The Subway was slow and I got caught in the rain and had to buy an umbrella and then the line at Starbucks took forever...She told me not to worry and to hold tight. I looked around at my fellow chosen 25 as we sat there waiting. We were ushered in to the Court Room at 10:34am. Glad I was running on Court time. All please rise...I was asked my name, my birthplace, my employer, my favorite food, my waist size, where I buy my clothes. Ok, maybe not the last three but they sure threw in some random questions. I made a joke at one point during my questioning, hoping to get a chuckle from the judge when he asked me about what kind of recruiting I did. I hunt heads, your Honor. He quickly moved on to Juror #17. Reminder to self, next jury duty - no jokes. Follow up questions came around. I thought for sure that the Prosecutor was going to be interested in my heroic version of when my family was robbed. But after asking Juror #3 about his extensive time in the military and Juror #19 about her medical malpractice suit and Juror #7 about her disgruntled roommate, I realized that I was so not interesting. I don't have a chance at being picked. I had worn a skirt, heels, blazer, my glasses, pearl studs, all the while lugging around my L.L.Bean tote bag (AKA, the Mary Poppins bag of tricks). Someone told me that that they didn't pick the preppy types. After a few hours of being escorted in and out, rising and sitting, I must have succeeded. Phew, I passed the test without perjuring myself. I was thanked for my service, given a lollipop and told to expect a $40 check in 6-8 weeks. Not everyone is paid. It's kind of a lottery system. But you won't get summoned for another six years. Lottery system? I sure hope that our legal system is a bit more efficient than that...the verdict is still out. 

Fall one must

Fall one must
as Summer wanes
Goosebumps settle
Humidity plays a confusing game

Strength in wind
Some clouds do cover
Long the days
When sunshine hovers

Fear not dear one
Each day is new
Fall too restores
Even grey to blue

See the beauty
Beyond the looming skies
Faith is near
Sit and close those eyes

Hear the rhythm
Beating hearts together close
Spirit and soul
A powerful dose

extraordinary day

Today is another day in the week. The sky is blue, the air is fresh and the sun gleams against the glass. 11 years ago the same was true. But the days that followed 9/11 were extraordinary. We were reminded of the hate in the world. Our vulnerability was exposed as a nation, as communities and as family members. We questioned certain races and religions, certain cultures and beliefs. But we also were reminded of the kindness and compassion that exists between strangers. We witnessed resilience and courage. We focused on caring for each other and being respectful of one another. We reaffirmed our love for those in our lives who mattered most and nurtured the bonds that needed mending. That ordinary day became extraordinary by an outside force, out of our control. But my hope is that as we move on, fill hearts and heal grief, we make each day as powerful as those that brought us together after that horrific day. We have the power to make each day extraordinary. By doing so, we honor those whose lives were lost, those who worked tirelessly to find hope, and those who continue to fight to keep this country safe. United we stand, together we strive, and forever we remember.

11J

Today they move. 11J. No longer will they be upstairs, for a visit, a pajama party, a hug after a long day. I have been in denial so far. Up until now...

The exciting and wonderful news is that they are close by, in a beautiful house, with a backyard and a pink bicycle in the garage. Now, I will pack a bag, bring my p.j.'s, and be within 45 minutes of bike rides and hugs. I know that I will see them lots. But as I walk into my apartment, 10L, it doesn't quite feel like home. I miss them already.

island time

The ferry ride begins the transition from life to summer. From there to here. I leave behind the schedule, the emails, the news, the corporate coffee cup and the noise. Here I listen. The waves lap the shore. The wind sings between the screens. The foghorn recites its steady presence. Here I think. I remember. I vow to bring the serenity of here to there. Judgement is saved for picking out fruit instead of for criticizing the choices of others. Here I squish my toes in the sand and stare at the sunset, hoping that I remember my blessings on a rainy Tuesday when I hurt like hell.  Here I laugh. I laugh so hard that I develop muscles in my stomach. Well, maybe I feel them working...still waiting for evidence that they are in fact developing. Here I get my first pet from the first boyfriend that I bring here. Yes, the pet is a pillow. His name is The General (the pillow that is). But nonetheless, a first for both. Here I sing to my niece while she smiles in her dreams. This is her first time here. I can tell she loves it already. Here I cry. Growing up is painful and inevitable and fulfilling and rewarding. Coming here every year gives each memory a poignant spot on my timeline. Sitting together here, we share these memories while we laugh, love, cry, smile, grow and listen. My family is here. My friends are here. I am here. 

summer love

are you TALKING to me?

Emails. You can't avoid them. Bosses. You can't avoid them either. What makes the two even more unavoidable is when you combine them and add ALL-CAPS. 

JUST

placed scattered along the email...

IMPORTANT

in case I needed a reminder.

PLEASE

a solitary plea or a grateful gesture?

Are you shouting at me? Do you think that I don't understand? Are you excited or annoyed? Do you think I need an appointment with the Opthamologist?

It's one thing to use caps every once in a while, say, when your niece is born (HOORAY!) or your sister is promoted (YIPPEE!) or your brother wins the state champs (WOOOHOOO!). Well, you get the idea. Even then, I prefer the understated prose in calm lower case. In a city full of noise, couldn't the written word of email be silent so that I can at least angst over reading between the lines? Oh bother. TIME TO GO HOME - now those words deserve a loudspeaker and a !!!!!! Happy night. 

challenge yourself

While my weekend at the beach was far from challenging and the picture below proves this to be true, I have been challenged as of late by a few other things, some painful and some wonderful. I begin this Monday armored with a few reminders on my desk to give me perspective, inspired by the Olympics:

1. Stay limber - in thought and body

2. Be a team player - support those around you while making certain to take care of your own training

3. Treasure the victories of each day

4. Enjoy the warm up and stretch a little further than you think you can

5. Be a coach to others by encouraging them and seek coaches to help you with your own struggles

6. Don't get overwhelmed by the magnitude of the race - take each heat as it comes

6. Find what you love and you will find gold

Have a winning week!

happy weekend

I am off to a beach for the weekend. Can't wait to stick my toes in the sand. I hope you have a weekend filled with whatever makes you happy - wear a tutu, sleep like a baby, go to the movies (like I did last weekend, a drive-in nonetheless!),...the options are endless. bear love to all 

P - the prima ballerina

precious Dodo, fast asleep

2012 or 1965?

from Blackberry to iPhone

A lot has happened in a week. I became an Aunt, I added a year to my age, I saw fireworks and ate oysters, I drove from CT to Nantucket to Boston to Rhode Island with a very special someone, I stayed up with this very special someone taking care of a baby Henry, and...I got an iPhone. This iPhone has changed my life. I mean a phone is a phone. I have never really cared about all of the bells and whistles. I still am more of a purist when it comes to just old-fashioned calling someone. But this iPhone has me hooked for two reasons. Number One, I can blog to you all with just a push of a button from anywhere, even from the bus. And number two, possibly my favorite, is the camera and all of the editing that I can do with the pictures right from the phone. All of the photos are even synced to my computer, without me having to upload them. I mean, that's pretty fantastic. What a week to have this new found capability of a visual memory bank. Here are a few of my favorites:

Stars and stripes

Happy 4th to all...sending island love

ruby slippers

She clicked her heels three times and wanted to come home. Welcome to the world my precious niece Dorothy...your yellow brick road awaits. I love you and your Oz of parents.

the truth is

The truth is that I love to write. When I sit down to compose my thoughts on paper, my mind and my heart have a chance to think, to align themselves and divide themselves where appropriate. My day comes into focus, slowing down to digest the moments that can fly by without my appreciation. The truth is that I live in pain every day. Some days are better than others. Some days I bare that pain in silence, sometimes I am grumpy from the pain, taking it out on those I love most and sometimes I ignore the pain, forgetting how my body feels without an intruder. To those who see me most days, my smile hides what can be surging under the surface, my stride down the street shows no sign of the tornado of hurt in my back. For the most part, I am thankful for this gift, to be free from looks of pity or questions asking thoughtfully how I am doing. But there are some days where the isolation is overwhelming, when I wish I had a huge sign on my body which says, disclosure - I am in pain, please excuse the bitchiness and come back later. But each day, I learn something new about myself, about my limitations and about my potential. Today I swung my very own golf club. I hit the ball without embarrassing myself and my body actually twisted as best as it could. I felt a little like the Tin Man but I did it. While some swings felt awkward and ouchy, when I swung and the ball went soaring without much effort, I felt a rush of excitement. I mean, the pain would have to wait, I was playing golf! Tonight, as I lie on the floor to try and calm the aches, I push the moment back into my head of standing on the golf range in between my mother and my brother as the sun shone through the blue sky. How lucky am I? The truth is that I played golf. The truth is that I have people in my life to share that moment with and still love me even after we laughed and cried from my slight un-ladylike mood that ensued tonight. That's the honest and blessed truth.

thoughts this morning

“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”

~ Chief Tecumseh

bonne fête des pères

To a father who continues to teach me the ropes...even when I watch from the shore. From France with love. Je t'aime.

 

for so many years I've wondered what happened?

finally, some logic to this dilemma ;) 

gardens

I have been traveling a bit as of late - Chicago, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Connecticut. Getting through security has been a humorous learning experience but more on that later. Let's just say that I learned my lesson after trying to sneak through the "Premier/First-Class" line with my "Back of the Bus" ticket and getting caught. Luckily no hand-cuffs were involved. But, all the pat-downs aside, the journeys have taken me to some beautiful places. Here are a few highlights:

My last visit to St. Louis allowed me the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Gateway Arch. The experience was powerful, much more so than I expected. The structure sparkled in the sunlight, rising up from the ground in a dance of metal, elegant and strong. As I sat on the grass underneath the rainbow of metal overhead, I was filled with hope. Hope and possibility suspended in air.

My travels to Washington, D.C. brought me to the beautiful gardens of Dumbarton Oaks, a historic mansion in the heart of Georgetown. The artistic design of the entire property is magical. From every vantage point, the eye is given a new perspective on the various "rooms" and cutting gardens. The benches throughout the gardens invite as a quiet place for reflection or reading nook of sorts. I particularly loved this walkway with the alley of trees.






Finally, to Connecticut, to the backyard where I learned how to sunbathe and jump on a trampoline. My mother's garden is quite possibly one of my most favorite places in the world. The roses were in full bloom outside my window, while a vase full of them graced my bedside. Quite a perfect way to wake up on Memorial Day to remember all of those who devote their life and devoted their lives to keeping this country safe.

rain or shine

Today's rain has me in a sleepy and achey mood after the beautiful weekend of sunshine. How nature seems to keep us from becoming unappreciative is quite amusing and indeed necessary. But could I ever get sick of sunshine and eighty degree breezes? In any weather, the weekends end and Monday begins without delay. I am grateful that this Monday I was smart enough to bring an umbrella and wear rain boots to my interview with a change of shoes in my bag. Otherwise, standing at 1370 6th Avenue at 3:30pm for an interview at 3:30pm looking for 1372 6th Avenue would have ruined my amusement. Luckily the fault of the wrong address was not mine but was written incorrectly in the email that was sent to me. All in all, as I arrived at 1372 Broadway, my feet were dry, my resume was legible, and the woman I met with was genuinely kind. We did in fact own the same rain coat which we admired on the back of the door and shared stories about our experience with spinal issues. Who knows what will come from my conversation with her but when I left the building, my multiple cab rides getting there seemed from a different day. Our time together gave me new hope in my job journey. Rainy days can turn out to be ok too.  

happy weekend

My kitchen is finally ready. Two weeks of living with plastic curtains and tarps (the dishwasher, refrigerator and oven in my hallway, the bathroom sink holding dishes) was a test for my patience. Yes - there was water damage. No - I did not overflow my bathtub. Long story short, there was a pipe that burst two floors above me, leaving my apartment the only one to have six gallons of water wash its walls every hour for 24 hours. Naturally. So I laughed and cried throughout the process, trying to find the humor in the chaos. I think my mother would be proud with my fastidious attention to "sealing" off the rest of my apartment from the imposing dust and dampness. Even the donuts I brought to the workmen as a bit of an incentive, was an homage to the ice cream sandwiches she has at the wait for the UPS man. After all, she does teach me everything I know. So the moment is only appropriate to go into this Mother's Day weekend with a sparkly new kitchen. What a welcome feeling of zen. I hope you all have a happy weekend filled with fun and sun. 

to have or to hold

Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have. - Anonymous

I have been a bit distracted - as you can tell by the date of my last post. When I say distracted, really that's just my excuse for being lazy. Lazy when it comes to putting my thoughts on paper. I have been thinking of other things, leaving me daunted by the idea of trying to be creative in my words instead of energized by the ritual of sharing with you. A job offer was one such "thing", followed by a waterfall of sorts in my kitchen from a burst pipe above, an Easter celebration, job networking, and travel. You're thinking, wow - that sounds pretty nice, minus the water invasion. And you are certainly right. Most of these so called distractions are luxury problems, a time in my life to really reflect on life balance and who I am, who I want to be and how I want to be. I have time to carefully ponder such age old questions as, to have or to hold? Take said job offer - I spent 24 hours (and a few days) struggling with my decision. My thought process went something like this: To have - a job in a prestigious company with great benefits and a healthy salary. OR To hold - to wait for an opportunity that has a thread of content that makes me excited to walk into work everyday, where my mind is challenged. To have a paycheck or to hold for a career? It's been months (we can count if you like) since I left my job. Fear sets in about how much longer I should wait until taking the next offer. Self doubt begins to creep into the crevasses of self reflection. Am I looking in the right places? Do I need to work harder? Should I waitress? I am working on the side as a consultant which allows me to survive with my savings as supplement but there is only so much longer until I will be contemplating joining the circus. So until then, I hold onto faith in myself, feeling blessed to have people in my life that I love and who love me. So this Monday morning, on the last day of April, here is to holding on to the good things and having a sense of humor while water pools at your feet in the middle of the night. Talk to you tomorrow - hold me to it. 

thoughts

The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. - F. Scott Fitzgerald

inspiration

meet warby parker

Don't you just love the name? No more four-eyes, only chic frames. He knows his audience from t-shirt to tie. He flatters each face with a glimmer in his eye. He magnifies the world with a clear vision. Each spec he approves is done with precision. Mr. Parker inspires us to look beyond the lens. When we work together to give back, change is easy my friends. He admires quality with the utmost taste and appreciates what's at his fingertips within the continental United States. You too can be privy to the treasures of his wares. There's no catch, I promise. Only spectacular care. 

sunday

hold on to today

the snow falls

the sun shines

the wind blows

the wheels turn in your head

your legs peddle to keep up 

sometimes let them rest 

coast to enjoy the horizon

drink shirley temples

dance 

laugh with someone

make someone laugh

take a breath

sing to yourself

listen to the quiet 

have popcorn at the movies

tomorrow brings new

chances are there are no chances

there is forgiveness and acceptance

there is being you

lovin' love

Celebrate everylove

Heart day is approaching and I am head over heels for Starbucks love cup. Celebrate every love in your life.

average

My height is average. Well, that might be generous. My height is average if I stand on a phone book. Remember those? Anyway, back to me. My blood pressure is average. If I handed you my resume, you would think what makes her different? I am an average tennis player. I enjoy watching a movie on the couch in my pj's. I grew up with a mom and a dad, a dog, sisters and a brother. We made forts and played with dolls. I had my mouth washed out with soap when I was six for spitting on my sister. My brother broke his leg. You know, average stuff. But am I average? An article in today's NYTimes has me thinking. The op-ed, written by Tom Friedman, discusses our country's dilemma with regards to education and jobs. In our computer run world, labor jobs are fast becoming obsolete. Our country is getting dumber while our jobs are getting smarter. While I agree with Mr. Friedman, his message struck a slightly different cord in my own life. 

Where I grew up, average is a four letter word. I graduated from a prestigious high school. A diploma on my wall proves that I attended a liberal arts college. My life is blessed with opportunity. As I continue to evaluate my passions and interests, strengths and skills, doing something with indifference seems like a failure to me. To have a career where I go through the motions each day just to make a pay check seems sad (insert shrugging shoulders here). Average is a frame of mind. Average to some is extraordinary to others. Making the muffler for your next car in an assembly line might make someone excited every day that they walk into work. To someone else, teaching is the frosting on their donut. Average is a choice. Each day is an opportunity to live my life. I have the power to have a mediocre interview or an exceptional interview. I know, you're thinking, get off your high horse...you were whining five minutes ago about the rain. You are absolutely right. However, as long as with the whine comes more appreciation for the opportunity, than the odds are in my favor. Tomorrow morning, I get to wake up, sit with my latte and read the paper. There is nothing average about that. 

viva vegas

Ahhh - the desert: mountains, palm trees, all you can eat buffets, recirculated air, endless hallways, blinking lights, stretch pants, TV in the bathroom. I visited Vegas last week, my first time in Nevada. As we landed, I was delighted with the beautiful landscape of mountains. This is not what I pictured when I envisioned Vegas. The sky was blue and the sun exposed each crevasse of mountain. And then I turned to my first glimpse of reality, my seat mate could hardly stand up after his 12 rum and cokes and one bottle of Pinot Noir. It was noon. Welcome to Vegas. 

ahhh

A board meeting was two days of my four day stay in Vegas, followed by a fun weekend with one of my favorites who flew in on Friday to have girl weekend. We saw Garth Brooks and Celine in concert, tried to shop but didn't swipe the credit card once, sat by the jacuzzi at the spa for five hours of Saturday and ordered room service. The best. We tried our luck at the slots without much success. I had to try though. When in Rome. Luckily we were still able to pay our room bill. Oh, and we both had our own Vegas moments that made the trip even more hilarious in retrospect. You know you're good friends when at 2:00am she is ordering you ginger ale and asking for ice chips. I won't elaborate but let's just say there could have been food poisoning and a rash involved. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Where shall we go next?

dance lessons

I wonder if this is what I look like when I hit the dance floor? Who cares, I wanna dance anyway. I am crying from laughing so hard.