So far today...

I've Zumba'd with Gus--although I don't know if you can actually call what I do Zumba even though that's what it says on the box--at any rate it's pretty amusing--especially at 5:30AM--and to say that Gus hung around would be another falsehood since he hightailed it to his condo in my window as soon as he'd gobbled down the can of "squishy-food" he snookered me into this morning.  After the so-called-Zumba I rode the bike for 20 minutes (Ambitious, I know).  After a quick shower (it should be mentioned we recently got a new showerhead--yay!) I got dressed.  I was so proud of myself having picked out my outfit last night, but then discovered that in order to cope with the ignorantly cold weather and the ice blocks I like to call my feet, I ended up adding 2 pairs of socks and a pair of leggings to my previously selected outfit.  I don't think I'll be winning any fashion awards today, I do however hope I don't turn into an icicle!

I Could Have Told You Vincent the World was Never Meant for One as Beautiful as You

For longer than I can remember I've had a poster print of "Starry night" hanging somewhere in my house, years ago it hung in my bedroom, now it hangs in the hall. I'd love to upgrade it to a nicer quality print but haven't found. Now I'm afraid any print wouldn't do it the justice it deserves.

The highlight of my day in London was seeing a "real Live" Van Gogh up close and personal and I am nearly without words to describe how amazing it was. For as long as I can remember I've loved Vincent Van Gogh there's something about his life and his paintings that speaks to me. Today I came face to face with him in the shape of his masterpiece "Sunflowers".

All I can say is WOW.

I found myself standing 3 feet away from this painting marveling at the paint strokes and the numerous layers and shapes that went into creating a real work of art. There it was hanging in front of me in Room 45 of the National Gallery on a lovely purplish, grayish wall -- I've not quite decided what color the wall was, but even the wall was beautiful. It spoke to my heart and made me happy. Maybe it's because I don't have that particular gift, or maybe it's something entirely different, but there's just something unexplainable about seeing the real deal.

I stood for a few moments watching a young lady sketching the painting in her sketchbook and was more than a little envious of the thought of sitting there long enough to somehow make it my own. It was amazed at the number of people gathered around the painting taking in the strokes and the colors, but I had to wonder for how many of them was it actually an experience as opposed to something to do on a rainy afternoon?

For me, it was an experience.

The only thing missing...my very best friend.

A Lovely day in London Town (or Hanging with my Pepys)

I made finally made it to London today!

We rode the rain in from Stanford -le-Hope, Essex and landed at Fenchurch Street Station. I had conceded already that I likely wouldn't see much with my aged parents in tow (both are in their 70's after all) but had told myself that whatever I saw it would still be more of London than I'd seen before today...so with that Attitude I went.

My cute Auntie and Uncle spent last evening trying to map out the best route that would include as much bus travel as possible to save the parents from having to do too much walking. I had given her a preliminary list of the things I'd like to see, but again, realized it was likely not to happen...but enough of the back story.

Once we landed at Fenchurch station we walked a couple of blocks to "The Monument". If you don't know what "the Monument" is, don't feel bad, neither did I until a few days ago (which here leads to my title tie in). Back in the year 1666 there was a great fire in London and this fellow Samuel Pepys (pronounced Peeps, like the easter treats) wrote an entire history about it (yes,I'm a nerdy English major). The monument was built to commemorate the event. It's very tall -- without digging out my paper I can't tell you the exact dimensions, but let's just say it has a tight, winding staircase that ascends for a celebrated 311 steps (something to do with distance and where the fire started -- like I said I don't have my paper right here.) So for 3 quid I got to climb all 311 steps up to the top where they have a little lookout area where you can get a pretty good view of the city...the Monument was built in the late 1700's so Im sure back then it was a magnificent view! It was pretty cool...although I have to admit by the time I reached the 100th step (yes, Toby I counted them all) I was about ready to die from exhaustion! But it was worth it! When we (my uncle Alan and I) got back to the bottom they gave a a certificate that basically says I survived climbing the monument. What a fun way to start the day!

After the Monument we wandered over to the Tower of London (and yes Norm, the ravens were still there). I saw a few Beefeaters and laughed a bit at their outfits (I seriously thought they were kidding -- um no, that's what they wear everyday!) Next on our agenda was the London Eye, so Mary trotted us off to find the nearest bus heading that way -- this is where we encountered our first hiccup. Mom didn't want to go on the Eye, and Dad had never said one way or another. So we got off the bus at the Festival Hall to use the Loo and discovered Dad did want to go on the Eye after all, but mom's afraid of heights. About that time it started to rain and Mary had checked the queue and it was at least a half hour long or more, and I wasn't about to leave mom sitting in the rain for what could have been 2 hours time (sorry, not happening).

So we skipped the Eye and walked in the rain for a bit to find a bus (by this time it was litterally pouring). We waited in the rain for a bit till we caught the bus to Trafalgar Square. And sought sanctuary in the National Gallery (and sanctuary it was). Mary and Alan were going to go the the Cafe for a coffee, and Dad decided to go along (he was thirsty). I had hoped Mom would go too so I could go enjoy the gallery on my own terms...but Mom decided to come along and I have to admit it was nice to have her there. She doesn't get to do a lot of things so she walked along with me and we took in the atmosphere together. It was pretty neat to share that with here. Her Idaho farm girl roots and life as a stay at home mom for the last 40 years haven't given her a whole lot of opportunities. So she got a cultured today -- we even spent time looking at a brilliant painting of a horse just for her (okay, not really just for her -- it really was brilliant!) I think she may have enjoyed herself -- which is saying something, she's more of a homebody than me so this trip has been a real stretch for her---she's way out of her comfort zone. We saw some really beautiful paintings and could have spent days, if not weeks looking at everything in the gallery, but we only had 2 hours and that include gift shop time, so I contented myself with the Impressionists and a few Italian and French artists on the first level -- we saw maybe 9 rooms worth of paintings and there are something like 68, not including the special exhibits! You could spend an entire week just wandering the museum and not see everything! Mom had a smashing time in the Gift shop -- we both bought postcards galore and sundry other trinkets to remember our visit.

By the time we came out of the National Gallery the sun had come out and it was a BEAUTIFUL day (I think I may have got even a little sunburn). It was decided we'd go to McDonald's on "The Strand" for a very late lunch. Mind you it was a posh McDonald's with double decker seating and the Cadbury Flake McFlurry I had was pretty good, but nothing to write home about.

After lunch we wandered towards Covent Garden to take in the atmosphere there and even I decided my back and legs had been used enough for the day and that I'd echo the cries of the parent's and call it a day. (if you're an Art lover and you've ever spent any time in a museum you know what I mean.)

So we tracked down the right bus, after wandering past a few of the grand theaters. We saw where the Lion King, Betty Blue Eyes, Shrek and Legally Blonde were playing. I also saw a couple of adverts for a few I'd never heard of "Love never Dies" which is a sequel to Phantom of the Opera (not sure how that works, but okay) and apparently they've made a musical of the movie "Ghost" (not sure how that works either).

Long story short. We found the right bus and made our way back to the Train Station. We were all pretty worn out. But I have to admit it was a lovely day!

Much to Mom’s Relief we we’re not whisked off to Russia by an Ersatz Cabbie

We arrived at Heathrow!

It was nice to stand up after so long. I have to admit there was something a little magical about seeing the signs for “litter bins” and “toilets” – a sure sign I had actually arrived in the UK. We walked what seemed to be at least 3 more miles (avoiding as many stairs as possible for Mom’s sake – and she doesn’t do escalators either) and arrived at customs (or whatever they call it, you know the place where they check your passport). Two delightful blokes checked my passport; they were ever so funny, there was a short one and a tall one. The short fellow had dark hair and more of a Scottish accent, while the other was a tall, rather gangly fellow who looked like he could have been the long lost brother of my friend Sara – there was something very Griffin about him. They checked us in, gave us the green light and I FINALLY GOT A STAMP IN MY PASSPORT!!!

We worked our way down to Baggage claim and retrieved our luggage and then made our way to the pickup area. We had been told that there would be a man there to pick us up, and just like in the movies he’d be holding a sign with our name on in. Sure enough as we made our way I spotted the fellow (a rather good looking bloke, mind you with a David Tennant type accent). I spotted him first and made my way over to him, he asked if we were the ones he was looking for (more or less) then crumpled up the sign faster than you can say Jack Robinson – I had secretly hoped that I could keep it as a souvenir – or at least snap a picture, but that wasn’t going to happen. We made our way to the “Car park” to his car and along the way saw several old time “London Cabs”. The cabbie made light work of our suitcases and we hopped in the car and started our journey to Corringham. We soon found ourselves on “Europe’s Largest Car Park” – the local’s term for the M25 – lucky we were headed in the right direction, the opposite side of the road was stopped for what had to have been miles!

We arrived at Auntie’s at about 1:30. She was “ever so pleased” to see us and greeted us each with a kiss on the cheek. Once we were all in, introduced to our rooms, we settled in on the couch in the lounge. We had a abit of supper (at least I think that’s which meal it was) or ham sandwiches (bread, butter and ham) and fresh tomatoes from Alan’s garden, along with some “Victoria Sandwich” cake. From that moment on, pretty much we sat about fighting off sleep so as to stave off the jet lag. A little later we had dinner—we had some delicious pork with fresh green beans and carrots from the garden, new potatoes, all slathered by gravy. We also had a sliced of homemade apple pie with a bit of ice cream (yum!)

The rest of the evening was spent in the lounge listening to Mary and Dad chatting.

Houston, We Need a New Suitcase (Make that Dallas)

On the first leg of the journey I told my parents that they needed to be to my house by 9:30, they pulled up at about 10 minutes to 10…luckily I had asked our ride to be there at 10, knowing that whatever time I told my parents they’d be late. But everything worked out well. The Salt Lake airport was a breeze, nobody got stopped and we made it to our gate with plenty of time. After much debate I decided that I would bring my laptop and my Canon which added a bit of weight to my luggage.

At gate #1 mom soothed her frustration by rolling my second skein of yarn into a ball. We grabbed some lunch, waited a little while longer and boarded our flight…on Leg 1 we found ourselves on the very last row of the plane and all I could think was “it’s a good thing I’m not claustrophobic “ though I think that plane may have turned me into one! It was a good flight though as far as flights go, but the view from my window seat was terrible—all I could see was the engine. It was rather like I imagine it would be to fly in a sardine can!

We arrived in Dallas on time and found ourselves walking into stifling heat (108 degrees!). We walked for what seemed like ages and then found the Skylink (looked a bit like the Monorail at Disneyland) and hitched a 10 minute ride to the other terminal for our next flight – I hadn’t been told there was a free roller coaster ride included with the price of admission!

It became evident about halfway through the Dallas airport (after the roller coaster ride on the Skylink) that the backpack I was carrying was far too heavy to carry any further. So once we found a spot to sit for our layover I ventured over to the overpriced luggage store in the terminal and found myself buying a small rolly-bag to stash some of the heavier stuff in so’s I could manage the rest of the journey. (I knew I should have listened to that little something that said – TAKE THE ROLLY-BAG!” but I didn’t).

Once the new bag was bought (along with a new luggage tag and souvenir #2) life was a little better. We had a 3 hour layover in Dallas and it’s funny to think how fast the time flew by. I paid a visit to the money changers and got a handful of pounds and then we ventured to the MickeyD’s for happy Meals with about 10 minutes to spare (lesson learned—Daddy does not like apple dippers---no real surprise there.) Once we were on the plane we found ourselves seated on row 30—the first row of the cheap seats with a big screen TV (hereafter known as a life sucker) and nowhere to put our carry on bags (except in the overhead bin).

Mom spent the whole flight (mind you this was an overnight flight when most people choose to sleep) watching the overhead screen showing the progress of the flight. She got a real kick out of it. The flight had individual screens for each passenger that popped up from the arm rests…I quickly discovered that I could play Tetris (!!!!) and then I they had the new version of Jane Eyre on the new releases. I tried to convince Mom to take a nap, but she was as keyed up as ever…so I got through the film mostly undisturbed, no worries, I think it was definitely watching again. I snoozed for a few minutes off and on, but I’ve always had a hard time sleeping while I travel. One would think that on a flight of 9 hours you could get a little reading, napping or crocheting done, but a certain travel companion of mine is rather chatty…she can’t sit still or be quiet…even the 18 month old behind me was far less high-maintenance than she is. (Even as I type this she is talking my ear off!)

London Calling...

Those of you who know me well know that traveling stresses me out...mostly its the getting there and back again that stresses me out. Not quite a month ago my dad called and asked me if I still wanted to go to England with him. I was a bit in shock...my dad has talked about going back to England for the past several years and I've always said I'd love to go along...but I never thought it would actually happen, because as we all know life has a tendency to get in the way of even the best laid plans (and our family has never been very good at plans!)

Long story short, In 4 days I leave on the adventure of a lifetime (at least so far as my lifetime is concerned!) I'm heading to England to spend 15 days with my parents and my Auntie and Uncle who live in Essex. There are presently no plans set in stone besides getting there and getting back but I'm hoping for some memorable moments. I hope to see London with all the interesting thing she has to offer -- The British Museum (and the Cat mummies), London Eye (are you kidding me!), I may even try talking my dad into going to the Doctor Who Experience. London itself has a lot to offer, so I'm sure I'll have to make a return trip one day.

However, the thing I am most looking forward to is getting to know my dad, on his home turf. I think it will be interesting to see where he came from. I think it will also be grand getting to know my Auntie and her family (I've only met her once, very briefly). So for me this truly is the opportunity of a lifetime. After all the health problems my dad has had over the past year I have come to realize that he's not going to be around forever and I have learned to appreciate every moment spent with him more than I ever have before. So even if we all we do is learn more about each other I think it will be well worth the trip.

U2

Hands down my favorite rock band is U2. I acknowledge I'm not alone in this. It all started back in high school with a introduction to the "The Joshua Tree" with its classics and then the infatuation grew to embrace other albums like "Rattle and Hum" and "The Unforgettable Fire" -- the first time I heard the song "Bad" I was hooked. The love grew and I came to appreciate not only the music but the poetry that U2 creates. Some of my fondest teenage memories can be brought back to life be hearing their songs. And Toby will tell you its no secret that I have a bit of a crush on Bono -- I can't quite explain it, but I can't deny it either--to this day to love listening to Bono.

On May 24th I got to see U2 in concert again! And I must say it was pretty much the coolest concert I have ever been to. The band was in rare form and sang many (if not all) of my favorite songs. It was definitely a night to remember--from the stage to the lights to the music it could not have been better. Back in 1997 I went to my first U2 concert at Rice Eccles Stadium. It was pretty amazing to see the band live for the first time--but I think this concert was even better than the last.

I took my good camera along and got some pretty great pictures--like the one at the top of the page -- this is Bono singing All I Want is You with an extremely cool green guitar (happy sigh!) I also had a great time hanging with Toby, Liz, John, Norm and Becca. Thanks for getting the tickets Lizzie! It was awesome!

Indiana, Day 4

Woke up, barely -- it was very hard today -- snoozed the alarm more than once.

Realized that Kenji graduates exactly 16 years after me.

Sent Kenji a text to wish him a Happy Graduation Day!

Made it to the library too early.

Perused the used books and CDs and ended up buying the soundtrack to "My Best Friend's Wedding" for $1.50.

Helped the missionaries fix a couple problems on their laptops -- for which they were so grateful they offered to buy me dinner.

Ate lunch.

Answered several questions throughout the day.

Went out to dinner with the missionaries at Logan's Roadhouse. Pretty good food, the baby back ribs were delicious.

Drank a root beer.

Headed back to the hotel.

Packed my suitcase while listening to Kenny Chesney.

Wrote out a few baby shower invitiations.

Went to bed.

Indiana, Day 3

Woke up – it was harder today.

Hit the snooze button once.

Performed my ablutions.

Skipped breakfast in order to squeeze in a trip to Wal-mart to grab some kind of gadget for wrangling network cords – they were all over the place yesterday! (Ever notice things are better when you know where a Wal-mart is? Why is that?)

Snagged some food items as well as a belt and a tank top – today I’ve decided my pants are too big and could kick myself for not going for the size 10 over the 12s…do they make an 11 in women’s sizes – add to that the fact my pink polo shirt is still not my favorite shirt (why is it I can never remember that it doesn’t flatter me at all?) thus the tank top and the belt, a valiant attempt to make myself look and feel better, if only I could be sure it worked.

Headed to the Library, got turned around on the many one-way streets surrounding the library.

Spent the day wrangling cords with wire-ties, more computer stuff, and sundry other housekeeping items.

Had a yummy sandwich for lunch brought to me by the Matthews – with a spicy sweet pickle and an apple.

After work, ventured once again to the Cracker Barrel for dinner, after attempting to cook a microwave dinner with hot water – very unsuccessful.

Tonight’s dinner consisted of broccoli cheese chicken, green beans and baby carrots, not my best dinner.

Discovered that if you’re a party of one you get served much faster than if you’re a party of more.

Ended up buying a green Indiana t-shirt and a cow flashlight keychain to get change for parking tomorrow.

Hope to spend the evening reading Percy Jackson and going to bed early.

Indiana, Day 2

Must have fallen asleep at some point. I think it came right after I realized I’m only comfortable laying flat on my back, blanket tucked under the chin and shoulders, much like a mummy.

Woke up bright and early (literally -- its two hours ahead here, so waking up at 6:00 is like waking up at 4:00) with a sore tailbone (yuck!)

Managed to complete my morning ablutions – I even managed to squeeze in a little Percy Jackson.

Ate breakfast at the hotel cafe and made my way to the Library by 9:00.

Met the missionaries – very nice people — Sisters Greene and Wilkins and Brother and Sister Matthews.

Spent most of the day fielding questions, defragmenting computers and sundry other administrative tasks.

Ate a very strange sandwich for lunch.

Ventured back to the hotel at day’s end.

Discovered Toby had been in an accident on the way to working – “I ruined my car” she says to me when I catch her on the phone. Elphie reduced to carnage – but Toby’s okay, torn rhomboid muscle (and a broken heart – I’ve been there, losing the car you love mostest – thus the heartache when I saw the red VW yesterday).

It could have been much worse, I’m glad it wasn’t.

That’ll teach me to go out of town on a workday! Ventured to the Cracker Barrel once again, this time in the rain to make it a little more interesting.

Once again successfully completed the triangle peg puzzle while waiting for dinner.

Ordered the “Eggs in a Blanket” – which here means, two fried eggs in the middle of two slices of sourdough toast with a side of fried apples and some bacon (at this point I began wondering how much is too much bacon to consume in a 24 hour time period?) Did I mention it was very tasty?

Back to the hotel.

Wrote a few work emails.

Scheduled a baby shower for Becca.

Watched the season finale of Glee (loved it! – yes I’m a “gleek”).

After that, went to bed.

Indiana, Day 1

Flight out delayed one half hour.

Ate scrambled eggs and bacon at the Wolfgang Puck express place in the Airport.

Waited.

Boarded the plane.

Seated between 2 good sized men.

Decided that when I invent an airplane it will have ample seat space.

Read quite a bit of The Lightening Thief”.

Did a more than a few framework puzzles from my puzzle book.

Arrived unscathed in Cincinnati.

Wandered the shops, ate a slice of greasy pizza and boarded the next plane.

Spent 25 minutes in the air before landing safely in Fort Wayne.

Collected my Chevy Cobalt rental car and drooled with envy over the candy apple red VW Beetle sitting in the stall next to it (ah, my heart!)…what would I have to do to get to have that for my rental car?

Successfully located my hotel using my MapQuest direction – which is a feat in and of its self.

Checked into the hotel.

Found my room.

Settled in – yes folks, I even put my clothes in the drawers – somewhat uncharacteristic of me.

Ventured to the Cracker Barrel next door where I had my favorite dish – grilled pork chop with applesauce and mashed potatoes (yum!).

Successfully completed the triangle peg puzzle while waiting for dinner.

Got sucked into the vortex that is the Cracker Barrel store and ended up buying a Wynona CD (all because the sound system was playing “My Strongest Weakness” which is one of my favorite country songs (thanks Marges!) not to mention it helps support wounded soldiers.

Back to the hotel, talked to Toby on the phone, then Mom who had to make sure I’d arrived safely – we chatted while Mikayla fell asleep on the floor.

Then I set my alarm, brushed my teeth, washed my face and crawled into the unexpectedly hard bed.

Found it hard to fall asleep, not only was I in a strange place but I was missing my furry leg warmer Gus.

Just as I was falling asleep, got a text from Andyra wondering if I’d made it safe.

A Busy Day

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the day my flatmate and I met. It's hard to believe it's really been that long and we still can stand the sight of one another.

Today also marks what would have been Elvis's 74th birthday. (I still hold to the idea that the World was just not quite big enough for both Elvis and me, that's why he died just over a year after I was born). If you're completely in the dark and know nothing of Elvis, you can learn everything you ever wanted to know at www.elvis.com (there's even a live camera feed of Graceland, so you can watch and see the exact moment Elvis comes back home). Have I ever mentioned I've been to Graceland? Not actually inside, but my flatmate and I took our picture at the gates and signed our names (along with at least 6 million others) on the walls around Graceland. (This is one place I'd like to go back to and spend a lot more time exploring the city with my camera, maybe make a photo-documentary of the gates of Graceland--but now that I've said it, some one else will beat me to it--or maybe they already have).

The semester started again this week. I've got two classes: Technical Writing and Modern British Literature, which means I'll be in class on Wednesday and Thursday nights, with homework most other nights, throw in a lot of homework and my new church calling (Primary Secretary) I'm thinking the next 15 weeks are going to be a little on the crazy side.

And finally a question for you readers who travel I-15 past Centerville on a daily basis -- Is the traffic just worse on Thursdays? I drove the same route yesterday, same time of day, today it took 20 minutes longer than yesterday. Maybe Thursday is just a bad day for I-15.

A Night at the Opera

Every so often my flatmate decides we need a little bit of cultural enlightment, last year it was the ballet, this year the Opera. She decided we would go see a production of Madame Butterfly. We got all gussied up (as gussied as we get in our world) and headed out for a night on the town.

We arrived a little early at the theatre and got invited to attend a pre-opera lecture where a very well educated lady explained some of the thematic elements of the music and a little of what we would be seeing as the opera progressed. This would prove incredibily worthwhile later on as the entire opera was in Italian!

The music was gorgeous, the scenery was amazing--a single japanese house set on a hillside complete with long grasses that stuck out everywhere--it's kind of hard to explain in words. The kimonos Madame Butterfly wore were fabulous...

The singing in Italian with the subtitles, not so much. It was kind of like watching dubbed Godzilla movie where they take 10 minutes to say a 5 word sentence. I had a hard time keeping up--thankfully I had read the synopsis in the program and had listened to the lecture so I wasn't completely lost.

And did I mention the music...? It was gorgeous (sans the singing). I may have to invest in a instrumental version on Madame Butterfly. But wouldn't recommend listening to it in a warm, dark location...talk about a nap trap! It's rather like watching a yoga video or listening to a Beethoven cd...very relaxing...you're getting very sleepy...

For the record--I DID not fall asleep in the theatre! I reserve all pre-bedtime napping for the recliner when I watch movies at home.

And I can't forget to mention--it's always a very interesting experience to attend the Theatre with what can only be referred to as "seasoned theatre goers". If you've ever been to the theatre you know exactly who I'm talking about...fossilized women in low cut sequin gowns, bearded men in tuxedos, etc., etc., etc. If you love people watching you should go to the theatre some time, just remember as my favorite little sister has so aptly said regarding public commentary, "we should be quiet."

I Can Drive BIG Things

Yesterday I had the opportunity to drive one of the Fleet vehicles to deliver a scanner. I had hoped for a minivan with fold down seats—something not too big—imagine my surprise when I was issued the Ford Club Wagon 350 which boasts seating for 12 with cargo space to boot. I was less than thrilled to think of driving this monster out of the parking lot let alone all the way to O-town. I'm a big sissy when it comes to driving anything bigger than my car…on occasion I drive Marge's Escape without incident, but I'm accustom to my little tiny car. So the thought of sailing this beast was almost too much for me.

I had to be to O-town bright and early (8:30am—it was even my choice!) So I got to take the van home overnight. I was scared to drive this bus alone, so Marge offered to follow me all the way home so I would get there in one piece without killing myself or anyone else. After a 5 minute backing job into our driveway the van sat overnight waiting for my upcoming adventure.

Then next morning the van and I travelled to O-town, finished our work and then back to the Fleet garage without incident. I'm always surprised by the hyper-vigilance that goes into driving a vehicle that doesn't belong to me. I was able to maintain proper following distance, stopping time, and even kept my hands at 10 and 2!

And I have to admit I was a little sad not to be driving "My Van" to work this morning…not that I'm going to go out and buy a Club Wagon anytime soon. I'm not quite ready for that step.

My Week in Review

Today is Paddington Bear's 50th Birthday and Thanksgiving in Canada (or Canadia, as I like to call it).

Yesterday our toilet tank decided to give us a shower. The Toilet Strikes Again FYI -- make sure all hoses are attached in the toilet tank before attempting a "test flush"

Saturday (the day before yesterday) we had company all day long...it was a little like Grand Central Station there for awhile. We had a visit from Pila and Sam, Toby's newlywed Aunt & Uncle, and finally Mr. and Mrs. Evans. We had planned to see Jekyll and Hyde but settled for The Messengers because the prior was sold out. Chili was made and eaten, creepy movie was watched--"watched" is a very loose term...watching a scary movie at our house is kind of like watching Mystery Science Theater 2000--there's always a runnining commentary. After the movie, Stories were told and more laughing was done...ask Mr. Evans about the "one-eyed" cat.

Friday -- a night out. My Flat mate and I went to a dinner sponsered by her boss. There was a delicious chocolate mousse cake. So delicious in fact the chocolate content caused a major-minor migraine the next Morning.

Thursday -- Pretty much a blur as are the previous days of the week...

More than Just an Honorable Mention

U2 deserves more than just a passing comment in the concert list (Thanks, AnJ!)

I have adored U2 since I was a sophomore in High School, I'm not afraid to admit I cut my teeth on The Joshua Tree before discovering the older, equally, if not more fabulous stuff, like Unforgettable Fire. The first boy I dated (dated is a generic term here used to say, I went out with him once) taught me the finer things about U2 and introduced me to the song Bad (Thanks, NW!)

When I finally came into my own and had money burning a hole in my pocket I started buying albums (domestic and imports -- I make it sound like a huge collection, but its kind of weak, I hate to admit)...but that's beside the point.

I like to think of U2 as my first real concert, no offense to Dave Matthews, Hootie (yes, we're on a first name basis), or Tom Petty, but how could they compete with Bono? They can't, 'nough said. I had pre-determined upon learning that Bono and the lads were coming to town that this would be my last hurrah before submitting my mission papers.

As for the date, May 3, 1997 - Rice Eccles Stadium the PopMart tour -- a day that shall forever live in my mind. I was literally less than 30 feet from the stage on the east side of the stadium. I was that close to Bono. (for some it's Sting, but for me it's the oft greasy Bono...what can I say...I've got a crush on him.)

My only regret, the opening act was Rage Against the Machine.

And thanks to the Internet and other slightly more obsessed u2 fans out there you can download the concert at http://www.u2liveconcerts.com/ to enjoy the show for yourself.

(I wonder, if one listened close enough would they be able to hear the fight my petite sister got into with the rude girl who would not kindly move out of the way so my Lizzy could see.)

The Longest Day Ever (flashback - France)

My first impression of Europe is cloudy. That is not to say I have not formulated an opinion yet but that there are a lot of clouds here. Phenomenal clouds. Somehow I managed to catch a few Z's over Ireland. I looked out the window this morning, even though the fasten seat bealts light was on to try to get a glimpse of England but there were too many clouds in the way.



The flight was long and the people next to me talked a lot. I slept maybe two hours last night on the plane and another on the plane to Bordeaux this afternoon. I arrived in France safe and sound and am safely tucked in my hotel room at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux Sud - Pessac. It has been a very long journey. And it's only just begun.

(originally written at 8:06AM Mountain Standard Time -- That's Midnight in France!)

Forget Paris? Not for a long while.

For those of you who have been dying to know how Paris was, here are a few shots from my very brief stint in "The City of Lights." Life is back to normal now (which here means it's totally crazy and hectic) I thought a slideshow might be the best option. Let me just say you should all go to Paris at least once).

Paris...

I was without the internet for the last two days of my travels, so be patient, Paris is yet to come.

France - Day 3 or "So much to Blog, So Little Time"

This morning we met Pierre (yes, a french man named Pierre) who informed us that he could not train us because he was very busy and he does not want to share his microbes (he says pinching his nose to indicate he has a cold). This after he has shaken our hands. Nice Pierre! The bulk of day three was spent inside the orange and yellow office building. We were introduced to a new scanner, which was a very cool machine...a little too complicated for our project, but cool nonetheless.

For lunch we took an excurision 2 kilometers (1.242 miles) to the town center of Pessac, a lovely little place. Upon entering the square I was overwhelmed by the wonderful fragrance of countless flowers, the fresh rainy air and the overall atmosphere of the moment. I only wish there was some way to capture the smells as well as the sights of Europe. Why doesn't home smell this good?

We ate at a small bistro, where once again, the bulk of the menu included only slightly cooked or raw meat. What is with the French and there fascination with raw meat? I find it interesting that the men we are traveling are fearful of branching out and trying something new. They just order the usual beef steak...someone should shake them and remind them this is France! I tried salad with duck...not the best. But there is always dessert to redeem the meal. Ah, Pastries.

After lunch we visited a little pastry shop called Paul. These shops are all over Europe. I splured and spent 1,25 Euro on a Viennese pastry dotted with chocolate. I could not resist! (Even after the apple tart for dessert).

We did not make it to the town center of Bordeaux, however. Our more than gracious hosts had other pressing plans and the weather had turned to rain, it was good to rest in the hotel and get a good nights sleep.

Tianna and I are off to Paris tomorrow. I still can't believe it.