A Little Bit From Beck

Aloha from Kauai

2011-08-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

Kristine and Liz are perfect beach vacation buddies because we are all about the same speed.
Wake up
Workout
Breakfast
Pooltime
Snacks
Beach
Shower
Dinner
Movie/Just Dance
Sleep
Repeat

A girl could get used to this....

We did hike the Na Pali coast all the way to the waterfall.. It was raining all morning, so by the time we started, it was already a muddy slip-and-slide. Hikers returning in the opposite directions made comments on our still clean and bright hiking shoes. We soon got into the thick of it, and chose to embrace the mud. It was really fun. We waded through 6 stream crossings, tromped through the mud, led the pack through the path, and loved every minute. Eight miles and four hours were never so much fun!

In the thick of it.

We had no idea what was in store...

Waimea Canyon

the Grand Canyon of Kauai

Mahalo nui loa Kauai

Canyoneering

2011-07-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

I love to be outside in nature, but I am sorry to say, I haven't spent much time in the great outdoors in the last few years. That really is a shame, because it's where I feel the most like me. I think growing up in the sticks will do that to you. :)

In the end of June, I went for a quick tip to Las Vegas and Zion National Park. I have a few things to say on this: I haven't been to Las Vegas with a friend - only for work. What a difference that makes! Holly and I walked and shopped 'til we dropped. I had a great time. Still, Sin City can live up to it's name. It's not very hard to get hints of the seediness that takes place. I also haven't been to Zion since I went with my family and friends (shout out to the Goldtowners) as a teenager. The red rock walls I remembered did not disappoint. It is a beautiful park. This recent trip was very short, but I was able to try something new: canyoneering. We hiked and had 7 repels of approximately 100 ft. Wohoo!

In this next picture, please observe that my feet are above my head. That is NOT what you want to have happen. :) It was my first drop, and obviously I got it wrong at first. Not to worry, I was able to right myself shortly thereafter.

After the first one, I got the hang of it. I really had a GREAT time. I loved it. I felt pretty relaxed. (Although this next picture doesn't show it too well. I think I look a little stiff. I remember being less comfortable holding myself still for multiple pictures.)

This was one of our last repels. It was one of my favorites. Look at how the boulder is wedged. So cool. It was a sweet view to look up at as I descended.

Holly and I had a few war wounds (cuts and bruises) to show for our efforts.
It was worth it.

In full swing

2011-07-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed, I have been ridiculously out-of-date and neglectful in my postings. Thank you for coming back even though it's been months. The spring was busy with family stuff (which has settled a bit) and then a lot of work trips. (Not really blog worthy stuff.) I started to get back into fun adventures in the last few weeks. I just posted the Yosemite trip. Enjoy. ( I didn't want three posts in one day - thus the post dating trick.) I'll be adding a few more adventures in the next little bit.
Again, thanks for stopping by.

Yosemite

2011-06-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise,
a glitter of green and golden wonder
in a vast edifice of stone and space.
Ansel Adams

In June,
I was able to spend a few days with friends in Yosemite and the surrounding area.
We enjoyed the grandeur of God's creation mainly through hiking. It was glorious.
I would like to say that we also enjoyed camping, but the villa was too amazing to resist. No roughing it this time. We gorged ourselves on gourmet meals, pampered sore muscles in a hot tub, relaxed with books on the lakeshore, watched movies in a home theater, rocked out with SingStar, and created memories to last a lifetime.
I am blessed with amazing friends with whom adventure abounds and laughter follows.

Fáilte, Welcome to Ireland

2011-03-15T09:56:00.001-07:00

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

And the rains fall soft upon your fields

'til we meet again

May God hold you in His hands

It felt as though an Irish blessing bestowed upon me in my travels to Ireland with my mother and aunt. We traveled the countryside, navigated Dublin traffic, sailed a ferry, walked in the rain, ate by candlelight, listened to a jig, laughed like children, and slept like queens. Every person we encountered was friendly, generous, and kind.

Slán go fóill

Goodbye for now Ireland.
I will return.

I've got skills, well kind of.

2011-01-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

Not yet.
( Maybe by next year.)
I thought I'd share some of my goals in the hopes of making myself accountable.
I am excited to start a few of these:

* Cooking *

I'd like to prepare more real meals for myself. As much as I love celery and hummus, a proper meal, it isn't. I hope to make a balanced meal once a week. I am looking forward to trying recipes that look delicious. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I am expecting to share my successes (and failures) with you on here as the year progresses. :)

*Sewing*

I wish I had the time to take a weekly class with a couple of my friends. I don't. I hope to find friends to help teach me, or maybe I can learn through a book or something. At least I will start out by trial and error. My lovely little sewing machine from a couple Christmases ago has not seen as much use as I would have liked. I am eager to create new and alter existing items in my closet.

*Photography*

I adore my camera, but I haven't learned how to really use it. An instructional book from L&J has been great to help me understand it a bit more. I hope to put my knowledge into use. Along those same lines, I have Photoshop, and I haven't utilized it. I really want to take great pictures and make them amazing. My photographs from travels around the world and of my family are some of my most treasured possessions. I need to finish them properly.

This isn't all I am working on, but I think that is enough sharing for now.
Hopefully I'll update with proof of projects soon.

Resolve for a Resolution

2010-12-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and family. After a bit of a break, I think I may be back to blogging. I haven't felt inspired in blog posts or even a desire to blog at all, in quite a while. I am sorry.

With 2011 approaching, I am trying to find out what I really want from the coming year. I usually sail through my life, only making corrections when I feel pointed in the wrong direction. I like to go where the currents take me. It's served me well, and I am happy as a result. Still, I am evaluating if that is what I want to do for the immediate future. I am getting a hankering to captain my ship a bit more and decide where I really want to go.I am not sure if there will be any major modifications, but I hope to be more of the person I know I can be. I am grateful for your support and generosity in my life thus far. I'd love to have you all along for the ride ahead.

Veterans Day

2010-11-10T22:35:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day can easily pass without many of us doing much. I regret not getting involved with my local VA hospital this year. I would like to do more for the men and women who have served and currently serve our country. I am conscious to say thank you when I see a person in uniform. I also give thanks to elderly men with hats commemorating ships or carriers, as well as Vietnam vets in vests or jackets with patches signifying divisions and places. Hopefully next year I'll have more to report than just writing my thanks.

Here are a few pictures from an overnight in November a couple of years ago:

These videos are a nice (albeit a little cheesy) way to teach and remind me about Veterans Day.

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-a-Dee-Ay

2010-10-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

"My, oh my! What a wonderful day! "

Disneyland still is a magical place.
One would think after all this time Walt Disney's dream would be tarnished and faded with the increase of commercialism, crowds, and cost. Yes, all those factors are present, but there is an underlying theme of magic that still comes to the surface. This joy and happiness is reflected in the faces of street sweepers, performers, ride operators, and children.

Our littles were no exception:

We were thrilled to have a Jedi-in-training in our family. Thank heavens Carson was there to save us from Darth Vader:

We've grown large enough to warrant an official family reunion - cool matching T-shirt included. We have one opening for a tall, dark, and handsome male - size L.

We didn't have plenty of sunshine but that didn't deter us from fun at the beach. Everything was satisfactual:

Wonderful feeling.Wonderful Day!

Ti adoro l'Italia

2010-08-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

Italy.
Everything you've read, watched, or dreamed about is true.
Italy is lovely. I am grateful to have visited Italy three times. The most recent visit was just 2 weeks ago. My friend Liz and I spent the first five days exploring Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio with a rental car from a home base in Soriano nel Cimino. The final three days were spent in Rome. I loved driving in the countryside exploring villages and towns. Our little yellow Fiat served us well. (I am so grateful we returned the car before our days in Rome. There are some crazy drivers there! I also loved that we took the train to Florence. There is something perfect and charming about riding a train in Europe - it doesn't matter where. A trip to Europe wouldn't have felt complete without it.)

I thought I'd try these collages. It'll be easier to get an idea without having to scroll through a ton of photographs. You may click each collage to see it a bit larger. If there are any individual pictures you would like to see full size, let me know, and I'll send them to you.

Day 1: Soriano nel Cimino

charming, quiet, small, perfect

Day 2: Viterbo, Montefiascone, Bolsena, Orvieto

All were charming in their own right, but I've had a soft spot for Orvieto since I visited with Lissy and Mom on a frozen January afternoon years ago.

Day 3:Pienza

My favorite. It's everything I dreamed a Tuscan village would be. Perfection.

Day 3: Siena (which I don't have pictures of, yet. I left my camera in the car, outside the old city center walls. It was lovely and the main square reminded me of Piazza San Marco in Venice.)

San Gimignano and Volterra

S.G. is a mideval city with multiple tall towers, which sits on a hill above vineyards
Volterra was known for its alabaster craftsmanship before the days of Stephanie Meyer. My drive to Volterra was the most fun because it was a really winding two lane road, which made me feel like a superstar because I was the one doing the passing.

Day 4: Perugia, Assisi, Bevagna

Perugia is home to Baci and other chocolate delights, Assisi is home to an astounding concentration of churches for a small town, and Bevagna is just a small village that is home to small number of Italians. We stopped there last and it was during the siesta hours of 1:00 pm and 5:00pm, so we were out of luck.
Speaking of which: The Italians are serious about their summer siestas. Liz and I became somewhat used to it. It is a bit strange because there is a ghost town feeling. In a more romantic light, it feels like a fairytale when the whole village is put under a sleeping spell. The streets are empty, stores are closed, and there is no noise. The only people I would see were one or two other whispering tourists walking around aimlessly.

Day 5: Florence

The beauty of Florence is its artistic heart. I was so grateful Liz was a repeat visitor as well, so we breezed past queues and only visited the Uffizi Gallery. We wandered the streets, ate gelato, and tried to avoid the overwhelming swarms of tourists

Last 3 days: Rome

Cliched, but I do feel this way about Rome:
"Each, in its own way, was unforgettable. It would be difficult to - Rome! By all means, Rome. I will cherish my visit here in memory as long as I live. " Roman Holiday

I have always loved Rome. It came as a surprise on my first visit over 10 years ago. This visit was full of familiarity. Liz and I were easily deterred from the museums because of the crowds. Three hour long queues are not how we wanted to spend our holiday. We, again, wandered streets, taste-tested gelato, sipped frizzante water, and lounged at meals for hours.

Grazie per la vostra ospitalità, Italia.

technical difficulties

2010-08-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

I am apologizing for my lack of posts. It's not that I have nothing to post, just the opposite, but my trusty netbook is on the fritz. Lame. It's just enough of an annoyance, that I have been avoiding typing. My iphone has been my mode to internet communication as of late.

I have enjoyed a week in Italy. I can't wait to share pictures. I also had a week of fun with my brothers at home. I'll be writing about both of these in the next couple days. Stay tuned, while we pause for technical difficulties. :)

Goodbye to an old friend

2010-06-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Pleasant Ridge Elementary School said goodbye to its last batch of Roadrunners this year.
After 50 years of operation, the need for budget cuts was too great to keep PR afloat. It makes me sad.
Three years ago Pleasant Ridge was facing closure. I sent a letter to Mrs. Rooney (Gallager) to share my feelings at the time. Here's some of what I wrote:

....My mother just mentioned the possibility of P.R. closing in the next year. I am saddened to think of our beloved Pleasant Ridge closed. It holds many fond childhood memories for my family and me. All of my five siblings, from Trevor (who will be 39 this year) down to Adam ( who is 28), attended Pleasant Ridge. We all have so many experiences there that are part of our personal histories. It is the place that helped make us what we are.

I have many memories from my own time there, and in the subsequent years when I would visit my mother. If I close my eyes I can visualize opening one of the the heavy double doors that led to the office.The hot outside air would mix with the distinct air from inside the main building. I used to soak in the change of temperature in the cool, dark foyer. I loved looking at the bulletin board to see which students had artwork displayed. Before lunch, the office would smell of hot lunches. There was always a loving and familiar face to greet me: Gayla, Mrs. Fowler, or any of the teachers passing through. I guess that is one of the hardest parts in the prospect of Pleasant Ridge closing. The staff has changed a little, but has always been outstanding and a constant source of support.

Visiting there has always brought a feeling of returning home. That is the benefit to growing up in a small community. We tend to have familiar faces in familiar places doing familiar activities. I loved making acorn bread on Pioneer Day, or enjoying the end of the year assembly on the outside stage, or having the Fun Day BBQ in the front - down near the fence.We even had a hot air balloon launch from the soccer field. I cannot imagine how much time was spent outside on the playground. I know the crunching sound and feel of the gravel, from hopping off a swing. I know the feel of the bars in the jungle gym. I know how hot the pavement gets in the spring when we would play four square. These are memories that have lasting effects. I felt like I could be anyone and do anything. I was inspired by the atmosphere created for me.
As an adult, I realize that these places of safety and freedom for a child are rare. I know that I am not the only student of Pleasant Ridge to feel this way. I want Pleasant Ridge to last longer. There are more years of imagination to spark and of dreams to fulfill in that very special place. I wish I had children to send to Pleasant Ridge, but I do not. I know that there are many parents in the community who do. Please allow them the time and opportunity to try to save their school. Pleasant Ridge is worth the effort.

I know that my little letter wasn't the reason it stayed open, but it still felt good to write it. I am so grateful that the local kids had a few more years of Pleasant Ridge magic. More than anything, I want to say thank you to the fantastic faculty through the years. It's amazing how little things changed. Thanks for the memories -you terrific old school.

Trev's kindergarten teacher Mrs. Byerly, Mrs.Tucker, Mom, and Cindy Tucker

Mr. McVicker, Mr. Smart, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hale

Mr. Reynolds and Mr.Butler

Patti Evers, Mrs. Hunt, Pete, Mom, Mrs. MacTaggart, Al, (and a lady I don't know)

The sweet janitors Pete and Al

The old stage now

and then... (Laura or Lissy getting an award)

Mom, Curtis, Lissy, & Adam 10 years (or more) ago

It is fitting that Pleasant Ridge is closing because I cannot imagine it without my mom. After 27 years, Mrs Sanders is retiring. Mom is an integral part of PR. She was never scary or stern. She is quick to laugh and smile, yet she still was clearly there to teach and help kids. Students respected and loved her. She has been the recipient of many hugs followed by, "You are my favorite teacher."
Mom, you're my favorite teacher too.

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

USS MIDWAY

2010-06-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

On my overnight in San Diego last week, I finally went to tour the USS Midway aircraft carrier. It was in service from 1945-1992.
It was pretty awesome afternoon with my crew.

Oh, Mexico

2010-06-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

It sounds so simple I just got to go

The sun's so hot I forgot to go home
Guess I'll have to go now
-James Taylor

I had a fantastic week in Cancun, Mexico with my friends Liz and Kristine. We stayed at a Westin. Not too shabby of a view from our room, eh?

swimming in a cenote

Chichen Itza and Ek Balam

Good times

The Happiest Place On Earth

2010-05-18T15:35:00.001-07:00

I love road trips. I think because I can fly so easily, I miss the conversations and interactions of hours on the road. Almost two weeks ago some of my closest friends and I headed to SoCal for the weekend.We rented a house in HB and spent a day at Disneyland and day at the beach.

The boys really hadn't been to Disneyland since childhood, if at all.
They were really good sports.

(Why is it that girls still want to be princesses?)

Pu-lease. What am I saying?! The boys got into it just as much as us girls:

We thought we'd have a bit of fun....

California Adventure was a great break from the larger crowds at Disneyland. Plus, Soarin' over California just makes you (me) proud to be from the Golden State.

It was a fantastic time with really great friends.

Peruvian Adventures

2010-04-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

I just returned from 11 days in Peru. It was trip full of majestic views, gourmet food, loads of laughter, panting (out of breath) hikes, and all modes of transportation.
I can't believe it's already over.

Me, Tara, Amber, Amanda, and Kimberly in the Sacred Valley.

You don't even know how much I LOVED holding this little guy. It was only 4 days old. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen. I almost cried. (I 'm not kidding.)

I still am not 100% sure- I think this is a baby llama, not a alpaca.

Kimberly, Tara, Amanda, and I glamming (or hamming) it up in the main square in Cusco, Peru.
In actuality, there was a real photo shoot with models going on at the same time. (Some of us couldn't resist striking a pose.)

Peru is full of Incan ruins. Every place we visited was really interesting (and each seemed to be in the shape of a puma - or so we were told. Numerous times.)

Machu Picchu

I know this looks superimposed, but it's not. I was really there in Machu Picchu.

We spent the night in the Amazon. We had a lot of different animal encounters.

This is a view from an island on Lake Titicaca.

Christopher, who lives on a reed island on Lake Titicaca

All in all, it was a fantastic vacation.

(Yeah, we said at the time, that this may look a little like that Wilson Phillips album cover. Good times.)

Birthday blessings

2010-03-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

sunny skies
fresh snow
tall trees
favorite tunes
txts
birthday serenades
nephews singing
good food
great books
fun friends
loving family
peace

Funny Business

2010-03-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

Today was a hilarious day at work.
My Captain and First Officer are really friendly and funny; we had a great rapport from the start.
Rick (the FO) had serenaded the plane at the start of each leg.
After boarding, but before we pushed back on our last flight of the day, he told the passengers that he had proposed last night - to me!
He then sang," You are so beautiful to me...."
The passengers LOVED it.
Combine that, with the fact that he got down on one knee and sang "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling."
It was hysterical.
(Of course I was beet red.)
People were txting their friends and congratulating us.
I didn't have the heart to let people know that it was all a joke. Mainly I just smiled, laughed, and said thank you to all the well wishers.
(Someone did ask if this was "for real" and I honestly answered no.)
It made for a fun day.
This is why I love my job. I work with lively people who make memories instead of just making time pass.
[By the way, Rick is happily married with two children. We (the crew) all knew it was just for fun. I told him it's a good thing that it was our last leg, because there would have been retribution.]

This was about as bad as the time a fellow flight attendant told passengers that I had just signed a record deal! It was just before Christmas, and he sweetly shared the news with the passengers. He asked them to ask me to sing a Christmas song. It was a through flight (multiple stops) so the requests continued all day long.
I felt awful turning down so many sweet requests from grandmas, parents, and children.That flight attendant got me. I could never top his brilliant trick.
Like I said - Fun times abound.

MissMom

2010-02-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

I spent the last two weeks with these rugrats.
It was so much fun to be Aunt Beck and help take care of them. It gives me a greater appreciation for my mother and all the mothers that I know. You are amazing women. Really, I cannot praise mothers enough for such tireless and neverending service.
I will admit that I was a little giddy when I returned to my own home and could crawl into bed.
A whole lot of fun with a whole lot of redheads:

New little Rowan:

Little Noelle:

I want to be a ballerina

2010-01-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

Go to the ballet.
It will make you a 5 year old again.
Who wouldn't want the be the ethereal girl floating and twirling almost magically onstage?

I'm so lucky to be able to attend the ballet (somewhat) regularly each year. I don't think I've ever missed seeing at least one program from the SF ballet since moving to the bay area over 10 years ago. This season started with the quintessential classic, Swan Lake. I've seen it before, but SF just changed the costumes and sets in 2009. It was gorgeous. I wanted so many of the Napoleanic dresses for myself. It was a feast for the eye yet still classic and elegant.
This video doesn't do justice for the pas de deux between Odette and the Prince. In fact, it doesn't show any footage of Odette (in the white swan tutu.) It really was perfection. Yuan Yuan Tan is perfection.
How is it fair that some people are so ridiculously graceful, limber, and tiny?
I know the reality of my situation. I will never grace the stage of the War Memorial Opera House.
(But that hasn't stopped me from twirling in front of a mirror a few times since Saturday.)

The big bang theory

2010-01-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

Every little while I seem to get an itch for change....
Change of job?

Change of residence?

Change of lifestyle?
Change of size?
How about the easiest change of all?
Yep.
Hair.
Even in that, I seem to take the easy way.
Bangs.
The bangs are back in town.

One decision down, a million to go

2010-01-04T17:18:00.000-08:00

I've made an executive decision for my life : I have no desire to live in freezing temperatures. I am in Minneapolis right now and it's supposed to get to -17 tonight. When we landed it was -4 degrees. No, thank you.
I am so glad that there are millions of people who will brave through frigid temperatures for the winter months.
I have just decided that I'll try to never be one of them. Right now, while I am making my decisions independently, I say no to cold winters. Done.
(At least that's what I say now... Life can change.)

The holiday roundup

2010-01-03T18:52:00.001-08:00

A week or so after Thanksgiving, NorCal was hit with a major winter storm. It finally made it feel like Christmas was coming.....

(My parents' home. I was so bummed to miss out on the fun. )

I shouldn't have worried about missing the snow, because I spent Christmas in Utah for the first time in my life. Brrrr. It was beautiful and snowy, but FREEZING.

It was fun to have a family party before Christmas and still be able to visit with a few family members at their homes Christmas morning.

I've missed highlighting my awesome nephew and niece who are 17 and 15. They are a so fun to hang out with.

Tucker

Sadey

Trev, Cody, Tucker, and Sadey

Curtis, Tami, Carson, Summer, Tanner

Laura, Josh, Noah, Clara

Jon and Peg

I inadvertently didn't take any pictures of Lissy and Mark. I am lame. They were one of the main reasons I even came out to Utah in the first place. So sorry.

The other BIG reason to be in Utah was....
little Noelle

Kjelly was really excited to meet his sister. He adores her already.

A new addition to the family was a perfect way to end a lovely family holiday ( and the year! )

fall faces to be thankful for

2009-12-05T01:59:00.000-08:00

It was a glorious Thanksgiving weekend. Thank you to Laura's and Adam's families for coming home.
Lively children, beautiful weather, and great company - that's all I need.

It was a joy to be with members of my family.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

2009-11-22T20:55:00.000-08:00

Sunshine.
Ocean.
Shopping.
Good food.
Great friends.
Perfect weekend.

I am in love

2009-11-10T16:07:00.000-08:00

with this little guy.

Kjell and I spent the weekend enjoying the sights of San Diego.
( Yeah, we included his mom and dad too.)
Kjell is such a fun little guy! He is funny, sweet, silly, and tender.
I loved that he let me in and allowed me to be his buddy.

Sea World:

The beach/coast was as much fun for Ad as it was for Kjell.

The zoo was awesome too.

I am honored to have been invited on Adam and Darcie's family vacation. It was a wonderful weekend. Thank you A & D for including me and sharing Kjelly. I miss him already.

Once, actually TWICE, in a lifetime experience

2009-11-01T19:10:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I went skydiving with a group of friends. This was my second dive at Skydive Monterey Bay. (The first time was about 8 years ago.) It was an awesome experience then and now. I loved it all. It was my second time with Raf as my divemaster too. He has jumped over 12,000 times. Crazy!
We jumped at an altitude of 18,000 feet. That's the highest an inexperienced person can go tandem. I think.
The pictures prove just how much I loved jump #2. I also have the 6 minute video of the jump - if you have the time.

There's one born every minute...

2009-10-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Yep. That's me. Call me a sucker or a fool - for both are apt.
I have been stopped three times on streets in Palo Alto or Redwood City by Greenpeace workers.
I have always listened intently and declined a recurring donation request.
I am not sure what happened today. Okay, maybe I do. :) Maybe it was the tall, slightly grungy, blue eyed, perfect teeth smiling guy that stopped me on the street in Seattle. I called him out on his blatant flattery, but he read me from the get-go. We talked about Utah, Nor-Cal, New Zealand, Australia, and Indonesia. He knows my job and where I live. I know his hometown, his next job, and what his aunt does for a living. After a half an hour of talking, I gave in and just signed the stupid paper to extricate myself. Yikes! That boy sure knows what he's doing. He can get anything he wants. The funny thing is, I knew what he was doing and yet I still did it! Yeah, I am a sucker to be charmed by the granola guy on the street, but believe me - not many women would be able to resist. (Don't worry, I'll cancel the donation after a month. It's a worthy cause, but I just can't afford it.) After I walked away I thought, " What did I just do?!" I have been laughing to myself over it for the last hour :)
Be warned: Ian is going to be a server in Alta Ski resort this winter.You might find yourself with a hefty bill and leaving an overly generous tip, if you're not careful. ;)

Keep 'em coming

2009-09-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

Last Monday was a gorgeous day in Seattle. Today was a pretty great day in San Diego. I think I'm on a roll....
I couldn't resist a little pool time. Who says it's almost October?
(This picture was taken of my reflection in the mirrored window.)

I walked around the waterfront with two of our pilots (who are Navy guys) that I met on the van to the hotel. We ate at this Kansas City BBQ place that was filmed in Top Gun. Remember Goose playing the piano? That's the one. A fire gutted it a few years ago, but it was rebuilt and new memorabilia was added. (It's still a dive.)

(I had been out at the pool when I met up with the guys, so I was in a swimsuit coverup/dress as we walked. I looked a bit sleazy too. Perfect for the atmosphere, I guess.)

The Aircraft carrier Midway. I will definitely tour it next time I'm here. I love these things.

It was a lovely day to be outside.

The beach is only thing that would have made it perfect. Maybe next time I'll head there...
As I'm typing, here is my view: You can't beat it.

Just another day at the office.

I get paid to do this?!

2009-09-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

Who needs vacation, with a job like mine?
I had an eight hour day on the plane, yet I was still able to spend the day in Seattle. Crazy, huh? The beauty of coming from the east is the arrival time in the west. I couldn't let a 5 a.m. lobby time (central) spoil my sunny and warm day in Seattle. I set off on public transportation at 1:00 pm. and was on the waterfront by 2:00. Writing this, I am sitting in my hotel, amazed by the ease of my travels and the beauty of the city.
Today was a glorious day.
Since the weather was in the mid 80's, it seemed as though all the inhabitants of the city were outside enjoying the sunshine. I was just another partaker.
I may to need preface that food is a favorite part of enjoying a destination. :)
First, I had passionfruit gelato as I walked to Pike Street Market. Along the way, I made a detour into KuKuRuZa, a gourmet popcorn store. I enjoyed talking to this nice girl employee.
(who is in this picture)
As I was paying for some popcorn, the really hot manager/owner/diligent worker interjected and asked if I lived in Seattle. After I answered no, he smiled and said,
" Too bad. You seem like fun."
HELLO?!
I would move to Seattle for you! ( Or for men like you.)
Is that how it happens for people? A friendly conversation on a sunny day turns into a possible date?
Whatever it is, I like it.

Once in the market, I bought (and ate) a basket of cherry tomatoes.....

I then walked along the waterfront to Ivar's for some delicious fish and chips. Just recently, they found a sign in the ocean that advertised Ivar's clam chowder for 75 cents.
Ivar's is currently honoring that original price. (I took one to go.)

After my progressive lunch, I decided to work off some calories shopping.
No pictures. (No evidence.)

I headed back to the hotel on the bus with all the local commuters. It was still daylight, so I took this picture out my hotel window:

Dinner of Champions:

I couldn't have asked for a better day.
I am blessed and lucky to have a job I love, while interacting with wonderful people and exploring lovely cities.

The Great Outdoors

2009-09-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

I know that I am a bit biased, but I love Northern California. Seriously. This place is amazing. With very little effort we were hiking in redwood forests and camping near the beach. I spent some time in Big Sur this weekend. We wished it could have been a longer stay, but it really was awesome- even for a limited time. I probably enjoyed one of my best hikes (in recent history.) Melissa and Liz made the trip full of laughter and fun. Our adventures included motorcycle clubs, the bike buddies bike race, and a troubadour with a bunny on his head - not to mention camping, hiking, and relaxing on the beach. I can't wait to do it again soon.

Getting that old itch

2009-08-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

It's been months since I went on vacation. Right now, I find myself with over a week off. Instead of going to visit family, picking up extra work, or staying around to be social I am contemplating a last minute vacation. I was this close to buying a ticket to Australia last night. Clearer thinking stopped me. I don't know though... you might just hear from me from some beach somewhere. We'll see.

California Trails

2009-08-17T09:50:00.001-07:00

Lissy and Mark came to California for a few days. We hit our favorite spots in the Bay Area (Santa Cruz and San Francisco) before heading home to the Gold Country.

The Boardwalk (with the smoke from the Lockheed fire on the horizon.)

The girls at Pigeon Point light house:

Mom came (by train!) to join us in the city and we did all the old things we use to do as kids. (Coit tower, Lombard Street, Chinatown, steamed whole crab from Fisherman's Grotto to picnic with, Palace of Fine Arts) Mark was a good sport as we each acted like an expert and told him everything we knew about the city and it's history. It is pretty great. I think we're justified in bragging. :)

The Nevada County fair holds some of my favorite childhood memories. Although I have moved on from the carnival rides, I am still in love with the fried zucchini, the local bluegrass music, the livestock, and (most of all) the setting of majestic pine trees.

It was great to go with Dad and Mom. It had been years. Aren't they so cute?

A Real Discovery to Download

2009-07-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

Listen to a song.

I am constantly buying new music and looking for unknown (to me and the general public) artists.I usually then share my finds with a few friends. My latest favorite group is Adam and Darcie. I know that I'm a bit biased because Adam is my brother and Darcie is my sister-in-law, but they are really talented. I like them as much, if not more than, most of the other music I buy. So I am sharing my find. Their second album California Trail is awesome.It's pretty chill yet really beautiful. I just want more people to hear them.
Here's some info and links:
interview
http://www.newdust.com/

Someone in Ireland heard their album, LOVED it, and wanted to release it over there. Pretty cool. Here's an interview from over there
http://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Interviews/tabid/106/EntryId/1116/Adam-and-Darcie.aspx

http://www.myspace.com/adamanddarcie

Happy listening.

A Bit of Broadway, a little Beach, and rockin' Band

2009-07-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Tara was in town for a couple of days, so we had a jam packed weekend. Tara always makes things a bit more fun. She loves to be active, but she's also okay chillin' at home. It was an adventure for the few days we had together.

Saturday: Ann's for breakfast, visting with Marisa in the afternoon, and Wicked that night.

Sunday was church ( which is always hysterical when we're all together with the boys,)
BBQ, and Amanda's peach pie with friends.

Monday: Tara and her friends Beach Day ( observed by many employers...)
Santa Cruz had perfect weather and our usual Zoccoli's sandwich and Marianne's ice cream were perfect as well.
We made it home in time for Coldplay at Shoreline.

It was pretty awesome to have the group come up into the lawn section to sing a few songs. I wish our pictures were better, but you get the point.

Awesome.

Fourth of July

2009-07-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

I am having a fabulous Fourth of July. While I type this up, I am watching celebrations on television (which I really love.) It was a fun filled day. First, Mom,Dad, and I went to Nevada City for a growers market. (We really loved the nectarines and peaches, as you can see in the photograph.)

The Nevada County Parade was hosted by Grass Valley this year.
I have to say how much I enjoyed sitting on the curb of Main Street, watching the veterans, firetrucks, classic cars, jr high bands,rodeo horses, gymnastic groups, old military vehicles, food co-op groups, and the Ophir prison marching band pass.

Some things never change.... Scouts selling cold drinks.
Dad let these boys know what troup started it all years ago. I am sure that they appreciated it :)

At Dad's behest, we had a picnic of pasties at the Northstar Mine park.

Our evening was spent with old time good friends. (Really, a sweet woman introduced me to her daughter-in-law by telling my birth weight and premature birth story.) I loved celebrating in my hometown with Mom and Dad.
It was a really great day.
(Thanks to my iphone, I could document today. I forgot my real camera.)

Return of the King (or at least the little Prince)

2009-06-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Adam came to NorCal for a quick visit last weekend. It's awesome to spend time together at home. We played frisbee at Forest Lake at twilight, enjoyed Ghirardelli brownies, ate Adam's German pancakes, looked at homes in Nevada City and Grass Valley, ate at Tofanelli's, rode quads around the property,drove tractors at Dad's, ate blackberry pie from Machados, and had a mini Father's Day breakfast.
I couldn't resist Adam's request. I am so glad I didn't. It was a fabulous 36 hours.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

2009-06-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

Kristine and I both had the day off on Thursday to enjoy at our leisure. We went along Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay and stopped along our way south. First off was Pescadero. We enjoyed the famous Arcangeli Grocery's artichoke garlic herb bread. (Fun side note: It's still a family business.Young Mitch at the register is the great grandson of the original Arcangeli.)
The bread lived up to the hype. It was awesome.

It was a little piece of paradise to sit on a picnic bench in the green backyard with the sun on our backs - eating our warm delicious bread.

Next we got some Olallieberry pie to go from Duarte's. (Which is also a bit famous.)

Our final stop in Pescadero was Harley Farms Goat Dairy. It was charming and picturesque. Dee was a friendly host. The goat cheeses were readily available to sample. The cheese rounds were decorated with wildflowers. It seemed a shame to ruin the beauty to eat one.

Pigeon Point lighthouse has always been a favorite stop of mine. The weather was bright and clear. It was the perfect place to enjoy our Olallieberry pie.

Finally, we picked sun-ripened strawberries at Swanton. It couldn't have been a better day.

Drop in visitor

2009-06-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

I love that I have the freedom to have a drop in visit with my sisters. I spent 24 hours in Utah visiting Laura and Lissy . It was a sisters night on Friday. Both husbands were out of town, and even Noah was gone too. (I guess that makes it a girls night.) It was awesome. We don't need to really do anything, but doing nothing is still fun when we're together. Nothing is as easy or as fun as being with my sisters. It was such a great experience, I cannot wait until the boys are away again.

My Memorial Day (and Normandy) tribute

2009-05-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

I am proud to be an American.
A brass band paying patriotic music, a retired and wrinkled man in his military cap, or a soldier in fatigues or dress clothes all make me a little misty.
Memorial Day is probably my favorite holiday (after the big three: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.) My heart swells to see men and women honored for their service to our country at home and abroad. This is my main reason for this posting.
I gained a greater appreciation for the service our servicemen render to the world for humanity's sake during my trip to France.
I have read numerous books on U.S. history, and in particular, WWII. I knew all about the timeline of events leading up to the Allied invasion on the Normandy beaches in 1944. My latest read, The Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan was an excellent book to prepare and inform me. I also highly enjoyed The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman. ( This takes place in Warsaw, Poland and it was poignant to read in that general region in March. It helped broaden my vision of life under Nazi occupation.)
I cannot write all of my thoughts of my visit, but I will try to share a few. I found the cycle of life to be a bit strange. Sixty years later, I was on a German airline flying from San Francisco to Frankfurt and then on to Paris. I was reading a book onboard about U.S. forces fighting Germany in the country of France, while being served by the most pleasant German hostesses. I flew over countryside and farmland which routes were no doubt frequented by bombers and fighter planes from both sides. It's strange how much things change in the course of one person's lifetime. When I visited Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, and Utah beaches it was hard to imagine the events that began at midnight on June 6, 1944. The only remnants are cement blocks from the harbor created in the bay of Arromanches.

I learned that the French people (contrary to current sentiment) were deeply affected and profoundly grateful to the young men who gave their lives for the liberation of a country and its people on the other side of the world. Every town and village I drove through has a plaque or a monument to honor the particular day of its liberation.

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial felt like coming home. The memorial gives honor and respect to those who died in northern France. The museum with artifacts and videos was heartfelt and personal. It was a sobering yet tender visit that I will never forget. Truly, France, Europe, and the world would not be what they are today without the sacrifice of men from the Allied forces. We are a country that in its core values, tries to help those who cannot fight for themselves. I think this continues today. I am and will be eternally grateful to the men and women of the Armed Forces.

This quick video will help you to experience a bit without being there in person.

Perfection

2009-05-07T11:21:00.001-07:00

Tanner Kingston Sanders
May 6th, 2009
7 lbs * 20 inches

It doesn't matter how many nieces or nephews I have; each baby is a perfect new addition to our family. I haven't had a chance to meet him in person yet, but he seems to look a lot like Curtis and Carson already.
I can't stop smiling, yet just seeing pictures of him has made me a bit misty too.
Well done Tami and Curtis.

je t'aime France

2009-04-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

There is too much for me to say about my fabulous 16 day France vacation. I won't even try to give detailed itinerary information. We went north to Normandy and the D-Day beaches (which I'll blog about next time.) Then to the Loire river valley and the chateaux of the area. Next, we stayed in the Dordogne River region. Finally, we drove to Provence. We traveled 3,900 km through mountains, valleys, villages, and cities.
Please check out Kristine's blog for a more detailed account of our trip. She has three or four entries that are really interesting.

I was overwhelmed by the glory of nature. I have never experienced such brightness in light and color.

We pulled over from driving to take a few pictures on a couple of occasions. Amazingly, we never ceased to be awestruck. Whether we were in a quaint village or the sprawling grounds of a chateau, we appreciated everything.

Here are some snapshots with the girls. These actually are in reverse chronological order. Veronica was there for the first four days and Julia for the remaining nine.

Arles (Julia, me, Kristine, Beth)

Mont Saint Michel (Beth, Veronica, me, Kristine)

One day in Avignon, the mistral (HEAVY) wind blew forcefully enough that Kristine and I wrapped our wraps around our waists:

Please forgive me for not sharing details. I just wanted to make sure that I posted quickly. It was an unforgettable trip

"I love Paris in the Springtime..."

2009-04-11T12:51:00.001-07:00

"I love Paris in the springtime."
This line from a song keeps going through my head. It started when Kristine and I rode bikes in the early afternoon sunshine. (Velib: pick up and drop off rental bikes ALL over town. GENIUS.)
I totally had a moment. ( You know, a PERFECT moment in time that you can never forget.)

We rode up and around the canal.

Could this day be more beautiful?

For Kristine's birthday, we celebrated at Laduree (a patissier, chocolatier,confiseur tea room place) with the most amazing desserts.

These were as delicious as they look.

We had such a great time that we did an encore ride in the early evening...

Perfection.
I love Paris in the springtime......

Kjell's Luau

2009-03-29T18:57:00.001-07:00

Kjelly had his birthday bash Palmer style. It was awesome. We enjoyed fantastic food, sweet decorations and cakes, fun games, gorgeous weather, and lots of family togetherness. Darcie and Ad went all out. Thank you for the memorable spring day.

Kjell really liked his cake ( until he realized a crowd was watching him.)

His Daddy made sure he was hydrated with all that sunshine. (Isn't he handsome?! Look at those eyes.)

The bounce house was a thrill....

Our whole Sanders clan celebrated with Kjell. It was also nice to be together because Clara had a birthday the week before. Family galore! I am the world's luckiest aunt. Check out my nieces and nephews.

The originals.

Carson being silly.(The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...)

Noah exploring and telling me something.

Summer exploring.

Clara Jane is on the move, but still loves being near her mommy. Josh's hat could make her look like a thug, but that smile of hers is all sweetness and light.

The cousins played so well together.

All in all

2009-03-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have wonderful friends and family with whom I travel. This trip was no exception. Every journey I learn a little more about myself, my companions, and the world in which we live. I am constantly amazed, but not really surprised, when I am able to make a connection with a perfect stranger whether it be a flight attendant, an old woman selling a dirndl, or a fellow tourist taking pictures. This is really what I bring home from my adventures abroad: a better love and appreciation for my fellowmen. We are not really strangers at all, just friends who have yet to meet

Salzburg

2009-03-18T12:19:00.001-07:00

Our full day in Salzburg was really very wet. We weren't able to enjoy all that Salzburg has to offer because of the time of year. Still, we enjoyed ourselves.
We started at Schloss Hellbrun, which is quite lovely ( even in the rain.) We couldn't help ourselves from singing in the rain outside of the gazebo from the Sound of Music. (It was donated to the city of Salzburg after the filming. Now it resides here.)

(I may be a bit older than 16 going on 17.... but it didn't stop me from singing the song)

Next, we headed up Untersberg mountain via tram. There was only one couple with us going up. The tram operator was a good sport and took us up. (It was a very slow day for him.) It was no wonder why: our last few minutes of tram ride was in the clouds. No visibility. We exited the tram building by 5 steps to take this picture.

It was hilarious just to experience. We couldn't see a thing except for what was right in front of us. The wind was blowing snow heavily. Honestly, I have never been so cold so quickly. I have also never been on the top of a mountain in a storm. It was wild.

Hello? This was the top of the tram. We entered the tram on the right. Check out how frozen everything is. Doesn't it just make you cold?

(Recognize that mountain? Yep. We were on the top of that buddy in that weather.)
These last couple pictures were taken from the fortress. Amazing views on all sides.

Prague, train, Salzburg

2009-03-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

So far, so good.
Great shopping,
yummy bratwurst,
kind Austrians.

Steph and I are as happy as can be to be watching The Sound of Music in our hotel room.

Prague - and my birthday

2009-03-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

The Charles Bridge

I shouldn't look so happy in a prison full of torture devices

The sweet hotel manager sent up champagne and chocolate mousse for my birthday.
(I think housekeeping will enjoy our gift.)

We both enjoyed hour long massages. Mine was heavenly!
It was a special indulgence for my birthday.
Another special event was La Traviata. I really wanted to go to the opera.
Steph was enthusiastic and she indulged me, since she doesn't really go to these things.
We had a great time.
It was a lovely birthday.

Budapest - train- Prague

2009-03-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Limerick for today:
While walking through Pest in the rain,
Two lovelies said, "Let's take a train,"
So a bit water-logged,
They headed for Prague,
Where they strolled through the rain once again.
(P.S)

Our walk through Budapest, to the train station was really enjoyable. I love getting oriented in a city. It makes me feel like less of a tourist. I like to pretend I'm a local. Although, I think our bright colored clothing and sunny demeanor gives us away. (Everyone wears black and I haven't seen many smiles.)
Our train was quiet and enjoyable until the last hour. The 6 person cabin was packed with a variety of people, languages, and odors - not to mention the metal flask passed around. Ah, Europe in all your glory!
We've noticed the increase of good looking men in Prague. Any ideas why?
We've had nice interactions with other tourists while offering to take pictures. We're small in numbers, but we are all eager and happy to help each other.
Dinner tonight was amazing! The warm interior beckoned us in from the rain. I am so glad we chose this place. The potato soup (broth based) was divine. I was full from that and the cheese rolls before my entree even arrived. Can you just imagine the rest of the home-y, peasant-ish interior? A pure joy. The warm cherry strudl was fantastic (and that's saying something because I don't usually like cherry.)
I love returning to a city I have previously visited. The familiarity, as well as the past memories, create a broader scope of a place, for me. Poor Steph, I am trying not to say, "When I was here last time..." too many times. I had to laugh out loud by the first thing I saw when I opened my map of Prague: a nighttime ghost tour ad. :) I know a few girls that can tell a really funny story about that one.
It's early in the a.m. and I cannot sleep. I'd better get off this and try to get a few more zzz's.

This is just a little addition for my girls that I traveled with this summer:
Look like a familiar site? Me and my camera. (Again.)

Budapest Day 2

2009-03-11T12:40:00.001-07:00

Walking,walking, walking...
umbrella open. umbrella closed. umbrella open.
We saw it all today. Buda and Pest.
We ended our day in style - with a soak in the grand Gellert Gyogfurdo bath house. It's a Turkish bath style thermal bath/spa house. We capped it all off with a swedish style massage. I am no good for anything for the rest of tonight.

Budapest Day 1

2009-03-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Budapest, Hungary.
March 10
We lost a half day in travel, but made up for it this evening. We explored by foot until it was dark. It was perfect timing for dinner. We enjoyed a traditional Hungarian meal.
(Paprika butter rolls, Goulash soup, paprika chicken, and gypsy pork. YUM.)
Man, we were fading fast once our bellies were full. The problem is, we're in Europe, and NO ONE brings the check promptly. We tried for 45 minutes to appear relaxed but ready to leave. Subtlety doesn't work here. We were not obnoxious Americans, don't worry. We were so patient, that Steph actually fell asleep while I was looking at and talking to her. I am a bit in a hazy myself, so I will end this now... Love to all.
(p.s. you never know what you'll get when you ask someone to take your picture... There is a really lovely view behind us on our left - it just was not captured here.)

Bon Voyage

2009-03-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

I know that in this financial crisis, I should be a bit careful with my money. The problem with that is: I am headed on vacation. I purchased airline tickets in September (before all the craziness.) I actually thought that the fares were low then. Who knew there were even lower prices on the horizon? Usually airfares go up closer to the departure. Not anymore.
Regardless, I am going on a little vaca on Monday. I'll be in Eastern Europe (Budapest, Hungary; Prague, Czech Republic; Salzburg, Austria) with my good friend Stephanie. I'll pack warmly, button up, and bring an umbrella. I am sure I'll have great stories to tell when I return.

Yes, It's For Real.

2009-02-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

Just another day at the office this week...

This from the Orlando Examiner:

Southwest Airlines is in cahoots with Sports Illustrated to promote the 46th edition of the notorious swimsuit issue-with a bikini plane.

Now, before you go reminiscing back to all those flights you took on Hooters Air, just simmer down. The Southwest Airlines charter will have regular-variety flight attendants slinging regular Southwest Airlines peanuts. And chances are, once word gets out that positions need to be filled on a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue plane, those positions will go to very senior, experienced, mature (do you see where I'm going with this?) flight attendants.

(Or not. I was on this plane less than a week after the new decor. Should I be offended?)

The Southwest Boeing 737 will be painted with the heavenly body of Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Bar Rafaeli.The Bikini Boeing will fly VIPs from New York's LaGuardia to Las Vegas for an extravaganza at the Luxor resort. The aircraft will remain in service with its sexy skin through April.

So after this airplane's illustrious beginning, I was able to work on it. I felt a little badly for the passengers to have me onboard and not Bar. At least no one made a comment about my bikini (or lack thereof.) It was business as usual, except for the rampers who would take pictures outside in every city we went. Who can blame them? I took my own pictures.
Ironically, one of my earliest posts was of my desire for work to return a bit to its roots. I guess I should be careful what I wish for. Who knew anyone was listening?

Arabian Nights

2009-02-13T16:05:00.000-08:00

Please, do yourself a favor and watch/listen to this.

I watched the San Francisco Symphony preform Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade.

(I have loved this music since my mother introduced me to it years ago. I have come to find out that my grandmother introduced it to my mother. I am grateful for my heritage of musical appreciation. The guidance and example of my mother has influenced me greatly.)

The music is thrilling! I sat upright with rapt attention. I couldn't contain my enjoyment of the grandeur and power of The Sea and Sinbad's Ship. I found I was smiling the majority of the performance. The music is so lyrical and passionate. The sweeping romantic melody of The Young Prince and The Young Princess lingers in my mind. It's no wonder ballets have been set to this music. I was barely able to stay in my seat. (Well, okay - maybe not exactly. Although... I admit I did dance on the way to the parking lot. I couldn't help myself!) The final 5 minutes of the last movement rendered me speechless.

Initially, Rimsky-Korsakov intended to name the respective movements in Scheherazade: Prelude, Ballade, Adagio and Finale. However, after weighing the opinions of Anatoly Lyadov and others, he settled upon thematic headings, based upon the tales from The Arabian Nights.The composer deliberately made the titles vague, so that they are not associated with specific tales or voyages of Sinbad. However, in the epigraph to the finale, he does make reference to the adventure of Prince Ajib.In a later edition, he did away with titles altogether, desiring instead that the listener should hear his work only as an Oriental-themed symphonic music, that evokes a sense of the fairy-tale adventure.
(Wikipedia)

I am grateful to have the names of each movement. It's gives me a setting for the adventures. I felt transported to another time and place.

Here is another association of mine: I made sure that I listened to this music when I went to Morocco. My favorite memory was staying the night in the Sahara desert, in a tent. Yes, one of those colorful low tents, with cushions to sit on. We arrived by camel caravan - through a sandstorm. We ate our tangine pot dinner before reading 1,001 Nights (Arabian Nights) by candlelight. I can't help but remember the smells, sights, and sounds of that night and that region of the world, when I listen to this music.

A Return to the Island

2009-02-06T23:25:00.000-08:00

So... it's kind of cool that I found this in Entertainment Weekly's website. Didn't I kind of say the exact same thing in my Lost posting? ( Great minds and all...)

EVANGELINE LILLY ON HAVING FAITH: ''You're either along for the ride and part of it, or you're not. And if you don't trust the writers, you might as well get off the boat.''

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,1550612_20245765_20257259,00.html

Just like old times

2009-02-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

It is great that friends can weave in and out of our lives, all the while enriching us as we go.

Heather A (one of my fave girls in the world) came back home to us in Cali temporarily. The MBA classes that hold her hostage gave us a free weekend to play (under the disguise of checking out tech companies.)

We had a fabulous weekend. We walked The Dish (it's so popular it was even referenced in Gilmore Girls once.) We ate at Ann's Coffee Shop. (It has to die for french toast with yummy whipped cream.) We shopped in the City (San Fran, of course. We hit H&M, FT, and Anthro.) We ate at Osha for Thai. (I highly recommend the pumpkin curry. ) Plus, we enjoyed Target runs,Tivo'd shows, chick flick movies, and a Sunday dinner with numerous friends.

All in all, it was pretty great. It felt like normal ( although I know it's not the way it is anymore.) It made me appreciate that good friends always fall back into place with one another. Thank you Heather, Marisa, and Amanda. (Tara, you were definitely missed. We're just so happy to know that you'll be visiting soon enough. Your blog posting will come...)

Delirium

2009-01-25T23:18:00.000-08:00

I should be asleep. Really. Four a.m. will be coming quickly. (5 hours and 20 minutes left...) I just can't seem to get off this computer. Why is it that I think I am putting off the responsibilities of Monday, by not going to bed? I am just making it worse. Why am I still on this computer when I could be asleep?
Will I be angry with myself when the alarm goes off? Yes.
Will I regret this post in the morning? Yes.
I'd better just shut down before I start rambling....

Getting Lost

2009-01-21T15:37:00.000-08:00

I am kind of a geek. I am really looking forward to the Lost premiere tonight. I read a review in the USA Today that I liked:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2009-01-20-lost_N.htm

I agree with this quote,"Lost is going to be complicated no matter what; it's your choice as to whether you enjoy the complications or let them drive you nuts."

I, personally, am along for the ride. I trust the writers to take me on a fantastic journey (even if it doesn't make sense.) I love this show.

Spring Fever in January

2009-01-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

So.... California is having GORGEOUS weather. It's been in the 70's for a week in NorCal. I flew through Burbank this week while it was forecast to be 90 degrees. It is amazing! Everyone is outside as much as possible. A friend of mine played hooky from work and went to Santa Cruz instead. (I wanted to do the same today, but I decided to stay home and fulfill my existing obligations. Lame.)
I have been flirting with the idea of a move to Chicago (among others) recently. After experiencing their 10 degree weather this week (twice!) I knew that I don't really want to do it. The unfair advantage California has, with this unseasonable heat wave, makes me never want to leave. The hills are that fresh bright green and it really does feel like spring. I need to keep reminding myself that it's only January.
The heat motivates me to be more active. I crave the outdoors on days like these. I am grateful to be off of work one day to enjoy it. As soon as I am done with a few things here, I am heading outside.

Sunshine on my shoulders

2009-01-03T17:38:00.000-08:00

How is it that a bit of sun makes everything better? This morning I was driving from my parents' home to my home in the bay area. I haven't been uber excited for a new year, but I think that maybe it was all that winter weather getting me down. The drive along 80 was perfect. I had the sun on my face, no traffic, and sweet tunes. Before I knew it, I was grinning like a fool, all by myself, in my car. Life is good and my life is exceptionally good. "Sunshine on my shoulders make me happy...." (FYI: Although this a fine tune, it wasn't the sweet music I was listening to today. It doesn't matter. Sing it to me, John.)

There's no place like home

2008-12-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

Nevada City firehouse, originally built in 1861
(this picture was in LIFE in 1962)

firehouse December 18, 2008
(from my iphone)

Looking down Broad St. 1930's - 1950's (?)

Broad Street December 18, 2008

Fun postcard for Broad St

Again it's December 18, 2008

This place doesn't seem to change much, and that just the way I like it. It's California's Gold Country. I am proud to know and care about the history of Nevada City and Grass Valley. My favorite way to spend a day is eating a pasty while strolling along Broad, Main, and Mill Streets. I am happy to report that my Christmas holiday included this ( and much more.) My mother was born and raised here, as was I. I hope I can keep the magic of G.V. & N.C. alive for the generations to come.

Auld Lang Syne

2008-12-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

The time from Christmas until New Years is usually reserved for recalling the past and looking ahead to the future. I will be at work for those six days, so I will post my musings now.
I have been incredibly blessed with lively, spiritual, and caring girlfriends. In fact, I seem to have lived with at least one of my closest friends for the last ten years.
I would like to express gratitude for these wonderful women in my life. You have all helped shape who I have become.

(Rachelle, I am sorry I don't have digital pictures of us. That's what we get for being friends for so long!)

Steph and Sabrina

Diane, Tamera, Steph

Emily, Diane, Steph (Caribbean cruise)

Cindy, Laura, Corene

Corene, Bec, Molly
Molly, Lauren, Corene, Aly (Costa Rica)

posing (ugh, embarrassing) Heather, Caisa, Bec (Hawaii)

Heather, Alyson

Tara, Heather, Alyson

Marisa, Tara, Amanda

Tara and Amanda

Tara

Heather

Amanda, Heather, Marisa, Tara (last Christmas)

Tara, Amanda, Marisa, Heather (Croatia)

For the last three years I have had a close-knit group of girls on whom I have come to rely. This year ( and especially the last month) has brought about much change. Although things seem a bit empty to me now, I know that this is really just a clean slate for me to start anew.
Here's to fun memories, new beginnings and uncharted territory!

My Pretty Woman moment

2008-12-05T00:51:00.000-08:00

No, not to worry - I am not a prostitute in a Cinderella story. I am just another victim to opera.

As Edward says in Pretty Woman, "People's reactions to opera the first time they see it is very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don't, they may learn to appreciate it, but it will never become part of their soul."

I have been to the opera in Vienna with my mother (Don Giovanni and another one of which I can't remember.) I loved the opera house and the storytelling.

But last night changed me,
I went to La Boheme in San Francisco. Here is a little snippit:

I absolutely LOVED it. I already knew the beautiful music by Puccini, but I didn't know the meaning of the lyrics or remember the story. The whole event was a pleasure.I may not have looked like this

but it's how I felt.

My first foray in the kitchen

2008-11-23T19:43:00.000-08:00

I feel almost like a grown up. Last Sunday, I cooked my first turkey and made my first batch of mashed potatoes. We still had leftover turkey that I picked from the carcass (Eeww.) I couldn't let all this food go to waste, so I decided to make soup. I felt like my mom.
I made a chili with the dark turkey and a broth based rice soup for the white meat. I must say they both were so good. I have never made homemade soup. Ever. I just used what was in my fridge and cupboard. (Since it was Sunday, I couldn't go to the store.) My soups were quick and easy to prepare. I am amazed. I feel like a just passed a little milestone.
I know many of you are married and fix real meals all the time, but my life is a bit different. I rarely prepare a full meal for myself. I enjoy hummus and celery, jasmine rice and curry sauce, and edamame. Those are my staples. Most Sundays I collaborate with my friends to make a combined dinner.
Now I feel like when the time comes for me to plan meals, I can do it. It isn't going to be too hard. I think I'll even enjoy it.

SA anyone?

2008-11-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

(insert Pachelbel, Canon in D here.....)
My name is Rebecca and I am a shopaholic.
Well, kind of. I don't spend thousands of dollars. I am rather thrifty at heart. I love a good deal. Herein lies my problem.
My goal was to work more to send more to the good people at VISA. I worked more but some of the extra money has made its way into the hands of Daffy, the Gap, Banana Republic, and Anthropologie. These darn retailers are trying to boost revenue by creating tons of sales. I am a sucker and have fallen for them. (That's only been the last two weeks. It's either feast of famine with me.)
Yeah, I know. It's not good.
Since New Years is on the horizon, I am pledging to be a new woman. I will follow any twelve step program out there. Anyone want to be my sponsor?
Hey, at least I'll look really cute at the SA meetings ;)

Not even a little reality in this TV

2008-11-06T23:09:00.000-08:00

So... some friends and I have made jokes about "T.V. boyfriends." I promise we are not crazy or desperate. Mainly, we like the characters they portray on television. Yeah, it doesn't hurt that that these guys are easy on the eyes too.
Here are my favorites.
Jim from The Office, Chuck from Chuck, and Booth from Bones.
So what do you think? ( I know we're not the only ones who think this.....)
Who are your faves?
Oh dang. I just remembered Jack from Lost. That show isn't on right now, but I certainly wouldn't mind being stuck on an island with him

2008-11-05T16:27:00.000-08:00

I think it's kind of funny that I like to put a lot of pictures in a blog instead of writing. I guess that I am making it easy for someone with a short attention span ( a la US weekly. )

Here are my current thoughts:
* Many people are overjoyed at the election results. I am happy they are happy. I hope all this talk of change really does create change and not blame.
* I love that it was historic night for our nation.
* I am getting used to change of my own in my home. Tara, Marisa, and Teresa are all gone. I am in a different room. Things are good, just different. I am thinking about a tribute blog entry. We'll see...

*Oh - here's a shout out to Heather: Happy Birthday!

(Heather's B-day 2005) (Heather's B-day 2007)

Kids Galore!

2008-11-03T19:04:00.001-08:00

I just returned from a couple days visit to Utah. My favorite part of every visit is whenI get to play with all my little munchkins. I am bummed that I missed Kjell.

Laura, Noah, Clara carved a pumpkin. Obviously, Clara loved it. Maybe Lo should puree some squash up. I think she would like it.

I spent an afternoon with Carson and Summer. The weather was perfect to have some fun times at the park. Curt and Tami have some seriously adventurous kids! There is no question to whom these two belong.

Flashback or Flashdance?

2008-11-03T08:46:00.000-08:00

These were from an 80's karaoke party in September. It wasn't a dress up party, but we couldn't resist.
The CRAZIEST part was that Amanda and Tara's outfits all came from Wal-mart. EVERYTHING that we wore when we were 11, can be found in stores today.
Want a stack of jelly bracelets? Wal-mart.
How about colored tights? Yep.
Leg warmers? Done.
You name it: bangles, jangles, polka-dots, spandex, stirrup pants, leggings, and scrunchies are all available.
I also bought a complete outfit, but I ended up putting together this gem (or do I mean Jem?) from my own closet. (Okay, the t-shirt was purchased....) The last picture is here to show you my sweet makeup. Go ahead and enlarge it. Orange and Teal.

Joshua Radin concert

2008-10-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

I know, I know.... I have been neglectful of my little blog. My excuses are as follow: 3 roommates/friends moving out, 2 new roommates found, 1 karaoke party, 1 Halloween party, and lots of work in the last 3 weeks. I am trying to obtain pictures from Tara, so I can share the fun times with ya'll. (Working for a Dallas based company does creep in once in a while.)
Until I get those, I'll blog about my little crush with you...

musician Joshua Radin.

I went to his concert in San Francisco in September.

The Fillmore: Tara, Teresa, me, Karen, Kristine, Amanda, Stephanie

(Lissy and Mark were there too. Lissy was an early convert and Mark was a good sport.)

I am heading to SLC to hear him in concert Wednesday with Missy Higgins. (She is an awesome Australian artist. I have also had her second album since the day it came out. I'm kind of proud that some of my random music faves have found each other to tour with, and are gaining popularity.) Heather Archibald (my dearly departed roommate who left me for the joys of grad school) and I will enjoy a much anticipated visit and sweet concert. Let the fun times begin!

For Real.

2008-10-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

Can you just imagine me saying that in a low sultry voice over the P.A.? "Remember what it was like....."

I am going to admit that I kind of love these commercials. I think the uniform (if you can even call hotpants a uniform) is awesome. I would love to try wearing it sometime. (Halloween, perhaps?)
It's just hard to believe that this became this....

Seriously, how much fun would that be?
It's a such a different time now; hiring only young cute girls in little outfits doesn't fly.
But, do you think we could jumpstart the industry by going retro?

In Another Life

2008-10-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

..... I would love to be a folk-rock-hippie singer/songwriter/ performer. I can totally imagine how I would be. Too bad I can't play the guitar - or any instrument, for that matter.

I love how musically talented my brothers and sisters are. (Guitar, drums, piano, flute - you name it and someone can play it.) I am the only one who doesn't play an instrument. It's totally been my choice. (I was so happy when my mom let me quit piano lessons. Sorry Sister Copeland.) For years I have been sitting on the sidelines of jam sessions - feeling a bit like an outsider. I really would enjoy the music, but I would think that it never could be me performing. ( I even shun being a backup singer. So it's a little weird that I have this fantasy...)

Years ago, Laura gave me a guitar. I have picked it up every six months or so and practiced a few chords. Once my fingers would get tender, I would stop practicing. I always stopped when it got hard, so that means I never really got anywhere at all.

I am ending that cycle right now.I am practicing guitar chords regularly. I still stink it up, my fingertips hurt, and I still don't have a soloist voice, but it doesn't matter. I will most likely never be the performer I envision in my mind, but at least I hope to join the next Sanders sing along.

(p.s. The picture is of Erin McCarley, who opened at the Fillmore for Joshua Radin. JR is my fave guy and I kind of have a crush on him....but that's for another blog)

Gotta Love Digital

2008-10-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

How great is it that we live in a time that has digital photography?! Anyone that has seen me with a camera can attest to the fact that I take hundreds of pictures (and usually it's ten pictures of the same shot.) I use that digital space for all it's worth. I try to edit a bit as I go, but sadly, that usually doesn't change much. (Laura, Lissy, and now my roommates can verify that I have hundreds of pictures on my computer that never have made it past the digital part.) Am I the only one that has this problem? I try to not live in excess, but I fail miserably when it comes to digital pictures. I really need to weed out and finally press print.

A Look Back

2008-10-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

I am joining the ranks of the 21 century. I am starting a blog. I am not the easiest person to get in touch with, I know. This is for all of my friends, who's calls or emails I forget to return. (By the way, I hope to do better at both of those.)
Even though my life can seem mundane, it is at least mine. I am enjoying it for all it's worth. I will start this blog off with pictures from travels in the last ten years. I hope you enjoy sharing in my memories of some great places.