It's over!

Tis the end of National Blog Posting Month 2008. Yay!

As much as I love blogging + participating in NaBloPoMo, I find that during the month I don't post complete content. Blog topics aren't too difficult to find and/or come up with. The hard part is fleshing out the topic, creating some sort of meaningful, complete content worthy of reading. I don't do that very well. I tell stories pretty well; but the essay-type of blog? Not so much.

Tonight I found out our class final assignment ~ write an essay. Yay! We're to write an essay and post it on our blog. I'm pretty excited about this. We'll spend the next few weeks working towards our final assignment. Wish me luck!

I'm totally ripping you off

I'm in San Diego this weekend. There is limited computer access at this hotel due to a soccer tournament and all of the kids appear to be staying at this hotel and all of the kids appear to be waiting for the computers and all of the kids appear to be accessing their myspace pages.

:::exhale:::

OK. So, I'm totally ripping you off because I only have 15 minutes on this hotel computer which really isn't sufficient time to post a meaningful (ha!) blog.

Perhaps I should get a laptop...

Anyway...I ramble...and I still have email to check. So, I must go.

Sorry.

Me. Tonight. And Saturday night. Yay!

Me.
Skanking.
Singing.
Solana Beach.
The Belly Up.
The English Beat.
Hell yeah!

Woo hoo!

Thank Your First Commenter Day, Year One

So, thanks to Vintage Caveman I found this piece of wonderful blogness ~ Neil Kramer's Citizen of the Month Fourth Annual Thank Your First Commenter Day.


And I am totally gonna filch it (even though it isn't Friday)!

My first ever blog post was Monday, January 9, 2006. My first ever blog comment came from Lys later that same day.

That first blog was simple. I had absolutely no idea what the heck I was doing or getting myself into. Who's gonna read anything I write?

Well, Lys did. And continues to do so.

So...today...Thank Your First Commenter Day...here's to Lys and your/my first comment :::raising glass:::

Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you for reading and commenting!

Now, don't go getting overstuffed :)

homework ~ need some input

So, I'm taking this creative writing class, right? And, I love it.

At our last class, Miss Pamela gives us two homework assignments:

1. Think of a person you strongly dislike. Write about living one day as that person; try to understand that person
2. What did Jesus Christ mean when he said 'turn the other cheek?' What does it mean to me?

I got Homework #1 down and ready to go. It's Homework #2 that's giving me trouble. And I find that troubling and strange. The statement speaks for itself. But as I think about it, I can't help but wonder what Miss Pamela is getting at - or wants us to get at. First, I guess, I'll have to read the passage in which Jesus said it ~ read before and after.

Any and all input/thoughts/ideas/etc wanted and appreciated.

how much aluminum foil does it take to wrap a plus-size chick?

A lot. Listen up, Shoppers/Buyers for stores: Big girls have a tough enough time finding clothes that cover our arms or give us a (illusion of) waist or that look somewhat trendy. We do not need aluminum foil masquerading as a shiny party dress.

AND this atrocity party dress is at Nordstrom.com :::shiver:::

Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

I am scratching and clawing my way to the NaBloPoMo finish line, damnit. I will make it to the bitter end!

Only six more posts - not too terrible, right? I guess not. If you have blog posts in mind. I'll see something or do something and I'll think "That would be a great blog post!" But when I sit down, there's nothing there. No words are coming out of my head.

Sigh

Only six more days and two of those days will be English Beat concerts woo hoooo! Those shows always make for good blogs.

So, yes...I am filling up space. But hey - I made a committment damnit. And I'm sticking to it!

I hope.

DWB

It's 5:45 p.m. on a weekday evening. As the Honda Accord pulls out of the apartment complex driveway, the driver notices the police car parked on the side. The driver goes through four STOP signs then sees the police lights in his rear-view mirror. He pulls over and places his hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel.

Is something wrong officer?

License, registration and insurance.

I am taking my hands off the wheel to unhook my seatbelt. :::unhooks seat belt, hands back at 10 and 2::: I am taking my hands off the wheel to reach into the glove compartment for my information.

Where do you live?

Riverside.

What are you doing in Pomona?

I go to school at Cal Poly.

Why are you in Pomona?

I live here while I go to school.

Who owns the car?

My mom.

If I call this lady, she'll say 'Yes my son has this car?' If I call this lady, she'll know you have this car?

Yes, sir.

After 15 minutes, the officer comes back, returns the cards to the driver.

You were pulled over because one of the bulbs in the lights over your license plate is out. Have a good evening.

The driver is my nephew. This is the second time he's been pulled over in his 23 years. It is also the second time he's been pulled over and given the same reason "light bulb burned out over license plate." Both times he's been alone. The first time, he was pulled over by three cop cars and made to get out of the car, spread-eagled against the hood, then made to sit on the curb with his hands behind his back while four police officers went through his car and trunk and all things in them. He was scared to death, even after they officers told him to go home.

Oh yeah - no burned out light bulb.

Me. Last night. Yay!

Little Dragon, Take and Anomie Bell ~ 11/21/08 @ the Roxy

I'm just putting this out there now: I am in love love love with Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon! She is totally adorable.

Moving on...

Last night's Little Dragon show at the Roxy in West Hollywood was great. DJ Jason Bentley wasn't there. Boo! However, his replacement, DJ Take? Rocked it out! Yay! He's got mad mix skills and his original beats had everyone movin' 'round the floor. I was quite impressed ~ check him out on myspace!

The opening act was Anomie Belle. Meh. Her musicianship (keys, violin, MacBook) was impressive, no doubt. I just wasn't impressed by her vocals. Now, her vocals mixed with her two background singers was somewhat melodic. Their vocals were much stronger. Anomie Belle is totally adorable and looked genuinely touched when she received audience applause; I just wasn't digging her scene.

Little Dragon. Damn. I was groovin' all night! And am paying for it dearly today. God bless Aleve. Their show is like watching a jam session or band rehearsal...Yukimi plays a lot to the band; which was irksome at first, but it's a mutual admiration society, so I was ultimately okay with it. The sly looks between her and the keyboardist had me thinking maybe there's a little somethin somethin going on there...

Yukimi has strong vocals and dances around like a mad woman on stage. She even put her shoes on, jumped off stage and danced through the audience. I think she was strongest on 'After the Rain' and 'Wink' - both of which had the audience singing along. My absolute favorite of the night was the 'Constant Surprises' encore - everyone was singing along. They ended with this jam of drums, drum machines, keys, bass and percussion that was stellar. I really wanted it to go on and on and on and on...

I'm seriously considering checking 'em out Tuesday night in Orange County...they were *that* good!

Me. Tonight. Yay!

Little Dragon @ the Roxy

Won't you please enjoy the following selections. I know I will

not heavy

Had lunch with Barbara today. SO fab to see her! She looks great, attitude is amazing. The sound of her laugh was awesome.

Next week marks her fourth week of chemo - she's one-third of the way through it. One chemo weeks, she works from home. The other weeks, she's in the office.

I was so happy to see her...see for myself that she is okay, getting better.

Our lunch was good for my soul.

heavy

Today was such a heavy day. Heavy and weird.

People were weird. Work was weird. People at work were weird. Hence, I was weird.

I felt completely disconnected today - especially from my co-workers. It was as though there was a great secret to be told and I wasn't in on it. So, without knowing what's going on or if something's going on, I become defensive and short and close my office door to lick my (imaginary) wounds.

Then, we get a death certificate. Damn. That was heavy. It still is heavy; I can't shake it. I feel so sad and angry. I hope I never never ever never ever get to the point where things are so bleak and dire that taking my own life would be my only option.

creative writing assignment

Assignment: Write a paragraph - in a childhood voice - you at whatever age a profound incident took place; write as if it happened just now.

Those sixth grade boys always play over here. I make soft sand and draw in the dirt and stuff and they're mean and call me names and laugh a lot - the mean way.

What does "Lurch" mean anyway?

And...and...I don't even wear green so I can't be the Jolly Green Giant, can I?

Stupid boys.

Donnie Wight and Pat Small and David Yokely and Robby Simpson, he's the meanest. One time I cried and he called me 'Lurch' and 'Four Eyes' and 'Frankenstein' and stupid names. I told him "I'm not green!" and he laughed the mean way really loud and it hurt my ears. He didn't even stop when I asked him to or told him to shut up or when I cried. He just laughed and laughed.

The mean way.

Girl of 100 Lists ~ favorite bloggers

I read lots of blogs. I'll read something, click through to a link, read that, click back, read an interesting comment, click through to that person's blog, click back...vicious cycle that goes on and on. While I find posts that are interesting, many bloggers don't have me coming back for more. But some do.

There are a handful of blogs that I read faithfully. These folks are so hip it hurts. And I'd like to share those with you:

the slack daily by the Slackmistress ~ She is awesome! I am a huge fan of the woman and the blog. She's witty, she's got style, is a helluva writer *and* she dresses her dog for Halloween. Her posts about working at an 'agency' are too damn funny. Slackmistress makes me want to be a better writer.

betheboy by Will Betheboy ~ Will. When I'm around him, I just want to sit and listen to him talk. He's is wicked, funny and sharp. His writing is so slick, to the point. And I love all of his posts about his "smarter more attractive half!" Will makes me want to be a better writer.

communist dance party by The CDP ~ Thanks to Will for pointing me in the CDP direction. I love this dude! His essays are hilarious and smart and wicked; random topics, current events, Mixed Tape trades, even lists of the best video games and albums of all time! One could spend an entire afternoon/evening reading through the CDP archives (and this one has). But the highlight of this blog is the comments section. It's a whole community! The CDP makes me want to be a better writer.

greeblemonkey by Aimee Greeblemonkey ~ Everything from political views, monthly contests, general observations to the wonders of raising an amazing kid, this blog has it all. I love her photos, too! Greeblemonkey makes me want to be a better writer.

thirty daes - let's be honest about this by JNez ~ Unflinchingly honest and raw; unafraid to speak his mind about his life and the world around him. Posts tagged with 'cadence' are the most brutal and beautiful pieces of writing I've ever read. JNez makes me want to be a better writer.

OK, kids - hear me now, believe me later ~ put these in your RSS reader and...well...read 'em.

You're welcome.

Creative writing class is back!

After a seven month hiatus, creative writing class with Pamela des Barres is back! Yay :)

Tonight's class was small - perfect for reading, reviewing and commentary. These women are amazing - open, honest, raw, unafraid and superb writers. We read our homework then had 3 in-class writing assignments. As I listened to my classmates, I was so filled with awe and pain and joy and a desire to improve my writing. I really am so thrilled and proud to be part of this class!

Sunday nights will be hard; but it's better than the Wednesday nights of the beginning class.

Yay! I'm writing again!

Girl of 100 List ~ No Can Do

For some reason, I was compiling a list of things I can't do. It's not very long, of course.

But, it's a list nonetheless:

• I don't know how to parallel park. Well, I know. I just can't do it. Unless the entire curb is empty, in which case, I'm a pro! It may have something to do with gauging distances. I am nearsighted.
• I can't hold chopsticks properly. Lame, indeed. I just can't grasp it (pun intended). At Kuru Kuru last week, I studied the Ikea-like 'instructions' (read: pictures, not words) on the chopsticks wrapper, imitating the positioning. However, I failed miserably at the execution. Ack! Fork please!
• I can't wrap. How sad and pitiful. In junior high and high school, most text books had to be covered. My mom covered my books with Stater Bros. brown paper bags. (However, all of the rad decorating was done by me thankyouverymuch) Gifts. *sigh* I just can't gift wrap. I either cut way too much paper or not enough. So, gift bags are my friend.

And, that's all.

Ha! Not really. That's just all I care to share with you :)

I'm sorry

Feeling so uninspired and exhausted this evening!

And, that's my blog for the day.

No doubt I'll be participating in HavMorVinMo this evening, raising my glass to The Slackmistress :)

Incident at Four Points Sheraton Northeast Philadelphia

The Incident:

I needed a shirt pressed for Lys' bday party. According to the dry cleaning form in the room, same-day service is available if items are left by 8:00 a.m., Monday-Friday. Cool. Done.

I handed the dry cleaning bag to Todd when we left for dinner Thursday night.

On Friday evening - about 6 o'clock - I stopped at the desk to pick up my shirt. The girl, Anita came back empty-handed.

We don't have it.
You're kidding me, right?
No. We don't have it.

I stand there, hands in my hair, as Anita and Todd look in the back room.

No, it's not here.

She stands, looking at me. I walk away, thoroughly pissed. In that state, I can't talk; I have to walk away. In my room, I'm pacing - is it lost? Has the dry cleaning company just not come by to drop off stuff yet? Did the dry cleaning company simply forget and they're coming back? What the hell am I going to wear to the party?! I grabbed the other dry cleaning form, reading their liability statement - something about six times the value of the service. I don't know. I went back downstairs.

At the desk, waiting to be helped, Anita says "We found your shirt - the bag fell behind boxes." She goes into the back room and presents me with a bag. The same bag in which I dropped off my shirt. It never went out! Grr!

And that was it. She said nothing. No apology. No explanation. No other options offered. Nothing. Ohhh, I was seething. Again, I just had to walk away.

Later that night, I told my tale to the manager on duty. He apologized on her behalf and offered me complimentary breakfast (which I declined).

On Saturday, I was still bothered by the incident. Well, bothered by her lack of customer service in comparison to the customer service received from the other hotel staff. Todd even approached me earlier in the day, asking if my shirt had been cleaned and offered up apologies for it not being handled. And that was a day later! Anyway, still bothered, I wrote a letter to Mike Moran, the General Manager. Not sure if he'll get it; and, if so, not sure anything will be addressed.

Overall, if you have business that takes you to Northeast Philadelphia, I cannot recommend the Four Points Sheraton. Which is really too bad. (read this post for the nice things I said about the hotel)

**UPDATE 11.13.08**

I called this morning and talked w/the new GM, Tom Murray. Apparently, Mike Moran was 'interim' GM; Tom started with the Four Points on Monday. The letter was no where to be found. Surprise, surprise. I told him what happened. He apologized (of course) and said her behavior is unacceptable. It was ironic that I called with this story because he's having a staff meeting today and it's going on his agenda; as well as talking with Anita directly. He asked me what would rectify the situation. Told him I don't want anything as it wasn't like the shirt was lost or ruined or anything; I just wanted to know that someone heard me, that the person involved would be talked to and that customer service is discussed with the staff. Done, he said. And, if I ever have the occasion to come back to the property to please call him directly and he'd help me out. Appreciated.

Sigh

...like pick up a pen and paper...

Pamela's advanced Creative Writing class started last Sunday night - hooray! There weren't enough people interested for a summer session, so she only had the beginners class. But now she's back. And I am, too.

I didn't make Sunday's class as I was on a plane. In Denver. Waiting for a stewardess to join our crew. And her flight was delayed. Oh, yes - let's hold up 140+ people for one person. None of us has anything better to do.

:::ahem::: I digress...I've been looking forward to this class for months. I've missed having a loosely structured topic to write about. Several times I found myself trying to write (even this blog) and getting stuck. Is that writers block? I have tons of ideas floating around en mi cabeza but nothing seems to connect or make sense so I don't write. Hope this class helps.

What I truly enjoy is the creativity in the room. Holy crap these women are talented! The ideas, the writing styles, the topics...Pamela has a wonderful way of guiding us, allowing each of us to harness that power and put it onto paper. I'm so excited to get back to it! I already have an idea for a story...

I enjoy writing, but in no way consider myself a writer. I'm workin' on it!

California's Prop H8 + Keith Olbermann

Keith Olbermann @ MSNBC comments on Proposition 8, gay marriage, love + more.

1. viewerservices@msnbc.com
2. letters@msnbc.com
3. countdown@msnbc.com

Four Points Sheraton Northeast

Four Points Sheraton Northeast
9461 Roosevelt Boulevard
Philadelphia PA 19114

*Sigh*

My stay here was okay. There are several things I like about the Four Points Sheraton Northeast; however, one incident overshadowed my 3-night stay.

Let's hit the YAYs:

• the room ~ quite spacious for a 2Q room, I was pleasantly surprised. Flat screen TV, lots of pillows, closet but no dresser/drawers.
• the bathroom ~ nice, perfect for one. The decor reminded me of Bath & Body Works. I liked the basket of towels, though the towel rack was located under the sink making it difficult to actually dry your towels. The shower head was high, God bless you Four Points Sheraton and your overhaul!
• Henrietta and Todd ~ Henrietta checked me into the hotel. She's lovely - excellent customer service, knowledgeable, friendly. Todd - the only one who asked about the 'incident' and the only one involved who offered an apology.

Let's hit the BOOs:

• the location ~ far, far away. I now know not to stay out that way if everything I'm doing is in the City.
• the business center ~ one computer. In the bar area. Better than nothing; but when the term 'business center' is used, a totally different picture is painted.
• the kids in the hall ~ there were 300 kids in the room next to mine. They were running up and down the hall, yelling like it was a school hall or something. I was annoyed when they were yelling at 2:00 a.m. I didn't call down to the desk or report anything. My bad. Truly.

The Incident:

I needed a shirt pressed for Lys' bday party. According to the dry cleaning form in the room, same-day service is available if items are left by 8:00 a.m., Monday-Friday. Cool. Done.

I handed the dry cleaning bag to Todd when we left for dinner Thursday night.

On Friday evening - about 6 o'clock - I stopped at the desk to pick up my shirt. The girl, "A" came back empty-handed.

We don't have it.
You're kidding me, right?
No. We don't have it.

I stand there, hands in my hair, as A and Todd look in the back room.

No, it's not here.

I walk away, thoroughly pissed. In that state, I can't talk; I have to walk away. In my room, I'm pacing - is it lost? Has the dry cleaning company just not come by to drop off stuff yet? Did the dry cleaning company simply forget and they're coming back? What the hell am I going to wear to the party?! I grabbed the other dry cleaning form, reading their liability statement - something about six times the value of the service. I don't know. I went back downstairs.

At the desk, waiting to be helped, "A" says "We found your shirt - the bag fell behind boxes." She goes into the back room and presents me with a bag. The same bag in which I dropped off my shirt. It never went out! Grr!

And that was it. She said nothing. No apology. No explanation. No other options offered. Nothing. Ohhh, I was seething. Again, I just had to walk away.

Later that night, I told my tale to the manager on duty. He apologized on her behalf and offered me complimentary breakfast (which I declined).

On Saturday, I was still bothered by the incident. Well, bothered by her lack of customer service in comparison to the customer service received from the other hotel staff. Todd even approached me, asked if my shirt had been cleaned and offered up apologies for it not being handled. And that was a day later! Anyway, still bothered, I wrote a letter to the General Manager. Not sure if he'll get it; and, if so, not sure anything will be addressed.

Overall, if you have business that takes you to Northeast Philadelphia, I cannot fully recommend the Four Points Sheraton. Which is really too bad.

The West Wing ~ Biblical Quotes

*Love* this clip! *Love* Martin Sheen in this clip!

random...

Lys's birthday party tonight @ the Bourbon Blue in Mannyunk (sp?)! I am looking forward to seeing all of my friends, hanging out, catching up and drinking.

The trip so far has been perfect - sleep, read, drink, eat, walk around town, a couple of museums, friends and good times. The weather hasn't been the best; but I did experience a couple of days of gorgeousness. We drove along the river yesterday...the trees were beautiful! The colors were so vibrant; a true autumn.

People in this city drive like maniacs. Seriously. I thought SoCal drivers were bad. Sheesh!

I'm very disappointed in myself: I've only had two cheesesteaks. I know! I've had some awesome food at other awesome places; but c'mon - I'm in Philadelphia! Ya gotta have an effing cheesesteak, right?

OK...off to King of Prussia mall cuz they have Nordstrom and Nordstrom is having its sale. Wooo hoooo!

Here Cabby Cabby!

In L.A., you can't hail a cab on the street. Apparently, you have to call for one. So imagine my surprise when I get to PhilaPA and am expected to hail a cab. WTH?! How the hell do you hail a cab??

I needed a cab to get to the Franklin Institute museum. OK, fine. I walk outside, feeling all stupid and nervous, and just stand in front of the hotel. Cars, cabs, buses pass me by. A couple of businessmen walk out of Ruby Tuesdays, into the street, raise hands and - voila! - cab stops, takes 'em away.

Well, that seems easy enough. I look up Chestnut Street and see no cabs. Tons of cabs are racing down 17th Street! But none pass me by. Crap! So, I stand there.

Down Chestnut, a car is double-parked, causing traffic to back up. A cab stops right in front of me - oh what luck! We make eye contact. I lamely raise my hand. He nods. It all seemed so seedy.

After my museum visit, I had to catch a cab all over again. Good grief! I didn't know what to do. I stood on 20th and Ben Franklin Parkway for 25 minutes trying to get a damn cab! I texted a friend "How the hell do I get a cab?!" The reply? "LOL. I don't know." Aww crap. At this point, I decided I should just walk. I crossed the street, started walking to Parkway. I turned around for one last look and there he was. A cab! I yelled "Taxi!" He waved me over and we were on our merry way. Yay!

This hailing a cab stuff is a piece o'cake.

I'm with the Band

Sunday night found me in a huge fabric warehouse watching/listening to Js band rehearse. When I got the invite, I was instantly sold - the promise of beer only sealed the deal. It would be my first time meeting all of the band and hearing the music live. Lemme tell ya, I was pretty damn stoked.

J let us (HH and me) listen to two new tracks plus a remixed version of another track - liked all 3, loved the vocals and the vocal mix on the 2nd one.

J brought a new guitarist onboard. So new, in fact, that Sunday night was only the 3rd time the guy had rehearsed/played with the band. Lemme tell ya, no tell-tale signs this guy was new. He fit with the others, interacted with the others, contributed ideas and looked so comfortable no one would ever have guessed. And this guy rocked it out. Seriously rocked it the hell out!

The guys ran through the six songs several times ~ tweaking this, adding that, "Let's try..." this, "just do..." that. I loved it! I loved watching that collaboration, that on-the-spot creativity and then it all just gels. So inspiring. They looked like a band. They sounded great!

These guys are going places.

Davio's - I love you!

Dropped by Davio's for soup and wine. The restaurant is part of the Club Quarters hotel. Lys and I had dinner at Davio's last year - yummy!

So, I'm at the bar...drinking Zinfandel ("The red one?" "Is there any other?"), perusing the bar menu. All I read was Roasted Pumpkin soup. Done!

Out comes the guy with a bowl on platter and a pitcher of some sort. He places the bowl on platter in front of me - the bowl has short ribs. Huh? What? He then pours the contents of the pitcher over the short ribs. I know! I grabbed the menu when he walked away - Roasted Pumpkin Soup over Cinnamon braised short ribs! Ohhh yeah!

Delish. I want it again.

If/When you're in Philadelphia ~ eat at Davio's!

Election Day

We watched the first of the poll returns from Downey's on South Street. The place was virtually empty yet all TVs - including the big big screen - were tuned to CNN. We caught some of the projections but couldn't hear much and we were too busy talking.

Over at Dave & Buster's, the TV screens were either ESPN or CNN. We were so excited about watching history change in front of our eyes. I kept checking the numbers, watching them slowly creep upwards. At one point the electoral votes total was 207. After that, we were lost in conversation once again.

220. Wow...this could really happen. Really happen!

207? Huh?

Then the bar erupted into wild cheers, hoots and w00ts, whistles and applause. CNN projected Barack Obama the winner!

"But he only has 207."
"No; that's 297!"

I was stunned. We immediately left D&Bs - we wanted to hear the speeches!

As we drove through the city, people were honking horns, chanting, yelling and smiling. Sooo many people were so genuinely happy - it was such a sight to see! It was such a thrilling feeling! We heard McCain's speech on the drive back to the hotel.

As we said our goodbyes and parted ways, I raced upstairs to the lobby. The image I saw? Jesse Jackson with tears streaming down his face. I got chills.

I called my parents...Dad used to register voters in the South, not seeing Mom for days. I wondered how he was feeling, what he was thinking...of course, he was out playing tennis.

I watched Barack Obama's speech from my room - what a beautiful family! He was so calm and steady, like he's been throughout the campaign. I felt so proud to be an American.

Change. Let it begin.

Girl of 100 Lists ~ the hotel Phila PA

Club Quarters Hotel
1628 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia PA

In no particular order, here are my BOOs! and YAYs! for Club Quarters in PhilaPA:

• private hotel ~ no public restrooms or lobby, can't just walk in off the street. It's so non-descript from outside, no one knows it's a hotel. Most of my friends say they walk/drive by all the time and never knew it was a hotel! YAY!
• location location location ~ in Center City, in the middle of the hustle + bustle - shops (Sephora to the left of me, H&M to the right), food galore, walking to distance to most of the historic attractions I want to visit, great pub around the corner (YAY! Oscar's Tavern!). YAY!
• when I checked in, they only had a room with twin beds available. I know! I haven't slept in a twin bed since college. College! That wasn't just last week, kids. BOO!
• the hotel room is lovely - it truly is. YAY!
• free bottled water ~ Uh huh. I said it. Free bottled water. Each floor has a chilled filtered water dispenser below a rack of empty plastic water bottles. You can fill up any time you'd like. I know! YAY!
• club room ~ the lobby's club room has 3 computers, huge flat screen TV, big plush comfy couches and overstuffed chairs for hotel guests to enjoy. It's lovely and homey and inviting. Just needs a fireplace...YAY!

Overall, I'm totally diggin' Club Quarters. YAY!

Tomorrow ~ I'm with the Band

PhilaPA ~ Day 1

Flight from LAX to Denver? One crying baby, one restless, whiny toddler.

Flight from Denver to PhilaPA? FOUR crying babies, restless and whiny toddlers. Plus one annoyed 41-year old with iPod ears (music turned up too loud but it drowned out the Fab Four).

Other than that? Uneventful flight. Hooray!

Arrived at the hotel around 8 o'clock and all I wanted was a beer and soup or a sandwich. I located Marathon Grill and started walking. That's when I saw the lovely yellow sign: $5 Footlongs. SOLD! Grabbed a sandwich, back to the room. Texts, food, some cable TV then a crash headlong into the bed.

Ahh...vacation. This is what I'm talkin' 'bout!

Tomorrow ~ the hotel

I'm so excited - and I just can't hide it!

Psst! Hey...c'mere...guess what...

MY CAR IS PAID OFF!

Uh huh! My. Car. Is. Paid. OFF. Woo hooooo!

backbackbackmineminemine! (Looney Tunes reference)

That frees up more than $300/month - what a relief. Especially since my 401k dropped. Alot.

Anyway...my car is paid off.

The Plan

I bought a Philadelphia CityPass the other day for $54.00 - which isn't such a bad deal. That $54 covers my admission to the zoo, the Ben Franklin Science museum, the National Constitution Center, the aquarium (yay!) and a few others. This is The Plan (subject to change):

Saturday ~ arrive; settle; dinner/drinks with friends.
Sunday ~ Philadelphia Museum of Art (with the Rocky steps) and the Rodin museum; the Planetarium/Franklin Science museum, if time.
Monday ~ zoo or aquarium - depends upon the weather
Tuesday ~ Election Day! Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross's house, Constitution Museum; then back to the hotel to watch the results. I am so ridiculously excited about this election!
Wednesday ~ whatever I haven't done already
Thursday ~ tea with a dear friend
Friday - Saturday ~ hang with the gang for Lys's birthday, shopping will be in there somewhere
Sunday ~ some football, then head home.

Full week o'stuff will make for a full week o'blog stuff. Yay!

~ Happy Birthday to my brother! ~

It's National Blog Posting Month!

Today marks Day 1 of National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo also referred to here as NaBlahBlah)! I'm excited about getting back to posting here on the regular. We'll see if I can last the whole month...

Today also marks Day 1 of my vacation! Yippeee! I'm leaving on a jet plane, headed to the City of Brotherly Love for one week. Ahh...vacation...no work emails, no work phones, no work people, no work period. Yippeee! I'll be playing tourist ~ Betsy Ross's house, National Constitution Center, Liberty Bell, Geno's, Jim's and Pat's for cheesesteaks. Should be a great time.

As I write this (9:40 p.m. Halloween night) I've yet to finish packing. Sigh Yeah, I know. I had to get a bigger suitcase for the bulky sweaters and such. The stuff that's in there? I've done a swell job of packing ~ most of it is rolled. What a concept! I thought it would be just as bulky as folding and stacking. It isn't. The stuff fits quite nicely. The downer? No room for shoes. Well, if I had shoes, there'd be no room. Ugh. I don't have boots or other cold weather shoes. I live in California. And I have big feet. Anyway, I've thrown 3 pairs into a carry-on and will just have to hope for the best.

OK, Kids...enjoy your week! I'll stop by if I can to post some real time stuff.

And with that...I. Am. Out.

Toodle-loooo!