My Favorite Cities

I'm totally going to answer Melisa's question first. Mostly because she took the time to ask and it's an easy one for me to answer.

If you could live somewhere else and it HAD to be a city in which you've never resided before, where would it be?

I think my first choice would be Boston. I've never lived there, but did spend quite a bit of time there when I was just out of college for my first job. I love the architecture; I could walk the streets for hours just looking at the brownstone buildings and cobblestone streets. I never understood history quite like I did when I was there. I love the seasons there, even the cold! I love the diversity-the intellectual, the scientific, the cosmopolitan, the suburban. I have a soft-spot for the Atlantic ocean and love the east coast.

If the time spent there would disqualify me from Boston then I would probably choose Charleston for many of the same reasons. The beaches there feel like home to me even though I'm a west coast girl by birth. I'm not sure you could learn everything there is to learn about either one of these east coast cities. I learn something new every time I go there.

If you further qualified your question to only foreign cities then I'd probably be stumped. I love London and have spent enough time there to feel quite comfortable. I love the history and tradition of the Royal family; it's fascinating to me. I could live there but I would hate to limit myself. There are several other European cities that are definitely on my Bucket List, and I would love to go back to Singapore someday.

But, really Melisa? I want to live in Denver. I've never actually lived in Denver proper, so it qualifies. There are beautiful old streets that have unbelievable homes with giant trees and a view of the most beautiful mountains on the planet. There are sports teams and the symphony, and museums, and miles and miles of trails for biking/walking. It's where my heart is.

NYC in Pictures

DC in Pictures

One of the neatest things about going to DC when you live on the west coast is that it doesn't happen very often. When it does, everything seems new to you and you see it with fresh eyes, even if you've seen it before. That's about how I felt on the whole trip a couple of weeks ago.

 I've been to Mt. Vernon before, maybe when I was about 13? It's even more amazing now that I'm older and able to appreciate many of the subtle things about the property. The view over the Potomac. That George had such a love of his land that he surveyed it over and over throughout his lifetime. The simple, yet majestic beauty of the home. The privacy of the master bedroom and his office.

 Our experience at Arlington was really amazing. Beside the fact that the grounds and the view are truly stunning, one of our parents had a connection for us to have a private meeting with a Sentinel. His knowledge was vast and our kids sat in awe for the entire 20 minutes or so that he spoke with us. 4 of our students also had the opportunity to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

I'm not sure I'll ever tire of seeing the Vietnam Memorial but this is one of my favorite parts. The nurses.

One of the things that I'd never seen before was the Korea Memorial. It means a lot more to me now that I know that my father-in-law was sent there just before the conflict ended for the United States. I'm not sure what made more of an impression on me: the fact that it was a rainy day and the soldiers actually looked real in their rain ponchos, or the wall etched with the faces and scenes of war. It was really moving.

The National Cathedral was wonderful, of course, but it was the smaller things, like this tapestry, that really caught my attention.

 Another building that we got to see was the Library of Congress. It was love at first sight. Every detail had me staring in awe. On the right is the detail of the arches in the main hall. The flowers are amazing. Below is the stained glass window ceiling. It was truly incredible. The tile mosaics in the floor and ceiling were breathtaking. I could have spent all day there--and that was just the architecture! I didn't even get to see any of the collections.

  

It really was an amazing trip. (How many times can I use that word?) We saw so much more in DC than what I've shown here. One of my other favorite things was the WWII Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. I don't know how I'd missed the WWII before but I actually think it was my favorite. And MLK? Truly stunning. But it's new so there isn't any way that I'd have seen it before. I would have loved a little extra time there to see a little more of it. As usual, that could apply to most of the things we did but as you'll see when I post about the NYC portion of the trip, we should get the chance to do just that the next time we go! 

While the Cat's Away...

This is the week that I'm taking HB#1 to DC/NYC with his school. Well, the old school. Anyway, apparently Old Man Winter decided that we needed to stress a little because it looks like the DC area will be getting 4-8 inches of snow between now and tomorrow evening. Send up a prayer that our flights are not effected and we are able to arrive as planned. We will be doing ev.ry.thing. All by noon on Thursday, then heading up to NYC. I'm so excited about both cities. I've been to both but there are things that we'll be doing that I've never done.

*****
It's been a rough few weeks around here. Some close friends of ours found out at the end of February that their 11 year old son has cancer. My heart is broken. We're still in shock, I think, but doing our best to be available to the family to help in whatever capacity that they need. So many in our community have already stepped in to fill in the gaps with meals, rides for their other children, etc., the outpouring of support has been almost overwhelming. And the outpouring has certainly been beautiful. It's going to be a long haul, as the treatment plan is for about 12 months. While I'm away, would you please pray for my friend Ann, her son Peter, and their family? He finished his first round of chemo yesterday and is expected home later this afternoon.

Ann reads here if you would like to leave a message of support for her, Peter, and the family in the comments.

The blogging community is so supportive-I'm counting on you all to fill the gap this week while I'm gone!

A Vegas Overview-With Teenagers!

 I mentioned that we were heading to Vegas a few weeks ago, yes? We were meeting my lovely friend Shannon and her family. The weekend started with a road trip to the Hoover Dam on the Nevada/Arizona state line. I think I may have done this as a child but have zero recollection of it at all. It was really amazing. Did you know that the dam itself is not attached to the surrounding canyon walls at all? If you're ever in the area it is worth taking the long tour. I'm sure we'll be going back some time since, at the last minute, Headless Dad wasn't able to go.






On Saturday night we went to Bacio Restaurant in the Tropicana. Headless Dad and I discovered it last year on our weekend getaway and it is still delicious. We give it 4 stars!

 On Sunday morning we started on the south end of the strip at the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium. The kids really loved it. As you can see, my HB#2 got to get his hands wet and touch the rays. It was a nice exhibit; the pace was perfect for a lazy Sunday morning. Even this old broad learned a few things!










One of my favorite things to see in Las Vegas is the lobby of the Bellagio hotel. Below is the ceiling near the check-in desk. Those are giant Murano Glass disks bolted to the ceiling, with lights behind them. Truly stunning.

 Even the tile floors in the Bellagio are a sight to see. Can you tell that this is an intricate mosiac? I just love it. Someday when I win the PowerBall I am going to have someone do this at my house. Anywhere will do: entry way, bathroom, back patio.... All of the above?











And of course, you haven't seen Vegas until you've seen the water show. It is spectacular day or night. (Click on the Bellagio website for a preview of what it looks like at night.)

 We visited the Paris hotel, a first time for me. Although we didn't see much of it, we did use the bathrooms here and if the rest of the hotel and casino is as detailed as the sinks? Definitely a place to return to and explore a little more. Shannon took her daughter up in the Eiffel Tower and said that the views were amazing!

We had walked the bulk of the day so by the time we hit Paris we were all pooped. The boys wanted to swim so we headed back to our hotel. After swimming we went out to grab dinner and fulfill another promise to the boys. A second ride on the roller coaster at NYNY. It really is a great coaster, but Shannon's 9yo daughter wasn't pleased the first time so she didn't go a second time. I cannot believe I didn't get a picture of this!!

Since it was an early night, the boys decided that "While in Vegas, do what Las Vegans do"... (or something like that.) They pulled out the playing cards, bought Tic Tacs to bet with, and played poker. Shannon and I loved hearing their laughter while we had a glass of wine.

It was such a fun weekend and it even got my #1's highest approval rating of: "Best Weekend Ever." I'll take it!

Thanks Shannon for suggesting this-Let's do it again soon!



If you'd like to follow Shannon's family adventures, check out her blog 100 Routes Across America.

It's a Small World

In another tale from the Virgin Islands....

While I was gone on our vacation I posted as much as I could on Facebook. I had promised my parents, daughter, and some friends that I would, and it actually makes it easier since you then don't have to sit down and go through all of your pictures with people that will find it all boring anyhow. A picture here and there is perfect, yanno? Anyway, I was 'checking in' all over the Virgin Islands because we had not been sure of our itinerary before we left and that way my parents could 'follow' what we were doing.

I have a friend, "J" that is living on the other side of the world in Japan. She checks Facebook a lot to keep up with her family and friends that live in the States and in other parts of the world. While I was posting about being in the Virgin Islands she had another friend, "A" (actually a stepsomethingorother,) from the eastern US, that was also posting about being in the Virgin Islands. Weird, right?

It gets more weird. Get this:

On Tuesday we were having lunch near The Baths on Virgin Gorda and ended up trading cameras with two couples that were lunching next to us so we could get shots of our whole groups. We ended up chatting with them a little and that night ended up in the same harbor where we chatted again. The next day we ended up at Bitter End. (Read my previous tale about Bitter End here.) I had 'checked in' at Bitter End. So had A. J messaged both of us saying that it was weird that we had both checked in at the same place. I quickly messaged back both of them with a description of our group without looking at A's profile. When I did, I realized that A was in the group that we had been running into all week!

We ran into their group through the rest of the week and A and I got to know each other a little. If it hadn't been for J, a half a world away, we might have missed that fun connection.

It was great meeting you A!

I love social media. 

Shark Tale

Just in time for Shark Week! My timing is perfect, no?

When HD started coming home telling me about what we were going to be doing on our vacation I was a little nervous. I'm not a big risk-taker. I'm not a thrill-seeker. So when I was told that we HAD to get snorkel gear I shuddered a little. I love the ocean; it's beautiful. I love the way it looks and sounds and smells. Occasionally I like to dip my toes in. But to actually put on a mask, snorkel and fins? Uh, no thanks.

Remember when I said that we had to step out of our box a little? This is me stepping out of my box, right here.

I figured I had to try it once or twice, right? I mean, we were in the Virgin Islands for Pete's sake. Then if I didn't dig it I could just stay on board and read or whatever. On day one I tried. The water was warm but not hot. The fins helped more than I thought they would. The mask and the snorkel? Wasn't a fan, but I did it anyway. I'm not a super strong swimmer but I did ok that first time.

Later that day, at another location, the current was stronger. I was scared, so I didn't go.

Then later still we had to swim to shore to go to a restaurant to have lunch. That was ok. Still wasn't a big fan but I was getting more comfortable.

By the third day I was feeling much better about the whole snorkeling thing and we stayed at a place called The Bitter End. It's a part of Virgin Gorda. If you look at the map there is a spot near the "A" where it says 'dock', and after asking around we found out that there was a good snorkel spot out past that spot. There is a reef just east of there and past that is full-on Atlantic Ocean. We left the kids to sleep in and the adults decided to go out.

See the teeny 'island' in the left of the picture? There is a sand bar/reef just above it. It's white-ish. That is where we were. Just east of this, (which would be up in this picture?), next stop Africa.

When we got there we put our gear on and decided to swim to the left for a bit, then cross the reef and come back on the outside. Seeing as we were in the Atlantic Ocean and the current was pretty strong I was the last in our group. I will say, though that I was doing ok for me. Our friends had never snorkeled this reef so we were all stopping to show one another some coral or fish or something. The men were out in front of us and all of a sudden I had caught up to them. When I looked around they were pointing and going back under.

The universal symbol for "Hey! Look over there!"

So I stopped and went under. I wasn't prepared for what I saw but I am so glad I was there. Just 20 feet in front of us was a reef shark that was about 5 feet long. (Seriously, measure it out.) I just hung there watching him. I'm sure it was only 20-30 seconds but it was the Coolest Thing Ever. After surveying us and deciding that he didn't know what those weird creatures were he darted away.

Come to find out later, everyone in our party but me was slightly panicked about how close we were to him. HD was even thinking "What if he comes at me? What do I do? Where would I go?" I wasn't. I just wanted to dangle in the water and watch him. I didn't feel threatened or afraid.

Who would have thought? Me, the least experienced swimmer/snorkeler in the party getting to see that on just my third day and not being scared at all. Talk about out of my box!

At the end of the trip I confessed to our hosts that I had never snorkeled before and that at the beginning of the trip I was quite nervous about doing it. They couldn't believe it and thought I did really well. They actually thought I'd done it lots of times before.

I guess I am stronger and more brave than I thought.

It Really is that Beautiful

Earlier this month we went on vacation to the Virgin Islands. (Both the British and US.) You know all of those pictures of the pristine white beaches and amazing blue and green water? It's even more amazing in person.

We were so blessed. It was one of those vacations that we kept pinching ourselves and asking "Are we really here?" There were times that I almost didn't feel like it was real. Although, I have the tan to prove that I was. (Yes, we used our sunscreen and none of us got a sunburn!)

Before we left my husband told the kids "that they would have to step out of their box and try new things." I took it to heart as well. I think that I may have stepped out of my box more than anyone.  I'm super proud of myself because there were lots of times that I did things that I never thought I'd do and was actually mentally prepared to say no to. But I said yes and it rocked.

And yes, I'll tell you more stories. They're too good not to tell.

There is no instruction manual for this.

(I started this a few weeks back. Don't let it deter you from reading. It's going somewhere.)

I just got back from spending two weeks with my parents in Colorado. It was such a great trip! The weather was gorgeous, we had fun, the kids were (mostly) well-behaved. Headless Dad couldn't make the trip this year due to his shoulder and work obligations, which was a complete bummer. I got to see old friends-some that I hadn't seen in over 15 years! We worried over friends that were evacuated in the Black Forest fire and had wine on the deck. We cleaned out closets and made many trips to the charity donation places, and the trash bin! I cooked for them. It was so, so good to be there with my parents and to be able to help out.

Most of you probably don't know that my dad has been battling cancer this year. Cancer sucks, if you haven't heard. Cancer has an opposite and equal suckage partner. It's when you live far, far away from the loved one who is sick. There isn't a name for it, but it goes something like this: I don't get to be around for the day to day. I don't get to drive him to treatment when my mom has had.enough.already. I don't get to stop by with dinner so they don't have to think about it. I don't get to spend a morning sipping coffee with him on the deck watching his friends go by on the golf course. I don't get to help my mom go through her 'stuff' when she gets on a cleaning-out roll and wants to clean out another box/shelf/room, then take it all to the donation center. I don't get to bring him AllTheFood to keep him from losing more weight. (I'm the daughter. I can get away with being all pushy like that. Love you Daddy! ;-)

No, I just have the telephone and it is no substitute for being there. Mr. Bell had it wrong.

For all of the technology that we have there is no substitute for being with your family when a Big Thing is going on. There is no instruction manual for this.

So for all you young folks out there that think that getting far, far away from the crazy that you call family is the only way to go? Take my advice. Unless there is serious abuse, (and if there is then run far, far away,) you will someday come to regret that you live more than a 5 hour drive from your family of origin. You will sob when you can't be there to take your dad to chemo, or to support your mom while she is supporting your dad. Talking on the phone will be a sore substitute for being there. Go ahead, sow your wild oats while you're young but when it comes time to settle down? Try to settle close to home. You won't be sorry.

Roses, Vegas, and Life

 My roses are in full bloom. These are my favorite so far this year. The colors are so vibrant and the 2 that I cut are making my kitchen smell divine.

 Last weekend Headless Dad and I were here. At the top of the Rio having dinner with friends at the VooDoo Steakhouse. The food was great, (I had the best sea bass I've ever tasted,) the company better, and this view? Out of this world. The Voodoo is also the rooftop nightclub with amazing views of the strip as well as the mountains. See the railing? Yeah, there was no way I was getting any closer. The wind was howling that night- knocking over empty glassware that was left behind!

 Sunday afternoon we decided to relax by the pool with boat drinks. Frozen Pina Colada for me!

 If you ever need a place to eat in Vegas you must try Bacio's in the Tropicana. It was beyond spectacular.  Above is my dinner: veal scallopini with artichokes and proscuitto. Headless Dad loved his dinner too. And our apps and salads and the bread and the dessert...... I would go back to Vegas just to go back to this restaurant. No lie.

Aaaaahhhhh yes. Back to reality. This is only part of the ironing that I did today. I also did 5 loads of laundry and cleaned my kitchen.

Where is my cocktail waitress? Where is the valet?

Look Who Came To Visit

This handsome young man came to see us on our first day in Colorado last summer. He had a quick lunch and hopped away.

Adventure Wish List

Just Margaret asked me to post about adventures that I'd like to have. Adventures are closely linked with travel so I purposely left this part out of my last post about vacations. Most adventures that I'd like to have right now would include my family. I'd like to take them to see places in our country that are historic and beautiful and meaningful to me and their dad. In no particular order, I present, the Headless Family Adventure Wish List:

• Washington DC- I want to take my kids to see everything there, including the stuff in Virginia. And I want to drive them over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. I remember doing that by myself on the way to my friend A's wedding (She writes Rocks in the Wash.) and I was terrified. But I did it. And it was very cool. The eastern shore of Virginia is beautiful. Oh, and there is a little issue of visiting one of my best internet pals. I'd stop and see her too. I mean, we'd be in the neighborhood, so we might as well, right? ;-)
• New York City- My #2 has wanted to go there since he was in Kindergarten. Why? I have no clue, but I'd love to be able to take him. There is so much that I've never done in NYC that it would be a great trip for all of us. Oh, my mom and dad would have to come too. (Get this: in all of the years that my dad was an airline pilot she never went to NYC. That's just wrong, isn't it?) I'd also take them out to Montauk. I love that beach for the memories I have from a trip that I took in high school. We would have to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and some spots in Jersey since my husband's family has ties to those areas. I have a few other friends I could visit there too. Hmmmm, I'm sensing a theme here.....
• Boston-Boston is my #1 favorite city in the United States. I could walk those streets forever. I'd take the boys to MIT and Boston University, to Fenway and Faneuil. I'd want to go to Cape Cod, since I've never been. I would take them up the coast to Bar Harbor. And yes, Margaret, I'd visit you on this trip, too!

So basically, I'd do the US History Trifecta. If money was no object I would just start on the south end and work my way up the coast, ending in October in Maine so we could see the colors. Would 4 weeks do it? 6 weeks? Aah, what the hell, make it an even 2 months.

Lottery, here I come!

Re-Entry

Yeah, yeah, BlogHer, blah blah blah.

I went. I Tweeted. I came home with an insane longing for the internet to move in next door.

Desperately behind since my kids started school about 16 hours from when I pulled in my driveway.

Laundry under way.

Desire for the weather here to be just as nice as it was in San Diego. (Please, oh please, oh please!!)

Got my parents off this morning and taking today to decompress and regroup.

Have so so so much to share with you all. Soon.

XO

BlogHer '11-The Essentials

This year will be my fourth BlogHer Conference. I've learned a few things and I'm happy to share!

The Basics:

• Make plans to meet your roommate/best blogging pals before you go in to the ballroom/breakfast area on the first day. It will be jam packed and with 3,000+ attendees you'll never find anyone. Meet first and go in together.
• Alternately, it's totally ok if you go in alone. There will be plenty of other people that are sitting alone or looking for someone to sit with. Introduce yourself, give your elevator pitch, then ask questions. This is a networking conference. Use it. (Honestly. I follow some awesome bloggers that I never would have found if it hadn't been for the previous 3 conferences.)
• If there is someone that you really MUST meet, connect through email or Twitter before you go and make plans to meet. Concrete plans. I have missed the same person all 3 years. No Lie. (I'm looking at you, Pauline.) Don't let this happen to you!
• Take your business cards and exchange them with people. For the love of God, please make sure you give one to me. I cannot remember everyone I meet. I iz getting old. Giving me your card guarantees a blog visit from me in August and a mention on my People of BlogHer post.
• Look over the session schedule before you go. (I've only made this mistake once.) You should have an idea of what you'd like to learn about before you get there. You can, of course, change your mind, but having a basic idea is helpful. Believe me, your head will be swimming with information and knowing a little ahead of time will ease the crazy.
• Don't sit in a session that you're hating. It is NOT considered rude to get up and leave. Since sessions are not repeated you should change sessions if there is another going on at the same time that you're interested in. You paid for your ticket; get the most out of it.
• Take notes. I can't type fast enough to keep up with all of the speakers so I make sure I have an notebook with me. It helps. A lot. It also keeps me focused on the speakers because if I have my computer open I'll often check Twitter or Facebook instead and miss something funny or important.
• Conversely, if there is not a session that you're interested in during a time slot, don't feel obligated to go. Use your time to 'recharge' yourself and your gadgets in your room, chat with friends, get a coffee or glass of wine, visit the Expo Hall, or get outside. The weather in San Diego is beautiful and I'm certain it will be cooler than where you live. Enjoy the sea breeze and fresh air!

What to pack:

• Casual outfits for daytime: capris and tops, or casual dresses are perfect. Like everyone says, be comfortable. 
• Evening changes are optional but can be totally fun. I mean, who has regular occasion to wear these?
  

  

  Sarah's Awesome Skull Heels, BH'10 (Goon Squad Sarah)
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Wear what makes you feel good and confident-whether it's dressy, business-like or casual. There will be plenty of people in all of it, so wear what makes YOU happy. The rest of us honestly don't care. 
• Related: Every year I have packed an outfit for every day and one for every night. I end up only wearing what I put on in the morning because I'd rather visit with people and continue having fun than take the time to go upstairs and change. Lesson: one extra outfit is fine, more than that is TOO MUCH.
• Make sure to pack an extra bag. No, really. You'll get plenty of shopping bags, swag, etc., but what you WON'T get is an extra suitcase to pack it all in. It is cheaper to pay your airline for an extra bag than paying to have it shipped home. Hit the mall, (or ask your friends,) and find a duffel bag that is sturdy enough to check. Pack it flat on the way there, then you can stuff it full of all of the fun stuff that you'll get at the conference!

Things I've found you DON'T need to pack:

• notebook 
• pens/pencils
• water bottle (Often there more than one sponsor company that are handing them out, plus there are refill stations.)
• attitude

Let me know if you're going to San Diego. The best part of the conference is meeting everyone that usually lives in my computer!

A sampling of my previous BlogHer Conference posts:

Why I'm Going to BlogHer (08)
Getting to Know Me, BlogHer 09
(Add Witty Title Here) (10)
People of BlogHer: 2009, 2010