Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Exhaustion

I've been up nearly 24 hours. Can't think clearly. Made it home safe, with all bags in tow. Happy to be home. Will eat dinner and go to bed.

Fell down some stairs on the tour bus in Barcelona outside La Familia temple (Goudi). Tailbone hurts like hell and have some pretty bad bruises on my arms. :P 11 hours on a plane from London to LA is not fun.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Barcelona

Oh my god, this place is stunning. I can't get over how different the parts of the city are. You have the new part, which was built when the city hosted the Olympics in '92, with wide streets and square blocks. Then the old part which has little streets that wind and turn before you can see where you are going! We are staying at a lovely hotel called AB Vildomat in the new part of the city, but we're going to walk or take the Metro to La Rambla, which is mainly a pedestrian area full of shops, restaurants, and street performers (much like the 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica).

This afternoon Rafael and Francisco drove us around Barcelona and we had a wonderful lunch at the port near the Olympic Village. I ate paella for the first time and it was divine. Then we drove by Gaudi La Familia cathedral, and there are no words to describe this massive place. I took some great pictures from the street and we get to go tour it tomorrow, along with other Gaudi architecture.

I am in love with this city so far. Very cosmopolitan, yet it feels like a small city.

Friday, October 27, 2006

France

So here we are in St. Etienne (sp) and it's a beautiful warm fall day. Soon we'll take off and explore the town, maybe find a cute french cafe and have lunch. Yesterday we arrived and went straight to the St. Just glass factory which was really interesting. It was a very long day, though, and when I arrived to my room I took out my contacts, changed into my pj's, and climbed into bed. A huge bed, at that, and slept until 8:15! It's really a clue to me that I'm getting older when I consider that 8:15 is "sleeping in".

Last night we went to Magali's house and had champagne, a bunch of french cheeses, salad from the garden, and lasagnae with mushrooms she had picked over the weekend. Lovely! We also met her husband, George, who is a very "french" man, but is charming and interesting and he and Magali get along so very well. They were fun to watch in the kitchen as they made dinner.

Tonight it's an early night because we have to be up at 4:30 in the morning. Our flight to Barcelona isn't until 8:30, but we are an hour from the Lyon airport. One of the girls at the factory, Celcilia, her father owns a cab company, so he has given us a discounted taxi rate to the airport and will take us himself. Should be interesting. He speaks spanish and french, and we speak only English...

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

I have clothes!

Baggage has been recovered! Came in about 1am, and was delievered to my door. I love this hotel. It's family owned, and you see the same people in the evening and in the morning...it's just wonderful. Charming courtyard that I can enjoy from the deck attached to my room. Everyone rides their bikes here or rides the tram or bus. It's a very environmental city. I love it here. I just wish the German language was a bit easier to understand.

Oh, and Lena, I met someone from Finland. He told me about all the snow in Scandanavia. Dang, girl! :)

Tomorrow is a long day at the conference complete with a dinner party at a hotel. Then we are up very early Thursday morning to make a 7:30am flight to Lyon.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Short and sweet

Real quick, I'm here, okay and hungry for dinner. Tami and I arrived safely yesterday without luggage. Argh! We missed our flight in London (thanks British Airways) and then the new airline lost our luggage (thanks Luftansa). So this morning it was off to a department store filled with lovely european clothes. And our baggage should arrive at the hotel tonight. Yay! I'll return a few items that I bought today, namely the blue sweater and black jacket. But the rest I will keep. The shirt and pants just fit way to well. :)

More later! Must let Tami use the computer now.

Saturday, October 21, 2006

White and Nerdy

I love this new video from Weird Al. And keep an eye out for guest appearances by Donny Osmond and Seth Green.

Let's hear it for good taste

You Are Guinness

You know beer well, and you'll only drink the best beers in the world.
Watered down beers disgust you, as do the people who drink them.
When you drink, you tend to become a bit of a know it all - especially about subjects you don't know well.
But your friends tolerate your drunken ways, because you introduce them to the best beers around.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

New York Times, baby!

Gamers: Dorkness Rising was mentioned in the New York Times!!!!

Read the full article here.

The best that money can buy

For a whopping $13.00, I bought something that will endlessly entertain humans and cats alike.

A laser pointer.

Getting ready

I take off for Europe day after tomorrow. Here's what I'll be up to:

Saturday - depart Burbank for Seattle, then Seattle to London, then London to Dusseldorf (We get to Germany on Sunday). I get 1.5 days to play in Germany before the conference starts.

M/T/W - Conference with Tami, my lovely co-worker, and my Dad.

Thursday - Depart for Lyon, France

Th/F - In France, meeting with Saint Just glass company. They make hand-blown glass, and we get to hand pick the sheets we want in our next shipment, and maybe even a few hand-blown paperweights.

Saturday - Depart for Barcelona, Spain.

Su/M - In Spain, dip our feet in the Mediteranian, meet with Frandisa glass company. They make unusual but beautfiul architectural glass, well-suited for kitchen cabinets, entry ways, shower doors, etc.

Tuesday - Depart Barcelona for London, London to LAX.

Wednesday at 7:15am - I start fitness bootcamp! :)

Monday, October 16, 2006

Poor little kitty

I had to take Quinn to the vet today. She's been having some bowel issues, and the news wasn't exactly good. She has an serious infection in some of her rear-end glands, and a skin infection in that area. So today Quinny did not hav e a good day. She even got her butt hair shaved so it would be easier for us to see what's going on. Also, she has gingivitis, and the vet reccomended I start brushing her teeth every day, and also schedule an appointment to get her teeth cleaned (which, for cats, they have to be put under because it's painful - they go under the gum line). So $100 later, I finally was able to bring her home. We have medicine to give her for the next week, and I'm to take her back to the vet on Wednesday for a check up. Right now she doesn't trust me but I think she'll be okay.

Poor little thing. It's the worst thing when your pets are sick.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Better...

Today I worked out, and felt much better. I did tae-bo, with lots of punching and kicking. I pretended to kick Billy Blanks right in the face and somehow that helped. I also got some work done, but after 2 hours of staring at spreadsheets I've given myself a little break to get my eyes looking straight again.

Matt has been wonderful, as usual. Everytime I have one of my sudden crying fests, he's right there by my side, counseling me and making me laugh. I totally didn't feel like cooking last night so he went off his diet for me and we ordered yummy, greasy chinese food. Damn, it was good and exactly what I needed. Today we're going to The Grove to see the premiere (but at matniee pricing so we can save a few bucks) of Man of the Year with Robin Williams. I need to get out of my head and laugh at a comedian.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Bad day

So far it's not going well. I'm terribly depressed and was told that my anti-depressants wouldn't kick in for another 3 weeks. And I started working out today, which means my muscles are terribly sore.

I also had to make a visit to the doctor. I have a birthmark just below my left eye, and while I was in Seattle, I noticed it grew and starting turning black. But it didn't hurt and if I pushed it down it would go flat for a little while and then puff right back up again. Needless to say, I was a little concerened so I went to the doctor to get referred to a dermatologist. Well, she said it's nothing serious but I should have it removed. So she's referred me to surgery, and they may refer me to plastic surgery. Oh joy. It's not just something they can burn off, oh no. We have to make this a long drawn out process that could take months. :P I just want this thing off my face so I'll stop feeling so self concious. The doctor said it's most likely benine but given my recent experiences I'd like to find out for sure sooner rather than later. Luckily it has stopped growing but it still sits there, on my face, under my eye, making me feel like some sort of freak show.

I just want to be happy. I dont' want to feel sad, upset, mad, angry, hurt, depressed, confused, lazy...all these negative things. I want to be happy but I just can't seem to move on. I am trying, and I have to get back to work on the price list for NWAG, but I just seem to keep putting it off. If only zoloft would kick in sooner. In the meantime, I'll just keep working out, drinking water, and enjoying this lovely 80 degree weather.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

I'm back!

I'm home. After a looooooooong train ride, meeting many interesting people, watching Season 2 of Rescue Me, and having my fill of train food, I'm back. To a very happy husband and surprised but happy kitties.

Life is good. :)

(Pictures to be posted later. Right now I need to unpack.)

Sunday, October 08, 2006

This is it!

My last post from Seattle, at least for awhile. When I post again, I will be in Los Angeles! Home to my hubby, my kitties, my SoCal friends, and 80 degree weather. I will be sure to post pictures from home and from the train ride.

Today was a great day. I got to sleep in, catch up with Aunt Muriel, buy boxes from Staples (I have so much stuff it's not even funny - I was only supposed to be here a week!), etc. The biggest surprise was Emily, who I have not seen since 8th grade. We just started talking as if no time had passed. I am so happy to have re-connected with her! She was generous enough to come to the house all the way from Kenmore (North of Lake Washington) and talk to me while I frantically packed.

This evening Dad, Katie, and I headed over to Bainbridge Island for dinner to finally visit Aunt Diane and Uncle Gregg. Their house is so cool. I was mad that I forgot my camera because I really would have loved to share it with you guys and gals. Their studio is really neat, too, full of all kinds of treasures.

T minus 12 hours and some minutes! It will be a great trip, I'm looking forward to it. :)

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Happy Birthday Mom

See the title of this post and you can guess why I'm not in the best of moods today.

Do you ever have those mornings where getting out of bed seems like the most traumatic thing? I laid in bed for 45 minutes before I couldn't hold it any longer. :P

Today Katie and I will spoil ourselves by going to Habitude to get our nails done. Then it's off to the cemetary (where we will be meeting Uncle Dan and Aunt Gwen) and then Mukilteo. Mom's best friend lives out there and she and her husband are having us over for dinner.

Yesterday was very fun. Jenny, Paige and I went to Blue C Sushi at the University Village near the University of Washington. I am going to miss both of them so very much. It has been good for me to see my girlfriends here on a regular basis.

Last night Brie and Steve came over for dinner and asked if Matt and I would like to be godparents of their child. Naturally, I said yes for the both of us. I am so excited! They also asked if my Dad would be a god grand-dad, which was very sweet. We are both honored to be part of this new little life.

Tomorrow I will spend the day packing and may head over to Bainbridge Island to see Uncle Gregg and Aunt Diane, but I'm not sure yet.

Monday, I take off. Train leaves at 9:45 a.m. I bought a memory card for my digital camera so I can take lots of pictures. :)

Thursday, October 05, 2006

A cheat from Molly

life would be simpler if...
I knew where we would be living in 5 years, if Mom was still alive, and if I could commit to an exercise plan.

i feel most beautiful...
When I'm dancing, whether at a club or at one of Celena's house parties, and when I act.

the quality i like least about myself...
Well, there's 2. My gap toothed smile and the birthmark on my nose.

something that no one knows about me is...
I have a serious princess complex that I battle every day.

guiltiest pleasure?
Working from home. My commute consists of going from my bedroom to the living room, in my pj's!

high road or low road?
Sometimes I take the high road. I try to be good. Today I took the low road on the freeway and got honked at and given the bird. Lovely.

my favorite possession is...
My wedding ring. It's so pretty and shiney.

when i was little, i wanted to be...
An ocenagrapher (sp). Then I realized I stunk at science.

what surprises me most about my adult life is...
That it's much more complicated than it seemed when I was 16. And that I still have no serious career direction.

the big decision i'm currently wrestling with is...
How long will we be home for Christmas?

my motto is...
The meaning of life is to live it.

Annoyed

Why is it that people must comment on EVERYTHING they see on television? I mean, yes, I understand if you're upset or happy or whatever with what is showing but must it be repeated over and over? Let me enjoy the program and then we can talk about it afterwards.

Why do people have to tailgate so closely when I drive on the freeway? And how come drivers do not let us over when we are attempting to merge on to 405 and instead of being considerate, laugh as they nearly cause a 3 car pile-up? Who gave them a license? That person should be fired.

That's it. Just a few things that have happened a lot in the past week and I feel like I've had enough!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to the greatest husband EVER. You are the greatest person and my best friend. I love you!

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday dear Matthew

Happy birthday to you

And many more, on channel 4

And Scooby Do, on channel 2

And Frankensten, on channel 9

Monday, October 02, 2006

Chuggin' along

I leave in 1 week. I can't believe I've been here over 2 months and suddenly I'm getting ready to go. I will miss it here. I've taken some things for granted, but also appreciated my friends and family who have helped me through this awful experience. I will be spending much of my 35 hour train ride journaling, reading, and watching movies on my portable DVD player, though apparently the train has a movie theater? Read on...

The West Coast Experience
Considered to be one of the most beautiful of all train routes, the Coast Starlight connects the hottest cities on America's West Coast. En route daily between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Eugene, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara.

The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is unparalleled: snow-covered mountains, dense forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline provide a gorgeous backdrop for your journey.

And there are many places to stop and visit along the route. Get away to Paso Robles, where you can tour one of over 48 wineries or relax in the natural hot springs. Head to San Luis Obispo to climb the enchanted hill to Hearst Castle. Leave your heart in spectacular San Francisco. Or just stop and smell the roses in Portland.

Exclusive Amenities
Roomette and Bedroom passengers enjoy access to the Pacific Parlour Car, a private lounge featuring a library and games, afternoon wine tasting, plus a movie theater below. If you're traveling with little ones, they'll love the fun and games available just for them in the Kiddie Car.

All passengers enjoy floor-to-celing windows in the Sightseer Lounge—the perfect spot for taking in the magnificient scenery.

Trails & Rails
As part of the Trails & Rails program, National Park Service guides from the
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park are onboard the Coast Starlight between Seattle and Portland and Klamath Falls and Eugene.

Trails & Rails is an innovative partnership program between Amtrak and the National Park Service. This program provides educational opportunities to Amtrak passengers for the purpose of fostering appreciation of America's natural and cultural heritage. More information is available at the Trails & Rails Partnership web site.

For more information, please download the Coast Starlight Route Guide.

I guess I should mention that I got a roomette. Hooray for wine tasting and movies on the train! :)