Sometimes my life totally reflects the title of my blog.
I've been working a lot lately. Not really much to tell on that front, but I'm glad I'm working. I love teaching, though I seem to only get in trouble at one school. I held the kids too long one day and apparently am not allowed to give them candy either. But other than that, teaching is great.
Two weeks ago, I started school again. After school, I flew to CA, went straight to my class, then went to a friend's house to sleep. I got up early in the morning to fly back. Everything was great until I got to where my flight connected and the flight was delayed. I pretty much missed my first class. Fortunately, someone could cover for me. Then last weekend I drove down to CA for my other classes. I stayed with one of the ladies in my program Friday night and then we drove to class. That night I drove to my aunt's in Vegas and stayed the night. I watched the morning session of conference and then drove home. I caught part of the afternoon session on the radio. I will be very happy when I am done with my courses.
And the last bit of news is that there is a boy in my life. The bad news is that this boy has been in my life for a long time and nothing has ever happened between us. But I'm feeling that there will be a change. I just keep hoping it will be sooner rather than later.
Here are some of the influencing details:
We've danced together and have developed a relationship of trust
We both like to go to the Symphony
He slugged me when I didn't take him the Shakespeare festival two years ago, but then went without me this year
We go hot tubbing or swimming almost every week. And sometimes go twice to make up for the times we miss.
He goes with me to all the movie musicals. And sometimes he's the one who suggests them
He takes me to dinner occasionally
He likes kids
He comes up with the ideas, but then I have to plan them
Pretty much, I spend at least one night a week with him, generally two or more.
He is my best friend. I trust him completely and I'm comfortable around him.
The more I learn about him, the better a person I find that he is. Unlike Highlander, he doesn't say he is one way and then I find out he's not that. Former Dance Partner, or FDP, just doesn't say. He just is.
However, we're really still just friends. He's never held my hand or put his arm around me. But hope springs eternal, right? I'm trying to have a little faith, because the realist in me says I should give it up. The optimist in me says the realist is just impatient (as is my mother). We'll see who wins out.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Road Trip!
I have no pictures, but here was my weekend. My cousin got married on Saturday, so I went down. Here's the breakdown:
Tues: My sister in WA decides that my mom is heartbroken that she can't make it (because my dad was going to drive her down, but then his long haul trucking schedule got messed up, so she couldn't make it because he wasn't home to take her), so my sister buys her a one way ticket down to SLC (which was cheaper than flying to LAX, and she could drive down with us) and we find her a ride back afterward.
Wed: My mother flies down, I pick her up first thing in the morning.
Thurs: My mother, Blondie (my prego sister) and I drive from UT to Vegas. Takes longer than I anticipate (I planned on having to stop every hour for my sister to walk around for a few minutes and on my mother needing to use the bathroom all the time) because we stopped for an hour for dinner. We stayed with my cousin and her husband. My mother hasnt' met any of my cousins spouses, she can't ever afford to go to the weddings, not to mention she doesn't talk to one of her sisters and rarely to her mother. It was nice to see my cousin and just chat, even though we'd see each other in another couple days.
Fri: We drive to LA to stay with my uncle whose son was getting married. We stopped to get gas off the 210, but we couldn't find a gas station. We stopped at several exits, but no gas station. Even in shopping centers. We finally stopped and asked and had to go five or six more lights down before we ran into one. Fortunately, there was another freeway entrance right next to the gas station (yeah, that was just a LITTLE annoying). My sister took a nap after this, and I got on my OWN computer and watched a little Castle on Hulu. Also chatted with a couple people who I haven't been able to chat with recently. My grandfather sent me to get food, but that was the only qualification he gave me. My mom, grandfather, sister and I chatted. We talked about the different pets my mom had growing up. Now I know why we had so many pets growing up. And I fully intend to have pets when my children are growing up. They are so much fun!
Sat: I was sent out to buy groceries for breakfast. My grandfather asked me what kind of toast I wanted. I said "toasted". My grandfather laughed because those are the same kind of answers he gives to questions!! Yes, I have my grandfather's sense of humor. He told me to get a quart of eggs. I had to ask someone where to find those. I was so confused, until they pointed me to the pre-cracked/mixed eggs! Duh, Treatqueen. My grandfather made scrambled eggs for breakfast, after which, I fell asleep on the couch. Then I dragged my sister to DSW because I needed shoes that didn't hurt my feet. I found some super cute shoes!! I was very happy with them, though they weren't what I had orignially planned on buying. Then my mom took a nap, and then my sister took a nap. I surfed the web. I took a shower and then went outside to dry my hair due to the lack of a blow dryer and the fact that it was stinking hot outside. My grandfather drove us to the wedding, but his passenger side window got stuck, so it was open the whole way down the freeway (good thing my hair didn't need too much upkeep!). The wedding was outside, which was HOT! even in the shade. Our side of the family took up four rows and four tables at dinner! We are getting pretty big, and not even half of my immediate family was there! The wedding was nice, and then we went into the clubhouse to wait for dinner. We were in there for about an hour. There was a bar and a couple tables of fruit, cheese and crackers. This time gave us a chance to all chat. I got to talk to nearly all my relatives. My mother took the chance to meet all the spouses of my cousins and even talked to her mother. I was very proud of her. Then we went in for dinner. We had a salad and then a chicken dish with mashed potatoes and vegetables. There was WAY too much chicken, so my mother got some foil to take some home. Then my aunt L started collecting chicken for my mom to take home. It was pretty funny. We talked some more during dinner because it took a long time. Then they started the dancing. The first few were alright, but then they started getting into the popular, hip hop type music (along with all the language that goes with that and content). After a while of that, it was getting late, especially for my sister and mother, so we decided to go home. I had to go around through the side gate and in the back door because we didn't have the right keys to get in the front door.
Sun: We got up around six and got ready to leave. I made some french toast for breakfast. Both grandpa and my uncle G got up to see us off. We drove the entire day. It was hot outside! I could feel it through the windows, even though the A/C was on. We didn't really stop much. My sister was in the back most of the time. I did have my mother drive part way. That was nice to take a break after driving so much this weekend. We got to my sister's house late in the evening and stayed there for a while because my dad and grandma came over to pick up my mother. My dad drives long haul and he was taking my mom home. So I got to see my grandmother who I almost never get to see. Its been at least five years, probably more. Then I went home. It was nice to sleep in my own bed.
Tues: My sister in WA decides that my mom is heartbroken that she can't make it (because my dad was going to drive her down, but then his long haul trucking schedule got messed up, so she couldn't make it because he wasn't home to take her), so my sister buys her a one way ticket down to SLC (which was cheaper than flying to LAX, and she could drive down with us) and we find her a ride back afterward.
Wed: My mother flies down, I pick her up first thing in the morning.
Thurs: My mother, Blondie (my prego sister) and I drive from UT to Vegas. Takes longer than I anticipate (I planned on having to stop every hour for my sister to walk around for a few minutes and on my mother needing to use the bathroom all the time) because we stopped for an hour for dinner. We stayed with my cousin and her husband. My mother hasnt' met any of my cousins spouses, she can't ever afford to go to the weddings, not to mention she doesn't talk to one of her sisters and rarely to her mother. It was nice to see my cousin and just chat, even though we'd see each other in another couple days.
Fri: We drive to LA to stay with my uncle whose son was getting married. We stopped to get gas off the 210, but we couldn't find a gas station. We stopped at several exits, but no gas station. Even in shopping centers. We finally stopped and asked and had to go five or six more lights down before we ran into one. Fortunately, there was another freeway entrance right next to the gas station (yeah, that was just a LITTLE annoying). My sister took a nap after this, and I got on my OWN computer and watched a little Castle on Hulu. Also chatted with a couple people who I haven't been able to chat with recently. My grandfather sent me to get food, but that was the only qualification he gave me. My mom, grandfather, sister and I chatted. We talked about the different pets my mom had growing up. Now I know why we had so many pets growing up. And I fully intend to have pets when my children are growing up. They are so much fun!
Sat: I was sent out to buy groceries for breakfast. My grandfather asked me what kind of toast I wanted. I said "toasted". My grandfather laughed because those are the same kind of answers he gives to questions!! Yes, I have my grandfather's sense of humor. He told me to get a quart of eggs. I had to ask someone where to find those. I was so confused, until they pointed me to the pre-cracked/mixed eggs! Duh, Treatqueen. My grandfather made scrambled eggs for breakfast, after which, I fell asleep on the couch. Then I dragged my sister to DSW because I needed shoes that didn't hurt my feet. I found some super cute shoes!! I was very happy with them, though they weren't what I had orignially planned on buying. Then my mom took a nap, and then my sister took a nap. I surfed the web. I took a shower and then went outside to dry my hair due to the lack of a blow dryer and the fact that it was stinking hot outside. My grandfather drove us to the wedding, but his passenger side window got stuck, so it was open the whole way down the freeway (good thing my hair didn't need too much upkeep!). The wedding was outside, which was HOT! even in the shade. Our side of the family took up four rows and four tables at dinner! We are getting pretty big, and not even half of my immediate family was there! The wedding was nice, and then we went into the clubhouse to wait for dinner. We were in there for about an hour. There was a bar and a couple tables of fruit, cheese and crackers. This time gave us a chance to all chat. I got to talk to nearly all my relatives. My mother took the chance to meet all the spouses of my cousins and even talked to her mother. I was very proud of her. Then we went in for dinner. We had a salad and then a chicken dish with mashed potatoes and vegetables. There was WAY too much chicken, so my mother got some foil to take some home. Then my aunt L started collecting chicken for my mom to take home. It was pretty funny. We talked some more during dinner because it took a long time. Then they started the dancing. The first few were alright, but then they started getting into the popular, hip hop type music (along with all the language that goes with that and content). After a while of that, it was getting late, especially for my sister and mother, so we decided to go home. I had to go around through the side gate and in the back door because we didn't have the right keys to get in the front door.
Sun: We got up around six and got ready to leave. I made some french toast for breakfast. Both grandpa and my uncle G got up to see us off. We drove the entire day. It was hot outside! I could feel it through the windows, even though the A/C was on. We didn't really stop much. My sister was in the back most of the time. I did have my mother drive part way. That was nice to take a break after driving so much this weekend. We got to my sister's house late in the evening and stayed there for a while because my dad and grandma came over to pick up my mother. My dad drives long haul and he was taking my mom home. So I got to see my grandmother who I almost never get to see. Its been at least five years, probably more. Then I went home. It was nice to sleep in my own bed.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Cure
Apparently the cure for . . .
A long day driving back to CA
Through traffic that increased the trip an hour and a half
Being depressed about going back to CA
And leaving UT and all my friends (ok not ALL, but many)
Coming home to an apartment that flooded while I was gone
And having to clean up
Coming terms with feelings I do not want to have
Is . . .
A good meal
Ice cream
And watching Clue and laughing. A lot.
A long day driving back to CA
Through traffic that increased the trip an hour and a half
Being depressed about going back to CA
And leaving UT and all my friends (ok not ALL, but many)
Coming home to an apartment that flooded while I was gone
And having to clean up
Coming terms with feelings I do not want to have
Is . . .
A good meal
Ice cream
And watching Clue and laughing. A lot.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thanksgiving
The good and the bad.
The good
-Carpooled up to UT. Saved a lot of money. Yay!
-Gas prices much lower
-Stayed with my favorite family, made bread, pumpkin bread, and waffles
-Did no homework. Maybe that should be in the other section
-Went dancing
-the Band gave us two cds
-My partner and I both won passes to come back
-Visited with a friend from high school I haven't really seen in 10 years. Her little boy is adorable!
The stressful
-My carpool buddy is not punctual. We left an hour late to go up. She also came two and half hours late to pick me up to go back. And we didn't leave until late the next day to come back.
-I stayed up way too late three days in a row
-I only had one real meal on Sunday
Note - not enough sleep and not enough food makes Treatqueen not happy. Scully knows I have to be fed regularly. Sadly, my carpool buddy did not know this. I tried hard not to let this get to me, but I was quite stressed because of lack of sleep and food today. Fortunately, I ate more today and am working on more sleep. Still, it was stressful.
The good
-Carpooled up to UT. Saved a lot of money. Yay!
-Gas prices much lower
-Stayed with my favorite family, made bread, pumpkin bread, and waffles
-Did no homework. Maybe that should be in the other section
-Went dancing
-the Band gave us two cds
-My partner and I both won passes to come back
-Visited with a friend from high school I haven't really seen in 10 years. Her little boy is adorable!
The stressful
-My carpool buddy is not punctual. We left an hour late to go up. She also came two and half hours late to pick me up to go back. And we didn't leave until late the next day to come back.
-I stayed up way too late three days in a row
-I only had one real meal on Sunday
Note - not enough sleep and not enough food makes Treatqueen not happy. Scully knows I have to be fed regularly. Sadly, my carpool buddy did not know this. I tried hard not to let this get to me, but I was quite stressed because of lack of sleep and food today. Fortunately, I ate more today and am working on more sleep. Still, it was stressful.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Nothing new
That title certainly makes you want to read this post, doesn't it? Well, I'm at school, working hard on homework all day, which I kind of wish I wasn't because I have so much of it that I feel like I'm not working hard enough when I take breaks (ie goof off) and then just worry about my classes. Also, I still don't have a job, which is going to be a big problem unless I figure out how to cut expenses. I would much rather have a job, frankly, because I already live on very little. The interviews I have had so far have not panned out. Good news is my results from the CBEST are back and once I get the 'official' scores, I can send them in and start substitute teaching, and get my credential. Life is crazy. So working on that, but still broke. The money thing is starting to scare me because I don't like to see myself running out of money and that's what I'm seeing right now.
I took a needed break this past week and drove up to Utah to visit friends. I really couldn't afford it, but I needed it emotionally. Emotional health is something we sometimes don't give enough attention to. It was really neat to visit with everyone there, I saw so many people, I found it slightly amazing. And I got to go dancing, which is always good.
Now I'm back at the grind stone and trying to balance my days with homework and figure out what I need to do with the job search. Pretty much that's my life right now.
I took a needed break this past week and drove up to Utah to visit friends. I really couldn't afford it, but I needed it emotionally. Emotional health is something we sometimes don't give enough attention to. It was really neat to visit with everyone there, I saw so many people, I found it slightly amazing. And I got to go dancing, which is always good.
Now I'm back at the grind stone and trying to balance my days with homework and figure out what I need to do with the job search. Pretty much that's my life right now.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
California traffic
I went to a job interview today. I was driving back (an hour and a quarter trip), congratulating myself because the other side of the freeway was packed, when my side started slowing down. We stopped, and were inching forward. I watched two fire trucks, an ambulance, a police car and several other emergency vehicles pass. I also watched some smoke float through the air. At first I thought maybe the brush had caught fire. We ended up going down to one lane. One lane from FIVE. Crazy. It was not a fire. There were at least two, I think there were three, cars that got SMASHED, and I do mean smashed. Anyway, I made it home safe and I have another job interview tonight.
I would really like a real teaching job. That's what I really want. Why are they never the ones that call me?
I would really like a real teaching job. That's what I really want. Why are they never the ones that call me?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Kari's Wedding
I have been to five weddings in the last five weeks. Its been a little crazy, but good to see so many people!
As I told you before, I drove down to Vegas for my cousin's wedding. These pictures are from the reception.
Kylie and her posse. We ran around everywhere together. Her friend did the wedding cake. I only did the tiny flowers, but it was fun! The best part was sticking them on the cake.
Here is the finished product.
Guess they liked it!!
Table Displays. Very pretty.
The neverending pictures. My aunt loves to take pictures. (Which is great because then I get to post them!)
Me and my cousins!!
As I told you before, I drove down to Vegas for my cousin's wedding. These pictures are from the reception.
Kylie and her posse. We ran around everywhere together. Her friend did the wedding cake. I only did the tiny flowers, but it was fun! The best part was sticking them on the cake.
Here is the finished product.
Guess they liked it!!
Table Displays. Very pretty.
The neverending pictures. My aunt loves to take pictures. (Which is great because then I get to post them!)
Me and my cousins!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Crazy weekend
Tommorrow I am driving with my Landlady down to Vegas, where I will meet up with my cousin, Kylie, and drive down to LA for my cousin Kari's wedding. Immediately after the wedding, I have a job interview at a school district there. From there, we are heading back up to Vegas for the reception on Saturday. Finally Sunday, I am driving back with my Landlady (and crew). Hopefully after that I will pack so that I can move next week!!
If you don't mind keeping me in your prayers, that would be great. This whole job thing, not knowing where I am going to move to, is a little nerve wracking. Thanks!!
If you don't mind keeping me in your prayers, that would be great. This whole job thing, not knowing where I am going to move to, is a little nerve wracking. Thanks!!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Cedar City
I went to the Shakespeare Festival again this year in Cedar City. I talked my boss's wife, Choreographer, (who I went to Lake Powell with last year) into going with me. Her mother-in-law came with us to watch Choreographer's little girl, Blue. We left at about ten in the morning on Tuesday. We made pretty good time and our hotel let us check in early, so Mom and Blue stayed while Choreographer and I drove to the festival. We got there right when Fiddler was starting. I asked for student rush tickets, but apparently some people had purchased some tickets and got too many and left the extras at the box office, so we got into Fiddler for FREE!! It was really good. I think the movie is a little slow, but the play moved quickly. My favorite part was the way several of the actors had Brooklyn accents when there Russian accents slipped.
After dinner, we went to see Othello. It was good, but I had really looked forward to this play and it wasn't quite what I was hoping. It was like they were missing something. Maybe it was just an off night.
I woke up early the next morning, because I generally do. I got dressed, went and ate, and then went to the workout room and watched tv for about an hour. I also ran about two miles and spent half an hour on the bike. Then Choreographer came to get me and we went swimming.
We went to see School for Wives by Moliere Wednesday afternoon. I saw this play in France and read it in french for my Moliere class. I liked it better in French. The costumes were seventeenth century France, but the translation was extremely modern (they used words like turd and brain-bot. Brain-bot, seriously?!) So there was a little bit of a juxtaposition with that for me. I didn't like the translation, a lot of stuff got lost. And I didn't like the way they treated the comedy. It was very stylized, which was quite funny, but I really wanted to relate to the characters a bit more. So that was a little disappointing, but Choreographer really liked it, so maybe I'm just a theater snob (duh).
The last show we saw was Two Gentlemen of Verona. I think that was my favorite of the ones we saw. You could tell the actors had fun doing it and it was fun to watch. The plot is a little bit frivolous, with love triangles and mistaken identities and everything is easily wrapped up in five minutes, but it is always such a fun ride. The two servants were hilarious. The one who was also in School for Wives was probably my favorite.
I really would have liked to see Taming of the Shrew as well, but we didn't have time. We wouldn't have gotten home until about seven or eight on Thursday, and that woudln't have worked for us. I might try again later when I drive down to California or something.
Small world, I saw my neighbors down there.
After dinner, we went to see Othello. It was good, but I had really looked forward to this play and it wasn't quite what I was hoping. It was like they were missing something. Maybe it was just an off night.
I woke up early the next morning, because I generally do. I got dressed, went and ate, and then went to the workout room and watched tv for about an hour. I also ran about two miles and spent half an hour on the bike. Then Choreographer came to get me and we went swimming.
We went to see School for Wives by Moliere Wednesday afternoon. I saw this play in France and read it in french for my Moliere class. I liked it better in French. The costumes were seventeenth century France, but the translation was extremely modern (they used words like turd and brain-bot. Brain-bot, seriously?!) So there was a little bit of a juxtaposition with that for me. I didn't like the translation, a lot of stuff got lost. And I didn't like the way they treated the comedy. It was very stylized, which was quite funny, but I really wanted to relate to the characters a bit more. So that was a little disappointing, but Choreographer really liked it, so maybe I'm just a theater snob (duh).
The last show we saw was Two Gentlemen of Verona. I think that was my favorite of the ones we saw. You could tell the actors had fun doing it and it was fun to watch. The plot is a little bit frivolous, with love triangles and mistaken identities and everything is easily wrapped up in five minutes, but it is always such a fun ride. The two servants were hilarious. The one who was also in School for Wives was probably my favorite.
I really would have liked to see Taming of the Shrew as well, but we didn't have time. We wouldn't have gotten home until about seven or eight on Thursday, and that woudln't have worked for us. I might try again later when I drive down to California or something.
Small world, I saw my neighbors down there.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Arkansas
I think I should seriously check into a mental institution now.
Well, on Thursday, I decided I needed to visit a friend of mine who lives in Arkansas. So I bought a plane ticket for Saturday and flew out there to spend four days with him and his family. He has been in Brazil for the past two years, and is planning on going back in two weeks, so I really didn't have a very big window to visit.
Anyway, it was a good trip. I really enjoyed spending time with his family and enjoyed the time I spent with him. I tried catfish, which was good, and had some amazing ribs with some equally amazing potato salad.
It was a good trip, but hard at the same time. I really miss the friendship we had before, and its clear that that is not something he is willing to invest in again.
But I really needed to go and I feel good about what happened.
One chapter of my life closed, ready to open the next one.
Well, on Thursday, I decided I needed to visit a friend of mine who lives in Arkansas. So I bought a plane ticket for Saturday and flew out there to spend four days with him and his family. He has been in Brazil for the past two years, and is planning on going back in two weeks, so I really didn't have a very big window to visit.
Anyway, it was a good trip. I really enjoyed spending time with his family and enjoyed the time I spent with him. I tried catfish, which was good, and had some amazing ribs with some equally amazing potato salad.
It was a good trip, but hard at the same time. I really miss the friendship we had before, and its clear that that is not something he is willing to invest in again.
But I really needed to go and I feel good about what happened.
One chapter of my life closed, ready to open the next one.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Long weekend
My cousin Ross got married on Saturday, so I drove first thing Saturday morning down to Vegas for the wedding. That means I woke up at four and drove for six hours. I had planned to drive afterwards to Southern California, but my aunt talked me into going bridesmaid dress shopping with my cousin Kari, and by the time we got home, I was so utterly exhausted I crashed at their house. (Yeah, don't ask me why my body decided to wake up at 4:30 every day this last week, but it did). Sunday morning, I made my trip to Southern California. I misjudged how long it would take me and ended up at the church an hour and a half early. This gave me time to go on campus and find the office I had an appointment at Monday. Church was fine, but I skipped the institute graduation and drove to Cherbear's house (another hour). I got to spend some good quality time with a friend I haven't seen in years. And I got to meet her little boy!! He was very cute. And we watched Oklahoma!
Monday, after a pleasant chat, I drove back to the school and had my appointment. I think the hard part about going to school and moving is going to be getting a job! Especially since California is cutting teachers. Then I drove back to Vegas and spent the night at my other aunt's house.
This morning I drove back to Utah. I felt worse and worse as I got back home. I'm not sure what that is supposed to mean. I don't know that moving to California right now is the best idea, I don't have a job there, and even if I did, school doesn't start until the fall. So I'll be working on sorting out lots of things in the next few weeks.
My life is crazy.
I'll post pics from the wedding when I'm not at work.
Monday, after a pleasant chat, I drove back to the school and had my appointment. I think the hard part about going to school and moving is going to be getting a job! Especially since California is cutting teachers. Then I drove back to Vegas and spent the night at my other aunt's house.
This morning I drove back to Utah. I felt worse and worse as I got back home. I'm not sure what that is supposed to mean. I don't know that moving to California right now is the best idea, I don't have a job there, and even if I did, school doesn't start until the fall. So I'll be working on sorting out lots of things in the next few weeks.
My life is crazy.
I'll post pics from the wedding when I'm not at work.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Home again, home again
Well, I have made it back. I arrived back in the States this weekend. I managed to get a good night's sleep the first night, which was great, but the second night it didn't work so well (waking up at two in the morning and not being able to fall back asleep is not my idea of a good time). Third night, I got the eight hours of sleep, but the lost of sleep from the trip and from the second night were definately having an effect.
The first day back, I went back to work. Crazy, I know, but I think it was good for me because it made me use my time more effectively and I had something that put me right back into the swing of things. It made adjusting easier, I think.
So we went through customs and you have to pick up your luggage and then re-turn it in. Unfortunately, they do not allow any kind of seeds in the country, and I didn't know this, and bought my landlord seeds from Monet's garden. (I thought that was pretty cool) So they threw away my seeds. Sad day. So after that, I sent my luggage back into the airplane. However, when I picked my luggage back up in Utah, the other suitcase had lost a wheel. I think my luggage is cursed. I now have two suitcases, both of which are missing a wheel!!
I'll post pictures of my trip to Southern France later, ie not at work and at a computer with my pics on it.
The first day back, I went back to work. Crazy, I know, but I think it was good for me because it made me use my time more effectively and I had something that put me right back into the swing of things. It made adjusting easier, I think.
So we went through customs and you have to pick up your luggage and then re-turn it in. Unfortunately, they do not allow any kind of seeds in the country, and I didn't know this, and bought my landlord seeds from Monet's garden. (I thought that was pretty cool) So they threw away my seeds. Sad day. So after that, I sent my luggage back into the airplane. However, when I picked my luggage back up in Utah, the other suitcase had lost a wheel. I think my luggage is cursed. I now have two suitcases, both of which are missing a wheel!!
I'll post pictures of my trip to Southern France later, ie not at work and at a computer with my pics on it.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
My adventure
This morning my roommate and I decided to take some of our luggage that we are leaving in Paris while we are taking a trip to our directors. Tomorrow we are bringing our stuff for the trip and we didn't want to have to drag two suitcases on the metro during rush hour. It all starts out well, but on the street that passes the parking lot to our apartment complex, I start to hear a weird sound. I checked my wheels, but I couldn't see anything. But the sound persists, and I know something is wrong, but we are already late. We cross the street and I turn to my roommate and ask, "Is something wrong with my wheel?" She replies "You don't have a wheel." Great. Fantastic. I turn back and found the wheel in the street before we crossed it. The wheel is flat on one side; well, that accounts for the weird sound. So the real question is what now? I decide to carry on because it will be easier than turning back and making a new plan. So I heave the suitcase over one shoulder and continue the walk to the train station.
Let me tell you a little about this suitcase. It is close to two feet by three feet and I have put all my books in it because I'm not planning on reading them in southern France. So it probably weighs between 50 and 60 lbs (yes, I am going to be overweight on my flight back to the states. That's what happens when you have a love affair with books). So the point I'm trying to make it, carrying my luggage the ten to fifteen minute walk to the train station is not the most fun thing I have done. Still, I manage to get it there, put a postcard in the mailbox, down the stairs, through the turn stile, and up the stairs to wait for the train. I turn back to see how my roommate is doing with her luggage. Well, she has managed it fairly well, except that at some point (through the turn stile?) she managed to bang her hand on something somewhat sharp and cut it open. It is bleeding quite well (she says it was gushing). Fortunately, I have a tissue, which she wraps around it and we continue on our way, riding the train, walking the moving sidewalk and escalators to the metro, up the stairs and to our directors house. Good news, she had a band-aid.
The adventure continues my friends!
I had thought possibly I would buy a new piece of luggage, however the shop that has luggage that I always admire is actually a wholesale shop. So, no new luggage (yet?), which means I get to transfer my luggage from my director's house at the end of the trip to my hotel room, then from the hotel room to the airport, then onto the car in Utah and then to my house. Fortunately after that, it is going to take a nice visit to the dump. And I think the airports have those nice little luggage transporter things. (don't ask me what that word is, my brain shut down after my final today)
Ah the joys of life!! Too bad I didn't get a picture with me hauling my luggage around!
Let me tell you a little about this suitcase. It is close to two feet by three feet and I have put all my books in it because I'm not planning on reading them in southern France. So it probably weighs between 50 and 60 lbs (yes, I am going to be overweight on my flight back to the states. That's what happens when you have a love affair with books). So the point I'm trying to make it, carrying my luggage the ten to fifteen minute walk to the train station is not the most fun thing I have done. Still, I manage to get it there, put a postcard in the mailbox, down the stairs, through the turn stile, and up the stairs to wait for the train. I turn back to see how my roommate is doing with her luggage. Well, she has managed it fairly well, except that at some point (through the turn stile?) she managed to bang her hand on something somewhat sharp and cut it open. It is bleeding quite well (she says it was gushing). Fortunately, I have a tissue, which she wraps around it and we continue on our way, riding the train, walking the moving sidewalk and escalators to the metro, up the stairs and to our directors house. Good news, she had a band-aid.
The adventure continues my friends!
I had thought possibly I would buy a new piece of luggage, however the shop that has luggage that I always admire is actually a wholesale shop. So, no new luggage (yet?), which means I get to transfer my luggage from my director's house at the end of the trip to my hotel room, then from the hotel room to the airport, then onto the car in Utah and then to my house. Fortunately after that, it is going to take a nice visit to the dump. And I think the airports have those nice little luggage transporter things. (don't ask me what that word is, my brain shut down after my final today)
Ah the joys of life!! Too bad I didn't get a picture with me hauling my luggage around!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Finals Week
Yes, we have them here too. I'm supposed to be studying right now, but I am thinking I am going to take a shower and go to bed. Staying up til midnight to watch conference and then getting up early the next two mornings does not make for getting enough sleep (yes, I did watch all the sessions. Two in French, and two only in English, one I did watch twice).
But I just was thinking that I haven't really updated my blog recently. I have at least four entries from things I have done that I have not posted and I'm trying to decide if you really want to see pics of a cemetery (Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Jim Morrison, Moliére, etc), more chateaux and the Comedie Français. I may not get to it, especially with all my studying and after Thursday, I will not post until after I return to the States, seeing that we will be traveling to Geneva and Marseilles. So if I don't get a chance to post again, I'll see you when I get home!!
But I just was thinking that I haven't really updated my blog recently. I have at least four entries from things I have done that I have not posted and I'm trying to decide if you really want to see pics of a cemetery (Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Jim Morrison, Moliére, etc), more chateaux and the Comedie Français. I may not get to it, especially with all my studying and after Thursday, I will not post until after I return to the States, seeing that we will be traveling to Geneva and Marseilles. So if I don't get a chance to post again, I'll see you when I get home!!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
I am really looking forward to . . .
Fabric softener!! There is nothing worse than coarse towels when you get out of the shower
A dryer. Part of the previous problem
A bathtub. We don't have one.
Having church in English
Eating a real breakfast and not just toast and hot chocolate.
Having my own space!
Dollar movies
Not getting second hand smoke while walking down the street, everyday, everywhere.
Seriously, fabric softener!!
A dryer. Part of the previous problem
A bathtub. We don't have one.
Having church in English
Eating a real breakfast and not just toast and hot chocolate.
Having my own space!
Dollar movies
Not getting second hand smoke while walking down the street, everyday, everywhere.
Seriously, fabric softener!!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Second day of Castles
In case one day of chateaux was not enough, we had a second. Considering how many chateaux there are in France, we hardly saw a percentage. This was the last day of our trip to Normandy and Brittany. It was pretty, and even though it was supposed to rain all day, it just barely started when we were leaving our last destination. Maybe someone was watching out for us. . .
They used to carve homes out of the mountainside and people still live in them. Pretty interesting.
Chateau de Clos Lucé - Leonardo da Vinci's house. We weren't allowed to take pictures in his house, so I only have pics from the garden.
Some of Da Vinci's inventions
Chateau Blois
Chambord, from the front
From the back. When I was in high school, this was my favorite French chateau. It is also the largest, so large in fact that no one ever lived in it. It was originally built as a hunting lodge.
Ever After Bridge. They took a lot of locale from this chateau.
Double helix staircase, designed by Leonardo de Vinci
Cathedral at Chartres
By the time we reached Chartes, the clouds were setting in, we didn't see much of the cathedral, especially since we went to look at the stained glass windows and it was hard to see them well enough to understand the stories, let alone get good pictures. We went over the symbolism talked about here. Maybe because one of the directors wrote the article. Funny how things work out.
They used to carve homes out of the mountainside and people still live in them. Pretty interesting.
Chateau de Clos Lucé - Leonardo da Vinci's house. We weren't allowed to take pictures in his house, so I only have pics from the garden.
Some of Da Vinci's inventions
Chateau Blois
Chambord, from the front
From the back. When I was in high school, this was my favorite French chateau. It is also the largest, so large in fact that no one ever lived in it. It was originally built as a hunting lodge.
Ever After Bridge. They took a lot of locale from this chateau.
Double helix staircase, designed by Leonardo de Vinci
Cathedral at Chartres
By the time we reached Chartes, the clouds were setting in, we didn't see much of the cathedral, especially since we went to look at the stained glass windows and it was hard to see them well enough to understand the stories, let alone get good pictures. We went over the symbolism talked about here. Maybe because one of the directors wrote the article. Funny how things work out.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
First Day of Castles
On our trip to the Loire Valley, we visited a lot of castles. They are actually called chateaux. (chateau is singular) There are a lot in the Loire Valley. One map has 38 listed.
Ussé. The original Sleeping Beauty castle. It inspired the story. We didn't actually go into this one, but I'm glad we went to see it.
Soccer player and sign. You'll never guess which chateau we're visiting here.
The 'Love Gardens'. Each section represents a different kind of love: tender love, tragic love, passionate love and fickle love.
Chateau de Villandry
Eating lunch in the square in Tours.
Chenenceau from the entrance.
Some friends in Catherine de Medici's garden
You can see the initials of Henri and Catherine de Medici on one of the many fireplaces.
Chenenceau from upstream
A view from Diane de Poitiers Gardens
Caryatids
The pictures are grouped by chateau, so first I list the castle and then the pictures that happened there.
We spent the night back in Tours, a cute little town. The town square is really beautiful, you can see it in the lunch picture. A few of us went to a little creperie for dinner and had omelettes. They were so good! And then of course crepes for dessert. I went to bed really early this day, I was so exhausted from traveling!
Ussé. The original Sleeping Beauty castle. It inspired the story. We didn't actually go into this one, but I'm glad we went to see it.
Soccer player and sign. You'll never guess which chateau we're visiting here.
The 'Love Gardens'. Each section represents a different kind of love: tender love, tragic love, passionate love and fickle love.
Chateau de Villandry
Eating lunch in the square in Tours.
Chenenceau from the entrance.
Some friends in Catherine de Medici's garden
You can see the initials of Henri and Catherine de Medici on one of the many fireplaces.
Chenenceau from upstream
A view from Diane de Poitiers Gardens
Caryatids
The pictures are grouped by chateau, so first I list the castle and then the pictures that happened there.
We spent the night back in Tours, a cute little town. The town square is really beautiful, you can see it in the lunch picture. A few of us went to a little creperie for dinner and had omelettes. They were so good! And then of course crepes for dessert. I went to bed really early this day, I was so exhausted from traveling!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Oh. Whoops
Apparently it won't be as easy to get online as I had hoped, so the pics will be long coming, and my blogging won't be as frequent as I was planning. Saturday, we rode into London on the train and met up with two of the other girls in our program. We took a little detour to the train station next to the Eurostar station because we were right next to King's Cross and Platform 9 3/4. So I have pictures of the platform. They have a trolley halfway through the wall outside-ish so you don't have to buy a ticket to see the platform. Probably wise because everyone wants to see it.
I fell asleep on the Chunnel before we went underwater. Oh well, it was really just dark anyway. I sat next to a nice gentleman who was a conductor of a symphony and choir. We took a taxi to the hotel and found a couple other girls and we went to get crepes. Then we met up with the directors and found out what was going on.
This morning, we got ready and travel buddy was rooming with another girl and they did not wake up before breakfast. They were like ten minutes late. We went to church and they spoke french the entire time. Quel suprise. I actually understood quite a bit, but not everything.
I'll have to catch up later because someone else needs to get on the internet, but I had to drop something real quick!!
I fell asleep on the Chunnel before we went underwater. Oh well, it was really just dark anyway. I sat next to a nice gentleman who was a conductor of a symphony and choir. We took a taxi to the hotel and found a couple other girls and we went to get crepes. Then we met up with the directors and found out what was going on.
This morning, we got ready and travel buddy was rooming with another girl and they did not wake up before breakfast. They were like ten minutes late. We went to church and they spoke french the entire time. Quel suprise. I actually understood quite a bit, but not everything.
I'll have to catch up later because someone else needs to get on the internet, but I had to drop something real quick!!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Jet lag!
What a long day!! But I am finally in England and tomorrow I get to go see things! Tonight, I really just want a good night's sleep.
So let me tell you about my trip. Travel Buddy and I left for the airport after it had been snowing all morning. We knew our flight was delayed forty minutes, which put us really close to missing our connecting flight, but I thought we could probably do it. We saw two or three accidents because of the snow on our way to the airport and seven or eight slide offs. At the airport, they told us the flight was delayed but they didn't actually know how long. Well, actually, it turned out to be an hour and forty five minutes late taking off. The flight was supposed to take three hours and ten minutes, but our pilot got us there in two and a halfish. That was nice because many of us were worried about missing connecting flights. It was a fast flight.
We ran to our gate and got on the plane. We made it, but then we sat there for about an hour before they let us take off, what with the de-icing and all. We should have grabbed something to eat, but we decided to wait until they fed us. It was a longer wait than we wanted, but what can you do? Needless to say, I ate everything they gave us. It was like two in London when we took off, but only eight back home, so it was a little hard to sleep. I watched one of the movies before I tried. Oh, and the plane was huge, I've never been on an international flight to Europe, only to Mexico and my Mexico plane was small. Then I tried to sleep. Travel Buddy managed to actually fall asleep, I didn't. I never sleep well when I'm in a moving vehicle.
We had breakfast before I was really ready to be awake. Then off the plane, through customs (where we didn't know what address to put because we are staying with Travel Buddies friend), picked up our luggage and met Essex friend. After waiting possibly an hour. Oh, yeah, with glasses, which is not a strong enough prescription and travel hair. Lovely. So we decided to go coach because of all our luggage. And take the cheaper route, which took a lot longer. So we took the first coach to Victoria station, where they charge 20 pence to use the restroom. That was fun trying to make change first thing over. Then we took the next coach for three hours and slept. Then, apparently there are two stops in Colchester, the main one and the University one. Fortunately, we figured out we needed the second one, with a little help from our bus driver (which is apparently quite rare). And then we had to walk up a hill with our fifty pound luggage after not getting enough sleep. That was fun. But its an adventure!! I hope I feel more adventurous tomorrow.
So let me tell you about my trip. Travel Buddy and I left for the airport after it had been snowing all morning. We knew our flight was delayed forty minutes, which put us really close to missing our connecting flight, but I thought we could probably do it. We saw two or three accidents because of the snow on our way to the airport and seven or eight slide offs. At the airport, they told us the flight was delayed but they didn't actually know how long. Well, actually, it turned out to be an hour and forty five minutes late taking off. The flight was supposed to take three hours and ten minutes, but our pilot got us there in two and a halfish. That was nice because many of us were worried about missing connecting flights. It was a fast flight.
We ran to our gate and got on the plane. We made it, but then we sat there for about an hour before they let us take off, what with the de-icing and all. We should have grabbed something to eat, but we decided to wait until they fed us. It was a longer wait than we wanted, but what can you do? Needless to say, I ate everything they gave us. It was like two in London when we took off, but only eight back home, so it was a little hard to sleep. I watched one of the movies before I tried. Oh, and the plane was huge, I've never been on an international flight to Europe, only to Mexico and my Mexico plane was small. Then I tried to sleep. Travel Buddy managed to actually fall asleep, I didn't. I never sleep well when I'm in a moving vehicle.
We had breakfast before I was really ready to be awake. Then off the plane, through customs (where we didn't know what address to put because we are staying with Travel Buddies friend), picked up our luggage and met Essex friend. After waiting possibly an hour. Oh, yeah, with glasses, which is not a strong enough prescription and travel hair. Lovely. So we decided to go coach because of all our luggage. And take the cheaper route, which took a lot longer. So we took the first coach to Victoria station, where they charge 20 pence to use the restroom. That was fun trying to make change first thing over. Then we took the next coach for three hours and slept. Then, apparently there are two stops in Colchester, the main one and the University one. Fortunately, we figured out we needed the second one, with a little help from our bus driver (which is apparently quite rare). And then we had to walk up a hill with our fifty pound luggage after not getting enough sleep. That was fun. But its an adventure!! I hope I feel more adventurous tomorrow.
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