Having said that I think I've moved on, why is it that everyone thinks it's time for me to date? Regardless of any lack of prospects at this point, why can't I be completely happy and content in doing MY THING?
My mom thinks that maybe I could be in a romantic relationship before my Grenada trip. Yeah, clearly a lot of things could happen before my Grenada trip, but I'm not betting on that.
My good friend JA told me this morning that maybe I really should consider dating. Why? For fun, for entertainment, for excitement OR for her to hear the stories and live through me vicariously? If only my first dating experiences weren't so horrific! Dating can be painful and downright ugly. I'm not ready to venture out into the unknown of complications, crowdedness and complaints, in search of companionship.
For now, I'm just looking for girl time. Can never have enough time with girlfriends! Hopefully JA and I will have our bi-weekly "date" Friday and then heading to get together with a group of gals on Saturday! Looking forward to it and hope that people can make it out, since I desperately could use some good times and laughs ~ and I always enjoy hanging out with them!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Exhaustion and the Ex-BF
Tonight I'm just downright exhausted. I have absolutely no reason why. I'm not getting sick. I haven't partied like a rock star. I haven't pulled all nighters. I have no reason to be so tired.
The Ex-BF "surprised" my son and I tonight and showed up at his game. He asked if I was "surprised". I can't say that I was. I didn't really feel anything. He had left a message on my home phone today saying that he had planned on coming to the game but wasn't going to be able to because his car was still in the shop. And when I pulled into the parking lot, there was his car. Sigh...should I have felt something?
After the game was over, we walked to the parking lot together. He asked if I wanted to grab a bite to eat. I don't even know what incoherent muttering I made, kind of like an "um, ah", whatever that means. I couldn't muster up the energy - I just wanted to collapse right there on the hard concrete and go to sleep. I think I seriously could have. He seemed to understand my muttering and said, "OK. Don't be a stranger." We hugged, said a few more things and off we went in our own direction.
I wondered if I should have felt guilty. Guilty for not being more excited or "surprised" that he drove an hour to come and see the game and likely me. He knew I didn't have my son tonight, so he was probably hoping to hangout, but he never bothered to call and ask - like I would think a friend would. I clearly wouldn't drive that far and just expect someone to drop what they were doing or not doing for me. I would have made sure to call in advance if I had hoped for something more than just watching a game. I don't feel guilty.
Maybe I truly have moved on.
The Ex-BF "surprised" my son and I tonight and showed up at his game. He asked if I was "surprised". I can't say that I was. I didn't really feel anything. He had left a message on my home phone today saying that he had planned on coming to the game but wasn't going to be able to because his car was still in the shop. And when I pulled into the parking lot, there was his car. Sigh...should I have felt something?
After the game was over, we walked to the parking lot together. He asked if I wanted to grab a bite to eat. I don't even know what incoherent muttering I made, kind of like an "um, ah", whatever that means. I couldn't muster up the energy - I just wanted to collapse right there on the hard concrete and go to sleep. I think I seriously could have. He seemed to understand my muttering and said, "OK. Don't be a stranger." We hugged, said a few more things and off we went in our own direction.
I wondered if I should have felt guilty. Guilty for not being more excited or "surprised" that he drove an hour to come and see the game and likely me. He knew I didn't have my son tonight, so he was probably hoping to hangout, but he never bothered to call and ask - like I would think a friend would. I clearly wouldn't drive that far and just expect someone to drop what they were doing or not doing for me. I would have made sure to call in advance if I had hoped for something more than just watching a game. I don't feel guilty.
Maybe I truly have moved on.
Adult Career Year
As if my mind doesn't meander a million miles away and back every few minutes, I found myself thinking this morning about careers. A few weeks ago someone told me that anyone can do any job. Sure, but do it well or right? Afraid not.
I've been at the same job for over a decade. I haven't really had that many different varieties of jobs throughout my lifetime and definitely nothing very exciting. So today I decided that I want to participate in a year of Adult Career. Maybe every month or so - give or take three weeks - I could have a new career. Of course this would mean that I wouldn't have to worry about parenting, finances or other responsibilities. With that aside, these are the careers I would entertain:
Taste Tester - The Good, The Tasty, The Nasty
Lab Rat - I hear they can make up to 50k a year - but what better than be a test subject and doing exactly what you are told to do, make an impact for a good cause and get paid for it (Oh wait, I do that now)
Secret Shopper and/or Critic - Love to get paid to shop (even though I HATE it! as well as get paid for all the poor service I receive!)
Tour Guide/Flight Attendant/World Traveler - despite having motion sickness, I think the opportunity of traveling the world and sharing with others would be awesome.
Designer - I would prefer to do budget remodels, but if spending someone else's money, why not?
My list of careers that I wouldn't want, far surpasses any that I would want! Maybe that's why I haven't ventured out into trying new things - besides the financial, single parent reasons:
Architect, Builder, Engineer, Designer - Structurally sound, highly doubt it
Accountant/Financial Advisor - While I love numbers and would love to better my own finances/portfolio, wouldn't be something I would want as a career
Waste/Yard Management
CEO
Musician
Homemaker
Massage Therapist
Doctor/Nurse/Medical/Veterinarian - no blood, guts, needles
Driver ~ Limo, Truck, etc. - I could never drive for a living, just couldn't do it
There are a lot of other things that I would consider doing and be open to trying. I remember Career Day in High School, it is memorable by the title, but I can't honestly recall anyone or anything of interest about that day.
Maybe knowing what you don't want is more then half the battle. If only I could figure out what I do want. And how do I know that's what I really want unless I test it out first. Somehow I just don't think that volunteering or interning is going to give me the insight into my real career because I feel like the past decade has been a job. Maybe one day I will wake up and just know, wishful thinking.
I've been at the same job for over a decade. I haven't really had that many different varieties of jobs throughout my lifetime and definitely nothing very exciting. So today I decided that I want to participate in a year of Adult Career. Maybe every month or so - give or take three weeks - I could have a new career. Of course this would mean that I wouldn't have to worry about parenting, finances or other responsibilities. With that aside, these are the careers I would entertain:
Taste Tester - The Good, The Tasty, The Nasty
Lab Rat - I hear they can make up to 50k a year - but what better than be a test subject and doing exactly what you are told to do, make an impact for a good cause and get paid for it (Oh wait, I do that now)
Secret Shopper and/or Critic - Love to get paid to shop (even though I HATE it! as well as get paid for all the poor service I receive!)
Tour Guide/Flight Attendant/World Traveler - despite having motion sickness, I think the opportunity of traveling the world and sharing with others would be awesome.
Designer - I would prefer to do budget remodels, but if spending someone else's money, why not?
My list of careers that I wouldn't want, far surpasses any that I would want! Maybe that's why I haven't ventured out into trying new things - besides the financial, single parent reasons:
Architect, Builder, Engineer, Designer - Structurally sound, highly doubt it
Accountant/Financial Advisor - While I love numbers and would love to better my own finances/portfolio, wouldn't be something I would want as a career
Waste/Yard Management
CEO
Musician
Homemaker
Massage Therapist
Doctor/Nurse/Medical/Veterinarian - no blood, guts, needles
Driver ~ Limo, Truck, etc. - I could never drive for a living, just couldn't do it
There are a lot of other things that I would consider doing and be open to trying. I remember Career Day in High School, it is memorable by the title, but I can't honestly recall anyone or anything of interest about that day.
Maybe knowing what you don't want is more then half the battle. If only I could figure out what I do want. And how do I know that's what I really want unless I test it out first. Somehow I just don't think that volunteering or interning is going to give me the insight into my real career because I feel like the past decade has been a job. Maybe one day I will wake up and just know, wishful thinking.
Reality Grocery Shopping Joke
A new supermarket opened near my house. It has an automatic water mister to keep the produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the sound of distant thunder and the smell of fresh rain.
When you pass the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and you experience the scent of freshly mown hay. In the meat department there is the aroma of charcoal grilled steaks. When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck and cackle, and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying for breakfast. The bread department features the tantalizing smell of fresh baked bread & cookies.
I don't buy toilet paper there anymore.
When you pass the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and you experience the scent of freshly mown hay. In the meat department there is the aroma of charcoal grilled steaks. When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck and cackle, and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying for breakfast. The bread department features the tantalizing smell of fresh baked bread & cookies.
I don't buy toilet paper there anymore.
Sanity & Routine
I'm really hoping that my sanity comes back with my normal routine. Yesterday I managed to get a block away from my son's game, and I checked the schedule to see if he was home or away. Yep, I completely had the wrong time. Fortunately, I would have been an 1.5 early, not late! I never turned the page of my weekly planner. Ooops, at least my son was dressed and ready when his dad picked him up from the after school program!
My sleep schedule has been completely out of wack. I feel like I could fall asleep at the wheel some days driving home. I seriously crank up the radio or try to make phone calls to keep me awake. I think I have taken more naps since I've been home from Europe than I have in a very long time and yet I'm still tired.
I finally managed to exercise tonight. I made time to get in 10 miles on the stationary bike - and I didn't even fall off! - and a few games of spades. I really think that me getting out of my exercise routine has a lot to do with it ~ at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
And if that isn't the story, I may seriously lock myself in my bedroom and sleep an entire weekend and hope that maybe my common sense and sanity return!
My sleep schedule has been completely out of wack. I feel like I could fall asleep at the wheel some days driving home. I seriously crank up the radio or try to make phone calls to keep me awake. I think I have taken more naps since I've been home from Europe than I have in a very long time and yet I'm still tired.
I finally managed to exercise tonight. I made time to get in 10 miles on the stationary bike - and I didn't even fall off! - and a few games of spades. I really think that me getting out of my exercise routine has a lot to do with it ~ at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
And if that isn't the story, I may seriously lock myself in my bedroom and sleep an entire weekend and hope that maybe my common sense and sanity return!
Out of the Woodwork
It always seems like there are times, when men just come out of the woodwork. I know the saying goes, when you are happy with yourself is when it's time to meet someone else. Of course, that isn't exactly how the saying goes, I'm paraphrasing. This always seems to happen to me, when I'm content with being single, out of nowhere crazy things happen.
Maybe I subliminally am looking for something, maybe I'm not. I have this male friend that I got back in touch with from high school 1.5 years ago. Not that we were friends or anything in high school, and initially he really creeped me out. For the most part, I'm pretty uncreepable, but I've had my share of creeps. Maybe because of being acquaintances, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe because I wanted to connect to the past or maybe I wanted to show him his ways before he creeped out others. Whichever way, I still keep in touch with him on occasion. Everytime I do though, he goes into this barrage of questions as to why I'm still single and why I would be a good catch and he fixates on everything. Usually I can cut him off by threatening to hang up on him, but sometimes, I just want to have a normal conversation!
I happened to say one of my oldest friends online yesterday and said hi. I don't see him very often anymore and I miss him. I always try to connect with him when we can both be in town, but as time goes by, it seems to be harder and harder as we drifter farther and farther into our own worlds. I told him about my trip and he said he was sure I wasn't lacking options of someone going with me. Just made me wonder what he really meant.
This morning I received a call from a guy that I dated. This wasn't too strange, since we usually talk a few times a month or so and try and catch up on each others worlds. While at times they are very different, I always laugh with him once I completed figured out what to get out of the relationship.
This evening I received an email from another guy that I dated a few months. Seriously, I don't date much, so this is truly a bizarre day! He just decided out of the blue to see how I was doing. Odd, so very odd.
Then tonight I received some picture mail from a guy I met a few months ago with my girlfriend. I've only met him once and we had a good time, but I figured that was it. In my book, he's way too young. I think I've only ever dated someone younger than me...once. Maybe the older we get, age doesn't seem to matter. Maybe it does. I use to wonder why my marriage was so wrong - and tried to determine the obvious differences: age, gender, upbringing, education...to date, I don't have an answer. I couldn't fix it and I couldn't figure it out. Somethings just are. Anyway, so I talked to this guy on the phone tonight. I have no idea what we have in common or if we will ever meet again, and I think I'm ok with that too. Sometimes it's just nice to pick up the phone and chat with a familiar voice on the other end, someone different that doesn't really know the ins and outs of you, an unbiased person. At least that's how it is in my book, who knows what he is thinking!
A very strange 24 hours indeed. Is there a full moon?
Maybe I subliminally am looking for something, maybe I'm not. I have this male friend that I got back in touch with from high school 1.5 years ago. Not that we were friends or anything in high school, and initially he really creeped me out. For the most part, I'm pretty uncreepable, but I've had my share of creeps. Maybe because of being acquaintances, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe because I wanted to connect to the past or maybe I wanted to show him his ways before he creeped out others. Whichever way, I still keep in touch with him on occasion. Everytime I do though, he goes into this barrage of questions as to why I'm still single and why I would be a good catch and he fixates on everything. Usually I can cut him off by threatening to hang up on him, but sometimes, I just want to have a normal conversation!
I happened to say one of my oldest friends online yesterday and said hi. I don't see him very often anymore and I miss him. I always try to connect with him when we can both be in town, but as time goes by, it seems to be harder and harder as we drifter farther and farther into our own worlds. I told him about my trip and he said he was sure I wasn't lacking options of someone going with me. Just made me wonder what he really meant.
This morning I received a call from a guy that I dated. This wasn't too strange, since we usually talk a few times a month or so and try and catch up on each others worlds. While at times they are very different, I always laugh with him once I completed figured out what to get out of the relationship.
This evening I received an email from another guy that I dated a few months. Seriously, I don't date much, so this is truly a bizarre day! He just decided out of the blue to see how I was doing. Odd, so very odd.
Then tonight I received some picture mail from a guy I met a few months ago with my girlfriend. I've only met him once and we had a good time, but I figured that was it. In my book, he's way too young. I think I've only ever dated someone younger than me...once. Maybe the older we get, age doesn't seem to matter. Maybe it does. I use to wonder why my marriage was so wrong - and tried to determine the obvious differences: age, gender, upbringing, education...to date, I don't have an answer. I couldn't fix it and I couldn't figure it out. Somethings just are. Anyway, so I talked to this guy on the phone tonight. I have no idea what we have in common or if we will ever meet again, and I think I'm ok with that too. Sometimes it's just nice to pick up the phone and chat with a familiar voice on the other end, someone different that doesn't really know the ins and outs of you, an unbiased person. At least that's how it is in my book, who knows what he is thinking!
A very strange 24 hours indeed. Is there a full moon?
Time Passes So Quickly
It's amazing that it is almost May. When I actually think about it, it seems like it was just Christmas. But, I can't figure out if it was just before, after or during Christmas. Either way, it doesn't seem that long ago and yet, it really does, if I think long and hard about it. Why is time like that? Why does each day occasionally drag on and on and on and yet weeks seem to fly by?
I know that I'm still waiting for Spring and with the temperature falling below freezing, I'll be lucky to not wake up tomorrow to frost and/or worse yet snow on the ground in the morning. In actuality though, it IS Spring, whether Mother Nature wants to believe it or not.
Today is just one of those weird, strange, odd days. One that doesn't help to put time in it's place. A day of random calls and random thoughts. Well, maybe that is really my norm, but for a moment maybe I'll think it's not.
I learned via an email to my son that my dad and his wife are coming into town. I learned from my mom that because of this, my brother and his family are coming into town. Why am I always the last one to know? Good thing my schedule seems to be the most flexible! Hopefully, this won't be the last time that the four grandparents on my side of the family are all together. It seems so strange, in recollection, when I was 8, I lost three grandparents. They seemed so old to me, so distant. My great-grandmother was my favorite, maybe because I have the fondest memories. My son is 11. My parents don't seem that old. I wonder if they seem that old to my son. I hope for all our sakes, this isn't the last time all four grandparents will be together.
I've been single now for almost four months. It's been a good four months. I've started traveling and met some wonderful people. Letting go can be so difficult. I can't really put a timeframe on how long it really seems either, some days it seems like years ago and others, not so much.
Time, where does it really go? Sometimes I wonder if I just waste it away...
I know that I'm still waiting for Spring and with the temperature falling below freezing, I'll be lucky to not wake up tomorrow to frost and/or worse yet snow on the ground in the morning. In actuality though, it IS Spring, whether Mother Nature wants to believe it or not.
Today is just one of those weird, strange, odd days. One that doesn't help to put time in it's place. A day of random calls and random thoughts. Well, maybe that is really my norm, but for a moment maybe I'll think it's not.
I learned via an email to my son that my dad and his wife are coming into town. I learned from my mom that because of this, my brother and his family are coming into town. Why am I always the last one to know? Good thing my schedule seems to be the most flexible! Hopefully, this won't be the last time that the four grandparents on my side of the family are all together. It seems so strange, in recollection, when I was 8, I lost three grandparents. They seemed so old to me, so distant. My great-grandmother was my favorite, maybe because I have the fondest memories. My son is 11. My parents don't seem that old. I wonder if they seem that old to my son. I hope for all our sakes, this isn't the last time all four grandparents will be together.
I've been single now for almost four months. It's been a good four months. I've started traveling and met some wonderful people. Letting go can be so difficult. I can't really put a timeframe on how long it really seems either, some days it seems like years ago and others, not so much.
Time, where does it really go? Sometimes I wonder if I just waste it away...
One Missed Call...
It is now 12:15a.m. and I just finished watching the movie, One Missed Call. Probably not the smartest idea. My house is dark and I'm navigating around it with what? With my cell phone. NICE. So if I don't answer my cell phone or I don't blog in the next two days...ok, not so funny!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday Movie Muse
I really think that I should give up blogging about movies. Lately it seems like a chore to try to stay awake beyond the first 20 minutes of any movie. Movies that I hear are good, haven't held my interest. Others that are dumb, I find mildly entertaining. Maybe I'm beginning to actually enjoy the slapstick dumb humor, but I have not and will not succumb to watching another Harold and Kumar movie. It seems like the rental movies are slim pickings and I know that it isn't because I've seen them all. Finding a good PG or PG13 movie is getting almost impossible. Anyway - here's the week in review:
Charlie Wilson's War: I tried, really tried to get through this one. I just couldn't do it, despite really liking Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks. But don't not rent it on my account, because clearly it got the best ratings on Blockbuster.com then any movie I saw this week.
Lars and the Real Girl: Now this movie made me laugh and by the end it almost pulled on my heart strings. Maybe it's pulling out the reality of disillusionment or maybe, I just liked it in that weird and bizarre kind of way. Not saying that I would recommend it, but...
Juno: It was OK. I think I saw too many previews and heard too much about it to really find it that intriguing or interesting. Maybe I just really wasn't able to relate to it on many levels, it just seemed like it was lacking. Again not to say that many others didn't like it. (Hence this is why I'm beginning to think that this blog has absolutely no merit or value whatsoever - because clearly the critics loved it!)
Moving McAllister: This was a third walk around Blockbuster pick. Had never heard of it, but little to choose from to watch with my son. And, I actually enjoyed it. Maybe it's the underdogs I prefer best. Not that I would race out and buy it, but it made me laugh and scream and almost cry. Needless to say the plot was extremely far-fetched but the brief comedic moments actually kept me entertained and more importantly, awake.
Awake: Seriously, this was by far one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. It actually made me think that maybe there is hope yet for my movie rental abilities. Jessica Alba did a wonderful job. I was pretty creeped out through most of the movie - as it is mainly done from an operating room and blood and needles really isn't my thing. So my nails were in my mouth much of the movie as I sat perched on the edge of the couch. I would definitely recommend this movie.
Charlie Wilson's War: I tried, really tried to get through this one. I just couldn't do it, despite really liking Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks. But don't not rent it on my account, because clearly it got the best ratings on Blockbuster.com then any movie I saw this week.
Lars and the Real Girl: Now this movie made me laugh and by the end it almost pulled on my heart strings. Maybe it's pulling out the reality of disillusionment or maybe, I just liked it in that weird and bizarre kind of way. Not saying that I would recommend it, but...
Juno: It was OK. I think I saw too many previews and heard too much about it to really find it that intriguing or interesting. Maybe I just really wasn't able to relate to it on many levels, it just seemed like it was lacking. Again not to say that many others didn't like it. (Hence this is why I'm beginning to think that this blog has absolutely no merit or value whatsoever - because clearly the critics loved it!)
Moving McAllister: This was a third walk around Blockbuster pick. Had never heard of it, but little to choose from to watch with my son. And, I actually enjoyed it. Maybe it's the underdogs I prefer best. Not that I would race out and buy it, but it made me laugh and scream and almost cry. Needless to say the plot was extremely far-fetched but the brief comedic moments actually kept me entertained and more importantly, awake.
Awake: Seriously, this was by far one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. It actually made me think that maybe there is hope yet for my movie rental abilities. Jessica Alba did a wonderful job. I was pretty creeped out through most of the movie - as it is mainly done from an operating room and blood and needles really isn't my thing. So my nails were in my mouth much of the movie as I sat perched on the edge of the couch. I would definitely recommend this movie.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
My "REAL" European Vacation
I've managed to post many blogs about my European Vacation and the wonderful attractions and people- but here is the "REAL DEAL".
Above were the various accommodations. The private beach would have been nice had it not been snowing. The personal trailers were sufficiently sized for two. As you can see, some of them were much nicer than others, but completely what I had anticipated for my "budget tour".
Like the accommodations, there were also a variety of transportation options from country to country. From personal tour guide vehicles to the truck with no window view from the back - fortunately this was used for our shorter jaunts, mainly for our local tours. The railway train was pretty fast and while I have it pictured, we weren't ever on it, it was only fast and loud behind the accommodations.
The bathrooms also varied, mainly in color and smell, but overall were pretty consistent per country.
Then there were a few signs that regardless of not having a clue what they said, made me laugh and go "hmmmm".
Is Little League Over Yet?
Today was opening day. The sun was out and it was cold as could be, minus any snow. That's coming in a few days ~ did I mention I love Michigan weather?
We arrive an hour early for pictures. After my son has his individual picture taken, the coach mentions that my son can't wear his white under armour shirt if he is to pitch. He either has to remove it or hike it up higher than his elbow on his pitching arm. NICE. It feels like it's almost freezing, I'm sure the windshield is fast approaching below zero, and now he has to either take off his shirt under his jersey or push it up. When did this rule happen? Apparently, 20 minutes ago. NICE. My son decides he doesn't want me to go home to get another shirt for him, but I do anyway.
I miss the group photo and my son seems pleased with a matching turtleneck that I picked out for him. Mind you, he hates turtlenecks too! My son was cold most of the game despite his two shirts and jersey. With the new pitching rules, he was only going to pitch 40 pitches, regardless.
The game...was a bloody massacre. Seriously...a massacre of gore and guts. Seriously, after 78 pitches they only had 4 outs! My son pitched very well, but the other more experienced team (7 returning players to our 2) wailed the ball all around the field. The outfielders were playing four steps out from the grass (I guess they thought this was still t-ball) and seldom payed attention. I thought that at 11-12 this would be different, not on our team! There were too many errors for me to count. I've always told my son that if you can't strike them out, let them hit it and entrust that your team will be there. Outside of the one batter he hit twice, he didn't walk anyone. But he gave up 9 runs and only had two outs when he was pulled. Sad, Sad, Sad. Needless to say, the other three pitchers didn't do any better. As we were home team, the other team ended the third inning with two outs and the score was 0-21. We had our last bats, rally time. Obviously, our kids hadn't made it through the order twice, yet.
The first batter managed to get a very nice hit. My son then hit a rocket, or not, to the fence, I mean pitcher. The pitcher didn't realize that first was open and looked at 2nd base and then threw a wild throw to 1st. My son didn't stop running and finally ended up at 3rd. We had scored a run! My son stole home, making it 2-21. We could come back, pigs can fly! Despite the two runs, the pitcher managed to strike out three of our team, thus ending the game.
Rain games will not be made up this year due to scheduling constraints. I may just be doing the rain dance a lot this spring/Summer. I don't think this 13 game season can end soon enough.
We arrive an hour early for pictures. After my son has his individual picture taken, the coach mentions that my son can't wear his white under armour shirt if he is to pitch. He either has to remove it or hike it up higher than his elbow on his pitching arm. NICE. It feels like it's almost freezing, I'm sure the windshield is fast approaching below zero, and now he has to either take off his shirt under his jersey or push it up. When did this rule happen? Apparently, 20 minutes ago. NICE. My son decides he doesn't want me to go home to get another shirt for him, but I do anyway.
I miss the group photo and my son seems pleased with a matching turtleneck that I picked out for him. Mind you, he hates turtlenecks too! My son was cold most of the game despite his two shirts and jersey. With the new pitching rules, he was only going to pitch 40 pitches, regardless.
The game...was a bloody massacre. Seriously...a massacre of gore and guts. Seriously, after 78 pitches they only had 4 outs! My son pitched very well, but the other more experienced team (7 returning players to our 2) wailed the ball all around the field. The outfielders were playing four steps out from the grass (I guess they thought this was still t-ball) and seldom payed attention. I thought that at 11-12 this would be different, not on our team! There were too many errors for me to count. I've always told my son that if you can't strike them out, let them hit it and entrust that your team will be there. Outside of the one batter he hit twice, he didn't walk anyone. But he gave up 9 runs and only had two outs when he was pulled. Sad, Sad, Sad. Needless to say, the other three pitchers didn't do any better. As we were home team, the other team ended the third inning with two outs and the score was 0-21. We had our last bats, rally time. Obviously, our kids hadn't made it through the order twice, yet.
The first batter managed to get a very nice hit. My son then hit a rocket, or not, to the fence, I mean pitcher. The pitcher didn't realize that first was open and looked at 2nd base and then threw a wild throw to 1st. My son didn't stop running and finally ended up at 3rd. We had scored a run! My son stole home, making it 2-21. We could come back, pigs can fly! Despite the two runs, the pitcher managed to strike out three of our team, thus ending the game.
Rain games will not be made up this year due to scheduling constraints. I may just be doing the rain dance a lot this spring/Summer. I don't think this 13 game season can end soon enough.
Relief, Auction & My Next Adventure
I can now officially be relieved to have completed my blog about my European trip! I haven't decided where I want to go with my RT US ticket. I've been kicking around the idea of flying solo to one of the handful of states I have yet to see - Wyoming, Texas, New Mexico. I've also considered flying out to my brother and sister-in-laws new place in VT, but then it's whether or not to go solo or to take my son. If I took my son, I think we would both prefer the road trip. We do really look forward to them and the stops and sights along the way. I had initially thought about going to South Carolina this summer with my son. I can have two weeks with him - so I figure I owe him something since he was left behind from Europe!
Did I ever mention my obsession with auctions? Maybe obsession is extreme, but I do get caught up in them. One of the local colleges has had one annually for the past, five years or more. It use to be televised. For the entire week, I would race home to watch the auction and bid. I would get restaurant certificates, theater tickets, weekend getaways. I loved it! The rush of the thrill of competition and good deals, how can you go wrong? Then, two years ago the phone auction went online. What a HUGE disappointment. Not that many of my auction purchases were the most feasible since I always seemed to be scrambling before they expired to use them or to get to the various theater productions, but I enjoyed them nonetheless. Last year I didn't buy anything - maybe my own personal boycott, maybe not. This year, I checked out the auction since I'm on their email mailer. I didn't find anything too exciting, other than a few vacations.
Now vacations for me are also tricky. I seem to get "stuck" with vacations and following through with them with significant others despite the fact that the relationship should have ended had it not been for vacations. I think that is why Europe was so fabulous. It was just me. No one else to worry about, no extra baggage. So the thought of getting a vacation online, that is geared for two, wasn't really all that welcoming. But to have a vacation option right in front of me that I didn't have to plan, now that was convenient. There was a UK trip for two that included airfare - and I thought this would be wonderful to take my mom; however, sans passport and blackout days galore, she didn't seem as interested. And, realistically when I read the description of the tour, I wasn't really either. Especially since I just spent a whole, one, day there, I should travel somewhere I've never been! I really would love to travel the UK, just not sure if I want to do it before April 2009 ~ unless of course I go to visit Tania! Another trip was an Amazon Adventure trip for two. I really was interested in this one! I didn't know who the other person would be, but thought maybe it could be a reconnect trip with my brother, Army Man. Who better then to fend for yourself in the Amazon then with a career military man and brother? The bidding on this was almost full price so I bowed out of that one too. Then there was a romantic getaway for two to http://www.paradisebayresort.net/ in Grenada. Why would I want something for two to Paradise? Yeah, no thanks.
The auction closed tonight. I had looked at it again yesterday but didn't seem that interested in much. I bid on a few of the trips only to raise the amount for other bidders! A co-worker of mine, and a serious auction junkie said that she would likely wait until the last minute to bid on anything - but she wasn't that interested in anything either. We grovel about the online auction all the time - bring back the t.v. version. I'll even volunteer to take calls and be videoed answering them, seriously, I will. Anyway, so the auction was scheduled to close at 8:30p.m.
We didn't get home until about 8:50p.m. and the auction was still open. It was scheduled to close at 9:09p.m. The Grenada trip was the lowest of the trips, and was looking rather inviting. Am I serious? How am I going to get to Grenada? When am I going to get to Grenada? Who will I go to Grenada with? Exactly where is Grenada? It didn't matter, details to be determined later. I have until April '09 to figure it all out, if I win. So, I bid on it, again and again and again. The bidding continued until there wasn't a bid for five minutes. During that time I checked out the site, checked out the package, checked out where exactly Grenada was. And...I WON.
I'M GOING TO GRENADA. Beyond that, I don't have a clue!
2008 Year of Travel...is going GREAT!
Did I ever mention my obsession with auctions? Maybe obsession is extreme, but I do get caught up in them. One of the local colleges has had one annually for the past, five years or more. It use to be televised. For the entire week, I would race home to watch the auction and bid. I would get restaurant certificates, theater tickets, weekend getaways. I loved it! The rush of the thrill of competition and good deals, how can you go wrong? Then, two years ago the phone auction went online. What a HUGE disappointment. Not that many of my auction purchases were the most feasible since I always seemed to be scrambling before they expired to use them or to get to the various theater productions, but I enjoyed them nonetheless. Last year I didn't buy anything - maybe my own personal boycott, maybe not. This year, I checked out the auction since I'm on their email mailer. I didn't find anything too exciting, other than a few vacations.
Now vacations for me are also tricky. I seem to get "stuck" with vacations and following through with them with significant others despite the fact that the relationship should have ended had it not been for vacations. I think that is why Europe was so fabulous. It was just me. No one else to worry about, no extra baggage. So the thought of getting a vacation online, that is geared for two, wasn't really all that welcoming. But to have a vacation option right in front of me that I didn't have to plan, now that was convenient. There was a UK trip for two that included airfare - and I thought this would be wonderful to take my mom; however, sans passport and blackout days galore, she didn't seem as interested. And, realistically when I read the description of the tour, I wasn't really either. Especially since I just spent a whole, one, day there, I should travel somewhere I've never been! I really would love to travel the UK, just not sure if I want to do it before April 2009 ~ unless of course I go to visit Tania! Another trip was an Amazon Adventure trip for two. I really was interested in this one! I didn't know who the other person would be, but thought maybe it could be a reconnect trip with my brother, Army Man. Who better then to fend for yourself in the Amazon then with a career military man and brother? The bidding on this was almost full price so I bowed out of that one too. Then there was a romantic getaway for two to http://www.paradisebayresort.net/ in Grenada. Why would I want something for two to Paradise? Yeah, no thanks.
The auction closed tonight. I had looked at it again yesterday but didn't seem that interested in much. I bid on a few of the trips only to raise the amount for other bidders! A co-worker of mine, and a serious auction junkie said that she would likely wait until the last minute to bid on anything - but she wasn't that interested in anything either. We grovel about the online auction all the time - bring back the t.v. version. I'll even volunteer to take calls and be videoed answering them, seriously, I will. Anyway, so the auction was scheduled to close at 8:30p.m.
We didn't get home until about 8:50p.m. and the auction was still open. It was scheduled to close at 9:09p.m. The Grenada trip was the lowest of the trips, and was looking rather inviting. Am I serious? How am I going to get to Grenada? When am I going to get to Grenada? Who will I go to Grenada with? Exactly where is Grenada? It didn't matter, details to be determined later. I have until April '09 to figure it all out, if I win. So, I bid on it, again and again and again. The bidding continued until there wasn't a bid for five minutes. During that time I checked out the site, checked out the package, checked out where exactly Grenada was. And...I WON.
I'M GOING TO GRENADA. Beyond that, I don't have a clue!
2008 Year of Travel...is going GREAT!
Monday, April 14, 2008 Chicago-Home
The morning is rather uneventful, although the screaming baby twice throughout the early hours was obnoxious. Many of the hotel guests were out in the hall around 6a.m., likely awoken by the baby as well. I was almost tempted to call the front desk as I was beginning to get concerned about the baby. But I didn't.
I finally got out of bed. I shower to dress in the same clothes. Something just not quite right about that. I had quite a bit of clothes that I didn't wear during the trip - mainly because I had work-out clothes and other clothes to change into. I didn't realize that for the most part, we were on the bus the majority of time that changing clothes wasn't really necessary. I wouldn't say that I'm one for clothes, fashion or shopping, but I seemed to be one of few that didn't recycle my clothes. I can't say that I would do it differently for my next trip either. I was under the weight restrictions for my suitcase, so why not?
As I mentioned earlier, I also managed to leave all of my money, credit cards (but one), passport, license, etc. by the computer I used at the hotel last night. Fortunately, within minutes of returning to my room I decided to put my one credit card away. Whew, maybe there is hope for me yet - nah, I wouldn't have left it had there been hope!
Seeing that the hotel was in the middle of nowhere, I had no desire to take a taxi around Chicago or venture to do anything else. The thought of clean clothes was somewhat inviting, but the ordeals and issues I would likely find to get the clothes wasn't. I managed to get Sprint to send me a refurbished phone for free due to the inconvenience of the local repair store being an hour away! I left the hotel at noon and headed for the airport. My flight wasn't until 7:00p.m. and earlier flights were apparently booked. With my first class ticket in hand, I was able to bypass the longer economy and coach lines! There was a flight leaving at 1:30p.m. which I was able to get on a wait list for. The flight was actually delayed and I managed to get a middle exit row seat on the plane and we took off at about 2:30p.m.
Unfortunately for me, I had managed to consume my 8 Dramamine, finishing the last one the day before. But the 50 minute flight couldn't be that bad, right? Wrong! Even with the extra room, the middle seat made me feel claustrophobic. The plane was hitting never ending turbulence and my anxiety was increasing and I could feel the blood rushing to my head. This wasn't good. When are we going to descend? I can do this. I can make it. The plane finally landed. I couldn't get off the plane fast enough!
My luggage was behind the counter since it had arrived the night before. It was nice to not have to wait for it to be unloaded from the plane. It was nice to see the sun and see my car in the parking lot. Even nicer was the fact that I thought the two weeks of parking was $198 and it was only $96, bonus! Amazing how excited I was over saving money that I didn't even spend!
The drive home was uneventful and the house was still standing. I was in my house before 5p.m., less than 24 hours later than initially planned, better rested and with a RT airfare for my next adventure around the US.
2008: Year of Travel - It could very well be a GREAT YEAR.
To summarize to date since returning home, life has resumed as normal. I've emailed several people from the trip, talked to one on the phone and mailed (which I never mail anything!) three photo disks out to fellow travelers. My mailbox was void of the claim forms for the trip interruption - go figure. I finally got around to making another call to request the forms and made a semi-complaint which a letter in writing was suggested in addition to the request for the reimbursement of the 9.30 euros. I did finally receive the claim form last week, which I made time to finish and submit. In addition, I typed up a 2.5 page complaint letter to Cosmos about the tour. There were many things I left out, but I'm pretty sure it was rather thorough. I even spelled it out that I hope no one else had to endure a tour with TG or Bus driver ever again. Donald Trump, can I get a "YOU'RE FIRED"?
I finally got out of bed. I shower to dress in the same clothes. Something just not quite right about that. I had quite a bit of clothes that I didn't wear during the trip - mainly because I had work-out clothes and other clothes to change into. I didn't realize that for the most part, we were on the bus the majority of time that changing clothes wasn't really necessary. I wouldn't say that I'm one for clothes, fashion or shopping, but I seemed to be one of few that didn't recycle my clothes. I can't say that I would do it differently for my next trip either. I was under the weight restrictions for my suitcase, so why not?
As I mentioned earlier, I also managed to leave all of my money, credit cards (but one), passport, license, etc. by the computer I used at the hotel last night. Fortunately, within minutes of returning to my room I decided to put my one credit card away. Whew, maybe there is hope for me yet - nah, I wouldn't have left it had there been hope!
Seeing that the hotel was in the middle of nowhere, I had no desire to take a taxi around Chicago or venture to do anything else. The thought of clean clothes was somewhat inviting, but the ordeals and issues I would likely find to get the clothes wasn't. I managed to get Sprint to send me a refurbished phone for free due to the inconvenience of the local repair store being an hour away! I left the hotel at noon and headed for the airport. My flight wasn't until 7:00p.m. and earlier flights were apparently booked. With my first class ticket in hand, I was able to bypass the longer economy and coach lines! There was a flight leaving at 1:30p.m. which I was able to get on a wait list for. The flight was actually delayed and I managed to get a middle exit row seat on the plane and we took off at about 2:30p.m.
Unfortunately for me, I had managed to consume my 8 Dramamine, finishing the last one the day before. But the 50 minute flight couldn't be that bad, right? Wrong! Even with the extra room, the middle seat made me feel claustrophobic. The plane was hitting never ending turbulence and my anxiety was increasing and I could feel the blood rushing to my head. This wasn't good. When are we going to descend? I can do this. I can make it. The plane finally landed. I couldn't get off the plane fast enough!
My luggage was behind the counter since it had arrived the night before. It was nice to not have to wait for it to be unloaded from the plane. It was nice to see the sun and see my car in the parking lot. Even nicer was the fact that I thought the two weeks of parking was $198 and it was only $96, bonus! Amazing how excited I was over saving money that I didn't even spend!
The drive home was uneventful and the house was still standing. I was in my house before 5p.m., less than 24 hours later than initially planned, better rested and with a RT airfare for my next adventure around the US.
2008: Year of Travel - It could very well be a GREAT YEAR.
To summarize to date since returning home, life has resumed as normal. I've emailed several people from the trip, talked to one on the phone and mailed (which I never mail anything!) three photo disks out to fellow travelers. My mailbox was void of the claim forms for the trip interruption - go figure. I finally got around to making another call to request the forms and made a semi-complaint which a letter in writing was suggested in addition to the request for the reimbursement of the 9.30 euros. I did finally receive the claim form last week, which I made time to finish and submit. In addition, I typed up a 2.5 page complaint letter to Cosmos about the tour. There were many things I left out, but I'm pretty sure it was rather thorough. I even spelled it out that I hope no one else had to endure a tour with TG or Bus driver ever again. Donald Trump, can I get a "YOU'RE FIRED"?
Sunday, April 13, 2008 Paris-Germany-Illinois-Home
The alarm was set for 5:55a.m. I had to be downstairs to meet the taxi just prior to 6:30a.m. My bags were packed, I kept my contacts in so I didn't have to waste any extra time. When I looked at the clock, holy !@#$ - it was 6:18a.m.! What happened? Of course my response woke Tania too!
I got dressed as quickly as possible, brushed my teeth and grabbed my stuff. The phone rang as I was getting ready to leave the room. Tania was coming with me since in my daze I couldn't remember if I needed the room key to take the elevator down too, besides, it allowed me one last walk down the hall with my fabulous roommate! The taxi driver was anything but personable. The taxi was a Mercedes mini van. The drive to the airport was pretty quick actually. I began to get somewhat emotional as I approached the airport...which quickly turned into anger that the TG had again F'd up! The bill, 49.30 euros. NICE. Fortunately I still had about 20 euros that I hadn't managed to spend. I tried to barter that it was only 40 but that didn't get me anywhere!
I was actually so early to the airport I could have taken the hour plus earlier flight. It didn't really matter to me which airport I sat in. I never even considered the idea of getting my e-ticket and a seat assignment the day before! The man at the counter was obviously in training, good thing I had hours...literally. Somehow it was determined that my final destination was Chicago, um...NO. Somehow, with lots of french between three people they all finally said OK. Whatever that meant, I guess. I was on my way through security, which by no means was as thorough as the US. Still not knowing which plane I was actually on, I looked at the ticket and realized I was on my original plane.
It was still two hours before the plane would leave. Seeing that it was so early the gate wasn't posted on the monitors. I went to the gate that the first plane was departing and I waited. I walked around the airport, I used the bathrooms and then I decided to just sit down and journal. And that is what I did. I journaled. Then I realized I needed to go to the bathroom again but had no clue what time it was. I looked at the monitor and it was 9:05, my plane was departing at 9:20a.m. and I was suppose to board at 8:55a.m. No people, no plane, how many more delays? Then it dawns on me! WHAT??? Where were the people? Where was the plane? Oh my, I've done it again - stupidity has once again taken over my body cloning me! I had totally forgotten that I never did find out what gate the plane was leaving from, obviously NOT the one I was at! Luckily, it was only three gates down, but seriously how moronic can I be?
The flight to Frankfurt was uneventful, about 50 minutes in duration. I froze the entire way as the a/c was on super-high and my perma chill was only exacerbated by my need to go the bathroom from guzzling 1liter of water before checking in at the airport! The Frankfurt airport is relatively small and not as modern as most. We were shuttled to the terminal and then meandering around was interesting. I stopped to use the bathroom and found myself more confused as a man was heading to the sink, then I saw his young daughter in tow. After getting through security and heading to my gate, I had to wait in a general area without chairs to get through another check point to actually sit in the gate area. All over the floor were masses of high school band students. One, Trevor, was loud and obnoxious and I hoped I wasn't sitting near him, especially since I was in the middle row.
The Teacher/Chaperone of the kids kept telling them to sit in their assigned seats until the plane took off and then to make trades with other students. My luck, Trevor was in the row right in front of me! I was in the second seat of five, fortunately two were empty and I moved to the middle. Didn't help much when I needed to go the bathroom, but gave the three of us space. Trevor switched seats, so the ride was pretty uneventful. I tried to watch a few movies and listened to music.
I have a four hour layover in Chicago. Plenty of time to check messages and make some phone calls. It will nice to be home where I don't have to put in a card key for electricity, don't have to pay for toilets, I don't have issues with the shower and I have my comfy bed and pillows! I'm almost home, almost.
I talk to my son on the phone and tell him I'm looking forward to seeing him tomorrow night. His dad in the background tells our son that he is not with me, despite our trade for nights three plus weeks ago. NICE. At this point, I'm so sad and emotional, I just can't handle it. I tell my son goodbye and that I will see him Tuesday. Maybe I will show up to his practice on Monday, maybe not. Obviously, this must be for a reason too, right? It will allow me to get settled, get some sleep, unpack, etc.
The flight was completely overbooked. They were taking volunteers to give up their seats for a free RT continental US ticket, 1st class to MI same time tomorrow and a hotel in Chicago. Of course the 1st class, hour flight was useless, but seeing that I wasn't planning on working anyway and wasn't going to be getting my son, why not?
So I gave up my seat. At least that was my intention. I was told to sit and wait for my hotel information and rebooking. Then my name and two others were called. Baffled I looked at my new boarding pass, 18 seats back on the plane - for the same flight! What? Apparently the employee was so overwhelmed, she was shocked when I wasn't happy that I now had a seat on the plane. I told her that I had a seat on the plane, which she said no it was a reservation. What? Man, I seriously must be an idiot - I feel like my life these past two weeks has been full of WHAT's! Then she finally understands that I volunteered my seat that she still needs for another passenger, takes my boarding pass and tells me to sit again.
Finally, hotel voucher, $15.00 food vouchers, boarding pass for tomorrow and a RT ticket for another flight, I head to find the shuttle in O'hare for the second time this trip. I seem to be more successful this time and find where I grab the shuttle. This time I didn't pack any change of clothes - because I was homeward bound, what would I need?
The hotel was fine and other than blowing up my cell phone (prior post) it was pretty uneventful. The restaurant food was good and it was nice to have a big bed to crash into. Maybe this was another blessing in disguise as it allowed me to go to bed early since I wasn't distracted by the responsibilities of home ownership, parenthood, adulthood. Not yet.
I got dressed as quickly as possible, brushed my teeth and grabbed my stuff. The phone rang as I was getting ready to leave the room. Tania was coming with me since in my daze I couldn't remember if I needed the room key to take the elevator down too, besides, it allowed me one last walk down the hall with my fabulous roommate! The taxi driver was anything but personable. The taxi was a Mercedes mini van. The drive to the airport was pretty quick actually. I began to get somewhat emotional as I approached the airport...which quickly turned into anger that the TG had again F'd up! The bill, 49.30 euros. NICE. Fortunately I still had about 20 euros that I hadn't managed to spend. I tried to barter that it was only 40 but that didn't get me anywhere!
I was actually so early to the airport I could have taken the hour plus earlier flight. It didn't really matter to me which airport I sat in. I never even considered the idea of getting my e-ticket and a seat assignment the day before! The man at the counter was obviously in training, good thing I had hours...literally. Somehow it was determined that my final destination was Chicago, um...NO. Somehow, with lots of french between three people they all finally said OK. Whatever that meant, I guess. I was on my way through security, which by no means was as thorough as the US. Still not knowing which plane I was actually on, I looked at the ticket and realized I was on my original plane.
It was still two hours before the plane would leave. Seeing that it was so early the gate wasn't posted on the monitors. I went to the gate that the first plane was departing and I waited. I walked around the airport, I used the bathrooms and then I decided to just sit down and journal. And that is what I did. I journaled. Then I realized I needed to go to the bathroom again but had no clue what time it was. I looked at the monitor and it was 9:05, my plane was departing at 9:20a.m. and I was suppose to board at 8:55a.m. No people, no plane, how many more delays? Then it dawns on me! WHAT??? Where were the people? Where was the plane? Oh my, I've done it again - stupidity has once again taken over my body cloning me! I had totally forgotten that I never did find out what gate the plane was leaving from, obviously NOT the one I was at! Luckily, it was only three gates down, but seriously how moronic can I be?
The flight to Frankfurt was uneventful, about 50 minutes in duration. I froze the entire way as the a/c was on super-high and my perma chill was only exacerbated by my need to go the bathroom from guzzling 1liter of water before checking in at the airport! The Frankfurt airport is relatively small and not as modern as most. We were shuttled to the terminal and then meandering around was interesting. I stopped to use the bathroom and found myself more confused as a man was heading to the sink, then I saw his young daughter in tow. After getting through security and heading to my gate, I had to wait in a general area without chairs to get through another check point to actually sit in the gate area. All over the floor were masses of high school band students. One, Trevor, was loud and obnoxious and I hoped I wasn't sitting near him, especially since I was in the middle row.
The Teacher/Chaperone of the kids kept telling them to sit in their assigned seats until the plane took off and then to make trades with other students. My luck, Trevor was in the row right in front of me! I was in the second seat of five, fortunately two were empty and I moved to the middle. Didn't help much when I needed to go the bathroom, but gave the three of us space. Trevor switched seats, so the ride was pretty uneventful. I tried to watch a few movies and listened to music.
I have a four hour layover in Chicago. Plenty of time to check messages and make some phone calls. It will nice to be home where I don't have to put in a card key for electricity, don't have to pay for toilets, I don't have issues with the shower and I have my comfy bed and pillows! I'm almost home, almost.
I talk to my son on the phone and tell him I'm looking forward to seeing him tomorrow night. His dad in the background tells our son that he is not with me, despite our trade for nights three plus weeks ago. NICE. At this point, I'm so sad and emotional, I just can't handle it. I tell my son goodbye and that I will see him Tuesday. Maybe I will show up to his practice on Monday, maybe not. Obviously, this must be for a reason too, right? It will allow me to get settled, get some sleep, unpack, etc.
The flight was completely overbooked. They were taking volunteers to give up their seats for a free RT continental US ticket, 1st class to MI same time tomorrow and a hotel in Chicago. Of course the 1st class, hour flight was useless, but seeing that I wasn't planning on working anyway and wasn't going to be getting my son, why not?
So I gave up my seat. At least that was my intention. I was told to sit and wait for my hotel information and rebooking. Then my name and two others were called. Baffled I looked at my new boarding pass, 18 seats back on the plane - for the same flight! What? Apparently the employee was so overwhelmed, she was shocked when I wasn't happy that I now had a seat on the plane. I told her that I had a seat on the plane, which she said no it was a reservation. What? Man, I seriously must be an idiot - I feel like my life these past two weeks has been full of WHAT's! Then she finally understands that I volunteered my seat that she still needs for another passenger, takes my boarding pass and tells me to sit again.
Finally, hotel voucher, $15.00 food vouchers, boarding pass for tomorrow and a RT ticket for another flight, I head to find the shuttle in O'hare for the second time this trip. I seem to be more successful this time and find where I grab the shuttle. This time I didn't pack any change of clothes - because I was homeward bound, what would I need?
The hotel was fine and other than blowing up my cell phone (prior post) it was pretty uneventful. The restaurant food was good and it was nice to have a big bed to crash into. Maybe this was another blessing in disguise as it allowed me to go to bed early since I wasn't distracted by the responsibilities of home ownership, parenthood, adulthood. Not yet.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Saturday April 12, 2008 Paris - Montmarte & Farewell Dinner
We boarded the bus for Montmarte. Of course I had absolutely no idea what this entailed, and fortunately at the last minute I decided to grab my light sweater jacket! I didn't know that we would again be doing walking around Montmarte and that while we boarded the coach at 5:30, we weren't actually going to be eating dinner until almost 9:00p.m.!
The drive was beautiful with the setting sun and lack of rain. We drove past the Moulin Rouge and the seedier/red light district of Paris area. I entertained myself by trying to take scenery pictures with clouds and sun and buildings. Tania got the scenery bug and seeing that we were in the front of the bus, we had a great view of what was ahead. Then Tania and I tried to take pictures of ourselves, I've never successful at that!
Montmarte was absolutely stunning. The view was breathtaking. To get to the top, you could take a small railcar up the hill, or walk the stairs. The rail car fit probably 40-50ppl in it, but took much longer than to actually walk the stairs. Street musicians were on the steps as well as at the bottom. Very talented and enjoyable to listen to. One of the bands consisted of a sousaphone, trombone, sax, drums, trumpet, etc. They even had their own CD. They were fabulous, especially when the singer decided not to sound like french rap into the megaphone!
There were only 26 of the 44 that participated in the optional excursion to Montmarte and the farewell dinner. For some, the 55 euros a piece was too much. I had anticipated that everyone would attend the farewell dinner, but seeing that we never had a welcome dinner or ice breaker in the beginning, why would saying goodbye be justified? Nick had left after the morning tour as he had to fly out for a conference on Sunday. I never did get to say goodbye, nor did many of us. I did see his email address, but he didn't give it out to myself or any of us.
Dinner was a choice of five options for each course. Four of us - Tania, Paul, James and me decided we would order differently and then share so that we could try almost everything. I couldn't bring myself around to taking a picture of the main course - because they came out staggered, and we were already splitting them by the time they all came out. Unfortunately not one of the four dishes even appeared remotely photo worthy by the time we had split them! Appetizers were frog legs, snails and shrimp. We passed on the soup and something else. We started the meal off with a champagne aperitif which was delicious - but the waitstaff wasn't too pleased if you waited until the meal came to drink it! We also had a variety of five cheeses somewhere in the midst of courses! The meals were prawns, chicken, duck, salmon and beef with sides of carrots, rice, potatoes or broccoli. The prawns were my favorite!
The meal included unlimited beverages - red & white wine, beer, OJ, and water. The table was rather crowded as all beverages and glasses were on it as well as food and bread. I managed to knock over a small glass of red wine on myself and the woman next to me! Fortunately it managed to remain mostly on the table! There was also live entertainment - a man singing and playing some form of guitar instrument - which was entertaining as he sang mostly tacky American sing-a-long songs! Dessert was chocolate mousse, apple tart, profiteroles (cream puffs - frozen!) and caramel creme brule. 
Glenn managed to fall down the stairs - catching himself by the railing two steps down - but scare for all of us! This was the second time he had fallen, to my knowledge, on the trip - the first being the face plant into the sidewalk from exiting the bus. Fortunately, a little scraped up and a few band aids later, Glenn was well enough to join in the dinner!
As dinner was winding down, I tried to get everyone together onto the same stairs for a photo. Even if only 1/2 the tour group, better than nothing. Except for Betty, most of the people that were there were my favorites anyway! As my camera was the first used, Betty didn't make it in my picture as she was too busy stumbling around to get in the first few.
Dinner was rather rushed since the restaurant was apparently closing. A huge disappointment as this was the most fun we had had as a large group. Personally, I think it was the restaurant/tour companies way to minimize the "unlimited drinking".
Seeing that I was the first to leave the group in the morning, 6:30a.m., I tried to get as many contact information as possible. After the pictures, I asked Robert to write down their address and email so that I could send them pictures from Amsterdam. Needless to say, this seemed to take a while - and we found Beverly on the top of the stairs to try to remember her son's email address. Meanwhile, I guess I hadn't noticed, but people had cleared out. I don't recall an announcement or anything, it just happened.
Betty was of course still stumbling around drinking. She had two glasses of wine, which she either put one down or downed it and then dumped some of the remaining glass in a "waste" bucket that the waitress had for glasses. Betty tried to walk up the stairs and completely ignored a server telling her that the drink had to remain. The server asked me to tell her it had to stay. Why me??? Oh, why me? Is this payback, or retribution? Why does my last night have to include Betty?
Politely I told Betty that she needed to either finish her drink or leave it as we had to go. She slurred to me that maybe she wasn't going to go. I told her that was fine with me, she needed to decide. This is happening while I'm still talking to Beverly about her information. Then Betty asks almost incoherently, "Who you sharin'?" Ok, so as a refresher, I have a child and I work in Children's Services with families, so I can almost decipher most things, keeping that in mind...I don't have a clue what she's getting at nor do I want to waste my time or breath on trying to converse with drunk Betty, but I do. Damn me. I ask her if she is asking me if I have a roommate, which she in fact was. I tell her that Tania is my roommate, which she says, "Who? Who's dat?" Tania of course has been rather nice to her most of the trip - helping her to her room, off the bus, taking pictures of her when no one else would - a clear angel - and the reality is is that drunk Betty doesn't have a clue who anyone is as she has managed to be drunk and disrespectful the entire trip to everyone. Anyway, Betty goes on to say that she was lucky enough to get a double room by herself, and she didn't even pay for her own room. Of course this was slurred and broken, but the gist of it. Man did I want to tell her off. Did I want to carry on about WHY she ended up with her own room, when I had originally had my own room (blessing that I ended up sharing with Tania - wouldn't have wanted it any other way - even if given the option to be alone!). I wanted to "accidentally" push her down the stairs and see how she fared. I wanted to tell her off and let out all my immature feelings and emotions onto drunk Betty. Afterall, she wouldn't remember it, right? But the truth of the matter is ~ I would. I would have remembered it and regretted it, for the days of my life. Besides, I truly am a better person than that, I think. If you think this was taking a long time, you are right, it was.
The four of us, me in the lead with Robert behind and Beverly (bless her soul!) assisting Betty, walk out of the restaurant. There is no bus in sight nor is TG or anyone else from the group. The restaurant is in the middle of a crowded street and it goes up hill and downhill. Sometimes, most of the time, I can be completely oblivious. Especially when I'm with a group of people. I don't choose to be a leader, so often times I try to be the follower - and in group situations this is exactly where I try to follow. Needless to say, this leaves me often times lost - so knowing where the bus should have been, I was clueless. I headed up the hill leaving the others in tow. I was irritated that no one had waited or come back to direct us where the bus was and how did this happen to ME? Clearly TG had threatened the entire tour that if you didn't get to the bus on time you would have to find your own way back to where you needed to be. Why now, when I have to be out at the taxi at 6:30a.m. tomorrow morning, does this happen? And WHY is it I'm stuck with Betty? Am I really that bad of a person? There must be some reason, right? For every situation, there must be a reason, even if not blatantly obvious from the get go, right? I continue to silently pray, "Dear God, why can't I become a better person towards someone else?" and other crazy thoughts as I walk aimlessly up the hill, back down the hill, and again. There is no sign of the bus. At the bottom of the hill, I see a tour bus and an unknown driver. Mind you, the cat calls are rampant as I figure out how in my dressy outfit I manage to now lose the others and have no idea how much it will cost to get a taxi back across town. The threats of safety running rampant in my mind. Anyway, this wasn't the bus, but the driver and his "friend" were clearly willing to give me a ride. NICE...No thanks!
Back up the hill again, I happen to see Robert coming down the hill on the other side. All four of us are again reunited. I'm sure it must have been 1/2 hour by now, at least. I'm still sad that my roommate didn't come rescue me, or anyone else for that matter. Clearly without Betty in the picture, I would have been OK with Robert and Beverly, but Betty put a nasty twist on the situation. Back up the hill we all go and Betty happens to hear someone speak English. She decides to try to ask a question, but can't get it out and can't stand up. Somehow I found the strength in me to grab her by the arms twice from behind when she almost fell backward on me. I can't say that the fleeting thought didn't cross my mind to move out of the way and let her fall! I asked for directions back to Clichy which was a taxi, that we should catch down the street.
Back down the street we go. I try to flag down three taxis without any luck. We cross the street again hoping to get a taxi at which time Betty is angry with Beverly that she's really rude and aggressive. We should have left her sorry drunk behind to the wolves, seriously, we should have. Robert had tried to assist Betty as well, but this didn't go well, so we left it to Beverly to drag her around and let Betty hang all over her. In crossing the street I hear my name...My sweet angel - My Tania! They didn't leave me/us! Right behind Tania are Paul and James. The three of them had vowed to split up to find the three, I mean four of us. Tania and I head back to the bus to let them know we are on the way, while Paul and James man-handle, I mean help Betty to the bus and Beverly and Robert walk together strong in their relationship and faith. And that, was the last I saw of Betty for the remainder of my trip.
The drive back was pretty quiet - other than filling people in on the escapade to find the bus. The bus was at a standstill due to a car being in the way. The local TG or bus driver, got out of the bus and moved the car! Impressive. By the time we got back to the hotel, we were all pretty tired and the extra bottle of beer I had snagged to celebrate at the hotel was warm. We took a few more pictures in the lobby and said our goodbyes.
One last TG story...she had given me 40 euros to pay for the taxi that I was suppose to catch at 6:30a.m. She assured me that the taxi wouldn't be more than 38-40 euros.
Tania and I talked into the early hours of the night and everything of mine was packed and ready to go to wake in a few short hours.
The drive was beautiful with the setting sun and lack of rain. We drove past the Moulin Rouge and the seedier/red light district of Paris area. I entertained myself by trying to take scenery pictures with clouds and sun and buildings. Tania got the scenery bug and seeing that we were in the front of the bus, we had a great view of what was ahead. Then Tania and I tried to take pictures of ourselves, I've never successful at that!
Montmarte was absolutely stunning. The view was breathtaking. To get to the top, you could take a small railcar up the hill, or walk the stairs. The rail car fit probably 40-50ppl in it, but took much longer than to actually walk the stairs. Street musicians were on the steps as well as at the bottom. Very talented and enjoyable to listen to. One of the bands consisted of a sousaphone, trombone, sax, drums, trumpet, etc. They even had their own CD. They were fabulous, especially when the singer decided not to sound like french rap into the megaphone!
There were only 26 of the 44 that participated in the optional excursion to Montmarte and the farewell dinner. For some, the 55 euros a piece was too much. I had anticipated that everyone would attend the farewell dinner, but seeing that we never had a welcome dinner or ice breaker in the beginning, why would saying goodbye be justified? Nick had left after the morning tour as he had to fly out for a conference on Sunday. I never did get to say goodbye, nor did many of us. I did see his email address, but he didn't give it out to myself or any of us.
Dinner was a choice of five options for each course. Four of us - Tania, Paul, James and me decided we would order differently and then share so that we could try almost everything. I couldn't bring myself around to taking a picture of the main course - because they came out staggered, and we were already splitting them by the time they all came out. Unfortunately not one of the four dishes even appeared remotely photo worthy by the time we had split them! Appetizers were frog legs, snails and shrimp. We passed on the soup and something else. We started the meal off with a champagne aperitif which was delicious - but the waitstaff wasn't too pleased if you waited until the meal came to drink it! We also had a variety of five cheeses somewhere in the midst of courses! The meals were prawns, chicken, duck, salmon and beef with sides of carrots, rice, potatoes or broccoli. The prawns were my favorite!
The meal included unlimited beverages - red & white wine, beer, OJ, and water. The table was rather crowded as all beverages and glasses were on it as well as food and bread. I managed to knock over a small glass of red wine on myself and the woman next to me! Fortunately it managed to remain mostly on the table! There was also live entertainment - a man singing and playing some form of guitar instrument - which was entertaining as he sang mostly tacky American sing-a-long songs! Dessert was chocolate mousse, apple tart, profiteroles (cream puffs - frozen!) and caramel creme brule. 
Glenn managed to fall down the stairs - catching himself by the railing two steps down - but scare for all of us! This was the second time he had fallen, to my knowledge, on the trip - the first being the face plant into the sidewalk from exiting the bus. Fortunately, a little scraped up and a few band aids later, Glenn was well enough to join in the dinner!
As dinner was winding down, I tried to get everyone together onto the same stairs for a photo. Even if only 1/2 the tour group, better than nothing. Except for Betty, most of the people that were there were my favorites anyway! As my camera was the first used, Betty didn't make it in my picture as she was too busy stumbling around to get in the first few.
Dinner was rather rushed since the restaurant was apparently closing. A huge disappointment as this was the most fun we had had as a large group. Personally, I think it was the restaurant/tour companies way to minimize the "unlimited drinking".
Seeing that I was the first to leave the group in the morning, 6:30a.m., I tried to get as many contact information as possible. After the pictures, I asked Robert to write down their address and email so that I could send them pictures from Amsterdam. Needless to say, this seemed to take a while - and we found Beverly on the top of the stairs to try to remember her son's email address. Meanwhile, I guess I hadn't noticed, but people had cleared out. I don't recall an announcement or anything, it just happened.
Betty was of course still stumbling around drinking. She had two glasses of wine, which she either put one down or downed it and then dumped some of the remaining glass in a "waste" bucket that the waitress had for glasses. Betty tried to walk up the stairs and completely ignored a server telling her that the drink had to remain. The server asked me to tell her it had to stay. Why me??? Oh, why me? Is this payback, or retribution? Why does my last night have to include Betty?
Politely I told Betty that she needed to either finish her drink or leave it as we had to go. She slurred to me that maybe she wasn't going to go. I told her that was fine with me, she needed to decide. This is happening while I'm still talking to Beverly about her information. Then Betty asks almost incoherently, "Who you sharin'?" Ok, so as a refresher, I have a child and I work in Children's Services with families, so I can almost decipher most things, keeping that in mind...I don't have a clue what she's getting at nor do I want to waste my time or breath on trying to converse with drunk Betty, but I do. Damn me. I ask her if she is asking me if I have a roommate, which she in fact was. I tell her that Tania is my roommate, which she says, "Who? Who's dat?" Tania of course has been rather nice to her most of the trip - helping her to her room, off the bus, taking pictures of her when no one else would - a clear angel - and the reality is is that drunk Betty doesn't have a clue who anyone is as she has managed to be drunk and disrespectful the entire trip to everyone. Anyway, Betty goes on to say that she was lucky enough to get a double room by herself, and she didn't even pay for her own room. Of course this was slurred and broken, but the gist of it. Man did I want to tell her off. Did I want to carry on about WHY she ended up with her own room, when I had originally had my own room (blessing that I ended up sharing with Tania - wouldn't have wanted it any other way - even if given the option to be alone!). I wanted to "accidentally" push her down the stairs and see how she fared. I wanted to tell her off and let out all my immature feelings and emotions onto drunk Betty. Afterall, she wouldn't remember it, right? But the truth of the matter is ~ I would. I would have remembered it and regretted it, for the days of my life. Besides, I truly am a better person than that, I think. If you think this was taking a long time, you are right, it was.
The four of us, me in the lead with Robert behind and Beverly (bless her soul!) assisting Betty, walk out of the restaurant. There is no bus in sight nor is TG or anyone else from the group. The restaurant is in the middle of a crowded street and it goes up hill and downhill. Sometimes, most of the time, I can be completely oblivious. Especially when I'm with a group of people. I don't choose to be a leader, so often times I try to be the follower - and in group situations this is exactly where I try to follow. Needless to say, this leaves me often times lost - so knowing where the bus should have been, I was clueless. I headed up the hill leaving the others in tow. I was irritated that no one had waited or come back to direct us where the bus was and how did this happen to ME? Clearly TG had threatened the entire tour that if you didn't get to the bus on time you would have to find your own way back to where you needed to be. Why now, when I have to be out at the taxi at 6:30a.m. tomorrow morning, does this happen? And WHY is it I'm stuck with Betty? Am I really that bad of a person? There must be some reason, right? For every situation, there must be a reason, even if not blatantly obvious from the get go, right? I continue to silently pray, "Dear God, why can't I become a better person towards someone else?" and other crazy thoughts as I walk aimlessly up the hill, back down the hill, and again. There is no sign of the bus. At the bottom of the hill, I see a tour bus and an unknown driver. Mind you, the cat calls are rampant as I figure out how in my dressy outfit I manage to now lose the others and have no idea how much it will cost to get a taxi back across town. The threats of safety running rampant in my mind. Anyway, this wasn't the bus, but the driver and his "friend" were clearly willing to give me a ride. NICE...No thanks!
Back up the hill again, I happen to see Robert coming down the hill on the other side. All four of us are again reunited. I'm sure it must have been 1/2 hour by now, at least. I'm still sad that my roommate didn't come rescue me, or anyone else for that matter. Clearly without Betty in the picture, I would have been OK with Robert and Beverly, but Betty put a nasty twist on the situation. Back up the hill we all go and Betty happens to hear someone speak English. She decides to try to ask a question, but can't get it out and can't stand up. Somehow I found the strength in me to grab her by the arms twice from behind when she almost fell backward on me. I can't say that the fleeting thought didn't cross my mind to move out of the way and let her fall! I asked for directions back to Clichy which was a taxi, that we should catch down the street.
Back down the street we go. I try to flag down three taxis without any luck. We cross the street again hoping to get a taxi at which time Betty is angry with Beverly that she's really rude and aggressive. We should have left her sorry drunk behind to the wolves, seriously, we should have. Robert had tried to assist Betty as well, but this didn't go well, so we left it to Beverly to drag her around and let Betty hang all over her. In crossing the street I hear my name...My sweet angel - My Tania! They didn't leave me/us! Right behind Tania are Paul and James. The three of them had vowed to split up to find the three, I mean four of us. Tania and I head back to the bus to let them know we are on the way, while Paul and James man-handle, I mean help Betty to the bus and Beverly and Robert walk together strong in their relationship and faith. And that, was the last I saw of Betty for the remainder of my trip.
The drive back was pretty quiet - other than filling people in on the escapade to find the bus. The bus was at a standstill due to a car being in the way. The local TG or bus driver, got out of the bus and moved the car! Impressive. By the time we got back to the hotel, we were all pretty tired and the extra bottle of beer I had snagged to celebrate at the hotel was warm. We took a few more pictures in the lobby and said our goodbyes.
One last TG story...she had given me 40 euros to pay for the taxi that I was suppose to catch at 6:30a.m. She assured me that the taxi wouldn't be more than 38-40 euros.
Tania and I talked into the early hours of the night and everything of mine was packed and ready to go to wake in a few short hours.
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