WWYD – Travel Edition

So y’all know LG and I are going to Spain this summer right? Right! You know we’re excited, right? Right!

Here’s the deal:  this is a family trip. In addition to LG & I, my parents, one brother and SIL, my niece, my nephew, and some extended family are making the journey. The plan is for us to all arrive and depart on the same dates. However….ticket prices have increased more than we originally thought when we decided to go on this trip.

So LG and I can:

A. Stick to the original plan, arrive and depart on the same date as the rest of the crew, pay around $1500 per ticket.

or

B. Deviate from the plan, arrive two days earlier, pay around $1100 per ticket, book a hotel room for about $50 a night, and meet up with the family (and change hotels) when they arrive two days later.

What would YOU do? Would you stick with the pack – safety in numbers and all that jazz or would you seize the day and travel halfway around with the world with a…spirited 8 year old and limited Spanish skills?

What do you think I’m going to do?

 

 

 

I Ask, You Answer ~ Vacation Version

1. Are you going anywhere for vacation this year?  Have you already been on vacation?
2. Do you have a packing list that you use to help you plan your vacation wardrobe?
3. If your trip includes lots of walking, what type of shoes do you prefer?
4. If you travel internationally, do you take your tablet, your cellphone, or both?
5. What type of souvenir do you usually purchase for yourself?
6. Do you prefer laid back, relaxing trips, ones where you pack in as much activity as possible, or a combination of the two?
7. How many pairs of shoes do you pack for a one week trip?
8. What was your favorite vacation?

 

Homecoming 2011

A few random thoughts from my short trip to the Bluff this weekend:

• I’ll never skip the game again.
• Who are these people?
• Good googley moogley – everybody’s gained weight.  I have to squint to recognize folks.
• New fitness goal: remain recognizable.
• Next time Baboo da Que throws a party, skip it.
• I am so glad I went to UAPB.
• I am so glad I don’t live in Pine Bluff.
• Why do people think this two-tone plastic helmet hair looks good?
• Why do all these old men keep asking me to dance?
• Being on the dance floor when “Freaky Tales” comes on is a mistake.
• Did this chick just say I was sitting in her chair? Yeah, okay.
• Aisha’s chicken is just as tasty now as it was when we were in school.
• I think I’m going to invent myself a line dance.
• Next year: get a room, stay two days, make Smoochy take a day off and join us!

I managed to take one picture. Of chicken. From Aisha’s. Don’t judge me!

Nom nom nom

I’m Baaack!

Y’all!  I had such a loverly vacation.  Alas, like all good things it had to come to an end, so here I am back at work.  Sigh.  But, I’m thankful to have a job, so I won’t complain!

Christmas in Cali was good, real good.  We had a few moments of family drama, but that’s par for the course!  The biggest issue?  My oldest brother making us all late for church…yeah, we get it in.

Anyhoo, three out of the four of us were home.  I was especially excited that Lovegirl got to play with her cousins – they all seemed to have a good time and Lovegirl and my nephew are particularly smitten with each other.  It was great for them to have that time together.  I am definitely planning to hit the road to Houston more often – it makes no sense for us not to see them more frequently.

We hit the Aquarium of the Pacific, Mountain High for a snow day, and more shops in between than I am willing to discuss!  My middle brother’s girlfriend is a shopper like you would not believe!  She puts all shoppers I know to shame.  I didn’t buy much – a tank top from The Rack and a jacket from Ross.  That’s it.  Packing carry on luggage is definitely good for the wallet!

My parents treated me to a mani, pedi and Thai massage for one of my Christmas gifts.  Have mercy!  If you have never had a Thai massage might I suggest you get one post haste?  The masseuse walks on your back, kneads you with her elbows and knees and pushes and pulls you into a loose relaxed puddle.  It hurt.  And it felt good.  And I’m definitely putting Thai massage on my list of things to do when I’m home.

Smoochy got me an iPod Touch.  I didn’t even know what the thing was.  I sent P a text message and was like “I’m not sure I want this…”  Yeah, a few downloaded books and games of Words with Friends later and I am hooked!  All I wanted was a nano to help me get back in the workout swing of things.  I’m so glad Smoochy went above and beyond.  If you want to play WWF, I play as….get ready….Nerdgirlms

Lovegirl was the recipient of all things noisy this year – a Paper Jamz guitar and a karaoke machine.  She is loving them and the various and sundry dolls, plastic toys and pajamas she received.

Right about the time we were tiring of fun in all the non-existent California sun, it was time to come home.  We came back on Saturday night, I washed clothes and my hair last night, and today here we both are at my j-o-b.  I’d like to send a special shout out to the geniuses who decided that the kids don’t go back to school until Wednesday…

Pictures you say?  If you insist: 

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2069194&id=1422439106&l=b1567a5117

 

Anyhow, that about wraps it up.  How was your Christmas?  New Years?

I lied. One more thing.  On New Year’s Eve my parents, Lovegirl, and I ended up at the home of their pastor where we played charades.  Everyone was asked to choose one television show, one song, and one movie for others to guess – men v women.  When it was one lady’s turn she looked dazed and confused.  She didn’t know which of the categories her clue fell into.  So all the men came up to see if the clue was theirs and to help her out.  It ended up being my father’s.  It was a song.  Which song you ask?  So glad you did.  For his song my father chose…get your mind right for this one…”From Cairo to Benghazi”  o_O

Okay, now I’m done!

Lions, Tigers, Bears and Other Randoms. Oh my.

• Whoo darn hoo!  I have scored not one, but two pairs of new boots!  In case you couldn’t tell, I am ridiculous with excitement!  Do you know how hard it is to find a pair of decently priced boots in my size?  Well trust, it is.  The best part?  They were CHEAP!  I scored two pairs of tall, leather boots for less than $80!  Dear 6pm.com:  I love thee.
• I have decided to travel using only carryons when Lovegirl and I go to Cali for Christmas.  At first I was like “I’m checking bags – I don’t want to drag bags and Lovegirl through various and sundry airports all by myself.”  But now I’ve decided the challenge of jamming everything in two small bags and saving $$ on checked bags is well worth it.  I found a slide show some stewardess did on packing in a carryon and am going to follow her lead.  You can check it out here:  http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/06/business/businessspecial/20100506-pack-ss.html.  I don’t generally overpack, but I like to know I’ve got room in my bag to bring stuff back.  I guess this will help squelch any impulse shopping urges I may get.  Do you overpack?
• I mentioned this on FB this a.m., but I’m seriously considering dressing up for Halloween for the first time in my life.  If I decide to dress up, I’ll be dressing up as none other than Phaedra from RHOA.
• I slipped up – a lot – on Operation Buy Nothing ’til December.  But it’s going into full effect beginning November 1.  I shall buy no clothes, accessories, etc. for myself until at least the end of November.  For real this time.  For real.
• The Chipmunk has been talking about moving out of state.  Hope springs eternal!
• Recently, the University of Missisippi changed its mascot from Colonel Rebel to the Rebel Black Bear (couldn’t find a pic).  I was telling my Mom that my alma maters were now Lions (UAPB), and Tigers (JSU), and Bears (UM) oh my!  I find that hilarious.  My mother on the other hand wanted to hang up in my face. 
• My quads?  They are a burning.  I think this challenge is gonna get me right!  And I’m looking forward to the day when I can walk totally upright and pain free again.

Mmkay, that’s all.  Maybe something earthshatteringly awesome will happen on my daily 15 minute walk and I’ll be back with more interesting blog fodder.  But I doubt it.  All I’ll see are large women in cut out tops, dudes whose sole purpose in life is to be the next Wacka Flacka, and butt cracks galore.  And that’s just the employees – don’t get me started on the patients’ families!  Holla.

21 – Another Moment

One of my favorite  moments was doing the Cupid Shuffle on the Great Wall of China with my parents, middle brother, and his girlfriend.  I was still in awe that I was in China (though our trip was nearly over) and thought that our dancing (and singing) was just a great way to commemorate that portion of our trip.  Some travelers brought a special bottle of wine to mark the occasion.  Others took professional-grade pics.  Me and my people?  We did a line dance! 

I’ve posted the video before, but some things?  Bear repeating.  And the fact that my father who we told of our plans numerous times still decided not to learn the dance but participated anyhow?  Priceless!

Thank you, and enjoy!

Thanks everyone for the b*day wishes!  I had a great weekend with the fam in Houston.

Here are some pics from our trip to CA  (out of “order” ’cause WP is trippin….) 

Happy Monday!

Beach Babes

Batu & Lovegirl

That water was COLD! Please note her purple lips!

Headed into the L.A. County Fair

Working in the garden w/Matu

Lovegirl, My granny, and I. Don't hate on the mirrored wall!

You want me to try a what???

A rambutan

Not so sure about this...

Fun & Sun at Venice Beach

Hootie Hoooo!

Three and six, I’ve already been.
Nine flew by, and so did ten.
I’ve been four and I’ve been eleven.
Today I turn…..thirty-seven!

Happy Birthday to me!!!  Thanking God for another year of life and looking forward to whatever great things are coming my way.

Headed to Houston to attend my cousin’s wedding and enjoy the craziness that is my family.

Hope everyone has a wonderful, wonderful weekend!

This Is How We Do It!

• We had a ball in Cali.  Lovegirl is officially a West Coast convert.  When I say she had no desire to return to MS, please believe that.  She cried when we got off the plane in Jackson last night.  And while waiting for our luggage.  And while walking to the car…..you get my drift.  Even the sight of her best bud Aidan and her favorite Ms. Psonya at the airport didn’t stop the tears.  Oh the drama!
• Speaking of Ms. Psonya?  Yeah, if she doesn’t blog about the dude that was loving her at the airport last night, I will.  Pure comedy!
• Took Lovegirl to Venice Beach where she promptly ran into the ocean, declared it incredible and pretty much refused to move from her spot.  I have got to say – the joy that filled my heart from seeing her enjoy herself that much was a real blessing.
• I, of course, made it a point to visit my favorite fish taco joint 3x in a week.  As awesome as ever! 
• Tried a new cheese – taleggio – at Mr. Marcel’s in the L.A. Farmer’s Market.  Love it.  A smear of this stuff, a dab of fig jelly and a water cracker?  Good eating.
• We saw my grandma twice and that woman just amazes me.  At 88, she’s still going strong, driving herself around and doing what she wants to do.  She also cooked me Sunday dinner – her peach cobbler is off the chain! 
• Went to the L.A. County Fair.  With the exception of the stankin’ rollercoaster Lovegirl insisted that she and I ride (she had a ball – I did not!) we had a great time there too.
• Did I mention that the weather was nice?  Not nice enough for my kid to run and jump in the pool in her pajamas, but that didn’t stop her.  I couldn’t believe that nut was playing in the pool, having a ball – with purple lips and chattering teeth!
• My Mom threw me a little surprise get-together Sunday night.  A really nice mix of people showed up and we had a good time reminiscing and tripping out.  One my classmates stopped through – I hadn’t seen him since Smoochy and I got married 10 years ago - it was awesome to catch up with him.  I’m still trippin’ that I graduated h.s. 20 years ago. Moving on…
• I’ll post pics tomorrow.  Guess I’d better do some work.  And by work I mean catch up on my blog reading

What have y’all been up to while I was maxin’ and relaxin’ in sunny So Cal???

State College, We Greet Thee With Love & Devotion

What?  Nobody recognizes that song either?  Why that, my dears, is the opening line of UAPB’s Alma Mater. 

This weekend the kiddo and I are headed over to the Bluff to meet up with my parents who are in town for my  Mom’s high school reunion.  Lovegirl is beyond excited.  She has told anyone who would listen that she is going on her very first vacation ever!  Umm honey, remember our trip to California?  What about the cruise?  Nope – no recollection of anywhere she’s been before.  She has asked me if I knew what to pack for her, did I remember her scarf, make sure I pack her swimsuit – because they have pools at hotel, you know.  Little girl….But I’m excited that she’s excited.  And I’m looking forward to hanging out with the ‘rents and my middle brother and his girlfriend who are driving over as well.  Just wait until I tell her (the day before we go, no sooner) that we’re going to California later on this year!  She is going to flip her lid

In addition to hanging out with my family while in Pine Bluff, I’ll catch up with a few friends who still live in the area - we’ve been invited to two family reunions.  And of course, I’m going to take Lovegirl on campus The Yard and show her where I spent most of my 20′s.  I’ll show her the Kountz Kyle science building where I dissected animals, tried to learn physics, studied botany, and met her father.  We’ll walk around (never under) the bell tower and visit the bookstore where I’ll surely buy a couple of overpriced tshirts.  I’ll show her where all three of her uncles crossed the burning sands and take her to the lounge where I learned how to play spades.  I’ll probably avoid the Q stump because Big Brad used to holler out nasty things every time I walked by, and I don’t want to have flashbacks in front of my kid.  When we leave campus, we’ll go by Richie’s and get the best vanilla shake known to man.  It is also guaranteed to make your stomach protest, but we drank them anyway because they are  truly that good.  Aaah, the memories.

Hmmm, looks like she’s not the only one looking forward to our “vacation.”

I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!