Friday, October 1, 2010

We should catch up.

I haven't posted since July 14. I'm so ashamed. I'm sure all (or both) of my faithful readers have given up on me. Well, I've been busy. Turns out they weren't kidding about this Ph.D. thing. It has consumed my time away from work. Even if I'm not working on a project I'm thinking about the next one. It's a bit annoying, but I'm truly enjoying the studies. I certainly feel like I'm in the field in which I should be working. As Sis always says, it'll be all worth it when I'm Dr. Dawn. 


Other than that, well including that, things are great. I'm just really happy right now. Of course things could be better in certain aspects. I could lose weight or make more money, but I'm just happy. So, I'm going to relish in that for a while. 


I'm missing my friends terribly. I haven't seen the angels in ages, Holli is gallivanting in Germany without me, and I have yet to make it to an MTSU football game this season. Although happy, I'm feeling a little disconnected from that world right now. I need to fix that. October 23. That's when it gets fixed. 


In other news, I can't get this guy off my mind. I would just like to find him and hug on him a bit. Remind him that I love him. 



I'll try to be more diligent to the blog. I do like to share. :)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

I have the greatest friends.

Work has brought me to Middle TN for a couple of days. I don't mind getting away, but I do miss my Harry dog. He is safely playing and stomping loudly at Sis's house. He may be the loudest dog ever. So glad the Turners are willing to keep him when I have to pick up and leave!


So, I'm in Goodlettsville. Any time I come in to town I search out a dinner partner. It's nice to catch up with people I don't see often and relax after a long day of training. This time it was with Tommy. You can find Tom over at Specs Appeal...


I stopped by and picked him up from his swell apartment over in West End and then we hit the stores. Well one at least. Tommy is a fan of West Elm and he introduced me to its wonder tonight. I can't wait to grab Sis, Stella and Nene and head this way. They will love that place and the shopping area around it. (and there may or may not be a 5 Guys right across the parking lot.)


After the quick shopping trip Tom and I headed over to Boscos for dinner. Great dinner, great fun!


I head home tomorrow. Thanks for hanging out with me, Tommy!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

I can't believe it's over. :(

Well, I'm home. Maui was a tremendous experience and one that I hope to have again someday. I also hope to take my family with me. Clampetts go to Maui will have nothing on us!!!

I came home on this big bird.


I'll have to admit that the trip wasn't as horrible as I was expecting. Yes 8 hours is  a long time, but with a little napping, a couple of movies, The Big Bang Theory (!!!!!) and lots of reading, I made it just fine. I don't think I want to do that once a week of anything, but it's not terrible.

I miss hearing the ocean. It's all you heard anywhere.




I'm glad to be home and getting lots of snuggles from the Hairy Dog. We've been VERY close since Wednesday afternoon. :)

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Maui - Day five

We certainly saved the best for last, folks. Today we were up and out of the hotel by 6:30 to take the Road to Hana. Everyone will tell you that this takes all day. When they tell you that, believe them. I was in the car longer today than the flight over here. Seriously. And by the way, let's hear it for the Mazda 3. It has been good to us this week.


Check out the map below for the Road to Hana. Remember, we started in Lahaina. 




And yes. We drove the whole way. I already said we left at 6:30 AM. We got back to the hotel around 4:30 PM. BUT, we saw some amazing things out there.

Lush forests


Random wildlife


The most interesting trees ever - rainbow eucalypti. 



Lava formations


Real cheap pearls - allegedly. I didn't get close to them to check. 



Black beaches



Lava caves



And waterfalls - just gorgeous!


How many miles is this trip again?!?!?



Tonight we ate at Mama's Fish House. Let's see how I can describe it...delectable, amazing, scrumptious, wonderful, delightful, surprising, freakin' expensive, totally worth it, best food I've ever had in my mouth, noteworthy, award winning. That should sum it up. 

For appetizers we had Polynesian Lobster Soup - coconut milk base. Booyah! Polynesian Seared Beef in a grilled papaya - can I get an amen! Entrees were Macadamia Nut Encrusted Pork Loin with steamed vegetables and rice - I just picked myself BACK up off the floor. (We both had that.) And then we finished off with Chocolate Kuau Pie (think chocolate mousse on top of a layer of caramel on top of a macadamia nut cookie crust) and Creme Brulee. Ok - I just drooled. Again. 

Needless to say, we had a blast. It was a great ending to a great week. And I got to see a cruise ship. 




See you all soon. 


Monday, June 28, 2010

Maui - Day four

Things just keep getting better and better around here. After a discussion with the nicest people on the planet last night, we decided to try snorkeling at Honolua Bay today. We stopped at Boss Frog's and picked up some snorkel gear and then we took off up north again. This place was gorgeous. Turns out we had taken some pictures of it during our drive, but this time we were up close and personal.

 

Having never been in the ocean, I was in for a treat! I wasn't ready for the salt water - I will say that. I was caught completely by surprise. Snorkeling is also not my forte. I was a little panicky, but I attribute all of that to it being my first time in the ocean. I did see a few fishes and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Turns out my superior floating skills are very handy for the ocean. I spent a lot of time just floating around. So relaxing and so wonderful. 

After a shower and a quick nap - Mondale is amazed at my napping skills. Tittles can sing and we can nap! - we headed back out for more shopping. We had been doing mostly looking up to now, but today we bought souvenirs for us and our families. It was fun to pick out stuff for everyone. 

Dinner was at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Turns out that the original one is in Lahaina. It lives up to its name with amazing views and equally amazing cheeseburgers. I was the ultimate tourist here - coming away with the souvenir mug and t-shirt. Such a great experience!



I finally got something with an umbrella in it. My cheeseburger! HAHA - I moved it to my Diet Coke later. 


Another great night. Tomorrow we are leaving here at 6:00 AM for the Road to Hana trip. It comes highly recommended and I hope it lives up to the hype. I'm not a fan of 6:00. We are leaving that early though so we can make it back to a 7:00 PM dinner reservation. One more night of blogs and then it's time to come home. So sad. But until then, Aloha! and enjoy your Monday. 


 

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Maui - Day three

Holy Toledo, Batman! This place just gets better and better. I've already started my savings account for my next trip. Seriously. If you haven't been to Hawaii, get your funds together and get over here. We truly have not spent that much money since arriving and the trip over was very reasonable. Do it! You will not regret it.

Having no solid plans today, we decided to get up and do a little driving today. I made breakfast again and then we headed out. We headed north. I had only glanced at the map, but from what I could tell, we could drive all the way around the top part of the island. Oh you can, but about 8 miles of it is one lane. (and let's not tell Hertz. We weren't actually supposed to be driving it. Whoopsie!) It was a great adventure! We ran into the greatest little village ever. You just will never experience this anywhere else. The pictures don't even almost get close to doing it justice.

 


  


So, after this literal 3 hour tour, we were back to home base. We stopped for a little lunch and then Mondale let me shop again. :)

After a bit of rest we got ready and headed to our Luau. As if this morning's adventure wasn't enough, tonight's luau was magnificent. Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe it. We got there, took some great pictures and then it rained. Those of you who know how I feel about rain can only imagine my mood at this time. No umbrella - no real shelter - my hair is still soaking wet. But, I could care less. Once the rain moved through we saw two gorgeous rainbows, had some of the best food ever and saw a fantastic show. We both left with huge grins on our faces. This is what it was all about.

   


Tomorrow should prove to be another adventure. I'll keep you posted. :)

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Maui - Day two

After a good night's sleep, Day Two began. I got up this morning and made breakfast for us. Who wants to spend $10 on breakfast when I can whip up eggs, bacon and toast in no time?!?! I'm really loving having the full kitchen.

After breakfast we hit the streets. Lahaina is an old Whaler's village. It's very quaint and interesting. There are lots of jewelers and art galleries around. Not to mention all the tourist swag. I made Mondale stop at every little store along the way. He's such a trooper with all of my shopping.



I found no less than $7000 dollars worth of merchandise for Ms. Stella, but I held back. She's getting some awesome stuff though. And I sent post cards to folks today as well. I may beat them home, but who cares?!?! I'll also be shipping home the souvies. There's no way anything else is going in that suitcase!



We enjoyed a break under the Banyan Tree. What an amazing place! The tree was planted in 1873 and was only 8 feet tall. Now it shades 2/3rds of an acre and has 12 trunks. Awesome stuff.



This place is really just amazing. I'm shocked at every turn.

We headed back to our favorite dive, Betty's, and had a little lunch.



Afterwards I hit the lounge chair for some time in the sun and a little pool time. Since "sunning" is not on Mondale's important list, he hung out in the room for a while. LOL

Plumeria is everywhere. I've had one in my hair just about all evening and bought a silk one to bring home for the memories. It smells so wonderful. And it grows on trees. In all colors. Lovely.




We finished the night at Bubba Gump's. Now we are back and ready for rest. I'm not sure we've acclimated to island time just yet. We'll probably be used to it just when it's time to leave.



Still having a blast. I can see myself vacationing here again soon.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Maui - Why did I take so long getting here?

Last year around this time, one of my best pals, Mondale, and I were discussing vacation. We had met up in New York in the past and enjoyed vacationing together. We both talked about wanting to go to Maui. Then, almost simultaneously we both said, "I'm not kidding." LOL So here we are, one year later, and we are IN MAUI!!!!

It may be corny to say so, but I have never seen a place so beautiful in my whole life. The scenery is mesmerizing. We are very tired right now as we have been awake for 22 hours, but this is going to be the best week ever. Here's a taste. I'll post all the pictures on facebook.

Weary, but happy travelers.


Pulled over while driving to the hotel for this. Amazing. Just amazing. 



The wind is crazy and the sun is crazy bright, but here I am. 



I hope to post here often with the adventures!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Playing Catch Up

Chicago was just grand. I thoroughly enjoyed the conference and learned so much. I ran into really amazing people such as the beautiful man from Amsterdam whom I could have listened to all day, Fiona, the Irish woman currently working in Singapore and oozing charm, and Lucy, the live wire from Toronto who was completely full of life. It's moments such as those that stay with you forever.


Chicago is an amazing city. I hate that it took me almost 33 years to get there. If you go, take my advice. Go to the top of something and watch the sunset. I went to the Hancock Observatory. You just can't have these experiences everywhere. I took this picture. With my own camera. I feel like a real photographer!! 


I came home to a very happy Harry. He was as ready to see me as I was to see him. We have been doing a lot of snuggling since Wednesday night. I am home for a while now and happy about that. Things are changing some at work and things are getting busy. I like it that way, though. It keeps me on track. Should be interesting.


Today was the Hair Man's birthday. He had his favorite, McDonald's French Fries, and finished that up with Frosty Paws ice cream. He also got a new toy. It's always a treat to give him a new toy. He hugs on it forever. Just like he knows it came from me. He's a special boy.


I think that catches you up on everything. Pray hard that I get to start a new class at UOP next week. If not, the Hawaii trip is not going to be nearly as much fun. :)

Saturday, May 15, 2010

I love to travel.

I flew to Chicago today. I'm in town for the American Society for Training and Development Conference. I'm nerd enough to be very excited about this. :) I've never been to Chicago, so I have really been enjoying the site seeing. I've been a complete tourist today. Looking straight up at all the buildings, walking annoyingly slowly down the sidewalks. You know, all those things the locals hate.

I drove into Nashville this afternoon and caught my flight. I flew Southwest. I hate to fly Southwest only because of their seating fiasco. Even if my seat is crappy, I just want to know where it is. This way I don't feel that I have to apologize to the person I sit by. Sorry, sir. Looks like you're stuck with me. *Big Cheesy Grin*

Today we are all lined up like cattle preparing to board the plane and a large group of family members moved into place. Each of them had a different seating line-up assignment. So, as a family would, the longer they stood there the closer they got to each other. Well, some woman stuck in the middle looked at one and said, "You need to get all these people in the right place. Three have passed me already." That's when the fight started. Everyone got moved back into place, but the conversation just continued to get louder and louder. It was hilarious. I could have completely been a member of the offending family.

Things calm down and then we all start moving toward the plane. About the time we get on I hear one of the family members say, "No, those are our seats right there. Fo and five. Fo. And. Five. I laughed so hard. Quoting Cedric the Entertainer at a time like that is something I would most certainly do. Now I'm really great friends with this Chicago family. All because I laughed.

I hope to keep up the blog, but if I can't, all pics are being posted to Facebook.

Chicago - It's my kind of town.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Photo Journalism

We went to Mobile, AL last weekend for the Annual Education Conference for Junior Auxiliary. Although I could spend lots of time telling stories from those days, I would like to share these gems with you instead.

Gas Station Stop


Looks Promising


Or Maybe Not


This is obviously the result


Thanks, Caruthersville!!!