Epi-logging

Santa may have logged more miles than I have in the last week, but I'm right there with him with spanning the globe in just under a day. And really, I haven't done my blog any justice (especially since part of its focus is traveling) because I haven't written about any of it! Between long security lines, major jet lag and the holidays, I've been just a bit- sleepy... Not to mention the lack of a cell phone or internet for two weeks. Oh my gosh was that hard- accepting the fact that I'm addicted to it and the whole not having it part.

Right before Christmas, I flew home via Barcelona -> Munich -> Los Angeles, following a wonderful journey through the Eastern Mediterranean and Egypt. Highlights of the trip included:

-seeing the Great Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo
-exploring the city of Valletta, Malta and seeing St. Pauls Co-Cathedral in the city center, where I was pleasantly surprised to find it home to two, rare Carvaggio's
-visiting a mosque on the Muslim New Year in downtown Cairo, and then cruising down the Nile for a traditional Egyptian feast
-traveling with three adorable kids, who loved seeing all these cool places as much as I did
-hiking the Acropolis, equipped with my Art History knowledge of the ancient grounds and sharing it with others

I now write to you from the Kona Coast of the Big Island, (Hawaii, for you main land-ers) watching the whales migrate past the island with their new calves. The tropical weather is in complete contrast to what I've experienced in the last two weeks- the perfect weather to take a vacation from my vacation. Also rather amusing, I'm a full 180 degrees opposite from where I was on the planet a mere week ago. Pretty cool huh?

My objective now is to go snorkeling, turn a lovely shade of golden brown, and cheer the Oregon Ducks on as they beat Ohio on the first of the New Year- all with my family, wonderful people who I haven't seen much of this year.

2010 is looking promising and I hope you feel the same way- here's to a Happy New Year to you all, and all the best in your travels, no matter where they may take you!!
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Christmas Equations

Let's see if you can do the math....

9 hours ahead of PST Time Zone
Minus 5 hours of sleep since being home 36 hours in the USA
Plus one nasty sinus infection
Multiplied by 578 pictures from the trip
Raised to the Power of the Egyptian Pyramids
Times 4 loads of laundry
Minus 5 lovely Bees, but plus 5* fantastic family members (*this number includes canines)
Divided by wrapping endless presents and consuming countless glasses of wine
And finally, squared by the fact that I feel like the luckiest girl in the world

The answer... you mean you couldn't figure it out? It was merely basic math- you get one very happy World Traveler who is incredibly thankful for family, friends and her unending pursuit of happiness.

Merry Christmas to you and yours on this day!

**This post made possible by extreme jet lag and Tylenol PM!

Bon Voyage

Ms. World traveler is taking a much needed travel vacation from traveling. I will return from Tunisia/ Greece/ Cypress/ Egpyt/ Malta/ Spain before Christmas and promise to share some photos with you when I return.

Until then, mark off your advent calendars, enjoy some Christmas music, and get into the holiday spirit by drinking mulled wine and shopping for your friends.

All my love,

BNW

How many suitcases does it take 3 chapter consultants to live in Indy for 1 weekend?

The answer.... 9.

One for clothes, one for work stuff and one for vacation stuff.
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LOCKDOWN in Survival Mode

2009 is nearing its end. I’m wrapping up reports, squeezing in last minute visits and, absolutely, irreversibly, totally and completely------ exhausted. Does that mean I’ve done something right?

So, to my other fellow Field Staffers, out there, managing the collegiate world of their respective “Organizations,” I wish you all the best as you strive to survive this burn out mode that surely all of you are experiencing. In a mere 3 days I will be back at the office and have a list longer than Santa’s Naughty AND Nice list of tasks to complete before I get there. Will Ms. World Traveler make it? Can she possibly get her act together before she even gets there? Well, plain and simple, since I’ll be out of the country for 2 weeks, I HAVE to!

Hang in there everyone- Field Staffers and students alike- wrapping up work, prepping for finals, running on little sleep- we ALL can do it. We can do it because we have to do it. Godspeed!!

Tis the Season for Thanks

Ok guys, I’m sorry I’ve been so MIA lately. Between the wonders of my Thanksgiving week off (laundry, Thanksgiving X 3, enjoying new music like John Mayer’s “Battle Studies” and Owl City)and wrapping up the end of the year (reports, reports, reports, reports), life’s been a bit, chaotic to say the least. Since November was a blur, and with the holiday season in mind, I’ve decided to write about things that I am thankful for this holiday season. However, the tricky part is to keep it in tow with the theme of this blog. A great example then would be, “I am thankful for comfortable patent pumps.” Here it goes….

Supportive family and friends: It gets tough out there on the road! It makes all the difference at the end of the day to talk to supportive friends or family. Thank you to all those who listen, console, entertain and comfort me while I’m on the road. Your phone calls and text messages make all the difference.

Umm… Employment: We don’t need a reminder of how crappy the economy is right now. I have never been more thankful to have a job in my life than right now. I don’t mean to sound like a braggart, I just feel very lucky to have great co-workers and fun chapters to work with and a fun job in general. And a paycheck bi-weekly.

Rolling Briefcase: I was skeptical at first of this rolling contraption, equating them immediately to rolling backbacks, which in 5th grade made you an absolute dork…. But, I have to say, this investment has been worth every penny. It looks so fun when all of the other consultants wheel into the office at the same time- a troupe of young women with pointed heels and permanent smiles. It makes wheeling through the airport and lugging 50lbs worth of materials so much easier.

Friends on the Road: Your boss always talks about the importance of networking, at least mine always speaks highly of it, and one of the best things about traveling is making friends on the road in the same regions as you. I’ve had a handful of these throughout the year and it has been so wonderful to talk with someone who understands your job, and is in the same position as you are. Thanks fellow field staffers!

Coffee: I don’t think there is much of an explanation needed here. Venti Iced Coffee with 2 equal and some half and half. Done.

Sisterhood: Now, this is where I may lose some of you GDI’s out there… Sometimes I forget that I work for such an amazing Organization. Between monotonous reports, or petty annoyances, things that bug you in any job, I have to remind myself what my work stands for. I have traveled for 6 months representing the values of the Organization, the same values that I held dear to my heart during my four year experience in North Carolina. Even more special, is when I leave this job, because let’s face it, I’m not going to have this job forever, those values will continue to stay with me, and hopefully, enhance other careers I have. Now THAT is something to be thankful for if you ask me. A job that shapes you, supports you, and a massive network with which I can rely upon to help me find another job.

Finally, let's be real here, my Nine West Turquoise Suede Peep-Toe Pumps: They are comfortable, they match everything (remember, my wardrobe is practically all black and white) and give me confidence. What more could a working girl ask for?

Travel Obsession #4

LL Bean Travel Carrier: I can fit all of my toiletries (and more!) in this bag. Its waterproof interior protects everything from leaks, which do occur all too often. Separate compartments allow me to stay organized. And, it has a hook so I can hang it from a shower, towel rack, closet, rebar jutting through the wall…. Just kidding. Well, sort of. BONUS!!! It has a small, waterproof, shower carrier that sits on the inside of the bag, but can be removed easily to hang up in a shower with all of your toiletries. I love functional items like this- thanks LL Bean.

Bacchus and Me

I think I’ve said this before but I’m pretty sure that I should just create my own food and wine blog, the greater portion dedicated to the latter. Here's a preview....

I went wine tasting in Santa Barbara County over the weekend. Although non-work related, it was the perfect way to unwind and relax after a crazy, stressful week. Great food and wine, great company and beautiful, unending views of the California countryside. When I think of California, I don’t think of the beaches, or Hollywood, not San Francisco or Los Angeles- I think of the Central Coast and its golden, rolling hills. They look smooth and silky and are dotted with friendly, roaming cows and sapient oak trees who have seen sunset after sunset. I’d like their life. Just one month ago, the vineyards were teeming with diligent pickers who were trained to select the best grapes with the most tender of fingers. The air filled with the pungent smells of fruit and dirt and autumn…. Yah I wasn’t actually there but I WISH I was!! Doesn’t that just sound fabulous?

Anyway, back to my visit… if you’re looking for wineries to visit in the Central Coast area, please take my suggestions below….

-Tres Hermanas- this was my favorite winery of the day. A small-scale, family owned winery, Tres Hermanas produces vintages that are crafted after Italian and French style wines. Their sangiovesse (balanced well with the right amount of dryness and spice) and rose (mineral notes with a finish comparable to a pinot noir) were both highly complex and surprising- good surprising. Ended the flight with a vertical tasting of their 06, 05 and 04 Syrah’s- all completely different but dynamic and wonderful in their own ways. Purchased the 06 Syrah and enjoyed it with tender beef brisket, fresh greens and good company.
-Firestone- this is definitely the largest of the wineries on my list. Nothing outstanding, but a great place for starter oenophiles to get the basics of wine tasting. You can get your basic varietals down, understand the differences between each- all in all, a cautious winemaker who produces highly controlled, highly specific vintages, nothing edgy. Great picnic area and gorgeous views of those rolling, golden hills, perfect considering they were the first Estate vineyard in Santa Barbara County.
-Rancho Sisquoc- the jamminess of their wines will roll off your tongue just like their name does. Smaller winery and a little further off the beaten path, Sisquoc had a very personal and intimate setting. Get to know a variety of the tasting managers and you’ll earn yourself an extra pour, or two! Their meritage was wonderful, but their Cabernet revealed patience, appreciation and true handcrafted perfection.

Spots I LOVE but didn’t quite make it to this trip:
-Dierberg, Star Lane and three sisters- it’s a 3 in one deal and an absolute must!

An Angel is in Heaven

I could not have said truer words myself about this dear friend and sister who has ascended into heaven. (The line below is a link to Lexi's response.. click it to read it)

You will be greatly missed Elizabeth.

25 days and Cruisin'

Sorry Mrs. Bee, but I had to copy you and share this with MY readers!!! I am sooooo excited!

25 days from now this is where I will be. If you'd like a postcard, you're going to have to send me your address. If you'd like other souvernirs, start putting in your requests. Christmas shopping is going to be so much fun this year.

Things I Love About the Road

• Frequent flier points- I’m swimming in them right now. Awesome.
• Newspaper Headlines in Small Towns- eg. “Circus Family Reunited with Pet Monkey”, Eugene, OR
• Accents- Virginia has a great twangy drawl that is addicting, NorCal had entertaining slang.
• Displays at Starbucks- how they change seasonally (yay for red holiday cups!) and geographically.
• Hotel ice- it is limitless and comes with its own bucket.
• Working TV- at my home, we don’t really have a TV anymore. Getting to watch it is like a treat now!
• Local fare- Starbucks may hold the key to my heart when it comes to chains, but give me a hole in the wall joint any day.
• Flight Attendants with corny jokes- most times they’re pretty entertaining, bonus points if they have obnoxious airline flair.
• Regional flora and fauna- from the high California dessert with its cacti and Joshua trees, to the lush, leafy forests in Oregon. The changing seasons make this even more beautiful!
• The Actual travel experience- sure security is annoying sometimes, but I love the moment when you drop your bag off at the luggage kiosk and you’re off on your own headed to your gate.
• Fountain Diet Coke- nothing better when you’re doing a 5 hour drive in the highway alone and you need a beverage
• NPR- because no matter where I am, it’s the one thing that remains consistent in my entertainment options

You Guessed It...

….OK actually not all of you did, but the correct answer is that I will be travelling 34,000 miles between now and the end of the year. Gold stars for four of you!! Currently, I’ve traveled about 9% of that distance… I’ve got a long way to go between now and December 31st!

I think this is a true statement for many people, but I absolutely love people watching when I’m traveling and am thrilled to have a TON of mileage to get to do it in the coming months. It is best in an airport because there are people from all over the world in one place- but, doable in just about every setting. Now, for instance, I’m at UCSD, in a small study room on campus in the main student center. I do sort of feel like I’m in an airport though- such a diverse population, not something I have been living with in North Carolina. I’ve seen some pretty different people- med students in their scrubs, sorority women in their matching t-shirts (duh), dancers practicing their set in the courtyard, professors in conversation with students, recruiters grilling their interviewees.

The marketing student in me has analyzed each one of them and has asked why they’re here in San Diego. I’ve guessed which combo they’re going to order at Burger King, what coffee they’ll order at Starbucks (all cold today because it is 78 degrees currently). I’ve created romantic dates for the couples walking hand in hand across campus, and stressful surgical sessions for the frazzled med student. The security officer patrolling the halls has come to be named Albus in my mind, as he has a long, feathery beard that reminds me of said wizard. The tiny computer geek to the left of me is planning a massive hack-session of the UC computer system, and he’s most likely already read what I’ve written about him.

No, I promise, I’m not going crazy. This is just a lovely habit and past time of mine that has gotten me through boring/ tough/ awkward situations. Especially ones where I’m alone (like now) or need a mental break, (also, like now). I suppose blogging can be a means of doing that too- hey look!

One Day Left on the Polls

Election day may have been last week, but I've only got one more day left on my poll count for tracking my miles for the rest of the year!

Cast your vote, just to the right of this post... the 9 who aready have, thank you! The fact that there is only 9... how pitiful.

Redemption

Ok... so my drive down US 101 yesterday completely made up for the horrible drive I had into and across San Francisco days earlier. Car trouble and gas prices aside, it was so wonderful to have my car and I think I just made a complete 180- I like traveling by car instead of by plane. Disregard all previously made statements!

The scenery was breathtaking- perfect weather combined with some of California’s most lush agricultural areas made for an absolutely beautiful drive. I should have, as per suggestion of a friend, stopped and taken in some winery tours and tastings, but being the only one driving AND consuming wine was maybe not a good combination for me. The drive came to a beautiful close as I approached Highway 1 down in Malibu right as the sun dipped into the Pacific. I stand firm by my earlier statement that sunsets are that much prettier in the West rather than in the East. Different to say the least. I ended the evening on a lovely note with dinner at Malibu Seafood. Despite troubles on the road, petty annoyances and technological setbacks attached to my job, how can you really complain about the day I just had? Feeling very lucky.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Hello Reader- I’ve been away for too long and updating the blog via photo story- thanks for being patient. I’ve missed you! Great week off spent in North Carolina and Northern California. However, in one week, you would not believe the annoying travel experiences I have had. Or, maybe you would. I think that I am coming to the conclusion that traveling by air is preferable to traveling by car. Let me give you an example….

On Thursday, I FLEW back from North Carolina on an early afternoon flight, routed through Atlanta. Once I boarded my flight from Atlanta though, it was nearing 9pm. People were tired, cranky, and apparently the folks seated in front of me, 4 year old in tow, had enjoyed one too many beverages in the airport. The next 4 hours and 53 minutes were spent observing and experiencing and smelling the following:
-Small child squirming and shrieking for the bathroom during taxiing and take off
-Young mother attempting to console small child since he didn’t make it to the bathroom
-Small child attempting to console young mother who was air sick all over the seat
-Attempting to sleep between a very large soldier who snored, A LOT, and a teenage girl painting her nails
-Total Sleep: 42 uncomfortable minutes

Now, on Friday, I DROVE up to San Francisco; about a 6 hour drive from Los Angeles. Conveniently, the Bay Bridge was closed, a mere nonlethal inconvenience, causing me to navigate blindly through the city because my GPS was dead set on taking me across said bridge. Thankfully, being somewhat tech savvy the Blackberry saved me and via e-mail message, I was rerouted to the San Mateo bridge. Well, did you know that it costs $4 to cross the San Mateo bridge? As I approached the toll station, I madly collected as much coinage as I could. I pulled up to the booth and handed the man one paper dollar, six quarters and 15 dimes with the biggest smile on my face- apparently he understood my “oh my god I am so sorry and embarrassed that I am paying you with all this change” face and let me pass. Well, perhaps this is where my bad karma kicked in because I assumed that once I crossed the bridge I could use my GPS and not my Blackberry to get to my final destination. Wrong. The GPS routed me back over the San Mateo bridge, where I had to fork over ANOTHER $4. This would not happen though because I only had $2.45 in change left. Another desperate smile got me through the toll booth without paying anything and I rushed through town to locate an ATM so that I could get cash, cross the bridge for a third time, and once again pay $4. The City of San Francisco better spend my $12 wisely.

So, what was worse? Smelling urine and vomit for almost 5 hours or paying $12 to go over a bridge three times? Hmmm… perhaps it is time for train travel. I should have known this after reading everything published by Paul Theroux.

Oh the Places You'll Go...

You have one week to GUESS how many approximate miles I will log between Novemeber 1st and December 31st... Check out the poll on the right side bar! Good luck guessing friends!

Spooky Scary Greetings from Alcatraz!

No inmates escaping today, just great views of San Francisco.
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Hot NOW!!

This morning was the first time I've ever had a hot, fresh, Krispy Kreme doughnut. And I may have had a second one too.

Happy Homecoming Elon!!

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Backed Up

I will pay someone to organize m expense for me. And to think... I was originally excited about doing them!!
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Typical Tuesday Traffic

Welcome to the 405.
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Best of Times, Worst of Times

My mom, if you haven’t met her, is an amazing woman. One of my favorite things about her though, is the way she dances in the car. Her favorite song- well, she has lots of favorites, but let me claim this as her favorite for this posting- is by Chumbawamba, “I Get Knocked Down.” A funny choice for my mother, but she likes the tune because it is easy to dance to, and parallel to her undying motivation and optimism, she also likes the line, “But I get up again, You're never going to keep me down…”

These past weeks have been really hard for me, as evidenced as my lame excuses for blog postings previous to this one. Between horrible travel luck, illness, extreme loneliness , arguments and just plain rough days, I would say that I’m being knocked down a bit by The Organization. Not on purpose at all, and not even directly, but aspects of my job are beginning to wear on me and I’m finding it hard to find new ways to cope with it. The being alone part is probably the worst because in reality, I’m working with people ALL the time. That being said, I shouldn’t really be lonely- but it feels that way.

You know me, so there’s always an “upside” to situations. So here it is… the upside? Today I welcomed 50 New Members to The Organization at UCLA. They were thrilled to join something bigger than themselves and their happiness was visible in everything they did; the way they walked, the way the talked, the way they held themselves. To be able to give them the opportunity of membership to The Organization was both a privilege and an honor. I get excited when I get to share stories of my sisters and the experiences we shared together not because I get to relive those moments, but because I get to see the smile on the face of the person listening. Therefore, to watch these 50 women tonight smile that same way again, was so incredibly rewarding.

So, despite the fact that I’m worn out, exhausted, alone and maybe being walked on a bit, I have to assume that these things are just about the working life and you’ve just got to deal. Right? So, maybe not dancing like my Mom, but in my own way all together, I guess I just have to get back up again, because really, who am I going to let keep me down?

Travel Obsession #3

Eagle Creek Packing Cubes: Another consultant suggested these to me. They have made all the difference in the world. Depending upon the kind of trips I’m on and the length of time, each cube has a different set of outfits that I can mix and match. By the end of the trip, I can put all my dirty clothes into one and when I get home, drop it off at the dry cleaners.

Heaven

Some day my prince will come, but until then, I found my sole(s). Thanks Kitson outlet; home of discount designer shoes that will put every shoe addict in rehab.
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Dog Sitting #2

Look who came to keep us company during late night meetings... Almost as cute as this guy!

Tallying up the Numbers

• Days spent in Eugene, OR: 7
• Number of sorority women that I have met: 147
  
• Total Hours Spent in hotel room: 26
• Number of caffeine units consumed/ day: too many to count, but I do know that a venti iced coffee with two equal costs $2.85 in Eugene....
• Collegiate meetings during the week: 13, 5 were sessions with tears
• Contained cases of H1N1: 2
• Smiling faces on Bid Day: 50!
• Feeling purely exhausted but loving every minute of it: Priceless.
  

Even on the hardest days of your job, it is a joy to find that you still like doing what you're doing.

Necessary to get through the day. And when visiting OR.

The women here are obsessed with cheering on the Ducks (duh!) and Dutch Brothers coffee. A drive through, walk-up hut combination, Dutch Brothers offers up beverages, hot, cold or blended, with creative names like "The Annihilator" (3 extra shots of espresso) and "Kahula Kicker.". Sadly, no actual Kahlua in the latter.

Running on three hours of sleep today... I could potentially be visiting Dutch Brothers multiple times.
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Look Who I Found?

My travels to Oregon afforded me a visit with my favorite sister!
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Travel Obsessions #2

Hobo International Wallet: I’d always thought these were so cool and saved up for one for a while. Never knew how convenient it would be for travel though! I put my boarding passes in the middle, slip my phone AND camera into a pocket, separate my receipts and it is big enough to take out as a clutch, and small enough to use it as a wallet. Mine is of course, black (not pink), and I love it.

Observations in SoCal

Working in Southern California for the past couple of weeks has yielded some interesting observations...

• As the seasons change, people begin to layer and bring out their winter coats, scarves and Ugg boots. It is, let me remind you, still 80 degrees during the day and maybe 60 degrees in the evenings. Ridiculous apparel for such warm weather.
• 40% of students get around campus via skateboard. This also includes women.
• If you don't have an iPhone, you're not cool.
• Diversity exists here. I love it.
• A wildfire is not news, it is a common occurrence.
• Discussions of Micheal Jackson's death are STILL being had; most of them revolve around his supposed murder.

I believe that had I been around SoCal for the last 4 years, I might also don Ugg boots in the warm autumn months, but mine will stay in my closet until December.

Travel Update

Travel update for Ms. World Traveler- I'm taking it to the streets... ie. traveling via car these next few months. Minus my trip to Oregon, it's behind the wheel for me. Here's hoping I maintain my clean driving record and gas prices stay somewhat, low. Sort of sad I'll be missing out on frequent flier points! Perhaps though I can pass in through town and visit your neck of the woods though?

Travel Obsession Series #1

So, I've developed a list of "Travel Obsessions"- things that I've found I cannot live without while on the road. These things make my life easier, help me to get the most out of the least, and most importantly, fit into my suitcase.

In compiling my list, I realized that it is probably going to grow as time goes on, so this is going to be a series of "Obsessions" in which I will add to and share with all you lovely folks periodically. Let the Obsessions begin...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Travel Obsession #1: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

Long flight? Fussy toddler sitting two rows behind you? Chatty Kathy talking your ear off on the plane when you’d just like to sleep? Invest in these babies. So, they’re not the most stylish of headphones, but form doesn’t always have to meet function. Great for creating your own personal bubble , or for enjoying your favorite music as if in a private concert hall. Worth the expense… although mine were a gift :)

Stripping and Airports

So, flying as much as I have in the past three months, I have developed an outfit and packing technique that makes going through security easier. Typically, I don my trouser denim, black tank and some type of cardigan, paired with black flats and a chunky, colorful necklace. Not only is this outfit comfortable, but it is also rather heavy, so I’m given a little bit more space and weight in my suitcase. I tow my briefcase with me, which is filled to the brim with reports, papers, binders and my trusty laptop. My purse is loaded down with my jewelry (don’t want it stolen out of my bag), two crackberries (work one and personal one), a water bottle (empty- I fill it on the other side of the gate thanks to the “no liquids policy”), a book (another Paul Theroux at the moment, duh), a magazine (the latest issue of Wine and Spirits) and my wallet (if you know me well, you know my wallet is like a small clutch). So naturally, I approach security, whip out my laptop, throw it in a bin and strip down to my jeans and tank to walk through the metal detector. Shoes, bags and sweaters are jammed into another bin and my darling patent leather briefcase on wheels brings up the rear. 2 minutes maximum. No big deal. And best part yet… I’m never stopped through the metal detector and never chosen for a random search.

Well, inconveniently, the seasons are starting to change and now that I’ve mentioned I’m never stopped, I’m sure I will be- like today, at 4:30am, in Indianapolis. Charming. Due to the weather change, I now have to pack and travel with heavier shoes also, a sweatshirt or a coat, maybe an extra sweater and a pashmina (doubles as a pillow/ blanket, and if I’m feeling particularly mischievous on a flight, a blanket fort in my seat). This extra layer of sweater and scarves adds an extra 3 minutes to my strip down session at security. What I find even more annoying than the extra layer, is by the time you peel off all your extra clothes, the airport is freezing! Your bare feet are on cold, dirty tile floor and the air conditioning is blasting past you, chilling you to the bone. It is comparable to the feeling you have when you get out of a hot shower and step into a cold bathroom. I guess really, I only find this extremely annoying because when I fly, it is usually unnaturally early in the morning, or extremely late at night; prime cranky hours for me.

Tip of the iceberg this morning? I was also selected for an obnoxious “bonus” security walk through. You walk through some wind chamber-like device, have to spin around in circles, hands in the air- ridiculous. I swear it’s for the sheer entertainment of the security people. Needless to say I was not stashing any secret explosive devices (just an extra pair of earrings in my pocket) and I was increasingly peeved at TSA.

Best method for survival? I think I’m going to start traveling in a dress (comfortable!) with tights and boots- they are in once again this season. Hmm... shopping trip? That means I only have to take off the boots (30 seconds) and my scarf (5 seconds) and place them in the bin with my purse and other necessary travel crap, I mean items. That’s down to a minute- lovely. Here’s hoping that stripping becomes easier in the winter, despite the extra layer of warmth…

Primetime TV has lost its prime for me

Even if I hadn’t been so busy at UCLA last week, I still think I would’ve missed out on all the amazing Primetime TV that premiered in the evenings this month. I don’t think I could even tell you what night Grey’s Anatomy is on anymore, nor could I even tell you what network it was on… didn’t it switch or something? Actually, I don’t even think I could tell you the weeks’ line-up for TV shows. I’ve become immune to TV. I don’t even know what my favorite shows are anymore because I’ve lost my primetime channels.

On the rare occasion that I do catch the tube, it usually is CNN Headline news, (Anderson Cooper if I’m lucky!) or something on the Discovery Channel. I’ve become partial to Anthony Bourdain and have decided that I might like his life- the traveling and eating aspect that is. If I’m up late, I will refuse to watch Conan O’Brien because I think he’s too weak and cold to replace Leno- he’s just not LA enough. If it’s not wishing for Leno to come back to late night, hopefully its some fun commercial-free movie or a documentary show on the making of St. Paul’s Cathedral or South African penguins. Most recently, it was a documentary on John Muir which I actually stayed awake for- I’m embarrassed to admit that I actually enjoyed it. My guilty pleasure is Showtime’s The Tudors, but most places don’t have Showtime = lame.

What I’d really like to do is fall in love. With a TV show that is. I’ve caught a couple episodes of Glee but am worried that my show choir history is in my recent past and the TV shows love of sparkles and jazz hands may be just too much for me to handle. ER is OVER now, and so I’m left with NBC’s new Trauma series or Grey’s Anatomy, which I’m told is killer so far this season… no pun intended. I guess really, I’d like to fall in love again with TV because the women I work with talk about it all the time. Whether it is The Office, Arrested Development, 30 Rock or Keeping up with the Kardashians (which I will NEVER EVEVR watch) I need something just so I have something to talk about! That, and my cousin is starting to watch more TV then I am and is convinced I live under a rock- not true JJ.

So I’m up for suggestions- what should be my primetime love this season? Give me your input and I’ll see if I can commit….

Someone loves me.

And no... it is not a boy. My mom knew what a tough week I was having and loves me and The Organization so much.

Although, flowers from a boy would be nice too.
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Melting.

UCLA is going great and is very exciting... but this is how I feel. Blah. It is so hot.

New Set of Wheels

Wow. It has been over a week since my last post. Many things have happened, so here’s the Cliff Notes version…

-I suffered through the flu and finally kicked it out of my system
-I adventured in San Francisco with my best friend- from chocolate festivals to tiki bars to the ancient Japanese practice of karaoke to albino crocodiles- I did it all!
-I went home for 2 days for the first time since July 6th

I loved going home- it was so incredibly amazing to sleep in my own bed. I was surprised at myself because quite honestly, I thought I’d manage pretty well being gone for a long time. But once I was a day away from being back in Southern California, I could hardly think about anything except for getting to see my family. I was craving that familiar smell of home (plus the left over smoke from CA wildfires, sort of) and was dying to have a glass of wine- or two.

Most importantly though, I got a new set of wheels while I was home…. And no, I do not mean a car. The next most important thing that I travel with- a new suitcase! It seems that my suitcase from 8th grade graduation had finally met its match during my last tow months of extensive travel. It has been with me on so many wonderful trips, that it was actually really hard to let it go- we’ve spanned the globe together and have gotten beaten up along the way, lost- only once, and filled to the brim, typically with shoes. Duh.

So this new suitcase…. Where do I begin to tell of its top of the line TravelPro fabulousness? I’ll just list it…
-Removable garment bag easily snaps in and out
-Expandable zipper adds 2in of extra space- great for when I want to bring extra shoes
-Sleek black exterior is scratch free and has lots of functional storage pockets
-In-line skate wheels allow the bag to zip along by your side, even in the toughest of environments

Bonus purchase info- it is the #1 choice for pilots and flight attendants AND I got an extra 20% off on my purchase. Someone is looking out for me and I thank them for keeping my shoes and back in mind while I travel.

Really?

It is currently 4:16am. I'm on my way to the airport (SLC). I'm drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper and singing Moulin Rouge with two very kind women who are driving me to the airport. Oh wow.

In 6 hours I'll be having breakfast with Sam and Walter. Money.**

**My apologies for this posts lingo- been awake for 36 hours and slightly delirious.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Packing, the NEW Olympic Sport

I feel pretty confident in proclaiming myself as the individual who singlehandedly made shopping an Olympic sport. And yes, although the IOC has yet to take my suggestion seriously, I will continue to compete myself and encourage others to compete at the same level as myself- c’mon people, let’s pull outta this recession by showing off our purchasing power and brand new, just for fall, brown suede pumps and black leather boots!*

Anyway, seeing as Salt Lake City was the home of the 2002 Winter Olympics, I felt it extremely appropriate to share my Gold Medal Olympic-level shopping skills with the community. On a night off in the downtown area, I perused the shops, admired the new fall lines and, as my dear cousin would say, was drawn to all the sparkling things like a crow. Needless to say, I made a handful of purchases and was equally pleased and exhausted by the end of my run.

Three days have passed since then, and my next Olympic feat was looming in the future…. I had to pack it all in two suitcases! Typically, I travel in my long trouser jeans, a black tank top and my yellow cardigan, along with a pair of high-heeled black sandals. Well today, I went against my better judgment and traveled in a thin dress, black flats and a light cardigan. Therefore, the clunky items I usually travel in were taking up extra space in my luggage today. So with that extra challenge in mind, I had to fit my new purchases in my bag with less space than what I started with. Ready- set- GO!

One hour and 37 minutes later, and a 45-minute extended check-out time approved by the front desk, my bags were both bulging at the seams, but everything was in! I can’t believe that I’m admitting this, but I sort of wish I hadn’t made all of those cute purchases- what was I thinking? Luckily, my handy packing cubes saved the day, and I have a week to get to a post office and ship some of this crap, I mean lovely things, home so I don’t have to pay a large chunk of my life savings to the airline overweight baggage fee.

Best Practice Methodology I SHOULD be using: buy something new, get rid of something old. I have a tough time with goodbyes though, so this is just something I’m gonna have to work up to…. Perhaps I took the Bronze in packing this time around….

*That's for you Ms. Klotzbach.