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?
December 2, 2009
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.
November 16, 2009
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!
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.
You will be greatly missed Elizabeth.
November 15, 2009
25 days and Cruisin'
Sorry Mrs. Bee, but I had to copy you and share this with MY readers!!! I am sooooo excited!
November 10, 2009
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!
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!
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