The Joy That Is San Francisco

I am sitting here, typical Sunday... load of laundry in, laptop on lap, TV on, Casey napping by my feet....  yes, very typical Sunday...playing around on the Internet.  My goal today was to find all kinds of fun things to do in August and September in the Bay area. Wow!  I cannot believe how much fun stuff (much of it FREE) there is to do!?

Here is a sample:
Alley art fairs
Farmer's markets
Movies in Parks
Drive-In movies
Museums
Wine events (go figure)
Cooking events (a girl's gotta eat!)
Comedy shows
Boat trips

So much and so little time. Just recently, I finished rounding out July (and some of August) and now I am ready to move onto the next few months.

July has....

Trying new restaurants in the East Bay (thanks Jennifer!)
More wine events (thanks Jen!)
Concerts (thanks Vanessa and Rudy!)
And, of course, relaxation in Park City (thanks mountains!)

All of this, while I travel tons for work.  As you know, no travel this past week- but tons of work travel to come for the next 8 weeks. Nature of the job- hence the reason I love to plan as much "fun stuff" on weekends as possible.

In the words of the Bay area band "Train"..... thanks to the Bay... "Save me, San Francisco"! Yes, you do.
It's expensive here, but how can you NOT love it!? :) And remember, much of this is FREE!

Stories from a Crazy Traveler

As you know, I usually travel on average every week of every month- at least once. Sometimes just an overnight trip, sometimes several days in a row and once an awhile for weeks at a time. This week, July 4th week, I had the luxury of being at home the entire week.  I arrived home Monday evening and don't fly again until this coming Monday afternoon. 6 entire days and 7 nights in a row in my own bed.  Lucky me.

Of course I still had to work, but I also got a TON of personal stuff accomplished before work, on lunch breaks and on the nights I did not work super late:
Downloaded Ereader books
Downloaded pictures
Had some jewelry repaired
Dropped of some dry cleaning (and picked it up in the same week!)
Went to the bank
Got a mammogram
Went to the chiropractor
Hand washed some sweaters
Donated blood (or will be soon)
Hair cut and colored (again, will soon... the week is not over yet)

Pretty decent list if I do say so myself. Is this how the "normal" people live and get things done?  I know I am a bit kooky, but it's my life.
I know people with kids who work believe they have it hardest. I believe those of us who are single. travel for work non-stop and are never home to get things done have it even harder.  Just sayin'.

Ok, done ranting. Time to relax. To-do list is complete.  For awhile.

Happy 4th of July

Happy "America's Birthday" to everyone.... I am quite pleased that the weather is perfect in the Bay area.... one of the few across the country with record-breaking heat everywhere else. Stay cool people!

Not much planned here today.... a little work, maybe a hike, relaxing with my kitty, catching up on DVR TV, downloading some EReader books (No, Fifty Shades of Grey... been there, done that... and was pleased, I might add, but on to others- I am quite into celebrity biographies these days), and of course, what 4th would be complete without a little BBQ.   Meat is marinating now. Yum.

But, as I relax, I am thinking about my how fun the 4th weekends were as a kid.  Summers and 4th weekends at the lake cabin in Minnesota.
* Water skiing and tubing
* Pot luck meals (love the red, white & blue food such as jello salads, cakes, etc.)
* Wine coolers (yes, that is what I said- you did not read it wrong)
* Fireworks that are pretty darn impressive when shot off by relatives on the lake and don't cost $1 million
* Always getting a little sun burn (ok, now as I pray for now wrinkles or skin cancer, I wish I would have been better on this one.. don't we all wish we had listened!?)

Fun times.  Along with Labor Day weekend.  And Memorial Day weekend.  Labor Day was always my fave due to Grandpa's hayrides, but the 4th came in a close second. 
Now, as an adult, especially when the 4th is on a Wednesday and not tied to a weekend as well as working retail when stores are open, I am just fine with low key and hoping I have enough energy to make it out to watch fireworks in some city park at dusk.

Reminiscing about fun childhood times, I am just fine watching Casey nap (what's new), watching the season finale of "The Big Bang Theory" (yes, I am behind) and playing around on my laptop until I decide to actually get up and do something that requires getting dressed.  Plus, my excuse it work calls and emails keep coming in and I cannot let folks down :)

I am thankful for my freedom.  Thanks America, soldiers and our founding Fathers.
Happy 4th of July to all.

Expect the Unexpected

I cannot believe it.  I was in Seattle for 3 days this week and it was mostly sunny and beautiful the entire time.  I know the rain is what makes the Emerald City "green", but I LOVED being there when it was bright with sunshine.  Good work done. Great dinners had.  Sunshine enjoyed.  (Although could have been warmer than 65 degrees- not complaining though).

Then off to Utah. Hotter that Heck.  For real. Wow.  And the worst part?  My A/C in my Park City condo died.  Good news?  Central Air guy was already here for someone else, so fixed before I melted working from home all day.  Soooo much better.

Batting 2 for 2 thus far.

Worked for 14 hours on Friday.  Then watched the Olympic trials for women's gymnastics.  Fun.
After traveling all week and working 14 hours straight on Friday, felt justified for more relaxation on Saturday and Sunday. 
Gym
Pool
Spa
Couch
Repeat (without the spa today)
Oh- and of course- a little, just a tad, work sprinkled in both days- I just cannot get away.  I know I have issues.

Anyway, good news is on a roll for now.  Sunshine. Repairs. I will take what I can get.
Oh- and stop the Colorado and Utah fires please.
Ok, thanks.

Oodles of Fun Stuff

Sitting here on my couch a cool, breezy Sunday evening, after a very productive weekend, thinking about all kinds of fun, mindless stuff for the Summer to come. 

First, productive.... I was so productive this weekend, I am not sure what to do with myself.
Laundry
July birthday cards prepared
Garden watered
House (reasonably) cleaned
Bills paid
Extra house keys made
Pedicure and manicure
Phone calls returned
Grocery staples purchased
Car washed
Home facial
Yep, I think I am caught up once again.  Feels good.
Plus extra sleep, TV, hike with a friend, dinner with a friend, hang time with my little brother.  Not bad for 2 days.

But, now I am watching the Fox (TV) 25th Anniversary show.... thinking about the oldies but goodies of my generation that are being remembered... 90210, Ally McBeal, The OC.....  Makes me think of the shows these days that I so enjoy and have blogged about prior... Did you know???...

Revenge
Smash
Homeland
American Horror Story
New Girl
According to People Magazine, those were the "must see" for this past TV season.  I would agree on all but Smash. Just was not a fan. This coming from a MAJOR Marilyn fan too. Good for Summer reruns.

Makes me start to think about films too.
Magic Mike
People Like Us
Some good movies coming out June 29.... this Friday. Looks like the pre-summer movie slump may be over soon.  I am game for a good flick. And some hot popcorn.

And then there are a few Summer concerts.
Sheryl Crowe
Colbie Cailaitt
And many more I am sure I will miss.  But I can always catch a few on "Today" and "GMA" on TV.

More....
Trips to wine country
Weddings
London Olympics
Visits with friends across the country

Yep, looks like a fun-filled Summer. As a matter of fact, it officially just started 3 days ago, so I guess we are good to go for the next few months of warm weather and joyful activities.
Work will be hard, but I WILL be playing even harder. I promise.
Welcome to my exhilarating Summer o'fun!

Rewards for Rewards

I confess that I got a bit carried away with eating the past several weeks.... OK months.  I used my birthday, vacation and super busy with work and travel as excuses to eat as long as I was exercising. Enough is enough.  I know better than that.  I am "satisfied" with my body, but not "happy" with my body so time to get back in gear.

First, I know I feel better when I eat better AND work out.  Second, feeling better about my body is reward enough. However.... the reward is even better with more reward. I will reward my reward.

My ultimate goal is to lose 25 pounds.  If I go down 20, that is where I was at when I was at my best 2 years ago.  If I get there, I would be satisfied.  If I drop the 25, I will ecstatic.  That is the overall goal.

Here is what I decided.  Short term and long term goals. I made these decisions:

1- If I stuck it out for 1 week and dropped even 1 pound, I would reward myself with the new Kate Spade purse I have been eyeing (reward received this week!)
2- If I loose 10 pounds, I get a pair of shoes of my choice from Foot Candy (no price limit....OK, less than $700)
3- If loose 20 pounds, I get to spend the Tiffany gift card for lots of money that I have been holding on to for quite some time
4- If I get to the ultimate goal of 25 pounds, it's time for a shopping spree of new clothes... no holds bar!

See? The reward is the weight loss and health improvement and I will reward the reward.  Love it.
So far so good.  So far I love the warm weather, healthier food and continued exercise. 
Off for the weekend.....  see ya.

Work, Work, Work

I have been working so much the past 3 weeks I have been very much neglecting my blog. Sorry blog. Working every single day. Lack of sleep. Always on an airplane. Not a ton of fun. This is why I am so excited to have a (fairly) open weekend to relax, hopefully hang a bit by the pool and drink some wine with friends. So necessary. Here is what happens when I work too much: I get a cold (hate sniffles). My beauty regimine slacks (I shall not go into detail here to avoid the obvious). I get feisty and kinda bitchy. Poor Casey misses her mama. I cannot keep a happy schedule to save my life. Some things just simply get missed. The good news is... Since I am a crazy, ridiculously organized gal, not much gets missed. In most cases, more gets done and sometimes things get done over-the-top because I am a tad bit anal. True. So, the last 3 weeks... (aside from work of course) A nice Memorial Day weekend. Lots of travel time to see friends in MN. Enjoying some good food (although wayyyyy too many calories and cocktails) due to the travel. Birthday with Mom. Ok. Not so bad. Work will still be very busy for the next several weeks. Time to focus on the fun stuff and think positive. Now time for some Chinese food and wine! Ta-Ta!

Sunday Accomplishments

By that title, you would think I have accomplished a ton.  Not so much.  But for a lazy Sunday after a week on the road for work and a Saturday in wine country, I really have accomplished more than I expected. 
Slept in a little, downloaded some pics, ordered some new furniture, checked-in for my red-eye flight tonight, watched about 6 hours of DVD shows, finished up the final loads of laundry, sent a few emails.... Not bad 5 hours.

But, my main accomplishment today has been increasing my technological intelligence.  Seriously, I had no clue how much fun I could have with my new Ipad once I was actually self-educated on all of it's many wonders.  I could sit on the couch with this thing all day.  For real.. What took me so long!? I feel smart!

Only a few more things on my "to do" list today before I head to the airport at 10:45PM tonight. Sigh.  Big sigh here.  Ugh.  But for now.... I think sitting outside in the sun with my latest issue of US Weekly is on the agenda.

Happy Sunday everyone.

Deja Vu of Vegas

I am behind again... Please forgive me as I have sinned: it has been 2 weeks since my last post. I came back from a fabulous cruise and have not been back on my blog since. Shame on me. But I did just spend the last 7 (yes 7) days in Las Vegas and lived to post about it. I say déjà vu because I am quite sure I have posted some of these same comments to come in the past.

Here is what stands out to me most about Vegas this week:
The lobby at the Bellagio is very pretty
The smoke in Vegas is extremely annoying
Terry Fator is a great entertainer
People should look in the mirror (front & back) before they leave their hotel room
Not really sure how all those expensive shops pay their rent and stay open
Why does it take so long to check-in at every darn hotel?
The walk from the MGM to their conference center is ridiculously long
Bellagio has an amazing spa
Vegas makes tasty Sangria and Bellini's
The salsa at Diego at MGM is some of the best I have ever had
2 blocks in Vegas really equals 1 mile
Did I mention more mirrors are required?

That pretty much sums up the past several days in sin city. And I never sinned. Well... Maybe just once. And it was worth it.

40th Birthday Cruise!!!

The Crown Princess pool with jumbo-tron for "Movies Under the Stars"

Fort Lauderdale upon departure

Our suite! (Larger than expected)

Me enjoying our balcony at sea

Relaxing in the sun

Captains Champagne Party

The ship at night in Curacao

Me in Curacao

Shannon & me in Curacao

The aft pool

Our fave pic from the trip

Me on our balcony arriving in Curacao

Shannon in the piazza