Off-I-Go-a-Traveling

Leaving Tanzania 10/18/2011 Journal entry edited

2012-01-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

As I jet to Nairobi, I can share my day yesterday.

Mangos in the trees

We wanted to go Zanzibar but the logistics were too difficult. We would have had to wake up at the crack of dawn, drive down to take the boat and then its a 2 hour ride to the island. Due to the schedule, we would have had limited time on the island. That plus the fact that it was more money than we wanted to spend for just a quick trip. So.... we decided to go to Bagamoyo.

just a view out the car

ladies carrying water

some cute boys we kept passing

Agnes found us a pineapple

Bagamoyo is where, during the slave trade, Africans were taken, locked up, before they were shipped to Zanzabar to be sold and put on ships to Asia and the Middle East.

The drive to Bagamoyo was about 40 kilometers, but being as traffic is a bit tricky, it did take us awhile to get there. The drive was really cool however. We went through a lot of small towns and we saw little markets set up on the side of the road. Agnes, a local who joined us on our trip, was able to tell us all about the towns, the produce we saw and give us a little history.

I got the following from the internet, it explains more about Bagamoyo than I recalled:

Slaves were kept here

this cross is dedicated to Dr Livingston
Bagamoyo was the major slave trading post in East Africa. Bagamoyo, which means ‘lay down your heart’ in Swahili, was probably given this name because Bagamoyo was the last place the slaves would stay in Tanzania before being shipped off to foreign lands. Although the slave trade officially ended in 1873, slaves continued to be sold and traded in Bagamoyo through the end of the nineteenth century.

During the slave trade, it was not uncommon to see hundreds of slaves walking through the streets of Bagamoyo chained together by the neck. Slaves were collected from the interior by capture, purchase or trade and then shipped to Zanzibar or Arab countries.

Once we got there, we went to look for this museum. It is next to the first Catholic church in Africa. It was in this church, that THE Dr Livingston's body was kept over night, after a 1500 mile journey from where he died, before being shipped back to England where he is buried in Westminster Abby.

Agnes, Pam and Bruce

a super old baobab tree

There was a very interesting museum and school there next to the 'new' church, new, because it was built in the very early 1900's. The museum had some very interesting artifacts and photos. We saw the actual chains that were used to chain the slaves. Photos of the slave trade era. It was actually quite heartbreaking to read the articles and see the photos. But as we know, it is best to learn what we can from our history so that we are not doomed to repeat it.

the old priest quarters

the view from the restaurant

We left the museum and went to find some lunch. As luck would have it, just at the end of the road from the church and museum, on the beach, was a restaurant. We got to eat overlooking the Indian Ocean. SO COOL! My king fish steak was outstanding!

Bagamoyo has a LOT of mango trees. In each tree you could see hundreds of mangos growing. It is one of the main exports out of that area. That along with cashews. We didnt see any cashew nut trees that had them growing but did learn that the cashew is the stamen of the flower out of which grows a fruit. they make juice from the fruits and then sell the cashews.

Pam and Bruce with a baby

the 56 year old Croc

Me with a baby croc

We stopped at a crocodile farm where we got to touch and pet a 2yo baby. They had tiny babies and then even the Patriarch of the place, a 56 year old crocodile! He was HUGE...
Agnes was totally terrified, so of course I had to scare her as she was peering into the pits where the crocs were. I grabbed her arm and she totally jumped and screamed. It was worth her chewing me out.

We drove back to Dar and had just dropped off Agnes when we received a call from the Mission President that he was taking the senior missionaries to dinner. We weren't dressed for a nice dinner but apparently in Dar, that doesnt matter. We went and had a fabulous dinner on a cliff over the ocean. It was nice to have good food and conversation. Their zone conference was the next day and was also when I was due to fly to Nairobi.

Just a cool tree near Bagamoyo

This morning, Pam had to have something fixed at the house so we just hung out at the house and I was able to get packed and ready to go to Nairobi. We went and picked up Bruce at conference and they took me to the airport. As they dropped me off, they were so sweet, I felt like I was their's and they were saying goodbye. Pam even ran after me and gave me some money to buy a snack in the airport. I must say they are the best people to know! Thanks Brother and Sister Worthen for the amazing visit. I will work on getting Mom and Dad over there to visit!

Flying out of Dar es Salaam

Well I'm landing in Nairobi.. time to put my books away and find the apartment.

Tanzania 10/16/2011 Journal post 'edited'

2012-01-13T06:26:00.001-07:00

Not sure why they held the english version in such a small room today. Im back in the main chapel, listening in Swahili. I have to say it does sound pretty cool. I cannot wait to see how well the Worthens pick it up.
Tomorrow the Worthens want to go to Zanzibar. It is apparently a 2 hour Ferry ride to get there. It should be a good time. Tuesday is their Zone Conference, but also the day I am flying to Nairobi, Kenya. Apparently Maciej's parents are arriving before me. THAT at least makes me feel a bit better. I was nervous that I would be in Kenya, they wouldn't make the flight and I would be stuck on this crazy adventure all alone.
There is a cute little boy laying in his mother lap while she is listening to conference, he is sucking his 2 middle fingers and fidgeting with his mother. Its funny how even the small things in life are the same, we fidget and fuss the same no matter where in the world we are raised.
It makes me think of Truman at home kicking mom. Kids are kids no matter their race, creed or color.
Btw, the conference keeps freezing on the dvd. For some reason, they ended up showing the rest of it in English instead of getting the other player and putting in the Swahili version. I liked listening to it, it made great background noise for writing in my Journal.

Notes in my Journal:
una itwa nani = how are you called?
nina itwa mike = My name is mike
hibari = hello (Pams favorite)
a san tay = thank you
a san tay sana = thank you very much (Pams other fave)

2011-11-13T18:31:00.001-07:00

Tanzania - Dar es Saalam - 2011
Journal entry (edited)
My day stared early in Paris. Not sleeping last night I kept waking up thinking I had overslept. My alarm was set to go off at 440am to catch the 5am shuttle to the airport. I woke up at 1am, 2am, 230am, 3am, 310am, 320am, 340am.. you get the idea...
Finally I got up with my alarm, took a very fast shower and grabbed my bags and checked out of the hotel. I got the 5am bus and went to check in at the airport. The agent gave me a seat right away so I was set to go for my 725am flight. Just had a LOT of time to kill. Luckily the agent put me near the front so I could make my tight connection in Amsterdam.
The lady at the transfer desk only checked me in as far as Kilimanjaro, not all the way to Dar es Saalam. So when I went to check in my bag they had to do some extra finesse on my ticket.
I was told the flight was wide open both up front and in the back so I had hopes of riding first class.. XXX nope.. coach seat, window in the back.. but I got on!
Luckily I was so tired I passed out even before take off and woke up in the skies. I slept on and off on the flight to Kilimanjaro. They passed out a postcard to each person for some promotion that KLM was having with the Netherlands.
We landed in Kilimanjaro, most people deplaned and I got to chat with the Flight Attendants until the plane reloaded.. Luckily it was only a 45 minute flight on to Dar.
I deplaned, paid my 100 usd visa, and then exited to findthe Worthens there waiting for me.. It was so nice to see a friendly face that far away from home!
The drive back to their place was fairly uneventful and it was almost midnight. We still stayed up chatting for quite sometime until we were all nodding off.

That night I had bad dreams about Grandma Flegal passing.. not good
The next morning we had a delicious breakfast of fresh bananas and pineapple. SO yummy!
I went to music class with the Worthens, they were teaching the basics about how to lead music. It was great to see the people so interested.

Dinner tonight was in downtown Dar at a place that was voted best BBQ in Dar. It really was quite tasty! We ended up taking 2 missionaries with us and had ourselves a great meal!
Pam and Bruce are a hoot! Bruce talks to the other drivers in the cars like they can hear him. I just had to sit back and laugh. Its no wonder these two are such good friends with Mom and Dad.

Sunday was another full day of conference, again I kept falling asleep. I went in to hear it in swahili as the room for english was jam packed. Swahili is a language that has tones from a bunch of different languages. I heard Portuguese, Dutch and other one I couldn't identify.
We had planned to go to Zanzibar the next day on the ferry but it turns out with the ferry schedule we would not have had enough time to explore it, so we decided to drive the 40kms up to Bagomoyo.

Tanzania/Dar is a crazy place but beautiful none the less.

Paris for work.. really not a problem!

2011-11-13T16:43:00.001-07:00

I guess there could be worse places to go for work right?I had a 3 day training class that I taught to those who are considered in the Atlantic region for the company. We got a chance to go to dinner in the city and I took a few really great pictures at the Arc de Triumph of it and the Eiffel Tower.Enjoy

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-08T12:37:00.002-06:00

To my mother..
Hope you have a fantastic Mothers Day with your little Munchkins in NYC. It was so nice to see you this past weekend. Time spent was fun and I loved to see all you were doing with the house.
Much love and tons of kisses!
Mike

It is Official!

2011-04-01T20:54:00.002-06:00

I am going to run a race....
I know I know! Anyone who knows me has heard me say, 'running is for convicts.'
Well I am apparently on the lamb from exercise or something because I am getting heavy sitting there on my duff at my job and I have not been volunteering for anything in the community..
So I thought I would kill two birds with one stone! Its a Charity Race. I am with Team Challenge of Georgia and they sponsor the Crohns and Colitis Foundation. I have 4 months to raise $2500. Thats right family and friends.. Im asking for sponsors!
So what do you have to do? Its easy! They set me up with a donations page.. Here is the link. So click and donate and help me raise money!
If you are thinking you don't know anyone with Crohns or Colitis and just want to donate to encourage me to get off my duff that is fine by me. Just DONATE!!!!!!
love you all
Mike

Not on the crapper list

2011-03-28T21:14:00.004-06:00

Just so I don't get placed on the, Who's not posting to their blog black list I thought I would pop on and say hey!
Its a bit late on a Monday and about this time last night I found out I would be going to a meeting in Minneapolis tomorrow. In my sleepy state I got on the computer and booked a flight. The timing didn't seem all that right but I just figured what the heck.. I didn't realize until I got to work the next day that I had booked, out of habit, a flight out of Salt Lake City.. Silly boy.. You've only been living in Atlanta now how long? Coming up on my 8th month..
Oh well.. silly me.
It has been lighting and thundering all week and I have loved every minute of it. The lighting strikes, the Thunder claps and its like the most perfect night sleep!

So there.. Post, posted..Katie, loving the bellie shots! Liz, always good to see that little peanut grow!
Teresa, uh you are on the bottom of the black list, so much to say! and not a post in sight since new years.. Sara.. I know you have fun pictures from your trip to SLC.. and well Ali, I am letting you slide for just a moment as you are moving but don't think I wont harp on you.. You guys did ditch me in the South!

Loves to all
Uncle Mike

St Patricks Day is coming!

2011-03-08T12:26:00.002-07:00

Mother this one is for you! I came across this recipe and it sounded like your famous green drink.
Enjoy!

Juice’s Patrick’s Day Punch
Ingredients

Gorgeously Green Saint Patrick's Day Punch
1/2 cucumber
8oz/227g spinach
1 whole apple, seeded and cored
juice of 1 lemon
juice of 1 lime
Method
Add ingredients into a blender and mix to a pulp.
So with all of those drink options everyone will have a drink to chink on the big day – cheers!
Get to know a bit more about the man you’re toasting this Saint Patrick’s Day by taking a trip round

Life and Death..

2011-03-01T21:39:00.002-07:00

Its crazy how something so tragic as the death/loss of a friend can remind you of how sweet life is.
I found out this week that a very good friend of mine passed away over the Christmas break, yes, JUST found out. Apparently I wasn't on the notification list or something. Actually he was Canadian and I just didn't get the memo. Im finding out that a lot of his friends didn't know he had passed.
His name was Ashley Warren Haslett, 36 years old and one of the most upbeat, amazingly happy people I know. The details of his passing are currently a mystery, wrapped in an enigma. In reaching out to his parents to verify that the obituary was really my friend, I got a one line answer, 'yes your friend was our son.'
I don't know what to make of their response. I know they must be grieving extensively, I just wish they could have shared a bit more.. Did he suffer? Was he ill? Was it expected? Sudden? My mind continues to ponder over what must have happened.
In that however, I have been given insight as to how precious life is. We can be here one day and gone the next. Live life to its fullest right? We hear this all the time but how many of us actually take it to heart and try to find the beauty in each and every day?
The beauty of today was that I got to have dinner with a friend I hired on with at Delta almost 10 years ago. She was in town for some training and we got together and went to my favorite burger place in town. Catching up and just talking about friends we both new while the sun was setting over the city totally made my day! Thanks Nahe!!!

On a more bizarre note. My roommate went out of town for work and I was supposed to be out of town Tues and Wed. So his mom came into town to watch the dog. roomie Of course what happens? My trip gets the ax and I am stuck with his mother all week!
Now if it was my own mother that would be a joy and I wouldn't be complaining.. But this is someone I don't know very well and now she is my for the week.. can you say AWKWARD.......

Love y'all

Blondes have more fun...

2011-02-21T14:03:00.004-07:00

So this is what I have heard from other people.. Id been feeling a bit like I wasnt doing much of anything fun so I thought.. Why not dye my hair blonde?
It didnt do exactly what I was thinking.. luckily I have a great stylist back home who told me to do a bit of work on it.. I cut it yesterday and this is what ive come up with..
Tell me how you like it!!!

Awh.. Honey, I baked!!!

2011-01-17T09:24:00.005-07:00

Yes.. I baked. But not a lucious cake or dessert type. I made something classical. MEATLOAF!!! Why, you might ask did I make meatloaf? Well because I bought a big 3 pound thing of ground beef and didnt know what to do with it.. Et Voila.. Meatloaf.
I scoured FoodNetwork.com to find just the right recipie and low and behold I came across Double Pork, Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf. Yes, I started drooling too!
Now of course I had beef and not pork but I did have bacon! So I made it following the recipie with just that difference. Here is what it looked like before I baked it.

I baked it for an hour and it was swimming in juices. I did go and use a baster and take them all out but this is what it looked like when it was done!
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Now let us not forget DESSERT!!!
I got the mix when I went to New Orleans for a day..
they are OH so yummy!!!

ATTN: Siblings

2010-12-05T08:05:00.002-07:00

I was talking to Katie yesterday and apparently non of us have turned in our pictures. I remembered that whenever I sent them to Ali to get put in the book, because I am the odd duck out, I always got small photos.
So I had this crazy Idea.
What if we created an online place that we could all upload our pictures too. I don't know if everyone has a gmail account but the Picasa photo manager is pretty sweet. The nice thing is you can manage all your photos there AND upload them to a site. If we chose an email address, say Flegal7@gmail.com and then we could all upload our photos to that Picasa site. I believe Katie, or whoever is supposed to make the book, can then access our photos at the normal size. As you upload your photos you number them or label them and then send an email to that gmail with your thoughts, comments and what you want in the book..
This is just an idea and I have not created the email. I was just thinking I could do this to help her.
Thoughts my siblings?

All in Due Time

2010-11-03T21:10:00.003-06:00

Ok family, it has been a long time incoming but I am now ONLINE!!! Yes, My new modem arrived yesterday but when I tried to connect, NADA.. I called and they said it would need until today to connect.. I was FINALLY able to get that sucker working but then my old Airport was not cutting it. So off I went to BestBuy, 10 minutes to close, I ran in and snagged a cisco router that was also wireless and TADA.. Here I am.
Count on more info to follow but it is now after 11pm and I have been working on this since I got home at 7.. Sigh..
Good night Moon.
Mike

Its been far too long!!!

2010-10-09T19:33:00.002-06:00

Ok family. It has been ages since I updated everyone on my trials in moving to the Newnan. I guess I should fill you in on all the latest.
As you know our AC didn't work when we first moved in. That was challenging as it was in the 95's out at the house. Then to top that off our refrigerator was kinda working and the microwave was just dead.
We had the fridge fix it guy come at least 3 time with different parts and it was working for a minute. then it just totally died. Josh said that it was sizzling like the wires were shorting out. Its funny cause I went to meet a cousin Bucky in SC and he showed us his old fashioned ice box. That is what our freezer has turned into. We load it up with ice to keep things cool. It feels SO ghetto.
The microwave got replaced this week so now we can nuke food. The new refrigerator is not coming until next Thursday!!! Yes, it is ice box ghetto till Thursday!
Josh's parents have been visiting for about a week. It sounds like they are hoping to purchase a winter home in the area.
They like to turn the AC off and just try to cool things off with the windows open.. its not really working. We have been getting warmer the past few days so I'm ready to crank the AC so I dont sweat.
I am coming home this weekend for 48 hours so I can get my tooth fixed. I have a filling that has shifted and there is some deterioration going on in the cracks. its not pretty, and quite painful.
It was fun to see Andrew and Mom in SC last weekend. This weekend will be with Father and Katie and Brent.
We still dont have Internet at the house or TV. I guess its a good thing as I am reading a TON.
Work is going well and keeping me busy of course. I am still liking my job so that is good.
I love you all dearly!
Mike

Creepy Crawlies

2010-08-30T20:07:00.002-06:00

Ok. So I don't know what it where they came from, but here is what happened:
I woke up this morning and got in the shower. I was scrubbing my bod and you will Never guess what I found. Lice!!! yes, a fully mature head lice was on my neck!
Did i freak out? OF COURSE I DID!!! I checked my sheets and found another little creepie. So of course I called the front desk, they came and got said creepie and told us we would have a new room on return from work.
We came back and were to move right next door, and THEN what happens? We get to the new room and it appears as though someone has been in the bed and left a used towel on the other bed..
So I now sit in a JR suite.. Just not what sure else I should ask for?
Thoughts?

Its a Monday..

2010-08-30T06:38:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to drop all a line on this sunny Monday and say hello.
I spent the weekend in Atlanta just to relax and regroup. After getting in so late the past few weeks it was, I felt the right decision so as not to have a case of the Mondays when I get to work this morning.
This coming weekend is Labor Day Weekend and I am trying to decide with Andrew and Ali as to what we shall do. Off to the Plantation? or should we join their friends at a beach house near Charleston?
I of course am down for anything.
Loving you all!
Mike

Back in Atlanta, again...

2010-08-24T06:21:00.002-06:00

Hey famiglia,
Just wanted to drop a note and say hello.. Its Tuesday and I am back to Semi-Normal..
Of course due to weather in SLC we had a lovely 3 hour delay on and off the plane. Our pilot diverted.. you name it, it happened. Didnt get into ATL till 145 am and home till 230..
Anywho.. last night we got to bed early and Im rested and ready for the day..
Love you all
Me

Good Morning Family

2010-08-19T05:17:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to drop a quick line and say hello to everyone.
My weeks are starting to get busier and busier. Yesterday I had 4 meetings and after the first, I got lost in one of the buildings. Was late to the second but was not the only one late. I got my blackberry this week and as I left the third meeting I was looking at my calendar and thought I had only 10 minutes to make it to my 3rd meeting. Turns out that meeting is Friday and I was looking at the wrong date. I had time to recoup and eat lunch at my desk.
I feel like I am starting to get the hang of things but still have a lot to learn and a long way to go. My big project is really coming around and we might totally make our deadline. Of course as that starts to plateau another project looms on the horizon.
Oh what joy!
It was a HOT one here yesterday. I dont know the temps but I sure felt it! Tuesday was another Braves game and this time we got into the 755 club, not the box seats but very fun and I get to go again on the 27th..
Ok.. shower calls and I need to get ready for work.
Love you all!
ME

Quite a sight

2010-08-13T18:21:00.000-06:00

Hey family! Just wanted to say hello to everyone. This was some beautiful scenery as we climbed out of Georgia. I even stayed awake. ( thanks to the bumps)
Anywho, I'm on my way home for the weekend but here is the good news.
Josh accepted the banks offer on the town home! They countered and he is still getting it for a song. What we wait for now is a signed contract ( Monday) and then that information is sent to his bank, they get an assessment on the property and we can get keys. We are looking at two weeks. Thank goodness!
Sending you all my love!
Mike

A trip to the S.C.

2010-08-10T09:09:00.003-06:00

So I took the weekend to get out of town, literally and headed over to see the Flegalheimers in South Carolina. Ali and I had movie night with Andrew joining us mid-flick for popcorn and the movie.
Saturday we went to the Lake Beach as Ms Eliza likes to call it. Im sure Henry says it and its understandable but its more like Yake Beech YEAH!
Andrew and I immediately got sucked into a service project but I was cool with it as we were using their property for our days activity. We moved 2 couches(yes one was a sofa sleeper and not so light) but the other was just fine. I was happy to help them as they are super nice people!

We built sandcastles and jumped off the dock to cool off in the hot hot sun. They even built a fire and we roasted hotdogs for lunch. Dad and Grandpa Flegal would have be SUPER jealous of Mr Scotts 'match'
We intended to stay at the beach just untill noon but ended up staying till around 230-300pm. It was just a fun day!
that night I mentioned to AJ and Ali that Liz and Mark and myself had a night of Settlers of Catan. As it turns out this is a German game and of course Andrew has it, in German! We had to call Mark for a refresher on the rules but we played 2 games. Yes Ali won them both! I need to get my own game and start challanging people here.
Anywho.. We did get one more game in sunday before I left. Andrew dethroned Princess Ali and I was off on my road trip home. The 3 hour drive really is nice and super easy to get over there.
Whats next? Labor day at the Plantation according to AJ.

First night of Fun!

2010-08-03T04:54:00.004-06:00

Dearest Family
As you may have read on my facebook last night, I went to the Braves game with my 2 roomies after work. Rob got the tickets from work and so off we went for a night of the great American pastime. As we arrived at the I saw people selling boiled peanuts.. I didnt buy any then but went on to the game.
This picture is from the game.. as you can see the humidity in the lights is insane!
On the way home I got a dollar bag of BP's and ate them in the car..
OH HEAVEN!!!
I'm off to work and LOVE You all!!
Mike

Hey Y'all!

2010-08-01T19:12:00.002-06:00

Dearest Family,
I arrived today in the Great State of Georgia with out too much of a hitch. The flight out of SLC was delayed by almost an hour due to late arriving of the inbound aircraft. I watched a super fun show, The Joneses, and the flight was agreeable.
I mule packed all my belongings down to Robs and we had a nice dinner of Pasta and Key Lime Pie!! YUM
Dinner and a movie as it was raining cats and dogs..
Going to bed early as I have my first day of work tomorrow but I will try to keep this updated as MUCH as possible.
Love you all
Mike

Montreal bound...

2010-06-15T06:19:00.002-06:00

Ok quick funny. This family just came and sat next to me and their daughter, obviously the observant one, starts freaking out because she thinks their plan is broken. It looks like they were adjusting something in the nose cone of the plane. Seriously if I could have this on video, my describing it just does not do it justice.
It could also be that I am OH so tired. I worked yesterday from 2-9pm, ran home to pack and then caught the 1250 flight to Atlanta. Thank goodness for my first class seat but I didn't get that much sleep, maybe an hour or so. Ive had a lovely 3 hour layover here in Atlanta and still have an hour before my flight to Montreal.
Its been ages since Ive been up to visit my friends there so I am way over due this trip.
I hope to have some great photos to share with everyone when I get back.
For now.. I am just going to chuckle at this little girl who is admiring the 'nose' of the plane.

I just wanted to say...

2010-05-13T22:37:00.001-06:00

Allergies? Me?

2010-04-19T01:32:00.002-06:00

Someone told me today that its possible to develop allergies as you grow older. I almost smacked their face.. I am not older!!! Im only 31 for crying out loud. But allergies I most definately am feeling today. Watery eyes, sneezing like crazy, stuffed up nose, its just not right I tell ya. Its just plain rude!
Lets hope it is only for a few days and not goin crazy!

Really!

2010-04-06T03:11:00.001-06:00

Honestly, mother nature has a sick sense of humor! This whole snow storm in April thing just isn't cool. It kept me at work for 12 plus hours tonight!

Here is why!!!

2010-03-23T12:19:00.003-06:00

Why do I have to be such a poop stain about things. I was able to go and visit my friend in Venice Beach on my extended layover in LA. We rode bikes on the beach and had DELICIOUS Hinano Burgers. Really what was I complaining about?
Here I sit at the GORGEOUS Westin in Princeville and watched the sun come up over the island this morning. It was absolutely breath taking. I was able to walk out on the golf course and watch the surf break out on the water and just soak up the beautiful morning.
Really i could do nothing but chill and lay like broccoli.
But the boys have plans. They want to go surfing, a helicopter ride, and hike the Na' Pali Coast. I'm in for it I tell you!
Here is a pic from this morning.. Enjoy!

Why oh why do I try to fly?

2010-03-21T13:49:00.002-06:00

I flew to LAX last night thinking I could be the rush of people trying to get to hawaii by catching the flight that doesnt have a connections flying in.. LITTLE did I know there was going to be a cancellation last night and now Im stuck with flights that are either overbooked or just about full.. I may just get to have my weekend here in LAX instead of a nice weekend on the beach.. who knows.. Just frustrated I guess and thought to rant..

Is there anything better?

2010-03-02T06:45:00.002-07:00

I landed in rainy Atlanta at the ungodly hour of 6am this morning having slept poorly in my first class seat. Something about not having a leg wrest that made my body not want to sleep. It seemed that any position I got myself into one part or another of my body decided that it would go to sleep. Weird parts, like my elbow, not my arm. I must say that it was a bizarre sleep if any occurred. It didnt help that I had the movie 'September Issue' playing in my ears.
Landing and stumbling off the plane thanks to my swollen feets and lack of sleep I found my way to the baggage claim area and secured my bag. It was still only 620am and I just didnt think I could go to my hotel so DANG early. So I plopped my booty down in the atrium in the airport next to the big ole dinosaur bones and cracked open my current novel. Im reading the Percy Jackson books. (Shipley and Wickman might get a kick out of them) I had to giggle, as I was there reading this gentleman was passed out in one of the super cozy chairs and kept snoring on and off.. I felt at home.. LOL..
As I sat there reading with music playing in my ears to ward off the sound of the snoring man, my nose was filled with a wonderful aroma. I had seen that Wendy's was open but I thought that delicious smell couldnt be coming from there.
I got up to search out the source of that delicious smell and what did I find? HINT Mrs Helen would be so proud! Thats right I hit Paschals for eggs, bacon and yes, the breakfast of the gods, GRITS!!! They were so dang delicious! Now, Im not saying they were better than the ones Grandma made but OH MAN, after my long day and and the flight, It was like a little plate of comfort there for me to enjoy. Oh man enjoy I did! They could have used some butter and maybe some sausage instead of bacon but I was quite sure i'd almost died and gone to heaven. Or maybe heaven was paying me a nod since I was doing just what Grandma told me to do. That was to eat Grits any chance I got when I was in town.
So in honor and memory of, Grandma Helen. Breakfast was to you!

2010-02-01T07:25:00.001-07:00

o watch where I'm landing you can youtube the landings at Tegucigalpa.

2010-02-01T07:24:00.001-07:00

I'm off on a fantastic adventure to Honduras. Yes this is the trip I've been talking about for awhile, ill fill you all in on my return. Ps if you want t

DC Photos

2010-01-14T00:33:00.007-07:00

Yes I know its taken me awhile to post these pictures. But deal with it.. Im just not on the ball ok!
Enjoy!

the DC rundown..

2009-12-08T23:11:00.002-07:00

Sunday
We met up for breakfast after I checked into the hotel. We being Marilyn and her nephew Keith. We took off walking towards the center of the city and BAM the White House hit us right in the kisser. We snapped a few photos, then continued to the WWII Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, Vietnam War Memorial, the Korean War Memorial. Can you say we did just a little in one day?
Monday
We went up the Washington Monument and looked around. Very cool history in that place! Had Super yummy lunch at a Pizzeria, then hit the Air and Space Museum to kill some time. Our last tour of that day was a Congressional Tour of the Capitol Building. I have to tell you the new Visitors Center is so cool! The history in that place is pretty freaking awesome as well.
Tuesday
Started the morning off with a tour of the White House. Yes the one the President and his family live in! A very cool thing to come and see during the holidays. The trees, the decorations. Awe inspiring. Only be be followed by going out to Arlington Cemetery. If you haven't had the chance to do this, it really is one of the most humbling experiences. We saw the Kennedy's burial spots. Memorials to Pan Am flight 103, the Challenger and Colombia Space shuttles and finally the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers where we saw the changing of the guards.
Amazing days in DC.. have one more full day tomorrow and we are thinking of hitting the Smithsonians..
Ill post pictures once I get them loaded to the computer back home
Mike

DC here I come...

2009-12-06T04:17:00.001-07:00

It is an early 616AM as I taxi to my connection flight to Washington DC. I am in Atlanta but only just for an hour this time. I will fill you in more as I continue this adventure.
Stay Tuned.

More new Tires

2009-12-04T11:15:00.001-07:00

so my tire went flat the other day. thinking this was my new tire I came in ready for a freebie. sadly this tire was not the new one but ones I bought back at the beginning of 07. Needles to say I had to get two more new ones. such is having a car I guess. At least I'm not making huge payments on a new one. Rudy really is a good car.

Escape to the Magical Island of Kauai

2009-11-10T22:01:00.003-07:00

Amy and I took a trip to Kauai after our other plans to take a trip fell through.
Here is me on Hanalei bay beach.

This is Melanie and I at the Lighthouse.

This is Me and the Na'Pali Coast line.

Amy and the Na'Pali Coast Line

Who is ready for a new post?

2009-10-10T03:48:00.001-06:00

Ok well here it is.
It is 345am, I worked tonight until oh about 215am then walked to my car out in the boondocks of the employee parking lot. Good thing I had downloaded Solitaire to my phone to keep me company as I made the long walk alone in the frigid temperatures. Luckily I totally scored before I made it to the car. Only took me 9 tries but hey.. its winning that made me feel good.
Its short, its sweet but Im hoping to have more excitement in my life to share with all of y'all..
XO
me

2009-09-27T12:39:00.004-06:00

Don't ask.. its not gonna be fun

For those who pressed here is the 'lowdown.'
I had experienced some blood, post piddle. So I asked my doc about it and she said it could be any number of things. First I had a CT scan to see if there was anything in the kidneys that was causing it, NOTHING.. So then the urologist says, why don't we go inside and see whats up. No he didn't mean slice me open and so something exploratory (I might have taken him up on that.) He meant to send a camera up my manhood to check out the pee pee path and then enter the bladder to see if there was any issues going on.
My first comment was, "Great who is the anesthesiologist?" His retort, "We don't need one, the whole thing will last 5 minutes, we can watch it, TOGETHER!"
Needless to say I wasn't all that thrilled in the first place but then to be awake as they manhandle me, and not in a good way, well HELLO!
So I went in for the appointment and the lady nurse has to 'sterilize' the area, ie fondle the junk with some antiseptic. Little did she know I had thoroughly cleansed the area that morning in my shower ritual.. WHATEVER.
Then the fun started with a little liquid Novocain squirted up the pee shoot and clamped off so as not to let it leak out. Let that sit 10 minutes.. PS I am totally freaking out at this point.
Then comes the camera.. About the size of a number 2 pencil, no not just the lead but the ENTIRE pencil, but ever so much longer and thank goodness it was flexible. See picture to follow.

So really it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, thanks to DR Novocain, the major discomfort came when he reached the exit of my bladder and had to push through. MMM Ok for all the females who read this, as in the 4 of you, I now know a little of the pain y'all experience every month when that cramping kicks in. Apparently the Novocain didn't reach down that far and when he went in, well lets just say it wasn't a walk in the park. The post cramping that night wasn't so much fun either.

The cool thing was I did watch the entire thing on a camera screen. Totally interesting to see the blood vessels that line the bladder, the place where your kidneys deposit the urine into the bladder. Uh the weird part was when he inflated my bladder with the water that was used in the camera.. And having that machine inside knowing I was about to wet my pants.. well.. yech.

No need to worry y'all there was nothing abnormal found in what we searched out.. The mystery remains however what is causing the blood. We may never know.
How is that for a major OVERSHARE!

2009-09-09T22:10:00.001-06:00

Ok.. whats up with people who don't shower.. honestly.. the hippee years are sooo over.. this kids gonna make me sick.

Ahhh, raindrops.

2009-08-23T18:26:00.001-06:00

Something about a good rain fall

For mom

2009-08-20T23:23:00.002-06:00

Just a little shout out to the mama.... i made it on the bus last night

Look what I made...

2009-08-20T12:34:00.002-06:00

I made this fun picture with mom and dad while waiting for a movie to start.
I am totally hooked to making these marker pics while waiting for a bus or what have you. Watch for much more blogging to take place with the new phone!

Trying

2009-08-14T22:55:00.001-06:00

Use whatever excuse you can to vibrate in harmony with those things you've been saying you want. And when you do, those things that are a vibrational equivalent flow into your experience in abundance. Not because you deserve it not because you've earned it, but because it's the natural consequence of the Law of Attraction. That which is like unto itself is drawn--- Abraham

Plogging?

2009-08-08T10:16:00.001-06:00

Plogging = Blogging from your phone..©me

Back to the real world

2009-08-08T10:11:00.000-06:00

So Im back from my travels and was baptized by FIRE.. literally. There was a wild fire outside the airport. They had to shut down not only the runway on the west side of the airport but also the road in and out of the airport.. lovely night there till 130am.. blech!!

Ba Ha Baa

2009-08-02T11:18:00.002-06:00

Here are some fun pictures of us in Bar Harbor Maine.

Happy Birthday..

2009-07-31T21:14:00.003-06:00

Oh ya.. thats for me. I did have a super fun birthday. Breakfast of local blueberry pancakes, eggs and fresh squeezed OJ. A fun walk around Bar Harbor, a walk at low tide to a neighboring island and Dinner of fresh lobster.. YUMMY.. thanks Mom Dad Liz and Tru for making this a super fun day. Tru and I got to play in the rain even! He is so stinkin cute!

Off the Grid.

2009-07-26T05:24:00.002-06:00

I lost my cell phone tonight at work so I am officially off the grid until the new one I ordered arrives. Im hoping it gets here before I leave town! Good freakin luck! So my line is on suspension until I either get a loner or get the new phone.. Lets see if I can survive a whole day sans the phone.. who wants to bet I totally loose it?

Alpine coaster

2009-07-22T16:42:00.002-06:00

Hangin at the PCMR today. Came up for the zipline but dangit all if it isn't closed today! So we did the slide and the coaster. PS a note to all who think this might be a cheesy ride.. Try it once.. you are in for a freakin TREAT!

Here is a video I started to take but had to stop because the ride really picked up.

And now?

2009-07-15T11:39:00.001-06:00

Migranes are so lame!

2009-07-15T10:09:00.002-06:00

So Im sitting here at my friends house where I am house sitting. I woke up with a migrane this morning at 8am. Thanks to my nasty am shifts that Ive been working at the airport Ive had to rely on starbucks to get me through my mornings. 3 cups of coffee and I was ready to get through a busy morning on the ticket counter. Now that Im going to be on the night shift I should have had a great nights sleep and ready to work with out the need of the coffee rush. Hopefully that will help to reduce the amount of migranes i've been having.

Its the little things..

2009-07-10T15:46:00.001-06:00

That make you happy.. This is debbie.. She worked the dallas flight today..

Where in the world is Kera?

2009-07-01T17:45:00.001-06:00

Look what cute face graced my jalepeno poppers!

Rain Rain go away...

2009-06-16T10:58:00.003-06:00

Its been raining on and off for like a month.. It kinda seems like Im living in a Seattle type element. I cant even ride my Motorcycle..

Suprise I'm in Atlanta.. Again

2009-06-10T09:44:00.000-06:00

I came in for a meeting with the IROP desk, a focus group to help with new automation. But as a suprise we got to go to the hangars to see the new 777 they will use on the sydney flight..

"Prince and the Pea"

2009-06-05T20:35:00.003-06:00

Ok so Mom says I'm the Princess but either way.. I've got the "Queen" size bed to dwarf them all. I inherited a new box spring today, my second. Yes Mom actually said, 'Oh you already HAVE a box spring!" Uh yes I replied as I got a running jump up onto my bed for this picture. As you can see the Pain and agony in my face as I am feeling for the 'Pea' under my back. My legs even dangle off the edge no where near the floor.
Enjoy the photos.
Princess Mike

Television for Women and Gay Men...

2009-06-01T20:38:00.003-06:00

Lifetime... I'm sitting here watching a total chick flik on this silly channel and every stupid commercial they show for another series I keep thinking to myself that I should set the TiVo to record them. So what they say is true in the movies.. Lifetime, Television for Women and Gay Men..

Home.. Its where to be.

2009-05-28T21:52:00.002-06:00

So low and behold I made my flight, I was one of the last ones on the flight but I made it. Now I get to stay here for a full 5 days.. Or I should say that Im home for my 5 work days.. which so far this month is a record. Funny.. its the end of the month.
I had a great time in Ridgeland with the family. The Rountrees were oh so nice to let us stay with them on the river house.
I tell ya.. I could totally live a life like that.
Love y'all
Mike

Wishfull thinking

2009-05-27T15:51:00.001-06:00

Im sitting here in the ATL airport hoping and praying that I make my flight to SLC tonight. The flights went from great to poopie and so here I sit waiting to see if there is a chance that someone doesn't show and I can sneak a seat. Keep your fingers crossed. I had to snag a day pass to the airport wi-fi in hopes that I could look at the flight information but we will see if this helps. I just dont know. Im a sweaty mess about it.
Ill keep you all up to date.
Mike

Honestly..

2009-05-26T17:28:00.000-06:00

Does it get more beautiful than this? I personally don't think so..

Who's ready for some new postings?

2009-05-17T17:56:00.005-06:00

Ok so I know I have been absolutely awful on my Blogging.. My only excuse is that I havent had my laptop with me in the fun places that Ive been traveling and just am now sitting down to take a breather.
I went to Tucson for 3 weeks to do temporary duty in the airport there. It was kinda fun, I stayed at a nice hotel, comfy beds, a pool and dinner and breakfast included.. That was pretty sweet! Those are my previous posts from my cell.
THEN I took mom on a super fun adventure to Poland. We flew SLC to CDG and then hopped an Air France connection into Warsaw Poland.
We had my friends mother with us and met up with Amy and Maciej there in Warsaw at a totally cute little appartment.

We wandered Warsaw for a few days, seeing the uprising museums, the old castle gardens and walking along the river. Always walking.. Walking walking walking..
We then got in a car and drove down to Krakow via a stop to see the black Madonna. It was a fun little side trip to see the fan fare of this cool church where Pope John Paul gave a sermon to his people of Poland. They still have the pulpit up on the outside of the castle. It is apparently where a lot of the very religious go on pilgrimage from all over Poland. They walk to this church in the summer from all corners of the country.

That is a view from the bell tower in the church.
Warsaw was absolutely beautiful, I took so many pictures that Im going to have to do a slide show just to get them all in. So look for that in a few days.
From Warsaw we went south to the mountains that boarder Poland and the Czech Republic. It was like being in the Alps or something. They are so beautiful and green.. and again.. we walked and walked.. but dang it was beautiful.
One last pic and then I will get back to work.

Sunsets..

2009-04-22T23:20:00.001-06:00

I think this photo is the perfect shot for the end of earth day. Something about sunsets in the desert really make me happy. There is always a beautiful contrast and it always makes the mind stop and admire the beauty all around. Hope you all enjoy.

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T11:54:00.001-06:00

Its a day to celebrate our planet and all it has to offer its inhabitants. Get out and enjoy mother nature today. If you are feeling extra groovy, plant something that will grow throughout the summer for you to enjoy. I myself will be traveling to Camp Verde to check on some weeds that are growing big and strong!

AH... Pool Time..

2009-04-18T22:14:00.002-06:00

It is Finally warming up here in the Southern Desert of Arizona.
I was able to lay out by the pool yesterday and soak up the sun while I read in my book. Honestly there is something wonderful about the sun, the water and being able to relax. I almost laid out and took a nap after work today but I didnt want to get fried.
Just about one more week here and then I am off to Poland with mom and the friends. It should be a Fantastic trip and I am really looking forward to seeing that part of the world. Dont worry mom and I will take LOTS of pictures.
Im off to see the Taylors on wednesday. Cant wait to see the midgets.
Love you all
Me

Arizona chills..

2009-04-11T18:37:00.002-06:00

Ok so here I sit in my hotel suite. Honestly if you had asked me a week ago I would have told you I was going to be sitting by the pool.. BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOO
Its freakin cold here in Tucson Arizona. Its been raining for the past few days and its like 60 degrees. I saw hail today at the airport!
So Im tucked under my covers watching August Rush and crying like a boob..

Vomit Von Barfenstein

2009-04-04T02:37:00.001-06:00

Ok.. Please note the time of this blog post. Yes that's right. It is somewhere in the neighborhood 230 in the bloody morning. I am sitting on the bench waiting the employee shuttle to take me to my car so I can go home and get very little sleep. I have been at work since 1230 in the afternoon and just have ZERO energy left. Thank you late atlanta flight that gave me the lucious overtime pay for staying so long but I honestly would LOVE to be curled up asleep already.. Just 30 little minutes and I will be home enjoying that comfort..

Wild and Crazy Dreams

2009-03-31T11:44:00.003-06:00

Ok so last night I had a crazy dream.
First off you need to know the facts.. Just the facts..
1.Delta and many other airlines have been canceling flights to Anchorage AK because of volcanic ash in the air. 2.I want to be a flight attendant. 3.Delta upgraded their equipment tonight so that they could get more of their stranded passengers back to ANC.
My dream starts out and I am flying from Atlanta to Austin to go to flight attendant training. For some reason or another we are flying to SLC to get to AUS for the training. I am on the upgraded equipment from ATL to SLC and then on to ANC. All the passengers board the flight, all that is but the flight attendants. They are missing some. Apparently there is a big storm on the east coast and all the flights are late. If they dont get those flight attendants in for this flight it is going to have to cancel and then the ANC flight will be canceled again.
Since I am going to flight attendant training they call my name and a few of my newbies with me to be flight attendants on this flight so we can get the plane to SLC and get those ANC people home. I am stoked beyond belief. I grab my uniform and make like clark kent in the bathroom and come out looking the part.
Then I am a flight attendant on a 757 for Korean Air and we are supposed to have like 58 people for the flight from ATL to Honolulu. But only like 7 show up. I think there are more flight attendants than that but its all good we are going anyway. We taxi down the runway to take off and I am wandering the plane looking for flashlights?
I somehow end up on the tarmac (dreams make no sense rememeber) and I am watching the plane take off without me. It lifts off, banks and flips over into water! Im freaking out because my passengers and crew are on there. Im calling 911 (like they dont know) and swimming out into the water to save everyone. Only 1 of my 3 passengers from the coach cabin survive. Im performing CPR and every thing.
I woke up in a sweat..
ok.. so whomever knows how to interpret dreams.. do your thing and let me know k?
thanks

Cute kids

2009-03-21T17:30:00.000-06:00

Katie invited us down to B-Dizzles soccer game. Mom rode on the back of dads moto and I rode mine.. First ride of the season! So much fun!

iPhone Envy Support Group Needed

2009-03-21T12:52:00.003-06:00

My name is Mike, and I have iPhone envy. (hi Mike)
Yes its true, I have a HUGE iPhone jealous monster living inside of me, eating and growing any time I see one of these little buggers. I was just in Paris France with a friend of mine who is an iPhone user. He had downloaded the App of the Paris metro system. He was able to get us around super slick using this application. Not only that but because we both have Mac laptops. He is able to transfer the photos from his phone and music AND he can charge the dang thing from his computer. I didn't bring my phone charger because I didn't have an adapter. I totally ran out of power when he could charge his dang phone every night.
I tell you I am so dang jealous of this thing but I have this weird devotion to my T-Mobile. Why am I so devoted to a company that I pay? THAT is an excellent question! So I am seriously considering ditching the T and going for the phone of my pickins.
Now thats all I have to say about that.

Home from France

2009-03-20T15:07:00.010-06:00

Oh was Paris a good time! I loved walking around the city, eating the amazing food and just being there. I really miss that place from when I lived there and cannot wait to go back again. My next trip will be to the Northern area to see my friends up there.
Here are some pictures and videos I took all along the tour.
Enjoy everyone!

Ah, Gay Paris!

2009-03-18T01:50:00.003-06:00

Ok like it wasn't gay enough before I got here. But now Im here and it is beautiful. Our hotel is a little bit out of the way but it is quiet which is nice. Sadly I didn't sleep but maybe 30 minutes on the flight so I was already tired when we landed at 11am here. We got checked into our cute and quaint hotel and headed out on foot to do some exploring. We were out on foot till 7pm. We hit a grocery store on the way home to grab some snack as the place we stopped to eat pizza wouldn't let us share. They said we each had to order a pizza so we left... 5 pizzas is a bit much.
Today is the Segway tour of the city. I am super excited for it. Sure I will be standing but I won't be marching all over and Im hoping that will save me some leg pain.
Tomorrow off to Versaille for some culture and then back home I come.
Love you all
Mike

2009-02-23T02:13:00.002-07:00

Ok so its like 214 in the morning and Ive just finished watching my recordings of the oscars. But I couldn't help jot down some ideas and shoot a few emails out to the family. While I was at it I fiddled with my icamera and notice how heavy I had gotten over the winter. Thank goodness for spring being around the corner cause this boy needs to slow down on the chin growth.
Love you all Oh so much and It was very good to have you all around for the funeral. It really is a blessing to get our family together. Im so glad that I am able to hop around and see you all.
Much love to everyone.
Unca Mike

And so it starts..

2009-02-11T16:12:00.001-07:00

I am at the airport awaiting the start of the travel home with grandma. I bought myself a lei to honor her memory as we make this trip home. Sorry I'm not pulling a better face in this picture it is just hard to really show any joy.
I was able to hit the beach with uncle matt once we got all the numbers squared away and the reservations settled.. It was two picture perfect days. We could bot have asked for better weather.
It feels good to be thinking of her while bringing her home..

Off to pick up Grandma..

2009-02-09T18:11:00.001-07:00

So my flight couldn't be more picture perfect. Now when I say that I'm not sitting in first class enjoying a hearty meal. No it reminds me of the first trip that I took with Grandma to Hawaii. We had booked her in a first class seat and I just figured I would get to sit up there with her using my employee pass.. But no! She enjoyed the first class luxury and I was trapped in 'Roach' as we call it at work. So for me, yes it is picture perfect. I watched two movies both with a recurring theme of strong willed southern women, the first one I didn't recognize but the second was 'The Secret Life of Bees.' Like I said.. Picture perfect.

My BFF.. Miss Helen..

2009-02-06T20:54:00.002-07:00

I love you grandma.. Thanks for the awesome memories.. You've given me plenty of good ones.. Ill keep this picture of our fun adventure for always.. What do you say you and I take one last flight together? Ill meet you in Hawaii and make sure you get home safe.

Beautiful sunshine

2009-02-04T16:04:00.001-07:00

So today with the sun shining so beautifully I decided to get out and get things done.. I got my car lubed and then washed (thanks aunt pam for the car wash certificate) While waiting on the dudes at the bischoffs I was watching the tv, my fave channel the food network, and the barefoot contessa was prepping for a party with her gay florist buddies.. The sight of flowers and the sunshine got me in the spring mood and thus this beautiful bouquet for the mom.. Happy sushiney day to all..

Ah.. Fresh as newly fallen snow.

2009-01-26T10:40:00.001-07:00

That's right blog readers. A new batch of the fresh stuff fell in salt lake last night. It is a winter wonderland all over again. Now I just get to wonder.. Who gets to clean the walks?

Fog much?

2009-01-23T23:25:00.001-07:00

Ya. Cancelled flights and major delays.. Believe it or not the sun was shining at two this afternoon..

Travel Karma

2009-01-23T23:09:00.001-07:00

So I'm thinking dad needs some new travel karma. We booked him on the early flight to L.A. So that he would have extra time to make his connection to Kauai to see mom.. The got the flight loaded and of course, the darn thing had to pull a mechanical and eventauul cancelled. Luckily we got dad listed on the maui flight, and standby tickets on to HNL and LIH to go see his beloved. We had issues last time he and I escorted gma helen to LIH. I'm just hoping the man isn't cursed. Did he break a mirror on a plane or something. I'm calling for a karmatic change.. Just need ideas on how to make it happen..

Laundry much?

2009-01-21T16:35:00.001-07:00

Ok so I hate doing laundry. I know I'm not alone in that. I hate to think that I only have to do laundry for just one person, for those of you who have to do it for more than one person.. I'm sorry. So I had gotten to the point of wearing my 'grannie panties' this is the stack of clean underoonies.. Thank goodness I have lots of em.. How's that for a totally random blog?

Doug and Tree rockin out..

2009-01-12T14:47:00.001-07:00

Shelly Andresen invited mom and dad over to play rockband, ok she told them just to come over. Check out Teresa rockin out on the drums! She was doin so good! Dad is the lead singer there on the microphone. I forget what songs we did because we did a few. I just knew you would all get a kick out of it like. I did. Maybe at retirement they will start a band!

December? what the crap!

2008-12-05T11:56:00.007-07:00

Wholy schneikeies! Where has this year gone? oh ya I spent it traveling the world over and in school.. duh. But seriously.. Its crazy that it is already December.
The other crazy thing is the greenish lawn we still have outside. Did Utah not get the memo on snowfall this year? Honestly. If it has to be cold might as well make it pretty too. The trees are naked, not the embarrassing kind of naked but just the brr its cold outside and they need some snow on them kind of naked.
Ive kind of hung up my travel pass for a few weeks. After that super fun trip to Africa I was pretty much traveled out. That and the Taylors came to us for Thanksgiving so I was happy to stay home. Momma Green and Truman come next week and then twoish weeks after that the Flegalheimer crew is making a Utah cameo. How fun with Christmas be with family? Pretty awesome I think.
I do get to get in one more trip before the years end. I am taking Gma Helen out to Hawaii next weekend. We fly out on Saturday night and I turn right around and come home. How fun does that sound? Well If I can score first class seats this time it will be better than being stuck in coach like last time.
News on the job front. I didn't get the lead job. The company is blaming the economy and so for now they are not filling the position they had anticipated. Ive thought about heading to in-flight if that becomes available. Who knows what Dl will do but we will just have to see. I just don't want to loose my job after the holidays. THAT would super suck.
I'm off to see Light in the Piazza today with my friend Brandon. Ill give you all a heads up on how that turns out.
Here are a few pics from Africa that people have been asking for.

thats Amy, Maciej, Terry, Ella and Me

Ella and Mike on Table Mountain.

Pullin a Platypus.

On the Road to CapePoint

Ive been to all but one city you can read.. what is it?

the point

sunset on the beach. It was REALLY windy

A winery in the Wine Valley

this was at a really pretty winery

The following is rated PC.. Political Content

2008-11-14T08:07:00.002-07:00

Upon returning home from Africa my email was bombed with news of Prop 8 passing in California. The following is a reporter expressing publicly what I felt on hearing and reading all the news articles.
You dont have to watch it but his voice is powerful in what he says.

I'm all traveled out!

2008-11-12T11:06:00.001-07:00

I know for most of you reading that title, you never thought you would hear me say it. Well its true.. I've been away from home eight days now and traveled halfway around the world and back again. Short hops are all great and wonderful but it was a 24 hour trip there and about 18 coming back and now I'm looking at another 4 hours back home today. My bed is looking like a heaven on earth when I get in tonight..
See y'all soon!

How funny is this?

2008-11-04T13:49:00.001-07:00

For those of you who know me well will hopefully be chuckling right along with me right about now.. This was in the jet way as I boarded my floight to Dakar..
Ill be back nest week with photos galore to share.. Love you all so much!

Civic duty and land speed records

2008-11-04T13:17:00.001-07:00

So most of you know that I'm off on one of my adventures again.
My flight this morning is at 825am. I'm currently sitting in that seat now. HOWEVER I felt I needed to fullfill that ever important civic duty and vote. I wasn't sure if the polls would be open. With high hopes I swung by the library and found doors open. I was 10th in line and the pols opening at 7. I was thinking I just might make it!! THEN they told me that I had to go over to the rec center. The line had already formed and I was like 15 in line. A shout out to Dave Baird who let me swap him spaces and bump to first in line. I was able to cast my vote and let my voice be heard AND catch my flight to JFK, of course not with out doing some safe and speedy driving..
I don't know what it is lately but things have a way of working out.
For this trip, I was bumped into an earlier training class, someone asked Me for the swap instead of me having to search it out. The days off were granted without hesitation.. I was able to vote and make my flights. I hope I'm not jinxing myself here. I just have to give thanks to the universe out there..
Peace out

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-11-02T10:02:00.003-07:00

Why is it so fun to dress up and just let go? I sure don't know but I know I love to do it. This year I made it to the Hal-Ho-Ween party that one of my coworkers threw and then I got to go out on Halloween night with my friends. The party was a little wild and crazy so I won't show off anything too risque, apparently those Delta folk really like to let their hair down. For my costume I got a jumbo bag of skittles and glued them in rainbows all over a blue shirt and blue pants. I invited all to come and taste my rainbow.

I ended up winning the award for most creative costume. NICE!
As for work I resurrected the kilt mom made for me in high school and sported that around the airport.

Love all the pictures I've seen of the family. You guys did awesome this year.
I'm off to Africa on Tuesday for Amy's birthday, I'll be back in a week. Love you all.

A hike with Katie and Brent

2008-10-24T11:19:00.004-06:00

Tuesday I went down to Provo, my passport and visa packed and ready to enter the bubble.. hahahaha.. I actually did pack dinner because we were going to make dinner for our friend Michael Auras who was visiting from Germany.
Before we had dinner however we tried hiking the Y..
PS.. not for the asthmatic prone!
We did get however some fun photos..

Falling all over..

2008-10-06T10:18:00.002-06:00

OK.. Snow already.. thats all I have to say. Yes we got snow up on the mountains this weekend. I feel like I need to be hiding my bike from the elements and living in my car. I may have to get one last ride in up the canyon with the units to see the leaves changing.
Im off to Mexico this weekend with my friends from phoenix so I should have some fun and exciting photos to share from that trip. 7 of us are renting a car and driving to Rocky Point.
I start my new shift at work today. I am at the ticket counter again. "Weight your bag, Pay cause its over weight.. " ya fun and exciting let me tell you! But it really can be fun when I get to talk to people who are going on fun trips.
So there you have it. A new post.. Enjoy!!!

Hungry?

2008-09-22T23:41:00.001-06:00

Oh yeah.. I made cinamom rolls.. Thanks to shellys yummy recipie and my own cravings I have more breakfast rolls than I can eat.. Today that is!! Hehe

No news is good news?

2008-09-12T10:38:00.003-06:00

I havent done anything super exciting lately. How sad that the last post on here was from my phone at the Taco Bell drive through!
School is going well. My creative writing class I'm finding not to be very creative. Ill have to see what I can glean from it to help with writing my books.
My next trip is a quick overnight to Las Vegas to see my friend Maciej. Ill take the last flight tomorrow night and the first flight back sunday morning. Less than 12 hours in Vegas but I will get to see my friend whom I've not seen in a long time.
Monday I am flying to Phoenix for Spa Week activites. Massage and pool time.. nothin better I say. Ill try to snap a few photos of each so that I can liven up the blog that seems to be lacking in umph.
Hope all are well. Sending sweet love to you all
oh and Happy Birthday to my two September Sisters!
Cheers

How does this work?

2008-08-31T13:51:00.001-06:00

It says,"Made with natural fruit flavors. Products contain no fruit juices."
Could someone please explain how it can taste like naural fruit but not have any juice?

My Quick Trip to LA..

2008-08-28T17:59:00.002-06:00

So you know how I like to go to the tapings of different talk shows and the like. Well I did it again. The Bonnie Hunt Show is taping and my friend Tiff and I went and had a day in LA and saw the show. That is when I went to In and Out for those asking where I was able to procure such wonderful cuisine.
On the show that day was Nia Vardalos and Glen Campbell. We all know Nia but who is the Glen Campbell character? Someone who was famous while my mother was still single so that part was WAY over my head.
If you get to see the show I am in a very green polo. So keep your eyes peeled for me.
I flew right home that night just in time for bed. It was a very fun day trip.
Whos going with me next time?

Mmmm In-n-out

2008-08-26T20:49:00.001-06:00

Honestly what is better than a double double combo meal at the local In-n-out? Went to the Bonnie Hunt show today and of course had to snag a burger for lunch.. Freakin awesome I say!!

Summer fun

2008-08-12T15:04:00.001-06:00

Is there anything more fun than jumping on the trampoline with the sprinklers on underneath? Little kids seem to think so. Little cece was having so much fun doing some little routine.. I couldn't keep my eyes off her

Holy crappola..

2008-07-30T04:01:00.003-06:00

So I'm last person McGee to get on the flight, and no not the nonstop to Salt Lake like I would have liked but I had to burn a vacation pass to sit in 26A COACH!!!!! But I'm on the plane out of Paris which is what matters.. My friend dan and I were trying to brainstorm options but thankfully we did make the flight.. Ill send another update out of CVG if I have time...

So it turns out that I did have time in CVG but because the airport there is in Northern Kentucky and not all that close to the city, I didnt have a cell signal. SO yet again, I am THEE last person to board the flight to SLC. So much for a flawless trip eh.. oh well..

Here are some of the amazing photos..
Mike and Dan in Business class

Ok someone tell me how this skinny apartment building works exactly?

The Moulin Rouge

Stained Glass Windows

The Sacre Coeur or 'Sacred Heart'

Mike and the Sacre Coeur

The police station

Notre Dame Cathedral

The Seine River

Les Plages de Paris 'the beaches of paris'

Funny haha...

2008-07-29T11:04:00.002-06:00

Bonjour from the wonderful city of paris. Yes you can see out my hotel window is the pompiers station (fire dept) and that fireman walking in.. He was walking out when we came walking by and did a silly macho walk for his friends that were behind us. Totally made me laugh.. Been to the Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and the Notre Dame.. Now off to dinner.. Need to blog about hitting the lady one the metro, twice, in the head!

Ok so about that lady. We were hopping on the metro heading to Notre Dame. We are squeezing into the train car and dont think any more people can fit in. Well these three, yes 3 guys think they can squeeze in too so they just back on in. Im falling and reach up to grab the pole and smack the lady next to me in the head, not hard. So I'm apologizing like crazy. Well at the next stop a rush of people pushes against me to leave the car so I go to let go and hit her again this time in the back of the head. She got out and moved to the next car, and I dont blame her one bit!

Lake Powell

2008-07-25T12:22:00.004-06:00

Ok so im SUPER slacking in getting this post up and running.
I have nothing to blame but my super self slackiness.
ok ive had to revise this like 3 times.. but its got all it needs now..

Hiking Mt Olympus

2008-06-28T12:40:00.005-06:00

So Katie texted me last night with the brilliant idea of hiking Mt Olympus.
Ive always had a fear, or aversion to that mountain ever since my first hike up it. It was my first hike with the scouts. I was ill equiped. I had my fathers frame backpack, a bowl of leftovers in a cool whip container and TWO otter pops. Ps it was an over nighter. It was awefull to say the least.
But today really kicked my butt and Im really glad I did it. I conquered that mountain in just the morning. We got to the trailhead at 645am and were down by 1130.
Heres the pics.

Watch out world...

2008-06-26T17:36:00.001-06:00

Here I come.. So this is my birthday present to myself this year. My extravagant purchase for my 30th birthday.. How did I do?