Fall Back...Spring Ahead...

then say goodbye.

Making the jump to Daylight Savings Time means that I busy myself with activities that mean spring has arrived. That means spring cleaning, testing season at work, and summer planning. It also means increased "do you want my course?" chatter that happens every year at this time at my work.

Today, my publications partner let me know that she is heading back to Albuquerque. Her husband finally separated from the Army and they were heading home.

Yeah, I know, people move all the time. People move on. Life goes on. I'll make a new friend. It isn't like she is moving to Europe or Africa or something. But I got use to walking across the hall. I got use to bouncing ideas off of her. I look forward to getting German chocolates from her. Her giggle is absolutely infectious. She has a horse and a goat. Yes, I said a goat. Did I mention that she understands my sense of humor?

Like all things in this universe, life continues to move forward. Sometimes, I wish that I had the power to make things remain as they are. Sigh...

Star Gazing

I just returned from a relaxing extended weekend in Las Vegas. The "official" reason that I am giving for my visit is that I went to celebrate a coworkers' 40th Birthday. The "real" reason is that I went was to just to get away. You know when you need to see a different kind of sunrise? A different sunset?

Vegas didn't disappoint. I've been to Vegas more times than I should probably admit. I mean it isn't my favorite place on earth, but I go each time I get the chance because the more Vegas stays the same, the more it changes.

It was a virginal Vegas experience for 3 of the people in my group, so being the people pleaser that I would like to think that I am, I didn't make any special plans (for myself) for this particular trip. I just decided that I'd leave myself open to whatever the cosmos deemed appropriate.

Friday night we arrived at The Paris Hotel (my favorite cheap Vegas Hotel) earlier than scheduled. Can I say, go Southwest Airlines? I had Sexy Pomme Frites (seriously, that is what they were called on the menu) and a glass of Riesling for dinner. I went back to my room, unpacked and went to bed.

Saturday morning, I got up and watched the sun rise, showered and then left to meet the birthday girl at The Bellagio for a champagne brunch. On the way to The Bellagio, I ran smack dab into the my very first frenzy. It was complete with the lights, the camera flashes, the shoving and pushing of the crowd, the hysteria and a few very serious men in black suits. Of course I was completely annoyed until I heard someone say, "Can you believe Barack Obama is having breakfast in the Paris?" Yes! Barack Obama was in the hotel. He was there to greet folks at the Buffet and to thank Nevada Caucusers. OK, I will just say that Obama's smile is nicer in person. What a charismatic man! I hope I don't get stoned for this, but the Pesto Mashed Potatoes and the entire bottle of champagne (yes, by myself) are the only things I remember about brunch.After brunch, I decided that I needed to walk off my Obama and champagne buzz. While in line at checkout counter inside Jean Philippe's Patisserie, a very nice lady gave me 3 huge oatmeal cookies (oh my God were they good) and a Hillary for President sticker. She said that the only way I could show my thanks for the cookies was to come to Planet Hollywood and listen to Hillary's victory speech. I really, really considered going, but then I saw how quickly everyone cleared out of Jean Philippe's to go over to Planet Hollywood. I had dark chocolate covered pretzel sticks instead.

Saturday night, I returned to The Bellagio. The Birthday Girl wanted dinner at Sensei. I had really decadent piece of trout with brown sugar crust and another glass of Riesling.

Sunday morning, one of the Vegas Virgins asked me if I wanted to go running. I ended up running (OK jogging) 10 miles of the strip. I know, can you believe it? I usually only run if a dog is chasing me. I did 10 miles...without stopping. Go me! After the jog. I headed to MGM Grand for lunch. Upon entering the lobby, I noticed that the lobby was absolutely swarming with girls. They were all between 9-12 years old. They were all dressed in pink and black. I will admit, I took the bait. I asked one of the few adults that I saw what was going on. I was kindly informed (it was more like a 'duh' lady) that Miley Cyrus was in the house. Yup, Ms. Hannah Montana herself was in the hotel, she had a concert later that night. What amazed me was that so many of the girls were lined up and ready to attend the show, but it was just the middle of the afternoon.

I guess now that I think about it, I am no different than they were. The girls were blinded by star light, just as I was the day before.

By the way, I'd like to thank the staff at the Mandara Spa (especially Eddie) http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/paris-las-vegas/casino-misc/spa-detail.html for making that dead weight feeling in my legs go away. You guys rock!

New Year's Resolutions

I discovered a while ago that they don't work for me. It must be calling them "New Years Resolutions" or something, who knows. So, I don't make them. What I do now is if I see a change that I need to make or a goal that I would like to work towards, I write it down and then do what needs to be done in order to make it happen. I don't find it necessary to wait until the 1st of a new year to begin.

One of my three constant goals is to eat well, lose weight and exercise. The "Big Three" (as I like to call them) are goals I like to always have on the radar. Well today I met one of these goals. I lost 10 pounds. OK, so not 10 pounds literally, but it sure felt like it. I mailed my 15-20 page portfolio to UB. I waited for 20 minutes in a very long line at the Post Office, put $1.48 worth of postage on a large brown envelope and handed it to the postman behind the desk. I made him tell me twice that UB would have my portfolio in the morning.

So what's next?

I just packed my gym bag and I am heading out the door. I have to make sure that I don't eat 10 pounds worth or chocolate while I wait for the final decision.

Believe.

Just so you know

It's Sunday afternoon and I have just written and addressed all my holiday cards. After licking all of the envelopes (yuk), it occurred to me that I will be throwing $25 out the window. I mean every single year, I go through the process of sending cards to the same group of people that I sent cards to the year before. I don't ever talk to them, not for any particular reason. I don't really know what is going on in their lives, but I send them cheer in an envelope, just to let them know I have "thought about them", and that I will think of them again....next year.

My epiphany about the $25 led me to another epiphany and then another. So on this gray afternoon (with the Green Bay vs. Raiders game playing in the background), I am going to let you in on some of them.

1. I really hate to exercise, but I do it because I am supposed to (you know, good for the heart, weight control, obese Americans, blah, blah). I like the way I feel once I am done though. Cycling and the Treadclimer are my favorites of exercise that I hate.

2. Dark chocolate is the best! I am so glad that I bought that case of 72% Cocoa Chocolate Assortment from Harry & David (http://www.harryanddavid.com/). Nothing else needs to be said about that.

3. Watching Football on TV isn't really that bad. I am not really sure why I used to complain about it in the past.

4. 60 Minutes' Andy Rooney is funny as hell.

5. I may actually be one of those statistics that are out there on black women and marriage. I am 36...not a prospect in sight. I mean I may actualy be alone for the rest of my life. Not sure if I am OK with that. I used to talk about it with one of my chic friends. Then she got married and said to me one day, "Just because you're not married, doesn't mean you are alone." I really could have punched her in her face that day. She came across as preachy and self righteous. I mean she use to understand before she became Mrs. Well I didn't deck her, but I haven't touched the topic with her again either.

6. I really love to travel. How I ever became a teacher (and a good one) is beyond me. I really should have forced the issue with the Foreign Service or mustered the courage to work for a cruise line. Or become that Tour Leader...in Europe. I have researched taking a volunteer vacation this upcoming summer. I will make my decision after the new year.

7. I am relieved that I haven't spoken to my parents this week. I call them The Vortex, as they suck all the energy out of me and I haven't become adult enough to tell them as much. I am sure that my relationship with them is totally dysfunctional and that one day I am going to regret one thing or another as it relates to them, but I just do not possess the mental or physical fortitude to deal with The Vortex right now. Sigh.

8. I am jealous of creative people. Yes, I have finally admitted it. Writers, designers, musicians, painters, actors, photographers, chefs, dancers. I am jealous of how they are able to dedicate themselves to their passion. Dedicate themselves to their craft. To see something when there is nothing and then...create.

9. I need a cleaning person. My house isn't a mess or anything, but keeping the house exactly the way I want it is A LOT of work.

10. I could win the $1,000,000 on The Amazing Race. No, I really could.

11. I really appreciate UPS, FedEx, and the USPS. Most of the trinkets in my house are here because of them. Having them around has made my life so much easier.

With that being said...I guess I should put all my cards in the mailbox. I must do my part in the cycle of mailing, shipping and delivery. I must give (or in this case mail) in order to receive.