The Worst Part

The worst part of a vacation (for me at least) is the travelling. Our recent trip to Antigua was no exception.

On the trip down, we had to get up early in the morning to get to the airport for our 7:20 am departure time. We flew to Miami where we were supposed to have a 3 hour layover. The three hours turned to 4 when our flight crew was delayed by an international flight. We arrived in Puerto Rico with only a half hour to spare for our connection to Antigua. While that seems like a lot of time, the gate agents were calling for final boarding while we were trying to run through the terminal. But, alas, that flight was also delayed by a driving thunderstorm that closed the ramp. We finally left about a half hour late, and arrived in Antigua in the dark. Unfortunately, our bags were still in San Juan. They did not have time to make the connection. There were about 5 couples who were in the same situation. By the time we arrived at the resort and got checked in, it was about 8:30 pm. We were starved as our last meal was breakfast in Miami, so we hightailed it to the closest restaurant we could find (we had a delicious Caribbean meal and several drinks). Happily, our luggage did arrive at the resort at about 1:15 am the next morning.

So, was the return trip better? No, the return trip made the outbound trip look like a piece of cake. Our phone rang at 5:30 am to wake us for our last day in Antigua. We had a quick breakfast and were shuttled to the airport for the second flight of the day. We wound up arriving so early, that the agents moved us to the first flight. That turned out to be fine because we were able to travel with a celebrity. Actress/model Amber Valletta was on our flight. You may remember her from her role as Allegra in the movie Hitch. She had been in Antigua for a photo shoot. I am pleased to say she is just as lovely in person as she is on the big screen. We lost track of her in San Juan where we had a 3 hours layover before flying to JFK. We arrived in JFK at about 5 pm, ready for our 5 hours layover before our next flight. Luckily, there was a great bar/restaurant where we were able to hang, and it was next to a sterling silver store where I purchased 2 rings. Finally, at about 10 pm, we boarded the final leg of our trip. We were so excited to be on our way home until the pilot announced that we had about an hour wait to get to the runway. We fell into our beds at home at about 1:30 am. Yes, we both had to go to work the next day.

The best part of the return? I caught someone's cold on the flight to JFK. I was so sick, I was unable to go to work on Tuesday. I am feeling much better now, but still have a bit of congestion. The travel was definitely hellish, but I think the trip was still worth it.

Back from Antigua!

Bill and I spent a wonderful week in Antigua at the Sandals Resort. It was absolutely wonderful! It was simply one of the most relaxing vacations I have ever taken. Usually, we go on vacation and go, go, go! We sight see, shop, go on tours, see shows, etc. Not with this vacation. There was nothing to see other than the clear blue water, no place to go other than the bar. The weather was wonderful (if not a bit hot). We would sit out on the beach (under a shade) after our breakfast. We might go to lunch, or simply sip on a pina colada. We would head to the main pool in the afternoon to float around with more drinks from the swim up bar. We would go to the hot tub as the sun began to set. When dark arrived, we would head to our room to relax and watch TV until we felt like showering. We would then head to dinner at any of the 9 restaurants and listen to some live music afterward. It was everything a vacation should be. Not that we were bums the whole time - we did do some activity.

We did a day excursion around the island where we toured by SUV, then went ocean kayaking. We went out to a small island called Bird Island for lunch and snorkeling. Sandals also offered many different water sports. Bill tried wind surfing. We went snorkeling on another day to a reef that is beginning to come back to life after a hurricane. We also sailed on a Hobie cat catamaran. It turned out to be the most fun thing we did and we didn't try it until the last day!

The resort was all inclusive, so there was plenty of eating and drinking. We loved that you could just walk up to a bar, request a drink, and walk away. No check, no room key, no signature required. It was the same with the restaurants. You walked in, ate what you wanted, and left when you were ready - no waiting for the wait staff to bring the bill. If that wasn't enough, there was a bar in our room with a little refrigerator. It was restocked everyday with beer, soda, mixers, water, and fruit juice. Above the bar on a shelf were 5 bottles - vodka, gin, whisky, rum, and a red wine. Yours for the taking! (there was also white wine and champagne in the frig!)

I have to say, we really enjoyed ourselves. The staff was friendly and helpful, the grounds were beautiful, and the food and drink was quite tasty. I would recommend a trip to Sandals. As a matter of fact, we are thinking of going to their St. Lucia property soon!!

Canes 10th Season Opening Night

Well, opening night didn't exactly go the way I had hoped. After the banner raising to celebrate the franchise's 10th year, there was a montage of great moments in their history. Absolutely no mention of last season, mind you. Of course, it was highly focused on the 2001-02 season when they won the Eastern Conference, and 2005-06 when they won The Stanley Cup. It's getting to be a little like Bush or Guiliani mentioning 9/11 in every political speech. Yes, we won The Cup. Yes, it was wonderful. But, it was over a year ago - let's focus on the now!

So, the Canes looked pretty good in the first period. They scored first on an Eric Cole deflection of an Eric Stahl shot, much to the delight on the pumped up crowd. Man, they had so many opportunities! I can't even count how many close calls there were in front of Montreal's net. The angels were definitely with the Habs last night. Montreal came back to tie it before the end of the first.

The second period was very slow - not much action to speak. The Canes had multiple 5 on 3 chances, but never did convert.

The Habs came out in the third and took the lead on a Koivu goal. The crowd booed. I hate negative crowd reactions. Cheer for your team, don't boo anyone!! Especially a guy who fought back from brain cancer and returned to the NHL. Luckily, the Canes got back on the ball in the last half of the third. They really did a good job forcing the net. Hedican had a beauty of a goal to tie the game once again. Overtime was looming.

I am not one for overtime. I like to finish the game in regulation. I never have a good feeling with OT. As soon as our player, Nick Wallin, took the cross charge penalty in OT, I knew it was over. Sure enough, the Habs scored within a few seconds. They crowd poured out, as defeated as the Canes.

Ward looked good in goal, and there were some sparks during the game. The Canes need to continue to work on the power play (old problem). I hope that this game is not indicative of things to come. We don't need another long season to nowhere.

Bill is Drivin' Fast!

Bill had fun in Charlotte over the weekend driving race car at The Richard Petty Driving Experience. After instruction, he was able to drive a race car around Lowe's Motor Speedway for 8 laps following an instructor. The cars on this track top out at the low 140 mph - Bill got his #55 car to just over 139 mph. He was quite pleased. I think it was a great experience for us both. I had never been to the speedway - it is huge!! We were in the center of the track, and the cars left from pit road. It was a vantage that few people get to enjoy. Bill says that next time I need to do the ride along program where I can ride passenger with a professional driver. Those cars get to about 160 mph. We now have a list of all the different locations for the experience - we may have to road trip to another race track. I am so glad he enjoyed his birthday present!

Love this picture!

The actual caption: Sometimes when you are angry with someone, it helps to sit down and think about the problem.

My husband writes: that's AWESOME. A great use for a cat- a dog's butt pillow!

The Queen City

Bill and I had a great time in the Queen City, Charlotte, this past weekend. It was part of Bill's birthday gift to go to The Richard Petty Driving School and spend a long weekend in Charlotte. Yes, Bill did go fast (more on that later).

We were totally taken aback by how beautiful and big Charlotte is. We drove down the streets and admired the gorgeous older homes on huge amounts of land. Goodness only knows how much those homes cost, but it was nice to look at all the great houses on the tree covered streets. There are some very ritzy areas of Charlotte, but also a nice mix of other, more relaxed neighborhoods. We were in an area that used to be textile mills that has now been renovated for shops, condos, and offices. It was another lovely area with a real homey feel.

Downtown was wonderful, too! The place was hopping on Saturday night with traffic at the many bars and restaurants. We were able to eat outside at a lovely Italian place called Luce in one of the tallest buildings, The Hearst Tower. We ate our brunch on the sidewalk outside of Harry and Jean's Passionate American Food (it was out of this world!) and watched all the folks walking around in their Buccaneers or Panthers jerseys.

All in all, we had a great weekend. We even got to visit the Charlotte Flying Saucer (twice) for a few beers. Great area, good shopping (of course we did some of that, too), wonderful food, tasty beer and high speed - what more could you ask for in a weekend!

Is It Me?

Do you ever have something happen where you just have to shake your head and wonder if crazy thing only happen to you?

I had the weirdest thing happen yesterday morning. Tuesdays are recycling pick-up days in our neighborhood. We happen to have 2 recycling bins - one that came with the house and one that we got when Bill's old office closed. We never put out 2 bins though. We can usually fits all our stuff in one bin. Well, I put out both bins Monday night. Bill asked me if we were supposed to have two bins, but since they were both full, I put them out.

So, the morning rolls around and the truck comes by to pick up the recycling. I was going to go out and get the empty bins, but the truck was still there. I waited a few minutes, but they never left. I decided to just go ahead and get ready for work. After my shower, I heard noises outside. The truck was still there!! At this point, I was beginning to wonder if the collectors called the recycling police. "House with two recycling bins - get the police here fast!"

I decided just to wait it out - I didn't have to leave for work yet anyway. As I waited, I began to fear far worse things. What if a serial killer was prowling the neighborhood last night and decided to drop body parts in our bin? What if the collectors were supposed to stay and watch the house until the police arrived? OK, I was reaching. I figured that if body parts were found in a recycling bin, it would take less than 40 minutes for the police to arrive. So, I had to go ask what was going on.

It turns out that the truck had broken down. Yes, it was stalled at the end of my driveway! I am pretty darn sure that I was the only person on the street still at home who needed to go to work. Why did it have to break down so that it blocked my driveway? I had to call work to let them know I would be late. I was having a hard time believing my excuse for being late even as I saw the truck blocking my driveway. It sounds so far fetched! That's when I began to shake my head and wonder if these things only happen to me.

Watch out UGA!!!

Our buddy, Mike, was indicted yesterday for his part in the dogfighting ring. I hear today that he also failed his drug test - traced of marijuana were found in his sample. Dogs everywhere will be safe soon!!

A Handful of People

In every group I have been a member of, it seems that there are only a handful of people who actually do the work. This fact was abundantly clear last night at our car club meeting.

For months, we have been looking for a volunteer to be the car show director. Jeff had done the job for 4 years, and it was someone else's turn. The committees are already set (including Bill and I heading up registration), but we just need that one person to steer the ship, so to speak. The director would just be the leader, the project manager. The rest of us have experience with our particular duties. Jeff is even willing to help guide the new director. He has 4 years worth of notes ready to pass. By our new count last night, there are 87 members in our club. How many people do you think stood up and accepted the challenge? The same number that did last month - 0. Not one person. It was coming down to the question of whether or not we would even have a car show at all this year.

Miraculously, we received news today that someone did step up and heed our call. Jeff will direct for the 5th time. Wouldn't it have been shocking if someone else really did take the role?

Bill Says...

My hubby reads my blog each weekend. He says that he needs to read it so that he knows what is going on in my head. I'm just glad he enjoys it.

He recently told me 2 things that I need to mention, so here goes...

1. It was a joint effort, but we are glad to say that we brought down the man. Yes, our mortgage company dropped the forced placed flood insurance on our home and credited us 100% of the cost. It took many phone calls and letters, but we won (and rightly so!) If it had not been for both of our efforts, we would not have been successful. I think we need to remember that for future problems.

2. Thursdays are my normal long runs with my class. This past Thursday, we received a much needed rain shower that started at about 5:30 pm. There was no thunder or lightning. Much to my surprise and Bill's, I went to class. Yes, I actually ran my 4 miles in the rain!! It wasn't so bad. It certainly helps with the sweat issue. Bill said that I should mention my dedication on this blog. Of course, I did not run on Sunday, but why let that ruin my earlier in the week dedication...

Hockey Fun!

I was reading in the paper this morning about the Canes latest goalie. It turns out that the new guy is familiar with our #1 goalie, Cam Ward. They fought each other in 2004 when they were both in the minors. They were the two opposing goalies in a game which saw a bench clearing brawl. At least they can laugh about it now.

This is one of the many reasons that I love hockey. So people who don't understand the sport think that the fighting is barbarian. It isn't. Fighting is just a way to fire up the team, to get your teammates back into the game. I will never forget my 2 favorite hockey fights:

1. The 2000 playoffs - Carolina was not doing well in the opening round against New Jersey (they were getting their butts kicked). Since there was no hope of them winning game 3 of the series, they just decided to duke it out. Everyone got into it, and there were fights all night long. At one point, the then goalie, Arturs Irbe, just left the crease, went to center ice, and jumped a guy. They lost game 3, but came back to win game 4. Unfortunately, they lost the following game and were eliminated from the playoffs.

2. The Raleigh Ice Caps - this game was many years ago, when the only hockey in town was the minor league team that played at the fairgrounds. I went to several games, but one really stands out in my mind. When all was said and done, there were about 7 players ejected from the game (very rare) and there were 103 minutes of penalties. The Caps did win in the end, by some ridiculously large score. I think it was one of the best games I have seen.

More Sex!

I just read on Ivillage that the Sex and the City Movie is starting to film today. It will open on May 30 of next year. I have to agree with their reporter - I will be there on opening day! I own all six seasons on DVD, and I would not miss this reunion for the world. Don't Mr. Big and Carrie look great? I am counting down the days already...

Frustration!!

I get so frustrated sometimes. It makes me mad when other people cannot seem to do what they are supposed to do. If the deadline for articles is the first of the month, do not send something new on the 15th and expect me to add it!! If you have a Corporate American Express Card, do not submit an expense report for things you charge on it!! If you are Britney Spears and your custody judge orders random drug and alcohol tests for you, do not go celebrate that fact in a bar/club until it closes!! Seriously people - use your brains every once in awhile!! I am tired of being frustrated on your behalf.

Update

I forgot to mention that we contacted the wildlife rehabilitation people last week about the squirrel Bill found on our porch. The little guy is doing very well. His eyes are open, he is eating, and he will be moved to the next level of caging. It was so good to hear! By the way, he does have a name. He has been named Sammy II after our doggie.

So Bored!

Do you ever get so bored that you don't want to do anything at all?

That is how I feel today. I am bored. It was hard for me to even decide to write this blog entry. I do like blogging, but I couldn't think of anything to say. So, I decided to write about being bored. It is a horrible feeling. You know you can do something, but you are already so bored, you just feel like doing nothing. Yet, if you do something, you won't be bored anymore. It's a bad place to be. I feel it more often than I wish I did.

At least we had a good weekend. The weather was just gorgeous this weekend. It was sunny and about 78 degrees yesterday. We had to push all plans aside so we could spend the day outside. After striking out at the fairgrounds (it was already packed), we went to The Sauce. We had a few beers and ate our lunch outside. Even Sammy enjoyed it. She had a good time seeing (as Bill said) the place where her parents spend so much time!

We got to spend time with our friends as well. We went out Saturday night with T&H and a whole big group of their friends. It was T's birthday yesterday, so it was great to celebrate with him. Yesterday, M&J called out of the blue. We headed over to their place Sunday night for a pizza dinner. It was quite tasty. We have such good friends. I was glad to spend time with them.

The final ingredient to make the weekend great - Bill and I each got to do our own fun thing. Bill went to a classic car cruise-in, and I went shopping!! Why can't all days be weekends?

The Dawgs won, too!!

Did you miss me?

I can't believe that it has been 9 days since my last post! My aunt sent me an e-mail to make sure I was OK. I am fine, just busy. I have been absolutely slammed at work and busy in the evenings as well. I just could not find 2 minutes to write an entry until now. Here is what is going on:

Running: I have been slacking lately. I have been running during the week, but not so much on the weekends. I have been sleeping in instead. Well, except for last Sunday. I did run in the Friesen 5K Sunday morning. Pete Friesen is the strength coach for the Carolina Hurricanes. He puts on this event for charity. Several Canes players were there, but only 2 ran (Whitney/Brind'Amour). They both finished in about 20 minutes - I finished in about 40. I was dying, but I did run the whole thing. I ran 4 miles yesterday morning, and had an epiphany. My new slogan "Appreciate the Downhills."

Work: We moved 9/6. All went really well, and we are settling in our new building. It is like trading up from a used car 10 years past its prime to a new Lexus. It's not a Mercedes, but definitely better than what we had. My office mate and I have had a great time decorating our office. Our theme is red. Good thing, too, since my teams are all red and black!! Yes, Georgia and the Hurricanes dominate my side of the room.

Hubby: My baby turned 40 on Monday. We went to his folks house Sunday for a birthday dinner. He went to work late Monday morning so we could walk our dog in the morning, then have breakfast together. I made him French Toast. We went to a nice Italian restaurant for dinner. We had a nice time. I think he liked all of his presents, and there is still more to come. We go to Charlotte in 2 weeks for his Richard Petty Driving Experience.

The Junior League: I think I know what happened to the left over Stepford Wives - they all joined the Junior League. The League is like having a part-time job with no pay or benefits. Yet, I go to these JL functions, and everyone is always smiling and so happy to be there! I spent 2 1/2 hours Tuesday night working on the October newsletter, then had to go to a meeting Wednesday night for the new members. I was not smiling.

The Dawgs: Lost to SC and Spurrier last Saturday. They looked horrible. It was a complete turn around from the previous week. I hope this week is better.

The Dog: Sammy is great - furry as usual. She hasn't torn anything up recently.

Well, that's all I have for now. It is 5:30 pm, the end of a long week. I am heading home for a night of sitting in front of the TV watching a movie (The French Connection) and drinking beer (which I have not been able to do with my busy schedule. Bill has been to The Sauce twice without me!). Happy Weekend!!!!

Pisani in Pain

Courtesy of Fox Sports on MSN:

EDMONTON (AP) - Forward Fernando Pisani will be out of the Edmonton Oilers' lineup indefinitely after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder.
"We are very concerned about Fernando's medical condition and we wish him nothing but a full and healthy recovery," general manager Kevin Lowe in a statement Tuesday.
Pisani had 14 goals and 14 assists in 77 games with Edmonton last season. After scoring 14 goals in the 2006 playoffs, Pisani was rewarded with a four-year, $10 million contract in the offseason.
"I appreciate all the wonderful words of encouragement I have received, including messages from my teammates," said the 30-year-old Pisani, who is currently undergoing treatment. "I look forward to returning to the Oilers."

Isn't this the dude who scored the winning goal in Game 5 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals in overtime while the Canes had a power play? I spent several hundreds of dollars to see that game from a standing room only viewpoint. I think this is the guys who ruined my party. Help me out, Canes Fans, am I right?

Still, I don't wish anyone bowel troubles. I hope he has a speedy recovery.

Fun with Ford

I drive a Ford car, and I have been having trouble with it. I took it to the dealership in late July and told them of a problem I have been having. They checked out the car, but could not find anything wrong. They said that I needed to have a data recorder installed on my car so that when the problem happens again, I can record what is going on with the engine. It seemed like a good idea to me. Well, apparently, they only have 1 data recorder and someone else was using it. So, I waited. I waited some more. Every time I called, it was still on someone else's car. After a month, I finally asked to speak to some one higher up than the technician who had been helping me.

Alas, I received the same information from the customer service manager. I would just have to wait. Well, I was tired of waiting. So, I wrote a little note to Ford Motor Company to complain about my service. Lo and behold, when you state that you are afraid to drive your Ford car, someone really does listen. I received a call today from a customer care representative at Ford and the dealership has found a data recorder. I can go in tomorrow to have it installed on my car. I guess going to the higher power really did work.

Found on porch

This morning, Bill found something strange on our front porch. He called me to look at it, and we figured it was a baby squirrel. It seemed that it has been abandoned or lost. We had no idea what to do with it, so Bill moved it into the shade. It was still bothering us. We couldn't get the little guy out of our minds. Bill looked up "How to care for a baby squirrel" on the Internet (isn't the net great?) and it gave us some ideas. We were getting ready to go to the store for infant formula when Bill happened upon a wildlife recovery website. He called a local person who advised us not to feed the animal, but to place it in a shoebox in a cool area. Bill just got another call and he is rushing the baby to the experts so he can be properly rehabilitated. Bill is such a good person - he just wants the baby to be OK. He feels good now, and I feel good that I married him.

PS - In other animal news, my Dawgs beat OSU last night 35-14. Go DAWGS!!

My favorite time of year

Today marks the beginning of the best time of the year, at least to me. My favorite time of year is September 1 to January 1. I absolutely love the fall for so many different reasons:

1. Cooler weather
2. The beauty of the leaves changing
3. College Football
4. Hockey season
5. Fall clothes
6. Fall handbags
7. Fall shoes (do you see the trend here?)
8. Hubby's birthday
9. My Birthday
10. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

There is nothing that I do not like about the fall. Everything just seems better today. The weather is already cooler today than it was yesterday. I am going to go watch my beloved Bulldogs play their first game of the year tonight on TV. Soon, I will be able to wear those beautiful wide legged gray and black light wool trousers with my gray suede lace up booties. What's not to love?