Paradise

Endless Hours of Nothingness

2008-01-25T14:21:00.000-05:00

Everything I do lately is a waiting game. I came down to Fort Lauderdale to sell my car yesterday. It took me a day and a half of waiting to get on a flight to come down here!

I finally arrive in FLL (airport code for Fort Lauderdale) and head to the grocery store to buy myself some organic food (because that's all I eat now) and while in the parking lot of Publix my shifting clutch on my car gets stuck in between park and reverse. After an hour (and blisters and welts on my fingers) of trying to un-jam it, it finally comes loose.

S0, before I sell it I know I have to get this repaired. Because nobody is going to buy it like this.

So here I am now, sitting in the car repair center, blogging to you. I have been sitting here for 2 hours so far.

Not to mention my entire existence of my reserve life as a Flight Attendant is a constant waiting game. Some might see this as a reward, but for me right now, I just want action!!!

What's Been Going On?

2007-12-05T20:38:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a long time! I know! I'm sitting up on the top bed of a bunk bed in my crash pad!! A lot has changed for me! I now live in Fort Lauderdale & Newark and work for a new Airline. I also will soon be living in Manhattan! Yay! My Flickr page is now my major blogging method, so you can find my latest there.
I am very excited about Christmas this year. Being in NYC area for Christmas is the best possible place to be! I am going to take a lot of Christmas photos of NYC over the next couple of weeks so stay tuned...

Willy Wonka & Max Brenner

2007-08-25T15:02:00.000-04:00

While visiting NYC on my last layover I did a lot of really fun things. But probably my favorite thing was visiting this chocolate restaurant. It was like being inside Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. My female flight attendant co-workers were also very much pleased with this establishment - stating how dangerous this place could be during certain times of the month. The chocolate was so delicious that I have been craving it ever since! Not just your ordinary cocoa beans. Here's a little blurb about his shops:

"Max Brenner was established in Israel in 1996 and his main idea was to design a new chocolate culture. Through his unique product line, you will become familiar for the first time, with the flavours and aromas of cocoa beans from different origins. You will experience many aspects of the hot chocolate drinks and discover traditional as well as modern innovative utensils designed for the hot chocolate ceremony. You will also enjoy traditional chocolate candy recipes as well as modern ones, mixed with lavender flowers, cardamom and black pepper. Max has developed new ways to consume chocolate. The "Suckao" is a special cup with a metal straw and candle underneath that was designed for preparing and drinking thick hot chocolate with a smooth creamy texture."

New York City and Paris

2007-08-19T17:33:00.001-04:00

I’ve spent the day dreaming of Paris. It’s strange how every 3 yrs it calls to me, and then I have to return. It’s been 3 years now, and it has been on my mind as of late. I’m starting to get to know the City of New York. I do enjoy the City more now, thanks to Stefano. But, a long time ago someone told me that: “Oh Sara you would love New York City because it’s so much like Paris” I can’t really say that NYC is Paris. I am sorry but it’s like comparing oranges and apples. (Paris is an orange in this scenario – my favorite food.)

I loved Paris from the first moment I arose from the Metro and stepped out onto the streets. My eyes felt like they wanted to eat up every moment, every vision, and capture it in my heart forever. I felt an overwhelming sensation of “heaven on earth”. And that’s how I always feel in Paris. Paris is and always will be my true love.

As Stefano told me in NYC, “New York takes a while to warm up to. But then once you do, you will fall in love with the City.” I have to admit, I feel a tinge of excitement for my future love. (Am I talking about NYC, or Stefano? Perhaps it applies to both, but initially I was talking about NYC.)

Back to Paris…soon I will be able to travel to Paris very affordably and whenever I wish, because soon I will be switching to a major airline. I can’t wait for my new adventures abroad. I can’t wait for my return to my Home across the Atlantic…

I Lost My Phone!

2007-08-13T20:58:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how much my attitude has changed in a year! About a year ago I was posting entry's about how nice it was to be phone-less. Of course this was after spending a year and a half being on call and glued to my phone 24/7. But the other day I lost my phone and it was like my whole world was spiraling out of control. I longed to talk to certain people, I was absolutely dying to talk to them! I felt like someone had taken away a piece of me. And well, I am not going to go through the whole story because it would bore you, but let's just say that I feel like it is an absolute miracle that my roommate found it and I am ever so grateful to her. I also, feel like hearing her voice at the end of my phone after all the turmoil I went through was a sign. A sign of a true friend, not to be forgotten.

A Room of One's Own

2007-08-02T13:18:00.000-04:00

I remember reading the short book, "A Room of One's Own" by Virginia Woolf when I was 18 yrs old. I remember being struck by two things after I read it: #1) How the heck did this Virginia person know my life so well, and #2) Why exactly is this feminist literature? Am I missing something?

I suppose one could discuss #2) over and over in a debate in a Lit class, but that is oh so boring, why would we even go there. The point is, this book was a major breakthrough to me, and ever since then I can say, especially now, and at this very moment: I cannot tell you how fabulous it is to have a "Room of My Own"!

Site I Like

2007-07-15T17:13:00.000-04:00

This is a site I just found that I like and wanted to share with you:

http://www.centralpark.com

Runner's Training Log

2007-07-15T15:24:00.000-04:00

I just went to the Runner's World online site, and found that they have an online "Training Log". It's really great! It tracks your miles, day by day, month by month. Totals up your miles, graphs your miles. You can record the routes you take, the shoes you wear, and any workouts you do. I really like it and will also recommend it to my Dad (who is now the #1 runner in the family!) But I really recommend it to anyone. It is not tracking weight loss, which sometimes can be very aggravating to do. It's not telling you how much you should run, or how, or where, it's a log for your own personal growth.

Pilates Class 1

2007-07-15T14:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went to Best Buy to drool over digi cam's. Dying, absolutely dying, to buy one I imagined my "perfect" Flickr page complete with pics from my layovers, (like my Layover in Paradise), pics of my home which I will soon be leaving, pics of my roommate and some friends I have made down here in FLL. But I reminded myself of the massive car payment I just made and convinced myself that, "I need to start doing pilates, because all classy women in NYC do either yoga or pilates." I am partial to pilates, so I bought a pilates dvd that was on sale for $4.

It was a good workout, the dvd seemed to move really fast, but I was able to keep up. The setting for the video in Sedona, Arizona was breathtaking and relaxing. Today I feel sore, but a good sore. Pilates is good for people with back problems. And I have had back problems in the past, so I think this will be help me. I could actually feel it stretching out the muscles in my back and it felt good. I still feel charged today from all the stretches too. I have to admit, it being my first time, my movements were not perfect form yet.

Lost in Translation

2007-07-13T15:37:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting in Starbucks using the Internet, and blogging to you. I want to talk to y'all about my frustrations lately with going to coffee shops and trying to use the Internet. I come in, sit down, start emailing, etc, and within minutes I have a new "friend" whom won't leave me alone. It happens all the time lately. I remember the day when I used to feel honored by attention from members of the opposite sex. I remember the days when I used to feed off of it. Those days are long gone now. When I am sitting in a coffee shop on my laptop - I do not want to be disturbed! And no matter how nicely I tell them, "I am busy". They just don't get it. Somehow, "I'm sorry! I'm busy, I'm working really hard on my resume right now and have no time to talk to anyone." Is translated in their head as: "So your telling me I've got a chance?" I see that look on their face as the translation is going on, and so I quickly reiterate what I think will clearly reveal my feelings to them, in a forceful voice, "No, really, I cannot have you disturbing me right now, I am seriously working hard here and have to have full concentration." Two seconds later they reply, "Oh well I'll just sit down for a minute, I won't bother you." !!!!!!!!!

So today I have taken away all the chairs at the table and made it so nobody can sit down next to me. So far it's working.

Layover in Paradise

2007-07-09T19:53:00.000-04:00

Wake up 10 AM. Memory foam bed with 2,000 count cotton sheets, big fluffy white pillows, down comforter. The sun is peaking through the sheer part of the curtains which I've left open to greet me upon waking. I look out and see 6 ft surfer waves crashing against the rocks, palm trees and three large swimming pools.

As I'm lying in my suite, still in awe, and feeling more and more like Diana Ross, I hear my room service knocking, bringing me crepes with strawberries, a soy latte and the daily newspaper. Sifting through the travel section, while eating my crepes, I'm taken to castles in Portugal and cafe's in Athens.

After breakfast, I get up to take a surround jet high pressure shower. The shampoo/conditioner/soap are a luxury brand name I've never heard of, but have herbs that are supposed to "calm" me. The white fluffy towels and wash clothes are stacked ready for 20 showers.

As I step out of the shower the A/C starts to feel a little chilly, I tell the cooling system to raise the room temperature, slip into my dry-cleaned clothes (complimentary hotel service), and get ready to explore the city.

There's a festival going on in the city, there often is here. Getting caught up in the celebration I have to sample several exotic foods. After my taste buds have been satisfied I walk back to my 5 star hotel. My pedicure is still holding up, good.

It's time for the beach, I change into my bathing suit and get ready to enjoy the Caribbean on a hammock stretched between two palm trees next to lapping ocean waves. The sun is wonderfully warming, and every now and then a nice breeze cools my skin just when I need it. I jot down notes in my journal, and make plans for the rest of the day. Skydiving? Rainforests? Surfing? Relaxing?

Stepping off the hammock the pool calls me for a dip and three quick laps. While taking the elevator upstairs I turn on my iPod to hear, "Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right" by Billy Currington. By the time I arrive in my room, I am motivated by my iPod to change into my workout clothes and get ready to turn up the endorphines.

The workout room is fully equiped with every workout machine one would ever desire, bottled water, stacks of clean towels, TV's, fresh fruit and a great view of the ocean. And. as if that wasn't enough, next to the workout room is a sauna, and hot tub room. One word: perfection.

After working out, hot tubbing, and using the sauna I see that it's getting close to the time to meet up with my co-workers. I must shower and get decked out for my "night on the town"!

Meeting up with my co-workers in the hotel lobby we make plans for dinner. Our evening begins at a beautiful outdoor restaurant underneath a small forest of trees all lit with firefly lights and paper lanterns. I feel like a fairy and the mojito's are luring me into an even more mystical state of being.

After the magical woodland encounter we go salsa dancing. Although, I am not trained, I like to pretend that I am, at one point the dance floor becomes a circle surrounding me and my dance partner.

Dancing for hours, I say goodbye at 4 am and head home to my fluffy bed to dream of another layover in paradise.....

Reporting from DC

2007-04-23T14:01:00.000-04:00

Hello all! I'm in Washington D.C. today. It's beautiful here, the trees are blooming, the sun is shining. It's one of those days that feels like Spring and Summer have merged into one state of being. I love it! Life is good. Dreams of Milan and Cinque Terre have resurfaced in my thoughts, and I see a beautiful journey soon to be traveled on the horizon. Next month I shall be traveling to Nashville. And soon my Dear Sister will be visiting me in Fort Lauderdale. Not to mention that my Brother is finally marrying the woman of my dreams. (I probably shouldn't be saying such things in a blog where everything can be taken the wrong way, but alas, today is a "Moon River" sort of day. And, "Anything Goes".) I hope each and every one of you reading this is having as good of a day as I am today. This is Sara signing off direct from the Nation's capitol. Until we meet again....

tee hee

2007-04-12T21:42:00.000-04:00

You know what's funny? I check my own blog to see if anyone's posted a new entry. ;) Nope nobody did...I guess I'll have to.

Stepping Back in Time

2007-04-01T22:49:00.000-04:00

Today I decided to take a walk down memory lane. Back to last summer, the places I used to frequent, the paths I used to walk each day when I first moved here to Fort Lauderdale. As I walked from Borders to the Galleria Mall I could see in the distance my old crash pad home. Tears filled my eyes as I realized that it all really happened. It's so strange how places can have so much impact on one's lives and yet we can completely forget them. I've been so busy working away that I really had forgotten how it all began for me down here in FLL.

Some highlights of the day:

~Talking tea with the gals at Teavana.
~Discussing espresso machines at Williams-Sonoma.
~Walking across the draw bridge leading to A1A, peering at the yachts and Water Taxi below.
~Watching a sea gull flying around with a Lance Armstrong "Live Strong" wristband in it's beak.
~Wading in the Atlantic, and spotting a beautiful sailboat on the horizon.
~Finding the Chai mix I'd been wanting to buy 75% off at Borders Cafe (Seattle's Best coming).
~Reading about Audrey Hepburn's life and admiring her thick eyebrows and fake eyelashes.
~Walking around all day with my water bottle and having almost everyone comment on how "smart" I was to be doing so.

Home Alone on a Saturday Night!

2007-03-31T22:23:00.000-04:00

This could be viewed as really lame, or as a blessing. I think it's a combination of both. I work two jobs and rarely have any free time. I forget what day it is all the time, and feel content when I can remember my name or age. 30 now, wow! Good job, Sara! And look, I just remembered my name too!

So many people seem to have the "blues" right now. Including myself. The strange thing is, I was blue last year around this time. And so were many of the same people that are blue now.

I was remembering my Sister telling me via a silly IM last year around this time something that I found profound. Little did she realize I would find such profoundness in it, I think she was just trying to keep me upbeat. But here's the story...

I was sad (had the blues) about my life. And I was complaining to her through IM's:

"Why can't life be like Charles Wysocki picture? In the Charles Wysocki pictures, there are pretty landscapes, happy faces, apple butter, ice skating, cocoa breaks, kite flying, hopscotch while carrying an ice cream cone, root beer festival's, quilting bee's, etc ."

And my Sister IM'ed me back saying:

"It is."

And I said:

"No, it's not! In my picture there's gloom, trees without leaves, dark clouds, lightning, someone tripping while playing hopscotch and the ice cream spilling all over them, people crying. No happy faces."

And then she IM'ed me back saying:

"Look Again!"

This might not strike you personally as an earthshattering statement. But for me that "Look Again", really did the trick at the time. And I still remind myself at times like these, when I have the blues, (and I suppose the mean reds too) of that statement.

Look Again!

Life

2007-03-24T17:49:00.000-04:00

Life has a funny way of taking a person down one path and then five seconds later leading you in the complete opposite direction from where you originally set out to go. No matter how intent I am upon going in one direction, it seems that my mood or the landscape can change as quickly as a heartbeat and before I know it I'm headed in the opposite direction. What starts out as a painting of a beautiful Monet landscape somehow ends up becoming a snowboard, or a bonfire in the woods on an autumn evening.

"I thank God for unanswered prayers," this Garth Brooks line keeps popping up in my head lately. Trying to convince myself that it should make me feel better has not been easy for me. Trying to convince myself that this new path is better for me, also, has not been easy for me as of late.

And I know that change is not easy, but it's more than that. It's that you have set in your mind where you are supposed to be going and then somehow along the way there's a diversion. And somehow you are supposed to just forget about your original destination? What would have happened in my life if I'd never met Paris? I cannot even imagine such a tragedy. Some might think I am being dramatic, but for those of you who know me, you will know that I am just being honest.

Wine Enthusiast

2007-02-11T17:48:00.000-05:00

"This wine is too good for toast-drinking, my dear. You don't want to mix emotions up with a wine like that. You lose the taste."

~Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises

Whole Foods Whole Paycheck

2007-02-11T12:19:00.001-05:00

So I've been frequenting Whole Foods a lot more lately. I've also been frequenting Sam's Club. I think some of it might be liking these places, but a larger portion, me thinks, might be the memory and connectedness of going to these places back home with my Sis Te Rs.

I like that Whole Foods has a lot of community activities that they host. They have regular wine tasting events, cooking classses, massage days, poetry nights, music nights, how to shop at Whole Foods on a budget (yes, let me show you our gum section). And I love that both of these places offer free samples so I get to taste all sorts of new product. Like the other day I had yogurt made with Water Buffalo Milk. It's higher in calcium and supposedly better for you. It wasn't bad.

In Sam's Club I stood behind a lady who threw a fit because they had just ran out of the free sample of South Beach Diet Chicken Fajitas. She was literally crying, "It's just not fair! It's just not fair!" I had no idea that there was someone out there who could be more excited about trying free samples than my Sisters could be.

Although I do love both of these places I still haven't found anything to replace my favorite place to grocery shop in Ann Arbor.

The Battle of the Heart vs. the Head

2007-02-10T22:54:00.000-05:00

I was just talking to a good friend of mine on the phone about my frustrations with my heart and my head always fighting with each other. They just never seem to be on the same page. Mainly I was referring to this in regards to my inability to move on from my last relationship.

My heart seems to be hanging on with grips of steel while my mind is like, "What the heck are you doing?!" Then my heart softens and thinks happy thoughts and then my mind lashes out, "That was in the past, move on to the present!"

But even at the end of my phone conversation with my friend, he ends it with: "Keep hope alive" (not really meaning keep hope alive for you know who) and once again my heart is right back in it again, going for the long haul. Holding steadfest onto the mast of my yacht in the midst of a hurricane in the Bermuda Triangle...let's just hope I don't end up like Chuck Muer.

I Wanna Get Up in Your Grill

2007-02-06T18:22:00.000-05:00

When I was driving down to Florida from Michigan I was hit on for the first time while driving. I was in Georgia almost to my destination of meeting my boyfriend in Atlanta when a hillbilly in a pickup truck beside me was signaling to me to roll down my window. I was busy listening to Alan Jackson (very Georgia appropriate, I know) and didn't roll down my window because I wouldn't be able to hear the music. So I just kept glancing over trying to figure out what his deal was. Then he held up a piece of paper with writing on it. I read it and it said, "You are sexy!!" I was like, "I can't believe this! Why would anyone ever hit on someone when they are driving? How sad!" I called my boyfriend and told him, then the hillbilly backed off, probably thinking I might be calling the cops or something. '

Since I moved down to Fort Lauderdale, I get hit on while driving on average 3 times a day. It is so routine now that I am used to it. But I still think it to be the strangest thing in the world. Who are these people that think that when I am off driving I am out looking to get a date?!

Well, I've discussed this with my boss, whom is a woman my age, and we have concluded that I am "no longer in Kansas". Let's just say there is a very different crowd down here in Florida.

The Art of First Dates

2007-02-03T19:15:00.000-05:00

I was just speaking to my youngest Sister about dating casually. She is going on several "first dates" with people she has met online or in person. I told her about how I think it's important for all women who are interested in having serious relationships, to at some point in her life be "wined and dined" for a while, go on lots of dates, and meet lots of different people.

When you are dating casually and just for fun, there are so many things one learns about men and relationships, and well, just what your own personal needs are in a relationship.

When reminiscing with my youngest Sister about the many "first dates" that I have had over the years, I remembered that it was important for me to pass on a little secret to her. Once you've gone on so many dates, one really does learn how to master little techniques. My favorite one is: the reversal break off. This one took me years to master, I must confess. But I somehow found a way to completely reverse things so that the other person whom is interested in you ends up breaking up with you, so that you don't have to do the breaking up. I guess it's kind of like "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days". But this technique if mastered, can really work wonders for a person, trust me! And to master the technique on a first date, is like shooting a three pointer and getting all net!

Is there a Genius in?

2007-01-28T18:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, traffic had me running late to my appointment at the Apple Store in Aventura to fix my iPod. So I called the Genius Bar to let them know that I would be late, and "is this going to be OK?" The lady on the other end of the phone said, "just a moment" and then put me on hold. She came back after a bit and said, "It's OK, I have told the Genius".

Digi Cam Dreamin'

2007-01-28T16:30:00.000-05:00

I liked this.

Hemingway Searches for Paradise

2007-01-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

I just was on the phone discussing William Faulkner, Jane Austen, and Ernest Hemingway with my Sister. It gave me an appetite to read my next book, "The Sun Also Rises" by Hemingway. I was discussing with her how I feel like Hemingway follows me wherever I go. It's not that I think he is a "good" or "bad" writer, just that he happens to be wherever I go. Following in the footsteps of Hemingway is like following my life path. I am looking forward to my trip to Key West, and am hoping that I can go with a literary person and visit Hemingway's home. We shall see...anyone interested?

I'll never forget the thrill of returning from Paris one summer, sitting by the pool reading, "A Moveable Feast". As I was reading I instantly felt a closeness to Hemingway in realizing that I had just walked in his footsteps, taking the exact same walking paths, spending time in the exact same cafe's, thinking some of the same thoughts he had, as in the book, and during that time in his life 80 years earlier. It was exhilarating! So, ever since then, I've had a liking for Hemingway. Sexist, vulgar, and pigheaded as he might be, I can't help but relate to the places his passions led him.

Coffee Break Spanish

2007-01-27T21:21:00.000-05:00

I am listening to the free Podcast of Coffee Break Spanish on iTunes. I'm trying to learn Spanish, because it seems to be a necessity down here in Southern Florida, as well as, on all my flights that I work. I like this Podcast and recommend it to anyone trying to learn Spanish, there are, of course, other language Podcasts, so if you are trying to learn a language I suggest looking at iTunes for audio lessons.

I should get back to my studies...adiós para ahora.

I am cold!

2007-01-24T22:14:00.000-05:00

I am on a long layover in Atlanta right now. What started out as a day of excitement for what I might possibly do today, ended up as a big disappointment as my crew-members one by one dropped out from doing anything with me, due to the cold weather. I can't say that I blame them. I miss Florida so! I have come to realize that I never want to live in a cold environment ever again! It's one thing to visit - but to live? I am happy that I live in a warm State, and I feel that I must not ever take it for granted. This trip has reminded me of this. Unfortunately, I will be having several more of these reminders in the future, being that many of my upcoming layovers take place in cold cities.

I finished reading the book, "Persuasion" by Jane Austen. I am wondering now if my subconscious choose this book for a reason. The book that was meant to be my "escape into other people's stories and lives" ended up putting me right back in the middle of my own. And perhaps, not coincidentally, mirrored many of my own feelings at the present time. Feelings and fears.

I think perhaps a red flag should have come up when I started reading this book and the particular subject manner. It was like being bitten by a mosquito and then watching someone next to me scratching their bite. Meanwhile, lecturing myself: "Don't scratch it!" And looking over enviously and angrily at the soul who is free to scratch whenever they please. That Jane Austen!! ;)

Slowly Learning

2007-01-21T23:31:00.000-05:00

Some things do become clearer over time. I think the hardest struggle for me at the end of my last relationship was hearing the voices of so many people, other than myself. I kept wondering: "what I should do", "what I should say", and this was all based on stuff I'd read out of books on breakups, input of friends, stories from others. So it took me a long long time to finally hear my own inner voice. I am finally hearing it....and you want to know what it's saying? Well, sorry, it's between me, myself and I. But let's just say that I am seeing things clearer than I was yesterday or the day before that. And finally I feel like I might actually be getting somewhere.

Two days of relaxation at last!

2007-01-21T13:24:00.000-05:00

I am blogging and listening to "Persuasion" by Jane Austen at the same time. So if I start writing about captains and ships you will know why. I like that the character "Anne" also has an "e" on the end of her name.

Chapter Seven: "A very few days more, and Captain Wentworth was known to be at Kellynch, and Mr. Musgrove had called on him, and come back warm in his praise, and he was engaged with the Crofts to dine at Uppercross, by the end of another week."

Wow! That's a lot of "and's" and commas for one sentence! This is getting too confusing writing and listening to an audiobook. So I'm' switching over to music now. Shania Twain's: "You're Still the One".

So this is how my two days of relaxation has been, in Fort La Dee Da. All I need to do is pick up a surf board and my day will be complete.

I really should go to the beach...I haven't visited it in a while because I've been working every day. Ciao for now!

I had no idea...

2007-01-19T13:42:00.000-05:00

I had no idea how many people actually read this blog! I hardly ever post. And when I do it's just some (what I feel to be) selfish diary-like rambling all about me. I have had a struggle for a while understanding, "What is a blog exactly?" I love love love reading other people's blogs but meanwhile I feel so bored and sort of self obsessed whenever I write in mine. When I was dating CR, I felt that I could just blog about us all the time, so that way it wasn't "all about me". But now that I am single, and single in very many ways...not even connected to family in my new State of Florida, hardly connected to a job or a location, just sort of wandering my way through life. I really don't have anyone else to write about. But finding that my own Mother, reads my blog, I have to admit, awoke a desire in me to keep writing. Perhaps there is some meaning in these ramblings after all? If it's connected to my Mother, well then, it certainly must be Shakespere! ;)

"Lessons Repeated Until Learned"

2007-01-16T00:12:00.000-05:00

I got this phrase from my oldest Sister, whom heard it from a good friend. It's one that I have been mulling over and over for the last month. I feel like I am supposed to be learning something big. A big life lesson. Because things are being repeated in my life, without complete understanding. But I am not there yet. I am not to that level of "learned".

Today my Sister told me that there is another piece to this saying. She told me that when you are meant to learn your lesson, you will, and it will be the right time for it.

Life is definitely confusing. But sometimes, we do have moments of understanding. And sometimes we can see clearly a glimpse of truth, a glimpse of paradise.

The First Time I Felt Christmas...

2006-12-20T19:20:00.000-05:00

I haven't quite felt like it is Christmas at all down here amongst the palm trees and 80 degree weather. Many have told me that: "you just have to get used to sipping margarita's on a beach to understand the Floridian Christmas". I look at the Christmas decorations and I feel, a little chuckle rising out of my belly. Watching people shop for Christmas presents is a real hoot. But tonight, for the first time I felt the "Spirit of Christmas" when I read this entry.

Sick

2006-12-19T19:26:00.000-05:00

Sick, sick, sick...So sick am I!

I don't know about all this bouncing around...

2006-12-15T17:55:00.000-05:00

Fort Lauderdale, Punta Cana, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago. Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Nassau, Fort Lauderdale. I love my job...but sometimes I feel like a ball being bounced around the globe.

Love

2006-12-14T21:14:00.000-05:00

I have to let you go because I love you.

Is Being Cell-less Selfish?

2006-12-11T19:31:00.000-05:00

I don't know if any of you out there have gone without having a cell for a while and cherished the freedom of no longer being glued to a phone. I have. In fact, I went a whole month without a cell phone, and I have to say it was very liberating. When the time came for me to get a phone, (too many people were unhappy about not being able to contact me) I was loathing my return to the world of "missed calls, stories, explanations, uh-huhs, yes'es, OK I'll do that soon's, oh no of course I missed talking to you".

The funniest part about not having a cell phone was watching the fear come over my friend's faces when they found out I was without one. It was like all of a sudden I was about to be attacked by BigFoot and there was no way I would survive because I didn't have a cell phone to call them for help. My friends panicked, they couldn't handle it. So anyways, in truth, I went back for them.

It hasn't been horrible having a cell phone, but I have to admit I did sort of miss the freedom I felt from no longer being attached to it. It was like another appendage had grown on my body, an annoying appendage that wouldn't stop ringing, and I'd finally freed myself of it.

Well, today, completely by my own mistake my phone got turned off. I never received my phone bill and thought that I had until the 15th to pay it. It's a month to month phone payment deal. So here I am, for one day, Cell-less again; being completely selfish and loving it!

Sunday in the Sun

2006-11-26T12:25:00.000-05:00

Actually it's a little cloudy, but still sunny here in Fort Lauderdale. I'm just trying to figure out my day and what needs to be done. Coming back from a trip (especially after not traveling for so long) seems to have thrown me off a little. I had forgotten what it was like to wake up and wonder: "where am I today?" I had forgotten what it was like to have a moment of worry that I had forgotten my cell phone charger, or my ID badge. It's been nice to be "grounded" for two months, but I am ready to head back up to my home in the sky. Somehow the term "airhead" takes on new meanings for one who is always afloat.

Yachts for Everyone!

2006-11-25T15:07:00.000-05:00

Since I moved down to Fort Lauderdale from Ann Arbor, MI I have been amazed and sometimes dumbfounded by the visual opulance and wealth that surrounds me. Living on Las Olas Blvd was the height of this for me. Every which way I looked there were huge yachts, Lamborghinis, Chanel handbags, blinding bleach white teeth. For a gal living off a flight attendant salary, I found myself laughing inside at my new found home and the irony of it. Being perhaps at the lowest point in my life at the time in terms of finances, the world around me certainly appeared to be raining money.

Every evening I would take a walk down Las Olas towards the ocean. And all along my walk I would admire the miles and miles of yachts clinging to the Intercoastal. One night, I wondered to myself, if the owners found half as much enjoyment in their yachts as I did admiring them from afar.

As I looked at the yachts in the evening I recall how the moonlight and the stars reflected all around them appearing as a shimmering pool of diamonds. Somehow simple things like water began to look like diamonds, spas became a lifestyle and sitting next to Gisele whilest eating dinner became a normal day for me.

Although it wasn't Beverly Hills, for me, my new life was close enough. Close enough for me to start to see the wrinkles on overtanned skin, the boringness of a Pagani compared to an RV, and how much more fun my family has eating dinner beside me.

Don't get me wrong, I love my new life, in which every day I feel like Jack in the "Titanic" winning the ticket to board the greatest ship ever built. But yesterday after building a floor to ceiling bookcase by hand with my Sister (my sister doing most of the work mind you) I stood back to look at the completed project and felt a sense of pride and beauty that even a pool of diamonds couldn't replace.

Writing from my bedroom

2006-10-29T17:29:00.000-05:00

I finally had a day off today! I worked many hours this week. Sleeping in this morning was so nice! I had forgotten what it was like. I just worked out at the gym (where I live) and then took a nice little stroll around the grounds. The grounds and buildings of where I live is like a Disney movie. It used to be a resort, but they converted it into condos. I feel like I'm either in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Beauty and the Beast, or Sleeping Beauty.

I'm contemplating going to my favorite coffee shop, but I'm starting to get worried about my excessive laptop usage. I don't have a working cell phone right now. Which has been very nice believe it or not. But I have been getting online a lot more than usual to use AIM, gmail talk, and MSN. I think I need to break out of this pattern. I've often felt in life that it's important not to be too repetitious of life patterns and to try new things.

Although, when I was working out today I kept thinking that of all the habits I pick up I wish I could pick up the bad habit of working out daily. ;) I am going to try to do this more. After all it is one of the reasons I moved down to Florida - to be able to workout outdoors year round.

One of the things I hate about blogs is the "diary like" boring self-centeredness of them...I have to admit, since I've posted down here in Florida that's all that you've gotten from me. I am sorry! I hope that in the future I might pull something out that is at least slightly moving for my readers!

Ypsilanti Ann Arbor Visit

2006-10-02T16:49:00.000-04:00

The train is going by as I am sitting inside my Sister's home in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She lives right across from railroad tracks so I can hear it loud and clear. I love hearing trains go by and I think my Sister is very lucky.

It is cold here in Michigan! And there is no sunshine today! Yesterday, the day was perfect weather Michigan-wise. Sunny, not too cool, nice fall hayride weather. The leaves have started to change, but I can tell that it will be at least another week before the full array of colors arrives.

I spent my afternoon eating sandwiches and soup, drinking lattes, and conversing with my parents over the tops of our laptop screens. My Sister and Brother joined us during some of the gathering. It was a nice little get together. First we met at Bombadill's for coffee and to use the wireless. But the wireless was down. Then we met at Panera Bread and had lunch. The wireless was working there, except for my Mom's laptop. Her laptop was having wireless connection problems. It was interesting sitting at a table filled with family laptops and discussing websites and computer related topics. I started to feel that my computer geekiness was wearing off on my parents too. Where would the world be without laptops? Chaos, I'm sure!

I enjoy visiting with my family, but I miss Fort Lauderdale! I miss the sun, the palm trees and the yachts! I just hope that I can pull myself together down there so that I can make it a successful transition. Just moving would be enough for one, but I have had every sort of obstacle there could be occur in my life over the past 4 mths. Including the state of Michigan trying to suck me back in!

Did I mention Michigan is cold?! Jeesh! I seriously cannot believe I put up with this for this long! Now I am like such a baby when it comes to the cold! And it's not even winter yet!! Although I've been avoiding long term sun exposure in Florida due to all the raisins down there, all I can think about since I've been back in Michigan is laying out on the beach in Lauderdale and soaking up every ray of the sun!

I'm writing!

2006-09-30T20:02:00.000-04:00

I don't know why all of a sudden I have decided to write today. So most likely it will just be a rambling free form post. I'm sitting in a coffee shop which offers free wireless in Fort Lauderdale, Barnies. (Sorry if this link doesn't work, I've noticed their site goes down from time to time.)

I moved to Fort Lauderdale back in June and ever since I have lived like a gypsy, moving from place to place. My job originally supplied me with the gypsy lifestyle being that I'm a flight attendant, however it seems my job has taken over my life since I can't seem to find a place to call "home". Since June I've lived off Sunrise, in North Miami, on Las Olas Blvd, and now I'm moving to the Oakland Park area. Where are these places? Well, all you need to know is that I am bouncing around the city extending to every corner of Fort Lauderdale.

Autumn is right around the corner for those of you with seasons. I dreamt of the leaves changing colors last night. It was one of those pretty colorful landscape dreams. After waking, I called a friend this morning who lives in Michigan (my old home) and he told me that the leaves are just starting to change there. I'm glad that my subconscious has a connection with the birth of autumn. I am sad that I will miss autumn for the first time in my life. It is my favorite season, and the only season I will miss. I love this photo of a pumpkin field that my Sister sent me, I think it really captures the essence of Fall. I set it as my wallpaper on my iBook.

This coffee shop smells strongly of caramel sauce. It makes me want to have hot caramel covered apples. Speaking of coffee shops, I might be opening my own. Well, with the help of someone else (there's no way I could afford it on my own). Nevertheless, I am very excited about this possilbility and the discussions are in full throttle. I mean full throttle! For those of you who know me you might be wondering: "When are they not?" Good question. But now, my discussions have a possiblity of becoming a landmark for all coffee shop lovers all over the world. Any thoughts about what you value in a coffee shop, please direct them to me via my comments section. Thanks!

It is night here in Florida but like photosynthesis my body has stored up the days sunlight and I still feel fueled by it. I can never stop praising the sun and the warmth it has brought my life!

Change Your Thoughts

2006-09-30T19:53:00.000-04:00

Change your thoughts and you change your world.

~Norman Vincent Peale

After all is said and done...

2006-08-25T18:30:00.000-04:00

After all is said and done, more is said than done.

~Aesop

The Way to Succeed

2006-08-13T14:57:00.000-04:00

"The way to succeed is to double your error rate."

~Thomas J. Watson

If you find in your heart...

2006-05-19T22:21:00.000-04:00

If you find in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.

~Maya Angelou

If

2006-03-09T00:11:00.000-05:00

If you want to know me
look inside your heart.

~Tao te Ching