Category: usa

2013 · usa

The 57th first dance

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Thanks guys for hanging in there with me. On Monday I had had enough! After being feveristic, achy, coughy (pretty much the entire Nyquil commercial) I decided it was time to go see the doc. Well, Jeannette yelled at me too and told me I had to go. Only to find out I have sinusitis AND bronchitis. Yay for me! Today is day three of taking antibiotics and I feel like a brand new person! Hurrah for antibiotics! And being the strange person that I sometimes am, I always wonder what did they do in the days before antibiotics!? Yuck.

But during my sickness haze President Obama had a fantastic weekend. Earlier this week our president Mr. Obama was inaugurated for his second time. And he stated “We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still.”  But really the star of the show was Ms. Obama, the lovely Michelle. New bangs! A gorgeous Jason Wu gown!

I find them perfectly, completely adorable.

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2012 · tragic · usa

heavy heart today

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What a sad day. Yesterday when I heard the news about the shooting in CT, I was upset and angry. But when I woke up today and the news just kept pouring in, on the internet, on facebook, on twitter, on the radio; I had had my fill of sadness. It is bad enough that there were 28 people killed but the majority being children just set me over the edge.

My friend posted “This morning I woke up and realized that twenty little lights have been extinguished. Twenty little lights that had just begun to shine. Twenty little souls that believed we could keep them safe. And this world is already a little darker without them because as a society, we failed them. And I feel angry because it didn’t have to happen. I am joining this fight. ~ Do not go gentle into that good night….rage, RAGE against the dying of the light.”

I don’t have the perfect answer. More assault weapons is not the answer to massacres by people using assault weapons. Limiting the manufacture, import, and sale of assault weapons is a fantastic place to start, however. I do believe in that.

So hug your little ones tight tonight. Tell them you love them. And do your part in making this a better world. If not for you, then most definitely, for them.

2012 · just do it already · new york city · tue Gutes und sprich darüber · usa

Help Frankenstorm victims

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New York has a special place in my heart. Yes it is the city that never sleeps, there are a bazillion things to do there at any time of the day or night and it has the most excellent pizza. I lived there for a year in my studio apartment the size of a toothpick. It was a time I will never forget. I had always wanted to live there and I finally made it happen. I loved every single crazy minute of it.

Unless you are living under a rock, I’m sure you know Hurricane Sandy hit the area hard last week. New York, New Jersey were hit the hardest – Homes are gone, some people are still without heat and electricity, their lives forever changed. I felt at a loss when my friends were on DAY SIX! of no power, gas a scarce commodity. I couldn’t do much from here except keeping them in my thoughts and prayers. But there are things we can do.

1. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give a $10 donation. It is that simple! Red Cross has been on the front lines offering aid.

2. If you are a business owner you can start a disaster relief program by telling your customers you will donate a dollar, fifty cents, twenty-five cents (Anything!) every time they buy a product of yours. Or you can have your employees contribute to the program and you match their contribution.

3. Volunteer your help by joining Samaritan’s Purse. They are asking for volunteers of all skill levels to help with debris clean up and mud outs. You have to be at least 14 years old to volunteer. Visit their website to join a team.

4.  Give blood. Almost 100 blood drives were canceled due to Sandy, and the result is low blood supplies. Call the Red Cross and make an appointment to give blood.

5. Look towards your community, find an organization that is collecting supplies to send to the victims – Blankets, canned foods, clothing,etc. If there isn’t one set up for this in your community then set one up yourself!

I will be visiting the states in a few weeks and I plan on helping in every way possible. Much love to those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

happy happy joy joy · just do it already · let's daaaance! · new orleans · usa

Reminds me of New Orleans

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I have a confession. I am addicted to …. Pinterest. Yes, it’s true. There are so many different categories for your interest (get it, interest with pins = Pinterest). All you do is join, follow people that you like and pin things that you like. I did see a pin from ecards that said Pinterest is just electronic hoarding. Which is somewhat true. I don’t necessarily immediately create everything I pin but there is a good possibility that I will get around to it. And it is great for finding creative ideas for teaching English. At least electronic hoarding is better than actual hoarding. Riiiight? Wanna follow me on Pinterest? Click here to go to my page and then click on FOLLOW.

I have many different boards: fashion, food, tees and totes, teaching, paintings, etc. And I am going to randomly post on my blog things that inspire me. For instance, this picture. It reminds of my recent trip to New Orleans. Isn’t it beautiful?

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drinkin' · food · hotels · new orleans · travel · usa · yum

NOLA

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NOLA – New Orleans, Louisiana. Ah-May-Zing! So much fun. And I feel silly for saying this, but it was my first time there. I really don’t know what took me so long. I guess it was just the distance from my older stomping grounds. In Oklahoma we would head towards Lake Texoma, Padre or once for a college spring break we drove from Stillwater to Fort Lauderdale. When I lived in Dallas, well, I went to, um, Dallas! And when I was in the New York/CT area I went to well, Manhattan, of course. But also to Mt. Snow, Vermont and a few other random Pepsi sponsored ski areas.

But I am getting off track. Jeannette (the lovely) and I went to the Big Easy for our 40th celebration. We met up at the Maison Dupuy hotel. A very nice hotel with possibly a dead, bald guy in the hot tub. He NEVER left y’all! The rooms were clean, the shower had nice water pressure (something that is very important to me), the front staff were nice and friendly, there was a pool and free Wi-Fi. All in all, a great hotel for a decent price.

As I just said, I had never been to NOLA, even though Jeannette was a seasoned pro. We headed down Bourbon St. to see the crazies and get a drink. I was bound and determined to have a Hurricane but then thought, do I really want to throw up on my first day here? I settled for a beer and Jeannie introduced me to my new favorite beer – ABITA Purple Haze.

Abita beer whether it was Purple Haze or Amber was a constant for the remainder of our trip. Well, that and Bloody Marys, mmmmmmmmmmmmm, don’t EVEN get me started on the bloodies from Molly’s at the Market. We watched them being made: a little Guinness, half a squeezed lemon and lime, some Cajun seasoning, worchestire, horseradish, tabasco, juice from the pickled green beans (i wish i could have brought back 12,000 jars of those) and their already mixed bloody mix. The first time there we had THREE. I would have had more to stare at that mellow cat that hangs out on the tables with the customers but my stomach was rumbling and we needed to get ready for dinner.

Speaking of dinner/food we ate SO GOOD. Here were our stops and each were amazing. And in all actuality, it was mainly about the food. Don’t miss any of these.

1.  Dante’s Kitchen – Ok, this place…they have the best vegetables in any New Orleans restaurant, an outdoor patio, and an amazing wine list. They have incredible meat and fish dishes too. This is a great restaurant to get away from downtown, and one of the most inspired menus I’ve seen anywhere. The food and produce is fresh, fresh, fresh, and they accentuate the freshness with the preparation and presentation. The only thing I will say is that the portions are HUGE!!! Bring some friends and plan on having one of the best meals of your life.

2. NOLA – This is one of Emeril’s restaurants in New Orleans. Featuring an eclectic menu of New Orleans Creole and Acadian cuisine with an occasional ethnic twist, the rustic style of cooking showcases Southern Cajun, Vietnamese and Southwestern influences using Louisiana products. Private dining rooms, a bread and pastry bakery and wine cellar are located on NOLA’s third floor.

3.  Coop’s – Hands down this was my favorite place. The fried chicken was out of this world and the prices were excellent. This French Quarter bar, with its placement across the street from Margaritaville and down the street from Café du Monde, is kind of in tourist central, meh; but these guys have the real deal in red beans and rice, gumbo, fried chicken, and super authentic local favorites. Also check out the side salad, with the BEST homemade Green Goddess dressing in town. The servers are sweet and super tattooed, the kitchen is basically in the outdoor courtyard, and next door is the fantastically alt-goth bar…

4. Felix’s Oyster Bar – Besides being the name of my favorite boyfriend, it was also a fantastic place to grab a seat, an Abita and a dozen oysters. They also have Po-boys, seafood platters and some darn good fried pickles. Man, I could really go for another dozen oysters with lots of horseradish and lemon.

5. Central Grocery – Central Grocery is home of the muffuletta, one of New Orleans’ great sandwiches. A circular loaf of soft Italian bread is sliced horizontally and piled with salami, ham, and provolone, which are in turn topped with a wickedly spicy melange of chopped green and black olives fragrant with anchovies and garlic. You miss this, and you might cry.

6. Café Du Monde – World famous for its cafe‘ au lait, beignets, and the opportunity to people watch. Another New Orleans favorite, stop by for a chicory coffee and beignets to cure your morning hangover. The service was a bit slow while seated so maybe check out the TO GO line on the side if you are in a hurry. But it is a don’t miss.

7. Satsuma Cafe – Their Kale Salad, made of all local ingredients, fresh, and organic, features Lacinato kale, Parmesan dressing, and (this is New Orleans after all) a piece of bacon on the side. This is the BEST SALAD in the city, hands down. A few blocks away from Desire Street, (which kind of says it all), and in the stunning Baywater, this is the hippyish place to go for great coffee and espresso, fresh ginger muffins, super great Nutella banana pancakes, fresh BLT’s with real tomatoes, hummus, bagels and lox with all the sides, and fresh juices made to order. It’s also all organic. Sit at the Squirrel Table and read the New York Times, or a local paper with the locals (and believe me, they’re there). It has a totally great vibe and fresh, fresh, fresh organic food. These guys make an effort and it shows.

I think I will take a break here. Now I am craving an oyster po-boy, an Abita Purple Haze and some excellent fried chicken. Stay tuned for some more New Orleans news and lots of cool pics. Ciao!

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soccer · usa

USA USA USA

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Well played! The USA vs. Brazil World Cup game of women’s soccer yesterday was excellent! Even Felix got into the game (he says he didn’t) – after complaining all the week that women’s soccer is boooorriinngg. For about an hour after the win I would break out randomly with USA USA! And speaking of USA, I am off for NYC and WI tomorrow! Excited to see friends and family. No worries I will be back soon with details and pics. Stay tuned!

Majorca · spain · usa

USS Enterprise

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The illustrious ship of the USS Enterprise has graced our shores here in Mallorca. USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, commemorates a name which has been a continuing symbol of the great struggle to retain American liberty, justice and freedom since the first days of the American Revolutionary War. She is the eighth ship of the Fleet to carry this illustrious name that is literally defined as boldness, energy, and invention in practical affairs.

From the Mallorca Daily Bulletin:

U.S. Navy gives Petra museum a helping hand

Palma – Members of the 5,000-plus strong crew on board the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, which is moored in the Bay of Palma, yesterday volunteered to help carry out some much needed repairs to the birthplace of Fray Juniper Serra, the founder of present day California, in Petra.

Accompanied by the President of the Association of Friends of Fray Juniper Serra, the former United States Consular Agent Tummi Bestard, his successor, Amy Christiansen and US naval officials, the volunteers spent the day carrying out a series of internal and external chores at the Fray Juniper Serra Museum and the house in which Fray Juniper Serra was born.

Serra first travelled to Mexico to teach in 1749 and on March 12, 1768, he embarked from the Pacific port of San Blas on his way to the Californias.
Once he arrived, he began setting up a string of missionaries and parishes, many of which still operate today. Serra’s history is part of the school curriculum in California as he is considered the founding father of the State and for decades, ever since the United States Navy has been visiting Majorca, groups of sailors and Marines have always volunteered to help renovate and preserve the museum and his birthplace in Petra.

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