2017 brings more decisions about cooking at home. I think back on the last year and consider how much money I spent on take-out, dining out, etc. It's more convenient to pick up a salad then actually assemble it myself.
Last night after work I went to a yoga class. It was a new instructor for me and I didn't know what to expect. Her credentials suggested that she was highly sought after in the metro area. I'll admit. I was excited. I arrived ten minutes early and watched as the class began to fill up. She had some music playing until the class began. She started class by speaking of intentions and how great it was to show up on your mat. Normal. All things that I have experienced and expected.
She did point out the importance of breath and how that should be the focus of the class. Clearly, I appreciated that as I have found fewer instructors, here, cueing breath and breathing. If you aren't focusing on the breath in yoga, it is just an aroebics class. Breath is essential.
We do a few breath with movement exercises and then she moves on with modified chataranga. At this point, I was like--wtf? wtf is this modification? It was a new one for me and one that I didn't particularly like. I was hoping for more of vinyasa sequence with sun A's and sun B's.
As there was no music to distract me, I became more bored. I was surprised at how many people were attending this class. Actually liked her class. I kept looking at my phone to see when the torture would be over. She had interesting cues. She referred to the breathing as yogic. Seemed childlike to me and then my all-time favorite cue--bring your nipple to your thigh.
That completely stopped me. Like the time I was in Siem Reap and the instructor said--relax. relax your private parts.....wtf?
I reached out to my mentor last night to see if she had ever used that particular cue. Her response said it all. She laughed. See I am not crazy when it comes to cueing and or recognizing inappropriate silly cues in classes. Thankfully it ended and I made my way out of the studio. Today, I will return to Barre classes and pray for upbeat music.
I did resolve to enjoy my kitchen more. Use it. Update some of my cookery and utilize my apartment. I could invite friends over as opposed to dining out and being forced to endure bad service. My last two experiences support that claim. The first I had a snarky server. I can overlook that as the food was great. However, when her manager came over to open a bottle of bubbles and did not know the correct wine service, that was it. I love wine service. I love that aspect of dining even it is with a screw cap. I still prefer the appropriate sequence.
So, yes, more dining at home. With the holidays over, I have more friends available to entertain. Perhaps after Columbia, I will make an effort to entertain once or twice a month. Maybe more. I do believe that I would enjoy using my space to have people over.
Off to run errands, stay warm and work out. Columbia is in two weeks. I cannot wait!
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Happy 2017
Ringing in the new year in style....with some bubbly. Best way to start off the year. And thinking of how to maneuver it. With kindness.
Yes, seems simple but it is the most honest way to start the year. I observed a lack of compassion and harsh judgment last night. People make rash judgments without even knowing the other person they are tearing apart. It made me sad and reaffirmed that I want to be kind.
My friend, Sharleen, got married last night in the Bahamas. At one point this past year, I thought I would be able to attend. I looked at flights and considered homestays. Until I switched jobs and that no longer was an option. I did contact Shar and convey my well wishes. I met her in 2008 in Chile while on my six month venture. I am sure that I have mentioned her multiple times on my blog. I visited her and her friends in 2010 and then we went to Cuba in 2014. She is a like minded travel junkie. Kind, compassionate and gracious. I hope she visits me sometime in the States.
Her photos looked pretty freaking amazing, too. I saw a few from their day on social media. Gorgeous! I am hoping to research a little more of Columbia before departing in two weeks. It would be nice to have some sort of game plan. In my life, I have always been a little more aloof when it comes to concrete itineraries. I buy tickets and go from there. This time, it would be nice to have a little more structure. It will be the first time I travel with Cody and so I don't know her particular style yet. When I vacation with Shari, Sara Jo or the Goddess I know there will be great food and many drinks involved. They all know that I prefer to day drink. I think Cody will be a little more adventurous with night time activities. She is a connector, too.
We will fly in and out of Bogota with a few days in Cartagena and Medellin. If not both of those cities, at least, Cartagena for sure. I have heard many great things of that city and who doesn't enjoy a little beach time?
Speaking of travel....maybe another passport stamp will be in my future. Europe keeps calling. I have a friend in Morocco currently. His posts inspire me to make the commitment to a European adventure this year as well. Los Angeles will occur in February. Then, I have some free time to breathe or maybe head to the Valley for some yoga and a spring training game. We will see. I could be enchanted again. I do so love visiting Santa Fe.
Or head to Oz to see my "cousin" Emma and nephew, Mason. I am excited for the potential of travel this year. My older sister is supposed to celebrate my birthday with me. I want her to either travel to Denver or meet me in Las Vegas or Texas. In Texas, we could see her bestie from childhood in Houston or maybe Austin. I loved Austin the one time I visited. I could definitely do another go there. Check out new restaurants and see friends. Maybe I could convince Michaela to meet me in San Francisco. I have not visited that city in a while. I always love it!
I want to make an effort to take better care of myself. Hire a trainer. I have been thinking about it for a few months. I don't know if I will contract an independent trainer or consider one of the options from my gym. I go back and forth with enjoying the gym and having a difficult time going. I am not in love with the classes or quite a few of the instructors. I miss the yoga scene in Phoenix for example. Great music, challenging sequences and consistently great. I should make the best of my situation here since I love being in Denver. I will make an honest effort to find a studio that I enjoy.
Returning to kindness....I think that is my best option for a resolution. That goes hand in hand with compassion which I also find lacking in the current state of affairs. Enjoy your day and whatever comes your way. Smile and be fierce!
Yes, seems simple but it is the most honest way to start the year. I observed a lack of compassion and harsh judgment last night. People make rash judgments without even knowing the other person they are tearing apart. It made me sad and reaffirmed that I want to be kind.
My friend, Sharleen, got married last night in the Bahamas. At one point this past year, I thought I would be able to attend. I looked at flights and considered homestays. Until I switched jobs and that no longer was an option. I did contact Shar and convey my well wishes. I met her in 2008 in Chile while on my six month venture. I am sure that I have mentioned her multiple times on my blog. I visited her and her friends in 2010 and then we went to Cuba in 2014. She is a like minded travel junkie. Kind, compassionate and gracious. I hope she visits me sometime in the States.
Her photos looked pretty freaking amazing, too. I saw a few from their day on social media. Gorgeous! I am hoping to research a little more of Columbia before departing in two weeks. It would be nice to have some sort of game plan. In my life, I have always been a little more aloof when it comes to concrete itineraries. I buy tickets and go from there. This time, it would be nice to have a little more structure. It will be the first time I travel with Cody and so I don't know her particular style yet. When I vacation with Shari, Sara Jo or the Goddess I know there will be great food and many drinks involved. They all know that I prefer to day drink. I think Cody will be a little more adventurous with night time activities. She is a connector, too.
We will fly in and out of Bogota with a few days in Cartagena and Medellin. If not both of those cities, at least, Cartagena for sure. I have heard many great things of that city and who doesn't enjoy a little beach time?
Speaking of travel....maybe another passport stamp will be in my future. Europe keeps calling. I have a friend in Morocco currently. His posts inspire me to make the commitment to a European adventure this year as well. Los Angeles will occur in February. Then, I have some free time to breathe or maybe head to the Valley for some yoga and a spring training game. We will see. I could be enchanted again. I do so love visiting Santa Fe.
Or head to Oz to see my "cousin" Emma and nephew, Mason. I am excited for the potential of travel this year. My older sister is supposed to celebrate my birthday with me. I want her to either travel to Denver or meet me in Las Vegas or Texas. In Texas, we could see her bestie from childhood in Houston or maybe Austin. I loved Austin the one time I visited. I could definitely do another go there. Check out new restaurants and see friends. Maybe I could convince Michaela to meet me in San Francisco. I have not visited that city in a while. I always love it!
I want to make an effort to take better care of myself. Hire a trainer. I have been thinking about it for a few months. I don't know if I will contract an independent trainer or consider one of the options from my gym. I go back and forth with enjoying the gym and having a difficult time going. I am not in love with the classes or quite a few of the instructors. I miss the yoga scene in Phoenix for example. Great music, challenging sequences and consistently great. I should make the best of my situation here since I love being in Denver. I will make an honest effort to find a studio that I enjoy.
Returning to kindness....I think that is my best option for a resolution. That goes hand in hand with compassion which I also find lacking in the current state of affairs. Enjoy your day and whatever comes your way. Smile and be fierce!
Saturday, December 31, 2016
other thoughts of 2016
I am so ready for 2017! New opportunity, travel, food. Thinking back on the last year. What a year. Different for me. Different reactions, emotions, challenges. I returned to Kansas, twice, to visit my sister and old boss, Carol. I had forgotten how long that drive is. Seven hours of little interaction. Just driving east. Feels lonely until Hays, maybe Salina. Manhattan definitely is an improvement. Spending time with my sister was awesome. Her kids are adorable and it was fun to see their daily life. Home cooked meals and time with the kids. My niece, Emma, calls me her cousin. Cracks me up! She was so much fun to spend time with.
Of course, I spent some time in Lawrence. I wish I had had more time to visit my old stomping grounds. Maybe see some more college friends. I taught a class to a group of twelve year-olds about the importance of travel and how it has impacted my life. My circle of friends and opportunities. I probably should have spent more time researching the countries I spoke of. Yet, I took away from the experience a cultural impact. I met three incredible people with different histories/experiences while in Southeast Asia. Their stories brought joy to my life and how I could help them in the future.
Back to Kansas, perhaps next year will present another opportunity to do that. I am Mason's godmother and so figure I will be spending time in Kansas.
I visited Santa Fe six times. The appeal of Ojo Caliente makes that trip possible and recurring. Drank many silver coins. Introduced Sara to friends and Maghan to my life there. Bought a new car. Well, new to me, at least. I do enjoy how I cultivate relationships. I never would have found this smoking deal and Calliope had I not kept in contact with my mechanic in Santa Fe.
Spent three weeks in Southeast Asia. Saw Key West for the fifth time. Phoenix and then NOLA for the fifth time. Attended a graduation in Oregon and spent a weekend with Seattle Jean (another friend from college). Overall, it was a wonderful year of travel. Reconnected with many co-workers from the Bull. Saw some friends commit their love for each other. It's been lovely!
Best photo of the year was probably from NOLA. Celebrating my birthday.
I have great friends and a good life. Excited for 2017!
Of course, I spent some time in Lawrence. I wish I had had more time to visit my old stomping grounds. Maybe see some more college friends. I taught a class to a group of twelve year-olds about the importance of travel and how it has impacted my life. My circle of friends and opportunities. I probably should have spent more time researching the countries I spoke of. Yet, I took away from the experience a cultural impact. I met three incredible people with different histories/experiences while in Southeast Asia. Their stories brought joy to my life and how I could help them in the future.
Back to Kansas, perhaps next year will present another opportunity to do that. I am Mason's godmother and so figure I will be spending time in Kansas.
I visited Santa Fe six times. The appeal of Ojo Caliente makes that trip possible and recurring. Drank many silver coins. Introduced Sara to friends and Maghan to my life there. Bought a new car. Well, new to me, at least. I do enjoy how I cultivate relationships. I never would have found this smoking deal and Calliope had I not kept in contact with my mechanic in Santa Fe.
Spent three weeks in Southeast Asia. Saw Key West for the fifth time. Phoenix and then NOLA for the fifth time. Attended a graduation in Oregon and spent a weekend with Seattle Jean (another friend from college). Overall, it was a wonderful year of travel. Reconnected with many co-workers from the Bull. Saw some friends commit their love for each other. It's been lovely!
Best photo of the year was probably from NOLA. Celebrating my birthday.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
some reflection of this year
2016 has been an interesting year.
Some loss, grief, adaptation, new car, new friends, visiting Kansas twice (which has not been the case since I was out of college). Loss and grief happened early in 2016 and occurred on memorable days. I was t-boned and lost Veronica (my beautiful bertone) on superbowl Sunday. I toured Vietnam with a black eye as a result. It was fun. I loved that car and had driven it for ten years. Part of why I loved it so much was that Brian picked it out. Despite the fact that it was becoming more costly for the upkeep, I was stubborn and chose to put more money into it. My dad thought I was crazy and repeatedly told me I should invest in a new car. He even offered to give me a car at one point. Still, I had faith that Veronica would last forever. And she did until that Sunday when a girl was texting and rammed into me in downtown Denver.
As noted, I went to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos sporting my injury from the accident. And not knowing how to proceed. Did I want to buy a new car? Would I consider an alternative vehicle to Volvos? I contemplated and sought out some mechanics in Denver to see if they would be refurbishing any Volvos in my price range. At that time, they were not. I called my old mechanic and Santa Fe for his advice on my buy out and asked him if he was fixing up any Volvos. Ironically, he was and we agreed to reconvene after my venture to Southeast Asia.
I returned, extremely jetlagged. I was dogsitting for Tiffany and so I had their car for an additional week before agreeing to buying Kurt's car in Santa Fe. I had another interesting experience on a friend's birthday. Probably never forget that date or experience.
I was reflecting on my trips. I have spent a good portion of this year in Santa Fe. Five or six trips, in fact. It's a quick drive and I love it. I visited, solo, and then once with the WP to purchase my new car, Calliope. And another time with Sara Jo. Sara's trip was fun and I exposed her to some of my friends and favorite restaurants. She met the I suppose that city did leave its mark on me. I just spent a few days there to celebrate life.
Some loss, grief, adaptation, new car, new friends, visiting Kansas twice (which has not been the case since I was out of college). Loss and grief happened early in 2016 and occurred on memorable days. I was t-boned and lost Veronica (my beautiful bertone) on superbowl Sunday. I toured Vietnam with a black eye as a result. It was fun. I loved that car and had driven it for ten years. Part of why I loved it so much was that Brian picked it out. Despite the fact that it was becoming more costly for the upkeep, I was stubborn and chose to put more money into it. My dad thought I was crazy and repeatedly told me I should invest in a new car. He even offered to give me a car at one point. Still, I had faith that Veronica would last forever. And she did until that Sunday when a girl was texting and rammed into me in downtown Denver.
As noted, I went to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos sporting my injury from the accident. And not knowing how to proceed. Did I want to buy a new car? Would I consider an alternative vehicle to Volvos? I contemplated and sought out some mechanics in Denver to see if they would be refurbishing any Volvos in my price range. At that time, they were not. I called my old mechanic and Santa Fe for his advice on my buy out and asked him if he was fixing up any Volvos. Ironically, he was and we agreed to reconvene after my venture to Southeast Asia.
I returned, extremely jetlagged. I was dogsitting for Tiffany and so I had their car for an additional week before agreeing to buying Kurt's car in Santa Fe. I had another interesting experience on a friend's birthday. Probably never forget that date or experience.
I was reflecting on my trips. I have spent a good portion of this year in Santa Fe. Five or six trips, in fact. It's a quick drive and I love it. I visited, solo, and then once with the WP to purchase my new car, Calliope. And another time with Sara Jo. Sara's trip was fun and I exposed her to some of my friends and favorite restaurants. She met the I suppose that city did leave its mark on me. I just spent a few days there to celebrate life.
I love Ojo. Always feel rejuvenated after soaking. Thankfully, I spent Friday morning there with Melody. Afterwards, we managed to find some silver coin margaritas, enchiladas and salsa. Such a great day!
I am looking forward to 2017. New year and opportunity for travel and cultivating friendships. I have been thinking quite a bit about where I am in life. Back in Denver and in a different position then when I left. I learned more of my craft while in Santa Fe and Phoenix. I mellowed out a little, too.
Next year brings immediate passport stamp in January followed by a trip to the west in February. Post the start, possibly, a return to Ojo. I am up for anything and hopeful that there will be more adventure and abundance in every aspect of my life.
I visited Santa Fe thinking I would find a necklace. That evaded me as I chose to spend time with friends instead of peruse the silver there. I guess I will be visiting again. It is time to wear a new necklace. I am off to spend some time with friends before work. Celebrate, enjoy and taste life~
Saturday, November 19, 2016
family time
Spent some time with these monkeys the last few days. I had to deck them out in appropriate attire. Well, and it gave me an excuse to drive up to Lawrence from Manhattan. I do like Manhattan although I have more love for Lawrence. I went to college there. Naturally, I have more associations and memories of my time spent there.
This year, I drove out in July to see Emma and Jasmin. Honestly, it was the first time I have spent time in Manhattan. Checked out a couple local eateries before turning around and driving back to Denver. Super quick trip.
This year, I drove out in July to see Emma and Jasmin. Honestly, it was the first time I have spent time in Manhattan. Checked out a couple local eateries before turning around and driving back to Denver. Super quick trip.
Fast forward late August, one of my friends from grade school posted that she wanted people to speak to her class about travel, living abroad, etc. I had had a glass of wine (or three) and so I commented on her post. That I would be interested in speaking. I didn't know if she would want me there since I am an unconventional traveler. I have lived abroad, briefly, and traveled a bunch. I suppose that is what qualified me. I could skype, face time or be present.
Seemed easier to be present and I could also spend time with Jasmin, Emma, Chris and meet Mason. In this photo, he is three weeks old. So precious! And, of course, I love them wearing the KU colors.
I combined trips and spent an extra day in Lawrence. Stopped by my old stomping grounds, saw some friends and grabbed a coffee before heading back to Manhattan. Quick, quick trip. I found out after planning my time there that a childhood friend would be driving through with her kids as well as my older sister. I was bummed that I would miss both of these ladies.
It was a lovely trip and I am happy to be back. I arrived in time to experience the first snow of the season. This prompted me to purchase a space heater for my apartment. I can tell that my landlady is going to skimp on the heating of the building. I can take matters into my own hands or complain about it. Seems silly to not buy a space heater.
I am thankful to have spent time with Jasmin. I had home cooked meals and some great beer. I look forward to next year when I can return.
Friday, October 21, 2016
reflections on a random night off
I am still decompressing from my tour of that city. Five glorious days. Excessive, fun, shining bright.
I looked back on some of the spots we dined at and others we could have dined at. So many options. I could have spent a month there and not tried all the restaurants I wanted. I would have had a food coma. Not to mention, a need, to detox my liver and internal organs. I think going to Nola is similar to visiting Las Vegas. Typically, I spend one too may days there. Not regretting it but physically needing to recover from the debauchery and food overload. I returned, went to a barre class and picked up a salad afterwards. I considered having a glass of wine while waiting for the take-out and thought better of it. My body craved hydration and water. Not more wine!
Barre class has been my go-to. Not running, spin or yoga. I wish I could find a routine class that I am committed to attending. I miss my yoga fix. I have broken up with spin for the time being. It just isn't my thing. I have found joy in running again. I went with Sara the other night and can honestly say that I didn't hate it. I wasn't too sore and the three miles passed relatively quickly. Especially after not running since January.
I have been teaching yoga in my house with Brie, Matt and Sara. I could expand out and offer classes to other people. I believe I am at that point in this journey. I am ready to share my knowledge and continue to grow my own practice. I love being a student.
Next week, I will head to Santa Fe. I do not know that I have enough time to see my mentor but there will be other trips for that. Mostly, the agenda reflects soaking at Ojo, silver coins at La Choza and a little shopping. Seeing friends is paramount and just relaxing. I could use a little bit of that. The upcoming season will be full of celebration, card writing and gift buying. Yes, there will be some on-line shopping in my future. I am not a fan of heading to stores. Time consuming and a waste of time, in my experience.
For instance, last week, I opted to venture into cherry creek to seek out a shoe store. I could use a new pair of casual shoes for work and going out and have a pair of shoes that I found at a consignment store in Santa Fe that I love. Super comfortable, cute and worn out. I wanted to check out their store in Denver. Actually pay full retail price for a comfortable pair of shoes. I made my way to the mall and entered the store. Perused the selection and saw that I had not yet been greeted which seemed odd. I was the only customer in the store.
So, I approached the desk and asked the clerk to pull a size 10 and 11 for this certain style. He complied and said hello to a few ladies that had entered the store. I continued to look at their selection and found an additional two pairs of shoes to try on.
He gave me the first pair and said that they were burgundy not black. Mentioned he could order a pair for me. I liked the shoes but wanted to try on the more casual styles. Of course, my show size was out of stock. The size ten was too tight in one and the eleven was too loose in the other. He offered to order the shoes for me. I filled out a form to seal the deal. He told me that he required payment for the shoes but that there was a great possibility that they would be unable to produce the shoes. Apparently, there were few stores that had my size in that style available. He said I would receive a refund on my payment.
I asked if he could ship the shoes to the store and that I would pick them up. Seemed reasonable. Especially after he noted that I would probably not acquire them. Why should I make a cash transaction if the goods would not be received?
He sensed my hesitation and asked if I wanted to continue with the transaction where I said no. I thought about entering the store with no greeting. The fact that I took the shoes to him and then that they would not ship the shoes to be convenient to the store and then have me pay for them. Why am I giving this guy commission for no service????
The right shoes will present themselves. I know it. More likely, the opportunity will present itself. No need to force something. I do regret leaving my personal information with the guy....
I looked back on some of the spots we dined at and others we could have dined at. So many options. I could have spent a month there and not tried all the restaurants I wanted. I would have had a food coma. Not to mention, a need, to detox my liver and internal organs. I think going to Nola is similar to visiting Las Vegas. Typically, I spend one too may days there. Not regretting it but physically needing to recover from the debauchery and food overload. I returned, went to a barre class and picked up a salad afterwards. I considered having a glass of wine while waiting for the take-out and thought better of it. My body craved hydration and water. Not more wine!
Barre class has been my go-to. Not running, spin or yoga. I wish I could find a routine class that I am committed to attending. I miss my yoga fix. I have broken up with spin for the time being. It just isn't my thing. I have found joy in running again. I went with Sara the other night and can honestly say that I didn't hate it. I wasn't too sore and the three miles passed relatively quickly. Especially after not running since January.
I have been teaching yoga in my house with Brie, Matt and Sara. I could expand out and offer classes to other people. I believe I am at that point in this journey. I am ready to share my knowledge and continue to grow my own practice. I love being a student.
Next week, I will head to Santa Fe. I do not know that I have enough time to see my mentor but there will be other trips for that. Mostly, the agenda reflects soaking at Ojo, silver coins at La Choza and a little shopping. Seeing friends is paramount and just relaxing. I could use a little bit of that. The upcoming season will be full of celebration, card writing and gift buying. Yes, there will be some on-line shopping in my future. I am not a fan of heading to stores. Time consuming and a waste of time, in my experience.
For instance, last week, I opted to venture into cherry creek to seek out a shoe store. I could use a new pair of casual shoes for work and going out and have a pair of shoes that I found at a consignment store in Santa Fe that I love. Super comfortable, cute and worn out. I wanted to check out their store in Denver. Actually pay full retail price for a comfortable pair of shoes. I made my way to the mall and entered the store. Perused the selection and saw that I had not yet been greeted which seemed odd. I was the only customer in the store.
So, I approached the desk and asked the clerk to pull a size 10 and 11 for this certain style. He complied and said hello to a few ladies that had entered the store. I continued to look at their selection and found an additional two pairs of shoes to try on.
He gave me the first pair and said that they were burgundy not black. Mentioned he could order a pair for me. I liked the shoes but wanted to try on the more casual styles. Of course, my show size was out of stock. The size ten was too tight in one and the eleven was too loose in the other. He offered to order the shoes for me. I filled out a form to seal the deal. He told me that he required payment for the shoes but that there was a great possibility that they would be unable to produce the shoes. Apparently, there were few stores that had my size in that style available. He said I would receive a refund on my payment.
I asked if he could ship the shoes to the store and that I would pick them up. Seemed reasonable. Especially after he noted that I would probably not acquire them. Why should I make a cash transaction if the goods would not be received?
He sensed my hesitation and asked if I wanted to continue with the transaction where I said no. I thought about entering the store with no greeting. The fact that I took the shoes to him and then that they would not ship the shoes to be convenient to the store and then have me pay for them. Why am I giving this guy commission for no service????
The right shoes will present themselves. I know it. More likely, the opportunity will present itself. No need to force something. I do regret leaving my personal information with the guy....
upcoming trips and random thoughts
I am excited for my upcoming trip to OZ (the land of Oz not Australia) to celebrate travel and hopefully, inspire, 12 yr-old kids, to see the beauty of others, culture and travel.
One of my grade school friends is a sixth grade teacher. She posted something on social media about her desire to bring in people to her classroom in Wamego, Kansas, to discuss living abroad and/or travel. She even suggested skyping or facetiming as a way to achieve this goal. I saw her post and commented. I think I had had one too many glasses of wine. I said something like--I have traveled some....
She liked my response and I saw that she had commented on others about their time abroad. She messaged me later asking if I would like to participate. She suggested skype and I told her that, no, I will be there in person. I can do this! I can combine trips to see Jasmin, Emma and meet her new addition, have lunch with another childhood friend and teach about travel. I spent 36 hours with Jasmin and Emma in July and had a blast. My little niece is a hoot! She kept referring me to as her cousin. I loved that. Seeing that I am older than her mom...haha. And, surprisingly, I enjoyed spending time in Manhattan. I wouldn't mind returning to Tall Grass brewery or having another meal at the chef. I am my new nephew's god mother as well. I will be meeting him for the first time. I hope to see my mom at some point too.
I contacted Tami about arranging lunch. Last time I swung through town, I did not give her enough notice. I am committed to having lunch in S Town at a local brewery. I was a little anxious about where Tami would suggest. It's been years since I have spent any time there. I know of a few truck stops, fast food, and casual dining (applebee's, chili's, carlos O'Kelly's). I was hoping for something new and unfranchised. Thankfully, Tami knew of a place.
Regarding the teaching, there is something to it. I have been told that I am a teacher just never pursued it in the traditional realm. I have been doing more yoga teaching and feel more natural with it. My language sounds more like me and not as stilted.
I know that I am unconventional and so I am curious as to how her students will relate to me. I figure I can overwhelm them with photos and stories of my time in Vietnam. Since it is my most recent passport stamp, it makes sense. I can also speak to Cambodia, Laos and Bangkok. I might bring up the Khmer Rouge but I didn't visit the Killing Fields or any of that part of the history. I spent time in Angkor Wat and had a human experience. I can speak to the food and spending a day with a tuk tuk driver.
I can speak to the language barrier and being in the Capitol but outside of that, I spent more time meeting people and dining. I hope these kids like to hear about food. I don't know if they understand the significance of me being in Vietnam. I don't know if school teaches of the Vietnam War. They didn't when I was in school.
I am excited and wonder how I could do more of this. And, what upcoming travel I could do. There is a trip to Portugal in my future. As much as I love Narcos (and I do), I put my trip to Columbia on hold. Robert and his wife will be in Portugal until next June or July. Honestly, I have always wanted to go to Spain and Portugal. Why not go?
Especially when I have friends there that can give me the local perspective. They have lived there since 2007 or 2008. They will be concluding their time next summer. I would love to see them before they depart.
Columbia will be there and perhaps I can see another season of Narcos before I depart. It is in my thoughts and I keep meeting people that have visited. It will happen.
One of my grade school friends is a sixth grade teacher. She posted something on social media about her desire to bring in people to her classroom in Wamego, Kansas, to discuss living abroad and/or travel. She even suggested skyping or facetiming as a way to achieve this goal. I saw her post and commented. I think I had had one too many glasses of wine. I said something like--I have traveled some....
She liked my response and I saw that she had commented on others about their time abroad. She messaged me later asking if I would like to participate. She suggested skype and I told her that, no, I will be there in person. I can do this! I can combine trips to see Jasmin, Emma and meet her new addition, have lunch with another childhood friend and teach about travel. I spent 36 hours with Jasmin and Emma in July and had a blast. My little niece is a hoot! She kept referring me to as her cousin. I loved that. Seeing that I am older than her mom...haha. And, surprisingly, I enjoyed spending time in Manhattan. I wouldn't mind returning to Tall Grass brewery or having another meal at the chef. I am my new nephew's god mother as well. I will be meeting him for the first time. I hope to see my mom at some point too.
I contacted Tami about arranging lunch. Last time I swung through town, I did not give her enough notice. I am committed to having lunch in S Town at a local brewery. I was a little anxious about where Tami would suggest. It's been years since I have spent any time there. I know of a few truck stops, fast food, and casual dining (applebee's, chili's, carlos O'Kelly's). I was hoping for something new and unfranchised. Thankfully, Tami knew of a place.
Regarding the teaching, there is something to it. I have been told that I am a teacher just never pursued it in the traditional realm. I have been doing more yoga teaching and feel more natural with it. My language sounds more like me and not as stilted.
I know that I am unconventional and so I am curious as to how her students will relate to me. I figure I can overwhelm them with photos and stories of my time in Vietnam. Since it is my most recent passport stamp, it makes sense. I can also speak to Cambodia, Laos and Bangkok. I might bring up the Khmer Rouge but I didn't visit the Killing Fields or any of that part of the history. I spent time in Angkor Wat and had a human experience. I can speak to the food and spending a day with a tuk tuk driver.
I can speak to the language barrier and being in the Capitol but outside of that, I spent more time meeting people and dining. I hope these kids like to hear about food. I don't know if they understand the significance of me being in Vietnam. I don't know if school teaches of the Vietnam War. They didn't when I was in school.
I am excited and wonder how I could do more of this. And, what upcoming travel I could do. There is a trip to Portugal in my future. As much as I love Narcos (and I do), I put my trip to Columbia on hold. Robert and his wife will be in Portugal until next June or July. Honestly, I have always wanted to go to Spain and Portugal. Why not go?
Especially when I have friends there that can give me the local perspective. They have lived there since 2007 or 2008. They will be concluding their time next summer. I would love to see them before they depart.
Columbia will be there and perhaps I can see another season of Narcos before I depart. It is in my thoughts and I keep meeting people that have visited. It will happen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)