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Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Birthday!
SWo this is a day or two late but I wanted to jot a quick blog about MY DAY---thats right the eventful day when my mother---bless her heart endured 13 hours of labor for the express purpose of introducing me to the world.
So I was up late the night before the 26th getting laundry done and just wrapping up some loose ends from the PA trip and at 12:30 PA time I recieved a phone call from a couple of super special friends who wanted to be the first to with me happy birthday on my birhtday. It was fantastic. We spend a good hour talking and just catching up and it made me realize just how long it had been since we actually talk, talked. It was a great way to start my day off. The next morning I did the flight from Pittsburgh to Charllotte (two hour lay over) then on to Dallas and all in all it was a great day. A strange gentleman at the airport who was in line behing me complimented me on my hair, my overweight bags (yes I know I need to become more streamlined!) were checked right through, and I had great window seats on both flights. Things just clicked.
Upon arrival in Dallas I promptly began sweating like no tomorrow. Major shock to the system to go from 83 and cool to 96 and very, very humid. I did the usual hassle with Super Shuttle--def a hate, hate relationship, and two hours after landing made it back to the hotel.
A friend called me while I was enroute and said that she had two tickets to the Rangers/Yankees game that evening and that we should go. And I had the brilliant thought that a baseball game is indeed the perfect American way to spend your birthday. So we did. We went to Ameriquest Field and had decent seats directly behind second base where we could watch the Rangers pitcher warming up and we had a beer, a hot dog and Tricia had nachos and a soda--she really wanted a margarita but none were to be found around our section. It was a beautiful summers evening, and was so much fun. I hadn't thought about it before but baseball tickets are really cheap (our seats were $7) and what a great way to enjoy yourself no matter what city you are in.
So the evening wrapped up around 11:30pm. The Rnagers lost by one point---nailbiting to the end. And thus my brithday drew to a close.
Another year gone, but not forgotten. A year filled with changes, laughter, some tears, and some of the best friends a person could hope for. I spoke with everyone who I hold near to my heart on my birthday and that in and of itself is so special. Birthdays for me have never been about gifts or things like that. although I will easily admit that I LOVE giving gifts, but I want to talk to my family and friends and be with them more than anything else on special days and special occassions. Cost is irrelevent, intent is what matters.
So, to everyone who made my day a day to remember. Thanks so much and I love you all.
So I was up late the night before the 26th getting laundry done and just wrapping up some loose ends from the PA trip and at 12:30 PA time I recieved a phone call from a couple of super special friends who wanted to be the first to with me happy birthday on my birhtday. It was fantastic. We spend a good hour talking and just catching up and it made me realize just how long it had been since we actually talk, talked. It was a great way to start my day off. The next morning I did the flight from Pittsburgh to Charllotte (two hour lay over) then on to Dallas and all in all it was a great day. A strange gentleman at the airport who was in line behing me complimented me on my hair, my overweight bags (yes I know I need to become more streamlined!) were checked right through, and I had great window seats on both flights. Things just clicked.
Upon arrival in Dallas I promptly began sweating like no tomorrow. Major shock to the system to go from 83 and cool to 96 and very, very humid. I did the usual hassle with Super Shuttle--def a hate, hate relationship, and two hours after landing made it back to the hotel.
A friend called me while I was enroute and said that she had two tickets to the Rangers/Yankees game that evening and that we should go. And I had the brilliant thought that a baseball game is indeed the perfect American way to spend your birthday. So we did. We went to Ameriquest Field and had decent seats directly behind second base where we could watch the Rangers pitcher warming up and we had a beer, a hot dog and Tricia had nachos and a soda--she really wanted a margarita but none were to be found around our section. It was a beautiful summers evening, and was so much fun. I hadn't thought about it before but baseball tickets are really cheap (our seats were $7) and what a great way to enjoy yourself no matter what city you are in.
So the evening wrapped up around 11:30pm. The Rnagers lost by one point---nailbiting to the end. And thus my brithday drew to a close.
Another year gone, but not forgotten. A year filled with changes, laughter, some tears, and some of the best friends a person could hope for. I spoke with everyone who I hold near to my heart on my birthday and that in and of itself is so special. Birthdays for me have never been about gifts or things like that. although I will easily admit that I LOVE giving gifts, but I want to talk to my family and friends and be with them more than anything else on special days and special occassions. Cost is irrelevent, intent is what matters.
So, to everyone who made my day a day to remember. Thanks so much and I love you all.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Pain in the head---ie headache
Heaven help us!!!
Its Saturday, I have to work and my head is simply splitting!! I have no idea why---surely it has nothing to do with the few drinks I had last night...
All I can say is that Starbucks was the necessary antidote to what ailed me this morning. Its rainy and dreary in Pittsburgh this morning so I guess its not a bad thing that I have to work today. Now I just need to decide if I'm going to stay in town on Sun or if I'm going to go exploring for my last weekend in PA. Hmmmm....decisions, decisions.
Its Saturday, I have to work and my head is simply splitting!! I have no idea why---surely it has nothing to do with the few drinks I had last night...
All I can say is that Starbucks was the necessary antidote to what ailed me this morning. Its rainy and dreary in Pittsburgh this morning so I guess its not a bad thing that I have to work today. Now I just need to decide if I'm going to stay in town on Sun or if I'm going to go exploring for my last weekend in PA. Hmmmm....decisions, decisions.
Friday, July 21, 2006
People
The last two days have been filled with good audits and fantastic managers. Yesterday I was in Washington, PA and the manager there was a great guy filled with those life stories that just make you realize the 50s, 60s and 70s were a totally different time in our culture. The wealth of life experiences, both good and bad, that managers such as R. bring to the table cannot be disputed. And the stories about people they met, others that were on the right and wrong side of the law and the antics that they got up to in the 70s make the day fly by.
Individuals such as the manager today in Altoona, PA give full credit back to their staff for the condition of the motel and the paperwork but what also needs to be said is that without good direction and support from the manager, the staff members would not perform to the high standards which they consistently hold in place. I must admit that on days such as yesterday and today I could easily spend all day with these managers. They are so interesting and entertaining. They also have manners.
You ever wonder what happened to the guys who held the door for a lady, or held a chair for her? Well I can tell you. They grew up in the 50's and 60's and now are the generation on the brink of retirement but they have not lost that courtesy which touches an individual right at her heart. They didn't let the extreme right wing woment lib movement take away the basic manners which they learned as children. Someone once told me that women really shot themselves in the foot when it came to the women's lib movement and I have to admit to a certain extent that they were right. We sometimes become so concerned with proving that we can do anything a guy can and better while also juggling meals, family, home and exercise that we forget that just because someone offers to pay for dinner, to open a car door or a door to an establishment its not an attack upon womanhood or an asperation that we aren't making it in the real world but rather that it could be a little thing called manners and courtesy. The friend I mentioned earlier had a horrible experience not too long ago where he politely held the door to a convenience store open for a woman who was walking behind him. Rather than say thanks she stopped before she got to the door and said that she could get the door herself and that she didn't need a man to get it for her. My friend was justifiably upset by this reaction and when he told it to me I was also shocked. Maybe I'm really old fashioned but personnally I like it when someone gets the door for me, or offers to help with my luggage as I stow it in the overhead bins (that could also be because I'm really short)and yes I do expect the guy to pay for dinner if he asks me out. But honestly is it any wonder guys are confused with mixed signals like that by different members of the female population? But I tend to think that those small courtesies have fallen by the wayside because I cannot tell you the last time when I was at a restaurant and I saw a guy hold the chair for his date or even the car door when they left. Different time different people, manners vs lack thereof. Now I'm not against womens lib....far from it but I do believe that there needs to be balance as in all aspects of life. And really, is it so hard to be polite?
So thats my rant on people, manners and the loss of a good generation of men to the pleasures of the retirement golf course and the state of Fl.
Individuals such as the manager today in Altoona, PA give full credit back to their staff for the condition of the motel and the paperwork but what also needs to be said is that without good direction and support from the manager, the staff members would not perform to the high standards which they consistently hold in place. I must admit that on days such as yesterday and today I could easily spend all day with these managers. They are so interesting and entertaining. They also have manners.
You ever wonder what happened to the guys who held the door for a lady, or held a chair for her? Well I can tell you. They grew up in the 50's and 60's and now are the generation on the brink of retirement but they have not lost that courtesy which touches an individual right at her heart. They didn't let the extreme right wing woment lib movement take away the basic manners which they learned as children. Someone once told me that women really shot themselves in the foot when it came to the women's lib movement and I have to admit to a certain extent that they were right. We sometimes become so concerned with proving that we can do anything a guy can and better while also juggling meals, family, home and exercise that we forget that just because someone offers to pay for dinner, to open a car door or a door to an establishment its not an attack upon womanhood or an asperation that we aren't making it in the real world but rather that it could be a little thing called manners and courtesy. The friend I mentioned earlier had a horrible experience not too long ago where he politely held the door to a convenience store open for a woman who was walking behind him. Rather than say thanks she stopped before she got to the door and said that she could get the door herself and that she didn't need a man to get it for her. My friend was justifiably upset by this reaction and when he told it to me I was also shocked. Maybe I'm really old fashioned but personnally I like it when someone gets the door for me, or offers to help with my luggage as I stow it in the overhead bins (that could also be because I'm really short)and yes I do expect the guy to pay for dinner if he asks me out. But honestly is it any wonder guys are confused with mixed signals like that by different members of the female population? But I tend to think that those small courtesies have fallen by the wayside because I cannot tell you the last time when I was at a restaurant and I saw a guy hold the chair for his date or even the car door when they left. Different time different people, manners vs lack thereof. Now I'm not against womens lib....far from it but I do believe that there needs to be balance as in all aspects of life. And really, is it so hard to be polite?
So thats my rant on people, manners and the loss of a good generation of men to the pleasures of the retirement golf course and the state of Fl.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Off early and driving
Sooo the great state of Ohio has seen the last of me for at least a couple of months. I am now officially back in PA and in a little town called Wahsington, PA. Its cute. The audit today went well. The manager is 73 years old and still running an eighty room motel. Not bad for someone who could have retired ten years ago. She is still going strong and has a firm handle on operations. Pretty cool lady.
So I fought traffic, road construction and enjoyed the scenery as I travelled through the mini-mountains back into PA. A very enjoyable afternoon. Dinner was a quaint little Italian rest called Angelo's. Good food, stingy wine portions. The dessert tray looked so tempting but I was completely stuffed from dinner, so I think tomorrow I will just do an appetizer and dessert (the best of both worlds)!
Other than that not to much for interesting news. I watched Sex and the City this evening, the one where Carrie red into some of Bergers friends after he had broken up with her on a post-it note. I still think the conversation about the "proper" way to break up with someone is something every guy should see. The conversation might be difficult but honesty in ending something that isn't working cannot be overrated.
I'm studying up on the Picture Rock Park region of upper Michigan. Vacation time is coming up and I need to get ready for some serious hiking. To average 10 miles a day I need to prepare, prepare, prepare. 10 miles hiking is nothing like 10 miles walking/running. The terrain, the weather and the very fact we will be carrying all our food and water thereby adding an extra 30lbs to my back will make the first day or two more of an endurance test than a vacation. But by the third day, it will be enjoyable and I can really soak up the atmosphere. At least that is the hope.
So its back to the reports.....grrr.
So I fought traffic, road construction and enjoyed the scenery as I travelled through the mini-mountains back into PA. A very enjoyable afternoon. Dinner was a quaint little Italian rest called Angelo's. Good food, stingy wine portions. The dessert tray looked so tempting but I was completely stuffed from dinner, so I think tomorrow I will just do an appetizer and dessert (the best of both worlds)!
Other than that not to much for interesting news. I watched Sex and the City this evening, the one where Carrie red into some of Bergers friends after he had broken up with her on a post-it note. I still think the conversation about the "proper" way to break up with someone is something every guy should see. The conversation might be difficult but honesty in ending something that isn't working cannot be overrated.
I'm studying up on the Picture Rock Park region of upper Michigan. Vacation time is coming up and I need to get ready for some serious hiking. To average 10 miles a day I need to prepare, prepare, prepare. 10 miles hiking is nothing like 10 miles walking/running. The terrain, the weather and the very fact we will be carrying all our food and water thereby adding an extra 30lbs to my back will make the first day or two more of an endurance test than a vacation. But by the third day, it will be enjoyable and I can really soak up the atmosphere. At least that is the hope.
So its back to the reports.....grrr.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
The next chapter!
So as I said this trip has been okay. Neither horrible nor spectacular. I've spent more time than I should in rest. bars having a drink or two to take the edge off after a hard audit. And not enough time on the tracks walking and running and I truly feel it. I just don't like how I feel if I go more than two days without walking/running. But some of these days have been so long, that I've finally crashed at 2am after dinner and finishing the reports, then its back on the road again by 8 to make it to the next location. For a few of the areas even when I asked about high school running tracks or local parks there haven't been any nearby. All in all not one of my more successful trips for staying balanced.
But I'm working on it. i walked yesterday evening in Canton, OH and then this evening in Harrisburg, PA (next door to Hershey, PA). I walked for an hour this evening and feel so good....like its all going to be okay and that I'm also okay. Walking gives me time to reflect. This evening I thought about the fact that I do like to be active. I love to mountain and road bike....I miss the smell of the woods and the dirt and leaves and the wild flowers that were often found alongside the trails. I enjoy feeling the flex and extension of my muscles. I like knowing that I am strong and can take care of myself. I like to kayak and canoe, I love to hike and walk and run (sort of // at least as much as my breathing allows). That is the hardest thing about auditing. Its not the hours, or the constant delivering of bad news. Its not knowing that people hate you and that they are constantly seeking to discredit your findings thereby discrediting me. But rather its having to find new walking/running trails every day and not knowing how safe and secure those trails are that is difficult. Eating in different restraunt (or the same chain restraunt day after day)is just par for course. If only there was some way to be consistent with the walking/running I would feel so much better. Walking/running lets me clear my head after 10-14-16hours of working on audits and reports. I need to have that downtime to stay balanced and to stay healthy.
Life is about balance. One of my favorite sayings and I actually wrote it down because I didn't want to forget it is to "Live life with exuberance". That is what I want to do. I can't change the world, I can't change who I am, I can't fix my credit rating, I can't make someone love me who doesn't and for the time being I can't change my job. But even though there are many things I can't change I can still and no matter what "Live life with exuberance" and thereby have a life well lived. Its about not focusing on what you don't have but rather focusing on what your do.
What do I have? I have a fantastic circle of friends for whom I would do anything. I have a great family who although they disagree with my lifestyle, my career and my lack of sig. other in addition to driving me crazy on occassion; they still love me and no matter what they are family. I have a job that allows me to see all parts of the country, the good the bad, the important cities and points of historical significance and also the slow and quiet one horse areas that are still the Norman Rockwell pictures of the past. I also get to see the good and bad parts of the cities. Their beauty and the seediness. The afluent in their Lexus status symbol cars and the downtrodden standing on the corners. Such opportunities are things to be thankful for, and to appreciate them while they last. Someday I'll settle down, when I meet the right person. I'm completely open to meeting someone and to embarking upon that adventure but one thing I have learned "again" is that there must be respect, trust, humor and loyalty in any relationship for it to have the faintest hope of survival. Also that the interest must be recipicated in a healthy manner. The interst cannot be just for through convenience or base lust nunless that is clearly expressed at the beginning nor can it be expressed then taken away in an effort to control another person. There must be some form of purpose for any interest. If its just to be friends, then excellent. I love making new friends. If its friends with the possibility of something more, then even better. If its seomthing more right from the start, well then thats interesting also and possibly a lot of fun! But overriding it all there must be trust, respect, humor and loyalty. Without that....there is nothing.
I have discovered that I hate games. I tend to be rather blunt when it comes to relationships. If you like me, tell me. If you say you like me, then call me and talk with me. Express interest in where I am, what I am doing, how I am doing and share my life with me. I've gone the route of being the one who was the constant cheerleader, the one who asked how the other individuals day was, expressed interest, concern and offered advice concerning objects of concern....but in return I want the same respect and care shown for me. Don't just call me when you want me to cheer you up, or when you want phone sex. I'm worth more, and I know that I have so much more to offer. This time around I'm not going to settle for less than what I know is right. I don't do "when your in town call me, and when I'm in town I'll call you for a sexathons but then don't call, write or have any form of communication until the next time your in town". I guess I'm still a little old fashioned in that I do want someone who cares for me and at the end of the day gives a damn about where I am, what I've done, and how I am doing. Because I do the exact same for those people whom I care about. I want to know how my friends and sig others are doing. I care about the things they care about. I might not fully understand their interests but I'll figure it out. Because if its important enough for you to care about then its important enough for me to express and interest in it also.
So this is turning into a rather lengthy monolgue but there you have it. In a nutshell.....we all are a little crazy but that is what keeps people interesting. Everyone has their own special neurosis' and as time goes on I am figuring out what mine are and how I can deal with them.
So its now midnight, I haven't had anything to drink this evening....someone should be darn proud of me cause I really wanted a martini or a good glass of pinot grigio. And I'm going to call it a night. My alarm is set for 7am so I can go walk before heading into Hershey, PA for a day of sightseeing, sampling of divine chocolate and the 5 hour drive back to Canton, OH.
So I hope that everyone has had a fantastic weekend....and take care.
But I'm working on it. i walked yesterday evening in Canton, OH and then this evening in Harrisburg, PA (next door to Hershey, PA). I walked for an hour this evening and feel so good....like its all going to be okay and that I'm also okay. Walking gives me time to reflect. This evening I thought about the fact that I do like to be active. I love to mountain and road bike....I miss the smell of the woods and the dirt and leaves and the wild flowers that were often found alongside the trails. I enjoy feeling the flex and extension of my muscles. I like knowing that I am strong and can take care of myself. I like to kayak and canoe, I love to hike and walk and run (sort of // at least as much as my breathing allows). That is the hardest thing about auditing. Its not the hours, or the constant delivering of bad news. Its not knowing that people hate you and that they are constantly seeking to discredit your findings thereby discrediting me. But rather its having to find new walking/running trails every day and not knowing how safe and secure those trails are that is difficult. Eating in different restraunt (or the same chain restraunt day after day)is just par for course. If only there was some way to be consistent with the walking/running I would feel so much better. Walking/running lets me clear my head after 10-14-16hours of working on audits and reports. I need to have that downtime to stay balanced and to stay healthy.
Life is about balance. One of my favorite sayings and I actually wrote it down because I didn't want to forget it is to "Live life with exuberance". That is what I want to do. I can't change the world, I can't change who I am, I can't fix my credit rating, I can't make someone love me who doesn't and for the time being I can't change my job. But even though there are many things I can't change I can still and no matter what "Live life with exuberance" and thereby have a life well lived. Its about not focusing on what you don't have but rather focusing on what your do.
What do I have? I have a fantastic circle of friends for whom I would do anything. I have a great family who although they disagree with my lifestyle, my career and my lack of sig. other in addition to driving me crazy on occassion; they still love me and no matter what they are family. I have a job that allows me to see all parts of the country, the good the bad, the important cities and points of historical significance and also the slow and quiet one horse areas that are still the Norman Rockwell pictures of the past. I also get to see the good and bad parts of the cities. Their beauty and the seediness. The afluent in their Lexus status symbol cars and the downtrodden standing on the corners. Such opportunities are things to be thankful for, and to appreciate them while they last. Someday I'll settle down, when I meet the right person. I'm completely open to meeting someone and to embarking upon that adventure but one thing I have learned "again" is that there must be respect, trust, humor and loyalty in any relationship for it to have the faintest hope of survival. Also that the interest must be recipicated in a healthy manner. The interst cannot be just for through convenience or base lust nunless that is clearly expressed at the beginning nor can it be expressed then taken away in an effort to control another person. There must be some form of purpose for any interest. If its just to be friends, then excellent. I love making new friends. If its friends with the possibility of something more, then even better. If its seomthing more right from the start, well then thats interesting also and possibly a lot of fun! But overriding it all there must be trust, respect, humor and loyalty. Without that....there is nothing.
I have discovered that I hate games. I tend to be rather blunt when it comes to relationships. If you like me, tell me. If you say you like me, then call me and talk with me. Express interest in where I am, what I am doing, how I am doing and share my life with me. I've gone the route of being the one who was the constant cheerleader, the one who asked how the other individuals day was, expressed interest, concern and offered advice concerning objects of concern....but in return I want the same respect and care shown for me. Don't just call me when you want me to cheer you up, or when you want phone sex. I'm worth more, and I know that I have so much more to offer. This time around I'm not going to settle for less than what I know is right. I don't do "when your in town call me, and when I'm in town I'll call you for a sexathons but then don't call, write or have any form of communication until the next time your in town". I guess I'm still a little old fashioned in that I do want someone who cares for me and at the end of the day gives a damn about where I am, what I've done, and how I am doing. Because I do the exact same for those people whom I care about. I want to know how my friends and sig others are doing. I care about the things they care about. I might not fully understand their interests but I'll figure it out. Because if its important enough for you to care about then its important enough for me to express and interest in it also.
So this is turning into a rather lengthy monolgue but there you have it. In a nutshell.....we all are a little crazy but that is what keeps people interesting. Everyone has their own special neurosis' and as time goes on I am figuring out what mine are and how I can deal with them.
So its now midnight, I haven't had anything to drink this evening....someone should be darn proud of me cause I really wanted a martini or a good glass of pinot grigio. And I'm going to call it a night. My alarm is set for 7am so I can go walk before heading into Hershey, PA for a day of sightseeing, sampling of divine chocolate and the 5 hour drive back to Canton, OH.
So I hope that everyone has had a fantastic weekend....and take care.
Just do it!
Its been far to long since I've blogged....and life has been happening at a rapid pace for certain things yet for others it seems to have slowed to the minute crawling of an earthworm.
Just a beginning. Ryan and Sarahs wedding was amazing. Filled with fun, good times and the most beatiful ceremony I have been to in years. I must admit that I was teary eyed on more than one occassion throughout the ceremony and it was strange to see them drive off together for the beginning of their new life together. The realization that they are now truly married and everything they do impacts the other person was a sobering thought. But they do truly love each other as was evidenced by the heartfelt vows they spoke to each other during the ceremony and the beaming smiles on their faces during the reception.
Fast forward a couple of weeks and I have visited the great state of GA...specifically the Atlanta region. While not a spot I would willingly go back to again it was interesting from a historical perspective. Different people, different cultures and different way of living. The traffic was atrocious and the people not to friendly.
A good point during that time was the visit I took one weekend to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. The estate was amazing, the scenery beautiful, the gardens lush and well maintained with such a bountiful selection of flowers, manicured beds, wild beds and hot house and cold house flowers. Some day whether for a special occassion, a honeymoon, or just a treat myself because I'm woth it vacation I will go back there and spend time just exploring the miles and miles of gardens, the mountains surrounding the estate, the mountain biking trails, the horseback riding trails and the hiking trails. The area was amazing and certainly offset the less than pleasant experiences I had while in Atlanta.
While in Asheville I took an evening and went to a neighboring town called Flat Rock, NC. It reminded me of Door County WI. Very touristy with quaint little shops, excellent restraunts and such a fun atmosphere. I went to the Flat Rock Playhouse for a showing of "Kiss me Kate" which is Cole Porters version of the "Taming of the Shrew". The production was fantastic and funny. Filled with innuendo and double entendres. It was a delightful evening, I dressed up with my fantastic little black dress, spike open toe heels, and a beautiful red silk scarf which I had picked up in Paris (and has been residing in my suitcase ever since that trip). It was a rainy evening but not a hard rain, just the steady downfall that gives a drink to the crops and makes everything fresh and new again. Perhaps that is what I liked so much about NC. It was so green, the mountains and rolling hills were completely covered in trees and was just beautiful. It was possible to be on the main interestate and yet feel like you were driving on a country road. WV felt much the same but as I spent more time there doing audits I quickly realized that the areas were still a little to rustic for my taste (I went a whole week without Starbucks---it was difficult) and that the old story of dont get off the main roads cause if you wander into the hills there are still areas that create their own moonshine and mountain mend do still exist. But NC was a blending of the beauty of the mountains and enough urban edge to keep me happy.
Fast forward a couple of more weeks and I now find myself in Pittsburgh and the far western reaches of Ohio. The trip has been okay. This weekend I am running all over the countryside visiting such places as Hershey, PA and Gettysburg, PA. I'll let you know my findings and interesting observations about those areas.
Just a beginning. Ryan and Sarahs wedding was amazing. Filled with fun, good times and the most beatiful ceremony I have been to in years. I must admit that I was teary eyed on more than one occassion throughout the ceremony and it was strange to see them drive off together for the beginning of their new life together. The realization that they are now truly married and everything they do impacts the other person was a sobering thought. But they do truly love each other as was evidenced by the heartfelt vows they spoke to each other during the ceremony and the beaming smiles on their faces during the reception.
Fast forward a couple of weeks and I have visited the great state of GA...specifically the Atlanta region. While not a spot I would willingly go back to again it was interesting from a historical perspective. Different people, different cultures and different way of living. The traffic was atrocious and the people not to friendly.
A good point during that time was the visit I took one weekend to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. The estate was amazing, the scenery beautiful, the gardens lush and well maintained with such a bountiful selection of flowers, manicured beds, wild beds and hot house and cold house flowers. Some day whether for a special occassion, a honeymoon, or just a treat myself because I'm woth it vacation I will go back there and spend time just exploring the miles and miles of gardens, the mountains surrounding the estate, the mountain biking trails, the horseback riding trails and the hiking trails. The area was amazing and certainly offset the less than pleasant experiences I had while in Atlanta.
While in Asheville I took an evening and went to a neighboring town called Flat Rock, NC. It reminded me of Door County WI. Very touristy with quaint little shops, excellent restraunts and such a fun atmosphere. I went to the Flat Rock Playhouse for a showing of "Kiss me Kate" which is Cole Porters version of the "Taming of the Shrew". The production was fantastic and funny. Filled with innuendo and double entendres. It was a delightful evening, I dressed up with my fantastic little black dress, spike open toe heels, and a beautiful red silk scarf which I had picked up in Paris (and has been residing in my suitcase ever since that trip). It was a rainy evening but not a hard rain, just the steady downfall that gives a drink to the crops and makes everything fresh and new again. Perhaps that is what I liked so much about NC. It was so green, the mountains and rolling hills were completely covered in trees and was just beautiful. It was possible to be on the main interestate and yet feel like you were driving on a country road. WV felt much the same but as I spent more time there doing audits I quickly realized that the areas were still a little to rustic for my taste (I went a whole week without Starbucks---it was difficult) and that the old story of dont get off the main roads cause if you wander into the hills there are still areas that create their own moonshine and mountain mend do still exist. But NC was a blending of the beauty of the mountains and enough urban edge to keep me happy.
Fast forward a couple of more weeks and I now find myself in Pittsburgh and the far western reaches of Ohio. The trip has been okay. This weekend I am running all over the countryside visiting such places as Hershey, PA and Gettysburg, PA. I'll let you know my findings and interesting observations about those areas.
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