New Job... New Starts all around...

Starting to settle into the new job a little better.. Learning my way around a different agency, being so totally addicted to facebook (gee, thanks, Hennifero), starting to knit a lot again, and working on my social life.

Things are looking up. It's weird thinking that I don't have to go to two dinners this Thanksgiving... I always enjoyed Thanksgiving at the in-law's and with my family... we would have dessert with one, dinner with the other... but we always ended up eating two dinners - because, dang, the food was SO good! :-) So, here's to only gaining 5 lbs this Thanksgiving, instead of 10. And for giving thanks to new starts, new friendships, new honesty with self, and all other good things.

Final.

What I thought was forever wasn't.
I've been quiet here for a while, and most of you know, when I'm quiet, I'm working on things.
Here's to learning to be me again, and loving myself again.

Good Video... Exactly how I'm feeling..

Glen Hansard: Say it to Me Now

"When Your Mind's Made Up" Glen Hansard

So, if you want something
And you call, call
Then'll come running
To fight, and I'll be at your door
When there's something worth running for

When your mind's made up
When your mind's made up
There's no point trying to change it
When your mind's made up
When your mind's made up
There's no point trying to stop it

You see, you're just like everyone
When the shit falls all you want to do is run, away
And hide all by yourself
When you're far from me, there's nothing else

When your mind's made up
When your mind's made up
There's no point trying to change it
When your mind's made up
When your mind's made up
There's no point even talking
When your mind's made up
When your mind's made up
There's no point trying to fight it

So, if you ever want something
And you call, call
Then I'll come running.

"Leave" - Damien Rice (always a favorite of mine)

I can't wait forever is all that you said
Before you stood up
And you won't disappoint me
I can do that myself
But I'm glad that you've come
Now if you don't mind

Leave, leave,
And free yourself at the same time
Leave, leave,
I don't understand, you've already gone

And I hope you feel better
Now that it's out
What took you so long
And the truth has a habit
Of falling out of your mouth
But now that it's come
If you don't mind

Leave, leave,
And please yourself at the same time
Leave, leave,
Let go of my hand
You said what you have to now
Leave, leave,
Let go of my hand
You said what you came to now
Leave, leave,
Leave, leave,
Let go of my hand
You said what you have to now
Leave, leave...

"Sleeping" - Glen Hansard

Are you sleeping?
Still dreaming?
Still drifting off alone...
I'm not leaving with this feeling
So you'd better best be told
And how in the world did you come
To be such a lazy love?

It's so simple, and fitting
The path that you are on
We're not talking, there's no secrets
There's just a note that you have gone
And all that you've ever owned
Is packed in the hall to go

And how am I supposed to live without you?
A wrong word said in anger and you were gone

I'm not listening for signals
It's all dust now on the shelf
Are you still working? Still counting?
Still buried in yourself?
And how in the world did we come
To have such an absent love?

And how am I supposed to live without you?
A wrong word said in anger and you were gone
And how am I supposed to live without anyone?

And how in the world did you come
To be such a lazy love?
And where did you go?

... For now, I don't have much to say, so, I lean on my music, and let it explain.

"Come on Get Higher"

I miss the sound of your voice
And I miss the rush of your skin
And I miss the still of the silence
As you breathe out and I breathe in

If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what's next
I'd make you believe
I'd make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love

I miss the sound of your voice
Loudest thing in my head
And I ache to remember
All the violent, sweet
Perfect words that you said

If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what's next
I'd make you believe
I'd make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love

I feel of your heart
I taste the sparks on your tongue
I see angels and devils
And God, when you come on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on

Sing sha la la la
Sing sha la la la la

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me, drown me in love

It's all wrong, it's all wrong
It's all wrong, it's so right
So come on, get higher
So come on and get higher
'Cause everything works, love
Everything works when you're on

New updates...

Hoping to get the rest of the Paris Chronicles up soon.

Life is in flux. You read what you want into that.

The Paris Chronicles

While in Paris, I wrote in a journal, since I didn't have my blog...

So, here are the typed entries, with some afterthoughts and some pictures from each day. Scroll down. :-)

March 8

Today was a beautiful day outside and in...

We walked to the Pantheon, stopped at a bakery for breakfast. Shannon had a chicken sandwich - of course - and I had an amande croissant - kind of a sweet croissant with almond meal in the layers, ooh - it was so fantastic! I'll have to get another one of those before we leave. Yum!

Off to the Pantheon - gorgeous building, but not too busy - we're giving the musee passes a work out. I believe we're got our money's worth - and I still have 2 more days on mine. I think I'll hit the Picasso tomorrow and the Richelue wing of the Louvre - the one I didn't get to do last night.

Anyways - the Pantheon - summed up as Shannon, "a bunch of famous dead people are buried here." But much more - gorgeous statues, the pendulum that proved the earth's rotation (moves 11 degrees per hour) and ... well... a bunch of famous dead people are buried here. :-) Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Alexander Dumas, Pierre and Marie Curie - to name a few - a very large crypt that was well done - and very cold, brr!!!

Back up stairs to Shannon and off to the Metro - we found a couple greek places, which we might go to tonight for gyros. On the Metro - we saw Catwoman - she looked fantastic, by the way - I only wish I had my camera out.

For lunch, we stopped for sandwiches near the Seine - Shannon says her best sandwich, hands down in Paris (so far!)... we then were surprised by our waitress with some deep, dark chocolate which was so bitterly good, yum!!!

Off to the Orsay Musee. Finally, a museum that Shannon actually liked - well, one room - the Van Gogh room. And then she found benches while I zoomed aroud the rest of the floors of sculptures and early 1920s art and furniture. Beautiful building. I particularly like the Renoir room - right before the Van Gogh room - which was also amazing. Bummer of the Dancing Couple wasn't there. Sigh - but to see so man of these works of art that you see - that you've only seen pictures of or read about is amazing!

After the Orsay - we walked a little bit along the Seine - the caught the metro back to the Latin Quarter - where upon exit of the metro, we foud a flea market - it was fun to walk around that. We came back to the hotel - had a snack and now we plan to go do laundry.

Laundry is super quick in Paris - less than an hour - laundromats in the States should take note!

For dinner - brie, gouda, bread - baby carrots, banana and nuts - yum! Weight Watchers be damned (Sorry, ladies at my meeting!)

March 7

We went to Monmarte this morning - where first thing off the Metro, Shannon was verbally "fucked." A guy came up to Shannon, started speaking in French, and Shannon said, "No - English." Then he started to ask her questions in English, and I said, "Non!" to him, and said to Shannon, "Let's go." And the he started yelling at us, "Why did you talk to me then, FUCK!" So, we got "fucked" Paris. But, on to Sacre le Coure - we took the funicular up the hill - and it was a gorgeous view and church - had a late breakfast - eggs, salad, croissants, coffee and tea - tasty! We did some touristy stuff, bought some great scarves and some magnets for coworkers and family. Saw the "bohemian" artists - learned quickly to say "Non, merci" to all the people who wanted to draw you. We saw some cool art, and then we saw a cut little dog playing with a water bottle. We've been conquering the metro - it's pretty easy, but you have to be award of what's going on. Shannon says she's just on for the ride and trusts that I know what I'm doing - :). So far, so good - knock on wood. We grabbed lunch at a street market near our hotel: oranges, apples, bananas, and found a Greek Stand! Yum! Spanikopta, meet filled pockets, cheese filled and vege filled, and falafel. And he had HUMMUS! Fantastic Hummus! The vendor was quite a flirt, too! :) Fun! He gave us samples of his curried chicken & babaganoush, which were quite tasty. Might have to go back tomorrow. The fruit lady aske dwhat part of France I was from - I pass! Wow. She was surprised when I said, "Oh, non, je suis American, dans a la Seattle, Washington." Very cool experience - could be that I have all black on today, except my pink scarf. Oh who know! Shannon says she's a walking target - her big white sneakers :). I've been wearing my Dansko's a lot here, most comfortable for my feet, looking to buy a pair of shoes or boots here - and at least I know I'm a 39 in European sizes.

This evening we all went to the Louvre - wow. I went off on my own - saw Venus de Milo, Winged Victory (3 times - was that awesome to look at) - and of course, the Mona Lisa. Shannon gave up after an hour - too warm, not too interested, Bett - never got a report from her.

Took the metro back - then went to a local grocery for chocolate - and that took a half hour - sheesh! We ate pretzels and leftover fruit for dinner - really don't feel as if we can go out in the 'hood - kind of an odd vibe tonight - and not too many non-touristy places near by to eat at. We really were spoiled in the Rue Cler. And another Boo to the Hotel Des Arenes - no electrical outlets! Seriously, I had to unplug the TV to charge my camera batteries. Also, I measured the beds - 3.25 RS Books in width, so, about 28" wide. I almost feel off the bed last night when just turning over. We've taken to calling them Balance Beam Beds... because, they are!

Thank you to Julia - the foot roller is awesome. It's been fantastic for our tired feet - and remind us when we get home to buy one!. We all miss home, but in just 6 short days and then we are home. Sigh! Going too quick!

Note to Self:
Bananas +
Walnuts +
Malteasers =
ORAL HAPPINESS

March 7 Pictures

March 6

Today, we moved from the Rue Cler to St. Germaine to the Hotel Des Arenes. First impression - BOO! Front desk guy - PUSHY ASSHOLE! Trip advisor is correct - and will support that. Room - spacious - actual tub in the bathroom - a plus, though. But - we have to look on the bright side, but it was hard. Beds - Hansel and Gretel had bigger "twin" beds. But - a walk helped - we actually found the true Bastille. :-) Then we went to the Harley Davidson Store - got a shirt that were requested by a coworker. Then we found my sister Jenn's favorite jewelry store - Metal Pontiu's - and of course, I had to buy something. And something to match that - a necklace and a bracelet. Can't wait to see then on together. :-)
Back to the hotel, but we had to stop at the Monoprix again (Target of France) for a few supplies - water, chocolate, diet pepsi for Shannon, walnuts (protein) - and low and behold - we found baby carrots!!! We had been craving baby carrots - Shannon and I eat them daily at work at home... we were happy to finally have found them.

Another thing we saw a protest today in the Rue Cler before we left - I got a few pictures - but then it started to rain and we had to check out of our hotel, so we went back. Besides, the cops were out in force, and the last thing we needed was to end up arrested in France.

New guy at the front desk - Jacob - who I talked to the night before to confirm - and he remembered my voice - very nice guy - makes this hotel a little better, but the beds are still Hansel & Gretel size.

Dinner was a quick fromage et jambon crepe (see a pattern here?) - not really what we were wanting - but not really sure of the neighborhood and the restaurants - so, and our hotel wasn't of any help. They "suggest" the place next door - with a free drink. And a big neon sign that said "FRENCH FOOD!" Um. No. To Rick Steve's I go! And not much to be found in the RS either. Damn.

I actually can say I took a bath in Paris! It's rare to have a tub , so, I thought, what the hell? My hips barely fit - as it too is child size... :-) We stopped at the Pharmacie - got some bath salts on sale, ginger and peon - I did the ginger tonight - it was nice, seeming how I usually take 2 to 3 baths a week at home on top of my daily showers. Now, Bett is having a ginger bath, too.

We're attempting to get more sleep tonight, but who knows - I don't think we'll truly sleep until we get home.

I can't wait to get back to the Rue Cler - feels more like "home" than this St. Germaine/Luxomburg neighborhood.

March 6 Pictures

More walking...

It's only 2 pm - and I'm pooped! Self-imposed "death march du Paris" (or "Morte marche du Paris"). Started at the Rue Cler walked to Musee de Rodin (as per my sister Jenn said "you HAVE to go there, I'll even pay for it!" Um... Jenn, I'm waiting for the 12E back!), then up, over the Siene stopping for a petit 6-grain baguette to go with my apple that Shannon chopped up for me. Then ended up at the Obelisk - opposite of the Louvre. And walked around - and by around, I am literally meaning, one side of the perimeter - but I haven't gone it... yet. My guess is tonight with the girls (oh, my feet!), oooh, but I was tempted! Then I went to Sainte Chappel - but it was closed from 1300-1430. Guess who go there right as they closed the line? Moi! So, I've not gone in there, but maybe next Monday or Friday. Monmarte is tomorrow. So, then through St. Germaine area, all the way down the Rue de Granelle, back to the hotel. Whew! (*after journal note - see my walk here: )
I think it's time for an early glass of wine? :) or atleas a pain au chocolat! I'm thinking about a nap... but really am trying not to so as I sleep at night (ha! Not sleeping very well). Oh well, off to the rest of the afternoon.

Dinner was at the hotel tonight - we had chicken, mushroom salad, sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, Brie (for Shannon and Better) and some excellent parmesan that I shaved with a butter knife, some fruit and bread from out little purple baker - a whole wheat bread that was covered in seeds - it was so excellent! Shannon & I enjoyed gathering our dinner from all the shops in the Rue Cler. This is our last night at the Valadon until Sunday... we are going to St. Germaine to the hotel des Arenes, about 6-7 blocks from Notre Dame - so less of a death march than today for Sainte Chappel - so maybe I will finally get in there... :) I think it opens around 9, so maybe a quick Friday morning before Montmarte. I'm really looking forward to the area - it was John, Julie and Mom's favorite - lots of art, etc. Well, now we pack up for the next hotel in the St. Germaine. Jill would be proud. It's her favorite area.

March 5 Pictures

And the Death Marches start...

Death March Day! (first of many, I think).

Day started with us meeting Othello - He was at the beach. He shared our croissant et baguette with us. He drooled on Shannon's leg - ah, doggle love - it was so nice to be able to pet a dog!

Bett did her own thing today - Shannon and I set out for the Metro - we bought a book of tickets, le carnet - purple & pretty! Then, off to Notre Dame.

Beautiful! Gorgeous - so much better than the pictures I've seen. I took a ton of pictures - Shannon soaked it up. We both lit a candle for our own reasons - and we walked the whole church.

Afterwards - we touristed up at a shop - bought some of the souvenirs requested by friends and coworkers. Then - Crepes fr petit dejuener. Fromage (u peu pour moi) et jambon - oh my goodness - yum! We ate in the gardens behind Notre Dame - took more pictures - and walked the right bank, across Pont Notre Dame - and accidently found the Bastille (afternote - or, so we thought - it wasn't it)! Then, baptism by fire! We walked into one of the most busy metro stations! We heard great musicians, smelled good and horrific smells and somehow ended up at the Arc de Triomph! Wow - all 254 stairs (50 meters) but we made it (through a rain/hail/snow-ish storm, too!) Took some more pictures and then walked across the Champs Eleysees - getting stuck in the middle - we took a few more pics, too.

We walked the street - took in some shopping, and I bought a new scent at the Sephora flagship store - Narciso Rodriguez for her. Very nice, simple, floral - think Mr. J will like it - Scored two free shower gel samples, two samples of the scent - and a few more samples of other scents - wow - it was a huge store and very fun!

Then we explored the Metro, again. We got off a stop too late - so - we walked (death March part duex) - back to Rue Cler - ah - nice to be "home" - feels like a close neighborhood - which is nice, to feel "at home" in a foreign country.

Oh, Shannon was happy - we found the Target of France - MONOPRIX - :-) It was very busy, but fun to look at all the cosmetics and foods - we found another one close by, too. Maybe a 15-20 minute walk.

Also, treated myself to new pink tweezers, too, at Sephora. We're off to dinner - maybe another glass of vin! Oh la la!

Dinner - Poulet, en slad et pomme de terre puree. Very tasty - excellent with my white wine - Went to Colas - the purple bakery and had a chocolate eclair for dessert, very tasty. Shannon had a marzipan chocolate mouse.

March 4th Pictures

3 March 2008 - first real day in Paris

Working on sleeping pattern re-arrangement. Took it slow today, late breakfast, emailed home to the men and family and then walked to the Eiffel Tower. Wow. took many pictures and then walked back to the hotel.

We walked Rue Cler and did our neighborhood exploration, bought some fruit and some ala carte off the street. Shannon got a salmon spinach quiche, some gala apples and a bunch of bananas. I bought some granny smith apples, and then some pomme frites and the best chicken breast - hands down - for lunch. We came back to the hotel to eat out lunch (around 2 PM) and then took a nap. Well, Bett did. Shannon and I couldn't sleep, and Bett was sawing logs...

So - out to the neighborhood again. We found an excellent bakery (Colas), bought a "jambon et fromage croissant," a meringue and I bought some madellaines, un chocolate et un plain. Yum! We are totally heading back there. (And we did - a lot!)

Shannon and I found a grocery, bought some water (and protein for the protein queen) and then headed back for a quick nap. Bett, still sawing logs, due to not really sleeping on the plan, let's say - trivia games are addicting - :-)

Around 7, Shannon and I headed out to find some dinner. We walked the Rue Cler, then decided to take some night shots of the Eiffel Twoer. They are gorgeous! Before out quick walk to the tower though, we grabbed our first crepe - YUM! Shannon got a jambon et fromage (surprise, surprise!) and, it was a Nutella et banane for me. That was our dinner! :-) Again, we're still adjusting our body clocks, at 7 pm here, it's only 10 am at home - so, I woke up starving last night. Luckily, Shannon was up, too, so we had a snicky-snack - a granola bar for me and some peanuts for Shannon - and a bottle of water. After our walk + crepes - we walked back to Rue Cler - found a little bistro and I had my first glass of wine - yum. Vin Rouge - Ver baudan - very full flavor. Now my cheeks are warm and it's time for bed.

Finishing every night with a shot of the Eiffel Tower from our room, nice way to know each day end on the camera card - and honey - my camera is working fabulous - fantastic Christmas present.

Day 1/2 (March 1-2)

Long flight, much crabiness by all from lack of sleep.

Note to self - take early in the day flight here, night flight home next European trip.

(yes, I was already planning my next trip on the first night)





(end of journal)
Afterthoughts:
(yes, I was already planning my next trip on the first night)

We got there very late after some long flights and lay overs in Coppenhagen. We had excellent service with SAS - couldn't ask for a better long haul flight crew (Especially Eric - great talks in the galley!) - especially our first super long flight. Spacious and lots to do (movies, games, sleeping) kept us occupied.

We found a taxi to our hotel... took us up around the Arc de Triomph, past the Eiffel Tower, and to our hotel, The Hotel Valadon to start our stay in Paris.

And... We're off!

Just a in a few hours I will be leaving for the airport...

I can't believe the trip is here...

I'll miss my J, my Boone and my bed, but it will be totally worth it!

Now, to finish packing (omg, I've hardly started!!!)

Overstimulated!

Too much going on at work...

Still haven't made the list of the things to pack...

Still haven't really read the Paris books... (gonna do that on the plane?)

Still haven't even started packing. Guess I have to make the list first, huh?

Gained a lb. Not good.

But all that keeps me going is that next Monday - I'm going to wake up in Paris.

I can't believe the trip is already here... it seemed like it was never going to be here, and then all the sudden, just three sleeps away! Three days - HOLY SHIT. My biggest stress... claustrophobia on the plane... I get antsy easily on planes. Yikes. But it will be all worth it.

Ah, Paris! I can't wait! The sights, the crepes... the wine - the cheese (I can't eat) - the dreams. Wow. Pinch me!

Total Eclipse ... of the moon

So, they are a little blurry, but here they are, with the new Lumix. Possibly need to invest in a tripod and the thing that pushes the button without moving the camera. You have to keep the camera still for 30 seconds. Well, that's why there is a little blur. But I think they came out good. One before, close to full eclipse, and one after with the "diamond ring" effect going on.

Yum! Banana Cranberry Almond Muffins (or bread).

3/4 c white sugar
3/4 c dark brown sugar
1 stick (1/2 c) butter or margarine (I am a butter fan)
2 large eggs
3-4 medium bananas, ripe,
1/2 c milk
1/4 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup toasted almonds slivers (or walnuts chunks or pecans pieces, or none).
1/2 tsp of nutmeg
1 tsp of cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Put the bananas in a bowl, take the mixer and mash the bananas up. Add the softened butter or margarine, and mix until incorporated. Add the sugars, the eggs, mix. Add the milk and the lemon juice, mix. Add the vanilla, the baking soda, and salt. Mix. Add the whole wheat flour and all purpose flour, mix until incorporated. Add the cranberries and the nuts (or not), and mix.

Line the muffin pan with papers. Fill about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Makes 24.

If you want to do a loaf, fill 9 in loaf pan, and bake 55-65 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Slice into 24 slices.

Tasty!!!

Auntie Kate

Me and Miss Emily... Such a cutie!!!

Auntie Jams and Miss Emily

Mama and Em.

The paparazzi needs to stop!!!

Waiting on the Weight

I guess if I would just get my butt to the gym, I wouldn't be waiting for so long.

It's going slow... and I'm wondering about my thyroid... but I can't feel like that is the answer to everything. But I'm reading a new book about the Thyroid Diet and I am going to try to put some of that into effect.

We'll see. Just keep plodding along with the eating better, more healthy things.

And now if this cold would just go away, that would help, too. Ta, ta, TEA Time!

More Emily Love...

Last night we took the new parents a good dinner... I made Shake and Bake (And I HELPED) Pork Chops, a salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and romaine - all organic, and (ha!) Lipton Chicken and Veggie Rice (I was tired!). We got to hang out with the newest family member and visit with Dave, Kelly and Karla (Kelly's momma).

The moon on the night of the birth of Emily

She was born on a full moon... it's was purty!

Auntie K and Uncle J

Introducing Miss Emily Michelle C.

Born 22 January 2008, 7:20 AM 6 Lbs 5 Oz 19" long

Pee-Yeah

Pufferbelly for dinner with Jamie, Tim and Benny

Jamie and Benny

Albion and more...


My father retired, so it was time for a trip to Pee-Yeah! Here's outside the funeral home.