Thursday, May 19, 2011

airport delay musings and the comforts of home

In retrospect- I realize that I did have some interesting contents in my larger carry on thinking about it.
Sets of lacy underwear, a good supply of chocolate, a camera and my notebook computer were indeed the best and majority of items. :)
though wonder what someone would think had they searched or inspected my bag. ;)
But really since arriving home about 2 days ago, I am so happy to be back to the comfort of my home. My bed. My doggie and companion Sasha- privacy. Peace and quiet and on no real schedule until next week.
I wonder, how many of us really sit and take a moment or two to appreciate being home. What you have and what you take for granted. How good it is. To appreciate what you have.
What others do not have- a roof over your head, food and living in a safe town or city or neighbourhood.
To realize that day to day many of us take these things for granted.
It seems simple enough on one level --but really is it?
Having being about to travel to many places in the world to experience many things, I realize this more each day and each trip. I wish every person in the Western world could travel and learn this very important lesson.
By Western World I mean, North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand where many of us are fortunate to have a good quality of life.
So count your blessings.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

No rhyme or reisling, full moon and security carrying on

OK its been a long day and there was at least one instance I wanted to hurt someone. I get to SFO airport allowing plenty of time more than 2 hours before my 1:05 pm flight. Impatiently standing in line and all I can think about is 'I need to pee now'. Get to the counter at last to find we are delayed and won't be boarding until 245pm. Argh. So Westjet gives me a $10 meal voucher- the up side.
I got for a walkabout about my ladies room run. then have my lunch and make my way to security between 145-210 pm. Security refuses me entry and tells me that I have too many personal items- Bulls**. I explain I have the exact same number as when I arrived and it is accepted on my airline. I am told that is the rule for the airport and that I must get an agent to escort through security. (crap)
I am not going to return to counter to stand in large line!!!
So tell the girl well my bag will be over weight if I stuff all in one bag....and once through security going to pull it apart back to how I had it. Carry on bag Nazi!
So when  I finally get to the gate I tell the agent there my experience- he is very surprised and has not heard of this before! And looks at my carry ons and says they are fine. Nothing wrong. So I am right.
Will call airline tomorrow and speak to someone to ask them what procedure I should follow if ever in this situation again.
Should I ask to speak to their supervisor?  have them page an airline agent?
Is there someone to complain or give my feedback to?
And tonight I discover, we have a full moon! Maybe there's why there are people acting odd, strange or being more erratic than usual.
So at least the people on the flight were pleasant. I ask for wine when  the cart starts coming around. Am told it is in the next cart. It comes and the wine is warm the attendant apologises for the wine being warm. Then says I don't have to pay for it! THANK YOU! hey just give me ice i Tell him! uhh
it is good to be home!!

Monday, May 9, 2011

the view from my hotel room window



Breakfast

Do Not Disturb, Berry Nice Breakfast and the singing behind the door

So breakfast arrived about 10 minutes early which is fine as my stomach was talking. A large bowl of Oatmeal which easily could of fed 2 people IMHO- and a bowl of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. (seasonal berries $12) Soy Milk on the side and a large pot of hot water so I can make my own tea! (always travel with a bit of my own tea since the quality varies from place to place) and a nice big glass of ice water.:)
(photos to follow -LOL)
That reminds me I should have a read of the 2 newspapers that came on the breakfast table as well.
At some point I start to hear singing in the next room, these type of rooms with adjoining doors I find that you can hear people more in those rooms. (note to self request non adjoining) Anyways, this man singing wasn't too bad really, have heard worse. But he was no Chris Isaak. Still it was entertaining.:)
Finished breakfast and tea while watching a bit of Dr. Oz before getting a call from a friend.

I am thinking I should ask if they have a 'Do Not disturb' sign as I really do not need a knock on the door before 8:30 am. Like to enjoy my 'not having to get up early to run off somewhere' time.
Besides I don't really need to have my room service and would rather just ring housekeeping if I do need something.
Another lovely morning out there and I know I really should go for a walk outside.
Expecting another call in about 70 minutes approximately.
Should test drive the shower and dress - but again am in no hurry. Its so nice not to be on anyone's schedule.
Siesta are ok anytime you can get one.

safe landing, taxi talk and friendship

So got little sleep last night a combination for excitement, missing Sasha and maybe being over tired.
Well the dishwasher was noisy- note to self run it during the day and get the appliance man to look at it. Thinking maybe the pump is going as it continues to get noisier.
So up at the crack of yawn after tossing and turning most of the night. Pill, breakfast, dressing and make up and zipping up the carry on bag. Glad I had the online check in organized the night before- it does save time that is for sure.
I figure the waiting around the airport and the gate times on either end is more time that the actual time in the air we spent. apparently pilot says its 1 hour and 4o minutes! Wow and flight was to leave at 10 am and land about 12:15pm. am sure that we left later by the time we were boarded and Had the mandatory safety talk and demo.;)

OK love Westjet but......now you pay for bag 2- which is fine if you are on a shorter trip . One bag is fine. Plus pay for food and sandwiches or only on flights 3 hours or longer. so a 2 hour or less flight--bring your own or buy junk food. Not many options.
got my bag and then headed to a taxi...chatted with the driver about the usual things like weather and where I'm from and travel. And he asks me if I do a lot of travelling on my own....I think he was curious why I travel alone. Interesting as many people seem to be intrigued at the fact that I travel alone.
Well there are more women traveling alone nowadays that say even 10-15 years ago. And yes perhaps I am IN head of that aspect of travelling. On the other hand, Dave in South Australia for example did not seem to think it was a big deal as he travelled many places on his own. But he is a man- and that is still a difference. As men travelling their own was and has always been more accepted in anywhere In the world.
OK time for more travel on my own.
Just noticing the other day that the expiry date of my passport is March 17- I think its  another sign that I Need to go to Ireland. IMHO
Now if I could just find a knowledgeable travel specialist to help me realize this dream!

While having dinner and drinks- kept thinking how well a Pina colada or a Blue hawaii can make the food go down better.  for example brussel sprouts and Lima Beans can seem so much more palatable. ( no offense to those who love those veggies) But liquor does make it quicker.....(sad rhyme I know)

Friendship is a wonderful thing that often we can take for granted day to day.
But it sure is great to have friends to talk to, vent with, eat with, visit with, bond with over retail therapy or a glass of wine. I especially like to have friends that I can visit in different countries and cities.:)
I just wish I could see those friends more often and that the distance was much shorter.
So hoping to reconnect with some of these friends while I am here in San Francisco.
and some retail therapy and a spa treatment would be wonderful!
time to get some sleep before breakfast time.
xo

Saturday, May 7, 2011

NEWS FLASH- Its Raining Again (yawn)

Wow guess what it's raining again! LOL
OK yes getting tired of it- but being grateful for not having worse weather like floods, tropical storms, hurricanes- or other natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunami's.
But seriously we all need some Vitamin D and the warmth of sunshine- so please send some now.
Looking forward to landing in San Francisco on Sunday- just in time for lunch time. :)
Will enjoy some sunshine of course.
Looking forward to flying Westjet once again- as I always find their staff entertaining and nice.:)
Planning sightseeing, retail therapy, spa time, photography and even a bit of rest and relaxation--and of course reconnecting with friends. :D
Going to have fun of course and continue on the healthy eating(yawn)--OK there will be some drinking.
(just a little) Oh yes and I must do some research and observation of the male Californian.;)
Though I doubt there will be room for a random pair of binoculars in my suitcase. lol
Today I enjoyed some much needed massage therapy for my back and neck and other body parts- it was great.
Now for the goal list for the next couple months. 1) Research Ireland and more Importantly a travel specialist that can help me book and put together a great trip.
2)find a travel specialist to help me plan another trip to Australia and New Zealand (north).
Plus continue my research on Breast Reduction surgery.
OK time for a snack and off to the Land of Nod :)

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Long drive, breast options and California

Last sunday had a drive out to Fort Langley to see my Intuitive reader. It had been quite sometime since I had seen her and had a reading. I always find it enlightning to say the least:)

Love, travel, career and health the usual subject matter. Of course, I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for the man surrounded by books, knowledgeable, well researched and that likes or enjoys travel. :)

For now, having fun will be important. Let the dating games begin! But should I be excited or afraid. LOL I suppose that is a normal reaction of the whole process, of a woman that was married close to 27 years and in a seriois relationship for a better part of 30 years. Let's get real that could scare anyone. yes, also there is a sense of relief and excitement of the New Life and Opportuities. But .....there is the "Unexpected".
There is always the Ying and the Yang of  most any situation.
And what to do with my New Life. A new look body, clothes, etc. The Sky is the limit.
So I am leading up to, is my research for a Breast Reduction. It is something that I have thought about for at the very least a few years or more. Reduce back, neck, shoulder pain, look slimmer, easier to exercise, sleep in certain positions, clothes fit better, better self imagine the list goes on.
So saw a plastic surgeon today. My right breast looks like it had an arguement with a black marker! LOL
      The long drive- what I had with the last couple of days driving about 250 kms in the last 2 days for work Audits for the bank. Looking forfward to my massage tomorrow. :)
and realizing that yes I need a full day od spa services to rejuvenate myself--part of a message from the reaidng I had on Sunday. yup feeling tired for a while. more than lack of sleep I am sure. feel like I have been dragging my butt some days more than others.
Spa meditation would be a very excellent perscription!
Getting slowly organized for my little trip to California. Can hardly wait its been just under 6 years since I have been there to spend time or vacation. It will be exicintg to catch up with many people- have fun!

one last thing...some advice I also got May 1st. Write more on your blog. And write more often period.
So going to have to make a conscious effort. Guess that means I need to tavel with my notebook and hope to have internet access the whole time I am away. :D
well until next time.....