I live in a Budget Travel Happenin' Place

Who knew?

Can atest that Jeni's Ice Cream and North Star Cafe are good. Though I haven't tried Surly Girl Saloon yet.

The weekend's over

Accomplished a lot at home. Of course I was too ambitious and hoped for more. However my closet is looking very organized now. Tried shopping on Monday and really didn't see anything. Also didn't have the patience. May be good excuse to hit a big city that has a real Nordstrom.

Work is work and my goal for this week - update the resume and send out for feedback. So drained and know I need to move on. Probably move cities also, most of the interesting opportunities are not here. Some new possibilities came up this week to explore - one may be Wilmington, DE with 75% travel. Not sure about Delaware except that it's on train lines to DC/NY and little over an hour from Baltimore. Sister pointed out the no sales tax thing. Though it's tricky with the economy - some openings are in a holding pattern. One day a post appear - next day gone.

And it's time to hit the road - and do some travelling for fun!!!

Spring Cleaning - FINALLY

So after much talk, then delays due to allergies, work and normal procrastination. I finally started big project of cleaning/purging my apartment. Realized this week that I hadn't taken a day off since February (unless you count sick days). Really didn't want to be there and wasn't motivated (more on that later.). So figured out could take today off - give myself a 4 day weekend. Made up a list last night of categories: Clothes, Books & Magazines, CDs, Videos & DVDs. Clothes were causing much of the clutter and difficulty in the morning getting myself together -so started there first. Plus I know I need to do some clothes shopping, however wanted to do inventory first - actually try organization.

Today's accomplishments:

• Removed clothes from 2nd bedroom closet - some I haven't worn in at least 5 years.
• Sorted out all master bedroom closets and chest of drawers.
• 2 loads laundry
• Cleaned out main bathroom - throwing out old make up and dated medication. Reorganized drawers.
• Took 3 bags of trash out from those projects (a few clothing items had holes, or so worn not worth donating)
• Drove to Goodwill: 2 medium boxes of clothes, 2 Trader Joe bags of clothes, bag of shoes, suitcase I no longer use, bag of stuffed animals and a bar stool which I don't use.

So a good start. Wasn't an all day activity - did take some breaks, trip to grocery store and watched a little Law & Order. Tomorrow I plan to work on purging magazine and probably some cleaning.

Response to Leo

Realized this was getting to long to comments section. Cousin referenced NY Times column that talked discussed warnings about negotiation. Good points in the piece, however didn't follow through that Kennedy eventually learned how to negotiate with USSR, look at the Cuba Missile Crisis. I'm tired of the hypocrisy of those saying the US shouldn't negotiate with certain types, and we do everyday. Libya, North Korea, selected Palestinian groups, China, etc. Obviously there is thought on who should actually do it.

Also interesting example this week with the UN Sec Gen going to Myanmar, knowing it could be pointless, however if he could get some relief in to the thousands suffering there, it's worth it.

I could go on with this topic - we'll need a bottle of wine and some food for better discourse.

2 of several reasons why I'll vote Democratic

Chris Matthews demonstrating the emperor has no clothes when it comes to right wing talk radio - having to explain difference between appeasement and actually talking.

Really can't compete with the eloquence of Keith Olbermann on Bush's giving up golf. Though it's long, it really captures it all - so many dead in Iraq and all he can do is give up golf and of course the dates don't match with that either.

At least he mentions Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN official that died in Baghdad. Truly a remarkable person, there is a great documentary about him plus a new book which I'm reading by Samantha Power. (She's better known for her pulitzer prize win for her book on genocide and the Obama campaign). Demonstrates that sometimes you have to talk to people you don't like to get something done. Supposedly Sergio joked once that his autobiography should be "Dictators I Have Met" since he dealt with Khmer Rouge to assist in resettling refugees and there was his work in the former Yugoslavia.

What's Up with Sister

Aka CLM or She Who No Longer Blogs. Her home internet is not working which is slowing her down from that and deciding on travel arrangements this summer. Of course it is spring in Florida and lovely 80 degree days, could that be it?

She had Monday off and between breaks lounging at the pool, went to breakfast at La Bonne Crepe, lunch/shopping at the Galleria. Mimosas with lemonade, lounging on a raft, basically life sucks in South Fla. We're supposed to go to a concert this summer, waiting on her to decide that. She is also following a new eating plan, possibly going vegan. Not sure I could do that, however who doesn't want to be a Skinny Bitch? Which is the name of the book she's following.

Thought some of you would like an update. ETK and others will keep pestering her. Let's see if she responds?

Though I am envious, it's now schizophrenic Ohio spring now. One day sunny 70-80, next day funnel clouds, rain and 55 degrees. WTF!

What does my DVR say about me?

Probably do a similar post about my iPod soon - guess I'm a eclectic girl.

So recordings yet to watch:

PTI (ESPN - Pardon the Interruption)
Charlie Rose (PBS - Yahoo! deal, primary coverage and actor Patrick Stewart)
The Colbert Report
The Daily Show
American Experience (PBS)
How I Met Your Mother
Wire in the Blood (BBC)
Ugly Betty
Grey's Anatomy (2 episodes - do I lose my girl cred since I'm behind)
Law & Order SVU
Charlie Rose (Special with Stephen Hawking at Cambridge)

Or just keep flipping between NOVA and the Cavs-Celtics game?

Would You Blog About this Song?

Guy at work was losing it today over these two clips on YouTube from the The Richter Scales (Men Who Sing!). The Bubble Song was in the finals for Webby award.

However given my employer, my pal and I really enjoyed Fine Line - Subprime Decline.

"For years I piled on debt and smiled as my profits soared (I even bought a solid gold toilet, yeah)Now I see that I can't be levered this much any more(panicking, I'm panicking, I think I've soiled myself)Bernanke, please save me, cut rates, oh I implore...(please, even 50 bps)"

I know it's work geeky - yet funny still. Plus gotta love men who sing a cappella

Time 100 - family connection

Surprised I didn't hear from Mom or Uncle Gene yet about his daughter -in-law, Susan Solomon, being named to the Time 100 (if link doesn't work she's #56 - in scientists & thinkers). Of course after the Nobel Peace Prize - Time magazine is minor. Anyway, she's very impressive even before all this and fun to have a family member with a wikipedia entry.

Missing Belleair

Picture from last fall - cousins Jan & Pete enjoying their Sunday swim.....

A quiet weekend - though a dinner out

Did have nice dinner with my pal WAH - her husband is out of town for work, and her 3 year old went to a cousins for a sleep over so a girls nite out. Though she wasn't feeling good so early night.

Meant to take a picture of some of the lovely food things for Leo, went to new italian tapas sort of place and just nibbled on the following:

Braised veal meatball served in ceramic pot with tomato sauce - easily shared by two - found picture from web site (see above)

Melted pecorino cheese with crostini, green apple slices and honey

Parmesan crusted onions - baked at least 4 times with a little balsamic vinegar

Capicola - slices of air dried seasoned pork shoulder ham

with some bread, olive oil and a little vino