Tuesday's Traveler

Well, I'm back in the saddle again...sort of. I'm on the road for work again. Can I just say that, despite the family tragedy we had two weeks ago, I really did enjoy having the time off. Granted there was no sleeping in (there wasn't much sleeping, period, the first few days) and there was A LOT of stress. But not having to worry about work was so nice.

I'm looking forward to our vacay in November where there isn't a family tragedy to warrant a few days off. I can just relax with my love at our favorite spot - Disneyland! We're actually going to stay at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels in Anaheim this time and I'm very excited about that! I wanted to for our honeymoon, but since I was able to get two nights free at a close hotel we figured that was the prudent thing to do after dropping the wad we did on the wedding. Growing up is not all it's cracked up to be sometimes!

Well, on to my weekly travel post. I promised I would regale you with some of my past travel
experiences. I'll start with my first solo trip.

Back story number 1:  when an employee starts as a travel rep for the organization I work for, they have a trial time (like any good business would do) where you're learning the ropes of travel and are paired with other reps to see the different ways everyone does things. Prior to my solo, I had been on two (TWO) other trips. Now-a-days, new reps have either a 60 or 90 day trial where they don't go solo till after that time frame (I may or may not have caused that...no really, I'm not sure.  But that's another story for another day).

I was to travel to San Francisco with my supervisor for a very large conference (think around the 10,000 mark). We were to have a 10x10 booth space with a display, table, chairs, carpeting (because you have to have carpeting and you have to pay for it) and all our materials in the Moscone Center in downtown San Fran. Two women working a booth in San Francisco. It would be fun. I liked my supervisor and she was up on what sites to use to find great places to eat and so on as she had been doing this for about a year. And then, due to a family situation, she had to back out and send me on my own!!!

Back story number 2:  Up to this point, I have never been to California. I had only two trips, by my self, under my belt and that was to Virginia Beach to visit friends. Purely non-professional. All other trips were road trips no further than New Orleans (with friends) or west with my family (when I was younger).

I was so panicked! She had done all the planning for the trip, so I basically had to pick up where she left off based on her emails and such. I had never done all this before. All, TWO, of my previous trips, the other rep had handled all the details and I had just been along for the ride. Talk about being pushed into the deep end with no life vest. This was definitely sink or swim time!

And yet, somehow I survived! Once the initial panic wore off, I was able to make sure I had what I needed before leaving. I had no issues with flights on the way there or back. I found transportation to my hotel (Hilton on Farrell St). I discovered that I was within walking distance to the convention center, so there was no need for a taxi or shuttle the rest of the days. And I loved every minute of my trip (the conference was a bust for us and we haven't done it since, though). I even ventured into unknown territory by going to a little hole-in-the wall place for dinner one night. I had time one day to venture to the waterfront (Pier 39 and 41 ares) and Ghirardelli Square. I even took a boat tour of the harbor - out and under the Bay Bridge, around Alcatraz, and back to the docks. It was FANTASTIC!!

My only hiccup came when it was time to pack up my display and materials and ship them back. I didn't feel properly "trained" in what to do, so I did the best I could. And it worked out.

Here's a few of the pictures I took while at the pier and on the boat around the harbor:

Thanks for joining me this week. Please feel free to ask questions and I'll be more than happy to answer the ones I can (I won't give any names of people or where I work or conferences I attend). But I can pass on tips, stories, and/or pictures. 

Enjoy...

Christmas in July

Those of you who know me know that I love Christmas. I was so excited the other day to walk into Hobby Lobby and see that they've already started putting out Christmas stuff. If I had all day, I would craft Christmas to my heart's content. But I don't, so I have to do what I can when I can.

Another Christmas love of mine is Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. As many of you know, Hallmark releases their ornaments in July. I really am very excited!  As in:

I really don't know where to start! I think the only downside is that they tend to run over $12-15 each and when you want about, oh I don't know...20 or so...it tends to get pricey. Like own special budget each month pricey. My justification in this, though, is that there are about 2-3 (OK, 2) that I buy for other people:

 Star Trek for the hubby.

And cupcakes for my mom.

The rest are for me!!

 Frosty Fun Decade (3rd in series)

Mickey's Christmas Carol (4th in series)

Visit from Santa (4th in series)

These are the five I've kept up with for the past four years. There were three series I wanted to start last year (Pixar Legends, Angels Around the World, and Twelve Days of Christmas), but due to budget restraints (aka - saving to marry the man of my dreams), I was doing good to keep the series I'd started going. So I'm looking for them online at a reasonable price. The Partridge in a Pear Tree ornament from last year is already selling for almost $50! But that was the one I wanted most, so I may just have to bite the bullet on that one. I'm not too concerned about Pixar and may just buy the ornaments from the movies that I can't live without. Last year was UP, this year is Monsters Inc. I'm OK without those, but I will need Brave and possibly Cars when/if they come out.

Now, if I were only going for the five continued ornaments and picking up last years starters and this years seconds, I might be fine. But this is where Hallmark gets me/you. They continually put out new series!

Cookie Cutter Christmas

Holiday Lighthouse (plugs in and lights up)

Mickey's Movie Mouseterpieces

Really, what's a girl to do!? Guess I'll just have to buckle down and save those pennies. Cause I don't know if I can let these little gems go.

We just might need a second tree this year!
*ornament pictures taken from Hallmark website; gif taken from photobucket*

Social Sunday - Week 7

Here is my second attempt at being consistent with this new link up. In my defense, I kind of had a crazy last two weeks.

Anywho....here are this week's questions and answers:

1. What is your dream job?

     * Stay at home wife (mom when the time comes) and/or photographer* 

2. If you had just won the lottery and didn't need to work for money, what would you do with your time?

     *Photography. Or open a Hallmark Store in my parents town and let them run it (seriously, there is no Hallmark in Cottonwood/Sedona/Flagstaff, Arizona. There is, however, one in Prescott)

3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

    *I don't remember wanting to be any one thing specifically. I remember wanting to be a nurse or teacher at some point, but that's it.*

4. What piece career advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

     *Don't throw away any emails/receipts/business cards!! You will definitely need them when you don't think you will. (I currently travel for work)* 

5. Biggest Pet Peeves either in life or in blogging or at work

     *Inconsiderate people, as a whole, annoy the crap out me! When someone takes up two parking spots because they're in a hurry. People who stop in the middle of the main walkway causing a pile up behind them. People who meander slowly down the sidewalk/aisle taking the whole space and don't get out of the way for those who walk with purpose. (all these I deal with in airports, mostly.)*

6. Biggest Fears

    *That I won't be a good mom when the time comes. That I've missed my chance to be a mom.*

Now that I've shared my heart, come join up with the rest of us. Make some new friends. Who know who you might meet!

Peace out...
   (yes...I went there)

 

Nail Files - Week 30

I figured the best way to get back into the swing of things was with a self-done manicure. I needed it! My nails were all uneven and just gross looking, despite the clear polish. So I'm linking up with Tara & Vicki for:

I used Sinful Colors:  Timbleberr as my base and Hazard as my dots. Bottom & Top Coats by Essie.

I kind of think the nail with the dots looks like it's developed some disease. But it was my first attempt at dotting and I don't have the "proper" tool for it. I used the head of a pin. I may order one in the near future as I've seen a lot of really cute nails with dots.

Come share your manicure, or pedicure, with the rest of us!

Won't be posting much this week

It is with a sad heart that I must let you all know that you won't see me on here much the rest of this week and some of next week. My brother-in-law passed early Monday morning. It's been crazy getting things together and organized for the funeral services on Tuesday and just being with family and making sure everyone knows and all the little details no one ever tells you about until it's too late.

In the midst of all this, though, I have learned two things:

1. Never, ever, EVER forget to tell those you love that you love them. You just never know...  As cliche as it sounds, it is never more true than when you realize you will never see a person again in this lifetime.

2. For the love of those you love, decide now what you want for when the time comes. There is so much involved, things I never knew to think about having to decide on, that it is more than any one person can handle. No matter how old or how young you are, make these decisions. Write them down and put them where you're family will know to look. Even if you're not sure, you can change your mind and refresh your wishes. This time is a hard time. What has made it a little harder, in our case, is not knowing what he wanted. So here's some things to think about:
  * cremation vs regular burial
  * burial plot - where do you want to be laid to rest
  * organ donation
  * type of casket
  * type of ceremony
  * what do you want to be remembered for
  * do you want a graveside service after the regular service
  * who would you like as pall bearers
  * do you want a minster of a certain denomination or just someone to preside over the service and let family/friends speak

So hug those you love a little longer today. Kiss the one you love a little more. Hold that hand, put your arm around someone, and never forget that we are not promised the next breath we breathe.

I love you all...even those I don't know personally. Thank you for being a part of my blog life.

Nail Files - Week 28

Once again, I'm joining with Tara and Vicki for:

This week, I went a slightly different route:

Press Ons!!!  How completely old school, right?!  But it was a quick fix after I broke 4 nails during my travel adventures on Monday (and by travel adventures, I mean hauling my heavy luggage around and loading/unloading it).  These pictures were taken Tuesday morning, about an hour after I applied. As of today, these babies are still on 9 out of 10 nails (my right index came off last night).

Application wasn't perfect...a couple are a little bigger than the nail. But for the most part they all fit nicely and comfortably. And they've lasted, which is the more important part. They actually make me miss salon-done fakes. So I'll stick to these when I feel the need for acrylic nails. 

What are you doing with your finger tips this weekend? Come on over and show them off!!

Thursday's Through the Lense

Attempting this week's post from my iPhone. Here goes...




This is from Virginia City, NV. I used snapseed to make the photo edits. Here's the original:




Enjoy....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

So What Wednesday

Greetings from the land of Nevada. More specifically, Winnemucca. It's a beautiful day out, even if it is supposed to get to 100 (or more) today. I won't feel most of that as I'll be making the 2.5 hour drive back to Reno-Tahoe International Airport so I can hop a plane and fly home! While I'm bummed I had to cut my work trip short due to another appointment tomorrow, I'm glad to be in my own bed tonight with my man!  :)

So on to my weekly link up:





This week I'm saying So What If:

* Once again, I have fallen off the posting bandwagon. I had all these plans to "pre-post" over the weekend and get them scheduled to do their thing so I wouldn't have to log in and type. But it just didn't happen - mainly because we had company over the weekend.

* My pedicure is desperate need of fixing but I'm going to wear flip flops anyway. I'm not out to impress anyone today!

* I packed a skirt to wear to my only appointment today and then, after getting fully dressed, changed into my pants. I just don't do skirts for some reason. It's not for lack of trying.

* I have a 7-10 page paper due in a week and I've only done 5 minutes of research. And that was only because I had to turn in my topic and a few sources two weeks ago. Nothing since. I'm slacking, big time!!

* Want a tattoo badly! I just don't want anything permanent! Henna, anyone?

Well, that's it for this week. Enjoy...

Nail Files - Week 27

Linking up again:

I got my new Maven Box in time for the 4th of July:

Once again, due to lack of enthusiasm for my box colors, I deviated to another:  Bombshell.  It cam with Atomic Fire Ball Candies! The bonus color was a red/white/blue glitter polish and there was also a plum colored lip gloss (far left and is lighter on the lips than in the bottle). I decided to get festive for the holiday.

Personally, I think they look like a hot mess (aside from the fact that I took these pictures before finishing cleaning the edges). But I got a compliment on them yesterday, so I guess they're not that bad. The colors are Kate (white polish on bottom) and America (glitter polish).

What have you been doing with your nails lately? Come link up with Tara and Vicki and show off those digits. 

Sunday Social

While I really don't think I have a whole lot of important things to say, I still like to see my "followers" number grow (hooray for the 11 that are currently there...I love you!!). I mean, I follow about 20 or so blogs, so it's nice to know someone out there is "listening" to what I have to say.

So, in a very selfish attempt to increase my following (because, just maybe, I might impact someone's life here), I'm going to start joining a new link up on Sundays:





It seems easy enough - just answer a few questions and link. So here goes with the questions for this week!

What is your favorite store to shop at?

 That's a bit of a toughie right now.  See, I'm about 2 sizes larger than where I should be (4 from where I'd like to be). But if I were 2 sizes smaller:  New York & Company or Macy's.

If you could afford anything and everything, which designer brand would you covet?

Coach. I'd have one for every day of the week! And Calvin Klein clothes. I love the classic look of his brand! They are clothes that, for the most part, will never go out of style.

Must have closet staple?

Black dress pants and black flats (work clothes) or blue jeans and black flip flops (homebody clothes)

Favorite kind of shoes? (brand or type)

I actually prefer barefoot. But if I'm chilling in town, it's usually flip flops. Not really too brand specific on shoes.

Best clothing deal you've ever gotten? (sales or amazing finds)

Can't really think of any. I'm not really a smart shopper. I go get what I need, regardless of sale or price, and that's it. Don't get me wrong, I love to shop. But I don't usually pay attention to the sale prices or bargain bins (as I'm not really good at finding anything there).

Style you'd love to try?

Hmm...not really sure on that one. Being a plus size limits me on the latest "fashion" trends, but right now I'm ok with that. However, I wouldn't mind giving skinny jeans a try (just to say I could/did) or a bikini.  If there were a brand, I'd go with Calvin Klein. I love the classic-ness of his brand. But, again, it's hard to find them in plus size and they retain the original look.


Come link up and "meet" some great new people!
Later...