Après-ski Is The Place For Me

I have an Amazon Prime membership, which among other perks, allows me to watch tons of movies for free - that alone makes it worth the yearly membership fee.  The most recent one I watched was called Chalet Girl; a cheesy romantic comedy set in Sankt Anton am Arlberg, a ski resort commonly referred to as St. Anton, located in the mountains of Western Austria.

Since I'm itching to go to Europe again, I now want to squeeze a trip to Austria in, since it does lie smack in the middle of some of the other countries I want to see.  I can start on the eastern side by admiring the grand palaces of Vienna, with their Baroque interiors - some of which have decor that will make me feel like a Queen - and then make my way over to the western side, to the snow covered Tyrolean Alps where I will sit and sip Viennese coffee all day while watching skilled skiers shushing down the slopes.  Or maybe I'll take my coffee on a gondola ride to the top of the mountain, to admire the beauty from the air.

I don't ski or snowboard like they do in the movie, but I would LOVE to go to a resort like this, even if the only thing I do is hang out with the après-ski crowd. They'll be exhausted and exhilarated after their many runs down the hill, and I'll be ready to chit-chat after having watched all those outdoorsy people do their thing.  That way, I'll get to enjoy the crisp air and the bright, gleaming white of the snow covering every inch of the tiny, touristy village, and I won't have to risk spending my vacation with my leg in a cast. 

Perfect!

No matter how I choose to spend my time, I get the feeling the hills are always alive in Austria - I can choose to stroll through various shops in the towns and villages that dot the country, get a massage at the many spas the ski resorts have to cater to skiers and non-skiers alike, or visit a museum to see the works of the most famous Austrian painter in the world, Gustav Klimt.

Best thing of all, I don't need to be on skis to do any of it. 


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Rain Or Shine
2010: In My Dictionary, Team Is Always Spelled Without An I
2009: The Italian Energy Drink*
2008: Shroom
2007: Looks Fairly Serene To Me
2006: Taste, Smell, And Hear The Memories
2005: Eddie’s New Ride

Spreading Joy, Pixie Style

Eddie checked the mail today and came back with a box for me.  "You've got a package.  From Evil Pixie?" he said, a little puzzled.

"Evil Pixie?  Really??"  I said, as he handed me the box.  "Open it for me."

He slit open the box, pulled out an envelope and handed it to me, then handed me a small, black, velvet box.

Inside?  These beautiful silver drop earrings!!  For my birthday, which is on Sunday.  I was so thrilled to get these.  They're beautiful.  I was just in Dillard's today looking at a very similar pair but wound up leaving without them.  And then came home to these.  Handmade.

Evil Pixie and I have been reading each other's blogs for a few years now, and have corresponded a few times via email.  I mentioned her in yesterday's blog as one of the bloggers I'd like to meet.  She's pretty damn cool.  Her sister, Wicked Pixie, insisted she make me this pair of earrings, which Evil Pixie promptly did, and mailed them out to me. 

I'm really quite honored to have someone not only read my blog, but think about me in such a personal way and creating a piece of jewelry that I will likely wear often.  And to gift it to me for my birthday.  I am one lucky blogger.

Thank you Evil Pixie and the rest of the Pixie Household for thinking about me and sending me something beautiful and functional.  I can't wait to wear them!


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011:Coming Soon
2010:Feren Films Y’All Shouldn’t Miss
2009:This Guy Sucks
2008:Shine And Shine
2007:Eddie Hoots It Up Friday
2006:Eddie The Bird Whisperer
2005:Laundress

It's Never Too Late For A Monday Meme

I pulled this meme off of Evil Pixie's blog; it's part of her Friend Makin' Mondays series.  Since I didn't get to it for Monday, I'm doing it today.  I can always catch up next week!

1. Have you ever met anyone through your blog that led to an in-person friendship/relationship?
Yes, I've actually met several people through my blog that turned into in-person friendships.  The first was Irene from Irene's Menagerie.  She doesn't blog much anymore, as she's been busy writing a book, getting her hairdresser's license, and raising a family.  I haven't seen her since that first time, but we keep in touch via email and Facebook.  We met the day we delivered a load to Queens, where she lives.  She not only treated us to a meal from a great Dominican diner in her neighborhood, but she brought us back to her apartment to hang out with her son and boyfriend (now her husband), and treated us like royalty.  She kept saying, "I can't believe you're in my living room!  I feel like a celebrity is here."  She made an awesome dessert, gave me a couple of great books, and took me to a small bodega in her neighborhood, where I discovered Café Bustelo.  But that's only one of the reasons I love her.

We've also met Kelly (the former Lipstick Trucker), Ruth Ann and Brad (who invited us to their house), a reader named Dave, who we spent time with at our company Appreciation Days in Jacksonville, Florida, and Marlaina and McGyver, of Life With No Fixed Address, who have become close friends who we regularly spend time with.

2. Most bloggers have a specific niche. What would you discuss if it didn’t seem inappropriate on your blog? 
Although my blog is what I like to say, a place where "trucking meets travel", I don't think there's anything I wouldn't talk about if I wanted to.  It is, after all, called The Daily Rant.  Although, there is one thing that I don't include on my blog - but not because I feel it's inappropriate - and that would be photos of my three nephews, because my brother won't allow it.  Anything else though, is fair game.

3. If you could meet three bloggers, who would they be?
I would love to meet Michelle of Bleeding Espresso.  We've been internet friends for years now, and  I almost had the opportunity to meet her earlier this year when she was visiting her mother in the states, but it didn't work out, which just means I'll have to visit her in Italy.  The second blogger I'd like to meet is the Evil Pixie; I think we have a lot in common, she's intelligent and creative, and she lives in an area of the country I absolutely love - in fact, I was in her town once - before I knew she lived there.  And the final person on my list would have to be the Highway Hags; they don't write much anymore, but we still keep in touch with them.  I LOVE those girls!

4. If you had to choose between Facebook or Twitter which one would you choose? 
I'd have to say Facebook.  I'm on both, but I do more on Facebook.  Although, I've recently been advised that Twitter is where it's at and I need to get my ass in gear with some Tweeting. 

5. Do you vlog (video blog?)
No, but I want to.  Ed and I talk about it all the time but the closest we came to creating a video was this and this.  Clearly, we need to get a little more serious about it. 

6. How many blogs do you read on an average day? 
I read one or two on a daily basis, and then typically check four of five other ones throughout the week to see what they've been up to.

7. What is the coolest thing that you’ve seen online recently? This is pretty fantastic.  And a few of these are worth committing to memory.  You can see some of the products we know and love in a whole new light on this site.  And these girls are just fabulous.  Gosh, there's so much out there.  I can't even remember half of the great stuff I see!

8. If you gave your blog a new name what would it be? 
I've considered changing the name, but I'm so connected with The Daily Rant now, I don't think I could.  But if I did change it, I'd probably go with something like All Salena, All The Time or Simply Salena.  It's all about me, after all.

9. Have you ever attended a blog conference like Fitbloggin?  If not, would you?
Well, I didn't even know what Fitbloggin was, and now that I do, I know for sure I wouldn't be attending it.  I mean, it has the word FIT in it's name.  As for other conferences, I don't really know much about them.  I looked into BlogHer a while back but it didn't really grab me.  I don't know that I'd be all that interested in attending by myself, but I might consider going with some of my blogging friends.

10. In the past I have asked why you blog. Now I want to know why you read blogs? What do you take from it? 
I like to find blogs that make me laugh and think.  Or that give me ideas on what I could blog about.  Or that introduce me to something new.  There are so many talented people out there in the blogging world, and sometimes you just stumble across something great.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Minatory Montana Morning
2010: Crafting A Way To Fill A Need
2009: The Other White Meat: Tropical Style
2008: Night Falls On The Fuel Island
2007: Wanderlust Checklist
2006: What Are Records??
2005: Hello, America!

I Hate New Blogger!!

Can you hear me screaming??  Because I am.  Inside.  Very, very loud.

I knew this day would come, and I was dreading it.  I think I actually had a mini-anxiety attack just thinking about it.  Now it's here.

It's the day Blogger changed the layout of their blogging platform.  This is gone forever:

I'm so upset, I've contemplated not blogging in protest.  But they won't care.  I'm one little blog in millions of blogs. 

For a very long time now, months even, at the top of the screen there was a warning that they'd be changing to a new blogging interface. 

"Try the updated Blogger interface!" it said.  I didn't.

"Change over to New Blogger." they said.  I didn't.

"In the coming months, we'll be changing over to the New Blogger format.  Upgrade now."  they warned.  I didn't do anything.  I figured if I ignored it, it'd go away.  Or they wouldn't realize that I was still on Old Blogger.  The Blogger I loved.

I did try it, but there was always an option to come back to the Old Blogger interface and I kept going back.  I didn't want the new one.   I didn't like the layout.  It was unfamiliar, and quite frankly, not as user friendly.  I honestly don't know what they're thinking.  And why can't they just leave it alone - if someone doesn't want to use it, they don't have to?

Facebook did the same thing, shoving Timeline down everyone's throats.  I understand they ahve to upgrade, I understand the progress, and usually I just shrug my shoulders and figure, "Eh, I'll get used to it."  I don't think I'm going to get used to this one.

So now I'm super-cranky and don't even feel like opening up Blogger to do a post, knowing that I'm going to see this unfamiliar screen.  And others feel the same way, as several people have blogged about the very same thing - how much they hate it.  Maybe it'll get better.  Maybe I'll wind up loving it.  I doubt it.

And right now, I just kinda want to cry.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Come On In And Take A Seat
2010: Doctor Recommended For Sure Death
2009: Wardrobe Malfunction: Intentional And Uncensored
2008: Eddie Friday: Outlined
2007: Modern, Yet No So Much
2006: Why Higher Education Is Desperately Needed
2005: Does A Bear Shit In The Woods?

Sí, Soy Un Ciudadano De Los Estados Unidos

When you leave Texas, heading west on Interstate-10, you don't get too far into New Mexico before you have to go through a border patrol checkpoint. I find this to be a huge pain in the ass. Why? Because they ask you if you're a citizen, which I find to be ridiculous. If you weren't a citizen, and you were trying to sneak through a border patrol checkpoint, wouldn't you just lie?

I mean, I actually know people who work for Homeland Security, and they're not all that bright. I don't think they can just "tell" whether you're being truthful or not. Especially when they're standing on the ground, looking up at you through the window of a truck cab, ten feet above them. It's not like they're eye to eye interrogating you.

And they always ask the same questions. It's like at the airport when they ask you if anyone asked you to carry a package for them. Although this time, the guy did throw a new one in. I was driving, and I pulled up to the little hut they stand in front of, rolled down my window and waited.

"How you doing?" he asked.

"Great." I said.

And I don't actually know what he said next because he was mumbling, so at the same time he was mumbling, I just said, "I'm a United States citizen."

"Are you alone?" he asked.

"No."

I'm so annoyed that I have to do this, I make them work for their answers. I only answer what I'm asked, offering no other information.

"Who else is with you?" he said.

"My co-driver."

"Is he a U.S. citizen?"  Why does he just assume my co-driver is a man??

"Yes." I said.

"How do you know?" he said.

What?? How do I know? I guess the same fucking way you know when I tell you I'm a U.S. citizen. Or maybe I know because I've seen his birth certificate. And his passport. And know that he's been fingerprinted and passed a background check by the very same Department of Homeland Security that employs you. And, oh, I don't know....because the fucking United States Marines said he is??

"I just do." I said.

Then he waved me through.

And that's how easy it was to smuggle Ed through another checkpoint.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: The Things You Do For Love
2010: Sweating Profusely From The Head Is Clearly A Sign Of A Highly Intelligent Individual
2009: Eddie Watching Boats And Waiting For Brisket Friday
2008: It’s Probably Best Not To Piss Of The Devil
2007: Reminders For Morons
2006: Feasting With Saints And Sinners
2005: We Live In The Signpost Forest

Signs Of Fall

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is back, the air is getting crisper, and pumpkins and gourds are showing their faces everywhere you turn. Fall is definitely in the air and I'm getting happier by the minute. My birthday is coming up this coming weekend - this year, it falls on the day after the official first day of fall. There are already several things happening in my life and I'm looking forward to another wonderful year of seeing where life takes me.

I'll be out west for my birthday, but will be looking forward to returning to the East Coast to see the beautiful changing of the leaves. I don't know what's planned for my birthday, but Eddie always does something wonderful, so I can't wait.

My favorite time of year is finally upon us! Let's go leaf peeping!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Life Explained…By Graphs
2010: An Amazon Sized Beverage Supply
2009: He Wasn’t Hiding His Face Once The Camera Started Rolling
2008: Waiting To Be Served
2007: The Men In Mexico Are Snappy Dressers
2006: A Mystically Beautiful Day
2005: Rock It!!

Supply Meets Demand

The bin of jalapeños at the WalMart in El Paso, Texas. They didn't have any cantaloupe, but they had 40,000 of these.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: What Do You See?
2010: If No One Hears You Talking To Yourself, Are You Still Considered Crazy?
2009: It’s A Shame He’s Such A Crab
2008: I’m A Big Fan
2007: I’ve Been Everywhere Sunday Coming To An End
2006: And Everyone Thought It Was Dick Cheney
2005: But They’re Hard To Find!

Driving A Hard Bargain

And you thought replacing tires on your car were expensive! Notice the sign says "Starting at $2,999"


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2011: Making Places Beautiful With Sarah + Bessie
2010: High Class High
2009: Not Such A Bad Idea, This Man In Chains Thing
2008: Razz Ma Taaz Me!
2007: Casa De Cambio
2006: Eddie Birthday Suit Friday
2005: Goodbye Alaska

Bleu Evolution

After our meeting this week, our friends took us to a place in Washington Heights, a restaurant called Bleu Evolution.

The meal was good - I had ricotta gnocchi in a pesto sauce - but not the best they've had, they said. It didn't matter to me though, because the company was SO fantastic, that I didn't even notice much about the food.

I'm amazed we found a parking spot because every street was jam-packed. I wonder why people in the city even own cars. If we didn't stalk a guy in a delivery van, we would have never found a spot on that block.

Ed and I are really digging the fact that we're getting to know more areas of the city. Now we have places that we can try out in the future. We have a parking spot for the truck, we can walk to the bus that takes us to the train to get into New York, and we even have Metro Cards so we don't have to rely on the kindness of strangers to buy our tickets like we did last time.

Talk about evolution!


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: They May Look Pretty, But They’re A Bitch
2010: Food, Family, Fun, And Poker Winnings
2009: Ring Of Moving Fire
2008: Everything Is Weathered In Weatherford
2007: Eddie The Professional Tourist Friday
2006: East Coast Tag
2005: Float And Set

Scooting Around Town

Our friends over at Life With No Fixed Address happen to be in New York City this week, at the same time we're here. So you know what that means - dinners, drinks, and dancing!! Well, no drinks and no dancing, but definitely dinner and plenty of fun.

These days when they're not renting a car, and they need to be away from the truck, they get around on their Vespa. I don't think there's anything cooler than a trucker who carries a Vespa with them! And it really comes in handy, like it did a few nights ago when they Vespa'd over to meet us at a local diner for dinner.

Ed was very concerned when they first said they were getting the Vespa. Not so much because of what they'd be doing, but more often because of how other people drive. Like with a motorcycle - they don't see you, they don't really seem to care about people on two wheels, and all they have to do is just slightly swipe you, and you're down - Ed thinks it's dangerous. Definitely a situation where motorcycle accident compensation is an absolute must. What happens if you're out tooling around enjoying your time off and you get hurt? Or dead? Man, that would suck.

The fuel savings on a scooter or motorcycle are very attractive to many people - especially the way the gas prices have been rising over the years - not to mention they're easy to park. Whether you're a student on a university campus, a person who lives in a congested urban area, or truck drivers like our friends, being able to find a place to park your mode of transportation is a huge plus. And as long as you pay attention, ride responsibly, and do your best to stay safe on them, they can really enhance your exploring experiences.

Ed and I were sitting in front of the diner waiting for them when the time they were supposed to meet us came and went. Five minutes later, still no sign of them. Five minutes after that, nothing. No phonecall, no text, no smoke signals. Where were they?

We sat outside for a while longer before we decided to go in and wait. Finally they pulled up, a half hour late, and parked right outside the window we were sitting at. We were more than relieved, because at this point, I thought for sure they were in a ditch. When they finally got to the table, we explained how worried we were and told them that for the half-hour they were delayed, we had watched every bus that passed the window, making sure they weren't stuck to the front. It wasn't until after they were settled in that I realized they had called to let us know they'd be running late.

I had worried unecessarily, but it was nothing a good diner grilled cheese couldn't cure!


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Eureka! Sand For The Golden State
2010: Eddie Lounging In Black And White
2009: Not Quick Enough For A Sunset
2008: We’ve Got Onions, Cream Cheese, And Choppers!
2007: Just Steps Away From The River
2006: The Anything But Itty Bitty Co-Op City
2005: What The Hell Are You Looking At?

The House I Live In

This week, Ed and I are in New Jersey, just across the river from New York City. We rented a car for a meeting we had to go to (which I will tell you about in another post) and thought while we had the car, we'd go check out Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

From this location, you can take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island. We didn't have time to do either of those things on this visit - I've been to Ellis Island, but never the Statue of Liberty - but we thought we'd get a few pictures, take a walk along the water, and people watch.

My regular camera is on the blink, so I only had my iPhone with me, but I think I got a pretty decent shot of Lady Liberty. I'm not super-patriotic, in the rah-rah flag-waving chanting USA! USA! sort of way, but every time I see the Statue of Liberty, I think of a song called "The House I Live In". It was written by Lewis Allan, with music by Earl Robinson, but I first heard it sung by Frank Sinatra. Here are the lyrics:

What is America to me?
A name, a map, or a flag I see?
A certain word, democracy?
What is America to me?

The house I live in, a plot of earth, a street
The grocer and the butcher, and the people that I meet
The children in the playground, the faces that I see
All races and religions, that's America to me

The place I work in, the worker by my side
The little town or city where my people lived and died
The "howdy" and the handshake, the air of feeling free
And the right to speak my mind out, that's America to me

The things I see about me, the big things and the small
The little corner newsstand and the house a mile tall
The wedding in the churchyard, the laughter and the tears
The dream that's been a-growin' for a hundred and fifty years

The town I live in, the street, the house, the room
The pavement of the city, or a garden all in bloom
The church, the school, the clubhouse, the millions lights I see
But especially the people
That's America to me

I think the Lady in the harbor would agree, don't you?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Through Chicago To Cheese Country
2010: Ghost Rider
2009: I Only Think I Know A Lot Of Things…Here Are Ten Of Them
2008: Texas Love Bugs And Hurricanes
2007: Pimping For Presidency
2006: Demographics Of A Lifetime
2005: Glacial Impact

Remember The Living

Flag Plaza at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: In The Pink While Manning The Wheel Of A Big Rig
2010: Still Standing
2009: Eddie Dumps It Friday
2008: Vicki Goes Hollywood
2007: Market Flora
2006: Now Where The Hell Did She Park My Truck???
2005: Channeling Angelina Jolie

A Beautiful Iranian Mind

Even after all this time,

The Sun never says to the Earth,

"You owe me."

Look what happens with a love like that.

It lights the whole sky.

~ Hāfez, Persian Poet from the 1300s


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Clowning Around
2010: Smolder
2009: Comrades In Driving
2008: Black, White, And Tan
2007: If Wishes Were Horses, Beggars Would Fart At The Speed Of Light
2006: Draped In Sarcasm
2005: Feast Your Eyes

From Farm To Table

Ed and I found a cute little Farmer's Market in New Jersey, where I stocked up on some fresh fruits and vegetables. I got beautiful black plums, fragrant garlic, beautiful ears of corn, Sicilian eggplants, and...Jersey Beefsteak Tomatoes!! I love when you pick up a tomato, put it to your nose, and it actually smells like a tomato.

But of everything we brought back to the truck, I can't wait to make that eggplant! The lady at the farm stand said once you try Sicilian Eggplant, you'll never go back to the regular stuff.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Ups And Downs
2010: Three Men, Two Generations, One Passion
2009: Miss Tooth Reigns Supreme
2008: And This Is Why She Will Always Be A Maid At A Hotel
2007: I’ve Been Everywhere Sunday
2006: Family Reunion Rules
2005: Chillin’ In Anchorage

Heading To The Mountains

This weekend, we're heading up to the Catskills to attend our annual family reunion. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, hanging out and relaxing, and putting away some serious food. My cousin takes care of providing all the food and the menu always includes all of our favorites; eggplant parmigiana, baked ziti, sausage and peppers, rice and beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, chicken wings, ribs, lasagna, shrimp scampi over rice, and the Dodge Inn's famous filet mignon and stewed onions.

In addition, there is an extremely large dessert table, beverages of all kinds from water and coffee to soda, beer and wine, and come Sunday, a breakfast spread to rival any buffet.

I can't wait!

Oh, and the photo? Our old summer house, where I used to live. It's still in the family, but it's a rental property now. Man, I loved that place.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: End Of Summer Rainbow
2010: UGG, What A Surprise!
2009: Under The El
2008: We Escaped With Our Teeth Intact
2007: Praying In The Jewel Of The South For Over 250 Years
2006: Drive Time Champion
2005: Yukon Bet We’re Far Away

That's Right, The Entire Web

OK, so maybe not the entire web, but some people think I'm pretty snazzy.

Become, Inc. was founded in 2004 to help people make buying decisions. They can explain it much better than I can, so take a quick look at their About page to find out what their mission is.

Under the parent company of Become, Inc. you'll find their shopping blog, Pocket Change. Pocket Change encompasses blogs that cover Women's Fashion and Style, Home, Electronics, Pets, Eco-Friendly products, Baby gear, Men's Clothing and Style, Shoes!, Camping and Sports gear and Health and Beauty products.

One of the features in their Carnival of Shopping category is "Best Of The Web". And guess who made it into Best of The Web No. 77??

Freakin' me, people!

If you're interested in seeing me nestled among some really great other blogs, check out the link. Since you're already a reader, you know what I'm all about, so take a minute to check out some of the other great bloggers that are also part of lucky number 77.

I've got good company.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: And We Have A Winner!!
2010: So What’s Wrong With A Good Idea?
2009: Where Is A Palm Reader When I Need One?
2008: Fred’s Plan Appears To Have Backfired
2007: Eddie Plays A Round Friday
2006: Don’t Worry, Be Happy
2005: 50 Little Facts About Alaska

Working Together, The Democratic Way

In the shadow of the Charlotte skyline, and less than a block from the North Carolina Panthers stadium (I can see it through the windshield), trucks are lined up and waiting in a muddy parking lot to load stage and lighting equipment used in the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

We recently did a similar load for a Brad Paisley concert in Chicago, which was held at Wrigley Field, and when I think about loads like these, where we are hauling stuff used for stage or large event setups, I always come to the same realization; most people don't give any thought at all to what's involved with preparing for this kind of event.

A lot of work goes into organizing events, big and small, but when it's something like this, or a football game, or a concert, where the whole world may be watching and thousands of people are attending, you have to make sure it goes off without a hitch; both for the pleasure of those watching, and for the safety of those attending.

Beyond the booking of a venue, there is the coordinating of everyone and everything involved. Knowing which pieces go on which trucks, hiring local workers if needed to help with setting up and breaking down events, utilizing local companies for the rental of equipment, flying in the people who oversee the process - who are usually running around with a clipboard in their hand and a phone to their ear coordinating schedules and tending to thousands of details - and making sure that what you have on paper, evolves into what you'll be seeing with your eyes. There's lots of shouting and pointing and yes, confusion.

Sometimes we load in the belly of the arena, waiting in a marshalling yard before being directed in. Other times, like with this load, we go directly to a parking lot where the equipment is waiting in what seems to be organized piles before it's put on the truck.

This was an easy load; the materials were lightweight, it didn't require a tarp, and all Ed had to do was throw a few straps and then winch it down. The materials we picked up are going to a staging and production services company in the Northeast, and other equipment from this event is going to California. In addition to their United States location, the company we're working with also has branches in Australia and the United Kingdom. They do set-ups for everything from concerts, awards shows, football half-time shows, game shows, and movie premiers to festivals and corporate events.

Although we were so close to the arena, I didn't get to see any of my favorite Democrats, but knowing that we were part of making it happen - without trucking, this stuff wouldn't have gotten here - in a very small, never recognized way, is still kind of cool.

So, see? Even though this entertainment company (and others) provided the equipment for the rigging, sound, lighting and production for this convention, which was organized and planned by others, even though they were the ones who literally "built" the stage the speakers, First Lady and President stood on, they didn't, and couldn't, do it by themselves.

That, my friends, is kinda the whole point; everyone helping each other makes it easier to get things done.

And in the end, it benefits all.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Teams Take A Day Off
2010: The King And Queen Of Sun And Sand
2009: Popeye Would Love This Stuff
2008: From The Confines Of The Hampton Inn
2007: When I Grow Up, I Want To Be…
2006: Fire Water
2005: Ed Having Fun With Photoshop

Fashion (And Country) Forward

It's been quite a while since I've done a post that had anything to do with politics. This one isn't really about politics either, it's about fashion; at the Democratic National Convention.

How can I, along with the rest of the world wide web, not comment on Michelle Obama's incredibly gorgeous dress? When she walked out on the stage last night, I was immediately wowed.
From head to toe, the First Lady glowed. From the sheen of her shapely café au lait shoulders, to the glint of light bouncing off her glistening gams.

In addition to being riveted to the TV listening to her words, I was equally transfixed by the flawlessness of her face. Her makeup was perfection, I loved the little side flip of her hair, I want the lipgloss color she's wearing and I love that her style goes all the way to her fingertips; the nail polish was a wonderful surprise.

The pink of the dress is just stunning, and I love the the way that color slowly melts into the bluish-gray hem; a contrast, but not a distracting demarcation. And that little flounce of the hem. I love it.

As reported, the dress is a Tracy Reese design and the shoes are J. Crew. It's a beautiful, feminine choice, yet at the same time being elegant, young and fresh.So that's about as close as I come to a "fashion review". For more on Michelle Obama’s style and fashion, check out Mrs. O, a blog written by Mary Tomer Byun, who has been following the First Lady and documenting her style since 2008.


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2011: Slowly Meandering Through Farm Country
2010: Long Beach Lights
2009: 4423 Humboldt Avenue
2008: Eddie Tourist Friday
2007: Ripe For A Dognapping
2006: What Lies Beneath
2005: Big Sky Country

You Can't Ask For A More Convenient Setup

Taken at Wilson’s Ribs in Evansville, Indiana.

Don't ask what I was doing in the men's room.


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2011: The Thoughts In My Mind About This Guy, Are Criminal
2010: The Queen Of High Society
2009: An Icy Glare For The Heat Miser
2008: Jazz Funeral On Decatur
2007: Keeping The Homeland Secure One Dog At A Time
2006: Reputation Is Everything
2005: ”_________________”

My Handsome Melon Headed Angel

“When one has tasted watermelon he knows what the angels eat.”
~ Mark Twain, American Writer

We went bicycle shopping again today - this time we hit an REI in North Carolina. We found a great rack that we could use on the truck, something Ed's been trying to find for a while. We may be very close to getting the actual bike now.

While shopping, we tried on some helmets. I picked out the one above for Ed to try on. I LOVE it. Especially since I've been on a mad watermelon kick all summer.

I took a picture of him in it and texted it to my best friend saying, "A bicycle helmet in watermelon motif to protect Ed's melon."

She replied, "OMG! And all that hair underneath...he'd have to be dropped out of a plane to split that Honey Dew! LOL"

She's right, he does have a lot of fluffy, shock-absorbing curls. When I tried on a flowered version, Ed noted that the label on the front said, "Nutcase".

I think he found that more amusing than the Honey Dew crack.


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2011: It’s My Turn
2010: Bird Traffic Waiting For The Light
2009: The Lady And The American Pro Driver
2008: The Signs Don’t Scare Me
2007: Pocket Full Of Min Pin
2006: Less Is More
2005: Sleep Deprived

Tunnel Of Love

Tunnel in North Carolina along I-40, taken in the wee wee wee hours of the morning. This area is SO beautiful, but we rarely get to travel this route for some reason. This is the first time we've been here in years.

We went to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina five years ago and I think it's time to go back. I now have a new friend in Black Mountain, NC and I've been wanting to visit Lake Lure and a few other spots for a few years now.

The tunnel itself might not be all that pretty, but what's on either side of it is stunning.

The Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina should be on everyone's "must see" list.

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2011: A Stinking Welcome
2010: The Star Of The Spinning Centerpiece
2009: My Nizzl Fa Shizzl
2008: When You’re Smiling
2007: I’ve Been Everywhere Sunday
2006: Decision Dilemma
2005: Alaska Later!

All You Have To Do Is Feed Them

Ed and Anthony devouring the breakfast my best friend Vicki whipped up for them.

Ed was SO happy to wake up and have eggs, bacon, sausage, toast and coffee waiting for him. Much better than his usual bowl of oatmeal. He was in heaven.

It's so easy to keep the men happy. Apparently, the path to the heart is through the stomach.

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2011: Homeward Bound!
2010: Foreign Invasion
2009: Downtown Detroit: Occupied And Vacant
2008: Barracks And Decatur
2007: Dicks In Tennessee
2006: Canoe The Blue
2005: Minalicious