Weekend Recap – Denvaaaah

December 15, 2008

The night before we left for Denver, the sky turned a brilliant shade of orange. 

sunset1

In an effort to pack, I walked around my apartment aimlessly realizing that “fashion forward” and “warm” do not necessarily coincide when you are piecing together winter outfits. I was looking forward to…no…I was craving a change of scenery. I couldn’t wait to say goodbye to the surroundings of my life and to be distracted for two full days. There was only one thing in my LA world that made me want to stay. 

inds

I had never been to Denver and I realize now that I have missed out. The city is cute and the surroundings are beautiful. In a warmer season I would have loved to venture into the Rockies and embrace mother nature in a noncamping, nonhiking sort of way.

As the sun set, we walked around downtown trying to absorb some of the Christmas spirit that seemed to be floating through the air. 

denver12denver31

Eventually we made it back to the hotel and took a requisite nap before  heading to dinner at The Palm, a steakhouse restaurant. While waiting for our dinner companions to arrive we nestled in at the bar and took part in a wonderful session of liquid therapy. Suddenly the bar-side chatter came to a stop as Wendy brought out a 13 pound lobster for our viewing pleasure. We will call him Larry for the purpose of this blog entry. 

lobster

Everyone ooo’ed and awe’ed and I was slightly impressed until I heard a passerby mention that Larry must be at least a hundred years old. Now, I am not a marine life expert so I cannot confirm the age speculation, but it was at this point that I became absolutely horrified. Poor Larry spent his long life at the bottom of the ocean, living happily among the crustaceans until some profiteering fisherperson came by and plucked him out of his happy home. The poor guy makes it to 100 and this is how it all ends – becoming a sideshow freak at a steakhouse in Denver. 

If we had been in a coastal city I would have been tempted to pay whatever exorbitant price required to free Larry and put him back into the sea. Maybe there he could have reunited with Lola, his 12 pound lobster wife (or so I like to think). 

The experience made me flash back to a night when my mother brought home lobsters for dinner. I was probably six years old at the time. My brother and I spent the evening filling the sink with temperate salt water to make our little pets comfortable, only to be saddened when they inevitably found their way into the boiling pot of water on the stove. At the time, I was consoled by the promise that a headfirst dunking results in an instant kill. Now I know better. 

I am not a vegetarian, but I do think that every life form is precious. A belief that I often try to forget as I gnaw on a chicken skewer or bite into a medium-well done filet. 

sebastian

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Romance

November 5, 2008

Lately I have found myself overwhelmingly caught up in the responsible decisions of life. How much could we sell our apartment for? If it sells, where should we live? Do we move back to the east coast or stay where the palm trees grow? 

When this happens my head starts to spin, it gets harder to breathe and my usual fun-loving self is cast very far away. 

Sometimes my hubbie and I will light candles, play Norah Jones and slow dance in our living room. As we turn in circles, my dog trails us from the side, his tail wagging the whole time. We no longer remember the waltz steps that we debut on our wedding night, but we are in synch. 

I don’t know where we will end up in life, but I do know that if we get there together we will be ok. Tonight I was finally able to cast worry aside. I realized that it is not the location of the living room that will make me happy, it is the person that is twirling me around it. 

On that note, is there a prettier song than this? 

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Vegas Recap

October 5, 2008

My poor… forgotten… blog. I know, it has been forever. 

Last weekend was the Vegas extravaganza. The trip did not start off as planned. Our flight was canceled so we spent the next two hours lugging my bagzilla from terminal to terminal in a desperate search for a replacement flight. I have never been the person in the ticket purchasing line and hope to never be again. It was eye opening how many people are stuck making day of arrangements. Even more eye opening was the high percentage of people who, even though they are likely in a time crunch, also find time to argue with the booking agent about the bag check fees. Since we were on a tour de terminal that day, I can confirm that this is a constant phenomenon. I can also assure you that there is no need to argue about the fees. I saw many a manager called to the front that day. Not one budged.

Three hours later when the layer of sweat was finally dry, we boarded the plane. After an uneventful trip, minus a brief moment of extreme motion sickness as we approached McCarren International in a bumpy descent, we had arrived. 

We rushed to the hotel and met my brother and his beautiful girlfriend at the Palms Place pool for some cabana time. Cabana time quickly turned into bucket ‘o beer time. 

One too many bucket ‘o beers caused a member of our group to miss Tao that night. Another member of the group potentially should have stayed in and slept it off. The weekend was off to a good start. 

Surprisingly we were up bright and early the next day. We brunched, we explored the strip and we even spent some time admiring the lanterns at Wynn. 

At night, our balcony served as a perfect photo shoot locale. That is my brother in the white. For those that know me, you may agree that he looks more like his girlfriend than me. No, they are not related. 

Then we were off to dinner and Moon/Playboy Club. Hmmm…looking at the pic below I am realizing that I may look a little bit like Nick. Kind of weird.

Vegas was H-O-TT (pronounced: H, O, double T) that weekend so we logged countless hours by the Palms pool. I will never forget the miserable look on my brother’s face as he sprayed aerosoled SPF 30 on himself in vain. I couldn’t help but to laugh…my *ss off. He did redeem himself however, when he bought two plastic bikini girl cup drinks and rocked them in the pool. I was proud.

Between all the adventures we snuck in some time for paid entertainment, of the classy kind. We saw the Mac King Comedy Show one day and it easily trumped our tempered expectations. It was entertaining, funny and incorporated a fake bear (you have to see it to understand). We also saw the O Cirque du Soleil show at the Bellagio. Described in one word: AMAZING. It is expensive, but well worth it. 

For our last night we met up with LA friends at Tryst nightclub. I have pictures from that night, but most people probably wouldn’t approve the postings so they will remain in the secret vault. You know what they say, “what happens in Vegas…” It was the perfect ending to a fantastic trip.

I love seeing my family no matter where we are, but there is something to be said about meeting in Vegas!

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RIP Whirlpool

September 16, 2008

Whirlpool model LXR9445JQ1 dies at 5 years old.

Beloved laundry unit known as “Sudsy” kicked the bucket last Wednesday night in a traumatic overloading incident. Owners tried to resuscitate Suds but efforts were met with a sharp screeching noise and a failure to drain. As a final insult, the machine formally rejected its lose knob and refused to let it be reattached. At that point, there were no arrows to lead the way between spin, rinse and delicates. It was time to let go. 

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 23, prior to the arrival of Ken, the Kenmore. In lieu of donations, please send owners Nick and Marcy formal regrets for having to spend their hard earned cash on a large appliance, instead of a mini-vacation. 

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Innocent 18

September 13, 2008

Last night we saw the fabulous Maroon 5 in concert. Counting Crows was the opening act and wow, before that I had not listened to the band since….since…I don’t know when. 

You know how an experience can send a rush of repressed memories back to your consciousness? Well at the first strum of the guitar I was 18 years old again, at the start of my freshman year in college. 

It was a classic New England fall day. The sun was out, the air was crisp and sunset colored leaves were falling all around me. I was standing alone staring up at my new brick home, tilted sideways from the weight of the books in my bag, detecting the distinct smell of marijuana wafting through the air, wearing Lands End hiking boots (no joke) coupled with an oversized college logo t-shirt and listening to the Counting Crows blasting from an out-turned speaker in a dorm room.

I remember the feeling of nervous excitement over my newfound freedom. I was still coming off of the high from the night before, when I realized that I could stay out until 3 a.m. without parental repercussions.

I had no idea that the next four years would be some of the best, and most transformative, of my life. I would spend that time laughing until I couldn’t stand up straight, dancing until the sun came up, falling in love, cursing the minus 11 degree winds, falling out of love, spending countless hours gossiping in the library, drinking until I wobbled, learning a little about biology and learning a lot about life. 

Last night was fun, but the trip back in time was even better.  ”….change, change, change…” 

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Cali Coast Trip

September 7, 2008

This weekend Nick and I reached a California milestone – the Highway 1 drive. We started off going through the central coast to Monterey. It was a shock to see how rural this state really is once you step away from the chaos. Just remember to bring a nose clip because cow farms = bad, very bad, smells. 

The time went by fairly quickly, thanks to Stephen Colbert’s, “I Am America, (And So Can You!)” audiobook, and before we knew it we were checking into the hotel.

We roamed the town and had a blast scoping out the sights and pretending to be the mentally impaired, yet charming, Forest Gump. 

We even made friends with a fearless, and slightly feisty, bird. Unfortunately, Nick no longer likes our feathered friends because of an unfortunate shirt soiling incident that occurred later on during the trip. 

After a bottle of Spanish Grenache we were in bed early and were driving through Big Sur on schedule the next morning. The views did not disappoint. 

Roooomance!   

We continued south, and then the strangest thing started to happen. A marine layer/fog began to roll in. It was the heaviest blanket of white I have even seen. Suddenly, the blue waves turned into an ocean of clouds. 

The drive along the cliffs became precarious as the white fluff started pouring onto the roads. Suddenly our cruise turned into a slow crawl. The road mileage signs became painful visual reminders of our slow progression. 

Eventually we found ourselves at Hearst Castle, former home of William Hearst, an American newspaper magnate (click here for a history lesson). Needless to say, Hearst’s abode in San Simeone (one of many) was very luxurious. 

I imagine his lavish pool was the envy of all of his friends and the site of many scandalous evenings.

Lucky for those around him, he treated his circle well and build five star accommodations for their visits (very similar to the pull out couch our visitors are blessed with). No wonder the ranch became a getaway for the Hollywood elite. 

After two hours of living vicariously through Hearst’s show of riches, we were heading back to the car (unfortunate bird incident happens here) and on our way south again. 

We drove and drove, through San Luis Obispo, through Pismo Beach and stopped at Solvang. The town is a little Danish getaway, made famous by the movie Sideways. We sipped and swirled, had dinner and roamed the streets. 

Like a long lost friend, we were thrilled to see our freeway exit later that night. It was a long and wonderful day with a perfect ending – an enthusiastic greeting from one very happy dog.  

There were many life lessons during this trip and I feel like I came away from it a wiser person. Because I believe in sharing knowledge, I have listed out the most important points below: 

  • An Egg McMuffin will never cease to be excellent road food
  • If you stare at the seaweed long enough, a sea lion will eventually pop its head out of the water 
  • There is such a thing as too much salt water taffy 
  • You can, in fact, drive off of the cliffs in Big Sur if you are not careful 
  • Just because a winery has a tasting room, it does not mean that the wine will be good
  • If you are able to parlay your money into a media empire and build a castle on a hill, do it. 
  • A healthy marriage means surviving 15 hours in a car together without incident  
  • The happiest cows really do come from California 

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The Clothes Dilemma

September 2, 2008

While one should not labor on Labor Day, I undertook a massive project this past weekend. The full closet reorg. 

Going through all the clothes that I had stockpiled over the last five years turned into a very nostalgic event. Hello pink skirt that I wore to my birthday party in 2004. Hello padded bra that enhanced many of my evenings – I can’t believe you have been stuck behind the dresser for all this time. Hello slightly cheap looking work suit that I thought looked very professional at the time of purchase. 

All in all, the project wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be. That is, until I decided to try on some old clothes. Well, hello black pants, gray skirt, Seven jeans and tan capris that no longer fit over my fat *ss. 

So here I am, faced with a timeless female dilemma. Do I wallow in thigh depression, put the size-too-small clothes back in the closet and say to myself, “if I lose five pounds these will fit again”? Or, do I accept the fact that I no longer have my party all night long physique, embrace the new curves and donate the bottom halves to our cleaning lady’s family?

For now, I choose denial.

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Vrooooooom – Puuuuuuuur

August 25, 2008

We were going to a movie tonight. We were ready. Milk Duds and Sour Patch Kids were in hand. Bottles of water were ready to be smuggled in the oversized bag. Then, Nick goes to drive the 100 meters from CVS to the theater (not very Earth friendly, I know) and my car makes this “vrooooooooom” noise without the accompanying purr of a running engine. He tried and tried again and again – nothing. I got into the front seat, ready to work my magic. It is my car after all, and we do have a special bond. I encouraged her with a pat on the dash and turned the ignition. “Vrooooooooom” – no purr. 

After much debate about the proper towing location, contemplation over whether we should go to the movie before calling for help and angry words for the makers of Infiniti, we broke down and called AAA. 

I was sitting in the car when Jason, my mechanic friend, rolled through in his blazing white vehicle. Like a knight in shining armor he popped the hood and took a look. Then he asked me to start the car. “Vroooooooooom” – no purr. I gave him a sad half smile and an understanding nod. I don’t know much about cars, but I knew this was bad. 

Jason then asked me for my key. He popped himself into the drivers seat and with a turn of the hand I heard it – “Vrooooooom Puuuuuuuuuuur” – Just like a cat. What!? I was just there for an hour. How did Jason do this? Does he possess special AAA magical powers? 

As I was trying to convince him that the problem was real he says, “did you have your foot on the brake?” Did I? Did Nick? How can this be? How could we both make such an independent asinine mistake, at the same time? I hung my head in shame and signed Jason’s little clipboard and sent him on his way. 

It is this day, one year, 10 months and 18 days after our wedding, that I am officially worried that we are turning into the same person. 

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CT Roots

August 19, 2008

After a cancelled flight, a long wait time in the airport and a connection in Dallas, I was thrilled to make it back to Connecticut for a visit. So thrilled that I didn’t mind that my luggage failed to make it to the final destination with me.  

A lot has changed in the past couple years. My east coast friends are married and the baby boom has begun. No longer are we sneaking off to UConn, pretending that we are freshman in college. Instead, we are sitting around a living room reading passages from What to Expect When You Are Expecting. As an aside – if you have intentions of reproducing, I recommend that you not read this book. I received an education that night that is sure to keep me sterile for quite some time. Why would we read such a thing? My friend (hi Jules!) just had a beautiful baby boy and her coffee table reading materials called out to us. 

Beyond QT with friends, the typical family reunion activities ensued. One can never tire of binge eating, movies, Wii tournaments, shopping and the the Mohegan Sun. I also spent a great deal of time cheating on Indy with this little white creature. 

All in all, going back to New England was like a breath of fresh air (literally) filled with trees, barns, flowers and white picket fences. 

The trip went by way to fast. Now I am left wondering how I will ever be able to run without a daily Dunkin. 

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Dear Los Angeles,

August 12, 2008

Our relationship for the past five years has been entertaining, exciting and emotionally fulfilling, however the time has come for me to have some space.

Today I got yelled at by one of your residents, Miss Crazy Lady Santa Monica. She make direct eye contact, pointed her finger and scared the hell out of me. No Miss Crazy Lady, I do not know why your teacher was mean to you or why “they” made you wear that shirt. I understand that these are difficult things to understand without your Lithium and I apologize for clutching my pepper spray for dear life. 

Furthermore, the low mileage on my car does not account for the countless hours I have spent stalled on the freeways of your city, inhaling the fragrant aroma of carbon pollution. Oh 405 freeway, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Los Angeles, I forgive you for the orange haze that lingers over downtown, but I cannot forgive you when that haze infringes on my west side life. 

Lastly, my dry cleaning bill today was $176. Perhaps that was my fault. No one told me that “organic” cleaning came at a premium even when you use a sizable coupon. I suppose it would have cost the same in Peoria, IL or Gilford, NH.  

So in summary, I am leaving you for the next five nights. I am confident that it is the perfect amount of time to reconfirm that suburbia is not for me (despite all the wonderful people that live in the burbs) and that city lights and midweek wine bars are more my style. 

Best regards,

CT Native  

 

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