Hasta luego!!

It's with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to this beautiful city I once called home. So many memories,  rediculously perfect weather, prestine beaches and back drops.   It's crazy how much can change in such a relatively short period of time.  And then of course, some things will never change... Bali Hai Mai  tai's anyone??

As predicted the time flew right by. Trying to fit everyone/everything in is nearly impossible. It was great to catch up w/those I got so see, and for those of you I missed, I hope to reconnect the next time I'm in town.  

A giant thanks to BettyBo for putting up with me for the week.  Al-vac and SusieQ.... no words needed and I miss you already.  Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go sleep for the next 36 hours.  Lord knows I need it!!

Mötley Crew

While living in San Diego for 12 years I spent the first 6 working at Sea World. My original goal was to go back to school for marine biology/oceanography and ultametly become a marine mammal trainer. Step one:  get hired at Sea World (anywhere) because once I had my foot in the door that's all I would need. Step one done and I was hired to work in the Hospitality Center.

Now for those who are unfamiliar, every Sea World and Busch Gardens theme parks are (or were) owned by Anheuser-Busch (as in Budweiser beer).  The Hospitality Center is the designated area in each of these parks that represents A-B and the beer side.  We had a beautiful bar where we gave away free samples of product.  We had a small micro brewery where we would brew our own batches of beer (for employees only... something's to do with our liquor lisence). There was Budweiser Beer School where guests could relax for a half hour, learn about the history of the company and the brewing process, sample even more product, and walk away with a personalized Beermaster Certificate. And lastly, located right next door, were the Budweiser Clydesdales. A most impressive group of horses. The hospitality crew would help the Clydesdale handlers parade the horses around the park and assist in photo ops.

The majority of our staff were hired as temps to help out during the busy summer months. They were either exchange students from other countries, or older, retired folks that were looking for something fun to do on the side.  And although the turnover rate was high, there was a core group of us that were employed full time.  We spent year after year, growing together, supporting each other and made the most mundane tasks bearable.

The other night this motley crew reunited for the fist time in years.  And although some weren't able to make it, it was a great turnout. It was good to catch up and see everyone together again.  A giant thanks to Carol Clough for graciously hosting the event, and to BettyBoo for helping round up the troops. It was a blast! (FYI Betty featured above in red walking w/the Clydesdales... Found it online!)

Clearly step 2, or 3, of becoming a dolphin trainer was never meant to be. But regardless, those were some of the most memorable times my life.  The experiences that were had and the friendships that were created are life lasting. Each of you holds a special place in my heart and I can't wait to see you all again :))

Wine n Crafts

For a Mothers Day surprise I bought KB (Kathy Brooks) an evening of wine and painting.  It was a bit pricey, and for the amount I spent I thought at least one drink would have been included... wrong!  But it was money well spent regardless. The experience was priceless. 

We met up at 5:30 at the Marina, a local restaurant in my town. Drinks and bites for an hour (our own dime) then we all reconvened in the designated painting area at 6:30 pm sharp. 

Kristina Wentzell, out of Keene, NH, is a local artist who's finally capalitizing on the the much needed void of an evening of wine and crafts (already available in most major metropolitan areas).  With a couple glasses in, and a full belly, we were ready to get our abstract on.  Kristina guided us through the whole process. Within a few short hours we went from blank canvas, to full blown (armature) masterpiece.

A group of strangers to start, we were all besties by the end. 12 random people all giggling, laughing and complementing each other throughout. It was fantastic.  In fact, my checks haven't been this sore from perma-grin since I used to dabble in the funny stuff way back when. And I'm still smiling right now!  What a gas! (Did I really just use that phrase?? )

For whatever it's worth Kristina's got my recommendation. Fresh water and paint at your request, constructive critizsm if u so desire, and an immediate on the spot corrector when you totally screw it up. If you live in the area and are into the arts check her out:  www.KristinaWentzell.com. 

Now, what to do with this amazing piece??? Hmmmm... thats the hardest part of the evening.  Well that and my bar tab.  Again, all worth it :)