What? Another blog about my quest for religion/faith/spiritual guidance. It seems to me that I should be past this, but I am still wandering around, kind of like Jack Skellington during Jack's Lament. There doesn't seem to be a clearing in the woods with holiday doors. I cannot open them with an inquisitive "What's This"? I have to figure this out on my own/with the help of others/divine intervention.
I went back to mass today. I went for two reasons.
1. I had asked my church friends to pray for someone very dear to me and if they are willing to do that for me, than I need to do it as well. I know that I can (and am) praying without going to mass, but if I am asking my church community to do it then I should be part of that community as well.
2. I am still looking for the place for me.
I went to mass early to quiet my mind. It didn't work. I can't calm my mind. The conversation I have with God is silly. I tell Him things he obviously already knows. What's worse is that I sometimes thing I am telling Him what He wants to hear.
I had hoped during mass that I would have that a-ha moment. Or that I would get the shivers. Or I would feel the presence of God like Judah Ben-Hur did. But, it be honest, there was nothing monumental happening. And then it occurred to me that maybe that's how it needs to be for me. Maybe, just maybe, God is tired of laying it out for me and it is now up to me to find what it is I am looking for.
It will be 45 years next Sunday that I have been Catholic and though I don't know if that is where I belong, I do know that I am not brave enough to look elsewhere. I have come to accept that I am never going to be the Catholic or Christian that I ought to be. I will not agree with all the teachings of the one or the other. I will continue to be judgemental and mean and selfish. I will continue to support the right to choose abortion and euthanasia. I will continue to believe in gay marriage (which is just marriage). I will continue to feel strongly that much of the bible is a fable written to teach lessons. I will deny that the God of love that I have known all my life was once a jealous, vengeful God that promoted the annihilation of entire kingdoms, men, women, children and horses.
I may wander forever looking for my answers and that seems pretty pathetic. I am sure that God is rolling his eyes, yet once again. This has to be old.
But, I have forty five more years to get this faith thing right. I have forty five more years of trying to be kind and generous. I have forty five more years of building a relationship with my church community.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
Birthday Week Extravaganza Part 2
I left off in San Antonio.
After the penguins, my God what could there be after the penguins?
Austin. We booked a room at the ridiculously silly Brown Bed and Ball Throwing Inn. It was a treat to be able to spend some quality time with my cousin Jake and his ever so lovely wife, Amy and the daughters, Sara and Emma. Sara, I don't know if you had heard, was in an car accident a few days prior and the pain of it all had finally caught up to her. She was pretty miserable with back issues. Emma, on the other hand, was her usual witty self. We were also delighted with Gucci and her ball dropping, dog staring until the ball is thrown antics. Fred the cat didn't do much but sit behind the curtain ala Alfred Hitchcock and occasionally come out to be loved.
Jake and Amy gave us an amazing tour of Austin and by amazing, I mean that Jake would get on the wrong street and Amy would randomly point stuff of interest. It was very entertaining.
We ate at three Austin-ing places and I can't remember the names. A little Mexican place that had great not name brand soda. We ate at P. Telly's. Does that sound right? And we ate at an Austin Brewhouse. That might be what it was called. The best meal out was the one we shared at my cousin, Mary's house. Mary and her husband, Dick are Jake's parents. We also met Micheal, Jake's son. Mary is my first cousin. The Snow family tree grows oddly.
I don't think I have ever spent any quality time with my cousin Mary. The age difference between us made me just a lass when she and her husband moved from Crapids. From our conversation that evening, I learned more about my dad, his mom and my own siblings as children. Mary spilled a bottle of wine. Mary and Dick drank two bottles of wine. It was a fantastic evening.
Saturday, Danny and I went into Austin on our own. We parked the car and walked around the downtown area. We scoped out the bridge for the bats later on. We looked at Formula One cars, and Monster Girls and lots and lots of dogs. We had anticipated a lot more shopping. That was a disappointment. What was not a disappointment was the very fancy cars we saw. A Ferrari, a Bentley and something so damn fancy we couldn't name it. We also saw a lot of Formula One fancy Europeans. You know what I mean by Formula One fancy- their leather shoes are made from grass fed cows that never walked in their own poop. Their white shirts are so white they are blue. Their hair grays in the precise manner that is required of it to make them look distinguished, not old. At first I thought I wasn't Formula One Fancy, but then I decided I was. The alternative is Nascar Fancy and I am certainly not that Fancy!
Danny, being the great guy that he is, stood on the Ann Richards/Congress Bridge with me for an hour and a half because I wanted to see the bats. Danny wanted to see them, too, but I don't know if he would have stood there an hour and a half. The sun set and the bats did not come. We had walked under the bridge earlier in the day and heard a lot of chatter, but when it was time for them to leave, we saw seven fly out. Seven little bats. That was a bit of a let down, but bats migrate- who knew.
Duran Duran. The whole point of this BWE! They did not disappoint.
I have been a fan since 1983. Seventh grade when all my money was sunk into Teen Beat and Tiger Beat magazine. Quality television was Night Trax when they showed a Duran Duran video ( or any video from like minded artists). Duran Duran. John Taylor, mostly, but Duran Duran. Not ever in all my days did I think I would see them live. They never came to Iowa that I was aware of, I wasn't going to be traveling to other states. I got married, John missed his chance. They weren't touring but were collaborating with other artists. I forgot my roots and listened to country. I found my roots again but was too knee deep in little people to afford a concert. And then Danny and I reached that magical age (you know what I am talking about Lisa Moore) when the bands we loved started touring again and we could afford to see them. But still Duran Duran was never even imagined. And my husband got tickets. He is one crafty son of a bitch.
So there I am with the man that replaced John Taylor in my heart of hearts, and believe me, best choice I ever made. We are seven or so rows up from the balcony. Duran Duran is straight ahead of us. They look good and sound, well the smell like they sound. And if that statement is true (and I think it is) they smell fantastic. Considering what the 80s did to so many of their peers, Duran Duran have cleaned up their act and are putting on a great show. There was no mistaking that they were having a great time on stage and the audience completely responded. I had forgotten that I still knew all the words. I knew when to du du du duuuu.
Danny told me later that I do this thing when I am really excited or happy. And it must be completely involuntary as I didn't even realize, but I put my hands up to my lips like a First Communion candidate from the '60s. He said I was doing that a lot. I didn't cry, but I had the shivers when they first took the stage. What an amazing gift he gave me that night. Not the tickets or the trip, but the chance. I am blessed beyond measure, I truly am.
So how does one follow Duran Duran? Well, lets go back six more years to my earliest football memories. What do I find there, none other than the Dallas Cowboys. Coincidentally those Boys just happen to be my husband's favorite as well. Ashlyn and Hayley bought us tickets for our birthdays. Pulling up to Jerry's House was just funny. It is ginormous. And everywhere we looked were other Dallas fans. That was so unusual and so comforting. Everything about the stadium is over the top. But it is impressive and someday (soon) the team will be impressive again as well.
We all know what happened on the field and it wasn't pretty. And as much as a win would have been perfect, it wasn't necessary because everything else was perfect.
We toured the stadium a couple of days later and were able to go down on the field. I made Cowboys angels in the end zone. I picked bits of turf out of the star. I watched Danny walk around his Graceland. My Graceland too. Granted, there isn't the history that Texas Stadium held. It is no Lambeau Field or Soldier Field in terms of longevity but it is fucking awesome and that is good enough for me. Danny had been carrying around a hundred dollar bill since September. He was given the money by the woman he had saved the day Jacob wanted pancakes. The money was for dinner, but I told Danny to buy something he really wanted and he did. Danny bought a #11 D. White jersey. It's pretty sweet.
Our last couple of days were spent with Danny's good friend Cheto and his family. Cheto was the interpreter assigned to Team Pillage while in Kurdistan in 2004. Getting to meet the last man of that incredible team was a joy. Though Cheto was not part of the Army, he was an important part of this team and I credit him for putting up with those yahoos and for being there each time Danny was talking to village leaders. He was instrumental in Pillage's success.
We ate and ate and ate and then we drank chi. Then we went to the Middle Eastern grocery and Cheto bought us tea and Chi cups so that we could at least drink the chi at home. I opened myself up to all the new foods on the table and found that I loved it all. My mom would have been so proud. Cheto and his wife gave me history lessons about the region and was so patient with me and my ignorant questions. Such warmth and hospitality! I know we always have a place to stay in Dallas.
Our last night was in a fancy hotel in Dallas. Danny likes a fancy hotel and now that I am Formula One Fancy, I do, too. The hotel brought a piece of chocolate cake to our room for my birthday. The pool and spa were outside on the fourth floor. There were fire pits going and the Dallas skyline was lit up beautifully. It was an easy end to such a great week. I don't really have the words- this guy of mine. WOW!
So my birthday is on Monday. I took the day off of work. Danny will take a half day. Traditionally we do our Christmas shopping on my birthday. We hang out, laugh a lot and end up at a nice place for dinner. This year, John and Nick's. Then we start the twelve days of birthday (similar to the twelve days of Christmas) . Nothing happens on those twelve days, I just thought it was a creative way to keep the birthday thing going.
I'm taking Danny on a cruise for his 45th. Thankfully I have 21 months to plan. There will be no topping this one though. Luckiest girl ever!
PS We got real cowboy boots. Justin Ropers. No Shit. They are pretty sweet.
After the penguins, my God what could there be after the penguins?
Austin. We booked a room at the ridiculously silly Brown Bed and Ball Throwing Inn. It was a treat to be able to spend some quality time with my cousin Jake and his ever so lovely wife, Amy and the daughters, Sara and Emma. Sara, I don't know if you had heard, was in an car accident a few days prior and the pain of it all had finally caught up to her. She was pretty miserable with back issues. Emma, on the other hand, was her usual witty self. We were also delighted with Gucci and her ball dropping, dog staring until the ball is thrown antics. Fred the cat didn't do much but sit behind the curtain ala Alfred Hitchcock and occasionally come out to be loved.
Jake and Amy gave us an amazing tour of Austin and by amazing, I mean that Jake would get on the wrong street and Amy would randomly point stuff of interest. It was very entertaining.
We ate at three Austin-ing places and I can't remember the names. A little Mexican place that had great not name brand soda. We ate at P. Telly's. Does that sound right? And we ate at an Austin Brewhouse. That might be what it was called. The best meal out was the one we shared at my cousin, Mary's house. Mary and her husband, Dick are Jake's parents. We also met Micheal, Jake's son. Mary is my first cousin. The Snow family tree grows oddly.
I don't think I have ever spent any quality time with my cousin Mary. The age difference between us made me just a lass when she and her husband moved from Crapids. From our conversation that evening, I learned more about my dad, his mom and my own siblings as children. Mary spilled a bottle of wine. Mary and Dick drank two bottles of wine. It was a fantastic evening.
Saturday, Danny and I went into Austin on our own. We parked the car and walked around the downtown area. We scoped out the bridge for the bats later on. We looked at Formula One cars, and Monster Girls and lots and lots of dogs. We had anticipated a lot more shopping. That was a disappointment. What was not a disappointment was the very fancy cars we saw. A Ferrari, a Bentley and something so damn fancy we couldn't name it. We also saw a lot of Formula One fancy Europeans. You know what I mean by Formula One fancy- their leather shoes are made from grass fed cows that never walked in their own poop. Their white shirts are so white they are blue. Their hair grays in the precise manner that is required of it to make them look distinguished, not old. At first I thought I wasn't Formula One Fancy, but then I decided I was. The alternative is Nascar Fancy and I am certainly not that Fancy!
Danny, being the great guy that he is, stood on the Ann Richards/Congress Bridge with me for an hour and a half because I wanted to see the bats. Danny wanted to see them, too, but I don't know if he would have stood there an hour and a half. The sun set and the bats did not come. We had walked under the bridge earlier in the day and heard a lot of chatter, but when it was time for them to leave, we saw seven fly out. Seven little bats. That was a bit of a let down, but bats migrate- who knew.
Duran Duran. The whole point of this BWE! They did not disappoint.
I have been a fan since 1983. Seventh grade when all my money was sunk into Teen Beat and Tiger Beat magazine. Quality television was Night Trax when they showed a Duran Duran video ( or any video from like minded artists). Duran Duran. John Taylor, mostly, but Duran Duran. Not ever in all my days did I think I would see them live. They never came to Iowa that I was aware of, I wasn't going to be traveling to other states. I got married, John missed his chance. They weren't touring but were collaborating with other artists. I forgot my roots and listened to country. I found my roots again but was too knee deep in little people to afford a concert. And then Danny and I reached that magical age (you know what I am talking about Lisa Moore) when the bands we loved started touring again and we could afford to see them. But still Duran Duran was never even imagined. And my husband got tickets. He is one crafty son of a bitch.
So there I am with the man that replaced John Taylor in my heart of hearts, and believe me, best choice I ever made. We are seven or so rows up from the balcony. Duran Duran is straight ahead of us. They look good and sound, well the smell like they sound. And if that statement is true (and I think it is) they smell fantastic. Considering what the 80s did to so many of their peers, Duran Duran have cleaned up their act and are putting on a great show. There was no mistaking that they were having a great time on stage and the audience completely responded. I had forgotten that I still knew all the words. I knew when to du du du duuuu.
Danny told me later that I do this thing when I am really excited or happy. And it must be completely involuntary as I didn't even realize, but I put my hands up to my lips like a First Communion candidate from the '60s. He said I was doing that a lot. I didn't cry, but I had the shivers when they first took the stage. What an amazing gift he gave me that night. Not the tickets or the trip, but the chance. I am blessed beyond measure, I truly am.
So how does one follow Duran Duran? Well, lets go back six more years to my earliest football memories. What do I find there, none other than the Dallas Cowboys. Coincidentally those Boys just happen to be my husband's favorite as well. Ashlyn and Hayley bought us tickets for our birthdays. Pulling up to Jerry's House was just funny. It is ginormous. And everywhere we looked were other Dallas fans. That was so unusual and so comforting. Everything about the stadium is over the top. But it is impressive and someday (soon) the team will be impressive again as well.
We all know what happened on the field and it wasn't pretty. And as much as a win would have been perfect, it wasn't necessary because everything else was perfect.
We toured the stadium a couple of days later and were able to go down on the field. I made Cowboys angels in the end zone. I picked bits of turf out of the star. I watched Danny walk around his Graceland. My Graceland too. Granted, there isn't the history that Texas Stadium held. It is no Lambeau Field or Soldier Field in terms of longevity but it is fucking awesome and that is good enough for me. Danny had been carrying around a hundred dollar bill since September. He was given the money by the woman he had saved the day Jacob wanted pancakes. The money was for dinner, but I told Danny to buy something he really wanted and he did. Danny bought a #11 D. White jersey. It's pretty sweet.
Our last couple of days were spent with Danny's good friend Cheto and his family. Cheto was the interpreter assigned to Team Pillage while in Kurdistan in 2004. Getting to meet the last man of that incredible team was a joy. Though Cheto was not part of the Army, he was an important part of this team and I credit him for putting up with those yahoos and for being there each time Danny was talking to village leaders. He was instrumental in Pillage's success.
We ate and ate and ate and then we drank chi. Then we went to the Middle Eastern grocery and Cheto bought us tea and Chi cups so that we could at least drink the chi at home. I opened myself up to all the new foods on the table and found that I loved it all. My mom would have been so proud. Cheto and his wife gave me history lessons about the region and was so patient with me and my ignorant questions. Such warmth and hospitality! I know we always have a place to stay in Dallas.
Our last night was in a fancy hotel in Dallas. Danny likes a fancy hotel and now that I am Formula One Fancy, I do, too. The hotel brought a piece of chocolate cake to our room for my birthday. The pool and spa were outside on the fourth floor. There were fire pits going and the Dallas skyline was lit up beautifully. It was an easy end to such a great week. I don't really have the words- this guy of mine. WOW!
So my birthday is on Monday. I took the day off of work. Danny will take a half day. Traditionally we do our Christmas shopping on my birthday. We hang out, laugh a lot and end up at a nice place for dinner. This year, John and Nick's. Then we start the twelve days of birthday (similar to the twelve days of Christmas) . Nothing happens on those twelve days, I just thought it was a creative way to keep the birthday thing going.
I'm taking Danny on a cruise for his 45th. Thankfully I have 21 months to plan. There will be no topping this one though. Luckiest girl ever!
PS We got real cowboy boots. Justin Ropers. No Shit. They are pretty sweet.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Happy 239th Birthday Marines!
Well, I am a day early, but for those of you that know me, my USMC birthday starts a few days ahead as I have the distinct honor of making the birthday cake for a group of Marines here. They appear to be a rag tag group of firemen, police and salty dogs looking for a place to celebrate with like minded people. And by like minded people, I mean hard charging Marines.
I believe this is my eighth cake in nine years. I did not do the honors in 2008 as I had a lot going on, but otherwise I have been it! I don't know how I got the job. I am guessing Pat Hickey and my husband were talking and you know what they say about great minds... So I said yep that first year which was also the year we were remodeling our kitchen and I haven't looked back since.
This year is the 239th birthday but for me, more importantly, it is my Marine's 25th birthday. The Marine Corps was very good to him, making much of the man he is today. It was also very good to me. As a spouse, I learned a lot in those four years and am grateful for the opportunity to live in Southern California, drive on the 5, learn a little something about pride and honor, and oh, there is the small matter of two baby girls that the Marines paid for.
This year's cake is my second bulldog. There is eight cakes on that board, fifteen cups of powdered sugar in the frosting, no misspelled words (which is a plus considering I am writing backwards and upside down sometimes).
The first year I went simple with the Marine Corps emblem. The second year was my first bulldog. Then I made a trip to the Marine Corps Museum and got a little more creative. Tun's Tavern has been my favorite as it required all my creative skills. Another year was the yellow footprints, followed by Iwo Jima, dress blues blouse and campaign cover. I already know next year's and the year after. They look brilliant in my mind.
With Veteran's Day the day after the Corps birthday it is easy to get caught up in the emotions of being on the fringe of the military. Some of these guys that will gather around the cake tomorrow have put their asses on the line in the Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The rest have missed birthdays, Christmas', day to day life in case. In case the shit got real and they needed to take care of business. There will be very few heroic stories tomorrow night, but it will mostly be tales of drunken escapades, barrack hi jinks, run ins with command. These men are so very proud to be Marines.
Happy 239th Birthday Marines...Semper Fi!
I believe this is my eighth cake in nine years. I did not do the honors in 2008 as I had a lot going on, but otherwise I have been it! I don't know how I got the job. I am guessing Pat Hickey and my husband were talking and you know what they say about great minds... So I said yep that first year which was also the year we were remodeling our kitchen and I haven't looked back since.
This year is the 239th birthday but for me, more importantly, it is my Marine's 25th birthday. The Marine Corps was very good to him, making much of the man he is today. It was also very good to me. As a spouse, I learned a lot in those four years and am grateful for the opportunity to live in Southern California, drive on the 5, learn a little something about pride and honor, and oh, there is the small matter of two baby girls that the Marines paid for.
This year's cake is my second bulldog. There is eight cakes on that board, fifteen cups of powdered sugar in the frosting, no misspelled words (which is a plus considering I am writing backwards and upside down sometimes).
The first year I went simple with the Marine Corps emblem. The second year was my first bulldog. Then I made a trip to the Marine Corps Museum and got a little more creative. Tun's Tavern has been my favorite as it required all my creative skills. Another year was the yellow footprints, followed by Iwo Jima, dress blues blouse and campaign cover. I already know next year's and the year after. They look brilliant in my mind.
With Veteran's Day the day after the Corps birthday it is easy to get caught up in the emotions of being on the fringe of the military. Some of these guys that will gather around the cake tomorrow have put their asses on the line in the Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The rest have missed birthdays, Christmas', day to day life in case. In case the shit got real and they needed to take care of business. There will be very few heroic stories tomorrow night, but it will mostly be tales of drunken escapades, barrack hi jinks, run ins with command. These men are so very proud to be Marines.
Happy 239th Birthday Marines...Semper Fi!
Birthday Week Extravaganza Part 1
I didn't know all the details of my Birthday Week Extravaganza (BWE) and for the first time, I was glad not to know. I knew that Danny had done a lot of work on this week and I didn't want to try and think of his surprises or be a pain in the ass about the plans. I had two questions, did I need to pack my scuba gear or prom dress. He said no to both which was good, since I have neither.
I knew that we were going to Austin and to Dallas. We were going to see Duran Duran and The Cowboys. That was the gist of the trip.
Oh this all started months ago when a friend of mine that lives in Austin posted to her Facebook page that Duran Duran would be performing during the Formula 1 Race. Having been a fan, sometimes rabid, since 1983, I reposted the information to my husband's wall and commented that we should go.
Fast forward to ticket sales day. Danny took the day off of work and started the purchasing process at exactly 10 a.m. He had gotten the tickets, second balcony about seven rows up in the middle. In a venue that truly did not have a bad seat in the house, these were amazing. Though John Taylor would not see me or hear me, I would clearly see and hear him. I was beginning to be Hungry Like the Wolf. (I smell like I sound).
So with tickets purchased, a vacation now had to be planned...
Danny did it all. And I graciously stayed out of Ashlyn, Hayley, by text, and his way as they put their heads together and giggled and oohed and aahed and glanced my way and then uttered a series of yes's followed by chest bumps and high fives. Ok, I don't know what they did in the planning stages because I just tried to stay out of the way. Danny making plans is a joyous event because he is so excited about it. I love his generosity. (When he bought The Eagles tickets for his mom, he could not be contained with excitement as he found the perfect seats!)
At work, I readied everything I could for my week's absence. I wrote seven pages of notes, including all the post holiday switches. I was going to be gone over Halloween, and would not be there for the taking down of orange and black and the putting up of red and green. My notes were detailed. The information shared with the leadership. And at 4:00 on Tuesday, I didn't have a rat's ass to share with anyone about what may happen the following week at work! In fact, I didn't even go into a Walgreens while on vacation. Upon return, I was still on such a BWE high that I didn't care that the notes were mostly left unread and that I still got to switch the colors.
We flew Southwest out of Des Moines. I love that we have Southwest now though I am still not a fan of not having an assigned seat. But other than that, the airline is fun! My first surprise was revealed at check in time when the ticket counter person asked if we were headed to San Antonio. I thought we were going to Austin but San Antonio is cool. What do I know!?! And I admit that my geography knowledge of Texas is poor so I didn't know drive times etc and figured this was an easier flight.
San Antonio, what a great town. Danny has a thing about hotels, he likes to stay in the very nice ones when he can. The Contessa on the Riverwalk is one such hotel. We had a Riverwalk view. The room was an upscale studio apartment. The people were so nice! I love being treated as special as I am!
We ate at Hard Rock because we could. I have always liked the Hardrock since my first visit to the original in 1987 in London. I know it is an overpriced chain, but. That is where drink #1 and #2 happened. I drank half of Danny's fruit press drink. It was so good!
We took a boat ride and learned some of the history of the area. These type of little tours are such a great way to see the city, or riverwalk quickly and then make a plan to go a little deeper into places. After the tour we headed to the Alamo (basement was closed for repairs) and then onto The Menger to have a beer in the same bar that Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders drank in. We have now drank in the same establishments as Teddy and Charles Dickens. I don't know if we will ever top that pub though as it was so dark and dank and reeked of beer and fire. Oh, and Tits was going to be there but that is another story.
That was drink #3.
We went to the Riverwalk mall and found a Disney store. Christmas present purchased!
We took a lot of photos and laughed a lot and I was already over the moon with my BWE and the first day wasn't even over. I use the term blessed a lot, but boy am I ever!
We went to a Texas steakhouse on the Riverwalk and got a terrible steak. I don't even know how that happens. I thin ribeye, an overcooked sirloin and cold fries. Tripadvisor will hear about this.
We went to Durty Nelly's, an Irish pub with a sing a long piano player. There were buckets of peanuts on the tables and buckets of shells on the floor. Drinks #4, 5. I had been up since 5 am.
Our final stop was a piano bar and that is where all my money left me. Have you been to a piano bar? Tips for songs (I did not get Barry Manilow). Tips to change the writing on the mirror -GO COWBOYS in response to someone's GO GIANTS and SCREW THAT! GO USA! in response to someone's bullshit European sports shout out! I'm nothing if not obnoxious when well into drinks #6, 7, 8, 9. 9 was the kicker. My birthday shot which was twice that size and contained Red Bull. No thank you. Danny and I danced and dipped and then he cut me off from the booze because I was trashed and a huge surprise was planned for the next day. I ever so lady liked flipped him off but don't think I was truly upset. It was a fantastic day and I immediately passed out on return to the Contessa.
At 4 in the morning 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 left me in a very unlady like fashion. I had never been a consumer of Pepto Bismal before but I shall never leave home without it again. By the time we hit the road on Thursday morning, I was feeling fine. We headed south. Austin is north. Sea World signs. WTF?
I asked Danny if we were going to Sea World and he told me yes, but that it was closed. The slight hangover probably didn't help my confusion so Danny explained further. The park was closed but he had purchased an hour encounter in the penguin exhibit. I (we) would be able to go into the Antarctica like enclosure and walk amongst the penguins. I started crying there on the interstate. I thought skipping a day of work to buy Duran Duran tickets was the nicest thing ever but this, this tops everything. I have loved penguins longer than Duran Duran. My dad had been to Antarctica twice while in the Navy and it was a great treat when he would get out the old photo album and show me the photos of him in his bushy beard and the penguins on the ice pack. I have spent much of my adult life collecting and being gifted penguins of all designs. Our wedding cake top was of penguins in veil and dress blues cover. I had imagined taking a cruise to Antarctica, but not really. But this, this was just beyond anything I ever imagined.
At Sea World we watched a little slide show, were given the do's and don'ts and donned the cold weather gear. It was around 30 degrees in the enclosure with a light snow. It was mating season and many of the penguins had paired off and were nestled together in their cozy rock nests.
Naughty and hilarious and more naughty and oh, so very sweet. That describes the penguins we met. Gentoo, King, Rockhopper and Chinstrap live inside the enclosure. The King had just finished moulting and were walking around strutting their stuff. Most of the Rockhoppers had found themselves a partner and were snuggled in the rocks. The Chinstraps were busy causing trouble. One spent our entire visit walking behind Danny and biting at his ankles. They very much wanted to know what we were up to, but wanted no part of our kind words or kind pets. The Gentoo were so very nice and sweet. Words fail me. I know, how is that possible. I never ever ever imagined that I would get to pet a penguin, let alone all those that came up to me. I never ever ever imagined that I would have a penguin on my lap and one peaking around my should while another came barreling in ala Harlow to get some attention. I had always been a fan of the emperor but can now say with complete confidence that the gentle Gentoo is my favorite. To top it all off, Danny just let me have this experience. He took all the photos, he was completely selfless, making sure I was first and foremost with these guys. Best friend/husband/guy ever. Have I mentioned that I am blessed beyond measure.
"We have never done a whole birthday week before" commented Danny
"I always have, you have just finally caught on to it." I replied
I knew that we were going to Austin and to Dallas. We were going to see Duran Duran and The Cowboys. That was the gist of the trip.
Oh this all started months ago when a friend of mine that lives in Austin posted to her Facebook page that Duran Duran would be performing during the Formula 1 Race. Having been a fan, sometimes rabid, since 1983, I reposted the information to my husband's wall and commented that we should go.
Fast forward to ticket sales day. Danny took the day off of work and started the purchasing process at exactly 10 a.m. He had gotten the tickets, second balcony about seven rows up in the middle. In a venue that truly did not have a bad seat in the house, these were amazing. Though John Taylor would not see me or hear me, I would clearly see and hear him. I was beginning to be Hungry Like the Wolf. (I smell like I sound).
So with tickets purchased, a vacation now had to be planned...
Danny did it all. And I graciously stayed out of Ashlyn, Hayley, by text, and his way as they put their heads together and giggled and oohed and aahed and glanced my way and then uttered a series of yes's followed by chest bumps and high fives. Ok, I don't know what they did in the planning stages because I just tried to stay out of the way. Danny making plans is a joyous event because he is so excited about it. I love his generosity. (When he bought The Eagles tickets for his mom, he could not be contained with excitement as he found the perfect seats!)
At work, I readied everything I could for my week's absence. I wrote seven pages of notes, including all the post holiday switches. I was going to be gone over Halloween, and would not be there for the taking down of orange and black and the putting up of red and green. My notes were detailed. The information shared with the leadership. And at 4:00 on Tuesday, I didn't have a rat's ass to share with anyone about what may happen the following week at work! In fact, I didn't even go into a Walgreens while on vacation. Upon return, I was still on such a BWE high that I didn't care that the notes were mostly left unread and that I still got to switch the colors.
We flew Southwest out of Des Moines. I love that we have Southwest now though I am still not a fan of not having an assigned seat. But other than that, the airline is fun! My first surprise was revealed at check in time when the ticket counter person asked if we were headed to San Antonio. I thought we were going to Austin but San Antonio is cool. What do I know!?! And I admit that my geography knowledge of Texas is poor so I didn't know drive times etc and figured this was an easier flight.
San Antonio, what a great town. Danny has a thing about hotels, he likes to stay in the very nice ones when he can. The Contessa on the Riverwalk is one such hotel. We had a Riverwalk view. The room was an upscale studio apartment. The people were so nice! I love being treated as special as I am!
We ate at Hard Rock because we could. I have always liked the Hardrock since my first visit to the original in 1987 in London. I know it is an overpriced chain, but. That is where drink #1 and #2 happened. I drank half of Danny's fruit press drink. It was so good!
We took a boat ride and learned some of the history of the area. These type of little tours are such a great way to see the city, or riverwalk quickly and then make a plan to go a little deeper into places. After the tour we headed to the Alamo (basement was closed for repairs) and then onto The Menger to have a beer in the same bar that Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders drank in. We have now drank in the same establishments as Teddy and Charles Dickens. I don't know if we will ever top that pub though as it was so dark and dank and reeked of beer and fire. Oh, and Tits was going to be there but that is another story.
That was drink #3.
We went to the Riverwalk mall and found a Disney store. Christmas present purchased!
We took a lot of photos and laughed a lot and I was already over the moon with my BWE and the first day wasn't even over. I use the term blessed a lot, but boy am I ever!
We went to a Texas steakhouse on the Riverwalk and got a terrible steak. I don't even know how that happens. I thin ribeye, an overcooked sirloin and cold fries. Tripadvisor will hear about this.
We went to Durty Nelly's, an Irish pub with a sing a long piano player. There were buckets of peanuts on the tables and buckets of shells on the floor. Drinks #4, 5. I had been up since 5 am.
Our final stop was a piano bar and that is where all my money left me. Have you been to a piano bar? Tips for songs (I did not get Barry Manilow). Tips to change the writing on the mirror -GO COWBOYS in response to someone's GO GIANTS and SCREW THAT! GO USA! in response to someone's bullshit European sports shout out! I'm nothing if not obnoxious when well into drinks #6, 7, 8, 9. 9 was the kicker. My birthday shot which was twice that size and contained Red Bull. No thank you. Danny and I danced and dipped and then he cut me off from the booze because I was trashed and a huge surprise was planned for the next day. I ever so lady liked flipped him off but don't think I was truly upset. It was a fantastic day and I immediately passed out on return to the Contessa.
At 4 in the morning 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 left me in a very unlady like fashion. I had never been a consumer of Pepto Bismal before but I shall never leave home without it again. By the time we hit the road on Thursday morning, I was feeling fine. We headed south. Austin is north. Sea World signs. WTF?
I asked Danny if we were going to Sea World and he told me yes, but that it was closed. The slight hangover probably didn't help my confusion so Danny explained further. The park was closed but he had purchased an hour encounter in the penguin exhibit. I (we) would be able to go into the Antarctica like enclosure and walk amongst the penguins. I started crying there on the interstate. I thought skipping a day of work to buy Duran Duran tickets was the nicest thing ever but this, this tops everything. I have loved penguins longer than Duran Duran. My dad had been to Antarctica twice while in the Navy and it was a great treat when he would get out the old photo album and show me the photos of him in his bushy beard and the penguins on the ice pack. I have spent much of my adult life collecting and being gifted penguins of all designs. Our wedding cake top was of penguins in veil and dress blues cover. I had imagined taking a cruise to Antarctica, but not really. But this, this was just beyond anything I ever imagined.
At Sea World we watched a little slide show, were given the do's and don'ts and donned the cold weather gear. It was around 30 degrees in the enclosure with a light snow. It was mating season and many of the penguins had paired off and were nestled together in their cozy rock nests.
Naughty and hilarious and more naughty and oh, so very sweet. That describes the penguins we met. Gentoo, King, Rockhopper and Chinstrap live inside the enclosure. The King had just finished moulting and were walking around strutting their stuff. Most of the Rockhoppers had found themselves a partner and were snuggled in the rocks. The Chinstraps were busy causing trouble. One spent our entire visit walking behind Danny and biting at his ankles. They very much wanted to know what we were up to, but wanted no part of our kind words or kind pets. The Gentoo were so very nice and sweet. Words fail me. I know, how is that possible. I never ever ever imagined that I would get to pet a penguin, let alone all those that came up to me. I never ever ever imagined that I would have a penguin on my lap and one peaking around my should while another came barreling in ala Harlow to get some attention. I had always been a fan of the emperor but can now say with complete confidence that the gentle Gentoo is my favorite. To top it all off, Danny just let me have this experience. He took all the photos, he was completely selfless, making sure I was first and foremost with these guys. Best friend/husband/guy ever. Have I mentioned that I am blessed beyond measure.
"We have never done a whole birthday week before" commented Danny
"I always have, you have just finally caught on to it." I replied
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