I won!

Thanks so much Midwest Mom.

Happy Halloween!

Fly by photo

Wordless Wednesday.

Internet Search Engines

Fellow Bloggers,

I have a question for you. I've been blogging for a very short time. I've got site meter that tells me everything including what you are wearing when you visit my blog. Seriously.

So my question is this. Does your blog show up as a result for some fairly odd or unrelated searches? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

Here are some things that folks searched for and ended up on my blog.

Google Search
top cabo san lucas lounges
Result:
Dreams Lounge

Fair enough.

Google Search
hoot hoot i scream
Result:
Hoot

??? Must research this. While drinking cheap wine.


Google Search
I fantasize husband and another woman
Result:
Mid-life-crisis

Ha ha ha! Ok. I'm so so sorry. I know this is not what you were looking for. Sorry. Now go away!

So what do you say? Does your blog ever end up on some odd searches?

Fall is here

In Austin, Texas, fall comes suddenly. One day it is hot hot hot. The next day, cold. It almost seems like winter except the day time high is in 80s. You never know what to wear.

The leaves don't really change colors as they do in North. They turn yellow and then just fall. I wish that someday I could be in say Vermont to experience a real fall. And take some pictures.

Meanwhile, I wanted to share what I see in fall here. If I was really dedicated, I could drive for a few hours to take some decent fall photos. By now you should know that I am only dedicated when I want to be.

So fellow bloggers I am relying on you to post some fall photos for me. Meanwhile, I am going to figure out what to wear today.

Best Laid out Plans

Yesterday, I was planning on doing this for the economy. My friend Julie from Australia was going to help. So you can say that it was international crisis prevention on our part.

But sometimes the best laid out plans don't go the way you want them to. So instead we ended up doing something like this. Before you ask, nope that's not us and we did not actually ride those things. I am too much of a chicken to do this. Although the only person who can convince me to do this would be Julie.







So here is what happened. Saturday morning, Julie discovered that she had to send some important document to Canada. No problemo. Except it had to reach there on Monday. Or else it was pointless.

She spent all morning talking to Federal Express and DHL. Federal Express did not guarantee Monday delivery. So she called DHL. She got different stories from each person she talked to at DHL. Typically DHL is nice enough to come and pick up the packages. But they said that the only way the package would reach on Monday is if she went to the airport and dropped it off.

So I picked her up from her hotel and we went to the airport. Right to the DHL office. The DHL person there told her nope. They were not even equipped to do any paper work. They could not ship anything from there.

Why DHL sent us to the airport we do not know. That should have been the first clue. But did we pay any attention to that? Absolutely not.

The DHL person at the airport recommended going to Walgreen's. Apparently you can drop packages off for DHL there. I had no idea.

So off we raced. To Walgreen's. The guy who helped us was very nice. He went out of his way to help us. But there was so much he could do. When he tried to enter the Canada address, the DHL site refused to accept the address. Why? Because it would only recognize a zip code if it was numeric. And Canadian zip codes contain alphabets.

Oye.

Since we had no alternatives, we abandoned the idea and went to have lunch. It was great catching up and chatting. And the driving around was fun too because we were too busy catching up. It felt like a scavenger hunt.

The Walgreen's guy told us that in the very future, they were no longer going to provide the DHL services. Apparently DHL has changed their mind and want to do in a "different direction".

The black hole. That seems to be their new direction.

Harbor

This is what happens when there is a little moisture on the camera lens.

So glad today is Thursday. The last few weeks have just been flying by. My friend from Australia Julie is in town. I haven't seen her yet. I am hoping to have dinner with her tonight.

Julie is crazy crazy crazy. She makes me laugh laugh laugh. Last time she was in town, she insisted on going to Galveston for the weekend. There are better beaches in Texas but she had to go there. Because of a song she heard when she was growing up.

In Galveston, she saw some signs on the road that said "Sea Wolves Museum". Expecting to see some cute cute animals, she went there. Anyone know what the museum is about?

Airplanes.

She tells the stories so much better than I do.

So with Julie in town and my wine drinking project, it looks like a very promising weekend. I am sure she will help with the wine drinking. She cares about the economy too.

Economy and Wine

A recent scientific study (I heard this in the hallway) shows that because of the current economy crisis, folks have stopped drinking wine. They opt for either beer or hard liquor. Wine is supposedly more expensive. Beer is beer and hard liquor gives more bang for the buck.

The wine makers everywhere are very very worried. How are they going to survive? Who is going to buy that 45 dollar bottle of wine? Who bought a 45 dollar bottle of wine in the first place?

I on the other hand worry about the cost of a wine bottle. Will it go up? How will I survive? Will I have to give up wine and start sipping on bourbon?

So this weekend, I am going to do some research. For you and the wine drinkers and the wine makers and the economy. I am going to buy some inexpensive wine, drink it, and post a blog about inexpensive wines. Something under 10 dollars. I was thinking of buying 10 bottles of wine. 5 reds and 5 white. But I think my hubby will probably freak out if I buy 100 dollars of wine. So I will settle for 2 reds and 2 white.

This will be my contribution to the economy. Drink wine and prosper. And assure all my blog readers that you can drink wine. Even during an economy crisis.

See how nice I am?

Nablopomo November 2008

Who is participating in NaBloPoMo 2008?

Are you excited? Are you ready?

This week, I'll post as much as I can. But it may not be daily. I am getting ready for November. I strongly believe in creative juices. I am nurturing some ideas for November. Hopefully, I won't have posts that say "Today I ate a chocolate pastry." Granted it may be the highlight of my decade but a great post it does not make.

So glad that they don't have a theme for this month. Freedom to write whatever you want to. I know that you are not expected to stick to themes but I like reading other blogs and stop reading other blogs that stick to a theme that I am not interested in.

Good luck fellow bloggers! It will be a very exciting month. I can't wait to read other blogs!

I got awards!

I got two awards last week. I am so excited! One from Moody Blue Jodi who has also become a friend. The other from Coffee Slut who cracks me up on daily basis. I feel so honored! Double the love! Thank you so much ladies.

I love love love getting awards but the also surprise the daylights out of me. I've said this before but that someone would take a few minutes out of their busy lives to read my ramblings never ceases to amaze me.

I love reading other blogs. But to be honest, I am a lurker at most places. I don't always post comments because I don't have anything to say. Or I am too shy. My blogger friends have posted comments on my blog and helped me open up a little. And realize that to most bloggers, comments are like candy.

So here goes my list. Just so you know, the bloggers may not even be aware that I visit their blogs daily and enjoy reading them. But I love the blogs.

Part of accepting the award is:

• displaying the award


• linking back to the person who gave it to you


• *paying it forward & nominating 7 blogs


• adding links to those seven blogs


• leaving comments on their blog telling them you gave them an award


• enjoying the award

7 blogs I am nominating in random order:

Carol's Little World: She is my mentor. She introduced me to the blogging world and always inspires me. She laughs at my silly jokes and critiques my work. She helps me become more than what I ever expected. Her blog is snarky and funny.

Where is Darren: Ever dreamed about quitting your job, traveling around the world, and settling down in another country? Well he did it. He is in Australia now and I love reading about his adventures. I live vicariously through his adventures.

Outnumberedtwotoone: She says things that get stuck in my head. Like "Comments are like candy. Everyone loves them." I enjoy reading her blogs everyday. You never know what she will blog about. And her posts are always great.

My life on the Net: He is funny and crazy. He got a haircut live and broadcast it on his blog. Did I mention he is crazy? Both of us want to shave off our hair like Brittany Spears. I know I'll never have the guts to do it but you never know with him.


Mommy from Midwest: She is funny and has the cutest pictures on her blog. She makes me remember what it was like when my boys were little. She always makes me smile.

ClickMom: She probably does not know I exist. But she is on my list of daily reads. She has a very very unique writing style. When I read her blog, I can almost hear "speak". Her pain, her adventures with messages from grandma and so on. Always thought and emotion provoking. Love her writing style.

Life's Bone: I am not exactly sure how I found his blog. His blog is full of interesting cultural information. Things that I never knew and things I would never know if I didn't read his blog. He also does some very interesting things with photography. And then on some rare occasions, he blogs about his thoughts and opinions. Those posts crack me up. He has had many experiences in life and has a very unique perspective on life. Love it.

So here you go. Congratulations on the award. You don't have to nominate other blogs if you don't want to. Just know that I love your blog.

The Roof

In case you are wondering about my comment to Mythopolis about Pottsville, here is what I was talking about. It is hilarious.

Warning! Don't read it if you are a huge fan of a certain female Vice President Nominee.

M: No I wasn't in the jail. I was sitting under this lovely roof.

Drive-By Photo

For Photo Friday. I took this photo in the van while we were driving to Todos Santos. I don't think I've ever seen so much cacti growing on the beach.

Wouldn't it be just wonderful to live in a place like this? With internet connection of course.

Overheard

I overheard this yesterday and had to share this with you.

The guy says:

The stock market is worse than a divorce.

I lost half my money but still have my wife.

Ha!

Athletic

For Photo Friday.

Cabo San Lucas Dreams Lounge

Sometimes a picture is so much better than a thousand words. Here is the lovely lounge at the Dreams resort in Cabo San Lucas. You can relax here, watch the spectacular Sea of Cortez, and sip on cocktails.







In the evening, you can listen to relaxing music. Flute, guitar, the Sea of Cortez and more cocktails.

So what happens when my hubby arrives there during the football season?








A little rearrangement.

At his request, the staff pulled in a TV so he could watch the Cowboys play football.

All the men at the lounge thanked him profusely. They said the flute was making them sleepy.

And the women? Some joined their husbands. Others gabbed with other women, and some took off to the spa.

We were all secure about ourselves and thought, "what's the problem with a few hours of football when you are in paradise and have a lifetime to spend together? Let them have some fun. Live and let live."

Translation: Football is football. It is sacrilegious. If you expect them to give it up so you can sip on cocktails, hold hands and listen to the flute together, you have no clue about reality. Don't even bother going there. Give up now and make the both of you happier. Join them or think of ways to entertain yourself during the football hours. I suggest going to the spa or shopping.

Live and let live.

I got an award!

Wow. My first one! This is so flattering. That anyone would take a few minutes of their busy lives to read my ramblings is simply humbling. Thank you for visiting and thank you for leaving comments.

Jodi, You rock. You not only bring happiness to my life daily but you have also introduced me to some great blogs. Thank you for giving this award to me! I'll try to do it justice.

The Kreative Blogger Award requires that you list 6 things that make you happy and pass it on to 6 other bloggers.

6 Things that make me happy

1. My husband, The little notes that my husband leaves for me sometimes. He never writes poetry for me but leaves notes like:

~Don't do the dishes! I will do it when I come back.
~There is a chilled glass of wine for you in the fridge. Enjoy!
~Dinner is in the oven. Make sure you finish all the meat.

It took me a while to realize that romance is not about writing poetry or serenading.

2. My sons. I was really flying by the seat of my pants. I have no idea how many mistakes I made. There was no internet back then. Who would have thought that I would end up having these absolutely gorgeous sons who love, love, love their Mom. Just being with them in the same room makes me happy.

3. My friends. The ones who are always there for me through thick and thin. And are not afraid to tell me when I am being totally outrageous. The ones who give me support when I need it and can always make me laugh in my darkest hours.

4. Shopping. New clothes, camera accessories, computer stuff, makeup, blackberry stuff. Shopping just rejuvenates me. I wish I was a professional shopper!

5. Traveling. If I had to live my life all over again, I would take a 2 year break and backpack around the world. Today, there is nothing in the world like traveling for me. I just have to do it. I would love to be a travel journalist.

6. Creativity. Whether it is writing, reading, or taking photos, I am happiest when I am around creative folks doing creative things.

I am working on my blogger awards right now. Will post this as soon as I compile a list. Just wanted to share this with you!


Thank you Jodi! I am honored!

I am back with a Sunday Meme...

I'm back. Almost. Thanks to all for visiting me and leaving comments. I can't wait to catch up!


Sunday Stealing: The Sometimes Meme

The link is HERE if you'd like to play.

Sometimes I just need: a hug.

Sometimes I want: to solve all the problems in the world. I usually give up in 5 minutes.

Sometimes I like to: curl up with a good book and pretend nothing else exists.

Sometimes all it takes: is a kind word of encouragement.

Sometimes I picture: Life as it could have been if I had made different choices.

Sometimes I wish: I had my own island. With plumbing, electricity and internet connection.

Sometimes I find: pennies on the road.

Sometimes I take: Long naps on a saturday afternoon.

Sometimes I look: Gorgeous. If only to myself.

Sometimes I hate: When people who think they know best feel compelled to say nasty stuff to you out of goodness of their hearts. "Have you noticed you have gained a lot of weight? You must buy a tread mill right now!" Umm...

Sometimes it’s nice: To be loved and accepted for just who you are.

Sometimes it hurts: When you peel off a band-aid.

Sometimes it makes me happy: to sit around, look at old photos and reflect on the past.

Sometimes it’s sad: there are only 24 hours in a day and only 2 days off per week.

Sometimes I listen: to the sounds of waves crashing on the shore.

Sometimes I sleep: very very little.

Sometimes I like to watch: birds playing around in my bird bath.

Sometimes I feel: Lucky. Life has been good to me.

Sometimes I rant: and can go on and on and on. I can put you in a boredom induced coma.

Sometimes I never: comb my hair. It is pointless. It goes where it goes.

Sometimes I really: wish I could work as a travel photo journalist.

The Spa

Note: I am currently away but decided to use scheduled postings to keep you entertained. I look forward to reading your comments and blogs when I get back.

Sunset Cruise

Note: I am currently away but decided to use scheduled postings to keep you entertained. I look forward to reading your comments and blogs when I get back.

Have a great day!

More Car Photos

Note: I am currently away but decided to use scheduled postings to keep you entertained. I look forward to reading your comments and blogs when I get back.

Have a great day!

Car Show

The other day I went to a British Car Show. I am not into cars at all. But I thought I could take some decent pictures.

Well I couldn't. I'm posting some of them here to get some advice from you.

What do you think I did wrong? How could I improve these the next time around? I'd love some constructive criticism. The photos are quiet blah but I can't put my finger on what I did wrong. Other than have no clue about the actual subject.












I'll post some more later this week. Feel free to be brutally honest with me.

Some Stuff

I wanted to let you know that some stuff has come up and I'll have limited to no access to the internet from tomorrow until Sunday.

I've created some scheduled posts to keep you entertained meanwhile. Please know that I won't be able to respond to any comments or visit your blogs during this time.

As soon as I get back, I'll respond to the comments and catch up on your blogs. I know I'll miss reading them.

Calendar

Last weekend, I created a 2009 Los Cabos Mexico Calendar using some of my best Cabos photos. I used lulu publishing to create the calendar. The purpose of the calendar is to use it for my portfolio and give it to my friends and family as present. In other words, yet another way to spend money on my hobbies.

If you are interested in creating a calendar, let me know and I'll be happy to help.

On Saturday, I got the first copy. I was so so excited! It looks awesome. It is amazing to see your photos on a calendar. Although I did not do this, lulu also allows you to enter personal dates such as birthdays etc. If you have the time to do this, I strongly encourage you to go for it.

My calendar is located here.

The Rose

A month or so ago, I was working on a photo essay. I had the story and I needed photos. Six pages of content and six photos.

No problemo.

Except one page was titled "dilemma". How do you take photo of that? I asked my photo mentor Carol what to do. She suggested many options amongst which was a dictionary and a rose.

I had a dictionary. She had a plastic rose.

She "loaned" me the plastic rose. My husband was out of town at this time. So I spent weekend taking photos in various rooms of my home, wrapping up the project and posting it.

When my husband came back, he saw the rose and asked, "What's the plastic rose doing in our bedroom?" I explained to him.

Had I been efficient, I would have given back Carol her rose. But I forgot about it.

After a few days, the rose made it to my car. My intentions were to give it back to Carol. Good intentions are awesome.

My husband made another trip and came back and saw the rose in my car. "What's the plastic rose doing in the car?" he asked. He had completely forgotten my project by now. So I explained it to him again.

Last week, I finally took the rose from my car to my office. Carol works with me and I wanted to give it back to her. See what good intentions I have?

I ran into an executive type person on my way and he asked, "What's this rose about?". I mumbled something incoherent and ran to my office.

So the rose is on my desk now. My good intentions are starting to be effective. Except everyone thinks I am this crazy lady walking around with a plastic rose. And wondering who gave it to me and why.

Carol, if you are reading this, can you please remind me to give you back the freaking rose? Not that I am not grateful to you but this is tarnishing my impeccable reputation.

And yes there really was a photo essay.

Feeling Happy

My friend Alex for photo friday.

Da Internets

Da Internets are working for me!

This is better than inner peace!

Divorced Eggs

At my hotel in Cabos, you could order a dish called divorced eggs. In Spanish, it is called Huevos Divorciados.

Essentially, there are two fried eggs, one is topped with a red salsa and the other is topped with a green salsa. When I read that on the menu, I knew I had to check it out. I wanted to share the story of eating divorced eggs on my vacation with YOU. See the things I do for you?

Umm... I ordered them and got them and took photos of them. I could tell you that they are delicious. But the fact is that I just couldn't eat them. I hate wasting food and I am not a very picky eater but I just couldn't do it. It sounded good on paper.

Is there something you thought you'd like but could not bring yourself to eat it?

Mercury in Retrograde

So here is what happened.

My blackberry died.
I got another hand me down blackberry.
That died.
I started using an old personal cell phone.
That died.
My office phone is working occasionally.
My outlook is eating up my emails.
My internet connection at home isn't working.
My gmail is randomly moving important emails to the spam folder.
In short, my life, as I know it is falling apart.

So I did what any normal person would do. I asked a friend and she told me that mercury is in retrograde. I asked her what the heck it meant and she said that when mercury is in retrograde, supposedly there would be issues with communication including electronics. Mercury was a messenger and a God of Communication. A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac.

That explained everything.

Fortunately, this ends on October 15th.

Until then, expect your electronic communication devices to misbehave.

What's a few days without a cell phone or internet?

Tiny

Tiny man on a tiny plane flying across the Sea of Cortez.

My entry for Photo Thursday.

Sand and Foam

I am forever walking upon these shores,
Between the sand and the foam.
The high tide will erase my footprints,
And the wind will blow away the foam.
But the sea and the shore stay forever.

Khalil Gibran - Sand and Foam