{Bummer}

Well friends, my Egypt trip didn't turn out as planned. My friend and I were going to be traveling on buddy passes, but flights were very full out of SLC. Not only that, but I also came down with something a few hours before I was to leave. Bummer. Ah well. This is the life of standy-by passengers. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn't. I'm ok with it, because I know that I'll get to Egypt someday. Sooner than later!

So, here's to future trips be they stand-by or confirmed!

Twinsers

Ok, I've done it once before, but how does it happen that two people in the same small department have the same dress?! As evident from the picture, Nicole and I purchased the same cute, comfy, long frock. Hilarious!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

A grand day indeed! As a very young girl, I have memories of green porridge for breakfast, mom drawing shamrocks on our faces, wearing pins saying "Kiss Me I'm Irish" and being afraid of ever wearing one again when a boy in school actually tried to kiss me, watching movies like "Darby O'Gill and the little people", and "The Quiet Man". Oh, the fun! My parents have always made a big deal out of this holiday, and they have always made us proud of our Irish heritage. As I've been able to travel to Ireland on several occasions, I am even more proud of such a beautiful land, and equally beautiful people. Just take a look at the beauty of Ireland; the place for which I was named.In front of the Cliffs of Moher, 2004
Blarney Castle with friends, 2004

More cliffs.


One of my favorite places in the whole world! Ah, amazing Ireland!

My brother Sean... so proud of him.

Check it out... you'll be glad you did.
http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/303097/17/

St. Paddy's day is-a-comin'!

A clip from one of my fave St. Paddy's day movies. We have watched this on every March 17th since I was a wee lass. That dear Sean Connery... what a looker!

Enjoy!

Viva Mexico!

I recently returned from a 6 day long trip to the sprawling, massive metropolis of Mexico City. This is my 3^rd year going for work, and I never cease to be in awe at absolutely everything. For one, the size of which I have spoken, the loco drivers, and the amazing food. Oh, and need I mention Mexican Coke? Ahh, simply heaven.

This trip was basically all work, but we did have some free time for site-seeing and food tasting. The majority of our time was spent at a very large convention center called the Banamex. There we worked for 3 days to set up and run XanGo’s regional event. My job was in the Glimpse area, which is skin care. The distributors had the chance to have a picture taken of their face on a Vizia machine. It showed the amount of wrinkles, A/V damage, bacteria, and much more. I had worried for some time as to how I would do a skin care consultation in Spanish (which isn’t my primary job in the company), but once the appointments starting rolling in, my Spanish started flying! I loved talking to these people, but mostly I loved how grateful they were that I could explain it to them in a language they could understand. After each 3 minute consultation, they would hug and kiss me on the cheek. I reveled in it. I was so tired from talking, but was so happy to be there. After those 7 hours, I felt like a total expert in skin care. Hmm… something to think about. Nah, totally kidding. I suppose it really helps when I use the stuff myself.

My roommate (and Director), Marcole and I stayed an extra day to visit some hotels, and then do a little site seeing. Little did we know, there was a very big fish in the Mexican pond that day that would thwart all of our site-seeing plans. On our way out to see the pyramid ruins of Teotihuacan (an hour or so away), we were aghast to see so many armored military men and policemen in the area. We knew that things had been heating up on the border of Mexico, but at the ruins? Well, come to find out that dear President Sarkozy of France was visiting the ruins that day with the President of Mexico, and no one was allowed in. Not only that, but there was an armored, machine gun carrying military man at every post – approximately every 200 feet encompassing the whole area of ruins (which is at least a few miles around). Plans had to change, obviously. Instead our driver took us to a restaurant called La Gruta, which is a restaurant in a grand cave. It was pretty amazing.

We then tried to see a bull fight. No such luck. It was closed for the dear, sweet French President as well. Then, once again, we tried for something else – a concert to see Luis Miguel (a favorite of mine), but tickets were sold out, and scalpers were asking a pretty penny for what was left.

We did, however, get to walk the busy city a bit more and see the Museum of Anthropology, particularly a museum of Russian Tsar’s. I loved it, because, well, I love Russia.

All in all, a good trip filled with good people, good sites, good food, and a good 3 pounds gained on my part. Not happy.

Viva Mexico!

Just a few of the trucks filled with military men surrounding the ruins.
The cathedral near the Xocolo.
Truck of policemen guarding the perimeter of the ruins.
The pyramids (luckily I visited them 3 years ago)
Marcole at La Gruta (the cave)
Looking into the cave.
Me in the center of town - the Xocolo
Checking out Nate's bling (check out the wrist)
Just taking a moment in between sessions at the XanGo store.

Travels

This week...

Mexico City





Next month...



Ahhh... heaven.

Douglas...

So, tonight as I was readying myself for bed, I searched for a book to read before laying myself down to sleep. This is a nightly ritual, and one that can get me in trouble, for I stay up far too late reading books. I looked through a stack of books I had beside my bed and realized I had read them all. I got up to look for something else - surely I hadn't read them all! Lo and behold, I reached into my closet and found a book my Dad had given me for x-mas. It is entitled Churchill's History of the English-Speaking Peoples. Does this sound like a book that would keep me reading until the wee hours of the morning? Most likely not. However, I thought about this book more and more as I handled it, and read my dad's note on the first page which reads, 'Merry Christmas Erin. One of the great histories written by one of the 20th centuries greatest figures! Love, Dad'
If you know my dad, Douglas, you know that he is a lover of literature. He is a passionate man, my dad. For as long as I can remember he tried to get us to read books and instill within us the same love of literature as he had. During summer vacations we'd get a dollar for each book we read, but I think only a few of us actually took the bribe. Dear Dad, he has always been kindly persistent. I remember a time when he gave me a Tony Hillerman book to read. It didn't 'look' like what I'd like reading at that age (there was no love story). However, once the stubbornness subsided, I would finally give in and read the book suggested. I liked it. I liked it a lot. I think he could see that I was perhaps more easily persuaded to enjoy books than the other kids in our family. He still gives me books to read that he has had on his stuffed-full-of-books shelf for years. When I finally changed my major to its last, it was to English Literature. Naturally, a place that felt like home.
So, tonight as I sat there looking at this book, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for what my dad has helped instill within me; the love of literature and a thirst for knowledge.
He gave me this book because he knew I enjoyed history, but he also gave me this book because he thinks I'm an intelligent person. He not only looks upon me as his feminine daughter that enjoys pretty things, but he looks on me as an intelligent woman that has the ability to further my knowledge of the world. He knows I have potential. This knowledge gives me confidence. It gives me confidence in my own intelligence and abilities. I really appreciate my dear dad's thoughtfulness, his kindness and his love. I don't often come to realizations like this, so I thought it would be best to record it somewhere. What better place then on this here blog o' mine.
Daddy Doug can usually be found sitting on his grand leather chair, next to the fire, surrounded by his books. At Christmas time, there will be music playing 24/7. Sometimes he'll fall asleep in his comfy chair, with reading glasses still clinging for life upon his nose. I enjoy that sight. I'll remember it for years to come. But mostly, I'll remember what he has taught me to love by example and gentle nudging. Thanks, Dad. Love you.

Everything is amazing, and nobody is happy.

Check this out. It's very true, folks. Very true. Go here.

cool under fire

I just watched my roomie Melanee put out a rather small, but potentially large fire. I gazed from the couch as she (in complete control) put out this fire that would have caused me much distress had I been in her position. Not Melanee. She is the gal you want to have in an emergency. Cool, calm, and collected. Bless her for saving my wee life!

Dear Daddy-o...

Thanks for remembering your single daughter on Valentine's Day. What a kind, sensitive Father you are! Muito obrigada. Love you.

Love week?

So I really thought I had such a great idea of posting my favorite love songs this week leading up to V-day. Alas, I am bored. Or just dis-enchanted all together. Maybe you can tell me your cheesy, favorite love songs. Yeah, that sounds better. Let 'em flow, people.

Joaquin Phoenix... really?

Ok, for real, what's up with Joaquin? Check out his recent interview with Dave Letterman.

Love week continued...

You can tell that Roberta feels it.

Isn't it glorious?

Love week

In celebration of Valentine's day, I'd like to share with you some of my favorite love songs; yes, love songs. On the flip side, I'll also share some of my least favorite love songs. Everyone can use a little love right now, don't you think? So, this is my gift to you, my friends. A few favorite love songs every day. They may be favorites of yours too, and they may not. We shall see.

1. Moonlight Serenade (Glenn Miller Orchestra) - An oldie but goodie. What a melody! I love it.



2. So In Love (Cole Porter) - If you saw the movie 'De-Lovely', then you probably love this song as much as I do. Truly, a winner.