From Elvis to Virginia

I've been working everyday the past week to the detriment of my jetlag, but it's been fun!
I got a longer Memphis layover on my on-call days. It was a weekday, but another guy on the crew, Derek, and I went out to Beale Street anyways.


















We found a little bar where The Memphis Trio was playing.


















They were a fun bunch. There were not many people out, but it was a very comfortable environment. The pianist gave me a copy of their EP before we left, and they're really good! Bluegrassy. Alongside Elvis covers, of course.

After working a bit more I went on a layover with Jeanne Danielle to Norfolk/Virginia Beach! We ate seafood, walked around the bay, shopped, and got to catch up. It would seem that two flight attendants should be able to just meet up anytime, any place.. but we both stay so busy and in many different cities! It was a much needed catch-up date.



















A view of Waterside, where we stay. (Stole this from the hotel's website..)







The massive USS Wisconsin,
attached to the Naval Museum in Norfolk

Lucky

"Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be comin' home again"

I headed up to Athens this weekend to see my girls! The middle school girls who I primarily taught dance to had their Recital on Sunday. They were fantastic, of course!


























I stayed with the awesomest Baron while I was there! After destroying some lunch at The Grill we walked around North Campus a bit.
















Gilbert Hall. This is where I spent 2 years of my life surrounded by languages. And for the UGA-ans out there, the fountain in front of Herty Field was turned on! It was off for at least a year and half due to the drought.

Then a stop in Atlanta to see Lindsey and Hassan! This has already been supremely documented and photographed Here.

Back in Birmingham, the Tragic City Rollers! Roller Derby between Bham and Panama City. I really don't think I can give justice to the event in any description, but it was definitely one of the funnest events I've seen lately!







A few of the girls going around the curve.












And during 'half-time' the Deviani Belly Dancers performed! Hot.

Windy City

Chicago! Another major metropolis marked off the list. We didn't get to stay for too long, but it was long enough to see the area. Our hotel was downtown, right on Michigan Avenue (the Madison Avenue of Chicago, apparently).

















A view of the end of Michigan Ave








Grant Wood's Mom and Pop made the star list

After a bit of traveling by the looks of that suitcase













The Chicago Water Tower located in downtown.

Neat story surrounding the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

















And for lunch, what else but an authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza from Gino's. And I have to admit I'm a complete convert to their way of life. Or way of pizza, at least. The cheese goes on first, then the goodies, and the tasty sauce last. It's much easier to eat than say, Papa John's, where the sauce oozes out everywhere. And the vegetables absorbed the flavorfulness of the sauce during the ultra-long brick oven engagement. I carried this thing all the way home.

Home Ramblings

I always write about my trips, but in actuality I stay even busier when I'm at home! So, just a few items from this week.


















G. Love at Workplay! Amazing musician - playing the harmonica and guitar simultaneously!


















Silly singing face; good blues music


















Erin, Beth, and me before the dancing commenced.









Another night downtown

Jon playing some pool at Zydeco
















Mary and me

I'm actually sitting on a stool.. looks odd.


















Jon and Mary
with quite a bit of flash












Poker night!


















Michael, Steven, Martín, and Christy at the table.
Sadly, Jennifer was absent for this picture moment...






because she was napping in the shower.

I promise I will never make you take tequila again. Though, I doubt you'll ever drink it again...

Love you! ^ ^





I love my job. I love my friends. I love my lovers. I'm quite content.
The only thing I need now is dinner with Holly at Sol Y Luna. Beef tenderloin with tomato chutney. Still holding strong as my favorite entrée in the entire world. At least, the countries I've been to so far. I can't wait!

I've also set a goal for myself that I want to have my own place by December 31; it will be my Christmas present to myself. Though I'm a bit conflicted about it. I'm hoping to do a rent-to-own deal, just so I feel like my rent money is going towards something more each month. Because of this, I want the rent to be something I do on my own, just to prove a self-sufficiency to myself. But then, I don't want to live alone! I dislike the idea of leaving everything so obviously unattended and unused for days at a time (and help with paying utilities would be welcome). So, a roommate? But I'm really leaning towards a one bedroom "my home" setup, which wouldn't really work for a traditional roommate deal. Hm, I have plenty of time to figure this one out. The adventures keep comin'!

Catharsis

I'm sitting here at 2am, in candlelight, listening to the downpour outside. This is the setting for my first personal-subject blog. We're now in the livejournal setting.

I had a dream the other night that my plane was going down. It wasn't a nightmare - it was quite peaceful... or rather, I was perfectly calm and everything around me was going up in flames - but of course it got me feeling regretful of all those things I haven't done yet, or things I will not say aloud. This post is directed to no one in particular, rather, it goes towards everyone.

To all of my friends and family I send the usual I love you. I wish I could show you how each of you has affected me, but I wouldn't even know where to start. I'm wildly attached to all of you, and wish I got to spend more time with everyone. We'll work on that.

I've always been able to identify things I don't want in life. Every situation, relationship, novel has showed me something that I don't want and I've been painting this erratic landscape of random swatches with each idea, leaving a perfectly blank silhouette in the center outlining what I do want in life. I'm only now discovering that outline. Throughout some years, many people and ideas have tried to meld into that silhouette, but it's never been that perfect fit. Let's imagine that someone walks into the light, and your silhouette matches the outline flawlessly. I'm left in disbelief that I found you. And so soon in life. But I'm also almost a shade resentful (that word is much too strong) because suddenly anything else is only the next best thing. I will be content wherever I find myself in life, as a personal choice, but it wouldn't be the same without you. The only thing I'll ask of you, gotta promise not to stop when I say when. (name that song!)

I am overwhelmingly content with current conditions, and I'm not worried about the future in the least (maybe a little about job security..) but those ideas were screaming to be heard (typed aloud?). And still it's all just possibilities, really.

And my life wouldn't be the same without anyone that has deeply affected me. I rely on your energy to keep me going all the time. So, thanks everyone :)

The Epicenter

I made it back from Mexico unscathed! Mom went with me so that I wouldn't be shut up by myself. We were all a bit nervous going in for 32 hours: all the cars on the road (a fraction of the usual traffic) was heading out of the city. Most of the streets are deserted. A few people are walking around, but all quickly just to get where they are going. We get to the hotel: crew room closed, business center closed, pool closed, restaurant closed (room service available at extra cost). Not a big deal, we can survive, but Delta is treating us as if we are 2-year-old complaining about a grilled cheese sandwich because we really wanted ice cream. They kept saying "we understand you don't want to go downstairs and eat.." No, No, that isn't even an option! We were just mad that they completely blew us off once we got there; They were so supportive before we left, of course...

The following day we all got a bit stir-crazy so we decided to brave the outdoors and walk through the park to the Zocalo.






Just a scene during the walk. I love cities where the historic is dispersed throughout the modern.

























The markets were not as crowded as usual (this side was just desolate), but it was still a great time!



















The menagerie of puff-ball animals. This guy was talented! I got myself a burro. He cost ~10¢.








Annie and me with our Mamey. If I had to describe it... star fruit gelato with sprinkles of Heaven-clouds? Yes, that's how it would taste.




















[Propz to Annie for getting this great shot!]
Everyone kept themselves protected.











Everyone.












After walking at least 4 miles, we were hungry. This guy's street-food booth smelled delicious, and was nice and cheap. I got a Torta Cubana. I feel the need to explain this wonderous dish to you now. Spanish chorizo is thrown on the grill. Then some cheese. And mix this up with a fried egg.. let it simmer. Meanwhile heat up a pulled pork and pineapple melée. Then throw it ALL onto a sandwich garnished with avocado, tomato, onion, and Mexican hot sauce. That's what I do these trips for. It was a cathartic meal. Though, only spiritually...


















Mom and I with our contraband street food!



















Another shot of the Alameda Park market, just to show that people were out and about.



















The ruins of Templo Mayor, complete with napolitos (the cactus plant has a special meaning). Basically, the center of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which Mexico City is built on and around. Definitely worth reading up on, if you're interested!
















The Zocalo in its usual manner. It is the second largest square (behind Russia's Red Square) in the world.



















The huge square was filled with medical tents. This was the first time the day actually felt offbeat. Mexico City had a great response to the flu breakout: they have been one step ahead the entire time. This day they were handing out water, masks, information packets, and possibly more all for free. Kudos, Mexican govt.