Travel Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Airline Food

Wear clogs, not sneakers (in case you have to go through security) dress in layers (airplanes are usually too hot or cold) travel as lightly as you can (I have NOT learned this YET but I am working on it) and most importantly, ALWAYS BRING A LOT OF FOOD. We used to bring elaborate home-made sandwiches and snacks, beverages and dessert to keep us happy but that rule changed too. I usually am a snob about airline food especially after I got food poisoning after a meal in the sky. So, Adapt: Buy food after security, a lot of it and of course, buy chocolate. A lot of chocolate. Take Dramamine and keep it in a very handy location. Just sayin……..

If I Could Relive One Day of My Past

I Do

Felicia Was Not A Runaway Bride.

My wedding day. I was so excited that day that I didn’t have time to relax and enjoy the event and the delicious food that everyone raved about. I love weddings and any happy occasions. I would have taken a longer look into my parents’ eyes, I would have circulated more and thanked every single person that came to my wedding, in honor of our celebration. I would have most definitely changed the cake since it had no flavor and it was only after the fact they told us the pastry chef didn’t come in that day. 22 years later I look back and wish I had bitched about it!!  I would definitely have kept my white sneakers on because it delighted my happy feet and my guests. I would want the day to have been in slow motion because there are not many days to celebrate such utter joy.

Living in Other Countries

Image by Piano Piano! via Flickr

I had the proud distinction when I was little of being the “only born American” and I wore that honor with pride. My parents and my older sister were all born in different countries and even though my parents and sister came to the United States when my sister was 9 months old, I still felt special.

At this point in my life, with my husband and our two almost grown children, I would love to live in another country for a few years. Italy, Spain, England, Holland? Greece, Israel, Japan? I love to visit different countries when we can afford it. The only place I wouldn’t want to live? Paris. I would be such an American outcast, wearing my blue jeans and long-sleeved gray GAP shirt, sneakers and clogs. There’s no way I’m wearing high-heeled stilettos and expensive outfits for any city. However, the French countryside is breathtakingly beautiful and I wouldn’t mind learning how to make cheese. For now, I think I’ll stay right here in the USA where I can wear what I want and still drink strong coffee and pastries. If, however, the opportunity came up…..I can pack quickly.

Recent Adventures in Splurging

Image via Wikipedia

Sale: Today, Tomorrow, And Every Day Thereafter

I’m not a big shopper, never was. I’ve always hated trying on clothes even when I was a child. Nothing has changed. It was pure and true love that made me take my daughter to any mall when she was younger because she is a fabulous shopper and adores being in malls. Luckily, she can drive now. The last time I shopped, other than groceries (which I actually love shopping for) I was at Kohl’s. I bought a cheap pair of sneakers, two cards and a dark blue tank top for my daughter. I went because they were having a sale (wait a day, they will have another one) and I had two coupons, ten dollars off each. Was it fun? Not really? Did I have to stand in line? Groan, yes. Did I make it out of there in less than an hour? Sure thing. Will I do it again soon? Probably not. I’m sorry, I’ve never liked shopping (except for books and food) I don’t think I am ever going to start loving it anytime soon.