Made it back to the states after a very long flight from Frankfurt. Thanks to the volcano in Iceland going off again our flight had to take a southerly route that added 2-hours to our flight to Chicago. Once again I was asleep before the wheels of the plane left the ground.
One correction to be made from the last blog (ok, so there were typos, I was buzzing when I wrote it, sue me) that my lovely hostess advised me about. I'll quote her to get it right:
"It is legal to drink beer and wine here at 14 if you are with your parents. That also includes in restaurants with parents....At 16 you can legally buy beer and wine and drink. At 18, they add hard liquor....That spreads it out a bit and there is alot less binging here when it is not tabu......."
Its so much more practical than our drinking laws.
Our last day there was in Rothenburg and it was lovely. We walked a lot, climbed a lot of steps, and took a lot of pictures. We also shopped a lot but ya'll knew that was gonna happen, right? There is a wall around this old city and we walked along part of that enjoying the view. This city is very touristy, as evidenced by the number of tour buses in one of the parking lots. It is worth seeing for its beauty, abundance of shops and restaurants, and sights.
We went into the Criminal Museum and that was a lot of fun. So many torture devices on display and facts about laws and courts of the times. Several floors to this one, definitely worth the price and a nice break from the palace/castle tour spots. Different and interesting.
I am a big fan of Christmas ornaments, etc, and so is my hostess, Alison so we had to go into Katy Wolfehardt (spelling?) which also contains a Christmas Museum that we opted not to see. It's a really cool store. I like to get small ornaments from places I visit and found some cute items here.
That store is directly across the street from the old tower that Danielle and I climbed to view the entire city. Now this was a real adventure. We had to go in through the old church next door and up many stoned steps in a spiral staircase. Then you go through this doorway into an old room after going through a turnstile. Four guys were ahead of us as we went through and we all paused before going on. The guys were out of breath, but we all stopped because of an alarm going off. It was to limit the number of people going through at one time. Made since as it's an old place and you can imagine it only holds so many people. So the guys were gentlemen and let us go up first. So we start climbing these old wooden steps. The steps continue to get steeper and the walls narrow. We get to the next small landing and are greeted by a lady who says 'two Euro, please'. So we pay (there was a sign at the turnstile but we didn't see it) and then look to see this ladder. It is standing nearly straight up and the steps are small and we have big American feet. So we do it cause we are troopers and we paid for it! As you climb this vertical ladder and reach the top you have to grasp these metal rings and pull yourself up through the opening, like getting out of a hole in the ground. You also may miss the sign that says you are only suppose to stay up there for 5-minutes for that 2-Euros. It was worth it. The view of the city on all sides was incredible. The walkway around the steeple is narrow and two can't walk side-by-side. We make our way around the steeple and had to wait to go back down the ladder because people were coming up. It's the guys we passed in the room with the turnstile. The fourth guy is on the ladder but won't come out and one of the others says to him 'you're embarrassing me, map up, those chicks made it up here'. The man never did come up while we were there, we passed him when we came down. Coming down that ladder off the steeple was the scarey part. Straight up and down and you can't see where to put your feet before the ladder actually begins, you just kinda feel for it with your foot and hold on tight. I'm glad we did it - a challenge met and the view was worth it. You really could see the whole town.
For the trip to Rothenburg it was just us three girls, me, Alison and Danielle and we enjoyed ourselves. Indulged in cakes and snacks at a bakery late that afternoon which probably explains why we didn't care about a big dinner and ate light that evening. We all enjoyed walking the town taking pictures of things that interested us - flowers, doors, doorknobs, hinges, structures.
Alison got the car up to about 200 Kilometers an hour on the Autobahn on the way home and that was fun. We took a rest and had to begin the great task of packing up as it was our last night in Germany. We each were trying to pack and keep it under 50-pounds with wine, glasses, candy (tons of it) and other souvenirs. Alison has the gadget that weighs your suitcase and it was very handy as we were close to the limits and had to be creative. Alison is an expert packer and advised us how to pack the wine and glasses with bubble wrap. I'm happy to report all items made it home without breaking!
Marc was kind enough to get up and drive us to the airport at 4am! He's wonderful. We didn't sleep much but were awake enough to appreciate that he got the Audi up to 155MPH on the Autobahn, couldn't go faster because of traffic and construction. What a thrill! I loved it. I had previously called shotgun for this ride.
This was a wonderful vacation. We visited friends, did some sight seeing and shopping, and most of all relaxed. It was a great mix. I got what I wanted in that I saw each place from a local's perspective, and as a traveler and not a typical tourist. I went to places that a tour bus or guided tour may not know about, saw things that weren't in a guidebook, met wonderful people and saw each place as it really was and not as the marketing machines want to play it.
England and Germany were my third and fourth countries I've visited this year and it only whetted my appetite to see even more. All of this was worth working three jobs for nine months.
"I ate the last mango in Paris
Took the last plane out of Saigon
Took the first fast boat to China
And Jimmy there's still so much to be done" Jimmy Buffett
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
England to Germany
Afterwards we went home to attempt to pack and prepare for our very early flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Andy and Tracey were so kind to get up that early (in our defense the flight times changed 3x before our departure). We were able to sleep on the plane since it was not United and we had room! I was asleep before the wheels left the ground. Smooth flight, about an hour and a half, no problems. We were able to clear customs in a fair amount of time and I think the customs agent was hitting on Danielle, but what else is new. Collected our luggage quickly and began to search for Alison. Since I had no idea what she looked like I was no help.
We got out of the airport and began the hour plus journey to Prichsenstadt. Prichsenstadt is on the list of 100 places to see before you die. It is quaint and lovely and everything you imagine an old world village to be. Our hosts put us in the guesthouse. We walked in and on the table were welcome cards attached to bottles of local wine and two wine glasses each. It is coming home with me! What a lovely present. The Glinsboeckel house is 500-years old, three stories high and in the long process of remodel/restoration. In addition to the guesthouse, Marc's parents live in their own apartment attached to the main house.
We met their two pigs - Pork Chop and Schnitzel. Pork Chop is mean and hateful and will be bacon soon. We also were introduced to Odie the dog they rescued from Poland. He is adorable and loyal to this family like you wouldn't believe. The Glinsboeckel family is large and fun. Two of the children, Ian and Holden gave us a quick tour of the town before the rain started and were excellant tour guides.
We went to a restaurant across the street the first night where I had pork medallions and asparagus with hollandaise sauce for dinner as well as a wine spritzer. It was very good. Asparagus is a local product and had been picked from the fields the day before - super fresh. Germany prides itself on healthly lifestyles, yes it's still possible to eat too much and become fat and lazy, however, there is much encouragement to be active, to eat healthy, fresh food with little preservatives. That said, yes you can go to a grocery and buy items canned with loads of preservatives but you don't always have to - fresh produce is easily available.
I was impressed by the rolling hills of farmland and vineyards. I am a big fan of wine and loved seeing the vineyards close up as we did when we drove up to Castell (see pics on Facebook). My first experience at being this close to an actual vineyard. The beauty of the hillside and seeing things grow gets me - guess it's those farming roots of mine.
Alison loves to thrift store shop and we went with her to at least three (I lost count) and I have to admit there are some many things I would have been interested in were I living here and had a house. Alas, I cannot pack everything and bring it home. Packing to come home will be an issue as it is - I have made many purchases.
We have seen Wurzburg and learned of the bombings by America in 1945 that destroyed most of the city and nearly killed Marc's dad. We have seen the Residence where the bishops lived and the Castle on the hill - both lovely but you are not allowed to take pictures :-( The gardens were picture friendly and it was a lovely day with temps in the upper 70's.
We've dined at the Storch where I had sauerbraten (very good) and potato dumplings (ehhh, too rubbery). I've had a 1 Euro sandwich while leaving the supermarket named Real (Re-al), I had bratwurst for lunch with sauerkraut. I had schnitzel, fries and salad for dinner tonight, very yummy. Very large German beers, tequilla, Polish vodka and various wines and liquer I can't pronounce. Drinking is legal here at sixteen, although they can't buy it at that age, 18 is the legal age to purchase it.
Germans drive on the right side as we do. They are very practival people and very clean. Sidewalks are cleaned usually on Saturdays and most places are well kept, just remember the age of some of the places when you look at them.
The church bells ring every quarter hour but you quickly learn to tune them out. The Glinsboeckel pigs are quite noisy in the morning when they want their feed and there is an owl that is quite vocal as well, but all-in-all a peaceful place to visit. We've walked around the town to take photos and it is so easy to get around. There is a bakery, meat market, bank, general store, etc and no chain or supercenter in sight. This is an area that Walmart has not taken over - they tried and the laws and customs didn't mesh with the way Walmart treats the employees and locals.
The guesthouse we are staying in is so adorable and comfortable. Alison knows how to make a cozy home. I've been so lucky to visit both countries and stay with friends and experience these places at a level most tourists won't ever know. I've had real-life experiences and not what the tourist programs want you to believe is real.
Now I must rest so that I may be prepared for my last full day in Germany. We are traveling to Rothenberg to shop and sight see. Can't wait!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The English Experience
Left Sunday May 15, 2011 at a wicked early hour to catch the flight from Indy to D.C. Our captain was named Captain Kirk, I am not making this up. The enterprise it was not, a good flight nonetheless. From D.C. we flew to London's Heathrow. Good flight, little turbulence, no lightening strikes, very smooth landing surprised me - expected more of a bounce.
Waiting on us to clear customs were Tracey and Andy - she with her cowboy boots, suede fringed jacket and cowboy hat with tiny American flags in the band. All smiles and hugs. My first time meeting Andy - he's a lovely man. She did good! Talked until 2am after arriving at 10pm. We all slept in a bit, took our time getting ready and then went to Brighton to shop and wander. We tried West Cornwall Pasty and it was very good. Looked at the channel from a distance because it was very cool and windy.
Tracey lives in Sompting, West Sussex, also near the channel. It is a small village and we drove through the countryside seeing cows, horses, sheep, goats, and wild rabbits on the hillsides. Everything greened up from the Spring. We visited Stamner House for a moment to gather some papers Andy needed, but didn't go inside, we wandered the church yard looking at the flowers. For dinner that evening we went to The Juggs - a very old pub with great ambiance. Had Bishop's Finger ale - not as warm as I thought it would be as the bartender rinsed the glass in cool water first and the tap was kept cool. I did enjoy it. I kept thinking of warm beer equaled beer that's been sitting in the sun or a hot car. Luckily wasn't that hot! I had a beefburger that was one of the best bar burgers ever.
Tuesday we were up and out by 11am to visit Hampton Court Palace and Henry the VIII. Ol' Henry was in residence it turned out and very picky about my standing on his left versus right. We loved the gardens. I loved the weapons room and Ol' Henry's large bedchamber with the two rows of curtains around - no witnesses!!! Henry didn't do any sex tapes his day I tell ya - not with those heavy drapes! We had a snack in the cafe which boasted its sustainability - environmentally conscious even here. We had a nice drive back from the palace and I 'dropped off' in the car like a tired child after my outing. We met Tracey's chiropractor and she got a quick treatment while we chatted with Joan, the office manager. The English have been very nice to us Americans so far. During our evening chat we discussed how both of our countries were disliked by the French.
Tracey has enjoyed playing her country music CD's I burned for her Her house is so nice and is the perfect size for someone like me. I love her tastes in decorating. Danielle is sleeping in Chloe's old room, now a sowing room and I'm in the extra room and quite comfortable. She had chocolates waiting for us and gifts along with our linens. Her dog and cat have taken to us - especially Danielle and the cat - the cat loves getting her back scratched. Danielle took a great photo of Tracey's cowboy boot collection!
Dinner that night was take out - fish 'n chips in paper - the proper way to have it. Andy and I drove over to Penhill Fisheries in Lancing to pick it up. I was able to ride in the passenger seat up front - remember they drive on the right over here. It didn't freak me out or anything but I did feel like there was a big empty space in front of me where the steering wheel should be. I liked that we were getting food from a local establishment versus some chain. Burger King and Mc'D's are here but not on our list. We brought the food home - very hot still in its paper - we ordered smalls and the portions were still large. One piece of fish but a large piece. Danielle got a large order of chips and it was monstrous. No one ate everything. I am not normally a fish person, but when in Rome, or in the case England. It was very good and I doubt I get anything at home to touch this - damn sure won't be Long John Silver's - not even close!!!! I tried ginger beer and we had Jack Daniels Single Reserve while we ate, talked and listened to music. Very relaxing. One of my favorite moments so far.
Wednesday (today) was a trip to Marine Park for pictures, walking down the rocky beach to gather a stone from the English Channel for Dakota's collection. From there we went over to see Tracey's father, he was very nice and is working on a book that I'll be waiting to read. We went down to George and Dragon Inn for lunch - very good! More of a restaurant than a pub but quite pleasant inside. The vegetarian risotto was good and very filling. More driving back through the countryside heading to Marks & Spencer for some shopping. Sitting at home now relaxing. Eating in tonight as we are headed to a pub in Amberley to hear and watch the Morris Dancers - an old English tradition. I can't wait. Will also be meeting Tracey's daughter Chloe and some friends. I expect it to be a good time.
We'll leave very early for the airport for the next level of our journey to Germany where Alison and family area waiting our arrival. She has the fridge stocked and waiting in the guesthouse and a friendly argument has begun over English chocolate versus German chocolate. I am reserving judgement and have an ample supply of English chocolate to compare with the German. It may be a tie.
until next time....
Waiting on us to clear customs were Tracey and Andy - she with her cowboy boots, suede fringed jacket and cowboy hat with tiny American flags in the band. All smiles and hugs. My first time meeting Andy - he's a lovely man. She did good! Talked until 2am after arriving at 10pm. We all slept in a bit, took our time getting ready and then went to Brighton to shop and wander. We tried West Cornwall Pasty and it was very good. Looked at the channel from a distance because it was very cool and windy.
Tracey lives in Sompting, West Sussex, also near the channel. It is a small village and we drove through the countryside seeing cows, horses, sheep, goats, and wild rabbits on the hillsides. Everything greened up from the Spring. We visited Stamner House for a moment to gather some papers Andy needed, but didn't go inside, we wandered the church yard looking at the flowers. For dinner that evening we went to The Juggs - a very old pub with great ambiance. Had Bishop's Finger ale - not as warm as I thought it would be as the bartender rinsed the glass in cool water first and the tap was kept cool. I did enjoy it. I kept thinking of warm beer equaled beer that's been sitting in the sun or a hot car. Luckily wasn't that hot! I had a beefburger that was one of the best bar burgers ever.
Tuesday we were up and out by 11am to visit Hampton Court Palace and Henry the VIII. Ol' Henry was in residence it turned out and very picky about my standing on his left versus right. We loved the gardens. I loved the weapons room and Ol' Henry's large bedchamber with the two rows of curtains around - no witnesses!!! Henry didn't do any sex tapes his day I tell ya - not with those heavy drapes! We had a snack in the cafe which boasted its sustainability - environmentally conscious even here. We had a nice drive back from the palace and I 'dropped off' in the car like a tired child after my outing. We met Tracey's chiropractor and she got a quick treatment while we chatted with Joan, the office manager. The English have been very nice to us Americans so far. During our evening chat we discussed how both of our countries were disliked by the French.
Tracey has enjoyed playing her country music CD's I burned for her Her house is so nice and is the perfect size for someone like me. I love her tastes in decorating. Danielle is sleeping in Chloe's old room, now a sowing room and I'm in the extra room and quite comfortable. She had chocolates waiting for us and gifts along with our linens. Her dog and cat have taken to us - especially Danielle and the cat - the cat loves getting her back scratched. Danielle took a great photo of Tracey's cowboy boot collection!
Dinner that night was take out - fish 'n chips in paper - the proper way to have it. Andy and I drove over to Penhill Fisheries in Lancing to pick it up. I was able to ride in the passenger seat up front - remember they drive on the right over here. It didn't freak me out or anything but I did feel like there was a big empty space in front of me where the steering wheel should be. I liked that we were getting food from a local establishment versus some chain. Burger King and Mc'D's are here but not on our list. We brought the food home - very hot still in its paper - we ordered smalls and the portions were still large. One piece of fish but a large piece. Danielle got a large order of chips and it was monstrous. No one ate everything. I am not normally a fish person, but when in Rome, or in the case England. It was very good and I doubt I get anything at home to touch this - damn sure won't be Long John Silver's - not even close!!!! I tried ginger beer and we had Jack Daniels Single Reserve while we ate, talked and listened to music. Very relaxing. One of my favorite moments so far.
Wednesday (today) was a trip to Marine Park for pictures, walking down the rocky beach to gather a stone from the English Channel for Dakota's collection. From there we went over to see Tracey's father, he was very nice and is working on a book that I'll be waiting to read. We went down to George and Dragon Inn for lunch - very good! More of a restaurant than a pub but quite pleasant inside. The vegetarian risotto was good and very filling. More driving back through the countryside heading to Marks & Spencer for some shopping. Sitting at home now relaxing. Eating in tonight as we are headed to a pub in Amberley to hear and watch the Morris Dancers - an old English tradition. I can't wait. Will also be meeting Tracey's daughter Chloe and some friends. I expect it to be a good time.
We'll leave very early for the airport for the next level of our journey to Germany where Alison and family area waiting our arrival. She has the fridge stocked and waiting in the guesthouse and a friendly argument has begun over English chocolate versus German chocolate. I am reserving judgement and have an ample supply of English chocolate to compare with the German. It may be a tie.
until next time....
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The Americans are coming...to England in 1 week!!!!
One week from now I'll be in jolly old England hanging with Tracey, Andy and Danielle. I asked Tracey to have a bottle of good red wine waiting for our all night girl-talk (sorry, Andy will just have to go to bed and let us do our thing). We have so much to catch up on. I don't have to sleep much anyway.
I've watched the news and read the travel warnings. I'm going anyway - no worries. It probably means longer lines through security but I've got nothing to worry about as long as they don't take the Splenda and candy I have for Alison and her kids in Germany (2nd half of the trip).
There's been so many ups and downs the last week or so. Dad's struggling with his amputation wound not healing - not good, but not giving up on it yet. Mom's gotta go have an ultrasound done for her gallbladder. This has been bothering her for awhile but also comes after my abdominal ultrasound revealed that I have floating gallstones. Lucky me. Turns out it is one more thing that runs in the Cordray family.
The news that really freaked me a bit was that my left thyroid looked swollen. I was told last year the left thyroid was gone so how it can be swollen? Turns out it can regenerate. That is freaky. So is my cherry gonna regenerate? Just sayin'...could have some fun with that one.
Had my supervisor at the bank submit a request for intermittent FMLA due to dad's health and taking my sick time to be with him, just a technicality to protect my position. Got a phone call from that department asking when my leave began. I explained I've not been on leave. She says I'm catagorized as being on leave since April 27. She asked if I could get into my systems at work and if I got my last paycheck. I said yes. She said I shouldn't have because their records say I'm not suppose to be there! Ok, don't fuck with my paycheck - so we have to fix this pronto cuz sista has to have that check before leaving the country!!! I passed on the detail and instructions to the super to fix so hoping on the 13th I've got a payroll deposit or I'm gonna flip out on the bank.
Worked the Mini-Marathon this weekend. Usually I volunteer with the 500 Festival for the kids day activities, since I won't be here that day and I had friends doing the mini I volunteered as Crowd Management, which basically consisted of standing there pointing people in the correct direction after the finish line. Great experience to see the various levels of physical conditioning come through the line. Respect for the firefighters, police officers, and military members who went through the entire race in full gear. Loved seeing the guys running in tuxedos and sneakers, wigs, beer drinking teams, groups running/walking for causes and in memory of fam/friends. Many thank yous received from the participants. Love the event - to see so many out and involved, to see how this city comes together for these large events is amazing.
I truly love volunteering. I'm not the one who's going to go read to old people in the nursing home or hospitals. Not my calling. My volunteer arena consists of sports and arts. One of the great highs this week was the interview for the VIP Lounge Coordinator internship for the Oranje festival September 17. I volunteered for this event last year and immediately knew I wanted to play a bigger role. Adam and Ryan will be celebrating 10-years of the fest this year, a great accomplishment. This event would be huge on my resume and I told them so.
I also volunteered last week for the Mutt Strut - the Indy Humane Society's fundraiser at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Love this event. I also asked how I can be more involved next year and possibly on the organizing committee. I'm an animal person and believe in what they do. This is another great event to have on a resume.
I actually created a volunteer resume to document all I have done the last few years. It is a big help in that it shows I'm not just a banker, not pigeon-holed into roles. There is so much more to me. What I really want to do is kinda get more involved with a couple of these events and drop some of the smaller ones - 'cause I can't do 'em all folks and I know it.
At the Art Bank Friday night I was talking to a lady who lives here in the hood and is part of the Discover Fountain Square group who was trying to recruit me to help with the artist events. I've submitted an info request for it. I have so much on my plate but I like what the artists have done in this area - they have really saved some of the old buildings, made the area a much better place to live. This lady (can't remember her name) was so ready for any amount of time I can give them - she was excited because I am involved in so many things in the city already.
Was also excited this week by the confirmation test that concluded my sterilization procedure worked. I have not shared this news with everyone as there are those that don't understand my decision, who don't know me well enough to know that I am completely confident in this decision. I have also had some comments about being sure, what if this, what if that, oh, it's a big decision, etc. I made the right decision. As I told one male friend, this is very liberating. I've struggled so long with people's expectations of me, what I feel I have to do and what I want to do that this time there was no need to consult or gather opinions - this had to be all my decision and I was at a point where I could make it with great thought, decisiveness, and not have regrets that some would. You have to know yourself pretty well and what you want.
I still want a solid relationship in my life - but it doesn't have to be from having a child. I know I want some level of TLC given back to me. I've done enough caregiving to my family that I know I want to receive some too and from a source outside my family. Having a baby is very rewarding and a fulfilling experience for a lot of people but I don't see that situation giving me what I need. And then there's the age factor - I'd be in my 60's when a kid entered college!
And there's the issue of how I've gone my entire adult life embracing my identity, fearing losing that in a marriage, loving my freedom, not wanting to be controlled, that all is a part of that decision. See people need to know themselves.
Theater season is winding down for the summer, one night left there to work until the fall. Pacers season is over but I'll catch a few concerts selling t-shirts, like I did Saturday for the Bob Seger show. Man that was some work! Busy, busy, busy. Loved it. Can make some good bank those nights.
The week ahead is expected to bring news on the Oranje internship, the Pragmatic show at Rockhouse Cafe, dinner with my peeps, the Jason Aldean concert (treating mom to admission to the Rock Star club pre-show), tickets to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for practice, old car show, lunch and garage passes, and most importantly packing for VACATION!!!!
I've watched the news and read the travel warnings. I'm going anyway - no worries. It probably means longer lines through security but I've got nothing to worry about as long as they don't take the Splenda and candy I have for Alison and her kids in Germany (2nd half of the trip).
There's been so many ups and downs the last week or so. Dad's struggling with his amputation wound not healing - not good, but not giving up on it yet. Mom's gotta go have an ultrasound done for her gallbladder. This has been bothering her for awhile but also comes after my abdominal ultrasound revealed that I have floating gallstones. Lucky me. Turns out it is one more thing that runs in the Cordray family.
The news that really freaked me a bit was that my left thyroid looked swollen. I was told last year the left thyroid was gone so how it can be swollen? Turns out it can regenerate. That is freaky. So is my cherry gonna regenerate? Just sayin'...could have some fun with that one.
Had my supervisor at the bank submit a request for intermittent FMLA due to dad's health and taking my sick time to be with him, just a technicality to protect my position. Got a phone call from that department asking when my leave began. I explained I've not been on leave. She says I'm catagorized as being on leave since April 27. She asked if I could get into my systems at work and if I got my last paycheck. I said yes. She said I shouldn't have because their records say I'm not suppose to be there! Ok, don't fuck with my paycheck - so we have to fix this pronto cuz sista has to have that check before leaving the country!!! I passed on the detail and instructions to the super to fix so hoping on the 13th I've got a payroll deposit or I'm gonna flip out on the bank.
Worked the Mini-Marathon this weekend. Usually I volunteer with the 500 Festival for the kids day activities, since I won't be here that day and I had friends doing the mini I volunteered as Crowd Management, which basically consisted of standing there pointing people in the correct direction after the finish line. Great experience to see the various levels of physical conditioning come through the line. Respect for the firefighters, police officers, and military members who went through the entire race in full gear. Loved seeing the guys running in tuxedos and sneakers, wigs, beer drinking teams, groups running/walking for causes and in memory of fam/friends. Many thank yous received from the participants. Love the event - to see so many out and involved, to see how this city comes together for these large events is amazing.
I truly love volunteering. I'm not the one who's going to go read to old people in the nursing home or hospitals. Not my calling. My volunteer arena consists of sports and arts. One of the great highs this week was the interview for the VIP Lounge Coordinator internship for the Oranje festival September 17. I volunteered for this event last year and immediately knew I wanted to play a bigger role. Adam and Ryan will be celebrating 10-years of the fest this year, a great accomplishment. This event would be huge on my resume and I told them so.
I also volunteered last week for the Mutt Strut - the Indy Humane Society's fundraiser at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Love this event. I also asked how I can be more involved next year and possibly on the organizing committee. I'm an animal person and believe in what they do. This is another great event to have on a resume.
I actually created a volunteer resume to document all I have done the last few years. It is a big help in that it shows I'm not just a banker, not pigeon-holed into roles. There is so much more to me. What I really want to do is kinda get more involved with a couple of these events and drop some of the smaller ones - 'cause I can't do 'em all folks and I know it.
At the Art Bank Friday night I was talking to a lady who lives here in the hood and is part of the Discover Fountain Square group who was trying to recruit me to help with the artist events. I've submitted an info request for it. I have so much on my plate but I like what the artists have done in this area - they have really saved some of the old buildings, made the area a much better place to live. This lady (can't remember her name) was so ready for any amount of time I can give them - she was excited because I am involved in so many things in the city already.
Was also excited this week by the confirmation test that concluded my sterilization procedure worked. I have not shared this news with everyone as there are those that don't understand my decision, who don't know me well enough to know that I am completely confident in this decision. I have also had some comments about being sure, what if this, what if that, oh, it's a big decision, etc. I made the right decision. As I told one male friend, this is very liberating. I've struggled so long with people's expectations of me, what I feel I have to do and what I want to do that this time there was no need to consult or gather opinions - this had to be all my decision and I was at a point where I could make it with great thought, decisiveness, and not have regrets that some would. You have to know yourself pretty well and what you want.
I still want a solid relationship in my life - but it doesn't have to be from having a child. I know I want some level of TLC given back to me. I've done enough caregiving to my family that I know I want to receive some too and from a source outside my family. Having a baby is very rewarding and a fulfilling experience for a lot of people but I don't see that situation giving me what I need. And then there's the age factor - I'd be in my 60's when a kid entered college!
And there's the issue of how I've gone my entire adult life embracing my identity, fearing losing that in a marriage, loving my freedom, not wanting to be controlled, that all is a part of that decision. See people need to know themselves.
Theater season is winding down for the summer, one night left there to work until the fall. Pacers season is over but I'll catch a few concerts selling t-shirts, like I did Saturday for the Bob Seger show. Man that was some work! Busy, busy, busy. Loved it. Can make some good bank those nights.
The week ahead is expected to bring news on the Oranje internship, the Pragmatic show at Rockhouse Cafe, dinner with my peeps, the Jason Aldean concert (treating mom to admission to the Rock Star club pre-show), tickets to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for practice, old car show, lunch and garage passes, and most importantly packing for VACATION!!!!
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