Stories of my travels, published Aug 9, 2005, in MSN Spaces Live

I've been blessed to have traveled, almost everywhere I've ever wanted to. I'll get to the Orient, one of these days.

I went to Europe when I was 21. It was something I'd always dreamed about. What made it even more special, I flew first class. I'd never been on a flight that long, and had no idea that I was gonna get so sick, and my feet were gonna swell up like balloons! The flight was great, the food even better. I gotta say I was kinda nervous going up into the lounge and seeing the pilot taking a nap. lol We landed at Gatwick, and took a bus to Heathrow. The drive was gorgeous. It was the end of May and everything was lush green. So beautiful and soothing. I was with a group and we had the whole day in London because of a mix up. I took the 'tube' and spent most of my day in Harrods, which was like a shoppers Disneyland! I walked my butt off, and saw as much as I possibly could, and still make it back for the night flight they had us on to Lyon, France.
I was really sick the whole flight, spent time in the bathroom... LOTS of time in the bathroom. When it came time to get ready to land. I went and tried to sit down, buckle up etc. but I was gonna be sick again. We weren't actually landing, so, I got up and ran to the bathroom (again) thing is this one flight attendant who had been a pain most of the flight, not just to me but to our group.... OK, OK, so we were a fun loving bunch. lol Well she blocked the bathroom door. I told her, I'm gonna be sick!! (as I reached for the door handle) She wouldn't let me open the door. I said again, I'm gonna be sick! I got the handle and started to open it, and she moved in front of me to block my entrance..... and well, I threw up on her. It wasn't planned, but hell! I apologize to Air France for the mess, but not to her! She moved and let me continue being sick without any more of her 'lovely' company. I didn't see her as we disembarked, nor was I really looking for her.
We took a bus from Lyon to Nice, but it was night and I can't say I saw much. In Nice we were going aboard a ship, a cruise from Nice to the Algarve and Lisbon in Portugal, then up past the Rock of Gibraltar and into the English Channel. I spent our day in Nice, mostly enjoying the hotel bed! Oh, and the novelty of having a bidet. lol
I found out that I had left my camera back home. I had a suitcase full of film and no camera. Since money was so tight I couldn't really buy one either. I had come on a two week vacation, knowing that since the majority of it was on board a cruise ship that I would have all my meals taken care of. For the whole two weeks I had 150.00 dollars. So, since I knew I wouldn't have any pictures to remind me of this trip. I started collecting other momentous, menus, schedules, postcards, business cards of 'kind' gentlemen. lol
The ship was huge, from the P&O line. I had a room to myself, and a little balcony. I was on B deck, A, being the top one. The crew, my stewards, and waiters, were so wonderful! The food was great the whole time. Our group had a brunch with the Captain one day, and at that I found a little bit of heaven on earth, in food form... Curry! lol
Our first stop in Portugal was the Algarve region. I took a small boat ride to land, and a bus up to a little village. I can't even remember the name of the village. It was really small, and I spent the day walking around, buying a few souvenirs. I picked up an admirer along the way. A young man that decided he was in love with me. lol At least that's what he kept saying, (was probably the only English he knew) so, at least I wasn't alone for the whole afternoon. lol When it came time to hop a bus to get back down to the docks, I gently scraped him off my leg and told him I'd had a fun afternoon, and for him to go home! I calmly got on the bus, went and sat down, only to look around and notice, that I didn't see a familiar face and I was on the wrong damn bus! So, I got off (he was still there) and found the right one, and told him good bye again. lol So much for my dignified exit.
Our next stop was Lisbon. Another young lady was interested in an organized tour that morning, so I went with her. We hit all the major spots of interest. The carriage museum, the cathedral where Vasco da Gama is buried, the Port wine institute, a beautiful indoor garden, tons of statues, the tribute to all the explorers that came out of Portugal, etc. We had the rest of the day to ourselves. Let me say, I'm half Portuguese, and it was a fun experience seeing people who reminded me of my Dad's side of the family. I was wearing a spaghetti strap sun dress, and quickly found that was not considered modest. I crossed the street behind a huge military truck filled with soldiers, and for a second there I thought I was gonna be pulled in! The comments and behavior were unexpected, my Dads family are very reserved, and proper. Now if it had been in Italy, (my Mom's side) I would have expected it! lol First thing I did was find a nice little shop and buy a sweater to wear. The day went smoothly after that... well kind of. We got lost! I've never been lost any place I've traveled, but in the maze of winding streets, we got lost! We walked for what seemed hours, I remember hearing an Opera singer practicing, Piano music, sounds of their everyday lives. We finally found a small store that specialized in tiles and some one who spoke a little bit of English. The young lady that was with me had had enough. Her feet were killing her and we split up. She went back to the ship and I decided I must have a masochistic streak, and I continued exploring. As it was I barely made it back on board, but have a few lovely momentous and memories that were worth it.
The Rock of Gibraltar was awesome. I was puking over the rail as we cruised by. Did I mention, I found out I'm not a good sailor? The night we went thru the English Channel it was really rough, I spent the night in the bathroom, and was soooo happy when we docked!
A bunch of us took a taxi to our hotel, we had tickets to see a play that night, but one of the group leaders got us together, if a few of us wanted to fly home that night, we could, and fly first class. The rest were leaving the next day, coach, but the flight had been overbooked. I volunteered, I'm no dummy!
I flew from Heathrow to Seattle. I remember flying over Greenland, but slept most of the way. I made it home with 9.00 dollars and change in my pocket, pretty darn good! The one thing I did lose, my red lace bra. It disappeared my last day on board ship.....i'm hoping that whichever steward took it, that he kept it as a memento and not because he enjoys wearing it! lol



Seattle:
I love spending a weekend in Seattle. Pikes place market, the small restaurants that have wonderful food, the abundance of talented artists, Chinatown, being on the water, the ferry's, the guy that would be on my way to breakfast every Sunday morning, forgetting that he had told me his Vietnam story a week ago, just the whole atmosphere. I love exploring a city. One weekend I was staying at the Westin, and was in the elevator going up to my room. It stopped to let some one on. The doors opened and about 5 or more huge black men got on. They were big and really tall! I made some stupid chit chat, I was amazed at their size! lol I'm not a huge sports fan, so I had no idea, but they were the basketball team from Houston, the Rockets. My husband about had a fit when he found out I had met them, and not asked for autographs. Oh well, lol

BIG HUGS, Steph

My very first post at MSN Spaces Live, July 21, 2005

Hi, I'm Stephanie,
I love, cats, bonsai, roses, gardening, reading, painting, antiques, graphics, my friends, family, traveling, etc etc. I really appreciate intelligent, funny, honest people.
I live in a desert area. Summer's are really hot, in fact today we are 102/3, depending on which news guy you believe. Anyone have a spare air conditioner they want to donate? LOL I'm glad I don't live in Arizona, or near Death Valley. How do you people cope? I'd never leave the house. I'd become a total shut in during the summer.


kittycatlane
OK, i'm waiting! lolOctober 01 9:13 AM(http://spaces.msn.com/members/kittyscattitude/)

mylongshadow
Stephanie, I am still thinking about your question... and I will answer... with you in mind ;-) (((hugs)))September 29 7:50 PM(http://spaces.msn.com/members/sername/)

kittycatlane
Hey Bobosaur! I'm doing well, and thanks! I enjoy yours too!September 27 11:06 AM(http://spaces.msn.com/members/kittyscattitude/)

cdndarksaint
hi! hope you're well! love your blog :pSeptember 27 12:26 AM(http://spaces.msn.com/members/unklebobosaurusrevised/)

Bowhunterwt011
Well to let you know that monsoon season has started in Phoenix, Az., even tho the temp it hot and in the 110 range it not really that bad when you get used to it LOL. Type at you later Bye!!!July 21 8:07 PM(http://spaces.msn.com/members/joesroadlife/)

(belated) Saturday Eye Candy

Viggo for Laurie...









Steve Reeves, a legend in bodybuilding, once the highest paid actor in Italy. He was born in Montana but grew up in California.

Yul Brynner, Charleton Heston,

John Derek, Steve Reeves again, John Derek, again, Jeff Chandler, a movie star, but, did you know, (trivia time) that he was the inspiration for Race Bannon of "Johnny Quest"?, Cary Grant, Errol Flynn, Jeff Chandler again, Errol Flynn, again.

I've always loved movies. Especially old ones, so this "Eye Candy" tribute is to all the Men who made my heart flutter as I was growing up. Some were long dead, but it didn't matter. That's the magic of movies.

Eye Candy Saturday, part Deux

Tom Welling, Karl Yune, Ryan Reynolds, Tom Welling, Rick Yune (Karl's brother) YUMMY!
Owen Wilson, Daniel Craig, Jason Statham, Dean Cain, Jason Statham, again. MMM MMM MMM MMM MMM!

Hunks, Eye Candy for Saturday... Enjoy!

Some of, what I consider, the most beautiful Men on Earth....


Dwayne Johnson, aka "The Rock" , Adrian Paul, Bruno Santos, Unknown (to me) Model, Pierce Brosnan, Karl Urban, and (the late) Kevin Smith ... Enjoy! I know I will. BIG HUGS, Steph

Like a Musical... or something!

When she came home, I asked my youngest daughter how she liked the movie.
She said it was terrible, and one of the stupidest movies she'd ever seen. I asked why was it so bad?
The reply, "They sang everything, even when they should have been talking.... it was like a MUSICAL or something!

Ummm that's because it IS a musical....

"OH"

lol Sorry "Dream Girls" the pre-teen set just doesn't seem to appreciate ya.

BIG HUGS, Steph

Sunrise,... Sunset, and buy stock in Kleenex

This is for anyone who has children, grown or not, who has to deal with not having them live with or near you.
My question... how do you deal with it?
My youngest son is moving to another state, and I'm having a terrible time with it. I'm close to my children, especially my boys, because when they were little it was just us 3 doing everything together. Hubby was too busy at work. In fact he would tell us that work came before we did.
So, I made sure we did fun things together, went places, etc.
Now he's moving, and it's far away. I miss him already. I guess I just need time to mourn his passing into adulthood, but damn, I wish he was passing into it closer to where we live.
Any advice? BIG HUGS, and pass me a box of tissues, Steph

A New Year

Do you make resolutions? I don't. I see too many that never get fulfilled. It is a nice way to remind you about all the things you should be doing, but aren't. Who knows, maybe my resolution will to one day make a resolution. lol
In many ways, last year, 2006, was a good year for me, for my kids. We had a few very scary times, but, on the whole it was good.
We went to Southern California, Disneyland, Knotts, Seal Beach, etc. All of my children were with me except my oldest. I'm hoping that he gets to come next time. (We go every 2 years)
We had Wes, one of my younger son's best friends, with us, and had a great time.
I got to show my girls a little bit of San Fransisco, (China Town), I wish we had more time while there. Maybe this spring.
After almost 20 years, I got to visit my beloved Hawaii. It was just the island of Oahu, (my favorite is Kauai), but I had a wonderful time! The beauty, and people feed my soul. I'm not going to wait that long to go back.
I had a little Grandson born way too early, but, as of now is up to 3 & 1/2 lbs, learning to nurse, and growing strong with each passing day. I have had many wonderful people praying for him, sending good thoughts and love. I'm so thankful for all of you!
Yes, last year was good, so I have great expectations for this coming year.
2007 will be even better! BIG HUGS, Steph

All I want for Christmas...

Merry Christmas to you All!

Now, for my present... I ask that any drunken/debauchery/office sex/groping/possible blackmail behavior/ANYTHING that you do that's embarassing, be caught on camera and or video taped and passed along for me to enjoy.
Tis better to give than recieve... so GIVE! LOL
BIG HUGS, Steph

Smile

Hawaii, Oahu, November 2006

I love Hawaii, the beauty of the islands and the people who have always treated me with warmth and kindness.

It's been a long time but, that's where I went on vacation. The island of Oahu.

I'm posting my pictures at my other blog. (Ktty's Cattitude)

Here's a few.

AWOL for awhile

Hi, I'm gonna be taking some time off of blogging.
For the reason, you can read it on my other blog. I don't have enough strength/caring/attitude to repost it here. Sorry. BIG HUGS, Steph
http://kittyscattitude.spaces.live.com/

Buddy, can you spare a diamond?

Question... Is it just me, or is a diamond

wedding ring that costs just over

25 THOUSAND dollars, obscene?
I have a dear cousin who's a young Doctor in Tuscon, AZ. He's always been so kind and down to earth. He's recently become engaged. She's from a very wealthy family, and seems to be a pampered, spoiled princessa.
He is a doctor, but he's just starting out. My Mom tells me she's picked out her engagement and wedding ring, and it cost over 25 thousand dollars. I didn't know how to respond. All I could think of is how much good, how many bills, how much food, shelter, warm clothing or bedding that could supply... and think how many other people it could help besides me! LOL Just kidding!
I'm still kinda in shock just thinking about it. If I were his Mom, My Aunt, I'd have a little talk with the boy, but, oh well. BIG HUGS, Steph

Love a good turn of a phrase

I have several phrases I use, mostly when upset or angry. I never use the F word, although there are times it's needed. lol
I like, 'shit for brains', 'walking around with his head up his ass', 'asswipe', and 'fugly.'
I'm sure I could think of more, but, what are some of your favorites? Post them for me! BIG HUGS, Steph

Please, don't drive

Last night, 4 of my son's friends were in a terrible car accident. Ben, who was driving, had been drinking. He swerved to miss a large rock in the road and lost control of the truck. Two died at the scene, Ben, and another boy that I hadn't met (only 16 years old and signing with a skateboard promoter)
Ben's been my son's friend for a long time, since 6th grade. He was part of our family. I'm torn between being so very sad that at 20 (he just had his birthday a few weeks ago), his life is now ended, and that his young son, 1 year old, will never know his Father, to being angry that they were even drinking in the first place, and then got in a car/truck.
My son, is a mess, it's been a very difficult night. As a Mom, I'm so thankful that he wasn't with them, (as selfish as that seems.)
The other two boys, Denny and Cory are doing OK. I'm thankful they are alright. I know it's said all the time, but, don't drink and drive. Life is so very short, and precious. Please, let your friends, family, everyone you love, KNOW that they are loved.
BIG HUGS, Steph

Time Away

I posted on my other blog. (kitty's cattitude)
In approx a month, I'm going to take a vacation... just me, no kids, etc.
I've always loved some time to myself, quiet time. If I want to stay in at night and watch movies on cable, or find a park and just enjoy the beauty, I don't have anyone saying, "are you done yet?" or "do we have to watch THIS movie?"
I'm not saying where I'm flying to. You have to guess. LOL
I'll post pictures.
Last Sept. I flew to Seattle and attended the Italian Festival there. I had a great time, and, being alone on a trip, I find that I really enjoy talking to 'locals.'

I have the Library fund raiser end of this month (Oct 27th), then Halloween (I'm Room Mom for my youngest daughter's class) and then I'm off... November 9th. I enjoy it all, but, I'll need some quiet and rest after the end of this month. lol

How's your Fall going? BIG HUGS, Steph

Are we there yet????

OK, so I'm bored today, and found this site. Here I am as a Super Hero... too bad they don't give you the option of having bigger boobs. I would have gone for that!
It's called, Hero Machine. http://www.ugo.com/channels/comics/heroMachine/classic.asp

http://www.ugo.com/channels/comics/heroMachine2/heromachine2.asp

There's one you can make your own, Simpson Character,
http://www.devilducky.com/media/41026/

And a South Park Character,
http://www.sp-studio.de/

The lengths I go to so you people won't get bored! Sheesh! LMAO BIG HUGS, Steph

Meet the Parents (or Mother in this case)

Well, I met my son's girlfriend's Mom. I like her, but it's intimidating, she's a beautiful woman, in fact every time she smiled I kept wondering why she looked so familiar. Then I saw this picture....
They could be twins or sisters.

Can you even imagine standing next to her and having your picture taken at the wedding?

OK, I'm taking donations, to get my jaw wired shut and have some plastic surgery! BIG HUGS, Steph

Well that explains a lot...

My son's girlfriend is living with us. She's very appreciative of the meals I cook. Very much so in fact. I enjoy cooking, and it makes me feel good knowing she's eating well.
She's been doing their laundry, which is good. She tells me today that my son taught her to do laundry, that she had a basic idea but she'd never had to do any before because their housekeeper always did it(she's 17)...
A year ago she came to live with her Father who she hadn't seen in a very long time. Turns out he's a crack addict and lives with his girlfriend the drunk who sidelines as a crack addict and pot smoker... hence, right now she's staying with us.
I think on the whole it's been a good experience for her. She's had to grow up and learn some real life skills. I hope for my son's sake, (and for hers) that when she goes back to her Mother's house with money and housekeepers that she remembers these lessons and what real life is like.... but it sure explains a lot. BIG HUGS, Steph
(We are going to meet her Mother this weekend. My house is very small, and torn apart because we are just starting on some remodeling. I'm the first to admit I'm not a neat freak person... pray for me! LOL )