Thursday, July 31, 2008

Birthday Thanks

Thanks to everyone who took the time to call, email or text me to wish me a Happy Birthday.

I wound up needed to spend my birthday in St. Louis for work, I could have gotten out of it, but it wasn't that big of a deal - I'm sure I'll celebrate another day. But it was nice to hear from everyone. :)

When I got done at the office I treated myself to a nice meal at Red Lobster (one of three options nearby) and a glass of wine. I was suprised, there must have been three or four other birthdays last night. Then I went to the sad little mall and bought a new book and spontaneously decided to get another peircing. I peirced the cartilidge of my right ear about half way up. I realized as she was doing it that it was 15 years ago at the Claire's in the old Winter Park mall that I first got my ears peirced.... then I stopped for a 6 pack and some chocolate and spent the rest of the evening in my hotel room watching TV and working.

Chris and I move in a week, our move in date is actually our two year wedding anniversary. I'm sure that once we settle in a bit Chris and I will find some time to celebrate both occasions :)

Monday, July 21, 2008

Cedar Point - Check

This weekend was HUGE for me.

I started my "bucket list" when I was about 12 years old and living in Orlando, FL. One of the first items added was a trip to Cedar Point located in Sandusky, OH right on Lake Erie. Cedar Point is universally known as the roller coaster capitol of the world. It is constantly setting new records with it's coasters and holds the most coasters (17) in one park. When I added this to my list it didn't seem any more attainable than "float down the amazon". Little did I know that I would end up living in Cincinnati, a mere 4 hours drive away from this roller coaster mecca.

Since we're moving away from Cinci soon we decided that we had waited long enough and we hopped in the car and drove up. I found an internet deal where for $10 more per person you can return to the park for a second day. So we spent Saturday evening and Sunday morning/afternoon wandering the coastery goodness.


The lines were insane on Saturday but we had much better luck on Sunday and the weather cleared off so we could enjoy the day. Here is the list of coasters we road and our take on them
  • Mean Streak - not impressed, King's Island Beast and even Son of the Beast are better
  • Millenium Force - awesome, this was our first good coaster and was worth the 2 hr wait
  • Iron Dragon - don't bother
  • Top Thrill Dragster - what a rush, it is amazing and worth a long wait but be warned it's over quickly, you almost have to ride it twice to really appreciate it.
  • Power Tower - chris rode this and said it was fun, especially since there was no wait.
  • Magnum XL 200 - lots of air time, worth a wait but not the best CP has to offer
  • Gemini - not impressed, it's more about racing than thrills which is kinda boring
  • Cedar Creek Mine - we knew not to expect much but the wait was 10 minutes
  • Maverick - this was Chris's favorite and my second fav - lots of twists and turns, take out your earrings!
  • Raptor - Good, worth the 30 minute wait but a bit rough and not really a 5 thrill level
  • Wicked Twister - my favorite, the rush of dragster but more time to appreciate it
All of our pictures are here. With the rain on Saturday we focused on the locals to provide some entertainment and boy did they...we saw some really funny, traumatizing and interesting sites...
I definitely hope to return some day but for now I am very glad to have made it up to Cedar Point and highly recommend it to fellow roller coaster enthusiasts.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Update

I just got back from the annual family vacation. I had a distant cousing get married in Charleston and we used seeing him again as an excuse for a get-a-way. We stayed in a Wyndham resort on Edisto Island. It was amazing, we didn't do much of anything other than play cards and chill by the pool. Chris did beat Mom at ping-pong and Mom smothered all of us at putt-putt. Other than that, just relaxation. Pictures are up here.

Other than our mini-vacation our efforts have been focused on moving down to FL. Everything has panned out and the apartment in East Orlando has wound up our best option. It's about 1150 sq. ft. well within our price range and we can take Roger D. back from my parents, so we're happy. Another perk is that is is right off of the 408 so Chris can get to work easily. Our official move-in date is August 11th, we plan to arrive with the truck on August 12th.

In addition to the move, I have picked up another short-term corporate contract gig, so I'll be hopping over to St. Louis every week or so. That will add an interesting twist to moving huh? The boss knows about the move though, so hopefully all will go smoothly.

Now we just need to get the movers booked, a truck reserved and all of those dumb boxes packed, yet again. :) Wish us luck.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy 4th

Chris has to work on the 4th, but don't feel too bad for him - he has
a long overnight in Boston. I've tagged along and we are currently
sitting on the banks of the Charles River listening to the Bostn Pops
and waiting for one of the best firework shows in the country to
begin. Sweet huh?

The picture is of the sunsetting on the Charles. Two F-15 Eagles just
flew over in full after burner just feet from the hairs on our heads
as the finale for the National Anthem.

Tomorrow I head to Otown to spend some quality time with the pseudo
sister. Not a shabby weekend.

While I haven't been particularly patriotic lately I have to say it is
pretty cool to be here with over 500,000 other people - to see the sea
of red white and blue swarming around me.

Have a great Independence Day!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Oprah - pros and cons

I've said more than once that I really don't like Oprah. I've finally sorted through my thoughs on this and decided that it's not Oprah that I dislike - it's America's reaction to her that disgusts me.

Oprah as a person deserves a lot of respect, she's come a long way in a country that traditionally disapproves of both women and races other than pure white. I know she does a lot of good for humanity and I don't mean to discount that.

However, it makes me sad and embarassed is how the majority of the women in our country watch her show religiously, subscribe to her magazine and will basically to just about anything and everything she suggests. Fortunately for us she is a good woman and usually recommends positive things.

It concerns me that she has near as much social power as the president. It goes back to the Ant Like philosophy of American Society - it seems that we have collectively lost the ability to think and act for ourselves. We now need Oprah to tell us what to eat, read, wear, drive and often times, think.

Now, Dr. Phil - I still think he is the devil - but that's a whole 'nother post.... :0)