Planes, trains and automobiles. I should know that long distance travel involves planes, trains (buses actually) and automobiles and lots of them for long periods of time. I should have remembered that from our trip to Mt Fuji.
It was a looong haul getting here! We left home at 11 am on Tuesday, flew to Newark, NJ. (I think we flew over Housewive's houses~ saw some pretty impressive ones from the air). In Newark, we took 2 buses, (not one ~ but TWO) from our first plane to the plane we had to transfer to. Then we flew to Dulles, (that's Dulles, not Dallas). We had a four and a half hour layover there! Oh my.....
We boarded our plane at 9pm, took off at 10pm..... and flew. This is the first time I have flown internationally in 10 yrs. I didn't realize that "First Class" now has beds! Oh yeah! "First Class" passangers have their own little cubical with a comfy chair that turns into a bed! No, we did not fly first class. We flew economy. "Business Class" is not quite as luxurious, but their chairs also turn into beds. Then there is "Economy +". "Economy +" gets 5 extra inches, no beds. Then there was us ~ Economy. The worst part about it, is they made us walk through the other areas before getting to our economy (sardine can) space. It worked, at the end of our flight, we decided to try to upgrade to "Economy +" on the way home.
Sardine can aside, I do love traveling with Jay. I love the getting there process with him as much as the being there with him. Although I must say this is our first trip since we have been married without Tracy. (It's going well). ~ This trip, I decided to pay attention to why I love the process of "getting there" so much with Jay. When I am with him, I feel like I am home, wherever we are. Then there is the part that he focuses so much on me. I mean he dotes on me. If I cough, he is concerned that something is wrong. If I look the least bit uncomfortable, he tries to make me comfortable. If things don't go as planned, he doesn't get upset, he handles it with a smile. If things REALLY start to go wrong, he sings. He is friendly and helpful to everyone and everyone enjoys talking to us. Even when things go really bad. (like when we thought we lost our credit card last night). When I think about it, this is how our everyday life is. When we travel it's hightened! I love this man!
Okay, Argentina..... we arrived about 9:30 am Argentine time on Tuesday October 12. We made it through customs and caught a cab to our hotel. The first thing I noticed (besides the cab drivers belong on a race track) is that this place reminds me of a mix between the Bronx and Puerto Rico. That's a good thing. I love Puerto Rico and some of my favorite people started out in the Bronx. Like my Mom and Colin Powell. What does Colin Powell have to do with Arentina? Nothing ~ he is just one of my personnal heros. He's right up there with Springsteen, Hemmingway and Micheangelo. The other men in my life! But I digress. Back to Argentina.
The Bronx because of the houses and all the people!
It probably reminds me of Puerto Rico because everyone speaks Spanish, Jay does all the talking and I smile and nod. Sometimes I say "ah ha" when people address me in Spanish. All the billboards and signs here are also in Spanish, just like in PR. Which is good, cause I know what they mean! I know my Spanish sight words! Yay ~ I'm a Kindergarden Spanish reader!
We got to hour hotel after a very interesting crazy cab ride. I must say though, he was a very good looking dark Argentine Man. Most roads don't have lines ~ lanes marked on them. Jay said because no one stays in any lane, so they saved $$$ on the paint. They can squeeze cars into the tinyest spaces.
Once we got to our hotel and checked it, they told us we couldn't get in our room until 1400. (at leat 2pm). Two and a half hours..... we had not showered, changed or stretched out since 11am the day before. Here we are in this unknown City left to waste 2.5 hours. So we did some exploring. We found the equivalent of a local farmers market. That was fun. It was mostly outside and it started to rain. Has been raining here all week and is suppose to continue all week. So the pictures are going to be cloudy and grey!.
When we changed directions we found what appears to be similar to 5th Avenue in NYC. Great place to shop. I did mostly window shopping. 2pm we think is was lunch time here, because the crowds were huge! Very congested! Like a Toyko Train. People to People.
Last night we ate our first Argentine meal. It was delicious. I have to say, they have been meeting my food needs nicely here. I was able to get a big salad for lunch. Dinner, I was able to get a big plate of grilled veggies! Argentina is known for it's beef ~ and Beef we had for dinner! We found a great little famly owned place to eat. The beef family grown. They cooked it on an open coal grill. Oh it was so good and the service impecable! Then came our first heart stopper of the trip..... Jay went to pay and he couldn't find his credit card. He had it earlier, but now it was gone. Jay doesn't panic. We did some back tracking. Oh, we paid cash for the meal. (only $80 for two huge steaks, a large plate of grilled veggies, a bottle of wine, a bottle of sparkling water and a beer ~ not bad!)
When we decided the card was gone and we exhausted all possiblities of where it could be, Jay decided to call and cancel it. He tried, but for some reason, the blackberry system was down and he couldn't get through. Good thing. This morning, it came to me that when we checked into the hotel, the girl handed back the credit card with our passports. I checked my passport and there it was! Last night I only checked Jay's passport, didn't think to check mine. Our angels are doing a good job!
Well today who knows. It's very cloudy and is raining on and off. We shall see what the day brings.
I can't get on Facebook. For some reason the hotel browser blocks it. Can you believe it?
I miss Sadie and everyonce in a while, think oh Tracy would love this! I am loving my husband here and am enjoying this new adveture. Check back again for more updates.....
Oh wait, I almost forgot the first thing I checked when we landed here in the Southern Hemisphere of the World..... it's true, the toilets do flush counter clockwise.
Janet
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Buenos Aires Here We Come!
I love traveling with my husband! I'm not just talking about the destination part, but also the getting there part. I don't know, there is just something about it that I love! maybe it's him and I in a crowd of strangers and the closeness I feel? I'm not sure, but I do love it!
Today we are heading to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Jay is going for work, I'm going because I can! The traveling part is 24 hours door to door. I'm not sure how much I am going to like it on the way home, but I am looking forward to the next 24 hours and then some.
I have never thought of or had a desire to go to Buenos Aires. But it sounds exotic doesn't it? Then again, I never had a desire to go to Japan and when I had the opportunity to go with Tracy, I just loved it!
Speaking of Tracy. This is the first trip Jay and I are taking since we have been married with out Tracy.... I'll miss him!
One of my biggest worries when we travel is Sadie. Back when Andrew was alive, I never worried, because I knew she would be well taken care of, in fact probably better taken care of then I would do. (as if that's possible!). This trip, I am not so worried, My stepson Josh and nephew Mike are staying with her. I have no worries. I feel like they'll do just as well as Andrew would have.
So, Buenos Aires. I have no idea what to expect. It is suppose to be very European. We shall see. Since Jay is going for work, we should have internet connect, so check back for some updates on our Excellant Adventure!
Gotta go spend some quality time with Sadie before I leave!
Janet
Today we are heading to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Jay is going for work, I'm going because I can! The traveling part is 24 hours door to door. I'm not sure how much I am going to like it on the way home, but I am looking forward to the next 24 hours and then some.
I have never thought of or had a desire to go to Buenos Aires. But it sounds exotic doesn't it? Then again, I never had a desire to go to Japan and when I had the opportunity to go with Tracy, I just loved it!
Speaking of Tracy. This is the first trip Jay and I are taking since we have been married with out Tracy.... I'll miss him!
One of my biggest worries when we travel is Sadie. Back when Andrew was alive, I never worried, because I knew she would be well taken care of, in fact probably better taken care of then I would do. (as if that's possible!). This trip, I am not so worried, My stepson Josh and nephew Mike are staying with her. I have no worries. I feel like they'll do just as well as Andrew would have.
So, Buenos Aires. I have no idea what to expect. It is suppose to be very European. We shall see. Since Jay is going for work, we should have internet connect, so check back for some updates on our Excellant Adventure!
Gotta go spend some quality time with Sadie before I leave!
Janet
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Jamie & Eric
Have you ever come in contact with a family who felt like an extension of your own, not through marriage or anything, but through friendship, goodness and heart? This summer Kristen and I had the honor of documenting a wedding for a family who have become an extension of our very own! Jamie and her family are what I love most about this town!
This spring Jamie's mother called and asked if I was available August 20, 2011 to shoot Jamie & Eric's Wedding. It didn't matter if I was available or not, for them I would make myself available! I was honored they asked me. My husband knew how important this wedding was to me, so much so that he went and ordered the new D7 I had been wanting to upgrade to just so I would have it for their Wedding!
It was a beautiful day here in Rush (although a bit hot!). Jamie was radiant and Eric was beaming. From start to finish the day was perfect!
Here are just a few of my favorite shots.....
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| Ohhhh, they are so perfect together! |
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| I Just Love Dan & Melissa in the background here! |
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| I can not help but have a dog picture whenever the opportunity presents itself! |
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| Jamie dancin' for her Man! |
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| Lisa & Danny Celebrating their 6th Anniversary that evening! |
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| My beautiful niece Kristen and her "oh so good looking husband", Jeff (he pays me to say things like that!).  share in your day & your family. I loved every minute of it and am so honored to have been a part of it all! Janet |
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sisters, Best Friends & People who mean the world to Us
Today I spent the day running around. I always find myself thinking crazy, deep thoughts when I'm alone in my car. Today was no different.................................
I got to thinking about Sisters & Best Friends and the significance of the relationship those titles allude to. When we introduce someone as our sister, it is someone we are very close to. Someone we grew up with, confided in, someone we love. Then I got to thinking, sometimes people might not "get it" and we go on to explain, "she's my sister and my best friend" as if being sisters doesn't convey the strength of the relationship. I realize that there may be people who have sisters that they aren't that close to, and best friends who are closer. To have a sister who really is your best friend, oh my goodness, there is nothing quite like it. Having a sister is one of God's greatest gifts. I am so fortunate to have had Carol for the first 46 years of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the gifts she has given me. While we are different in many ways, we are the same in others and I always like to think, together we were the best of our Mom.
My thinking didn't stop there, oh no, I went on to think about when we introduce our best friend to people. For friends we are really close to and have had in our lives for a long time, "best friend" doesn't always convey the significance of the relationship. So we take it one step further and explain, She's my best friend and more "like a sister". I am fortunate enough to have friends who I explain they are "my family", I count myself lucky to have those relationships.
Isn't it funny how the words and titles we use, when used alone don't always convey the depth and significance of the relationship & have to use the other to strengthen it...
I think this can be said for any close relationship whether a sister, mother, brother, father, aunt or uncle. I know when I tell people Kristen is my niece, I want them to know, that she is oh so much more to me than a niece, She's also my sister, my best friend and lately she's been reminding of my Mother! She has so many of my Mom's qualities. It's amazing. I just love seeing it. Maybe Kristen and I are the best of her Mother (my sister) and my Mother (her Grandmother) ... I love that thought.
I could write for days about my sister and the amazing relationship we have. I won't tonight for I choose to keep it close to my heart. One thing I know for sure is that the joy of the relationship is why there is so much pain when the relationship changes. My relationship with Carol is still as strong as ever in my heart, the change is that I can't have the two way, out loud conversation with her that I had most of my life.
I wish you all the love of a sister and strength of a best friend, the joy that makes the pain worth it..........
August 2011 has been an interesting month. Lots of things have happened this month to bring Carol (my sister and best friend) to the fore front of my mind.
It has been a great month having her spirit so close.
aka ~ Janet
I got to thinking about Sisters & Best Friends and the significance of the relationship those titles allude to. When we introduce someone as our sister, it is someone we are very close to. Someone we grew up with, confided in, someone we love. Then I got to thinking, sometimes people might not "get it" and we go on to explain, "she's my sister and my best friend" as if being sisters doesn't convey the strength of the relationship. I realize that there may be people who have sisters that they aren't that close to, and best friends who are closer. To have a sister who really is your best friend, oh my goodness, there is nothing quite like it. Having a sister is one of God's greatest gifts. I am so fortunate to have had Carol for the first 46 years of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the gifts she has given me. While we are different in many ways, we are the same in others and I always like to think, together we were the best of our Mom.
My thinking didn't stop there, oh no, I went on to think about when we introduce our best friend to people. For friends we are really close to and have had in our lives for a long time, "best friend" doesn't always convey the significance of the relationship. So we take it one step further and explain, She's my best friend and more "like a sister". I am fortunate enough to have friends who I explain they are "my family", I count myself lucky to have those relationships.
Isn't it funny how the words and titles we use, when used alone don't always convey the depth and significance of the relationship & have to use the other to strengthen it...
I think this can be said for any close relationship whether a sister, mother, brother, father, aunt or uncle. I know when I tell people Kristen is my niece, I want them to know, that she is oh so much more to me than a niece, She's also my sister, my best friend and lately she's been reminding of my Mother! She has so many of my Mom's qualities. It's amazing. I just love seeing it. Maybe Kristen and I are the best of her Mother (my sister) and my Mother (her Grandmother) ... I love that thought.
I could write for days about my sister and the amazing relationship we have. I won't tonight for I choose to keep it close to my heart. One thing I know for sure is that the joy of the relationship is why there is so much pain when the relationship changes. My relationship with Carol is still as strong as ever in my heart, the change is that I can't have the two way, out loud conversation with her that I had most of my life.
I wish you all the love of a sister and strength of a best friend, the joy that makes the pain worth it..........
August 2011 has been an interesting month. Lots of things have happened this month to bring Carol (my sister and best friend) to the fore front of my mind.
It has been a great month having her spirit so close.
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| Carol & Kristen 2005 <3 Before I was anything else I was Carol's little sister |
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Our Little Max Man
Tonight was my first solo night with Max. How great it was....
There is nothing better than cuddling with an infant. Oh my goodness. He is so so sweet. My little Max Man. I could go on, but won't. I'll just get to the photos, 'cause ya know I had my camera. Max's Mother does take tons of pictures of the little man and so I had to challenge myself to try something different with him. Let me know what you think, (don't worry I won't share the 240 pictures I took of him, I'll just share my favorites)
And so, folks, I'd like to introduce you to Max!
There is nothing better than cuddling with an infant. Oh my goodness. He is so so sweet. My little Max Man. I could go on, but won't. I'll just get to the photos, 'cause ya know I had my camera. Max's Mother does take tons of pictures of the little man and so I had to challenge myself to try something different with him. Let me know what you think, (don't worry I won't share the 240 pictures I took of him, I'll just share my favorites)
And so, folks, I'd like to introduce you to Max!
Love
I hope you enjoyed meeting Max.... Oh and the lovely embroidery, done by none other that Max's Mom, Kristen!
Janet
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Wednesdays are "Nana Days"!
Okay folks get ready... for the next couple of weeks, Wednesdays are "nana days". I'm the nana and Jamison and Colin are mine, all mine, all to myself for a few hours each week. Heaven!
There is nothing that melts my heart more than when I walk into daycare to pick them up in the afternoon and they coming running to me, arms up, calling "Naaaa Na". Oh I love it. For a brief minute, I am the center of their universe.
Tonight we made pizza. I think all the fun was in the making, because Sienna, their pupper ate the most. Colin ate the toppings and Jamison had a bite or two. Oh well. I remember my mom saying, kids won't starve themselves. If they are hungry, they will eat.
We did have fun (I did anyway) and I can't help but share the fun with you....
Stay tuned.... next week we're going to Micky D's playland on Nana Day!
Home to Popi Jay and my Sadie Girl.
~Janet~
There is nothing that melts my heart more than when I walk into daycare to pick them up in the afternoon and they coming running to me, arms up, calling "Naaaa Na". Oh I love it. For a brief minute, I am the center of their universe.
Tonight we made pizza. I think all the fun was in the making, because Sienna, their pupper ate the most. Colin ate the toppings and Jamison had a bite or two. Oh well. I remember my mom saying, kids won't starve themselves. If they are hungry, they will eat.
We did have fun (I did anyway) and I can't help but share the fun with you....
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| Love |
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| Sienna.... Lucky dog! |
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| Don't cha love those eyes! I do... |
Stay tuned.... next week we're going to Micky D's playland on Nana Day!
Home to Popi Jay and my Sadie Girl.
~Janet~
Monday, August 22, 2011
I believe....
I believe in love, I believe that if you do good, good will come to you. I believe in God. My God. It is a very personal relationship, it's my relationship with him.
I believe in friends. My friends. I believe in dogs. My Dog. I believe in pets, all pets.
I believe that true love sneaks up on you when you aren't looking! I believe in my wonderful husband.
I believe in my family. I believe that babies are a good start for a human!
I believe that bad things happen naturally. We don't have to do anything to have bad things happen. They just do. I believe that we shouldn't waste our energy making bad things happen. I believe we need to make good things happen. I believe we need to be kind to one another and if we can't do that, we need to stay away from the person, activity or thing that we can't be kind to.
I believe in you! I believe the things you believe in are important to you. I will not tell you that what you believe is wrong. I will support you to believe in your beliefs.
I believe you will support me in mine. If I tell you something I believe in and you don't, don't burst my bubble... let me believe!
My little Grand Baby Luke says it perfectly! When we say, "Lukey, I love you" He responds with "Love me" & I do! Love you! thank you for letting me believe!
Believe.....
~Janet~
I believe in friends. My friends. I believe in dogs. My Dog. I believe in pets, all pets.
I believe that true love sneaks up on you when you aren't looking! I believe in my wonderful husband.
I believe in my family. I believe that babies are a good start for a human!
I believe that bad things happen naturally. We don't have to do anything to have bad things happen. They just do. I believe that we shouldn't waste our energy making bad things happen. I believe we need to make good things happen. I believe we need to be kind to one another and if we can't do that, we need to stay away from the person, activity or thing that we can't be kind to.
I believe in you! I believe the things you believe in are important to you. I will not tell you that what you believe is wrong. I will support you to believe in your beliefs.
I believe you will support me in mine. If I tell you something I believe in and you don't, don't burst my bubble... let me believe!
My little Grand Baby Luke says it perfectly! When we say, "Lukey, I love you" He responds with "Love me" & I do! Love you! thank you for letting me believe!
Believe.....
~Janet~
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