Scottsdale Arizona Day 1- Desert Botanical Gardens and Hole in the Rock

My gift to George was a weekend away in Arizona. Why Arizona? Flights were cheap and it was warm during this time of the year when I want to escape most from the Ohio clouds and depressingly unpredictable weather. Phoenix is the cheapest to fly into.

We decided to tour around Scottsdale, a town I hadn’t been to before except maybe driving through. People that heard I was going there kept saying it was high-end and they were surprised I picked that city. I went open mindedly and loved every minute of our time.

We stayed at this cool Airbnb about 5 minutes from Scottsdale and 15 minutes from Phoenix.

The perfect space. Adorably decorated and had the most comfortable bed I have EVER slept in. I should’ve looked at the mattress tag! But knowing I would rather spend money on another outing than invest in a mattress probably. Why are they are such an investment?$.

We grabbed an old fashion map of the town marking its points of interest as we walked around in the sun after enjoying an amazing breakfast.

There was art and sculpture to be seen everywhere. I loved these mosaic balls by the fountain.

Shops opened later. Seemed a lot of variety in the historic Old Towne area.

Horse sculptures inviting you to the wild west.

On our first date George and I noticed we both had green eyes. I later found an article that people with green eyes and negative blood type are really aliens. This has been an ongoing joke that we don’t belong here.

I wasn’t expecting palm trees, but enjoyed how they added to the architecture against the clean walls and desert cactus plants.

I made a lose itinerary, which is not really like me. But I wanted to hit a few key spots. After that I was open to explore. My first stop was the Desert Botanical Garden. It costs 30$ per person to enter, which is a bit steep, but for a good cause. Was well worth it in my opinion.

There was Chihuly glass plant sculptures welcoming you. I was happy to have recognized it from my learning of him in Columbus, Indiana and later in Oklahoma City’s Contemporary Museum of Art which is filled with his work.

I was thrilled to see the gardens were featuring artist Fernando Botero. His voluptuous figures are so recognizable.

There was a small indoor studio with a dozen paintings, a couple sculptures and a video playing about his life. He recently passed (2023) after working for over 60 years as an artist.

I believe everyone recognizes his unique work once they see it.

I don’t know why but it makes me happy with its soft inflated shapes.

Outside in the gardens were about 5 hiking trails that took you through various educated paths. We walked them all in about an hour and 1/2. It was a Friday so it wasn’t very crowded. The sun was just enough to warm you up, but not make you feel at all uncomfortable. Perfect weather.

From the gardens we could see the holey mountain which we were going to explore later.

This is exactly what I needed. New landscapes to inspire. Surrounding myself with nature differently than the bare branched trees back home.

Admiring the coloration of this cluster.

Throughout the gardens were sculptures blending into the landscape.

Was loving the yellow ball like flowers on some of the trees. As we wandered the paths we also caught glimpses of birds and sand squirrels.

George, my muse. Check out the size of these cactus. You can also see in the background the mountains with the saguaro cactus standing tall, notorious in the Sonoran Desert. Was so cool to see as we drove along the mountains, but tough to capture in a photo.

I started to view cactus as sculpture after a bit. It does appear like art, so stiff and interestingly shaped.

Displaying how desert shelter was built, I climbed inside for a view.

Beautiful new views. USA has so much to offer. So many places to still see in this world and so little time and money to get there.

The infamous hole in the rock was a short drive away. We parked and followed the pathway up.

From a distance it didn’t appear to be that big.

But once you climbed through, which people took turns, it was a wonderful sight from the other side.

A tourist destination for sure, but I liked it. We later saw other holey mountains, less busy, with hikers laying out in their smaller cave like holes. If I’d seen that sooner, I may have planned a hike around that.

We sat for a bit and I captured this selfie which shows the sun on my cheeks.

A better view from below. It felt alien like. Nature never ceases to intrigue me. I’m always in awe that we are part of it.

Aimee Mann Concert- Memorial Hall

George and I had the same thoughts on Christmas gifts to each other this year. More activities. More planned outings. Less sitting around and watching Netflix. When putting together our year in review book, I noticed how much I did, but without him. Of course he was running a business and busy with his own things, but we both wanted to be more purposeful with 2024 and he started it off by purchasing concert tickets to Aimee Mann.

I asked George if this was the same Aimee Mann that was in the band Til Tuesday who sang the iconic “Voices Carry”- the 80s pop hit that reinforced the fighter in all us women. He said no.

I started listening to his Aimee Mann on Spotify to see what kind of music she played. It was soulful and beautiful, usually in collaboration with other artists. The day before the concert I started researching more and found out it was her! Its just that George was a 9 year old boy when that iconic song came out and had no way of knowing. He only knew her for her acoustic work. But I was so excited!

We Ubered to Queen City Radio to grab a drink before the show. This bar is right around the corner. We later saw others at the concert who we recognized from the bar earlier. Guess they had the same idea.

I’d never been to this bar before but it was interesting. Huge really.

I imagine in the summertime before the FCC soccer games this place it probably packed.

Once in Memorial Hall, we walked up the spiral staircase to our center front balcony seats and were tortured by a solo comedy opening act who was difficult to hear.

Love the staircases here, reminds me of Europe. I’m so glad they restored this historic place for Cincinnati.

A special night, sporting my new top from Germany. My one big clothing purchase.

Aimee took the stage and looked great. Unfortunately her drummer was sick, so in her introduction, she said she apologized if any of us fell asleep, claiming she actually did once to Sade.

Her voice was incredible, but rhythmically all her songs sounded exactly the same. So I lost George. He dozed off.

The minute she left the stage and while she was coming back for the encore, we slipped past the still seating audience to make our escape.

We laughed about it as we walked over to Goodfellows for a slice. It was an A for effort. A night out we both enjoyed but not exactly as we anticipated. We have another concert coming up in April- will be sure not to have a cocktail prior 🙂

Oh how we all mellow with time and wisdom in this life.

Attune: The Art of Reiki- Cincinnati

My energy has been feeling a bit off. I blame it on aging. Honestly can’t pinpoint it.

One of the squares on my 2024 bingo card is to try new energy healing methods. I started looking up some places online closer to my house. I tried ‘dry needling’ a couple years ago, but it was out by the 275 loop and honestly, I live near the city to avoid the trek to needs. Certainly there should be some options downtown.

I texted my friend Rebecca, who is the queen of healing energies and woo woo stuff, and she recommended Attune for reiki. I made an hour appointment not knowing what to expect. Wanted to blog what I experienced, for my memory and for anyone else curious about it.

Upon arrival we talked for a bit about what was going on with me and what reiki was all about. The description of reiki seemed vague and I felt regret for not googling more about it prior to coming. Both of my sisters are certified in reiki, so not sure why I didn’t know more. It was explained that energy is infinite and we have access to it always. We have a soul similar to a diamond within us and this energy method helps to reveal it and dust off the dirt that may have covered it from years of living and ignoring ourselves. That was my interpretation of what was probably more eloquently described.

I liked the visual. I took my boots off and laid on my back on the table. She turned up the music a bit and blocked the light from all the windows. I was asked to breathe in deeply and picture the pure light coming in through my nose, down through my lungs and into my belly. Then breathe out with a sigh. I did this several times until instructed to allow my breath to return back to the normal rhythm.

I like meditation, but was struggling with picturing the light. I just kept repeating the mantra verbally to myself as I continued to breathe.

She softly placed her hands at the top of my head and I immediately wanted to cry. I held back the tears not understanding where they were coming from and wondering what she was doing to me. After a bit, she moved her fingertips and rested them gently at the sides of my face and tears escaped silently from my eyes into my ears. I wondered if this was normal and then heard “release” in my head.

It was interesting and reminded me of my visit with the sun last year. Except this time I am perfectly aware, conscious, sober minded, having this bodily experience and conversations with myself inside my head. When she placed her hands under my chin I literally started to not be able to breathe. I logically told myself she was not even really touching me and I wanted to ask her what in the world was she doing to me. Witchcraft came to mind. It was scary. My throat made outward uncontrollable noises. Then I had a vision with my sisters and the voice told me to “stop hiding and to speak”. The word speak, speak, speak kept repeating until the release came from my throat.

I felt it was telling me that I do not say enough about what I know and I needed to be more vocal. That I wanted to remain anonymous and humble but the voice did not want me to be.

I started talking to God and thanking Him for being with me here, knowing He had something to do with these messages. He then clearly said, I do not like that title/name and I said it was what I needed to call Him to communicate. He then showed me an open universe and said We are all One. I can’t make this stuff up.

As she moved to my legs, I felt heat from one of her fingers only. It was a clear heat in one spot. I didn’t feel the heat previously when she touched me. I mentally thanked her for healing me and she answered in ‘the voice’ inside my head and said, I am not healing you, you are healing yourself.

My stomach kept rumbling and growling and I wished I would’ve eaten as she moved down my legs. I was given a message that I belonged in the sky and no longer on Earth. I was confused and said I loved the earth and the waterfalls and hiking, and it said everything has a cycle and you need to move to the next phase. I then placed myself mentally on top of the rock I climbed in Utah where I perched on my solo road trip in 2021 and it felt right. Lately I have been fascinated more with clouds and sky but I really don’t know what any of this means.

I finally understood why my little sister doesn’t want to seek counseling for her mental health but alternatively chooses these type of sessions. I now understand how you can heal without words.

I addressed anger which I did not realize I was housing inside myself. The voice told me it was not mine and to let it go. It was not mine to be angry about. Kept saying it was not mine to hold.

At one point I was looking down at Earth from outer space seeing her colors. Another point I was seeing a wheel going around and around. I literally had chills in my chest several times and then at the end when she was at my feet the chills travelled throughout my body.

It was nothing like sleep or meditation. It was nothing like a massage. The awareness I had, conversations inside my head and bodily reactions were a totally new and wonderful experience for me. I am still energized like I have not been in quite some time. I’m so awake.

Afterwards I apologized from my growling stomach and she explained that it was part of the release. She said she saw me release in many different ways as she moved down my body. I guess I did! Physically there were tears, throat choke, heat, chills and stomach grumbling. Inside my head an entirely different list as described. I’ll definitely go back whenever I’m feeling stuck again.

Frankfurt, Germany Day 2

After setting up at the show to prepare for the visitors the following day, I met Zoe out at the shopping area called Zeil. I go there every time I visit. It’s always interesting to see what is new or catches my eye. I noticed a lot of stores had closed which was sad to see. Choices, as in the US, are now limited.

These balloons are always for sale in Frankfurt. The kids go nuts for them. I mean who wouldn’t! Such fun.

Loved the gold and white ceramics on display. These had a very high price tag which is good because it kept me from trying to figure out a way to get it home. Wait, didn’t I say I don’t like things earlier and yet something interesting and unique, I always desire.

The Queen’s corgi ever so popular still.

Going up the escalator to the top floor where all the food venues are. We were meeting Shanna for dinner. Was looking forward to catching up with her. Amazing how we can’t find time living in the same city, but can find each other in Frankfurt.

Once we got to the top, Christmas was still on display so I made Zoe pose.

Looking down the food court was this reindeer riding my way.

After dinner we snapped this selfie of all of us. So glad we squeezed in a visit! Got me teary eyed thinking how long we’ve known each other now- just about 20 years!

Walking anywhere around here you will find sculpture.

Meanwhile at the Heimtex venue:

This floating sphere caught my eye against the primary block architecture in the background.

Made a point to say hello to the sweetest gal, Preetika who I have known for many years!

Frankfurt, Germany Day 1

It’s been a couple years since I travelled to Germany to attend the Heimtex show. This year the factory that I do freelance towel designs for offered to pay for my trip so I could come out and help set up their booth and talk to customers. I did not want to pass up that opportunity! Chaotic coming off of the holidays, off I went with Zoe to Frankfurt.

Zoe paid for her own flight and shared a hotel room with me which was expensed. She minored in German in college and wanted to explore a bit before heading back to her LA casa. Our room was teeny tiny without a mini fridge, desk or sofa- the usual European size. We couldn’t even open our suitcases fully. But we managed nonetheless.

Looking toward the opposite side of the Main River where we were heading.

As many times as I’ve been to Frankfurt (at least 13) I have never gone across the river. Usually I am so tired after walking all day at the show or after dinner plans in the evening, I almost always went straight back to the hotel and jumped on email to recap my finds.

Looking back, I worked my ass off. I truly regret giving so much of my time and energy to a job. I cared so much about the vendors and new opportunities found. For what? But I will say I have amazing vendor relationships still to this day because of our partnerships and growth established together at one point, and that I will never regret. The friends I made along the way.

Looking back from the bridge at the city under construction. There looked to be three new skyscrapers being built in the financial district.

Germany to me is always “grey” and I was discussing this with Zoe. Because I am always here in the winter months. When looking at Google maps to find my bearings one time, I noticed these trees were green and it made me wonder how different a walk along the river would be in warmer days.

The Germans never let the weather or cold keep them from sipping their espresso outdoors standing around tables or drinking a beer at an outdoor venue. It truly is a different culture and endurance standard.

The reason we were crossing the river was to visit a few art museums. First stop was the film museum.

Zoe studied film as her major in college and had been to this museum 5 years ago when she came with Sedona.

A lot of the historic technical displays were above my brain level but fun to see.

There were displays talking about costuming which I enjoyed and snapped an image about one of my favorite Wes Anderson movies- The Grand Budapest Hotel. A true classic must see if you haven’t.

Then we stepped in front of a green screen and were in a movie for a bit. That was cool to experience. I snapped a photo of Zoe with the praying mantis.

As I walking through all the displays it made me think how much George would’ve enjoyed this. Being a documentarian. He also loves Star Wars which I refuse to partake in so I photographed this historic sketch of an iconic scene when Luke meets his father Darth Vader.

My favorite part of the film museum was a place where you could sit and put on head phones in front of a computer where they had iconic movie scenes to pick from. Then you paired the scene with well known music used in movies. It was amazing to me how much sound makes a difference to a scene. You can completely change the mood of a scene simply by the music choice.

It reminded me of the war movie where Louis Armstrong’s “Its a wonderful world” played as you silently were shown images from the horrors of war. It hit hard. And obviously stuck with me.

I found another museum that sounded interesting and we needed to kill more time before crashing that evening. Needed to get our bodies functioning in the EU time zone. We decided to go into the Museum of Applied Art.

Immediately I feel in love with the architecture of the place.

And the beauty of the lines and how they displayed items.

Loved that I was seeing” again. The details that many walk past.

When we got upstairs the featured exhibit was about things people collect. Anyone that knows me understands I don’t like a lot of “things” so I thought I was going to hate this display of hoarding, but I was shockingly surprised by how much I got from it.

Each of the tables explained why and how the person collected the objects chosen. Everything had a story which I suppose was the purpose of the exhibit.

Even the colorful sponges were fun to look at all put together.

Some of the collections I found interesting because the artist that shared also didn’t realize they were a collector until asked to participate in this project. That made me think. If someone asked me to gather a collection of objects that were meaningful together, would they also tell a story that I didn’t even realize I was writing?

The other half of the museum was also about objects for the home but much more elaborate. They had unbelievable furniture pieces that made you wonder how someone imagined and then found the wood to constructed it. A true artform. This ceramic piece stopped me in my tracks to admire the details.

We crossed the glass walkway to a historic home that featured rooms of antique furniture. It was interesting overall.

Time and money well spent to on a Sunday.

Walking home we passed this beautiful hotel with its Christmas lights and tree still lit. During Zoe’s days walking Frankfurt she saw a lot of Christmas being taken down. We caught the tail end of the holiday.

Back at the hotel we sat in a very quiet bar area where they had a full menu just of gin choices.

I fell in love with this cocktail. Their gin was sweetened a bit and then they tossed in a slice of grapefruit. It was so tasty. We enjoyed many of these in our week there. Cheers to a new discovery.

Yes I realize this should say MUSEUMS with an S but I liked what it was saying.

The Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is something that I have only caught glimpses of on tv performances and never really experienced live before. Sometimes I think people living/growing up in bigger cities are spoiled with so many opportunities. Coming from a small town, there was just one dance school in town and the ballet was something we never even thought about. When I was younger I remember a gymnastics’ judge telling my dad I would benefit from ballet classes. Other than that, never really considered this art form.

Fast forward Zoe asked to take ballet lessons when she was older (teen-aged) and had the very best experience. I watched her grow in her grace. Literally to this day she walks and holds herself differently. It’s an art form that I admire. Requiring so much dedication, strength and discipline.

This year I wanted to treat my daughters to an evening out for Christmas, just the three of us. It was my gift to them, and us. All seeing the ballet for the first time together.

The evening prior we went out for a Christmas cocktail at a new Irish Pub called The Leprechaun . They were delicious. I of course ordered The Grinch’.

We festively wore holiday head gear found in the Christmas bin in the basement that we dragged up when decorating the tree. Sedona kept commenting that I was putting my tree up with only 11 days left to Christmas. Better late than never.

Even Namki participated with a clip-on elf hat. He’s such a good sport. I love capturing the way he looks at her.

The next day, the girls and I headed to The Banks to eat at Ruth Chris Steakhouse. I wanted this night to be top notch. I don’t believe the girls have ever eaten at a nice steakhouse and I encouraged them to order whatever they wanted.

Selfie with the Roebling Bridge. Still wondering what Cincinnati is planning to do with the unfinished parking space, but for now, glad nothing is blocking the view.

It was a beautiful night, not too cold. We took an Uber from the river to Music Hall and arrived just in the nick of time to grab a cocktail and find our seats.

We were in the second row from the front. I loved it. Could see the orchestra and dancers up close. Was so incredible. The entire experience was magical. So much more activity on stage than I imagined. Never a boring moment. The show was incredible.

I wondered what it would be like in the pit.

Architecture of this place is stunning. I snapped this during the intermission break.

The Ballet Director tells you at the beginning of the show not to post any photos of the actual performance without consent. I wanted to honor that. I only took a photo at the end to remember it by. The sets and costumes were fantastic. I was shocked by all the families in attendance with small children but totally understood how this tradition, if affordable, would be one to continue.

I do wonder though, as children are given so much more than we ever had growing up now, what their futures will look like. Kids these days expect to travel the world, take vacations in Europe, see Broadways shows all before high school. Will it be harder for them to be in amazement and awe of what the world offers? Seeing so much so young and expecting that its easily accessible. Or will exposing them at a young age to all the luxuries be the launching pad for which they are inspired and aspire to do more?

I consider that I did not grow up with many vacations but was determined to travel the world and find a job that would pay for me to do so. (knowing I could not afford it on my own) Are you born with this drive. Or does lack inspire it?

I know it seems I do a lot, which is mostly because as I age, I know my time is limited. I can appreciate seeing my parents early in life slow deterioration which to this day reminds me to live my life while I still have health and abilities. It doesn’t help that my Instagram reels are filled with beautiful natural places to see and encouragement to live irresponsibly 🙂

Sedona snapped this natural capture of ZoZo and I.

It really was a beautiful time for us to cherish. We very much enjoyed and appreciated our Christmas evening out together.

Zoe and Sedona each bought a nutcracker ornament as a reminder of this night. We took the Connector back down to The Banks. Cincinnati has so much to offer. I love this city. In the 35 years I have been here, its been wonderful seeing the city’s transformation into the magnificent, urban, culturally artistic city that we all knew it deserved to be.

Year 2023 Recap

Another year in the life to be appreciated and reflected on. When I started looking back, it was amazing to me how many trips I went on this year and now better understand my financial disarray. I love doing these annual recaps. It truly helps me to appreciate life and all it offers and all I have explored.

My body has gone through some changes this year, slowing down. Requiring more sleep than usual. My spunk and spark, to me, seem lost at times. But writing this and looking back helps me to see it’s there. And better understand my exhaustion 🙂

I often wonder, especially with work, what the heck I’m doing. Sedona recently sent me an Instagram reel that basically said, “There is no work- life balance, life is way more important than work. If you work as much as you do life, you are off balance.” A great reminder going into 2024.

JANUARY- started off with hiking with Kevin and Zoe and going to a Bengals game with George. The year of the rabbit, my favorite animal! I was given a rabbit charm necklace from George for Xmas and have worn it this entire year.

FEBRUARY- was the massive move for Zoe to Los Angeles, California. The road trip across the USA seeing Memphis, Tennessee and learning more about the civil rights movement from their museum where MLK was shot.

FEBRUARY- Arkansas, where previously I had only visited Walmart headquarters. Now being able to see some amazing architecture and historical bath houses and springs.

FEBRUARY- Driving through Texas and stopping in Ft. Knox to see the longhorns.

FEBRUARY- New Mexico caverns and white sands. White Sands National Park I would revisit a thousand times and not tire of its beauty.

FEBRUARY- Bisbee, Arizona. One of my favorite places that sadly doubt I will get back to simply due to its out of the way remote location. Joshua Tree desert.

FEBRUARY- California finally- meeting Zoe’s coworker, getting stuck in a blizzard on a mountain and finally healing from Covid and bronchitis.

MARCH- starting off healthy in San Diego meeting Don and seeing this beautiful city.

MARCH- Malibu wine country, Santa Monica pier and Beverly Hills. Loving the California life.

MARCH- George to the rescue to drive me back home seeing Tulsa, Ok for the first time and other unique scenery. Only took 3 days with George doing most of the driving.

APRIL- birthday brewery outing, meeting coworkers and new family to be. Out with Sedona learning of her engagement while doing a coffee flight.

MAY- dog sitting month, planning Sedona’s move, a quick visit to Cleveland to see May with a last minute pit stop in Columbus to say hi to Todd. New friends in La Grange. Banksy exhibit and hiking with Baby B.

JUNE- the 13 mile hike from hell with Debbie in Yellow Springs, Sedona’s move in, Issey’s graduation.

JULY- Sedona and Namki’s backyard wedding. Most beautiful day of the year. A stand out moment forever in time.

JULY- Also came with Curious Buzz (George’s restaurant/store) opening, Solaire’s visit and karaoke, a museum outing and brewery exploration.

AUGUST- Reds game with my Michigan Ave crew to celebrate Julie’s birthday, 2 Clifton Gorge hikes- one with KangKang and one with Zoe, Reds Game with my twins, soccer game with Angie. Drinks with Traci.

AUGUST- also came with a visit to Grand Rapids to see Trish and Tim, and my student from Korea- Jay. Then Traverse City for an amazing weekend exploring and then meeting another Cambly student from Turkey in Ann Arbor on the drive back to Cincy.

SEPTEMBER- A much needed rest at Stephanie’s lake house. An outing to see Saturn at the observatory and a Noah Cyrus concert with Sedona. Clouds and sky became my new natural obsession.

OCTOBER- Back to LA to check on Baby A. SoCal cidery and Basquiat museum visit.

OCTOBER- A week off exploring the coastline. Driving north in California. Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and Pacific Grove.

OCTOBER- slept in a treehouse in Bodega Bay, took bike tour at Caramel by the Sea and awed at the giant redwoods.

OCTOBER- hiking the redwoods, fern canyon, lighthouse trail in Trinidad and Wedding Rock.

OCTOBER- Vichy Springs, Venice Beach, Obscure distillery and a roof top Halloween movie. An ending to another great California visit.

NOVEMBER- celebrating friendships- a visit from Karen, Susan and May (my NYC crew from 1998) a candlelight concert with Kathy and Steph, lego-land exhibit with Sedona, Ki, Wavery, Charlie and George and finally Friendsgiving with Dale and Angela, Ki and Sedona.

DECEMBER- included the Nutcracker with my girls, underground lights in Louisville with Charlie, Zoe and George, annual Michigan Ave gathering at Kathy’s and seeing Tiffani (my sister) for the first time in years. Brought in New Year’s with Angela and Dale in La Grange complete with party hats and bingo.

2023 was a huge year for me and I can see that 2024 may need to be filled with smaller, long weekend moments. Not sure I can keep this up. But I have zero regrets. I am forever thankful that I have a second side hustle that helps fund these adventures and the health to keep going.

A daughter married. Another daughter moved across the country. Many trips in between. Living my best life and love seeing my daughters do the same.

Hoping to inspire others to make the trips happen, go out in the woods and spend that money you earned while you can. Hoping in 2024 I can remain in awe of nature’s beauty while appreciating all I have.

Blessed to be surrounded by amazing friends and family, a loving boyfriend and his daughter too. Adding more to my life every day as we grow together in learning while stepping through life’s trials and challenges.

Thanksgiving

Lately I am struggling so much to find myself. I’m starting to think I get stagnant when I’m not exploring. I used to love writing, hiking, being curious about things locally and lately I feel like I am in sludge. My brain is tired. Organization of any activities is cumbersome. One Saturday I wanted to go for a hike and found a trail, and then it started raining, so I climbed back into bed and napped a few hours. The old me would’ve hiked in the rain, like New Year’s Day 2021, which gave me the best experience! What happened to my sense of adventure?

Could be the early darkness is giving me the serious winter blues. Maybe I’m just tired and working 40 hours a week is too much. I remember a client of mine saying “hold out until March/April and you will see your spirit lift.” She’s was right. But I still have 5 months to go. Yikes. Time to plan another sun warming vacation. I now understand snow birds.

Holidays tend to add additional stress to the year end for me. My counselor suggested I write down exactly what stresses me out and figure when that began. Certainly wasn’t from childhood, because I remember so many fun times around the holidays, except my Great Auntie Kay’s Christmas calls from NYC where she would be drunk and crying because she wasn’t with us. But mostly my holiday memories were around rum slush and everyone united. Believe things changed when I became the adult and then saw all the responsibilities and obligations surrounding this time of year.

Knowing my scrooge like attitude, George is determined to make my holidays better. For Thanksgiving he wanted to take on the meal completely by himself. Could be he personally needed a distraction or is a control freak, but either way, I was totally game for letting him execute Thanksgiving 2023 to his potential.

By the time I woke up, the dining room table was set up in the most festive dinnerware and color theme.

He made me a frothy coffee in my favorite mug and I literally sat my butt down in the sun room and relaxed.

Sedona and Ki came down from Cincinnati to join us. We did a selfie with Zoe on the line who was spending the holiday with her boss’ family in LA.

George had the kitchen bar set up with charcuterie and a signature bourbon cocktail. George also followed one of my Instagram reels and made orange ice cubes which we used in the mimosas that Sedona brought over! Was wonderful.

Our neighbors and friends, Dale and Angela, also joined us and brought a “friends-giving” kitchen towel. Totally appropriate. Sedona also brought a “thanks- giving tree” and after dinner we sat around the coffee table and filled in the leaves writing things we were thankful for. The bare branches quickly filled in.

The turkey. It was Ki’s first time eating turkey like this and George was getting such a kick out of his enjoyment.

George even made gluten free stuffing for Angela. He is so thoughtful and is such a giver in life. I really am so thankful to have connected with him.

After eating we played Cards against Humanity, Family version, to test the appropriateness for Charlie. Looking forward to playing it again at Christmas. It was hilarious! We laughed so much as George continued to lose and Ki kept winning :) Thanksgiving was a success!!

Phuk-et AMC Reunion – Cincinnati, Ohio

During the Covid shut downs of 2020- I reunited with some co-workers from AMC, my very first job out of college in New York City. We found each other, (remarkable since some are not even on social media) and during the pandemic we would schedule Zoom meetings and reminisce about times of past. This helped as I was locked in my apartment in Phuket. It was a great outlet.

Susan, one in our group, is known for her brash potty mouth, which can be very entertaining at times. She’s a true New Yorker. The rest of us were somewhat transplants to that great city. She put together a What’s App group and named us the ‘Phuket group’- not pronounced as the island.

Fast forward to 2021 when the world opened back up we all met in Media, PA. It was a short but fun filled drunken weekend. Since then, Karen has taken a remote job with me at DPI- after seeing her again, I knew she could handle the work! May spent a stint in the ICU and we are thrilled she pulled through and is given a second chance in life. Susan has met the man of her dreams and graduated with her masters and is now working in the counseling world helping others.

A lot has changed.

We’ve been trying to plan a weekend together since our last reunion but as life, something always gets in the way. But we finally did it. Got it on the calendar and Cincinnati became the city next to explore. I was happy to host.

May was the first to arrive. I visited her in Cleveland in May this year and was happy to see her again! Our one-on-one moments are most cherished. We are the Ohio girls. I interviewed her, back in the day, and got her hired where she ended up sitting by my side for thousands of laughs in our 20s.

Karen and Blake drove in from Pennsylvania and we next to arrive. They are a super chill couple and go with the flow. The weather in Cincy was dreadfully cold and rainy but we made our way to KY side for a drink in the Hofbrauhaus showing the German culture here.

Susan and her man Chris arrived around 9 pm so after going for dinner, we headed back to my place to meet. I unfortunately did not have a lot of food to offer, but we nibbled on what I did have and stayed up chatting until the wee hours in the morning. Chris stayed up with me for one final drink and I so appreciated personally getting to know him. The older I get, the more I find groups trigger my anxiety, and I am much more comfortable in single situations.

Thank goodness the following day was sunny because I had planned a walking tour of Cincinnati. We walked down from Mt. Auburn right into the heart of it all. Started off with some greasy diner breakfast at the infamous Sugar and Spice.

I attempted to book a guided mural tour with ArtWorks, but never could get any response from their site. Instead I found a map online and read up enough to walk the streets alone.

First was the graffiti alley in Pendleton.

The original AMC production crew established in 1994.

As we walked I saw more art and messages of hope like this sad reality reminder.

As we walked OTR we hit a boutique and saw all the historic architecture. I read that morning that the Taft Brewery was going to close its refurbished church location. So I guided the crew into that spot for one last look.

Sedona joined up with us to meet my friends. I loved having her along for a bit to better understand my history and stories I tell. Meeting the players.

The color of the sky was so perfectly blue. I couldn’t have asked for better weather to walk in.

We went to the historic Findlay Market dating back to the 1800s when 75% of the Cincinnati population in this area was German or German American.

Inside just walking the isles checking out the offerings from the different vendors. Thanksgiving was the following week and I imagine a lot of people were out planning their meals.

Outside the market are little booths with local artists.

We wandered another block to climb the endless staircases to one of the most famous Cincinnati breweries- Rhinegeist. Established in 2013, it started the renewal of Cincinnati’s brewery movement. Now there are supposively 80 different breweries in the Cincinnati region.

Was a gorgeous day and we were happy the rooftop was open since there was a tattoo convention going on the main floor.

Enjoying our afternoon buzz and some fresh November air.

I wanted to show them the Ohio riverfront before we headed to dinner. I love how the Cincinnati Connector allows tourists to jump on and ride for free enabling the different areas to be easily visited.

Looking at Karen and Blake who were struggling with their Airbnb situation. Good sports throughout regardless.

Looking back toward the City from the park by the water. Captured this cute fall photo.

I always try to snap a photo of the Roebling Bridge whenever I’m near it. To my NYC group I was bragging that it was here prior to the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.

May commented on the beautiful red trees that still had their leaves. Symbolically reminding her that she was given a second chance to show her beauty to the world.

We posed by the Queen City sign asking some young 20 somethings to take our photo. Thinking how 30 years from now they may all reunite and be in our same shoes.

Documenting the city. Me always in motion.

We all changed and met back downtown at the Sacred Beast for dinner. Wasn’t the best. I hadnt been there before and probably wouldn’t revisit. Sadly the places I choose for eating did not show off the caliber of cuisine Cincinnati has to offer. Always a next time.

I made reservations for the speakeasy, Ghost Baby, at 8:00 pm. Early bird venue but honestly was perfect! We each sipped a cocktail and the band showed up and played.

It’s an experience for sure. An underground tunnel discovered transformed into a bar.

I was drained and could barely keep my eyes open or brain alive. I led the crew out early and glad I did. Firetrucks arrived at the scene right as we exited. Probably shutting down the elevator enabling them to attend to an ill patron in the restroom. I don’t think after all the walking we did that day that I could’ve mustered up the energy to walk up the four plus flights taking us out to street level.

We got back to my place and made up the rules to our own game which was a fun way to get to know each other again as the night came to an end over a couple extra drinks.

I had tee shirts made for us, designed by George who couldn’t attend. I had our established year put on as well as the city names where we all ended up.

Funny where life takes you. We all experience different trials that offer us different choices and lessons.

People get on and off your life trolley and some swing back around for another ride. My sister once explained people in her life that way, even mentioning that some ride the entire time but you don’t always know they are still there. Others are riding for short periods to do what they need to do before they exit. Serving their purpose in your and their journey.

The next morning we had an early breakfast at Hangover Easy with our DPI work crew. Was a great excuse for us to get together again, and for Karen to meet her coworkers live. I’m wearing a cool Media PA tee that Karen bought for me. I love the graphics and support of her town. Sabrina has since left DPI but still made an effort to come and meet Karen and say hello. In person reunions are so important.

Cali Trip Day 10- Art District, The Obscure, Cinema Rooftop Club

Just blogging my way through these memories is tiring. We did a lot. And all of it was fabulous. I couldn’t have had a better vacation. Definitely helped not being ill this time or having the anxiety of my daughter moving half way across the country.

Zoe planned a Sunday Funday for us. She booked us rooftop cinema tickets to a Halloween movie and a tasting at a new distillery in the Arts District.