tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566230067338125822012-02-01T15:14:28.904-05:00Sporadic updates on my life and travelsSunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.comBlogger951100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-36489136403630696012012-01-31T09:36:00.001-05:002012-01-31T09:37:19.318-05:00

Starting round 2. Honestly? I am totally procrastinating right now. I should be working on my presentation for the University of Iowa Running Symposium. Instead, I'll let you all know what I learned from my very first CrossFit competition experience. This past Saturday, the Mister and I gathered together two teams of athletes from our gym for a friendly CrossFit throwdown in Iowa City. As it

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-74798506441934789482012-01-03T11:12:00.001-05:002012-01-03T11:13:33.526-05:00

Sleepy kitties. If you paid attention to the posts I made on here since about July, then you know my world changed radically in 2011. I got married, I quit my job (and so did Jacob), we moved to Iowa, we both changed careers, and we started our own business. The question asked the most of me about life here in Iowa is "So what are your days and hours like?" Below is my attempt to capture the

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-77757831165454922162011-12-30T11:50:00.000-05:002012-01-03T11:14:15.926-05:00

For weeks I pondered what I would write as my year-end review on here. I still wonder how this post will capture all the events, emotions, and lessons of 2011. Perhaps the lessons are not clear yet as I experienced nearly every emotion in the spectrum of human experience this year. Great joy, heaps of doubt, anger, sadness, and hope -- I experienced them all deeply. I continue cycling through

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-78775036080918671922011-12-20T09:23:00.000-05:002011-12-20T09:23:44.153-05:00

As the year winds down and we reflect on our own lives and on the collective lives of the world, may you find hope and inspiration for a new year in the following, which was written by my amazing and creative Mom. Thank you for your beautiful mind and unending spirit, Mom! I love this! A Poem for the New Year By M.A. Heberling

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-58152620965872257962011-12-14T09:17:00.001-05:002011-12-14T09:17:50.290-05:00

My most favorite time of year - the holidays! Punctuated by visits with friends and family, special events, festive decorations, Advent reflections, and vibrant anticipation. Everything seems cloaked in wonder and sparkle. It might just be the snow ;)

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-39117033262392762242011-10-25T10:45:00.001-04:002011-10-25T10:45:55.147-04:00

Sunday hikes, cold mornings, lounging on the couch, and beautiful fall colors. Life is good

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-21107004938778253302011-09-11T09:08:00.006-04:002012-01-03T11:16:20.178-05:00

Well, we're 9 months into the year and man, has 2011 been the ride of my life! The wedding in March was one hell of a party that I wish I could relive every weekend. The honeymoon was a trip I wish I could go on every 6 months. And now, Jacob and I switched careers, moved 1500 miles, and started our own business. What you see above is our first baby as a couple - the main workout space for

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-8350630892510750252011-07-14T09:56:00.006-04:002011-07-14T10:14:30.286-04:00

Now that the boss-man knows my plans, Jacob and I can finally go public with our news. Some folks already know what I'm going to say, and others may not. I definitely used hushed tones around the office to prevent early knowledge from spreading like wildfire. So here is the news...August 19 will be my last day working for the federal government and my last day working as an endangered species

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-83320018013492869482011-07-08T14:19:00.003-04:002011-07-08T14:31:17.418-04:00

This is a symbol of important changes coming Jacob's and my way.I'm so excited that I want to share it all RIGHT now, but some important steps need to happen before I can lay it all out in public. Just know that it's *BIG* and exciting. I hope you will all follow us along as we make a huge leap of faith that involves A LOT of changes. I'll have more details at the end of next week. Until then,

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-20985763725725401502011-06-27T15:07:00.002-04:002011-06-27T15:11:53.634-04:00

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.~Anatole France

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-74400093499367745042011-06-17T10:37:00.002-04:002011-06-17T10:42:50.753-04:00

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."-- Muhammad Ali

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-68134480327907358962011-06-16T09:53:00.004-04:002011-06-16T10:44:48.937-04:00

Summer is DEFINITELY here in Florida. The humidity ratcheted up considerably once June hit. Evenings are almost too stuffy to be refreshing, but that fact just makes me want a rocking chair and a gin and tonic. Several fun things on the web and in life have been capturing my interest lately, so skim through the following tidbits to see if they capture yours.I love this guy's aesthetic in his

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-64271226617914630242011-06-14T10:52:00.003-04:002011-06-16T10:45:22.020-04:00

"In 2000, I told graduates to not be afraid to fail, and I still believe that. But today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality."-- Conan O'Brien

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-11682557448982611412011-06-07T11:12:00.004-04:002011-06-07T11:30:32.411-04:00

Well folks, I kicked off the Memorial Day weekend right by launching myself out of a plane with a man strapped to my back (a.k.a. tandem skydiving). My friend Michaela wanted to skydive for her 27th birthday and I cheerfully volunteered to accompany her.Jacob and I got on the road at about 6:30 AM so that Michaela and I could be the first jump of the day at Skydive City in Zephyrhills, FL.The

Curlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113533423043293010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-75313601190778131282011-05-20T11:25:00.004-04:002011-05-20T11:30:48.330-04:00

Hi All! Let's forget about what kind of food I eat and get back to something more fun -- travel talk! Some on you may know that the Mister's job has him on the road in South Carolina every week. Instead of him coming home to me in FL for the weekend, I flew up to see him in Charleston -- that beautiful Southern Belle of a city. The last time I was in Charleston I was 11 years old. April is a

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-37244349314228026552011-05-02T09:20:00.001-04:002011-06-27T16:11:43.128-04:00

Ever since my experiment with eating like a caveman, many people have questions about where I get good recipes for paleo eating. If you don't feel like slogging through my previous posts for great places for paleo recipes, here is a quick round-up of links, which are tried and true. The Clothes Make the Girl: This woman knows how to make food packed with flavor! While these recipes tend to take

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-1713179950471154962011-04-28T16:29:00.014-04:002011-05-02T09:00:24.150-04:00

Farmer's Market en route to Monterey Jacob and I flew off to San Francisco early Monday morning after our fantastically fun wedding weekend. When we landed, we hopped in our rented Chevy Equinox and hit the road south to the Monterey Peninsula. The rental car agency was the first instance where dropping the "We're on Our Honeymoon" card paid off with an upgrade. As I type this, I think it is the

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-50700850129054303202011-04-22T11:46:00.002-04:002011-04-22T13:18:52.134-04:00

Spring has sprung, Easter is finally here, and the Earth is still hanging on. Since returning from my West Coast Honeymoon life is busy, but great. Here are some links, musings, and other sundries that have been piquing my interest lately. Plus, a pledge honoring this double whammy day. I am astounded by the unique creativity and passion of the young woman featured in this New York Times article

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-47263114102243050882011-04-05T16:32:00.000-04:002011-04-05T16:32:05.863-04:00

March was a busy month of basketball, family, and fun. Obviously, it included not only busted NCAA Basketball Championship Brackets (oh, UNC, I used to like you), but mawwiage, that blessed event, which made me a Mrs. I'll post more in the coming weeks with the skinny on all the fun, but after the jump you'll see the best wedding photo. EVER. Yes, yes, the one above is very elegant, but dang it,

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-24034308657870331562011-03-10T15:38:00.000-05:002011-03-10T15:38:01.050-05:00

Well, I'm a week post-Whole30 Challenge and a smidgen more than a week out from my wedding day. Holy canoli. I feel like I have some lessons learned here, especially after last night's visit to the Florida Strawberry Festival. First, the foodie lessons. 1) You can have too sour watermelon candies, too many candied bacon chocolate chip cookies, too many cupcakes, and too much ice cream; however,

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-65055539865354613782011-03-02T08:13:00.001-05:002011-03-02T09:03:42.297-05:00

Yesterday was my last full day complying with the rigorous rules of The Whole30 food challenge. right now, I am enjoying my usual breakfast of berries, almonds, and coconut milk, but I added in some oatmeal. No, no. NOT the instant kind - the 100% no-sugar-added kind in the cardboard cylinder. So where does this leave me? How was the experience? Well, if you read any of the previous posts,

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-73517386515068796362011-02-22T15:37:00.000-05:002011-02-22T15:37:34.610-05:00

I'm tired of all the rules, Whole30 meanies!! I want to be able to make almond butter pancakes, or add a smidgen of feta cheese to a salad, or even just use BUTTER in a recipe. AND I don't understand what is SO bad about dessert, even desserts with natural sweeteners (e.g., honey, maple syrup). I LIKE ending my meals on a sweet note, even if it is just a square of really dark chocolate. Thus, in

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-11260075821424029332011-02-17T10:59:00.007-05:002011-02-17T14:39:58.618-05:00

With all the "forbidden" foods on The Whole30 list, I thought I would round up all of the yummy I eat as well as some of my favorite recipe resources. Breakfast: Berries with coconut milk and almond slivers  Black coffee (sometimes I drop in some coconut milk and cinnamon)  Figs with whole roasted almonds and banana Lunch: Dinner leftovers Deli meat roll-ups with homemade mayonnaise and

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-21192724897537285442011-02-14T11:15:00.000-05:002011-02-14T11:15:55.010-05:00

Week 2 was 180 degrees different than the first. I got a handle on the ingredients I can use, and I found some saving graces - like homemade olive oil mayonnaise. And avocados. And Lara Bars. And cinnamon. It is a whole new world. My energy level is more consistent, and I'm better at not feeling like I am starving all the time. I still have a long way to go, though. Over the weekend, Jacob and I

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-53519671111101754012011-02-07T14:43:00.003-05:002011-02-08T09:25:34.567-05:00

Since starting this crazy ass food challenge, others posed many a-question to me about why I am doing it and why certain food items are "forbidden". In response to why I am doing this, I'll refer you back to my original post that kicked off the start of The Whole30. I preface my response to the second question by saying "I didn't make the rules, I just needed structure." I stumbled upon The

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-2485903276898947192011-02-07T11:54:00.000-05:002011-02-07T11:54:37.289-05:00

Well, last week was a grumpy week. I am off sugar and on a steap learning curve. I am learning a whole new way of preparing and cooking a whole new set of ingredients. I'm using more dishes in the kitchen that ever before. Hell, I'm using more pots and pans than ever before. I'm using the OVEN on weeknights, and not just to make delicious baked goods. Oh Lord, how I miss delicious baked goods. [

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-88665264906269366362011-02-04T11:36:00.001-05:002011-02-04T11:37:13.640-05:00

"Pride is the downward drag of all things into an easy solemnity. Seriousness is not a virtue. It would be heresy, but a much more sensible heresy, to say that seriousness is a vice. It is really a natural trend or lapse into taking one’s self gravely, because it is the easiest thing to do. It is much easier to write a good Times leading article than a good joke in Punch. For solemnity flows out

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-47253024441904280872011-02-03T13:17:00.000-05:002011-02-03T13:17:46.400-05:00

So I went through some major sugar withdrawal over Days 2 and 3 of this food challenge/experiment. For serious. I was crank....y. Super crank. And super whiny in my head (and I am SURE out loud). Nothing satisfied me. Oh how fun for everyone. Not even the cats were spared. I don't think it helped that I kept trying to eat those damn leftovers from Monday night's recipe of chicken, celery, onions

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-22253205641770518902011-02-01T22:00:00.002-05:002011-04-22T13:31:59.761-04:00

Oh, today I just wanted cheese. Or bread. Or cheese. Or Wheat Thins. And yet, I am not hungry. The craving is all mental. And I'm a little grumpy because of it. Plus, my partner-in-crime won't be home until the 11th. That just puts me at baseline grumpy. I tried to cheer myself up by enjoying the sunset at Ft. De Soto. That worked for a bit, but I fear I might have cheesy, bready, crackery dreams

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-71513252492401607752011-01-31T23:05:00.000-05:002011-01-31T23:05:53.994-05:00

I gotta say, although Day 1 was not without minor challenges (I totally craved something, anything sweet), I do think I buy into this whole clean eating thing! During my boot camp workout, I didn't feel the same fatigue, soreness, and struggles that I usually do. Don't get me wrong, it was still a tough workout, it just didn't feel as mentally or physically draining as it did before. Maybe there

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-58078442822483318712011-01-30T15:32:00.000-05:002011-01-30T15:32:14.124-05:00

So the food challenge begins tomorrow -- Monday morning. And lasts for 30 days. In preparation, I cleaned out all of my cupboards and my refrigerator today. A full bag of trash resulted. Half-eaten boxes of pasta, leftover boxes of crackers, and cereal -- gone. Out of fridge went leftover wine, creamer, old yogurt. Regardless of whether I am doing a food challenge, this exercise made it

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-49686380616035649132011-01-28T15:40:00.001-05:002011-01-28T16:30:55.747-05:00

Most of you know that I run to eat. That's been my motto since I first started training for my first (and only) marathon because let's face it, melted cheese, beer, and Combos are phenomenal. Lately, though, I think that might not be the best motto. Maybe one of the reasons I never see stellar run times, or improvement in my run times, is because I do not eat to run. In other words, my fitness

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-20488795951396098912010-12-27T17:07:00.000-05:002010-12-27T17:07:49.096-05:00

Yet again, this year bestowed upon me many blessings amidst a busy year of travel and change.  God blessed me with another year of health and employment.  My friends showed me strength and resiliency, especially my dear Pink Warrior.  My family showed me unconditional love and support, even when planning a wedding.  My fiance showed me grace, strength, and patience and he continues to show me

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-65339723591034868372010-12-08T10:11:00.001-05:002011-01-28T16:31:50.017-05:00

"Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays."Ralph

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-14310313085945699822010-11-15T14:32:00.003-05:002010-11-15T15:17:26.830-05:00

I rarely entreat you, my fair readers, to give to cause and when I do, it is usually for a cause close to my heart or the heart of a friend. As my friends, your heart is my heart and my heart is yours. Just a few months ago Rotary International gave me many gifts - the trip of a lifetime, amazing new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the generosity of the human spirit. The service

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-56482320265104380972010-11-02T20:30:00.008-04:002011-01-28T16:39:34.314-05:00

For all the times I caught connecting flights in Atlanta, I never once had enough time to venture outside the airport and into the city. Fortunately, Jacob had a job recruitment fair to go to the first weekend of October, and he had an old buddy from his hometown living there willing to put us freeloaders up for a couple of nights. We drove up I-75 on a Friday night to where Jacob's buddy and

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-42886548373395135252010-09-09T08:08:00.004-04:002011-01-28T16:40:42.016-05:00

Well, I gave my recommendations for casual dining already. Now, its time to get dolled up and take out that woman or man that tickles your fancy. Here are my picks for a great romantic night out or a night out with friends! Cafe Alma - 260 1st Ave S I always forget Café Alma is there, and I when I go I wonder why I can’t remember it! The food is tasty, the prices are great (especially at

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-64696388181559943682010-08-26T11:03:00.008-04:002011-01-28T16:58:31.588-05:00

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, or positions expressed in the following are mine and mine alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of any entity, organization, or agency. This summer, I went to Oil Spill Response Camp. My job required and continues to require me to advocate for the needs of threatened and endangered species at the Deepwater Horizon Houma Incident

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-78525555714436586622010-08-08T12:37:00.004-04:002010-08-08T14:18:06.992-04:00

Yesterday, while shopping for wedding dresses (HOLY canoli!), my Mom and friend brought up (again) the need for me to write a guide to eating one's way around St. Petersburg. After 4 1/2 years living, working, and eating in this fine Sunshine City, I have quite the backlog of recommendations for my friends and family. With the upcoming nuptial event luring in many out-of-town guests, I figured

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-6517151881043317852010-06-23T22:16:00.004-04:002010-06-24T08:48:16.060-04:00

I love how blogger always loads my photos in reverse order. Anyway, below are just a few of the shots I took during my time in Brazil. There are many more on the blog my Team Leader, Doug, coordinated. The link for that is included in the sidebar to the right. I encourage you to look through and read through that blog for many more details!The iconic tree of Curitiba.Iguazu Falls. See the

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-84188058085560371902010-06-11T10:15:00.004-04:002010-06-11T13:22:29.091-04:00

I'm just home from Brazil, and my how things simultaneously change and stay the same. I'll let you read about and see photos from my team's adventures with Rotary International in our blog here. I think we (especially team leader extraordinaire, Doug) did a pretty good job of capturing the highlights. I'll post some more of my own photos once my new MacBook Pro arrives!!People keep asking us

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-40922633436279221952010-04-22T16:44:00.003-04:002010-04-22T17:23:53.610-04:00

So, BIG news. BIG updates! I haven't mentioned the following on here before now because well, they were just too BIG! Let's start with the BIG international delight...Back in October, November, December? I found I passed muster and was selected as a team member for Rotary International's Group Study Exchange Program. Two of my good friends are alumni of this amazing program. The GSE program

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-5048943482602285012010-03-19T15:42:00.002-04:002010-03-19T15:49:27.258-04:00

As you know, if you've been faithfully reading my blog AT ALL (of course you have, right?!?), I ran a crazy-ass team relay across the State of Florida this past November 2009. Many of you kind readers generously donated to our cause -- The Kenya Education Fund. Well, the final tally is in, and below are the results of all our fundraising efforts. I will let Daphne's email do the talking:Hi All

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-63290413239225826302010-03-19T09:20:00.004-04:002010-03-19T15:41:58.468-04:00

This post is a little overdue, but I'm sure you all know by now I'm not very timely with my posts. At the end of February I flew North to visit my friend Amanda. You met her in this post, and you know where she lives from this post. Because I only had 24 hours to experience Chicago during my last trip in August, I went back for the full treatment!As soon as I landed, Amanda and I were on the

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-83565049819959740742010-02-24T13:23:00.003-05:002010-02-24T13:44:57.274-05:00

I'm sitting in my office today and I am in a funk, with a capital "F". My job has got me down. I'm uninspired. I have writer's block. The task is too much. It's too hard. I'm not interested in my project.B. S. Excuses! I am procrastinating and my attitude about things that I have no power to change is piss poor. During my struggle to find the wherewithal to get back on track in the

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-71254948161691820152010-01-31T12:46:00.006-05:002010-01-31T13:30:12.013-05:00

Y'all, we done saved the best for our last day of freedom before work began for the week. Kelly and I headed down to The Cup Cafe at The Hotel Congress for the breakfast we missed out on over the weekend. The floor is made of pennies, and there are empty wine bottle chandeliers decorating the ceiling. Breakfast was good, but I have to say, rather unremarkable. Maybe I needed a good hike in

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-22971866688852704402010-01-28T22:46:00.007-05:002010-01-29T00:11:59.641-05:00

Sunday. By far the best day in The 'Son. Even with an early AM wake-up call from Gaston, the volunteer guide at Catalina State Park...Gaston warned me the evening before that the guided hike he leads was tentative, and subject to change because of participation, weather, etc. As of Saturday, there were enough participants, but the road leading into the park had washed out because of all the

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-32377177773020619032010-01-27T23:39:00.006-05:002010-01-28T00:22:55.046-05:00

Morning. Mountain time. Saturday. Kelly and I are ready to hit the town. Find out what this place is all about. I was in Phoenix last January ('09) for a more athletic diversion, and here I am in Tucson -- ready to gallivant, without the sweat.We hit a local farmer's market, and score a couple of yummy finds. Kelly gets some spiced up teas from a vendor, and we both take advantage of a 4

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-80647292188642708782010-01-27T23:14:00.004-05:002010-01-27T23:38:48.431-05:00

So there we were, Kelly and I. Out West early before a work-sanctioned workshop. In the Tucson airport via Dallas-Ft. Worth. A seemless cross-country flight. No babies crying. No real turbulence. No aggressive seatmates hogging the armrest. And rain. In the desert. RAIN. Where are we? Apparently, we missed the hurricane-force gusts of wind the previous night -- with threats of

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-5539334452582279962010-01-25T23:50:00.004-05:002010-01-25T23:58:53.926-05:00

More to come...later. In the meantime, enjoy some sneak peeks!

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-89243459415688566962009-12-24T11:31:00.004-05:002009-12-24T11:45:05.054-05:00

My dear friend said 2009 would be the year of joy. She was somehow clairvoyant. 2009 graced me with many blessings. Those many moments of joy would not have been possible without all of you -- my amazing friends and family that inspire me daily. I hope the holidays find all of you counting your own blessings. I count you among mine, and I hope that 2010 beings much more laughter than tears,

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-49249330352429811172009-11-22T20:07:00.023-05:002009-11-25T11:06:25.439-05:00

Well, hello there!! Here it is, a few days after completing the Ragnar Relay -- Florida Edition, and I can say confidently that I would do it all again. It was, in two words, freaking amazing! I'll do my best to capture the highlights of how it all went down, at least from the perspective of Van 1...Hold on to your hats, kids!Friday, November 207 AMHere it is: game time. At Daphne's house,

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-7825386361750927622009-11-19T15:25:00.003-05:002009-11-19T15:56:04.410-05:00

Hi y'all. I am FREAKING. OUT. Tonight we load up the relay vans, in preparation for the Ragnar Relay - Florida edition. Tomorrow morning at 10 AM, Team Twisted Blister hits the road running. We start in Tarpon Springs, FL and finish in Daytona, FL, a distance of 203 miles. I will run a total of 13.6 miles over the course of 3 legs and about 30 hours. Part of my anxiety stems from the fact

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-41888172284205610052009-11-15T19:30:00.003-05:002009-11-18T13:13:46.513-05:00

Food. It is what makes my world go round. More precisely, it is what connects my world. It nourishes, it excites. For the 4th year running, I had my annual potluck fall food fest. It started in 2006 as a housewarming where I unveiled my hand-decorated wood kitchen table to a group of five close girlfriends. My kitchen table has the words "To eat, and to drink, and to be merry" scripted around its

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-74722960087015481732009-11-08T17:29:00.004-05:002009-12-02T14:12:14.308-05:00

Sometimes, I have the best job in the world. Because the fall U.S. Coral Task Force Meeting is always in one of the jurisdictions (i.e., NOT D.C.), I was in Puerto Rico last week. To me, attending this meeting is always a double-edged sword -- I get to go on an all-expense-paid trip to an exotic locale, buuuut I have to listen to the same sh*t, different day. Basically, it's two days of people

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-87534028767023732142009-10-23T11:01:00.003-04:002009-10-23T11:34:39.297-04:00

So I’m totally procrastinating on a GREAT many things by updating my blog, but goodness, it is just so much more exciting recapping these last few weeks! And I feel like life is whooooshing by, without even the slightest chance of recognizing just how great it is RIGHT NOW. The wheel in the sky keeps on turning, and it will be my turn to experience some of life’s rain clouds eventually, so I

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-66629104454392800722009-10-15T12:44:00.003-04:002009-10-15T12:51:00.596-04:00

Let me tell you about one of the best concert experiences of my life. U2 is my favorite band. I developed an unhealthy obsession with them in 1996. I know, I’m a late bloomer. The band had been around for over 15 years by then. If I had been more involved in the music scene at age 8, I would have loved them at Joshua Tree, just like the rest of America. Regardless, U2 was probably my first

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-31819717244095797812009-10-14T16:30:00.010-04:002009-10-14T17:05:38.877-04:00

Despite a somber beginning, my trip to the Oregon Coast with Jacob and his parents was wonderful. And, as if the Pacific Northwest sensed my cynicism regarding the weather, the clouds parted and the sun shone the entire trip. I don’t know how a soul could not be rejuvenated by, among other great things, snow-capped mountain vistas, craggy coastlines, crashing waves, and…cheese. Day 1On

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-58817004822518864392009-09-29T14:14:00.008-04:002009-10-23T09:46:51.690-04:00

In about a month and a half, I will be running across the state with the help of 11 teammates. Team Twisted Blister, as we call ourselves, will relay across the state for not only the pure challenge of completing 191 miles as a team, but also for a really fantastic cause -- EDUCATION. My teammate, and good friend, began donating to The Kenya Education Fund (KEF) several years ago after

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-72921134645319013872009-09-02T16:51:00.002-04:002009-09-03T09:10:20.736-04:00

Well, last week it was my turn. After spending much of the year ringing in the next decade for many good friends, I turned 30. I reached 30? I made it to 30? I think it's a pretty big deal, even though I already can purchase cigarettes, alcohol, and porn as well as drive and rent a car. And now, I can finally achieve my dream of running for Senate. With the passing of Ted Kennedy, someone

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-19665189745711806892009-09-02T15:58:00.016-04:002009-09-03T09:49:21.728-04:00

Road trips ROCK. I love them. Mom and Dad probably just read that statement and passed out. Road trips as a youngster in the Chevy Impala -- not so fun. For them, or for my two brothers and me squished in the back seat. Maybe because those early road trips were so....um, memorable (??)...road trips now are so fun. Sure the wheels just keep on turnin', but the rest stops, the conversations,

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-24684313548833815532009-09-02T14:14:00.014-04:002009-09-03T09:49:38.033-04:00

Again, I meant to post this earlier, but August really got a away from me. I'm playing catch up now.Back in early August, I got a chance to play with the cool kids on Lake Seminole, which is right here in Pinellas County. After picking up supplies (subs, drinks) and gassing up the boat, we loaded into the boat and motored away from the ramp. The lake is pretty big, as lakes outside of Finger

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-15139025398873691152009-08-11T21:11:00.007-04:002009-09-03T09:50:01.318-04:00

Last month, after a year away from my heart's true home, I returned to the 1000 Islands in Northern NY. Yet again, it was a quick and dirty trip that should have been for more than just an extended weekend. Unfortunately, I haven't earned enough vacation time from work to give the St. Lawrence River a suitable chunk of my time. Regardless, US Airways got me to Syracuse in record time; a

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-90819077443448390722009-08-11T19:59:00.012-04:002009-09-03T09:50:24.879-04:00

I meant to make this post back in June. Clearly, it just didn't happen. Now, I've got some time, and I'm making up for it! Enjoy this post, as well as the next couple of ones to come...Another friend turns 30. Thank God they are all doing it before me!! It softens the blow, and kind of lulls me into thinking I am already 30. I've got a couple months more to go before I hit that milestone (

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-65869904328845295002009-06-05T17:12:00.004-04:002009-09-03T09:51:20.244-04:00

Impulsively, I felt May needed to be kicked off in style, so I headed on up to Brooklyn to visit with Brother and Wife. This impulse nicely coincided with the momentous occasion of my dear old friend's 30th Birthday. I'm never really in need of a reason to celebrate, but a birthday works nicely, don't you think. As per usual, I landed at JFK late, late, late on Friday night, which shall we

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-18527416125649378582009-06-05T16:50:00.004-04:002009-09-03T09:51:43.719-04:00

At the end of April, it's time to camp again! This time, across the state, close to New Smyrna/Daytona Beaches. I took a half day from work, picked up Jacob, and we made our way to the campground, just outside Deland, FL, where we met up with Kathryn, Marti, and Leo. Hontoon Island State Park is unique. You load up a ferry (i.e., pontoon boat) with all your camping gear. The ferry takes you

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-83311295041815885702009-01-23T16:01:00.004-05:002009-09-03T09:52:13.749-04:00

Sometimes (well, frequently), I surprise myself. I found out in the last few months that I AM a runner. Heading into my fourth year of active "training," I find that I want to run, even if I am not shooting for a specific event. Before, I never would have admitted that I liked logging long miles, other than enjoying the shock value of stating I ran double digit miles. Maybe I actually enjoy

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-26839697799074515022009-01-23T15:22:00.003-05:002009-09-03T09:48:04.285-04:00

Christmas is one of my most favorite of seasons. The carols, the colors, the decorations, and the food all energize me as I decide how to show all my favorite people that I love them, miss them, and think of them more than they can know - whether through gifts, cards, or visits. Each year since my parents moved from the DC-metro area, Christmas is a travel adventure for the whole family. One

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-50747974027993592742009-01-10T12:17:00.003-05:002009-09-03T09:52:50.488-04:00

Work sent me to NCTC again in December during the week preceding Christmas. In preparation for the trip, and the resulting time crunch upon my holiday to-do list, I spent much the lead-up week writing Christmas cards, baking cookies, and reveling. I think perhaps, in hindsight, I may have done too much reveling. On the morning of my flight to Virginia, US Airways called to notify me of a

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-3561294699904546862008-12-02T19:21:00.005-05:002009-09-03T09:53:25.239-04:00

I should be working on my Christmas cards right now, but my thoughts keep drifting back to the Bahamas. Maybe it is because I still feel like I am rocking, ever so slightly, on the deck of Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas. Yep, the day after cornish hens, dessert, and a movie on Turkey Day, I headed over to Port Canaveral to embark on a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas. My first cruise ever,

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-77813574805047823972008-10-24T17:38:00.001-04:002009-09-03T09:53:51.241-04:00

So my compadres Jaime, Kathryn, and Kathryn's 4-year-old son, Leo, and I headed out to Hillsborough River State Park on Sunday the 12th. It was one helluva a beautiful day, and the car was packed to the hilt with our supplies: tents, cooking equipment, food, drink, clothes, sleeping gear, and toys. Too bad Kathryn and I forgot to eat breakfast. Good thing we are never more than a stone's throw

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-48221811691687898042008-09-27T14:47:00.006-04:002009-09-03T09:54:21.512-04:00

Ft. Desoto is a beautiful spit of land at the south end of Pinellas County, Florida, and it is one of my most favorite places in St. Pete. When I first moved to St. Pete, North Beach was a place where I could mentally sort things out, while I walked the shoreline at sunset. It is amazing to watch the clouds move over the land, out towards the Gulf of Mexico.Because of the beauty of the beaches,

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-3057632618849837012008-08-20T15:50:00.005-04:002009-09-03T10:14:38.249-04:00

I haven't stepped foot in an airport, or driven farther than 50 miles from home, since returning home to Florida on July 17th. So why am I posting on my (travel) blog? Well, not all travel is international, or even interstate. Sometimes, the voyage takes place without going anywhere -- not even out your front door. To be honest, it does feel a little strange not to be fervently packing and

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-27506687728416746852008-07-28T20:38:00.005-04:002009-09-03T10:15:07.134-04:00

After a week of coral research overload and hob-knobbing, I flew towards my most favorite place in the world - The 1000 Islands of the St. Lawrence River in Northern NY. For a few days I was living on River time in my true hometown with good friends and my family. My parents rented a fantastic cottage with a huge screened-in porch overlooking the main U.S. shipping channel on the south side of

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-37452005418521528282008-07-21T16:32:00.004-04:002009-09-03T10:15:47.951-04:00

Immediately after a weekend of Key-razy fun with the gals down in the Florida Keys, I headed up to Ft. Lauderdale for the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS). This was one of the largest conferences I have ever attended and there were scientists, natural resource managers, and policy-makers from all over the world crawling all over the Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center. About 2,500 of

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-11926962485378352032008-07-17T19:42:00.009-04:002009-09-03T10:16:25.793-04:00

If you're going to do the Florida Keys, you might as well make sure that the trip is in your face! Thus, make sure you have matching beverage cups and t-shirts, copious amounts of alcohol, and the appropriate flotation devices. Oh, and also make sure you go with a bunch of fun-loving gals...with no-less-than-perfect nicknames. The Righteous Hottie, The Captain, The Other One, The One, The Task

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-51133186152563630112008-06-27T18:18:00.003-04:002009-09-03T10:17:02.619-04:00

I've been home now for a week and Peru feels like another lifetime ago, as if it never happened or as if it happened to someone else. This blog has been a Godsend, in that it has kept Peru closer to my heart and mind, but I've slid so easily back into the old routine - coffee, bagels, work, TV.When I described my Inca Trail experience to my friend, she asked if I would ever do something like

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-49611744140664720232008-06-27T18:06:00.005-04:002009-09-03T10:17:32.174-04:00

We leisurely awoke on Friday morning (THANK goodness!!) and made our way downstairs to a complimentary breakfast of bread, butter, jam, scrambled eggs with ham, tea, juice, and fresh fruit. And by "we," I mean Amanda, Tami, and me. The boys couldn't be bothered with breakfast. Check out wasn't until 11, so we took our sweet time getting organized, packed, and showered. For me, I wanted to

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-31576230032646546312008-06-26T21:15:00.007-04:002009-09-03T10:17:58.510-04:00

Thursday morning, we all awoke early once more. [Honestly, I wonder...Who goes on vacation, only to wake up early a majority of the days?? Don't most people go on vacation to relax and sleep in? I really think I need to re-examine my time-off priorities or get my head examined....] Amanda, Tami, and I faced the ice cold toilet seat of our private bath and struggled into fresh clothes before

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-48404172686862795352008-06-26T20:34:00.013-04:002009-09-03T10:18:41.265-04:00

Amanda asked the agent at All Ways Travel which place, if she left this country having to see only one thing in or around Puno, to see, which would it be...He replied, of course, the islands of Lake TI-TI-CA-CA (I hope you said it with me, just for fun) and the Inca fertility temple of Chucuito (Chew-kwee-toe). So, on Wednesday afternoon, after a leisurely wake-up (FINALLY) and a lunch of

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-89143469215371966792008-06-25T19:28:00.005-04:002009-09-03T10:19:23.950-04:00

Puno is at 12,421 feet - about 2,000 feet higher than Cusco and about 1,300 feet lower than Dead Woman's Pass on the Inca Trail. This is the highest that we'll spend any significant amount of time. Puno has far fewer turistas than bustling Cusco, but it is much louder. The drivers here honk at ANYTHING that moves. The diesel in the air makes me cough. Our first order of business upon arrival

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-14534111299823955902008-06-25T19:18:00.005-04:002009-09-03T10:19:49.733-04:00

A morning sleep-in after the Inca Trail WOULD have been nice; however, we busy people have places to go and people to see. We hailed a taxi to take us to one of the many Cusco bus stations at 7 AM. Six soles and 15 minutes later, ta dah! We're there. Check us all out as we hang at the bus station:The Tour Peru bus that took us to Puno had to be the nicest bus I have ever been on in my life.

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-60794371163597994982008-06-25T19:07:00.003-04:002009-09-03T10:20:12.196-04:00

Tami and I decended down from Machu Picchu around 12:30 PM and arrived at the SAS Travel Hostal Viajeros around 1. We took a moment to drop our packs and drink some water. I took another moment to change into flip flops and clean out my rented pack. All my belongings went into a huge rice bag. I was happy to see that pack go, as it meant I was that much closer to seeing my travel backpack in

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-55925731610132102932008-06-24T19:55:00.006-04:002008-06-24T21:40:50.014-04:00

I don't know that words or photos can really capture the wonder that this place induces. We arrived at Machu Picchu at 7:45 AM and I'm so tired and sore (such a broken record I am) that there is not quite the impact I expect upon arrival at this place. cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QXfFD2EMKW4/SGGKIJwzm0I/AAAAAAAAAI4/7oMKZ8KLnvk/s400/Peru08+178.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-78711167540682650042008-06-24T18:00:00.012-04:002009-09-03T10:24:59.758-04:00

Orientation the night before hitting the trail did not do much to prepare me for this trek through the rugged Andes. Yeah, yeah, we got it...altitude sickness...take it easy...Blah blah blah. Let's get hiking. Of course, it would have helped a whole lot if the morning of the trek did NOT start with me sleeping through my wristwatch alarm. I spent from 2 AM to 4 AM fighting off a severe

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-39685241895618238312008-06-23T19:53:00.006-04:002009-09-03T10:25:40.450-04:00

I ventured my first cup of caffeine on Day 2 in Cusco - a delicious cafe con leche made in what look like a small patisserie where Amanda, Tami, and I also had apple (manzana) croissants. I keep wondering how the locals really live and where they shop and eat, as there are turistas crawling ALL OVER this town. I would find out later in the day that the locals all shop and eat at the local

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-21918820361716099582008-06-23T18:22:00.008-04:002009-09-03T10:26:15.435-04:00

Cusco is amazing and so much quieter than Lima. Far fewer car horns, and the sound of the rubber tires of the toy-car-sized taxis on the brick-lined streets of Cusco is like little children running (without the laughter or screams, because we heard children running down the streets to school during the early morning hours). There are turistas (tourists) and stray dogs EVERYWHERE [I guess

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-37369562474509430442008-06-23T17:53:00.005-04:002009-09-03T10:26:42.666-04:00

3 AM is always so much more exciting when you stay up until then (like the Brits, who were still playing cards), not as a wake-up hour! Larry, Ryan, Tami and I woke to the sound of my wristwatch. [This trip was the first time I wore a wristwatch 24/7 since about 4 years ago, when I cast off watches in favor (??) of laptops, cell phones, dashboards, and wall clocks. Who needs a watch when

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-70835095907140424672008-06-22T12:55:00.009-04:002009-09-03T10:27:13.984-04:00

Larry, Ryan, Tami, and I tried to sleep in, despite the noise of Lima's traffic. Lima was so quiet and bare in the early morning hours that the noise and bumper-to-bumper traffic is a surprise. As the four of us sat down to a complimentary breakfast of bread, butter, tea, and instant coffee, we tried to decide on our game plan for the day. Tami offered up the National Archeology Museum and

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-3341298832497193562008-06-22T12:26:00.003-04:002009-09-03T10:27:36.356-04:00

Getting to Peru starts with a flight to Miami. Then, a flight to Panama City, Panama. Ryan and I made it to Panama City without delay and met up with Larry. Larry boarded the flight to Lima, but as Ryan and I went to check-in for our seat assignments, the desk agent told us there were no seats for us. However, stand-by passengers were getting on. This is what I had feared for our trip -

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-83630372587186536792008-06-02T16:04:00.003-04:002009-09-03T10:28:11.433-04:00

This past weekend, I headed across the state to Miami to celebrate a dear friend's birthday. Driving to Miami from St. Pete always kind of blows monkey chunks because of traffic issues in the Ft. Myers-Naples area and, of course, in Miami. I'm partially to blame because a) I leave on Fridays, usually, around 3 and hit rush hour in those areas; b) I'm an impatient mo-fo; and 3) I don't earn

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-73429666938625441522008-05-25T16:53:00.006-04:002009-09-03T10:30:05.597-04:00

For once, a work trip that allowed enough time to see the host location! My recent week (is 4 days equal to a week?) in Gloucester, MA was not only worthwhile at the work level, it was a great reminder of my love for New England. A field trip on Wednesday morning, led all us fisheries nerds to Whole Foods' Pigeon Cove seafood processing plant. Action at the plant was a little slow because in

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-63260529848534980982008-05-15T19:15:00.003-04:002009-09-03T10:29:11.281-04:00

Could I possibly say "no," when my boss calls me down to his office today and asks, "Can you travel?" My reply had to be "yes," as I had no better excuse than "But, So You Think You Can Dance premiers next week!" (I LOVE So You Think You Can Dance, and I am deeply concerned about missing the season premier next Thursday. I can see you rolling your eyes, and well, I don't care. My love for

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-62222212192485048442008-05-05T14:38:00.005-04:002009-09-03T10:29:44.143-04:00

Today was my first day back in the office after spending all of last week at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's (FWS) National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. I went there to learn everything there is to know about species recovery planning and implementation. Any species listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) must have a recovery

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656623006733812582.post-41810263861891705462008-04-18T17:15:00.001-04:002009-09-03T10:31:29.526-04:00

I'm startin' this shizz up because I head out to PERU in approximately 52 days. Right now, my mission is OPERATION: List Making & Foraging. I'm gettin' prepped for the big trip by taking inventory of what I've got and what I need. Fortunately, my "To Buy" list is manageable because my good peeps have preceded me (i.e., I know quite a few people that will loan me quite a few of the things I need).

Sunbakedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090040328439160800noreply@blogger.com0