I'm Employed...

Hi bloggers...does anyone read this anymore? I am no longer hittin' the road...I got a job. I am now employed and start officially tomorrow. I am excited! Not much new to report other than that. I finally got internet and cable in my home (I have been spending a lot of time at my parent's house using their services) so my life is now complete here. Sad isn't it...TV and a computer are the final touches to a new life. But it is true. Simple pleasures.

Now...in keeping with the theme of the blog...I have already started contemplating my next adventure. I get 7 vacation days in 2009. Since funds will be low this year as I have depleted most of my money...I won't be going anyplace to exotic. That is ok by me seeing as how 4 of the places I went in India were recently bombed by people trying specifically to kill Americans...I tihnk this year will be simple. Maybe a few days in Puerto Rico. Maybe just a simple trip to Mexico. We will have to see what unfolds in the months to come.

On my last day before my new job begins and I have officially landed in Ohio...I have to reflect a bit. I will always look back on 2008 fondly and remember that 2008 was the year I quit a life I was not happy with and gave myself the gift of peace of mind. It wasn't easy. But it was 100% worth it. I haven't been happier in years.

Lisa

Hey Kids

Again...sorry for not posting in ages...lately, I have been decorating my new apartment since my stuff FINALLY arrived from Cali. My new apartment is so nice. I have a dishwasher and a washer and dryer in the apartment. I swear, after living in a shithole in LA for so long...I feel like I am living in a mansion. It has vaulted ceilings too. And a balcony. People here don't get my excitement. But Darren and Laura in LA get it. It is only 679 a month too. Funny.

I have had some job interviews. I really liked the lady I met with today and Wednesday I have a second interview at the County for asst. prosecutor. Thinks good thoughts for me kids. Momma needs a job.

I had a birthday party Saturday night...we had a lot of fun and my friend Shawna puked off the side of a deck. It was great.

Robert...where have you been? I miss you. Email me soon so we can catch up or if you have time...give me a call.

More later...lov y'all, lis

Hi Bloggers...sorry for the slow roll here...

Well...listen...the name of the game since I left LA has been that Lisa has been sick...first I caught the Delhi Belly then Sept 1 I caught this flu type crap that still has be sick...ugh...I think I am still processing my break from LA...maybe not...who knows...anyway...Robert...are you still out there reading my blog?

So...I have been hanging a lot with my friend Tony's kids...they love me and I get to play Autn lsa...Tuesday I am going to grandparent's day with Emma at her school...Tony has 5 kids so there weren't enough grandparents to man everyone...Emma's my girl so we will have a very good time. What else...sorry but life without a job has been a little boring...OH well we did have a hurricane hit Ohio and we haven't had electricity since Sunday - thank god my father is so handy and we run a generator most of the time. That has thrown a wrench into everything.

I will report after Tuesday...and maybe before...Sat evening I am going out with my girlfriend Jane and Jane and I have been known to get into some shenanigans together so if anytihng exciting happens I will certainly report. Much love, lis

Really?????????? Come on Conn!

So I totally scared my mid-west friends last night by telling them my LA dating stories...I shared too much:) Anyway - tomorrow is the big canoe trip then a BBQ. Should be fun. After that...it is get a job and figure stuff out for good!

Shout out to Thel

Thel...I think you are the only one still reading this thing.

Tonight I went to the Brew Ha Ha to watch my friend Dan do stand-up comedy. Was fun but I got about 20 more mosquito bites than I already had. Tonight I also emailed Antonio Camelo...I haven't emailed him in ages and decided to give him a shout out as well (friend I made in Brazil). Not much else to report. My life is kinda boring nowadays. Will spice up soon enough I am sure.

Tune In

Tune in time to time for more entries...I think I am headed to Florida in September so I will have stories and posts from that and I will have a post regarding the annual canoe trip ver labor day weekend.

For now...I am studying Ohio Codes...helped my Dad make and can pickles...helping with things here...walking my puppies...and going to the YMCA to exercise a lot. I am enjoying the summer with my parents and really having a nice time here in Ohio. Moving home was a really good move for me. I am glad I came back and am much happier. Email me soon...love you all, lis

I'm gonna make it

Feeling better...seems to have left me. Had a great weekend...Sat Rhonda was in town and we went to dinner with ehr friend Amy and her parents, Thel and Boyd. We had more fun at dinner than I've had in a while. What a hoot. Then yesterday I went to my parents' friends' home for dinner and met a judge in Dayton. Very nice. He gave me some tips on Federal Jobs. Today I am sending more resumes then going to the YMCA to exercise. Oh yes, and Gorm and I took Emmitt out walking yesterday for an hour on the Loveland Bike Trail. Good weekend.
Robert...are you in trial? I miss your comments...and you too of course...email me soon and let me know you are well

F U India

Still have the intestine thing...I have started taking antibiotics to see if it will kill the parasite in my intestines...if you ever go to India - please remember not to eat

India shows Lisa who is 'da boss

I STILL have the Delhi belly...it has been days now...ugh

Still have the Delhi Belly

that's what they call it over there when you get sick from their parasite infested water and food - and I still got it

More pics

Here are some of my pics - yes that is an ox inside a store. They roll a little different over there:)

More Sheri pics

my pics will come tomorrow...this is the ceremony at the Ganges River in Varanasi - they worship this river in Hindu practice...

Some of Sheri's pictures

A few pics of the Taj...of Sheri and I

with bindi's...of a camel...see next blog entry

Back in US

Delta ended up flying out at 2:30 to make up for the cancelled flight and I flew home - first class again god bless Bridgette - and am now back at the doubletree in the big apple - will be in Cincy tomorrow. Ah...it feels good to be home. I have some more interesting things to report on...and will do later as i have some time to process...but one interesting thing was that the Eurpoeans we met...and the Indian TV I saw...always reported about the Indian or European polls on whether Obama or McCain will be President. So people in other countries take polls on how they would vote on our presidential race if they could vote here...pretty interesting huh...would we ever take time to poll Americans on who they would vote on in the election for the British Prime Minister? I think not...it is not our business.

Adventure...now we're cookin'

SO we left Varanasi today after going with Virmal our guide to a few more telples...he loved us...me especially...did I mention I'm a hit here...if I ever get hard up for a husband I know where to look...anyway...so we flew to Delhi then on to Mumbai. THe plan was simple...the driver takes me to the International airport then Sheri to the hotel as she flies out tomorrow. The car of course broke down as we were at the intersection of the airport entrance. After some mulling...we decided Sheri would wait for a cab and I would grab my shit and haul ass on foot. I ran to the terminal only to find my flight cancelled. I tried to get a taxi...but as it turns out...no taxi's at the departure terminal...finally I looked like I was going to cry and a man helped me get into a tihng - I don't know what it is...some car looking thing and he took me to the hotel...oh did you think I went straight there...no...it broke down first and he changed a flat while 30 men gathered around me and then we got lost and then I made it to the hotel. I think I am stuck here for afew more days which is fine as I had planned on staying a while anyway...and frankly...I need a day to recover before going back to the airport...you have no idea how insane it is here...more later.

I made Sheri laugh til she cried this morning

SO as if last night wasn't enough...this morning we were at the front desk by 5 a.m. as we were told to do so by our guide Vimal (best guide so far). We showed up and he looked concerned...we were supposed to take a boat ride on the ganges to watch the morning worship as the sun was rising...but b/c of monsoon...no boats are allowed...to make matters worse...there was a monsoon outside. The part of me that has all the sense told me to go back to the room...go back to bed...we don't care anymore...but the other side took over...I put on a rain jacket...and away we went to trek thru the poop (people, cow, pig, monkey, etc) in our flip flops to see the ganges ritual and then on to the next ghat to see the creamations. I had my back pack (which is now ruined) and again, I got completely drenched from head to toe...somehow...my dear sister didnt get so wet...mainly b/c she got the unbrella and I had to wear the rain jacket...it turns out an unbrella is a better bet. The creamation place was creepy and we did inhale some ashes of burned dead bodies...we went back to the hotel and basically laughed until we peed at the hell like adventure we were on. Our poor guide...he just wants us to like it here so bad...I appreciate and respect it here...but this is not fun...however...one glorious thing has happened...I am no longer feeling burnt out on being a lawyer...bring on a job...

more later, lis

Varanasi

Today we left Jaipur (and psycho...did I mention he had taken a shine to me...the men here look at us like they just saw their first trans am) today, psycho dropped us at the airport then we flew back to Delhi then on to Varanasi. When we arrived at the airport...there was a parade b/c apparently a Bollywood star was on our flight. The airport was small and completely run down. It reminded me of flying into Belize a bit. Our driver and guide met us. We have a lovely guide...and he had his work cut out for him little did he know.

So we went to the hotel, dropped our crap, then were off to see the ceremony...putting the Ganges to bed. B/c it is monsoon...people had to cramp into tiny tiny places...it was scroching hot and almost full humidity. I sweated through my clothes and luckily for the men of Varanasi...I had a white shirt on so everyone got a free show thanks to me. We then walked back thru the INSANE crazy, wildly crowded dangerous streets back to our car. I almost had a panic attack. India is more than I had bargained for. There was an ox in the sari store...don't worry...I got a pic and will post upon return home. I am trying to fly home tomorrow night but the loads look bad as you all know I fly standby so i might be stuck in Bombay a few more days...shit...I told my sister I was gonig to hang an American Flag outside the house when I return...she laughed but shared my sentiment. There are too many freakin' people in this damn country. Oh...I also forgot to mention people piss anywhere and drop their pants and shit on the side of the road...seen many a bare ass.

Leaving Jaipur today

I am feeling better and woke up starving today which is a good sign that whatever was going on in my intestines is gone. I ate a large breakfast and soon we will leave to the airport. Today we fly back to Delhi then on to Varanasi - the holy city. This is the place where they creamte their dead in public and wash their sins in teh Ganges. Wish us luck.

Jaipur - the pink city

So far - Jaipur has been my favorite city. Today Sheri went site seeing a bit without me as I was feeling ill (finally got Delhi belly as they call it), then she picked me up...we saw a few sites, then shopped. India has many precious gemstones and you can buy nice jewelry here at a much better price than in the US. After we bought some jewelry...we went to a textile factory and she bought some wraps and I bought a purse and a pillow case cover. Tomorrow we fly back to Delhi...then to Varanasi. Varanasi is supposed to be the hardest city for travelling...so you can imagine I am thrilled. lol

More later, lis

Taj Mahal

Yesterday - we left our hotel with our psycho driver and our lovely wonderful tour guide Khan for a trip to the Taj Mahal. It was breathtaking and something that a picture can't capture or words cannot describe. I think you have to see it with your eyes to get it. Very grand.

After...we sadly left our tour guide and our psychotic driver drove us 6 hours to Jaipur. We almost died at least 10 times. I really hate our driver...getting back to that later. Along the way...we saw cmale, monkeys, goats, cows, peacocks...all kinds of stuff...and the poverty is like nothing I have ever seen in all my life...I could not have dreamed it up to be that bad.

Something i find strange here is that men walk hand in hand and arm in arm kind of like young girls do in Europe (no it is not b/c they are gay). We arrived in Jaipur and are staying at the Jai Mahal Palace...it is AMAZING...it is a real palace that was converted into a hotel. Tonigth we are getting spa treatments and today we are gonig to the Amber Fort. Tomorrow we fly to Varanasi.

Jaipur is my favorite city in India so far. It is a nice mix of old and new.

I have never really been all that patriotic I guess...but I'm pretty happy to be an American right about now.

Much love, lis

Agra

We flew from Mumbai to Delhi yesterday - landing at 6 ish - and were greeted by a lady who Sheri's friend's father in law knows...???...but she has arranged for us a driver and a tour guide and flights and fancy hotels...??? And we haven't even paid her. I thought that was odd...but going with it. So we drove almost 6 hours...again at mass speeds, with no rules from Delhi to Agra in a cracker jack box with a driver who speaks no English. We stayed last night at the JayPee Palace. It is crazy nice and marble everywhere. Today we are going to the Taj Mahal then being driven by same crazy driver 6 hours to Jaipur. We will be there 2 nights then fly to Varanasi then fly back to Mumbai to come home.

I like the northern part of the country better than Mumbai...but still...I was just not prepared for the poverty. I THOUGHT I had been to impoverished nations before...but...I was wrong I think. It is such an odd line to be drawn between wealth and poverty...and I had heard that about India...but to see it is insane. Literally the hotel we are at is pretty much carved out of marble...but people live in a tarp 300 feet away?

I cannot stress enough that the driving here is unreal...plus our driver has a bit of a road rage problem and tried to start a few fights along the way...then we got stopped for taxes somewhere late late at night and we were left alone in the car when the driver appeared to go into the trees to pay a wierd tax while we were guarded by some little dude who frankly I could have taken...I think this is my last adventure vaca for a while...Mimi - it is th carribean for a few years from here on out.

Again - let's hope the Taj Mahal - the inspiration of the trip - is worth all this. lis

Sheri is en route

I have gotten an email and my sister is arriving in the morning. This is good as I am ready to leave Bombay - I did meet and make friends with a young kiwi entrepreneur late last night as I was eating Italian food for dinner at my hotel at 3:00 a.m. (I told you it is like Lost in Translation...I can't for the life of me get my days and nights worked out). So far the only American brand I have seen here is Baskin Robbins...which I know...is an odd thing to have made it here...have not seen coke or McDonalds which usually pop up everywhere...odd. My hotel doesn't have coke at all...which I find interesting. The other thing that is odd is the Hindi hip hop (and rap) on TV here - I am rather entertained by it. More later, Lisa

Where to begin

Well...today was interesting. Today I booked a tour of Bombay with my ultra fancy hotel so I expected it to be a good one. A black car arrvied at 10:00 a.m. My driver/tour guide showed up with a smile. As such, I understood him to be happy...that was the last accurate communication we had the entire day. First, I asked if he was my tour guide or was he taking me to a tour..."Yes." So I thought I was going to meet a larger tour. I asked again, he said "no english." Hmm I thought...how could this be. He called his boss on the cell phone...his boss told me that my tour guide was new. I decided to go with it.

The first rule about driving in Bombay is that there are no rules. I have taken cabs in many many a destination and have myself driven a cracker jack box from Barcelona to Nice (along with Gorm and brandy) ...but what went down today will be hard to describe in a way that you will get what actually happened. My "tour guide" and I were driving 3 hours fast and straight in a cracker jack box at high speeds mere inches (and I DO MEAN INCHES) away from bikes, pedestrians, cars, arms hanging outside of cars, cows, goats, chickens, buildings, motorbikes, CHILDREN etc etc. I saw people riding 2 and 3 year olds behind them on motorbikes with nothing holding them on there and no helmets (obviously). Bikes and people and everything whizzed to and fro, as did the cars. There are no lines on the road to tell where traffic going east vs. west should be on the road. It was mass chaos. When I arrived back at the hotel (early b/c I cut the tour short...in fact, after 45 minutes I told the driver to take me back to the hotel but he didn't understand me until I asked about 5 times) I had a severe stress headache. How can a culture that is so rigid in so many ways be so frivilous in this manner??

The tour consisted of us driving at high speeds past something?, my driver pointing his left hand and saying who knows what, me looking, and having no clue where really to look and what I was seeing. I only got 3 pictures b/c there was literally no time for snapping a photo we were going so fast. Oh well, at least there was air conditioning.

And about that. I'm apologize India...but it is too freaking hot here for all the clothes you folks wear...

My friend Chandu (he and his wife live in Hyderbad) called today. He said I will like other parts of India better than Bombay. Let's hope so. He said India places no value on human life b/c there is such a large population. I could see that today when cars literally would not even think about braking when a child would step in front of their car. It was like frogger on acid.

I feel like Bill Murray in Lost in Translation with the whole jetlag thing. Oh well...it is an experience.

I have no idea what I am going to do tomorrow but I assure you...whatever it is...I will get there by foot.

Jetlag

Well, despite the fact that I slept 8 hours on the flight here...I am now jetlagged. Yesterday, I walked around. The humidity was harsh so I went back to my room to cool off...which turned into a 5 hour nap...which in turn led to zero sleep last night. I finally got out of bed at 6:30 a.m. to have breakfast. I have a tour scheduled at 10:00 a.m. so hopefully I can stay awake all day today and get into the swing of things tonight. I will report back today after my tour of Mumbai...

I'm Here I'm Here I'm Here

First of all...Bridgette saved my life. Well, that may be dramatic but I travelled for 24 hours to get here and I arrived refreshed. I got to fly first class...my seat made a full bed...I had my own pod so I didn't have to sit next to anyone...my seat was a massager seat so I got a back rub the whole way...I got really great toiletries...2 pillows...thick comfy blanket...the bathroom was huge with a hardwood floor???????????...the meals were great...I had my own TV and I watched a full season of sex and the city...then thanks to my sister, I took an Ambien and passed out and woke up refreshed and in Bombay (Mumbai really). The hotel sent a car to get me...I made it straight here...and all is well. The hotel is really nice. I am getting acclamated and am setting mysel up for a tour tomorrow. Today I am going shopping at a palce recomended to me by my flight attendant who runs this flight from JFK regularly.

Sheri arrives Sunday. Will report more later. India is unlike anytihng I have ever seen before...and I have been a few places. lis

Packing Goddess

I packed for my 3 week trip and got it all to fit into one bookbag sized backpack. I rock.

Leaving for India Tomorrow

Yeah!!...I leave tomorrow for India. I have prepared as best I can for what I will encounter. I have cotton and linen clothes, a personal fan, a mister, gold bond powder, tons of prescription and over the counter drugs, and cereal bars b/c I don't plan on eating while I am there...will post pics as I can but do tune in as there should be some good ones and some good stories. My sister is flying in to meet me this weekend so I will be a few nights alone in the beginning and end of the trip. Also, I found a house to rent not too far from my parents. I am waiting to hear if I actually get it but if I do it will be really nice as it is a newer house, a fenced in back yard and right next door to my friend Tara and her family. Thins good thoughts that I will get a job when I return...until then, stay tuned fo pictures and blogging from India.

Much love, lis

PS - this is how Emmitt rolls in Ohio - god bless my Mom she loves to ride around on the John Deer tractor - and Emmitt likes to ride behind her neck in the car like he does with me.

India

India has been postponed for one week from leaving today until next Tuesday because my uncle died...I wanted to go to the funeral so I decided to leave one week later. So look for posts next week.

Nice to be home

Yesterday I hung out with my cousin Joe and met his in-laws...very nice people. Is nice to be close in proximity to my parents again too. Today I am dealing with switching insurance etc. and tomorrow I have my moral fitness interview with the Ohio Bar...:) Let's hope I pass. After that, I am headed south to KY to see my auntie Ruth. She is in her 80's but still a spit fire so we should have some fun pics and I will report on what we do. Lisa

Indy then Cincy...I'm home

I left Galesburg, Illinois and made it to Dona and Brad's house in Indy around 4:45 p.m. Was SOOO nice to see them...we had pork chops and veggie kabobs for dinner. I was going to spend the night but I got itchin' to see my pup so I motored on home last night and made it about 12:15 a.m. Emmitt was thrilled to see me and hasn't let me leave his sight today. I added some more goodbye pics (Shirley, Lindy, and Kelly) and a pictures of Dona fixing the veggies and I think I got the hello pic of Emmitt and my Dad up.

So the blog is not ending just b/c I am back. I am going this coming week to see my 83 year old Aunt Ruth in Kentucky...then July 8 I leave with my sister for India...so stay tuned and keep the comments coming.

If anyone wants me to email them the entire photo albumn from the trip let me know and I will. We had a thunder storm tonight. Was nice. I missed storms. LA was warm and sunny almost every day...which believe it or not...gets old to someone who was used to 4 seasons and interesting weather.

Many thanks to all the people who hosted me along the way. It was very kind of you and I loved seeing you all. It feels good to be home. And to all my cali friends...as soon as I get set up in a place to live and get settled....I EXPECT a visit so I can show you some of our nice mid-west hospitality. Robert and Richard...you must come to Ohio and Barbie and I will take you antiquing...she loved the Antiquies Road Show email (Robert...remember you met her in your office once.)

Call me anytime I am keeping the same cell and stay tuned for more to come. Lis

PS - that is the hillbilly gas station where I got gas in Minnesota when I almost ran out b/c I was talking to Mimi too long.

Illinois

So today I left South Dakota and drove through Minnesota, Iowa, and am now in Galesburg, Illinois (no place you want to be.) MN and Iowa are truely one big corn field. I will be at Dona's house tomorrow afternoon. For those of you who are TLC fans my friend Dona and her husband Brad were on trading spaces (does anyone remember when Doug put the foot on the wall of the couple's house where the wife didn't like feet?...that was Dona.) Anyway, the best western only had the honeymoon suite left b/c there are so many army corp of engineer folks here due to the flooding (I saw some of it) so I will be honeymooning tonight (will report tomorrow what the Best Western honeymoon suite looks like.) More later, lis

South Dakota...eeeehhh....ok?

See below...I got the buffalo pic up from Yellowstone. So this morning I left Wyoming and headed east toward South Dakota. I made an approxiamte 100 mile detour to see Devil's Tower...then stopped in Sturgis (where they have the annual motorcycle rally every August) for coffee...then went to Mt. Rushmore where it proceeded to rain cats and dogs...then hailed. I did see a mountain goat climb a rocky hillside (picture above) which almost made it worth it. Mt. Rushmore can be seen in pictures...no need for you guys to visit. Trust me.

Then I drove 7 hours through South Dakota. It was full of deer and cow and not much else. Nothing and I mean nothing is here. I would shoot myself if I lived here. I am spending the night in Mitchell, South Dakota (home of the corn palace) then headed toward Indy to Dona Schnelle's house. I would like to make it tomorrow but it is 12.5 hours away...we'll see how much stamina I have tomorrow. Can't wait to see Dona then to get home and see my little Emmitt puppy. More later and keep the comments coming I love them. Robert...you have been my best commenting blogger...when do you start trial? What case? Is it Prather?

So.........all in all, my opinion so far is that Jackson Hole, WY has been an excellent find. Yellowstone and the Tetons are AWESOME, and Wyoming in general has been a pleasant surprise for me. Miss you all, lis

Yellowstone and Wyoming.

So, Friday I drove into Yellowstone through the Teton National Park. I stayed alone Friday night at Lake Yellowstone Hotel. I saw the falls, and old faithful while I was there, along with tons of wildlife. Buffalo, two bears, a wolf, elk, a raven, a golden eagle, and another baby moose. I saw 2 baby buffalo also.

Saturday I met up with my friend John Mueller and his wife. We camped overnight at Norris campground in the park. I was afraid of the animals. As it turns out, I should be. About 20 minutes after we lied down in our tent, a buffalo came snorting around our tent. He did a circle around our tent. I was up almost all night.

When I woke up the next morning, John and his wife were on a hike. I grabbed my camera, and purse, unzipped the tent and stepped out. I was face to face with a buffalo. I gently walked backward then took a picture once I was at a safe distance to prove this frightful event in fact took place. Then all the people in campground who were watching the buffalo (there were in fact 3 by my tent) came to talk to me to see if I was frightened. Hell yes I was scared.

I left Yellowstone and headed east in Wyoming toward Mt. Rushmore. I drove through the ??? mountain range and then on to Cody. I stopped at Cody to watch a PowWow with the Plain Valley Indians (it was neat but a little freaky at the same time...all those cowboy and Indian movies made me feel like I was going to be attacked when they screamed eeiiiyiiiyiiiyiii...a little anyway.)

Then I drove through the Big Horns. I saw over 100 deer...darting to and fro. I almost hit 6 of them but more were in the road. Add that to the fact that I am petrified of heights and pretty much I need a valuum (still was a pretty drive though). At a hotel in Sheridan, Wyoming now. I am tired. Gonna eat then go to bed.

Went down the snake river on a raft

WOOW I had fun today. Woke and and did some minor hiking along the river...then went on a 10 mile raft trip. On the river we had a majestic view of the grand tetons...wow was that unreal. We saw 3 bald eagels, a beaver, a coyote, buffalo, elk, and some ducks on the water.

THEN. As I was driving back to Teton Village thru the Teton Park I saw THREE moose (the plural of moose is moose for those who were wondering). Two of which were a momma and her baby. The baby was SOOOO CUTE. The baby was feet from me and so was the momma. Crazy. Then I ate more buffalo for dinner. Then I went to a bar called the Million Dollar Cowboy...now I am hitting the hay as I am a tired girl. I can't get my pictures online but as soon as I can, I will. I am going to try to tomorrow because I want to delete and make room for my trip to Yellowstone tomorrow. Can't wait to see the park...everyone must come here before they die. I'm having a good time everyone.

Wyoming is my favorite so far

I left Pocatello today and stopped at Idaho Falls. Saw the falls and had a cup of coffee as I sat by the snake river at the falls. Then I headed east to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. That drive was something to see. I took the scenic route through the mountains rather than the highway. It was breathtaking.

I thought the Alps were pretty....the Tetons kick the Alps ass. I think Jackson is so far one of the prettiest places I have seen not in a picture. I am staying at a nice ski lodge two nights. Tonight, I went to the rodeo and watched bull riding, bucking broncos and brl racing...then went for dinner and had the buffalo brisket (was tasty.) Tomorrow I am going to hike then go to the snake river. There is still snow on the mountains and the wildflowers are in bloom. I really like it here...a must see.

Oh, I forgot, I also did a little hiking when I stopped at the south fork of the snake river outside Idaho Falls.

I'm beat...gotta go to sleep...pictures will be coming...I took some pretty ones today in the Tetons.

Pictures are coming....I'm still in Idaho

Yesterday I went hiking in Caribou National Park on the Mink trail with Andy. I saw lavendar butterflies, beautiful wildflowers, a hawk carrying a snake up in the air, and a dead deer carcus on the trail side. Idaho is really pretty and neat. I am glad I came here.

Last night, my friend Angela and I went to Lava, Idaho. Angela and I worked together at my last firm and she recently moved to an Indian reservation on the Idaho/Nevada border. Since I was in the area she came to Pocatello to stay with her Mom and visit while I am here. Last night we saw the hot springs in Lava and went to a ranch. We took a horse drawn wagon ride and had a BBQ with an open pit fire. It was REALLY fun and the retard I am, I forgot my camera. UGH. I was so disappointed but I will remember it in my head.

I think I am headed to Jackson Hole today, although I can't seem to find a hotel room...everything is booked...so plans may change.

Gotta run, Andy is gonna fill my MP3 player for me before I hit the road again. I suggest if you ever have a chance, take a little trip to Idaho.

I'm in Idaho

I got a MUCH later start outta Vegas than I had anticipated (the culprit was my belly against a poker table). I WAS leaving early, then I started playing poker at Santa Fe Station near Many's house and played 6.5 hours...but it was fun. Took off toward Pocatello, Idaho to see friends Angela, and also another friend Andy.

Driving out of Vegas looks like yuck desert to me...BUT...once you pass Mesquite and are on your way to St. George, you go through the Virgin River Gorge...and it is breathtaking. Then St. George Utah, gorgeous. When I moved to Cali I drove through Utah and drove through a different part than I did yesterday. I have always said I hate Utah (I don't like the desert look) but the part of Utah I drove through yesterday made me want to go back!!! Really pretty. I finally made it to Andy's place at 2:30 in the morning and I must say, my as is too old to be driving that long and late. But that was the longest planned drive of the trip.

Thanks to Lindy, Kathy, Darren, and others for calling me along the way. Again, still enjoying my random music treats...yesterday I caught "another one bites the dust" and Ms. Jackson if you're nasty.

Angela and I are going to a wagon ride tonight. I am excited for it. Miss you all!!

Planet Unicorn..heyyyyyyyyyyyy

So last night at my 'last night in LA' drinks we were chattin''bout planet unicorn (search it on you tube if you have never seen it...it is a must see) and I have had the theme song in my head all day. I arrived in Vegas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah. At my friend Mandy's place from law school. I showed her planet unicorn and she didn't think it was as funny as I do...:) It grows on you.

Anyway.

The drive was quick and easy. Driving from LA to Vegas is always cool because you catch all kinds of bizarre radio stations along the way. You never know what songs you'll hear and you are guaranteed to hear something you forgot ever existed...I was most excited about Devil went down to Georgia and Paradise City (Guns & Roses). The sunset over the desert mountains was pretty even though I must admit...I am not a dsert lover. The highlight of the day however was when my friend Rhonda called me and said "Lisa...I am in a moment I thought you would appreciate...I am in an orange bridesmaid's dress holding a parasol." Lord have mercy.

Going to play poker in the a.m. then head up north on the 15 to Idaho...might stop at the Mesquite gun range on the way outta Nevada...

Darren, miss you!

Packing Sucks..............

Packing sucks but I did get my car serviced for free today so I am grateful. I took it to the Hyundai dealer to have it serviced for my trip. I told Wilmer (car guy) that I was leaving LA and moving to Ohio and that I needed the Tuscon to run right for me. He serviced the car and gave me an oil change and didn't charge me not one cent. It took me almost 10 years to find a nice service worker in LA...go figure. Anywho. Did I mention that packing sucks. Movers come Saturday...I leave Sunday...the blog will officially begin then. Also, more news on India...my sister might be coming for part of the trip with me. She is either going to meet me in India or the Maldives. Will see which one. I have my ticket booked for India...into Mumbai (formerly Bombay) July 8 - out July 30. I will fly down to the Maldives for a few days while I am there. I hear there are lots of dolphins there and one can swim off the beach with dolphins. I will keep you posted if this is true.

Emmitt is good. He has taken to my father and according to both of my parents he doesn't miss me, even a lick. Emmitt and his aunt Sophie (my parent's dog, see photo) play together all day long...he is happy.

Have I mentioned how wonderful Bridgette is for giving me the three roundtrip Delta flights? I tell her everytime we speak that she is making my dreams come true...:)

One week left!!!!

I added a picture from a few weeks ago of my friend Kelly...and also added pics of this past weeks' meetings. Roni, Barb, Miss Ruth, and Kathy Jo are all legal secretary Goddesses!! All have had my back and saved my ass over the years and all dear friends that will be missed. I also had lunch with Carmin and Wes, both former bosses at my previous firm. Hands down my two favorite lawyers in California. The coolest bosses I have ever had and both all around unique and interesting people. I will miss you all.

Hugh/Tom

Had dinner with Hugh/Tom last night...even though I will see him again before I leave...last night was just us without the usual crowd. H/T, I will miss you in a special way. You are very much my brother and have been the single most influential person to me in my adult life. Much love.

WE'RE ON FIRE/MORE GOODBYE'S

So I woke up this morning to helicopters and fire engines...I live within a spit of Universal Studios which apparently caught fire early this morning. When I went outside to find neighbor/gay boyfriend Darren, there was ash EVERYWHERE from the fire. Yuck. I found Darren, who is a slight hypochondriac (don't get mad you know it's true) with an allergy to everything under the sun, hauled up in his bedroom with all doors and windows closed, breathing from his air purifier. He feared the ash and smoke would cause a sinus disaster. We're leaving for the beach in one hour to escape the fumes.

Also, this weekend I got to see and say goodbye to Robert and Richard who I adore(!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and my love bug Matthew. Robert and I worked together and he is the most brilliant attorney and Richard is his partner (and soooo freaking hysterical!) Ask me sometime to tell you his funny American hulahoop rule. And Matthew, my favorite hoosier. I met Matthew when we were co-defense counsel on a case. We were instant friends and after our case was over he invited me to his house for dinner. He's been my gay boyfriend ever since (along with D).

Gotta go to the beach....................................

The Goodbye Dance

Sorry I forgot my camera so I don't have a picture from last night...I have started to do the goodbye rounds...last night I saw some former co-workers/friends...Shirley, Tish and Angela and Angels'a family that were in town for Kendall's graduation. I am really going to miss those girls. Tish was my secretary while at B&G. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Tish b/c she is so cool (and the best part is she has no idea how cool she really is). Shirley is one of my favorite people in life, and Angela is so down to earth and reminds me of friends I have had for years from home. They're just good people.

On another note, one of my girls from home (Bridgette) basically gave me a plane ticket around the world and has made my dreams come true. Bridgette flies for Delta and had some buddy passes left over that she gave me for my trip to India. So now not only can I go to India and fly first class (amen) but I can go someplace else after. I have narrowed it down to either Shanghai (where my friend Dawei lives and I can stay for free) or Cape Town (which doesn't require a visa...I am tired of getting visas). I will decide soon. I am leaning toward Shanghai but I am concerned about not getting in (I have to fly standby on the tickets) b/c of the Olympics. Stay tuned.

I have to share a quote I stole from Angie Gormas...love it "The most visible creatures I know of are those artists whose medium is life itself. The ones who express the impossiible without brush, hammer, clay or guitar. They neither paint nor sculpt - their medium is being. Whatever their presence touches has increased life. They see and don't have to draw. They are the artists of being alive..."

One last unoriginal thought. Five days ago my uncle John was fine. Four days ago he was spitting up blood. Three days ago he was diagnosed with stage 4 brain and lung cancer. We all hear it, we all know it, but it is worth being said once again...life is short. Life is SO FREAKING short and unpredictable...too short to ever be unhappy for a long period of time. Figure out anything that will make you happy and do it.

Emmitt is in the air

Emmitt left Cali today on a jet airplane...my sister took him home since she was headed home to see the fam. I miss him already. Makes it real that I am leaving in a few short weeks. Bizarre.

Leaving LA.....................:)

Hi All, I'll be pullin' out of Toluca Lake June 15th. After quitting work in March, I thought 2 months off would do me well...as it turns out...I need some more time (maybe forever) off from "the law," so I am taking 2 weeks to drive cross country...then I'll be spending July in India. Many thanks to my old friend Hugh/Tom for setting me up with a blog so you can all see my pictures/read my stories along the way!!!! I know for sure I will stop at Yellow Stone and Mt. Rushmore...but the rest I will figure out along the way. Stay tuned for pics of the Taj Mahal in July...I can't wait! Emmitt leaves May 24th (my sister is flying him to Ohio to stay with my parents.) Feel free to leave me messages on this.

"Life is too short to do more than one thing per day that we don't really want to do."

All my best, Lisa Marie