Californication

Despite the extenuating circumstances (sick mom, sick self, missing the trip to Italy), I couldn't resist seeing my boy so Friday I skipped out of work a little early and got the last seat on the 4pm out to LAX. One movie (Dan in real life) and one Real Simple cover to cover later I landed on the left coast for the first time.

The greater LA area is apparently the land that the turn of the century forgot, as evidenced by the many roller skates, roller blades, skate boards, ska tattoos and many other things forgotten since the 90s.

They also didn't get the memo that it's winter, which made it a nice weekend for walking on the beach, dipping our feet in the super cold Pacific water, and swimming in the heated pool.

I suppose if he has to live far away, the beach is not a bad choice, given my feelings for the ocean. So far the jury is still out on LA, but spending a weekend with my boy? Priceless.

The goodbye? It hurt this time. I guess I got an up close reminder of what I'm missing every day of the week. As Rory said, there's nothing good about a goodbye.

Non-rev chronicles, continued

My non-reving karma must be completely gone. Aaron finally made it to New York while Danny and I ended up in Atlanta. We couldn't get to LGA that night, so we went home just to try again the next day. Our luggage went, though.

Sunday morning the flight was pretty booked. Due to re-booking by some not so bright TYS ladies, we were no longer listed together. We told the guy we were in a party, but that didin't prevent him from cancelling and clearning one or the other a couple of times. Finally he just tells danny to get on the plane and find his own seat.

I end up in first class, which is great since daddy d owes me, but I'm sitting next to possibly the most disgusting person on the planet. Dressed and smelling like a bum, this guy obviously had a cold since he insisted on loudly snorting back his snot despite my donation of my entire pack of tissues to him. Not only that, but at one point he begins to cough, spits up his bagel, wipes it off and eats it again. Classy.

The way back was no better. This time both of us were in steerage, and I was sitting next to a nice oal captain until the most enormous black man I've ever seen squeezes himself down the aisle with his wife to the back of the 757. He won't fit in the seat, so much so that when the armrests are down the best he can do is sit on top of them. His wife ends up in the window, him the middle and me on the aisle, armrest-less. This guy proves to be just as enormous of a jackass as he is in size, from telling the flight attendents how to do their jobs, complaining about having to hold his breathe that the seat is too small, and pulling the racism card on several subjects. Not only that, but he tries to impress by sharing all of his aerospace knowledge, including wake turbulence and shear ("man, did you feel that wind shear?") His poor wife wasn't feeling well, evidently due to "altitude sickness."

I'm pretty sure the airplane didn't fail to pressurize.

I'm glad to be home and in the ATL for a few days.

Non-rev Sucky Experience #1

Danny, Aaron and I are currently sitting in the Knoxville airport. We've been here since 5:30am and it's likely we won't leave until 5:45. 12 hours.

Our 6 am direct flight to la guardia was overweight, so they left us off. Since then, between some great planning by Delta Connection and some awesome shafting by some gate agents, we've missed each flight since. Each flight has been oversold and/or overweight, and when there were two seats the awesome agent Bell offered them to a family (who declined) but refused to give them to us. No rewards points from me are coming her way.

The 545 flight is wide open, which will put us into LaGuardia at 12am. And to bed at around 1 or 1:30. After we got up at 4:30 to catch our wide open, overweight flight.

I blame CRJs. And Wendy Boone. And the best gate agent ever.

Ny, Ny... I'm trying!

The Motherland

I have returned from the Motherland. The trip was rushed, I didn't even get a chance to visit my hometown or any of the numerous Jesuses that Brasil is so famous for. I did however get to use my portuguese, eat til I was sick, enjoy those foods that I miss and meet family and friends that I adored.

I was sad to leave and I can't wait to go back.

Carnival here I come!

Inagural International Non-rev Attempt: Mission Accomplished

The ticket guy in the employe service center confirmed that we would be in business class, but I still didn't want to count my chickens, considering how unlucky I tend to be. Upon arrival I checked the ship number and sure enough, it was one of mine. Funny... I somewhat remembered that tail number for some reason. Some research told me that this was the plane that diverted last week for oil loss. Goody. At least it was fixed! Anyway, off we went in seat 1F and 1G. Everyone was right. There's no other way to go.

I was a little emotional. All that work, all that time busting my ass. Never an idea that it would lead to flying first class for free to visit my family for the first time in two decades. Life is good.

We were handed champagne when we sat down, we had a five course meal complete with a menu, wine, a linen table cloth for the tray table, real china and silverware, linen napkins and even our own personal salt and pepper shakers. And you're given a little travel kit with eye shades, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion and chapstick. So, following many glasses of champagne, red wine and port, I passed out (fully reclined, no less) in the middle of Hairspray.

I awoke over cloudy Brasil. I didn't see a thing until final approach. A little trip to the duty free shops and the acquisition of some cubans for boy and we were on our way. 5 hours, some traffic and a lot of ghetto later we arrived in the town that most of my family lives in, called Pouso Alegre. Following a massive lunch with some friends of my Grandma, we went to my great grandma's house to say hello. Four generations of the women in my family, sitting there all together. That was something else, even though she's not completely lucid.

A nap and dinner with my great uncle and aunt finished out the day. Now this whole time difference and not sleeping thing is catching up to me, so it's bedtime.

I'm still investigating that whole toilet flushing backwards thing. Thanks to boy for the reminder. And it seems that every town features a "big Jesus," aka a large "Cristo Redentor" statue. I still want to see the real one, though.

And back comes my native language...

Return to the Motherland

Today I embark on my first international attempt at non-reving (slang for using those flight benefits.) And, most appropriately, my inagural trip will be my long awaited return to the motherland south of the equator.

I'm looking forward to it in ways and not in others. I get to meet family and hopefully learn more about myself. It will be quick, and I have to return to work just 1.5 hours after we land Monday morning. I'll only get to see little Jesus, not big ass Jesus. Not to mention that my travel companion and I tend to butt heads a lot. Good thing my next therapy session is Tuesday morning.

Perhaps I will remember things that I have forgotten. Perhaps my portuguese will come rushing back to me. Perhaps I'll acquire an obscene amount of coffee.

Mission: Shenanigans in the Bahamas - Accomplished

Friday

In true Danny and Livia traveling style, we cut it pretty close at the airport. To commemorate our Denver trip, we at breakfast at the same place with the late hash browns. Only, this time they weren't late, but our plane was, so we were fine.

Most eventful flight of my life. Seats so small even I felt cramped, which has only happened in a Cessna 152 before. Screaming kids all around. The one behind me keeps reaching behind the seat and kicking the back of my seat. I become irritated. Danny's irritated cause the kids two rows behind are screaming like the plane ride is a rollercoaster. The guy in the row in front of him is in the aisle, and I think what the hell is this guy doing? Then I see him pull out a box, it's a ring. How romantic, to propose on the no-frills low budget airline. But then I see the ring... after that thing, I could see why he might need to save money.

We make our way onto the Royal Caribbean charter and head to the port. Immediately I can tell this ship is nicer than the Carnival one. After a semi-long check-in process, we're on the boat. We immediately buy drinks in flashy cups. Then comes our first lunch, then pool time... with a bucket of beer. We "muster" - nautical language for practicing in case all hell breaks loose. Even this is more organized than the other cruise line. Back up to the deck to watch us pull out. Nothing like the wind in your hair, sun on your face and a drink in hand. Ahhh... vacation.

That night includes dinner with 2 old couples, some comedy, some drinking, some partying, some midnight snacks. Some gambling... this is not a real casino. Danny loses.

Saturday

The people next door are loud. I get up early for breakfast. Danny is not happy about this, but goes with me since he is such a good sport. We change and head up to the deck again. Mango tango in hand, we pull into Nassau. This is better than the time before, no rising at the ass crack of dawn to see the harbor. Not only that, but it's a beautiful clear day.

We go snorkeling. We pick the excursion with the free rum punch at the end. It becomes overcast, there is a storm over Nassau. Evidently God does not want me to be a snorkler. I stay in the water much longer. Fish are gross. Danny is amused that I keep asking him to make them go away. Eventually my approach is not to look, then I won't know if the fish are touching me. On the way back in, the skies clear up.

We wander around Nassau. Danny buys cigars out of a (fake) coach purse at the back of the straw market. I buy a fake coach purse. We're on the hunt for cheap liquor. I succeed in sneaking 1 bottle of rum up to our room, despite being caught.

Naptime, then formal dinner. Meat and wine. More drinking, wandering around. Shooting stars. Latin dancing. Getting down in the "disco" to the crappy dj. My judgement is impaired: I dance to one of those stupid line dances. We go back to the room and exact revenge on the loud people next door.

Sunday

Stupid people next door are loud again. Why does breakfast have to be earlier every day? I go by myself. We can see the parasailing out our window. We take the 'tender' over to Cococay. There is a drunk man, he keeps repeating GO GATORS! Hmm... must be related to Stewart. Floating on mats with a beer in hand... that's paradise.

Parasailing... one of the coolest things I have ever done. They almost don't let us go because of a thunderstorm and reported water spouts. We are the last people on our time to go. Luck is on our side. It's quiet up there, peaceful. Rough landing. Back to the ship.

Naptime, then dinner time, then losing $100 at craps. But I roll for the first time. No beginners luck here. A little dancing, a little wandering, a little more dancing, then an "early" night. It's hard to party hard every day.

Monday

I'm tired from my vacation. Breakfast is too early. I'm sad to leave the boat. Our bill comes, along with a heart attack. Long lines to disembark... I'm tired of people. Too early at the airport... again in true Livia and Danny traveling style. I finish Life of Pi. And start another. Finally, a small seat back to Atlanta.

Back to Reality

Tomorrow morning I return to reality. I haven't been to the lab to work in almost two weeks (although, I did work on travel) and I can't say that I've missed it. In fact, returning from Colorado I was actually really sad and am even moreso now that I have to return to reality. Maybe it'll always be this way in life, or maybe it really says something about how unhappy I am with the status quo. April, however, should mark some changes or at least a slow down with contract work so hopefully I won't be too overloaded.

Past few weeks recap: fun birthday times, unfun trip to DC for work again, fun St Patty's day (although I regret not racing that day), and then one of the best trips ever out to Colorado for some skiing (more details about that later), and winning the beerfest beer pong tournament for Will's birthday. Good times.

Ice Ice Baby

The lovely person I am sitting next to just informed me that I haven't updated. So there.

D.C. so far: very icy and too much working but now yeungling, should've brought my snow boots, cold!, yay for watching the daily show, boo for watching grey's anatomy

upcoming: shopping, sightseeing, partying

Something New

I have a ticket to this year's Nascar race at Talladega. I'm really excited... it's been described to me (and confirmed by pictures) as a "Redneck Mardi Gras." I've never been to Mardi Gras, or a redneck event for that matter, so it should be interesting.

It's time like these when I see how much I've changed over the past few years. Or, at least my perspective of things has.

Recap

Thursday: Flight to CT delayed for 3 hours, but there's snow on the ground when we land! I am astounded by my own patience. Not everyone was content to be sitting in the airport and waiting for so long. I enjoyed the time to myself.

Friday: The North... there are yankees and no sweet tea but this seems balanced by the abundance of microbrewerys. Everytime we pass a bar or pub we yell out "beer!" It's good to spend time with people who really know you. Successul outlet shopping excursion, quick view of Long Island Sound, beer and Pride and Prejudice round out a great day.

Saturday: Cold like I've never been cold before. The Mohegan Sun casino... the most extravagant place I've seen besides Atlantis in the Bahamas. Sad that I am too poor and too scared to play the table games, but probably good since I already lost so much at the slot machines. Casino buffets really are that good.

Sunday: Skiing! I was surprised that I was able to still do it... sorta. Still needs some brushing up. I can't wait to go again. Seeing 3 female engineers trying to learn to ski was possibly one of the funniest experiences of my life. Wish I had time to take a shower before my flight back. Saying goodbye was sadder than I thought. Back around 930... still no on-time flight.

Monday: Slept from 1-330am (ok, so the late bedtime was my own fault, but totally worth it). Back to the airport at 5 for my 630am flight to D.C. This flight is also late... because of snow in D.C.! Beautiful landing at Reagan with a view of the Capitol. The cold doesn't seem so cold after Hartford. All day meeting, then too many beers at the bar with the boss lady and a tipsy ride back to Atlanta. Sad to be so close to seeing my soulmate yet so far! Back at 8pm, the first of my 4 delta flights that is close to being on time... I should go to bed, but I go watch indoor soccer instead.

Tuesday: After doubling the amount of sleep I've gotten since Saturday night (but still only getting not even 6 hours), I can't remember for the life of me why I've set my alarm for 5:45am. Oh yeah... I have a 7am meeting. This new leadership role seems like it's going well. First I make coffee, then get donuts, then make more coffee, then find I'm paid less than a person who is now technically lower on the totem pole. I remember why I don't want to stay there.

I'm glad to be home.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Tonight I fly to Hartford, Connecticut to visit one of my best, longest friends from undergrad, Sarah. It will be my first trip on a jet since 2004 and my first trip alone in quite some time.

I'm excited to see her and to travel. I'm hoping to get to go skiing, to the casino and definitely hoping for snow! I'm a little sad to miss the weekend here but I know I'll feel better when I get up there.

Weekend

Awesome weekend. Despite the football team's suckage.

Flying (I miss it!), extremely shady hotel, and lots of alcohol... very memorable.

pictures. :-)