Sparkle & Delight

For me, "moments" occur when I'm completely awestruck at how perfect an aspect of life can be. These moments are fleeting but always have a great impact. I had such a moment last night watching Jack play football. Jack just intercepted the ball and was running with gusto. I was surrounded by cheering fans when it hit me: I have a vast array of awesome friends who add sparkle & delight to my life daily.

My friends come in all shapes and sizes: old & new; rich & poor; black & white; nerdy & sporty; single & married; religious & atheist; goofy & serious. The diverse personalities give each person a glow that shines when we're together.

I love that my friend circle has expanded greatly over time, especially in the last few years. Having a son makes it easy to connect to new people but so does an open mind and positive attitude. I've tried to cast aside preconceived notions and judgmental thoughts so I can be open to the limitless possibilities of the joy waiting to be shared between friends. And, I've been greatly rewarded by the beautiful people that surround me.

Live in the moment and seize every opportunity to spend time with the girls, meet someone new or smile to a stranger as you're walking down the street. Before you know it the sparkle and delight will rain down on you.

Be Happy

Newest title to my book collection: Be Happy.

It's the perfect little addition to my bookshelf. I could've written this little lovely myself but glad I didn't have to go to all that trouble. Favorite quote thus far: "Happiness is not a destination; it's a personal choice." Love it!

Get it. Enjoy it. Revel in all the sunshine.

“I guess that’s why we have insurance.”

The Rockville Football League’s President, Eric Heckman, has a lot to learn about dealing with players, parents and the public. The RFL is supposed to “teach the fundamentals of football and sportsmanship.” Unfortunately under Mr. Heckman’s leadership what they’re teaching is rudeness, lying, and quitting.

This year the RFL is implementing a two tier playing system within each team; an “Army” group for less experienced players and a “Navy” group that’s more competitive. The RFL freely admits that it doesn’t have established criteria for determining which child is placed in which group. The determination is made by each team Head Coach and, supposedly, final approval comes from the child’s parents. When the RFL president doesn’t like the determination, he changes it up to suit his own needs. "Yes, I'm ramming it down your throat," Heckman said at a recent meeting to parents and coaches.

Some larger children that are new to tackle football but have speed ability are being forced to play on Navy teams where the competition includes experienced children who’ve been playing together for three to five years. Parents expressed their concern that children with no playing experience could possibly get hurt. Mr. Heckman’s exact response was, “I guess that’s why we have insurance.” He continued his cavalier attitude by saying, “if you don’t like it, you can quit.”

Wow.

Mr. Heckman mocks parents, literally laughs at them when a concern is voiced, misrepresents the truth, and says he’s not responsible for what his league commissioners are telling the players’ parents.

Our kids just want to play football. They need coaches that will teach them the game while stressing the importance of good sportsmanship both on the field and off. If the top leadership can’t even grasp the idea of sportsmanship how can it be communicated down the ranks?

On paper, the Rockville Football League is supposed to be a recreation league. In reality, it’s an organization whose leader is a bully with a “win at all costs” attitude. The attitude exhibited by the RFL President shows that he does not have the children’s best interests in mind. The RFL is a good product but a change of leadership is sorely needed.

Spread the word

I had a friend tell me she couldn’t make plans to attend a future event because she has a “new man” and didn’t know how things would work out with him. Listen up, ladies! Don’t stop living for some man (or any other person) you may or may not have a future with. Start doing what is best for you. Sure, you should take a special person's feelings into consideration but don’t stop putting yourself first. If you feel like making plans with the girls, make them. If you feel like going on vacation, go. If you feel like wearing that favorite little dress that you know he doesn’t like, wear it anyway. If you love to eat hot-fudge brownie sundaes, eat them. STOP changing to please anyone other than yourself. If “your man” is going to fall for you at least make sure it’s the real you.

Handi-Wipes: Don't Leave Home Without Them

10 reasons to always pack handi-wipes

1. You’ll be caked in rust, grime and sweat after climbing to the top of the Duomo.

2. It will be easier to clean sticky fingers after enjoying a gelato in the piazza.

3. A quick wipe-down will make you feel refreshed after a long plane ride.

4. H1N1 and other disease crazes…need I say more?

5. Quick clothing spot removal.

6. A meal always tastes better on a clean table.

7. Cuts & scrapes can be quickly tended.

8. Day-long walks in sandals leave toes screaming for a scrub down.

9. Cleaning up car sickness is a breeze.

10. They help to keep you cool when your car breaks down on the side of the road.

Attractive and looking for work?

Random thoughts in the wee morning hours:

1. Air Dolomiti is hiring flight attendants. To be considered you must be “attractive” and include both a head shot and full body shot with your resume. Information on a candidate’s height and weight must also be included in the application. I thought we were in 2009, not 1979.

2. It appalls me that tourists are still willing to purchase counterfeit purses and handbags from the streets vendors who carry around the suspect goods in white sheets. Perhaps the tourist should imagine their son/daughter as one of the child laborers who are forced to make these items. Maybe then they would reconsider the purchase.

3. It doesn’t freak me out as much to fly when I’m returning from a destination as when I’m leaving for the vacation.

4. As much as I love Italy, the cities drive me insane. The summer crowds through the noisy streets of Florence and the price gouging for simple things like a piccillo gelato drive me mad.

5. In an Umbrian town at the height of tourist season it’s possible to be the only tourist and the only person speaking English. Wonderful!

6. The bidet: a great device for cleaning one’s feet

7. It should be mandatory for passengers to bathe/shower before boarding a flight.

Lufthansa Bites

July 20, 2009

Shame on you, Lufthansa. You should be appalled are your company’s surprising lack of customer service. A family vacation that started so wonderfully ended so poorly and your airline is only to blame.

Nearly a year ago I made a reservation for my family (my husband, son and I) to fly round-trip between Florence, Italy (FLR) and Washington DC (IAD). Our out-bound flights were no problem. The same cannot be said for the return trip. When I made the reservation, we were scheduled to fly on flight 4079, departing FLR on 7/19 at 6:50 am, with an arrival into Munich at 8:25 am. Our flight to IAD (#414) was scheduled to depart at 9:50 am, with more than enough time to get ourselves and our luggage on the flight.

At some point, Lufthansa changed the itinerary. We were placed on flight 4073, departing at 1:00 with an arrival into Munich at 2:35. Our departure to IAD on flight 414 was now scheduled for 3:15.

Lufthansa made the first mistake by changing our flight to a later one that left us and our luggage limited time to get between flights. The second mistake was made when Lufthansa put us on a flight that departed at the beginning of Italy’s siesta time – 1:00.

On July 19, we checked in two hours early at the Florence, Italy airport for a return trip home. We were first in line, so our luggage clearly had time to make it on the flight. We checked two pieces of luggage, the same number when arrived in Florence two weeks earlier. The check-in attendant was adamant that we check in our carry-on bag because of the weight. Nothing new was in the bag that wasn’t there when we arrived in the city, but she left us with no choice but to comply with her request. So, now we had three checked bags.

The third mistake occurred when the Lufthansa attendant would not let us carry-on luggage that was clearly allowed to be carried on two weeks prior.

We arrived in Munich with 35 minutes to get to our flight back to Washington Dulles. After running through the airport, the plane was delayed due to the arrival of passengers on another flight. We thought this was actually good because it gave us more of a chance to get to our luggage on the plane.

When we arrived at IAD we were told two of the three bags would not arrive until the evening of July 20, 2009 (through Frankfurt!) – that was Lufthansa’s fourth mistake. The fifth Lufthansa mistake was the fact that the third bag never arrived either.

Let’s note here…if the luggage was coming on the Frankfurt flight it’s clear the luggage never made it on the initial flight out of FLR; the same flight we check in for two hours before departure.

We spoke with the attendant at the Lufthansa lost luggage department, who was unhelpful. We still do not know when our bags will actually arrive, where they are and why they were all separated. I asked the attendant for a phone number to the Lufthansa customer service department and she replied, “There isn’t one. You can have to go to the website, send in a request and they’ll get back to you in two or three days.” Two or three DAYS! Clearly, Lufthansa mistakes six and seven.

What kind of airline (or any business, for that matter) has a customer service department that will get back to you in “days”?

I want my luggage and I want it now. I want to be compensated for my time, frustration and aggravation for having to deal with a changed flight, lost luggage, severely lack luster customer service polices, and the cost of replacing items that I now do not have it. Moreover, I want to speak with a customer service representative that can actually help this situation to a successful conclusion.

In Search of the Perfect Sagra

Sagra, or the plural sagre, is a local Italian festival that honors a food (i.e. snails, cihingale, asparagus, artichoke, cheese, bread, pasta, etc.) particular to that region or town. Many times these sagre are held in wide open fields or piazzas in the village center and include music and dancing. The sagra can last a day or sometimes a week or more. The sagra festival is typically advertised locally on posters pasted to old stone walls or stapled to posts along the road. Pratically nothing is written about them in the tour books. There are just a few articles on websites. Overall, the sagra festival remains a mystery to me.

I'll be leaving for Italy in less than a week. I hope to uncover what sounds like an enchanting tradition of local get-togethers. Hopefully I'll have some great experiences to share that will lure you to find your perfect sagra.

Mangia!

Insurance: Worth Every Penny

Today my husband and I picked up our International Drivers Licenses. While you probably won’t be asked if you have one when you pick-up your rental car, it’s prudent to have the license if you get pulled over by the local authorities. The next most important thing to have is car insurance.

Most people find it unnecessary to have a rental car in the cities they visit. But seeing the countryside and visiting remote villages is best done with a car. Many times routes to far flung places are along small roads that are usually only passable by one car at a time. In some countries you’ll need to drive “on the wrong side on the road.” These wonderful back roads are edged with stones walls that add to the ambience of the scenery. Unfortunately these scenic byways are also fraught with hidden hazards.

Once while driving in Ireland I was almost plowed down by a mobile home driven by what must have been a crazed American because his high-speed implied he had some where to go and go there fast. It was either going to be a head-on collision or a side-swipe of a stone wall. I chose the wall. The dents and scratches showed prominently from headlight to taillight.

One year my mother had to pick her car’s bumper up out of someone’s front yard and tie it back on before she returned it to the rental company. This was the same trip where my father backed into a telephone pole in the second car we rented for the vacation.

These memories have remained vivid through the years.

On my first trip to Italy with my husband we rented a car to explore Tuscany. After buckling up, I look at my husband and said frankly, “It’s very likely we’ll have some sort of fender bender before the end of the vacation so I got the insurance. It cost a little extra but, it’s well worth. So when an accident happens you cannot yell at me.” He agreed.

Two hours later outside of Cortona I backed into a stone wall that I didn’t know was there. My husband started to get all huffy and puffy. I cut him off before the first words exited his mouth. Yes, we had the insurance and I was safe from his anger. When we returned the new Mercedes (with only 3,000 miles) I just smiled, handed in the keys, and walked away. Easy-peasy.

You’re probably thinking I come from a family of horrible drivers, but I don’t and we’re not. We’re just people who aren’t use to driving in foreign countries on a daily basis. As such, we get the insurance and get it EVERY TIME. You should too. It can be expensive but not as expensive as having to repair damage or replace a stolen car. Your regular car insurance probably won’t cover any mishaps while your overseas so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Have fun!

Florence: Reading to Get You in the Mood

I woke up this morning after dreaming about Lorenzo de’ Medici. He would be invited to my private dinner of my version of history’s most intriguing figures if the dinner were ever possible. It must have been interesting to have lived in Florence at the height of his reign during the Italian Renaissance, yet terrifying as the Florentines fell under the power of Savonarola after Il Magnifico’s death. My interest in these figures continues to heighten as a devour books that conjure up vivid images of great time in history.

Soon I will be strolling through the streets of Florence, hoping to catch a glimpse of the ghosts that surely must still haunt the shadows of this glorious city. Perhaps I’ll stand at the place in the Duomo under Brunelleschi’s dome where Giuliano de’ Medici was murdered by members of the Pazzi family. Around the corner from our hotel is the Piazza della Signoria, where Savonarola finally met his maker. I’m hoping to hear the walls talk in the few rooms that are open to the public in the Palazzo Medici.

The 11 days until we’re “wheels up” seem like forever. So, I’ll pass the time reading the tall stack of books by my bedside that transport me to Italy in my mind. Here are a few I’ve read. Please let me know if you have any to recommend.

A few good reads:
Signora daVinci by Robin Maxwell is historical fiction of Leonardo daVinci’s mother, Caterina.

April Blood by Lauro Martines tells of the Pazzi Conspiracy to kill Lorenzo and Giuliano Medici.

That Fine Italian Hand by Paul Hoffmann describes the quirkiness of the Italians that others have come to love and enjoy.

Michelin’s ITALY Tourist and Motoring Atlas is ideal for anyone hitting the road. Yes, I read maps. Love them!

Italy Discovery Journal by P.L. Byrne is a travel guide for kids ages 6-16. It suggests places and activities and then allows room for children to write about interesting facts, details about the destination, and what they did where.

Florence by AAA is a “spiral guide” offering the basics for traveling in Florence as well as suggests walking tours around the city. Great maps, pictures, routes and details.

Walking Tall

My son recently graduated into middle school. With his shoulders back and his head held high, Jack walked confidently through the crowd to shake the hand of the principal and headmaster and receive his certificate. His smile was wide when it was announced he received the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, which is given when a student achieves an "A" in every subject for the entire school year. To top it off, he also received the Presidential Award for Athletic Excellence. Hooray for Jack!

The next morning Jack came bounding into my room for our morning snuggle. I told him his accomplishments made me very proud and asked him how he felt. He said, "you know what? I feel older today."

"Really," I replied. "Why?"

After pondering the question he said, "I feel taller." And, he should.

Frank Pepe's Perfect Pizza

This year on our annual mother/son trip to Cape Cop celebrating the end of the school year we decided to make a side trip to a pizzeria we saw highlighted on the Travel Channel. What a treat it was!

It was quite apparent the place was popular since we arrived at Frank Pepe's about 15 minutes before the place opened and a line was already forming. There were people from offices down the street as well as a few out-of-towners like ourselves. When the doors opened we all rushed in to find the best table. Ours was perfect.

Jack and I grabbed a table directly by the counter where we could watch the cooks "throw the dough" and create the pizza we heard so much about. We were perfectly situated to watch the pies go into the wood-burning ovens that have been around since the early 1920's. Out of those ovens came perfectly crusted pizza dripping with all sorts of delicious toppings. My favorite is the pepperoni pizza. Others were enjoying white clam pizza, tomato pies (no mozzarella) with spinach and mushrooms, and chicken and broccoli.

Frank Pepe's is no-fuss, no-frills. It's just about the pizza and it's been that way since it opened on Wooster Street in New Haven's Little Italy in 1925. If you're ever in the area stop in. It's well worth it!

For more information on Frank Pepe's, visit http://www.pepespizzeria.com/.

Gassed Up and Ready to Go

Up until a few years ago when I traveled to Europe I would stay in the larger cities that seemed to top most people's "must-see" lists. When I did see more than the glitz and glamour of places like Rome, Florence, Paris and London, it was through the train window as landscapes flew by in a blur. Then one year I threw caution to the wind and rented a car. Since then I've discovered such stunning beauty both in scenery and people I can't imagine not exploring the road less traveled.

Now, leaving the big city gives me a charge of excitement and anticipation that something new is waiting around the next bend in the road. It could be a postcard view of a poppy field, a family run trattoria with mouth-watering meals that leave me wanting more, or an abandoned ruin begging to be explored. Who knows?

There's a fantastic little roadside restaurant we found several years ago on our way south from Florence to lower Tuscany. The owners didn't speak English and we knew very little Italian but we easily conversed in the language of food. It was fantastic! We laughed; we ate; and, even if only for a short time, we immersed ourselves in the community of this lovely little village. Upon leaving it was as it we were old friends saying goodbye.

We've never been able to find the trattoria again. I can't even remember its name. At least I have the memories of an experience that now seems like a dream.

After hours of weaving in and around flocks of fat, fluffy sheep who use the road as much as people do, my mother and I came across a thrilling find. There, somewhere in the middle of County Kerry, Ireland, we discovered a petite castle partially hidden by age-old trees and over grown foliage.

This amazing piece of history didn't have any signs of life except for wild vines that grew through the windows up through the missing roof and birds which made their home hidden in the branches. It was as if the owners just walked away with their possessions, letting time take over and leaving us to make its first discovery.

Recently my family and I took a Mediterranean cruise. The hustle and bustle of throngs of people and limited time in port left me feeling like I hadn't even visited any countries. When we got to Corfu my husband, son and I loaded ourselves into a car and hit the road. Our reward: scenery I thought only existed on tourist shop postcards. The sea shaded with ten hues of blue was sporadically dotted with yachts, tucked away in secluded coves. We saw soil covered old women carrying pails of freshly picked garden vegetables and herbs. Further down the road we saw a man and woman quietly collecting olives from the netting beneath trees with branches that have seen many hundreds of seasons.

Before our afternoon was over, we stopped and bathed ourselves in the warm sea water. Simply heaven.

We'll embark on another adventure next month. I'm filled with anticipation of new discoveries and experiences that will be gathered from areas that will be new to us. My safety net of maps have been bought but, as usually happens, they'll be cast aside. For I'm sure we'll find a route not found on any map...or at least I hope so.

Let the adventure begin!

Funny how life offers interesting twists and turns. I grew up partly in Chicago and partly in Washington DC. I'd lost contact with many of my Chicago friends but Facebook has brought us back together. As it turns out, one of my Chicago friends I haven't seen in 20 years will be in Italy during my trip this summer. Imagine...not seeing someone for such a long period only to reunite in such a spectacular setting. I can't wait!

Our emails started me thinking about the hotels I've experienced during previous trips, some more memorable than others. Two stand out; one in Florence, the other in Venice.

My favorite Florentine hotel is Hotel Hermitage (www.hermitagehotel.com). Nestled in a quiet little piazza around the corner from the Ponte Vecchio, the hotel offers a central location for exploring Florence. The Uffizi Gallery is just a three minute walk; you can get to the Duomo in ten minutes. There's also a fantastic gelato place about 50 yards from the hotel's front door. Start your day by having breakfast on the terrace overlooking the Arno and roof-topped Florence. The terrace is also a relaxing place to end your day with a glass of wine while recounting the day's exploration. The rooms are comfortable and have their own private baths. And, let's not forget the staff. They are wonderful! I return year-after-year and am greeted by cheerful, helpful people who remember my name and recommend the best restaurants.

In Venice I like to stay at Hotel Flora (www.hotelflora.it). While a little harder to get to, it's worth it! Tucked down a little off-shoot, it's just a few minutes walk from Piazza San Marco (aka St. Mark's Square). Don't worry, the hotel's website offers great detailed directions for finding this little gem. The well-appointed rooms are large and offer private bathrooms. Breakfast is quite a treat. Starting the day with mouth-watering baked goods and fresh orange juice while surrounded by a lovely garden is sure to put a spring in your step. While you're in Venice don't forget to explore the less touristy areas. Walk about 10-15 minutes left outside the hotel and you'll soon find yourself in the Dosordura area of Venice, which is chock-full of great restaurants and quieter streets.

Ciao!

39 Days and Counting

It's been a while since my feet touched Italian soil and I can't wait to get back. My upcoming trip has been in the works for a while but now the real fun begins. The trip no longer seems like a dream that will come to pass in some distant future. It's here now, right at my fingertips which are itching to feel the smooth surface of my plane ticket.

The plans I'm putting into place actually feel they'll happen. As I reserve a cooking class I can smell the fresh cooked pasta and taste mouth-watering garlic roast beast. Yes, I can actually feel the warm breeze of a late afternoon as I sit by the pool eating freshly picked apricots from trees laden with the delicous fruit.

In 39 days my body will be where my mind already resides....Italy.

Five Things Most Travel Books Don't Tell You About Italy

I'm a sucker for travel books. I love the glossy pictures, the stunning photos of medieval hilltop villages, and the mouth-watering images of a table full of fresh made pasta, meat, and vegetables. Just flipping through the pages brings me back to the many trips I've had to Italy and excites me into planning my next adventure.

But I think there's a conspiracy afoot. Nowhere in the pages of these lovely travel guides do I find some basic information that would have made me better prepared when confronted in awkward or difficult situations.

Below are my top five tidbits you may find useful.

1. Scorpioni - Yes, scorpions...and they're abundant in Tuscany. Flat, black and totally creepy, they can be found in cool dark places in the heat of the summer. I've been told it's the smaller ones to watch out for. Their sting packs more of a punch than the big ones.

Don't even get me started about the orange translucent one I almost squashed looking for the light switch one dark night. Freaky!

2. Carry an extra stash of toilet paper. It's extremely hard to find a public restroom in Italy but equally hard, if not impossible, to find accompanying toilet paper up to Charmin standards. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be caught with my pants around my ankles with nothing to do but shake dry. Take the time to head to Target before you leave town and stock on purse size Charmin (found in the travel area of the cosmetics section).

3. If renting a house, ask (!) about crime at the property. Little did we know before our trip began that Villa Serena in Cortona is known as "the house where Americans stay" and had been targeted numerous times for burglary. We only found out after our own burglary investigation that resulted after jewelry went missing. Had we specifically asked the owner about crime we would have found out that the guests who stayed at the property the previous week were robbed of all their money and car in the middle of the night, not to mention all the other burglaries. (P.S. I do NOT recommend http://www.residenzavillaserena.com/)

4. Diet Coke doesn't taste like Diet Coke here in the States. I know, I know...traveling to a different country we should expect things are different from home. But every now and then, when you're hot and tired and all you want to do is gulp down something other than water to give you a burst of energy, going for the Diet Coke will not satisfy. In fact, you might gag. I did. It was quite a jolt to expect the taste of one thing but get another. A tasty safe alternative: Orangina. Water is also a great backup.

5. Don't spend your remaining Euros on the last day. Italy is too stunning a country not to want to come back so don't feel like you have to spend every last Euro on airport crap that you'll never use. Save the Euros. That leftover money will come in handy upon your next arrival any EU country. You'll be prepared to pay for a cab or train ticket from the airport into town without having to pay hefty airport ATM fees.

Kick-back, relax and enjoy your travel guides but remember...there are things worth knowing that aren't being told. And, that's ok. Take the craziness in stride. It will make your trip that more memorable.

Ciao~

Swirly Cones & Sand

I'm not a beach person. Never have been. Never will be. But there's something about the Cape that draws me in. One thing's for sure, I'm going back again this summer and can't wait!

My son, Jack, is ten this year and for the past four years we've been throwing boogie boards, sunscreen, fishing poles, and swimsuits into the car for the 9+ hour trek up north to celebrate the ending of another school year. Two peas in a pod....on our way to join my mother who has opened her house on Cape Cod for the summer.

We didn't start out by thinking, "hey, let's start a new tradition by driving nine hours only to get sunburned and drive home again." Like the calm water lapping at the sand bayside, it just seemed to happen naturally. Now the memories of that first summer are pooled with new ones created each June.

On the Cape, the beginning of June is still considered early season. It can get a bit chilly but we're rewarded by beaches stretching for miles that are only lightly sprinkled with others getting a jump on the season. The dogs can roam freely to discover small crabs and other ocean fauna. In-town traffic flows freely and you can easily get into Mac's without a reservation. You can even take a relaxing stroll over Uncle Tom's Bridge to meander through town and check out the shops without being jostled. Best of all, there's rarely a line to get a chocolate-dipped swirly cone down at the Pier.

We like to spend most of our time in Wellfleet where the beaches are abundant, each with its own personality. I like hanging out bayside where the water is calm and the people are few and far between. (It also limits the expose my ever-expanding backside to the world!) The setting easily allows for seashell hunting and building sandcastles. Oceanside is much different and a favorite for Jack. He loves the roar of the sea. The crashing waves give a thrill to anyone with a boogie board and a little bit of courage.

My mother likes to end her days by taking a pot of steaming clams over to one of the bayside beaches, giving her something to fill her stomach while she watches Mother Nature offer up another one of her stunning sunsets. My husband enjoys walking the miles and miles of endless beach found oceanside.

It was on Cahoon Hollow, an oceanside beach, that Jack caught the largest fish at the beginning of that season. Using a $15 flea market pole and borrowed bait, my little man reeled in 36Lb/32in striped bass! Unbelievable....especially to the "professionals" decked out with the latest gear and gadgets.

Last summer Jack went to his first "drive-in" movie. What a throw-back from the past, not to mention great fun! With the SUV backdoor up, speakers hitched to windows, we enjoyed buttered popcorn and a double-feature under the stars. During the day on weekends, the drive-in hosts the area's largest flea market where deals abound for those willing to bargain.

At least once during our stay we'll gather friends, firewood and good food and head down to the beach for a bonfire. Add music and smores to the mix and you have the perfect summer beach party.

Early June gives way to the rest of summer -- crowded beaches, long lines and traffic jams...all those things we want to escape during the year. As the crowds are coming in we're just leaving. But, we'll be back. As always, eating swirly cones, building sandcastles, and making more memories.

The Art of Group Travel

Summer is right around the corner and I'm in the throws of planning a three-week vacation to Umbria! What better time to offer up some tips on group travel.

I enjoy traveling solo or with just my family but traveling with others is high up on the list. Group travel allows you to share memories and adventures with others, and is a great bonding experience. You're probably thinking, "yeah, right."

I'm not saying take a cross-country trip with a busloads of strangers. That would be a nightmare. I'm talking about gathering some good friends with common interests for a trip of a lifetime.

Two summers ago 19 friends and family experienced what I like to call our "Wild West Adventure." We started at Mt. Rushmore and ended up in Jackson Hole. We shared the nostalgia of a national monument, visions of watching the ranchers bringing in the herd, starry nights and smores, hikes through national parks rewarded by stunning vistas, encounters with nature's awesome beasts and predators, and, at the time, sore stomach muscles caused by so much laughter. Best of all, we have memories to last a lifetime.

I've also had successful group adventures through the Mediterranean, driving the coast of California, and meandering through the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Seriously, it's fun. Just follow the my tried-and-true tips and your won't be disappointed.

The Great Coordinator: Inevitably one person (sometimes two) rises to the top as the person who is the Great Coordinator (GC); the central point of contact for planning and information. Typically, the GC is an enthusiastic control freak (me, defined perfectly. My husband likes to call me "General." I don't mind this so much as long as he follows my orders). The GC is usually the person who announces that a trip is being planned and encourages people to join in the fun. The GC has (or will) research the destination and activities, but also encourages others to contribute to planning.

Separate rental cars = guaranteed sanity: A fundamental rule in group travel is to allow for you and/or your family it's own private time and freedom to come and go as you/they please. A rental car allows this to happen gracefully.

Go with the flow: Never feel you have to be with the group all the time. One person's pleasure can be another person's pain. While staying at a Dude Ranch my husband and another fellow liked to take early morning walks with their coffee. Me, not so much. So I let them do their thing. While we relished the idea of white-water rafting, the idea made another family nervous. I liked the idea of taking a jeep tour through the mountains of Corfu. Some thought I was nuts and didn't go.

Throw your insecurities out the window: Just because someone doesn't want to do a planned activity doesn't mean they don't like you, are upset, or some other negative reason. It means they simply don't want to do it. It's not about you. It's about them and their desires. 'nuff said.

It's all about the attitude - Laugh and laugh often. Don't worry about the small stuff. It will all work out. If you miss the ferry, take the next one. If you don't like the restaurant, go somewhere else. If they only have buffalo rather than beef, try the buffalo. If someone arrives late, get started anyway and they can catch up. If the route is closed because of a forest fire, take another route. If the line is too long, walk down with the donkeys. Bottom line: BE FLEXIBLE.

Go on, give it a try. Pull together some friends and hit the road for a great adventure. If you need help planning or have questions, let me know. I'm a GC a heart. In my next life I'm coming back as a travel planner who lives in an olive grove in Tuscany.

Happy trails!

OMG - More than a month since my last blog. Wasn't in the mood to write. Still not but thought I should. Here's what I've learned in the last month:

• Don't take your child's lack of good grades out on another child. If your child doesn't perform, own it.
• If it's really that bad, speak up. (I already knew this but it never hurts to be reminded.)
• Hopelessness sucks.
• Cherry Blossoms rule.
• Orange is the "new" black but I knew that two years ago. Keep up folks!
• The Blackberry Storm, while convenient, doesn't have the great touch capabilities of the iPhone.
• Roy is miracle worker.
• It's possible to have pneumonia but only think you have a sinus infection.
• Three months from today I'll be in Italy.
• Twitter is oh so cool.
• I have to cut back on the carbs.....or walk a helluva lot longer.
• Fidelity Bank sets expectations that can't be met. Hang in there DJ!
• I can be somewhat delusional but not as much as others.

I'm sure there are more things I've learned but I have to run and meet a client!

What have you learned lately?

What I've Learned This Week

This hasn't been one of the most memorable week's but I have managed to learn a view things, including:

• Growing sunflowers is easy; it's the birds you have to watch out for.
• Try as I may, sometimes I can't manage a smile.
• Katie suffers from billious vomiting (icky, to say the least).
• There are only 138 days until I leave for Italy.
• Facebook continues to amaze me.
• I'm freaking out that me, my son, and my someday grandchildren are going to be over-burdened with debt due to no cause of our own.
• You have to check the air pressure in your tires more once a year.

What have you learned?

Sunday mornings: Dog fights & Dancing

Everyone has their little morning rituals. Mine seem to revolve around loud music, dancing, and the inevitable dog "fight." While it's not the most relaxing way to start the day, it sure is entertaining and energizing. Click the link below to see a brief glimpse into a typical morning in the Porter household.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5iEq2mqOvo

Enjoy your day~

WTF - Customer Service

Why the $$@# are all customer service people located in India? Perhaps if we kept these jobs here in the States our unemployment rates would be lower and consumers would have a much better experience.