Travel Games for Kids

This is by far one of my favorite sites for travel ideas for my toddler. She is a fantastic traveler but she is still a toddler and she has her moments. As do we all. It's really unfair to expect her to keep herself entertained and happy for a simple 2-hour Sunday drive or a two-day, cross-country excursion. So, if you are in need of some creative ways to keep your little one stimulated and happy on your next trip: check this out. You can thank me later.

Politics vs. Reality

How many people can say they've had Governor Rick Perry stop by their offices for coffee and an intimate conversation over Houston's economic future. It's funny that you can politically deplore someone and yet, still be completely star-struck when they enter the room.

Dear Abby: Is it uncouth to give a Hurricane away as a White Elephant Gift?

Awwww, how sweet. Mother Nature's giving me a welcome back to Texas present.  It's called Tropical Storm Don.  Unfortunately, I think I've had one already but I lost the gift receipt. Do you think I can return it? Or maybe re-gift it to Colorado.   Colorado won't know right?! It's totally cool. I'll just wrap it up with lots of good rainbows. She'll never know the difference.

Travels with Baby Tips by Shelly Rivoli: Five ways to get your toddler to your (American Airlines) flight without the giant stroller

Travels with Baby Tips by Shelly Rivoli: Five ways to get your toddler to your (American Airlines) flight without the giant stroller

For all you nomads out there with little ones in tow, the new American Airlines regulations on 'no gate checking' for strollers may have you in a tizzy. But, never fear, Shelly Rivoli provides some ever-useful advice on how to manage and look travel-savvy while meeting ever-changing flight regulations. Go Shelly! I want to be just like you when I grow up.

Strange Dreams

I dreamt that Bin Laden was strutting up to the gates of Heaven expecting his 72 virgins when a radiant, shining figure emerged from the gates and stood before him. Heath Ledger, in shining armor. And, then he spoke those immortal words,..."You have been weighed. You have been measured. And, you have been found WANTON."  He turned and slammed the gates of Heaven behind him.


What does it mean? Well, obviously it means that Heath Ledger is still sexy, even posthumous.

Flamingo Jockeys Unite!

Just Chillin'

I actually got to be a flamingo jockey for Randall Kent (my husband's uncle) of Stagecraft, Inc., during the Houston Halloween Show and Expo.  It was hilarious. I had a blast. Yes, I'm a ham. I admit this fact. I have embraced my inner-goober and was allowed to 'ride' a flamingo throughout the George R. Brown Convention Center. I haven't had this much fun in awhile. I met (and got pictures with) at least one celebrity, Bridget Marquardt of the TV series "The Girls Next Door" (pictures to follow soon). There were models everywhere running around in skimpy Halloween costumes or nothing at all (well, they were in full body paint but that's it).  There were raffles, prizes, elaborate costumes, acrobatic performances in mid-air (suspended from the ceiling of the expo), stilt-walkers, fashion shows, bands, open bars. It was Halloween on speed! It was a little overwhelming.

The Gang 
(Back left to right: Darcy and Kris Szecsy,
Middle left to right: Chris and me,
Far right: Uncle Randy)

Peace Corps Deja Vu

This week has had three strange occurrences for me that have either involved my old Peace Corps stomping grounds (i.e. Bulgaria) or with Peace Corps itself. I know I haven't really written much if anything at all about my experiences there. I try. I really do. I begin to tell stories and I can see peoples' eyes glaze over as the words go over their heads. The old saying, "you had to be there," is an understatement in my case. But, those fellow RPCVs (Returned Peace Corps Volunteers) know what I'm talking about. So, let's review the past week:

#1: I get a message from a Bulgarian girl (naturalized citizen) who now lives in the U.S. She's researching the Peace Corps for a project in one of her university studies. She came across my article in A Life Inspired: Tales of Peace Corps Service and was so touched by my story about her home that she almost cried and felt compelled to write me and thank me. Me?! How bizarre to have a Bulgarian thanking me for my service, which feels like it was a lifetime ago. If anything, I've always felt like I should be thanking them, all the Bulgarians that welcomed us unconditionally into their homes, hearts and lives. It was a surreal moment reading her email. Nostalgia knocking at my door. Bittersweet memories that seem to be from another life.

#2: I found out that HGTV is doing a special on home-buying in Bulgaria. Really? Bulgaria? And, not just anywhere in Bulgaria. These Brits are buying a condo in Varna. My old site. It floored me to see my old stomping grounds were both different and the same. My how Varna's changed. For the better, I hope.

#3: Last, but certainly not least our figurehead and co-founder, the head-honcho himself Sargent Shriver passed away. A great man, one we can all aspire to live our lives like. A true philanthropist and peace-maker. "One of the brightest lights of the greatest generation" ~President Barack Obama.

So, I'm beginning to feel like the circle is coming full round. Is it a sign? Or just a strange string of coincidences? I'll let you be the judge.