On European Travel...

Everyone in Europe just LOVES their travel systems (metro, trains, etc.) and after another day on the train today (back to Torino from Florence) I got to thinking about it....Is it really more convenient? Let me tell you about one day I had here and you decide. [Modes of transport will be in Red]

Our first weekend we spent in Yvoire, France on Lake Geneva. Jose's program began Sunday evening in downtown Geneva and I was leaving the same day to London. So to get to Geneva from Yvoire we had to take a BOAT to the other side of the lake, walk about 15 minutes to take a TRAIN to Geneva. Then later that same day I took a TAXI to the airport, where I boarded an AIRPLANE to London. When I arrived I took the TUBE/SUBWAY to Amber's stop where subsequently a BUS was waiting to take us to her house. That is 6 different modes of transportation in less than 12 hours. And Europeans think this is convenient??? I think all that 2nd hand smoke is affecting their brains.

Now if only I had been able to hop a hot air balloon, or borrow someone's motorcycle....

Bonjour & Cheerio!

Just wanted to let you all know we made it safe and sound and are having a WONDERFUL time in Europe! We spent a day or two on Lake Geneva (france side) and I left Jose in Switzerland and am over in London with Amber.

We've only been gone a few days and are already having such a good time. It's much better now that the jet lag has worn off. If only we could stop gabbing and get to bed before 3 am!! A few more days here and then it's off to Paris (where I'll meet up with Jose for the weekend).

And on a side note....somehow I forgot how much walking is involved in Europe. Good thing I've been so dilligent about the gym lately, otherwise I might have been dead. But it sure takes the guilt away from all the croissants and cupcakes! Amber and I literally did not stop walking yesterday for like 14 hours. The tube is great, but you only get to sit down for like 5 minutes, which is not nearly long enough. Shopping is such hard work! We decided that going to the theatre is the perfect antidote, because you get to sit for like 2+ hours! Talk about a perfect day!

T Minus 36 Hours....

And Counting! We leave for Europe on Friday morning and we are getting so excited!! Jose will be taking a course for his MBA program in Geneva so we're making the most of it. While he's busy there, I'm going to visit my bestie Amber in London/Paris, and spend time with Jose's sister Yaya and her husband Carlo in Italy. Jose will join us when he is finished. We're so excited to spend time with our friends and family and to see these amazing places with locals.

Now if I could just get packed. Ugh - I hate packing. There is nothing worse than getting somewhere and realizing you brought all the wrong things. Or too much. Or not enough. Ugh. I might do a practice run tonight. Lots to do!

My Sick Computer : (

Today my computer got a terrible virus. It was an awful spyware infection. The internet says it is one of the worst ones out there right now. It had a billion popups, was trying to trick me into buying fake software (good thing I don't fall for those sorts of things), it can steal your personal info, and worst of all....it prevented me from using the internet (gasp!). But, I was determined to fix it myself. I spent the last 4 1/2 hours tinkering until I FINALLY cured it! And it is all thanks to the genius people at Microsoft for making their website unhackable. I'd heard that if you get a internet virus that you should still be able to get to microsoft.com and apparently it is true. I found really helpful directions and learned how to "un-virus" it. And here I am blogging away.

So next time you get a virus, don't panic just get resourceful. And be grateful to all those totally nerdy, pocket-protector wearing, tree huggers up in Seattle. Or you can call me, and I'll try to help.

I love Spring!

I've spent the past few days out in PA visiting my parents and living in the desert made me forget how colorful springtime can be! I took this picture of the cherry blossom tree in my parents front yard and just loved it. It made me think of how beautiful Washington DC was with all the Cherry Blossoms when Jose & I got married. I hope spring is as gorgeous as where you are!

I am my Father's Daughter

With Jose off for Easter Monday today, we decided it was the perfect day to do a little spring cleaning, and we cleaned out the garage. Not only are things nice and tidy but I found something out about myself today.....I LOVE using the leaf blower. Just like my dad.

You see EVERY Saturday morning of my childhood without fail, my dad would blow the yard, the garage, the driveway, the neighbors driveway, etc. He loves the blower. I mean loves it. We have often mocked him for Saturday obsession, but today I finally realized how awesome it is. I mean, how would've I ever known? He wouldn't have dreamed of sharing his beloved blower with me.

I've decided that blowing is kind of like vacuuming (my fave inside chore), but it is 10 times cooler because it is so much faster. Too bad I can't use the blower on the carpet or the dishes. Now that would really be awesome. Is the blower the outside equivalent of the Dyson? Hmm.

Anyway, I think next time I may even put on Dad's special uniform of a polo shirt, sweat pants, and loafers to see if it somehow enhaces the experience. What can I say...I am my Father's Daughter! Love you Daddy!

Visitors!

With all this beautiful weather we've had around here, it's just the perfect time to visit Arizona! We've had a few friends recently join us for everything springtime in AZ has to offer, and it has certainly been fun.

First my dear friend Crystal visited me for a few days from Australia! I've missed her so much while she has been away and it was nice for her to finally meet Jose! We had fun laughing about the good old days, watching girlie movies, and just talking and talking and laughing!

Then Jose's buddy Ron came for a golf weekend. They definitely packed in lots of golf, and movies, and some serious laughs! They even got me out on the course!

We love all our friends and family and love to spend time with them. Especially when it is a beautiful 85 degrees and sunny! Now there's less than a month until we take off for the summer.....Last Call!!