Playing Catch Up

So, life got busy so I am playing catch up on this whole blog thing.  I have painted rooms, traveled the world, and rearranged furniture since I last posted here.  It has honestly been a whirlwind.  Along the way, I have learned bunches:

1. If at all possible, pack in a carry-on even for two weeks of travel.  I hate waiting for luggage.
2. Don't lose your passport in the airport in another country, especially one where you don't speak the language.
3. The Neverfull bag is truly named correctly.  I have really never been able to get it completely full.
4. Don't stay anywhere near an outlet mall, especially one with high-end shops.  I am weak willed.
5. Take care of your friends as they take care of your beloved when you travel.  I have such peace of mind that my Snickers is well taken care of when I travel.
6. Set a hard deadline for when something needs to get painted.  I thrive on a deadline.
7. Realize you cannot do everything.  I am hiring out the heavy work on the front and back outdoor spaces.
8. Never fly through Philadelphia. Period.

I have had a blast over this past year.  Since August, I have traveled to:

• Dublin - Hello Vacation!
• Frankfurt
• Berlin
• Singapore
• Jakarta
• Johor Baru, Malaysia
• Perth
• Melbourne
• Sydney
• Queenstown
• Dubai

And those are just some of the international stops.  I spent an amazing week in Dublin last year with a good friend hiking all around, hanging in pubs, and generally having a great time.  I experienced Germany for the first time in November and then went right back in March.  Both times were for work but I did discover that I really need to return for some personal time.  The half day around Berlin was just not enough.

Checkpoint Charlie - Berlin!

I had the most amazing - if tiring - trip around Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.  It was business again so never enough time to see and experience all that I want to see.  I mean, in the same trip, I saw the west and east coasts of Australia.  As much as I want to go back to Australia, I even more want to go back to New Zealand.  Guys, if you do not have NZ on your bucket travel list...add it. Queenstown was breathtaking as was the flying over various parts to and from.  I. Must. Go. Back.

Downtown Perth!

West Coast of Australia - Freemantle!

Downtown Melbourne

Cannot miss getting a picture of the Sydney Opera House

And who could miss the Iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge

Bondi Beach people.  Alas, it was only a drive-by

Amazing people flying into New Zealand.  

Sunrise over the mountains and lake in Queenstown.  Spectacular!

I once again went back to Dubai and have to honestly say it is not a bucket list trip to me.  It may have had something to do with the fact that it was in the mid 40's Celsius and dusty.  The locals have always been incredible though and I did get to fly Qatar airways and have to say they are my current #1.

Domestically, I went to Chicago - where it was -17 degrees for a high people - as well as Orlando in January.  Those trips were both business but polar opposites in duties, weather, and shopping possibilities.  February had me back in the home of my heart - Dallas - for another business meeting.  It was weird staying at a hotel while in Dallas, I have to say. May I went directly from Dubai to the LA area for a meeting where I preceded to get spectacularly sunburned on my legs.

This month, June, I have already been back in Orlando and Los Angeles for short trips.  These summer months are my "quiet time" travel wise (at least in my head) since I don't have any long distance trips in the plans until late August.  Left for the year, I have Amsterdam, Seoul, Osaka, and Tokyo for business and hopefully an extended trip to Spain for vacation.  God, I love my job!

On the home front, my landscape overhaul starts in August and I cannot wait!  The neighbors probably cannot wait either.  I also have started to try and make the basement space less of a junk storage and more of a fun lounge space.  I bought and had hung a new Smart TV, bought and had delivered a sleeper sofa, and finally started clearing out the chaos.  Who am I kidding...there will always be chaos down there.

There is still so much to do, paint, organize, clean, etc. that it sometimes feels completely overwhelming.  Then I sit down, have a glass of wine, and remind myself that I don't have to buy or do everything all at once.

A little R and R in SoCal at Mandalay Beach

The boat harbor in Santa Barbara for a bit of seafood for dinner.  Was fantastic!