the London Layover

Before making it to Spain, we had a brief, 7 hour layover in London Town. Making the most of our stay, we took the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, then the metro (or the 'tube' according to the locals) to Piccadilly Square where when we arrived, found ourselves on the streets of London, not too far from Buckingham Palace. It was quite an adventure. Although we didn't really know where we were going or what we were doing, we ended up seeing some standard London sights and even returned to the airport with lots of time to spare. Nothing like looking through the same bookstores over and over again trying to find a good book, but only managing to go through all of the gossip magazines and maybe purchasing a Cadbury chocolate bar or two.

The Palace

There seemed to be several of these monuments positioned around town with people just milling about. When in Rome...or elsewhere. If you look hard enough, you'll see Kent.

I loved these street crossing signals, especially the green walker. He looks so happy to be walking across the street.

Time well spent in England.

Next phase: Spain.

a crepe a day, keeps the doctor away

We're back and I have a new love for Spain and France. It was definitely a whirlwind trip, but it was so worth it. Kent and I are still dealing with jet lag (we were both out of bed by 5:30 am today), but it is kind of nice waking up early with energy like it is 10:00 am. I'm still going through the photos so I'm not going to post much today. Just wanted to do a quick blog update before I post a slew of pictures. I'm glad we're back, but I do miss the sights, people and the food. There is nothing quite like a French crepe with nutella and bananas. Mmm...

those blooming trees

It's Jacaranda time in Long Beach and I love it. The sidewalks are dotted with these purple beauties and the streets are strewn with their blooms. I remember I flew out of the Long Beach Airport one year for Women's Conference and was amazed at how many lavender lovelies there were down below. Now I get to see them up close and personal. We actually had a few Jacaranda trees in my backyard while I was growing up (wonderful choice, Mom), but I mainly remember the pods. They are flat, hard and round. So interesting. I loved the flowers too, but I appreciate them even more as an adult. I think I'll have to plant a Jacaranda someday. They make me happy.

(Jacaranda in the summertime all decked out for the wedding last summer. They're nice trees any time of year.)

we're outta here

In two weeks. Not that we're leaving for good, but our spring fling is official. Kent will witness a game at Bernabéu stadium and I will get to stand in my field of lavender. The flowers might not be in bloom yet, but that's okay, I'm sure it will still be lovely. I tried to make it to France a couple of years ago, but there were some last minute complications, so I'm trying again, this time with a husband who can't back out.

It took awhile for us to purchase the tickets. We're both a little indecisive (ex. it took us about 45 minutes to decide which shower head to buy at Bed, Bath & Beyond), but the investment will be worth it. I've never gone on a trip abroad that I regret taking. Maybe I've done some so/so road trips, but those international journeys are wonderful. They are mind-opening. I know it's supposed to be eye-opening, but I like mind-opening. Different cultures, people and food. Always a good experience.

Anyway, time to brush up on the Spanish and learn a bit of French. Bonjour....Au Revoir....Oui....Parlez-vous francais? I think that's all I know. I need a two week crash course.

song of the week(end)

Today I was adding some songs to our blog playlist and I remembered this cool, lesser-known song by U2, but not completely by U2, that I wanted to add. The writer and some of the vocals were done by Michael Hutchence, the front man for INXS back in the day. I know INXS is a band from the 80s, but if you asked me to name of one of their songs, I couldn't. (Side note: I just looked them up. I know who they are. I immediately recognized the first song listed, "New Sensation". How could I not know that? My older siblings would be so disappointed in me. They probably loved INXS.)

Back to the song at hand, "Slide Away". It's great, but hard to find. Here's the twist with it, some of the vocals were performed by Michael Hutchence, but he died suspiciously before the song was officially released or created. Bono took it and made it magically mysterious. Yes, mysterious. It is such a funky, spooky-ish song. I can't decide if the slight chill factor in the song is due to the music and lyrics or because I know the guy wasn't alive when the song came out. Not sure, but I hope you enjoy it.

(By the way, it's located on the right-hand side of this post in case you missed it. Playlist.com didn't have it and neither did iTunes, so I couldn't add it to the blog playlist.)

you're never too old

I just discovered this video on someone's Facebook status and I was shocked, thrilled, moved and inspired. Susan Boyle-what a woman! I guess the old saying "you can't judge a book by its cover" is true.

Susan Boyle on Britain Got Talent
Uploaded by dwarthy

It really makes me want to do more with my life. This woman is a 47 year old church worker with one beautiful voice. I think she could find a part in some musical. Why not? She's spunky, talented and doesn't fear opportunity. That last emotion is the one that thwarts progression. FEAR. I think I have a tendency to let that slow me down. Sometimes I would like to change my job, go back to school, travel more, or just switch things up in general, but that four letter word gets the better of me and I start thinking too much about the unknown. I need to constantly remind myself of that Helen Keller quote, "Life is a daring adventure, or nothing." Good words to live by and good for Ms. Boyle for sharing her talent and living her dream.

a special arrival

This arrived today and....

I am so excited to watch it!

I'm positive it will be full of awkward, lovey dovey moments, but I can't wait to relive the day--the speeches, family and friends, our first dance (we felt so strange with everyone staring at us)--it's going to be great. I'm also interested to see what the camera caught that we didn't even notice. The day was kind of a blur.

Thank you to Grant and Rachel PORTER for capturing our day.

You two are fantastic.