Thursday October 8, 2009
Good morning Chicago and the last day of our whirlwind US tour!
Roel is up early to get in one last store visit before we catch our noon flight to New York!
He gets back to the hotel at 10 and I’m still fast asleep. Oops! I take a quick shower and pack up in 15 minutes. We then jumped into the cab and slip onto our last jetBlue flight for quite some time (hopefully!).
We get into JFK at about 3pm. We both are half asleep for the cab ride home. Yay, my new home! We get back, grab some food and unpack.
I am now sitting in front of the TV typing this while Roel catches up on his recorded Project Runway.
This phase of the journey has come to an end but as noted in my first entry it means a new one is about to begin. Tomorrow I have a few hours to gather myself before I fly out to Winnipeg to visit friends and family. I haven’t been back for two years!! I can’t wait to see everyone again. I also can’t wait for Roel to join me there on October 23 and meet those who have known me since I was.
We’re about to start this season’s Survivor and then go to bed. G’nite!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Winding Down in the Windy City
Wednesday October 7, 2009
Good morning Chi-town!
Roel and I got up at a reasonable time, about nine. I joined him to his store visit today at Old Orchard Mall which is about a half hour cab ride away. We shared a giant salad at the Cheesecake Factory to tide us over.
After the mall we headed straight to our architectural boat tour of downtown Chicago. I’m not a big fan of organized tours, etc but I can confidently say that you are missing out if you visit Chicago and don’t take the time for this tour. There are many boat tours so make sure you take this one.
On our way walking back to the hotel we passed by an entertainment multiplex. Roel kicked my ass in two games of ten-pin bowling. I am still convincing him that 5-pin bowling is the game usually played in Manitoba (he’s never seen it or played it!!). Hopefully I can show him how it’s done prairie-style when we’re in Winnipeg at the end of the month.
We got some MORE pizza (take-out this time) and ate it while we watched GLEE in our room. After that we changed and went out to Chicago’s Boystown where Roel and I first exchanged glances back on May 22 (aka me grabbing him by the arm and introducing myself). We went in and out a bunch of places but settled on the club we went dancing the first night we met: Spin. We didn’t stay long, mainly because I’m just tuckered out and didn't feel much like dancing. I feel bad that I seem to be slowing us down everyday and I’m the one who isn’t even working. Sorry, Roel. Guess I’m not cut out for this kind of travelling and hours. As much fun as this trip has been it’s not nearly as glamorous as one might think.
We’re home and in bed by midnite.
Good morning Chi-town!
Roel and I got up at a reasonable time, about nine. I joined him to his store visit today at Old Orchard Mall which is about a half hour cab ride away. We shared a giant salad at the Cheesecake Factory to tide us over.
After the mall we headed straight to our architectural boat tour of downtown Chicago. I’m not a big fan of organized tours, etc but I can confidently say that you are missing out if you visit Chicago and don’t take the time for this tour. There are many boat tours so make sure you take this one.
Beautiful simplicity in its symmetrical perfection or just boring?
On our way walking back to the hotel we passed by an entertainment multiplex. Roel kicked my ass in two games of ten-pin bowling. I am still convincing him that 5-pin bowling is the game usually played in Manitoba (he’s never seen it or played it!!). Hopefully I can show him how it’s done prairie-style when we’re in Winnipeg at the end of the month.We got some MORE pizza (take-out this time) and ate it while we watched GLEE in our room. After that we changed and went out to Chicago’s Boystown where Roel and I first exchanged glances back on May 22 (aka me grabbing him by the arm and introducing myself). We went in and out a bunch of places but settled on the club we went dancing the first night we met: Spin. We didn’t stay long, mainly because I’m just tuckered out and didn't feel much like dancing. I feel bad that I seem to be slowing us down everyday and I’m the one who isn’t even working. Sorry, Roel. Guess I’m not cut out for this kind of travelling and hours. As much fun as this trip has been it’s not nearly as glamorous as one might think.
We’re home and in bed by midnite.
ZigZag to Chicago
Tuesday October 6, 2009
Good morning San Fran!
Up at 4:30am to grab our Oakland-Long Beach flight. I am exhausted and don’t feel well at all today. Two hours to kill at Long Beach airport (it is TINY). No gates – have to take stairs to get into the planes. Then we caught our flight to Chicago.
Check into The James hotel (one of our favourite rooms). They gave us a beautiful upgrade. Room complete with loft bedroom (raised about one foot from the rest of the room) and a media room. Giant couch/bed with a projector.
We went for some Chicago deep dish pizza at Pizzaria Uno and then went back to the room after grabbing a couple DVDs from the front desk.
We watched the new Indiana Jones until we fell asleep.
Good morning San Fran!
Up at 4:30am to grab our Oakland-Long Beach flight. I am exhausted and don’t feel well at all today. Two hours to kill at Long Beach airport (it is TINY). No gates – have to take stairs to get into the planes. Then we caught our flight to Chicago.
Check into The James hotel (one of our favourite rooms). They gave us a beautiful upgrade. Room complete with loft bedroom (raised about one foot from the rest of the room) and a media room. Giant couch/bed with a projector.
We went for some Chicago deep dish pizza at Pizzaria Uno and then went back to the room after grabbing a couple DVDs from the front desk.
We watched the new Indiana Jones until we fell asleep.
Out in San Fran
Monday October 5, 2009
Good morning San Francisco.
Roel is up early to go to his store. Luckily it’s not too far (around the corner). I am struggling with needing to be within 20 feet of a washroom in case disaster strikes. :’( That makes me a little sad seeing as though I was REALLY excited to go exploring in SF today.
I stayed in bed and blogged while Roel came back to the room. He brought back some plain baked goodies to help settle my tummy. So sweet as always. He went back to the store and returned again late afternoon. I had managed to shower and take some Imodium in order to allow us to get out. Too much information? Oops.
There was a Jack in the Box across the street from our hotel. Fate?? After a bite of classic American fast food we took the Muni (SF’s subway) to Castro (the gay motherland). It was fun to walk around and take a peek in the different shops and bars. Nothing too different, cliché or kitsch. Just a nice regular neighbourhood that happens to be inhabited by gays. A little underwhelming actually. Not sure what I expected. And yes, from my brief time in SF I can report that there are A LOT of gay people per capita.
On our way back we grab a coffee to help keep me awake as we go to see Love Happens at The Metreon down the street from our hotel. It was an awful movie. We like our predictable romantic comedies but this one wasn’t believable on any level. If you must see it please rent. We saw a neat light installation by LV on the way back to our hotel.
Unfortunately we have another 4:15am wake-up call to catch our flight out of Oakland. We went straight to bed after the movie.
Roel is up early to go to his store. Luckily it’s not too far (around the corner). I am struggling with needing to be within 20 feet of a washroom in case disaster strikes. :’( That makes me a little sad seeing as though I was REALLY excited to go exploring in SF today.
I stayed in bed and blogged while Roel came back to the room. He brought back some plain baked goodies to help settle my tummy. So sweet as always. He went back to the store and returned again late afternoon. I had managed to shower and take some Imodium in order to allow us to get out. Too much information? Oops.
There was a Jack in the Box across the street from our hotel. Fate?? After a bite of classic American fast food we took the Muni (SF’s subway) to Castro (the gay motherland). It was fun to walk around and take a peek in the different shops and bars. Nothing too different, cliché or kitsch. Just a nice regular neighbourhood that happens to be inhabited by gays. A little underwhelming actually. Not sure what I expected. And yes, from my brief time in SF I can report that there are A LOT of gay people per capita.
On our way back we grab a coffee to help keep me awake as we go to see Love Happens at The Metreon down the street from our hotel. It was an awful movie. We like our predictable romantic comedies but this one wasn’t believable on any level. If you must see it please rent. We saw a neat light installation by LV on the way back to our hotel.
Unfortunately we have another 4:15am wake-up call to catch our flight out of Oakland. We went straight to bed after the movie.
Fun With the New Fam
Sunday October 4, 2009
Good morning Stockton!
We wake up at 8am and Roel and I head to the street in front of the house to pepper (definition for you non-volleyballers: warm up with a volleyball) since we have been greatly exercise deficient. I am definitely low on energy and still fighting something off but generally feel a little better today.
Once again Roel, his mom and uncle, Roger, Isys and I head out to eat. We have a good’ole hearty breakfast at IHOP before we head out to San Francisco together for the day. We all jump in the Hummer again (it’s a dreadful vehicle in general but a lot of fun to all ride together!). First we stop by Clift Hotel for Roel and I to check in. We then all ride the cable car to The Wharf. SO MUCH FUN! Roel and I chose to hang off the side while the others went inside to more safe and comfortable conditions. A definite highlight of this whole trip in general.
We had some clam chowder in a bread bowl and enjoyed views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Some of Roel’s extended family from his dad’s side met up with us. We all had fun just chatting and enjoying the wharf/boardwalk. We all went into a mirrir maze/fun house and arcade. Roel, his cousin Armand and I had a good competition going with the basketball toss at the arcade. And yes, I was the victor mwa-ha-ha! I did need a few tries to get the high score though. :P
Oh! Roel’s immediate family and I took a limo back to our hotel! haha Good times. We said our goodbyes as they were going back to Stockton. I look forward to visiting them again and getting to know them better.
Right now all I want to do is SLEEP.
Good morning Stockton!
We wake up at 8am and Roel and I head to the street in front of the house to pepper (definition for you non-volleyballers: warm up with a volleyball) since we have been greatly exercise deficient. I am definitely low on energy and still fighting something off but generally feel a little better today.
Once again Roel, his mom and uncle, Roger, Isys and I head out to eat. We have a good’ole hearty breakfast at IHOP before we head out to San Francisco together for the day. We all jump in the Hummer again (it’s a dreadful vehicle in general but a lot of fun to all ride together!). First we stop by Clift Hotel for Roel and I to check in. We then all ride the cable car to The Wharf. SO MUCH FUN! Roel and I chose to hang off the side while the others went inside to more safe and comfortable conditions. A definite highlight of this whole trip in general.
We had some clam chowder in a bread bowl and enjoyed views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Some of Roel’s extended family from his dad’s side met up with us. We all had fun just chatting and enjoying the wharf/boardwalk. We all went into a mirrir maze/fun house and arcade. Roel, his cousin Armand and I had a good competition going with the basketball toss at the arcade. And yes, I was the victor mwa-ha-ha! I did need a few tries to get the high score though. :P
Oh! Roel’s immediate family and I took a limo back to our hotel! haha Good times. We said our goodbyes as they were going back to Stockton. I look forward to visiting them again and getting to know them better.
Right now all I want to do is SLEEP.
The In-Laws Aaaa
Saturday October 3, 2009
Mornin’ Long Beach. We’re up at 6am to catch our flight to Sacramento where Roel’s brother will pick us up. I’m feeling a little sluggish (achey and low grade fever) but not full blown sick. I’m thankful for that.
We arrived on time and Roger picked us up and drove us to a Chinese restaurant in Stockton (Roel’s home town) about 40 mins away. We met Roel’s mom and uncle (aka step-father) and Roger’s daughter Isys for a late lunch. It was not as awkward as I thought it would be. Overall I felt comfortable right off the bat (I dare say they were more nervous than I was). Sweet and genuine people.
We went back to his mom’s house/mansion museum to settle in. We spent the afternoon playing volleyball and frisbee with Isys (she’s almost 8!). We all jumped into the Hummer and I got a tour of Stockton. After we got back it was time to meet Roel’s dad and his wife.
As Roger, Roel and I pulled up to the house for dinner I saw a whole lotta vehicles. My heart stopped as Roger and Roel just started laughing. The whole extended family had been given thenews that Roel and I would be there today. Overall probably about 20-25 people. Wow. Saying I was overwhelmed is an understatement.
It was loud and busy. However they all went out of their way to ‘welcome me to the family’ and make feel like I had been there for many years. We got back to his mom’s home at midnight and went straight to bed. Another LOOOONG but great day. I feel like shit. Can’t wait to get some sleep and feel a little better tomorrow!
Mornin’ Long Beach. We’re up at 6am to catch our flight to Sacramento where Roel’s brother will pick us up. I’m feeling a little sluggish (achey and low grade fever) but not full blown sick. I’m thankful for that.
We arrived on time and Roger picked us up and drove us to a Chinese restaurant in Stockton (Roel’s home town) about 40 mins away. We met Roel’s mom and uncle (aka step-father) and Roger’s daughter Isys for a late lunch. It was not as awkward as I thought it would be. Overall I felt comfortable right off the bat (I dare say they were more nervous than I was). Sweet and genuine people.
We went back to his mom’s house/mansion museum to settle in. We spent the afternoon playing volleyball and frisbee with Isys (she’s almost 8!). We all jumped into the Hummer and I got a tour of Stockton. After we got back it was time to meet Roel’s dad and his wife.
As Roger, Roel and I pulled up to the house for dinner I saw a whole lotta vehicles. My heart stopped as Roger and Roel just started laughing. The whole extended family had been given thenews that Roel and I would be there today. Overall probably about 20-25 people. Wow. Saying I was overwhelmed is an understatement.
It was loud and busy. However they all went out of their way to ‘welcome me to the family’ and make feel like I had been there for many years. We got back to his mom’s home at midnight and went straight to bed. Another LOOOONG but great day. I feel like shit. Can’t wait to get some sleep and feel a little better tomorrow!
On the Road Again
Friday October 2, 2009
Good morning Los Angeles. Not a cloud in the sky.
Roel, Shana and I had a glorious breakfast on her rooftop patio. I then followed Roel to three store visits. I started to feel ill halfway through the day and just stayed in the car. All of the travelling and odd hours had caught up with me. It felt like I was getting sick. I was feeling miserable by the time we were packing up to leave Shana’s.
She had just got home with her brand new puppy. It was incredibly cute as all puppies are. Her and Craig looked like happy new parents. Chloe is in good hands.
We left early evening and arrived in Long Beach around 9pm. We stopped in at Frank’s house to say hi. We were supposed to go for dinner but I just wasn’t up to it. :( I was REALLY excited to hang out with Frank. I am grateful that we at least got to hang out for a half hour. Frank is one of my favourite people period. He’s fun loving and a little crazy.
We checked in at The Renaissance downtown and went to bed after eating our room service.
Good morning Los Angeles. Not a cloud in the sky.
Roel, Shana and I had a glorious breakfast on her rooftop patio. I then followed Roel to three store visits. I started to feel ill halfway through the day and just stayed in the car. All of the travelling and odd hours had caught up with me. It felt like I was getting sick. I was feeling miserable by the time we were packing up to leave Shana’s.
She had just got home with her brand new puppy. It was incredibly cute as all puppies are. Her and Craig looked like happy new parents. Chloe is in good hands.
We left early evening and arrived in Long Beach around 9pm. We stopped in at Frank’s house to say hi. We were supposed to go for dinner but I just wasn’t up to it. :( I was REALLY excited to hang out with Frank. I am grateful that we at least got to hang out for a half hour. Frank is one of my favourite people period. He’s fun loving and a little crazy.
We checked in at The Renaissance downtown and went to bed after eating our room service.
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