Nothing but Wandering

Beauty outside my window

2009-05-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Layover in Amsterdam!

2009-03-22T06:13:00.001-07:00

On my way home from Istanbul I had a 7 hour layover in Amsterdam. It was by far the best layover I ever had. On the plane ride back to Boston I heard the song "feels like home to me" and wondered what feels like home to me? For those 7 hours with my friends who feel more like family I felt like I was at home. Not to mention we were relaxing on a beautiful sunny day on a houseboat in the center of Amsterdam. The proof ...

Istanbul

2009-03-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Just arrived to Istanbul this morning.. nice plane ride sleep last night. I have found so far that being a tourist here is not my cup of tea. I may have already acquired a stalker, but I am politely saying no. I guess the deal is people like to talk to you and have a cup of tea with you and then try to make you buy something. I really don't intend to buy anything so I'd really prefer not to drink a cup of tea, thanks! I gotta gotta get that f*** off face going on..

Besides that Istanbul is beautiful, I went inside the Blue Mosque which I might have to go back to. It is very peaceful and there is definitely an X factor inside that building. This city has a little bit of the feel of Rome, but understandably so because it was the capital of the Roman Empire back in the old days.. like old old before I was born.. 300ish.. and then you know the song Constantine came along and la la la..

Alright time for an episode of Will & Grace to calm my mind. I'm hungry but too lazy to fight the crazy city people for dinner.. I could really go for some donor later though..mmm.

"we are all the same"

2009-01-31T18:31:00.000-08:00

Watch this awesome video. I knew Sam back when I lived in Oregon. This video cracks the panes of the illusion of loneliness and isolation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3ZTEHmq4RI

Police Brutality Newport, RI

2009-01-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight I saw a young man thrown to the ground and beaten by at least 2-3 police man outside a bar for pulling the fire alarm. I was walking out and saw it all happen before my eyes. I tried to take a picture on my phone, but alas when trying to take a picture I almost sent a txt or called you! Time to learn about my new phone I suppose.

Anyway it was really upsetting and I'm not really sure what to do about it. Of course I can file a complaint. But I looked into it and it seems that police brutality is a real issue. Particularly Rhode Island (USA) has one of the worst complaint rates in the country.

Maybe it is necessary to be this harsh and violent with "suspects". I do believe in justice, but in my world it seems that they are acting out of ego and hatred more so than acting to protect the citizens.

"Human Rights Watch chose to investigate Providence, Rhode Island and the surrounding area because the police have received an unusually large number of complaints per capita, according to a nationwide report published by the Justice Department in 1991.1 The report cited three Rhode Island police departments as second only to New Orleans in the number of excessive force complaints. The relatively small communities - Providence, East Providence, and Pawtucket - each had complaint rates at least ten times as high as nearby Boston's.2 Only six state police agencies were included on the Justice Department list, and Rhode Island's ranked highest for complaints, with a rate of complaints four to twenty-five times higher than any other state agency.3"
~http://www.hrw.org/legacy/reports/reports98/police/uspo123.htm

Newport Haven

2009-01-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

My new home! Stop on by for a sunset. Finally I have a closet with my clothes in it! Oh Happy day!

Almost settled

2009-01-06T14:11:00.001-08:00

I'm moving into my new place slowly over this week. I spent two nights there and I already love it! Now I'm back in the mountains having my last couple days of hibernation, napping, snowboarding/skiing! It'll be hard to give up but I have waiting for me on Monday a JOB to do. I'll again be contributing to water projects, living practically on Narragansett Bay, riding my bike to get groceries and maybe even braving the cold winter surf. Not a bad trade off to hibernation.

I hope to continue with my music projects and find some salsa clubs, but I guess there should be time to sleep too!

My place faces West so visit me for some Sunsets soon!

Pictures to come next post.

My Fantasy Appartment Attained!

2008-12-21T19:45:00.000-08:00

Check this out, this is a similar unit to the one I just put a deposit down to rent.
http://www.newporthouses.net/1209_capella_waterfront_condo_for_sale_newport_ri.htm

You are all welcome. There is a Hyatt Hotel on the same little island less than 100 Christin steps away. Also I will invest in a quality raised Aero Bed so you can sleep comfortably at my place. Meet you for drinks on the balcony to watch the sun go down! Oh yeah this IS the life I dreamed of.

P.S. I have a job with Applied Science Associates and start Jan 12th. http://www.appsci.com/

Snowboarding

2008-12-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

Today I ventured on the Gondola with my newly purchased snowboard. So far I had only ridden down as far as I could walk up the mountain. So this was a bit of a difference. I just thought it would require more resting. What it required was more rolling and diving and edge catching and sliding. At the end of what might have been a mile of fighting with gravity, my quads were shaking and I decided at least for today I'll grab my skis and enjoy the new 8 inches of snow.

So I am not giving up, but maybe next time I ride the Gondola i'll pack a lunch and make a day of it.

My New Boyfriend!

2008-12-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

His name is Radely and he is very cute. Unfortunately I did steal him from my mom Scandalous! Check out how cute we are together.

I now believe in love at first sight.

The difference between vacation & unemployment

2008-12-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

MONEY!!!! and Perspective

Today I finally got the handle of being unemployed. As I was walking to the car with my snowboard (just found on craigslist yesterday!!) and traded it out for my skis to hit the hill again a thought struck me I'm ON VACATION!!!

I am forever after going to make sure I have savings enough to do a couple fun things during "transition times". So save up the recommended 3-6 months emergency fund. Then no need to worry if lay-offs come its vacation time!

I will be working soon, my 3-6 months are almost up. I welcome the routine and paycheck.

Water Fun- raising

2008-12-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

Have you bought all your Christmas presents yet? Want a warm vacation in Cancun or the Florida Keys for a big discounted price? Check this out, there is an auction held by Reef Relief. Most items are still being bid way below their value. Take a look

http://www.cmarket.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=74670004

Also there is a 5k, 1/2 Marathon and Full Marathon in San Francisco in July of 2009. Is anyone interested in doing this? I'll have to wait 'till January to really plan it but think about it! I'll do any of the distances but probably prefer the 1/2 marathon.

Blue Planet Run Foundation,
East Meets West Foundation, and Project Well
partner as an official "Cause To Run" team for
The San Francisco Marathon, 1/2 Marathon & 5K
July 26, 2009

Join the "Blue Planet Run" team to provide a lifetime of safe drinking water to rural villages in India & Vietnam. Every drop counts! There are many ways you can help or get involved! Lace up those running or walking shoes to support safe drinking water!

Can't make the event? You can be a water hero by donating to support our team.

Register now for early registrant discounts!
Join or Donate: Team #5 Blue Planet Run

FORM A TEAM! Contact Sabrina@blueplanetrun.org to build a special team of your choice. Here are some great team ideas already suggested:
Marathoners 1/2 Marathoners 5K Runners 5K Walkers
Youth Groups Moms & Dads Grandparents Baby Brigade
X Country Teams Corporate Teams Asian Groups Vietnam Vets

SIGN UP TO TRAIN:

1. Women: Stephanie Atwood focuses on women achieving their goals at any level. Contact Stephanie
2. Half Marathoners: Contact Brett or Matt
3. SF Marathon Official Training Program (Full and 1/2 Marathon)

THE $$$ RAISED WILL GO TO:

* Provide safe drinking water in arsenic-contaminated areas of India through the good work of Project Well
* Enable families in Central Vietnam to connect their homes to established water systems built and maintained by East Meets West
* Help Blue Planet Run develop a strong educational program to build awareness of and action for the global water issue.

SPREAD THE WORD:
Please forward this message to running groups, walking groups, schools, cross country teams, corporate human resource departments, faith-based groups, mommy groups…everybody!

Check out and pass around our press release.

OTHER RUNS FOR WATER: Plan to run other races and want to represent Blue Planet Run? Contact us for more information! teamblue@blueplanetrun.org

More than one billion do not have access to safe drinking water. Make a difference today! Water is life. Pass it on!

Surfing Dog

2008-11-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

I just found this online. Back when I spent time in Hawaii I took surf lessons and not the kind where they put you on a board and push you, but the kind where they actually explain surfing. The waves, the etiquette all that good stuff. Anyway I had a great time with my instructor there, Erik and here he is surfing with his dog Malu!

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/waikiki-surfing-dog-waikiki-surfing-lessons-oahu-hawaii/3401371764

Music In my Soul

2008-11-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

Ah Music sweet Music.. over the past couple years I have written songs in order to stop the obsessive spiral of thoughts in my mind. Next time I call with obsessive thoughts tell me to go write a song and stop wasting your time. ;)

Anyway tomorrow I am going to try to record some of these series of thoughts with notes with the help of one of my talented musician friends.

If all turns out well maybe I can post a couple of songs for you to hear on this website.

This is me with my "rock band". I'll use real instruments next time don't worry.

Movie Star Reynolds?

2008-11-19T17:53:00.000-08:00

So one day in The Netherlands I went in for an interview about my Masters Program check it out.. I'm now on the website. I think its a bit serious. I shouldn't quit my day job, oh wait I don't have one! I'm working on that its either back to Newport at ATM or off for more studies in Australia.. decision time is now!

http://www.tudelft.nl/live/pagina.jsp?id=7721af57-9e03-494e-ad5f-3659da73e9bf&lang=en

Playing & Relaxing in Colorado

2008-10-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

Does anyone need stuff?

2008-10-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

I am selling very cheaply a lot of my stuff. It is very good stuff. Does anyone need stuff? I mostly have rugs, small/ fold-able furniture/ storage units, small tv's w/ dvd or old school vhs, 6 disc cd changer,dvd player, nice one cup coffee maker (I don't know if I can part with that one..), great scuba gear new (never used just stored, brilliant christin), a nice touring bike (not race/road but not mountain), practically new roller blades (size 10), one of those sleep machines that covers up snoring with birds or something, alarm clock still in box, lamps, surf board (eeek don't know I can only part if I find a good home), microwave. I'm going to put it on craigslist next week so now is your chance to claim what you could use. I promise it is nice for real. A lot of the stuff I bought and hardly used thinking I would really need it.

Then I'm donating all my books, sheets, towels, kitchen stuff. So far my chosen charity is the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation because they will come pick it all up. But if anyone has a better donation place let me know.

www.gotbooks.com by the way is great they accept old books, cds and dvds.

Yes what will I do then with no stuff? I think I will sleep at night knowing I don't have to carry 10 tons around with me everywhere I go. I already have a duffel as big as me that follows me. I have a hunch that I might be a bit nomadic and to embrace this lifestyle it is time to cut back!

Tomorrow I go through the boxes of paper and pictures.. it could be a looong day I get sentimental.

Pictures of Colorado and New Orleans to come soon..

Climbing and Mountain Biking

2008-10-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got to try my luck at mountain biking at slip rock in Moab, Utah. Thanks to my friend Laura I didn't die and I think I might really like the sport. It will take much more practice though. We also got to climb this beautiful red rock face. I'm really enjoying Colorado, but I am pre-occupied with job searching. I need a job does anyone have one for me?

more pics

2008-09-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Aussie Land Part II

2008-09-22T05:13:00.000-07:00

This past week I spent up in Daintree Rainforest and out on the Great Barrier Reef. My camera has just stopped working but luckily I was able to get the pictures off of it. So I might not have that many more pictures to share. I will be home in a week. We drove up north of Cairns to Daintree and now we are on our way back south to Brisbane (Brisie as they say here). I'll visit the Gold Coast sounds so fabulous but apparantely it is just a coast full of big tourist beaches and high rises. I've been so spoiled seeing this untouched beautiful nature. Take a look for yourself here are some pictures. Oh also I stopped at the BIG mangoe. Apparantely the USA isn't the only country which has super large random things as tourist destinations. This makes me feel better! Anyway I'm still having fun and relaxing but will be ready to start job searching for real soon. To all those who are working today I bow my head to you.

Aussie Land Pics Part I

2008-09-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hello from Australia! As always I have taken a bunch of scenic landscapes, but not many pictures with me actually in them. Anyway so far I've driven from Brisbane up the coast to the Whitsundays. Stopped off at the worlds largest sand island for some four wheeling and camping. Unfortunately we had visitors, migies as they call them. Tiny Tiny persistant bugs who don't bite but pee on you! And it itches! I got to see some wild digos on the island too, very cool animals.
Yesterday I took a "sail" around the Whitsunday islands, they are absolutely beautiful. I say "sail" because there was really hardly any wind and they used the motor alot. Made me miss sailing in the Netherlands and Newport. I also got to snorkel as well, we are in "great barrier reef" territory, but I wasn't out on a big piece of reef only looking at some in between the islands. But still really cool. However the water was pretty cloudy hard to get some good photos. I'll try again there will be mroe snorkling action down the road. Next up is Cains some more great barrier reef there and then Daintree for rainforest! And then the big drive back south the Brisbane. Here are some pictures of what i've been up to!

Aussie Land

2008-09-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

I made it safetly to Australia.. nothing to report on yet 'cept I made it here. Feeling a little strange maybe its because I am upside down. Or maybe it is just the time difference.

Send you some pics once I get some.

Back to Nature

2008-09-08T06:03:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing week last week enjoying the Adirondack mountains with my mom and David (her new husband). I also got to see some good friends from way back before I had any college degrees. One which I will help move to Colorado in October.. ROAD TRIP! WEEEEHAWW. It will be great to see some of the USA after traveling all over.
Also my new waterproof camera is still bringing me great joy. This picture below is IN the waterfall.

Reuniting with Buddies

2008-09-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

With friends like these who wouldn't want to reunite and get lots of hugs?
Yesterday these crazy kids drove to visit my sis's house in celebration of my graduation. It was during the hurricane soupy weather so we spent most of our time inside in A/C. A little game of bullshit was played some talent performances and some dutch beer and dinner were served. It was really cool to share the Dutch culture with my friends, however I'm not so sure they all loved the dinner but hey the Dutch aren't known for their cooking so I must have accurately represented. The stroopwafles were a big hit though! It was so nice to be with people who know my past, however getting them all together in one room and discussing my love life made it hard for me to keep my face a normal shade of tan/brown/cream.

doggie paddle

2008-08-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

A closer underwater look at how the doggie paddle is really done. River Reynolds has great swimming form here. Thanks to my new underwater digital camera years of mystery have been solved today.