Return from Mexico

After 4 days and 3 nights of basking in Cabo San Lucas, we return (to 30 degree weather and an ice-storm)! The Melia Cabo Real, our all-inclusive resort, was a great bargain. The staff was friendly and sometimes overly attentive, shots of tequila would appear at our table without even asking and our glasses never stayed empty too long. Perhaps bc they knew we were on the search for the Chupacabra. Heard of the chupacabra? Check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chupacabra .

Our 2nd day at the resort we received a note under the door informing all hotel guests that the hotel would be under intense security for the next couple of days due to the stay of important Mexican & US personalities. Sure enough as we laid out by the pool that afternoon we were surrounded by Mexican Federal Policia who were guarding the beautifully landscaped resort grounds with AK-47s. And becasue we had an oceanview room, which was closest to the nicest rooms, our building was protected with snipers on the roof (who we soon made friends with). After making friends with the guards and some American agents, we found out that it was some immigration and drug enforcement conference at the resort. Higher ups from the Mexican government and perhaps the US Attorney General were meeting during our stay. Needless to say, security was TIGHT, the gates were guarded with Policia and you had to show your wristbands to enter. This aspect definitely made the trip quite interesting, we were known quite easily by the Mexican Policia who we befriended, and they knew we were looking for the chupacabra.

While we did spend much time by the pool and swim-up bar, we also went out on a party boat for snorkeling and whale watching, and a separate adventure of sea-kayaking. We saw gray and humpback whales within 10-20 feet of the boat. Some were with their babies, the whales journey down from AK and the Bering Sea to the warmer waters to breed and then return north this time of year. They were amazing! Since the babies cant stay under water as long as their mothers, we saw one who kept jumping for air. It was great. We also did some pretty cool snorkeling. The boat anchored down in a bay near some rocks and a small coral reef where we then had to jump into FREEZING cold water. I was the brave one who jumped first and although it was shockingly cold, I warmed up as I began to tread water. Swimming in the coral reef area, we saw all kinds of cool fish...brightly colored aquas, yellow and black striped, glowing orange and then at least 3-4 EELS. I had no idea what they were until Christina and Jen told me to swim away from them. Oops!

To wrap this up, Cabo was beautiful...it's where the desert and mountains meet the Sea of Cortez & the Pacific Ocean, and it's a beautiful landscape. However, it didnt really feel like we were in a foreign country, I'd prefer to call it CaliforiaMexico. It's definitely designed for tourists and the cheesy nightlife at the notorious CaboWabo and El Squid Roe were prime examples of tourist traps (especially for the middle-aged). But we still managed to have a great time wherever we went!

Day from Hell

Today has been the day from hell...well, maybe it started yesterday. Let's just say it did. See, my flight home was 3 hours delayed, which got us home to Dulles around 2;30pm yesterday. Now, Sara's shower started at 1pm and had the flight been on time, I had planned on going. I even considered going late, BUT when I got to baggage claim and realized that my bag was MIA, I then had to deal with that fiasco. By the time I left the airport, the shower was well done. Anywho, after phoning United's 800 number to check in on the bag at least 10x during the last 24 hours and given the run around...I finally got my bag by just going back to the airport this evening to look in their claims area. Sure enough, there it was, no tags...somehow the tags had come off. I was just glad it was there (my ipod, my africa jewelry, my running shoes, and my earrings were all in it). On top of all this, here's what else happened to me today:

1) I got a speeding ticket this morning on my way to run an errand in Tysons
2) I dropped and broke a bowl that was in the refrigerator
3) I dropped this arts & craft box that had ink and all kinds of messy items, which caused a huge cleanup in the laundry room
4) I went to Harris Teeter and asked for cash back ($160) and walked out without it...had to go back an hour later and see if they had it, luckily they did
5) The bag fiasco

WHAT else?!

Nashville, the friendliest city!

Despite a three hour delayed flight down and a three hour delayed flight home, my work trip to Nashville was a) successful and b) tons of fun. Arriving a bit later than expected on Thursday afternoon, Micki and I were able to check into the hotel, grab a quick lunch with our hotel contact and I was able to make it over to the Gaylord Opryland convention center to catch the last hour of the American Camping Association's annual tradeshow. Similar tradeshow to ours and lots of my exhibitors were there, which was great to see them mid-year. The Opryland Hotel is crazy, it's huge and the amount of flora and fauna in the arboretum area was impressive. I am glad though that our convention is downtown bc the Opryland is way out of town. The Renaissance is a block and a half away from Commerce Street, where all the live country music bars litter this famous Nashville strip. And btw, the proximity to Commerce Street may cause some tough early mornings come November for staff and attendees ;)

Thrusday night, I decided to venture out alone to Commerce Street to check out all the buzz. I made my way into one of the bars, grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered a Blue Moon. Seriously, everyone in Nashville is just so friendly. I think I've forgotten how much I miss the south, the drinks are cheap and everyone is just out to have fun. I ended up meeting a couple from Louisville and before long we had everyone on the dance floor.

Friday, we spent most of the day doing the site visit and pre-con meeting with the Convention Center and hotel. Everything went smoothly and with the contacts we have, I am positive that the convention will be a breeze. Later that evening, Micki and I grabbed dinner at Big River Brewing Company and made out way into the bar, Legends. We were fortunate to get 2 seats at the bar bc the place was starting to get packed. Our seats were perfect for watching all the fools on the dance floor...it's amazing what alcohol makes people do. Micki was dying laughing at the lack of rhythm these poor older white folks weren't afraid to show off. I said to her, "Isnt this place just awesome, you've got all kinds of people in here." And then I paused and said, "well, actually you have one kind of people in here but all kinds of ages...bc you're probably the only black person and I think I'm representing the olive skinned folk." Anywho, we had ourselves a blast. Again, we ended up meeting a couple who we spent most of the evening chatting up and dancing with...and buying rounds for each other. We decided it was time to go when the husband started smacking Micki's butt and grabbing my a**. Micki goes, "Ok then, think it's time to go Kera." I couldn't agree more! But all in all, a very funny night.

PS: I bought myself some cowboy boots!!

What is the What

Check out Dave Eggers, What is the What. This is an inspirational read. A wonderful story of the true life experience of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the thousands of Lost Boys, who was forced to leave his village in Sudan and to venture across 3 countries to finally reach freedom in Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp and eventually here in the United States.

You can learn more about Valentino and his efforts at: www.valentinoachakdeng.org

**Lodwar 13 teammates, I think you'd really enjoy this story. Many of the places we travelled through and even stayed are mentioned. ie: a hotel in Kitale is mentioned and the breakfast room where they crowded into.

For fellow Bourdainiacs: Kitchen Confidential

Got a recommendation from my pal Andy to read Anthony Bourdain's, Kitchen Confidential. He loved it. Maybe this will be a future read of mine. My list is growing and I promised myself that I will read all the books that I currently have before venturing out of my house for another. Andy, I like the term Bourdainiacs, it has a nice ring to it.

24 hour recap

Yep, so I spent my Friday night at a country bar, Nicks in Alexandria. My Aunt Joy discovered the place recently and suggested we meet her out sometime. It was FUN, all types of people and all ages but one heck of a dance floor. There was a band and the floor was packed. Deena's partner (2nd to Dean) was this man who had to be 70+ and reminded me very much of Mr. Ferley (Don Knotts, old Don)but he knew his stuff. He was a good teacher bc he knew the moves but couldnt move very fast, perfect for learning. My partner Deena nicknamed Paul McCartney, also one of the oldest people there...very patient with me. And Aunt Joy got in a couple good rounds of the 2-step. Fun night, I'm suggesting we do a big night out there sometime soon.

Met Tina this morning in DC for our 16+ mi run up Rock Creek Parkway. Ahhh such an amazing setting, the weather was beautiful and the path is just stunning. This time we actually made it into MD. I was tired from the moment we started but I made it. And our time is getting better and better (well, at least for me it is), we were at an 8.5 minute mile at certain points. I am sore as all ever now though. I've got to find a cure for sore legs and buttocks.

This afternoon I got a facial from Spa Noa thanks to Deena and Dean and then went over to their place for dinner. Dean's family is in town bc they are having their crowns removed at church tomorrow. Really nice catching up with them. Mom made a DELICIOUS truffle...I devoured it.

I'm supposed to be at Caryn's bday gathering in Gtown now but I really zonked from todays run and decided to take a break. The thought of climbing the hill from the waterfront to find parking, just killed me. I'm so sorry I'm missing out Car-on! I was looking fwd to it, the piano bar was my idea!

I am sleepy

I am EXHAUSTED. I think all this running is hitting me hard. Yesterday's run was just my usual 5 miles and I was dragging. And as tired as I am, I haven't been able to get a good nights sleep recently. I feel like I need some fuel.

I found this website on running tips, offers some good advice: http://running.lifetips.com/.

Destination Showcase, aka: WORK

Today was the Destination Showcase at the Washington Convention Center. This annual event is an opportunity for meeting planners to meet with Convention & Vistor Bureaus (CVBs)from every city, state and a few select countries and to begin plans for their annual conventions or large events. I was basically along for the ride since I don't handle the meetings per se, but I do deal with the convention centers in regard to expositions. Cool event.

We got to meet with our reps at the Nashville CVB ahead of our meeting next week in Nashville. Looks like we may get dealt a nice hand of cards...the Country Music Awards will be occuring in Nashville the same time as our annual convention there and the Nashville Convention Center has asked us to give up some of our exposition space to accomodate an event for the CMA's. It would require a LOT of refiguring of space on my end BUT for Tim McGraw, I may just do it ;) They said they'd see what they could work for us...now we are in the money!

The day was also cool in that I got to meet MR. FROMMER (as in Frommers Travel Guides) and his daughter, they signed a book for me and Pauline (the daughter) asked for my biz card to contact me about some ideas they had. There are a MILLION campground directories sooo hopefully her idea is a unique one. And lastly the keynote address was Stan Kasten, President of the Nationals. His speech was a good one but predominantly a sales pitch for using the stadium as venue. The other great thing is all the networking and people you get to meet. Plus, I ran into my 2 old managers from USA Today, it was great catching up with them.

Freezin' For A Reason

Ok, so this Saturday Feb. 9th, Deena and I MAY be participating in an event called Freezin' for a Reason. It's a fundraiser that will happen up and down the mid-atlantic/Northeast on Sat. to raise money for Camp Sunshine. Basically, it's a polar plunge into a freezing cold lake. The lake nearby happens to be REALLY nearby, Lake Anne. Camp Sunshine is a camp for terminally ill children and their families up in Maine. We both heard about it and thought, what the heck?? why not?! We'll keep you posted if we go through with this...

www.freezinforareason.com

Michael James L.

Baby Leopold has a new cousin, Michael James. Born yesterday to my cousin Jimbo and his wife. Julie in Myrtle Beach, SC, Michael James weighed 8lbs 9oz. For those of you who know Aunt Amal-- she is now a VERY proud grandmother. I spoke to Jimbo last night and he was ecstatic and said the baby is quite cute and surprisingly tone (muscular). I said to him, "Duh, a natural soccer player like pops and a Bruce Springsteen fan by birth." Jimbo, is the ULTIMATE Bruce Springsteen fan-- I think he's gone to over 25 shows, including the most recent one in DC. Congrats!! Perhaps my little cousin will play USC soccer one day?!

Next week: Nashville & Cabo

I'm headed to Nashville on Feb 14th with my coworker, Micki, to do a site visit for our annual convention. We'll spend most of our time visiting with the Nashville Convention Center and at the sponsor hotel, The Rennaissance Nashville. So our trip happens to falls on Valentines Day and I said to Micki the other day, "We're going to get to go to Valentines Day dinner together in Nashville..YES! hahha" She goes, "Girl, I ain't going to be your Valentine, I got plans that night!" SNAP,huh? Dissed. I can already hear the reminder of the fake rose story. BTw- I hope to get to check out Wild Horse Saloon. Bummed that the following week I'll miss the Gypsy Kings!

After Nashville, I'll be back home for the weekend and then off again on Monday to Cabo San Lucas with Christina & Jen. We found an AMAZING rate--super, super cheap. We're staying at an all-inclusive, the Melia Cabo Real: http://www.meliacaboreal.com/ It was a no brainer price-wise and Feb 18 is Presidents Day which is an optional holiday. So, we'll be soaking up some sun and hitting the beach. I look forward to getting in the water...snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba? Supposedly, the winter is the best time for windsurfing as it's not as rough. I've heard that the water can be very dangerous and too choppy for swimming. I really hope that's not the case. The other cool thing is that it's WHALE season, we'll hopefully get to see some Gray whales. There's a pretty good chance bc they typically migrate to warmer waters between Jan-March. I'm READY.