Madrid April 14, 1992

   (cont.).......

   At first things were really bad, and Kara and I were like, "WHY were we stupid enough to go on an A.C.I.S. trip two years in a row!"....Our courier's name is Carina.  She is British, and is nothing like Hugh ( from last year).  I really don't like her, so I am not going to describe her.

   The reason things were going badly is because after we had gotten situated in our hotel toom, which had a bathroom the size of a gymnasium, Carina told us to move to three separate rooms.  We were like, "No way in hell!".  After about two hours of Mr. Baker arguing with her, Jane and I were put in a room with two girls who are part of our group, but not from our school. Kara got put in a room with Barb and Chris.  They are kind of under the Bakers' care because their advisor couldn't come on the trip at the last minute because of a death. 

   I ended up moving my stuff with Kara, Barb, and Chris, leaving Jane with those other girls.  Which isn't nice, but I really wanted to be in Kara's room.
   Anyway, before all the room confusion happened, all of us (minus Barb and Chris) went on a walk with the dreaded Bakers.
   I really like the "Madrilenos" because they seem really laid back--not always friendly though.  Watch out if they're driving, because they will hit you with no remorse!

(to be cont.......)

Madrid April 13, 1992

   Well, it's like 11:00 p.m. here in Madrid, Spain, and I'm in my hotel room with Kara, Jane, and two girls from Nevada:  Barb and Chris.  Barb is a sweety, and is always nice to everyone ( Oh and they're from Las Vegas, Nevada!).  This is our second day here, and all and all things are going well.  It was bad at first.
   First of all, an eight hour flight to Zurich, Switzerland.  Jane was sitting to the left of me, and Kara to my right.  It front of us were Mike (a sophomore who is really uptight), Scott ( the funniest person alive), and Jim Gay( a freshman with a really great last name).
   The Bakers kept stashing airplane food into this bowling bag that they used as a carry on.  They also asked everyone if they could eat their leftovers.  They're so embarrassing.
   Kara and I laugh so hard we practically die, at everything and anything (especially the Bakers).  Our seats were really uncomfortable, and so we didn't sleep.  There was this gorgoeus man who looked like Adam Clayton from U2, but that's about it.
   When we finally got to Zurich, we had a three hour layover, and we ( Jane, Kara, and I ) were so tired, and I felt so dirty.
   Basically everyone in Europe smokes.  I say that because I was people watching in the airport, and everyone had a cigarette in their hand.  Then we finally got on our flight, and I saw the Pireneas (?) mountains through the window, which were so beautiful. They were snow capped....
   The airport at Madrid was FILTHY! ...cigarettes and other trash all over the ground.  We went through customs and got our luggage, and then someone from A.C.I.S. took us to our hotel.  It was sunny and warm, and I love Madrid.  The streets are so narrow--so many sidestreets.  The buildings are close together...........( to be cont.)........

early morning musings

   Ugh....I've been up since five....that's what time I get up during the week....that's what I'm used to.  I feel pretty good....I hurt myself a little using my new elliptical machine....I hope it's cleared out by Monday.
   I was looking forward to sleeping in too!  Oh well.  So my sista is coming into town today with my nephew, Colin, and I'm pretty excited.  Tomorrow she and I have a box of memorabilia to go through.    
I've already found my sophomore year high school journal for Mr. Don Baker's honors English class.
What a hoot!  I thought i knew everything!  I'm going to post some of the entries on this blog soon.  We could all use a good laugh.  I'm praying my Europe trip and Lebanon journals are in there.  Those are priceless.
 

smelly cat

      Laying here relaxing after a busy morning/afternoon.  Louie and Sitzah are with me, and Louie is one smelly cat.  Beautiful.  But smelly!  Oh well, I still love him---I must because I haven't kicked him out yet;).   Now Squishy has joined us..... yes we have three cats.  Don't judge me.
      Kids are home for Polaski day, and we've pretty much been eating all day....and catching up on laundry.  Kind of a balance I guess.
      On the third cycle of my new meds, and it's going pretty well.  Other than some dry peeling skin on my hands, I feel good.  Yesterday I was tired.  Today is better.  This is gonna be short and sweet-- I love comments!

Riders on the Storm

   "They've got a name for the winners in this world, i wanna name when i lose........call me Deacon Blue"-----Steely Dan

   Oh boy.....where to begin?  My world is a little upside down these days, but from what I'm hearing, I'm not alone.  The whole world is upside down, and I'm holding on for dear life.
   It all started a couple of weeks ago when my Uncle Ramone died.  My Lebanese uncle who was like a father to me, he took me to Lebanon with his six children ( Paul stayed home, there are actually seven) when I was twenty years old.  That two month trip changed me in so many ways, and I am forever thankful to you Ray for the huge gift!!

   On top of his loss, I am dealing with a lot.  To say I'm overwhelmed is an understatement.  But when it rains it pours, and I'm just going to ride the storm out....like I always do.  Have an awesome Monday.

Waiting for the Miracle

One World

      I haven't written in a while......just haven't felt like it.
   Had some good news yesterday at Cancer Care.  First my nurse was giggling because my blood pressure was "textbook perfect"..... she said she had never seen that before!  I swear that it's a combination of using frozen lemons, and really intense Lebanese garlic sauce.  Old folk remedies for a multitude of sins.
   Not only that, but my "tumor marker" is the exact same from last time.  So no spreading!  I say yay!!
   To top my day off, three of my neighbor girlfriends took me to our local favorite cafe, One World.  I worked there for years, now I just get to go and enjoy the atmosphere from time to time.  We sat on our asses for three hours and chatted.  The only problem with One World is that it is so loud!  It has the original tin ceiling, maybe that's why.
   It's 5:45 in the morning.....I've been up since 5:11.......start my new cycle of medicine today, so I have to keep to a schedule.  I guess that's all for now.