Sunday, June 29, 2008
Where Are We?
In Venice, where it is HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!! We havent been in a hotel with Internet, and as a result, we have been TRUANT!
I have been taking TONS of pictures and will post them ASAP. Maybe even tonight, so check back later.
Because it is costing me a FORTUNE to use this computer time (approximately $7.50 an hour), I am going to sign off, but I leave you with these thoughts:
1. We finally received our luggage, after 5 days. Wearing the same clothes for 5 days meant that I did not have to think about what to wear each day, did not have to carry heavy luggage from the bus to my hotel room and back again, and most important, I do not NEED so much stuff when I am on vacation.
2. Eric eats a hell of a lot of food each meal. Unbelieveable! I know he is a growing boy, but he can clear everyones plate in a 2 mile radius!
3. I love my new camera. Thank you Robert for making me realize how nice it is to take good pictures, especially with my long-range lens.
I will find wireless access and post pictures LATER.
CIAO!!!!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Karen's Thoughts From. . .
. . .Day ONE
What Have I Learned Today . . . from Karen
Never connect flights through San Francisco. A little fog and every flight is stuck on the ground, and passengers have to frantically find new connections to their destination.
Stay away from Chinese food sold in the San Francisco Airport. It does not agree with my digestive system. I need to stick to bread and butter, specifically sourdough bread from Boudin’s.
Beware of the code SSSS on a boarding pass. This code means that you will go through extensive security screening. You will walk into an enclosed booth where a sudden blowing system will blow a strong puff of air that will detect if you are carrying a chemical dust that might suggest terrorist activity. Then you will have a TSA (Transportation Security Aviation) agent search through every nook and cranny of your belongings, which include your shoes, carry-on bags, purses, and computers. Did you know that you can only bring 3 ounce bottles of liquids in carry-on luggage? I didn’t know that my toothpaste was not only over the limit, but also considered a liquid. No use getting upset about it, especially since I packed my toothbrush in my check-in luggage.
Always smile, make silly conversation, and be pleasant to airline agents, especially when you want to get on a stand-by flight. Telling stories about “lesbians” will definitely bring a smile to an agent, and hopefully give you benefit points to getting a seat, or three, on a sold-out flight.
The key to meeting a man is to wear interesting jewelry. The man might not be someone you want to write home about, or even sit next to on a flight, but it does make a long, boring day somewhat more hopeful. Do you know where Kuwait is? It’s supposed to be the garden spot of the world. . .NOT!!!! Stupid small talk!
Learn to have conversations with anyone, and everyone. It’s amazing what you can learn just by starting up a conversation. Ask a question, make a comment, give a compliment, it really doesn’t matter what it is, but people are fascinating, especially when traveling. And along the same line of thinking, it’s also fascinating to people watch, especially in an airport. People carry the most amazing pieces of luggage. Amounts and sizes of luggage vary, and right now I am dying to own the small carry-on, hard-sided PINK luggage that is for sale at Brookstone’s. I saw this pink cutie last October when I went to visit my kids in D.C., and the only thing that stopped me from spending the $100 was the size. It was definitely NOT large enough for my stuff. I take way too much stuff with me when I travel, and this trip is no exception. Which brings me to number 7.
The maximum weight allowed in one piece of luggage is 50 pounds. Why can’t the rule be: if it fits in the luggage and you can zip it shut, then shut up and accept it. My bag was 12 pounds over limit, and it cost me an extra $50. And I haven’t even shopped yet! YIKES!!!!! Looks like I will have to buy another piece of luggage. . . maybe that cute PINK one. I can check in two bags because I’m traveling international, each bag can weigh 50 pounds, and I won’t be charged the extra $50.
The selection of movies on international flights can be a crap shoot. Fool’s Gold was one of the movies, and it’s hard to believe that two stars like Matthew McConnaghy and Kate Hudson actually got paid to act in that movie. It is possibly the WORST movie I have EVER seen;. I just watched the last 45 minutes, and no sound, and I can tell you that it was a waste of time. It was sooooo bad that I should get a rebate from the cost of my flight.
And last, but not least, Eric needs to take a geography class when he gets to college. He thought we were flying to Europe in a westerly direction, eventually flying over Russia. HUH?????? I had to explain to him that we were flying the polar route, and we were going easterly. It’s just past 9:30 p.m., and the sun is just starting to set, which is totally weird. Just wait until we get to Amsterdam and it doesn’t get dark until almost 11:00 p.m. That’s it for Day 1. . .
What Have I Learned Today . . . from Karen
Never connect flights through San Francisco. A little fog and every flight is stuck on the ground, and passengers have to frantically find new connections to their destination.
Stay away from Chinese food sold in the San Francisco Airport. It does not agree with my digestive system. I need to stick to bread and butter, specifically sourdough bread from Boudin’s.
Beware of the code SSSS on a boarding pass. This code means that you will go through extensive security screening. You will walk into an enclosed booth where a sudden blowing system will blow a strong puff of air that will detect if you are carrying a chemical dust that might suggest terrorist activity. Then you will have a TSA (Transportation Security Aviation) agent search through every nook and cranny of your belongings, which include your shoes, carry-on bags, purses, and computers. Did you know that you can only bring 3 ounce bottles of liquids in carry-on luggage? I didn’t know that my toothpaste was not only over the limit, but also considered a liquid. No use getting upset about it, especially since I packed my toothbrush in my check-in luggage.
Always smile, make silly conversation, and be pleasant to airline agents, especially when you want to get on a stand-by flight. Telling stories about “lesbians” will definitely bring a smile to an agent, and hopefully give you benefit points to getting a seat, or three, on a sold-out flight.
The key to meeting a man is to wear interesting jewelry. The man might not be someone you want to write home about, or even sit next to on a flight, but it does make a long, boring day somewhat more hopeful. Do you know where Kuwait is? It’s supposed to be the garden spot of the world. . .NOT!!!! Stupid small talk!
Learn to have conversations with anyone, and everyone. It’s amazing what you can learn just by starting up a conversation. Ask a question, make a comment, give a compliment, it really doesn’t matter what it is, but people are fascinating, especially when traveling. And along the same line of thinking, it’s also fascinating to people watch, especially in an airport. People carry the most amazing pieces of luggage. Amounts and sizes of luggage vary, and right now I am dying to own the small carry-on, hard-sided PINK luggage that is for sale at Brookstone’s. I saw this pink cutie last October when I went to visit my kids in D.C., and the only thing that stopped me from spending the $100 was the size. It was definitely NOT large enough for my stuff. I take way too much stuff with me when I travel, and this trip is no exception. Which brings me to number 7.
The maximum weight allowed in one piece of luggage is 50 pounds. Why can’t the rule be: if it fits in the luggage and you can zip it shut, then shut up and accept it. My bag was 12 pounds over limit, and it cost me an extra $50. And I haven’t even shopped yet! YIKES!!!!! Looks like I will have to buy another piece of luggage. . . maybe that cute PINK one. I can check in two bags because I’m traveling international, each bag can weigh 50 pounds, and I won’t be charged the extra $50.
The selection of movies on international flights can be a crap shoot. Fool’s Gold was one of the movies, and it’s hard to believe that two stars like Matthew McConnaghy and Kate Hudson actually got paid to act in that movie. It is possibly the WORST movie I have EVER seen;. I just watched the last 45 minutes, and no sound, and I can tell you that it was a waste of time. It was sooooo bad that I should get a rebate from the cost of my flight.
And last, but not least, Eric needs to take a geography class when he gets to college. He thought we were flying to Europe in a westerly direction, eventually flying over Russia. HUH?????? I had to explain to him that we were flying the polar route, and we were going easterly. It’s just past 9:30 p.m., and the sun is just starting to set, which is totally weird. Just wait until we get to Amsterdam and it doesn’t get dark until almost 11:00 p.m. That’s it for Day 1. . .
Eric's Uncorrected and Uncensored Thoughts From. . .
. . .Day ONE
Well its 5:20 right now and I still haven’t been anywhere but the gay capital of the world, San Francisco. I had no idea I would be here from thinking that I was going to fly to New York and leave to London. It turns out that my entire trip is completely opposite from what I thought it would be. The good news about that though is I will be flying to Frankford Germany which out of all the places I am looking forward to going the most. To add to the trip rerouting, we missed our original flight to Frankford because our trip to San Francisco was delayed. Because of that, we’ve been stuck here in gay land for a good three hours and more to come. Besides our problems with flights and rerouting though, everything is going just fine. I bought a five dollar bottle of juice that took me about three seconds to drink along with a ten dollar pizza which was worse than a five dollar pizza from Little Ceases on anyway. The whole idea of the trip really has not settled in yet because I have not gone too far yet, but I am really starting to think what lies ahead of me in the next twenty four hours. I am already starting to miss someone and she knows who she is. I keep telling myself that I don’t know what’s wrong with me because it’s hard for me to be away from her for just a little while. This week has been one of the best weeks of my life because I’ve been able to spend almost everyday with her and every moment has been special. I realize though that by me being away for two weeks is not the end of the world and I am still going to have an awesome time, even with her being on my mind everyday. I have no idea what to expect or what I will see in these two weeks, shit I didn’t even know where I was going until today. Because of that though, I believe that it will only make the adventures more fun.
Well its 5:20 right now and I still haven’t been anywhere but the gay capital of the world, San Francisco. I had no idea I would be here from thinking that I was going to fly to New York and leave to London. It turns out that my entire trip is completely opposite from what I thought it would be. The good news about that though is I will be flying to Frankford Germany which out of all the places I am looking forward to going the most. To add to the trip rerouting, we missed our original flight to Frankford because our trip to San Francisco was delayed. Because of that, we’ve been stuck here in gay land for a good three hours and more to come. Besides our problems with flights and rerouting though, everything is going just fine. I bought a five dollar bottle of juice that took me about three seconds to drink along with a ten dollar pizza which was worse than a five dollar pizza from Little Ceases on anyway. The whole idea of the trip really has not settled in yet because I have not gone too far yet, but I am really starting to think what lies ahead of me in the next twenty four hours. I am already starting to miss someone and she knows who she is. I keep telling myself that I don’t know what’s wrong with me because it’s hard for me to be away from her for just a little while. This week has been one of the best weeks of my life because I’ve been able to spend almost everyday with her and every moment has been special. I realize though that by me being away for two weeks is not the end of the world and I am still going to have an awesome time, even with her being on my mind everyday. I have no idea what to expect or what I will see in these two weeks, shit I didn’t even know where I was going until today. Because of that though, I believe that it will only make the adventures more fun.
Thoughts From Day ONE. . .
Although this is Thursday morning, Amsterdam, Eric and I wrote our thoughts from Day ONE, which seems like a lifetime ago. So I'm posting our words, and some pictures, and we will try to catch up later today.
Needless to say, we have had our difficulties, more than our share, but we are having a GREAT time. If the pictures look as if they were all taken on the same day, it's because we still haven't received our luggage, and we are wearing the same clothes that we put on at home on Monday. Not having our luggage means that there's no thinking about what to wear for the day, and that has saved me LOTS of time. If we don't receive our suitcases sometime soon, we will be forced to buy new clothes, but hey, YOU know that I like to shop, so there's not a problem for me.
We will have time to write today because we will be leaving in an hour for Heidelberg, Germany. So for now, back to the beginning. . .
Eric is cool, calm and collected. 
This is my friend, Jessica.
Monday, June 23, 2008
At the Airport. . . Ready to Leave San Diego
We are waiting for a flight to be called, anxious to start our adventure. Eric just bought a $5 bottle of juice, and reality has just set in. The cost of travel is outrageous. Just wait until he gets to Europe and that same bottle of juice is closer to $10! Oh to be rich, and carefree. The plane is ready to board, so I will post the first pictures once we get to San Francisco, and then change planes, and on to Frankfurt, Germany, only to change plans ONCE AGAIN, for our last flight to Amsterdam. This time tomorrow we will just be landing in the land of canals, marijuana, and the Red Light District.
Did you ever see the movie PEE WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE? Well, this is the sequel, ERIC'S BIG ADVENTURE. The fun is just beginning.
We are off and running. . .
Did you ever see the movie PEE WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE? Well, this is the sequel, ERIC'S BIG ADVENTURE. The fun is just beginning.
We are off and running. . .
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Relaxed. . . But Definitely Not Ready. . .
Packing for a one month trip is the absolutely worst part of traveling, especially to Europe. The weather is always unpredictable, so I need to take clothes for hot, cold, in-between, and rain. And everything in one big suitcase, and a carry-on. I ALWAYS take too much and regret it. So much to do before I leave, but it will all get done by 8 am tomorrow morning when my ride comes to pick me up. Well, I'm off to do one last load of laundry.
This Just Sent In. . .
Saturday, June 21 - La Jolla Beach
rock beats scissors
What was the bet?!
Well the bet was "first one to jump in the water first." although the air was really hot the water was really cold. "making my nipples rock hard when i was knee high in the water c[=" but yea thats not it!!! as we got neck high in the water and waves started crashing down on us, romeo was like, "aye foo lets go further." i was like, "aight." we started swimming maybe 30 feet out more. when we were like, me: "damm im fuckin tired!" romeo: "i know, lets swim back!" as romeo and i were swimming back to shore we noticed that we were going no where... soo we swam our fucking heart out but we still didnt get anywhere. as we started to give up, we started to give up on life as well! as we were drowning i looked at my bro romeo as if it were my last. then i saw this boogie boarder!! my heart sank down to my ass! i was like "help". he rushed over to me and said "you need help?!" in my head i was like, "yes bitch!" but he got the hint that i was in fact drowning and gave me his board. as i got on it i looked at romeo. "romeo are you alright" romeo: "help me" he sounded as if his life was passing by him. the guy that gave me the board got romeo and swam him onto the board. then this life guard came out of no where and pulled us to the shore. as we got off the board we were about thigh high in the water. looking out to our kick it spot, my legs started to become weak. my head started to thump and my heart was still racing.. then this big ass wave pounded me which caused me to roll and flip into the wave!! "so not cool!! :(" as i got washed to shore and romeo walking on my side as i crawled, we said to ourselves "we made it"
yea we almost died today!!! lolz
* we got stuck in a rip current
rock beats scissorsWhat was the bet?!
Well the bet was "first one to jump in the water first." although the air was really hot the water was really cold. "making my nipples rock hard when i was knee high in the water c[=" but yea thats not it!!! as we got neck high in the water and waves started crashing down on us, romeo was like, "aye foo lets go further." i was like, "aight." we started swimming maybe 30 feet out more. when we were like, me: "damm im fuckin tired!" romeo: "i know, lets swim back!" as romeo and i were swimming back to shore we noticed that we were going no where... soo we swam our fucking heart out but we still didnt get anywhere. as we started to give up, we started to give up on life as well! as we were drowning i looked at my bro romeo as if it were my last. then i saw this boogie boarder!! my heart sank down to my ass! i was like "help". he rushed over to me and said "you need help?!" in my head i was like, "yes bitch!" but he got the hint that i was in fact drowning and gave me his board. as i got on it i looked at romeo. "romeo are you alright" romeo: "help me" he sounded as if his life was passing by him. the guy that gave me the board got romeo and swam him onto the board. then this life guard came out of no where and pulled us to the shore. as we got off the board we were about thigh high in the water. looking out to our kick it spot, my legs started to become weak. my head started to thump and my heart was still racing.. then this big ass wave pounded me which caused me to roll and flip into the wave!! "so not cool!! :(" as i got washed to shore and romeo walking on my side as i crawled, we said to ourselves "we made it"
yea we almost died today!!! lolz
* we got stuck in a rip current
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Surfing the Net. . .Finding True Inspiration. . .
. . . I have just finished reading this year's commencement address from Harvard University. The speaker was J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books. Although I have NEVER read a single Harry Potter book (can you believe it?????), I found her speech to be incredibly inspirational.
If you don't choose to read the speech, or listen to the video tape, then here are two awesome quotes that are so very meaningful.
***** "You will never truly know yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity."
***** "Life is difficult, and complicated, and beyond anyone’s total control, and the humility to know that will enable you to survive its vicissitudes. "
So that you don't have to look up the word in a dictionary, and being the constant teacher that I am, even when on vacation, I am giving you the definition of vicissitude: a. a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance, b. a difficulty or hardship on a way of life, a career, or a course of action.
Her speech is entitled "The Fringe Benefit of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination." The link is below.
J.K. Rowlings, Harvard Address
Friday, June 20, 2008
Graduation Pictures from. . .
. . . Hong Le. Congratulations on graduating in white. Wishing you the best at San Diego State!
Jonathan Robles. . .
*Dude, even though you like the Raiders, you are still a good friend.*A funny person.
*Never knew someone could grow so fast over the summer.
*A really smart person.
*Hey Robols! Hope ur future takes u to great places. Ima miss you.
*I've known you for a while, and you are really awesome. I hope that we can hang-out later in life, and hopefully you will make it in the bio industry.
*At first you were annoying, but then I got used to you. I'm going to miss you. Good luck.
*From 6th grade, and even now, what's to say, but we made it!
*A hard worker. Determined to do better with your essays.
*Coolest roach in the world!
*Very intelligent. I wish you the best life after high school.
*You have been a good friend. From being "bad" in middle school, to eating lunch. You are cool.
*You have grown a lot from being young and stupid, to being a mature adult.
*Hugs and Kisses from Mrs. Rogoff!
Mr. Salutatorian. . .Luther Souk. . .
*Funny, smart, successful, courageous.
*You're a good friend. You were always there to help me. Imma miss you.
*Biggest kid in IDEA, maybe in the future.
*Nice, always helps everyone.
*A great person, and a great wrestler.
*You are the hardest worker I know.
*You're very funny and smart. Don't forget me when you become RICH!
*A great person with a positive attitude. I have shared laughs and good times with you. Never change.
*Big man, little voice.
*You are a hard worker, nice to everyone, friendly, and funny.
*You are talented and play lots of sports. You are a cool dude.
*You are a perfect example of a Renaissance man. Your knowledge extends beyond books and school. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything. Don't forget the little people when you make it big.
*You are a multi-talented person who always pursues your dreams. I wish you the best in your future.
*I will be honest, I have never wanted to be left behind you. . .I have always wanted to keep up with you. . .but now you make me proud to even have known you.
*You have a chilled personality, so stay like that.
*I love talking to you cause you always show interest in my conversations. I'll miss you a lot.
*Funny guy. You talked to me like a friend. Very smart. Actually, I'm very jealous.
*You are cool, smart, lovable, and did I say smart? I'm proud to know you. SDSU wasn't ready for all you have to offer.
*A strong man, and one day a successful man.
*Hey, Dr. Wong. . .very smart and very funny.
*Hugs and Kisses from Mrs. Rogoff!
Gina Sumontha. . .
* Pretty, smart, successful, out-going, adventurous, peaceful
* You are a very pretty person not only on the outside, but on the inside too.
* OMG, you are a kick-ass friend, good sense of humor, and really down to earth.
* Very nice and kind.
* Kind and smart. Cares for everyone and gives good advice.
*Beautiful and charming every day.
*So cool!
*Pretty, smart, and always laughs at your jokes.
*It was kewl to get to know you this year. Before you seemed so quiet, but you are super awesome.
*A great friend. A good listener who gives great advice.
*Bestest eyes I have ever seen.
*She's the coolest Asian girl. Always in a happy mood.
*She is my BFF! The greatest friend I have ever had! She's there for you, help you with everything, fun to hang out with, and funny. I can always laugh with her, cry with her, and just be goofy. My best friend for LIFE!
*I'm going to miss you a lot. Hope your future takes you to great places.
*I HEART Gina.
*Talking to you has always been an eye opener. Besides being pretty and awesome, you are a great friend.
*HUGS and KISSES from MRS. ROGOFF!
From DA BOYS. . .
. . . of the Somali Nation. . .be proud of your accomplishments. . . and may this be just one of many.
Thank you Abdi for sending me your pictures.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
IT'S TOTALLY HYSTERICAL. . .
. . .If you haven't seen it yet. . . watch the masterpiece. . . The BroToe . . .starring Eric Lozick, Luther Souk, Rogelio Diaz, and Robert Tran. Just click on the link and ENJOY!!!!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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