Sometimes a series of unfortunate events happens all in one week, and there’s a breaking point that seems almost comic once enough time passes that I can recover my sense of humor about the whole thing. It’s a rare occurrence, but when it happens there’s a moment mid happenings where I actually think to myself … More The Meltdown
I apologize in advanced because I don’t like to post things that are serious or even semi-serious because that’s not how I know how to deal with things. I joke around a lot and sidetrack conversations because it’s really the only coping mechanism I have. I see the humor in a lot of things that … More Lauck Blood
I was in a fairly decent mood as I was heading to the airport. As much as I hate flying, I was looking forward to visiting with my friends and family in Indianapolis, most of whom I don’t get to see other than a visit around Christmas since I’ve moved to Seattle. I’m also a … More Pat Down Patty
As it always goes, my final full day in Cuba arrived in the blink of an eye. After a full day of moseying through the city, Mariska and I decided to hit the daquiri bar with The Russian as a final hurrah. He had been kind enough to charge my phone in his hotel room, … More Dirty Money–Cuba Part 5
The story goes that Hemingway went to Cuba for a fishing trip, but then loved it so much that he moved there years later. He ended up living in Cuba for 20 years. Needless to say, there are plenty of Hemingway sites to check out on a trip to Cuba which I was determined to … More Hemingway’s Havana–Cuba Part 4
Mariska and I woke up and were ready for breakfast at 9am sharp. Gerardo’s wife made us a breakfast spread that left no room for hunger: rolls, eggs, vegetables, a fruit platter, smoothies, coffee and tea. We sat at the table, stuffed, when Gerardo came in and sat down, making sure we had a good … More Blondie Abroad–Cuba Part 3
We drove down the dusty Havana back roads and arrived at our casa particular. It’s basically a home stay situation where you occupy a room in the residence of a local Cuban rather than a hotel. It’s cheaper, it’s more authentic, and I felt good supporting local people rather than a hotel. Our host, Gerardo, … More BYOTP–Cuba Part 2
Please note, I’m starting at the very beginning of my Havana trip, but my Cuba adventure series will be painted in several parts. Bear with me as I have lots of tales to tell, but plan on keeping them short and approachable. I was freaking out days before my Havana adventure, as I always do … More Flop Sweat–Cuba Part 1
It hit me yesterday morning when I woke up in a cold sweat at 2am that I was going to Cuba in 3 days and wanted to spill my cookies immediately. This happens before every trip I take. I tend to freak out and convince myself I’ve made a huge mistake every single time I … More Spilling My Cookies
I arrived back at my apartment in Seattle from my most recent trip back to visit the family in Indianapolis at 1am, which is really 4am Indiana time, so needless to say, I was exhausted when I walked through the door. I opened my completely empty fridge while my stomach grumbled, and remembered that my … More Be Better than Your Predecessor (Ode to 2017)
Transient Transplant 