Meet me in ..... nevermind, that's too easy.

This past weekend, Ken and I boarded an Amtrak train to St. Louis. Since we're trying our absolute best to be tree-hugging, soy milk drinking, Envirosax-using consumers, we figured the more environmentally-sound public transportation option was best. We took the Metra to Union Station and easily boarded our train. We were supposed to arrive in St. Louis around 3:00. However, as we moved slowly along and gradually came to a complete halt, it became apparent that we were not going to be arriving on time. Our snacks were consumed and Ken had discovered the beer on the snack car before we arrived around 5. Strike one for Amtrak.

Our hotel was a block from the Arch and you could actually see it from our room...if you craned your neck a bit. The real reason for coming to St. Louis on a Thursday was to catch a Tom Waits concert at the historic Fox Theatre. The theater is something else. Completely garish and yet stunning. As for Mr. Tom Waits, who I had never really listed to, what a performer! It was a completely unexpected show. I couldn't understand more than 10 words all night, but that's okay when he's kicking up dust and dancing on the stage.



On Friday, we got up to be typical tourists. First stop, breakfast at The Landing area. Then a short walk to the arch for some artistic shots.



It's not easy being artistic ---


Mustering up some courage, we boarded the tram to the top where we met a mother/daughter duo from Montana on the way up and a family from Georgia on the way down. The scenery is nice from above, but really chatting with complete strangers is close quarters is far more exciting.





Then on two empty stomachs, we grabbed the hotel shuttle to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. We were able to join a tour within minutes of showing up and were soon touring the area. I have to say, the tour itself was a bit of a disappointment. I think it was the fact there were 80 people with us and the tour guides were little robo-trons spewing information into a microphone. We did a Victoria Bitter one in Melbourne and it was awesome. I did enjoy the old buildings and the sense of history on the grounds. And the huge horseys. And this time no animals were harmed in my presence.







And then the best part. Tasting! I don't like beer, but I did drink their wheat ale, which was not bad, especially with free pretzels. Ken might have had a few.





From here we headed to the historic Union Station via public bus where we saw a gamut of crazies and lunatics in a short 10 minute ride. St. Louis never ceased to amaze us with its sheer number of absolute weirdos. Really nice, talkative weirdos, but strange folks nonetheless.

At the train station, we grabbed some calamari at a waterside cafe and splashed out on expensive truffles at a gourmet chocolate shop(pe). Superfancy. Then, strangely enough, Ken's brother, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, and grandmother were passing through, so we all grabbed lunch together.

On the way back to the hotel, we stumbled (literally) across a guy passed out on the sidewalk who was non-responsive. We were asking people if anyone had called 911 as he was bleeding and not looking so great. We were told that "someone called" at "some point." Not feeling very confident about it, we called 911 just as a cop was showing up. Once she actually got the guy to sit up, we discovered he was positively covered in drool. Chalk another weird encounter up for St. Louis.

On Friday night, we headed out for some dinner, drinks, and live music.



Our first stop was the Broadway Oyster Bar where I ate some alligator for the first time. Meanwhile, Ken gorged on oysters on the half-shell and fried. Plus some fried clams.



A $10 cover charge kept us from staying for their live music, but thankfully the joint across the street had R&B music going on. It was great to sit outside, have some wine, and enjoy some great music.



We turned in late and got up at 5:30 a.m. to catch our train back to Chicago. We were supposed to arrive at 12:15 with plenty of time to get back to watch the White Sox. Once our train just flatout stopped on the tracks for 90 minutes with the lights off and talk of a "failed computer in the engine," we knew that wasn't going to happen. 8 hours later, we pulled into Union Station Chicago. Ridiculous. No wonder no one wants to take the train. Apparently the trains are constantly late. Two late trains = 3 strikes. They will be receiving a letter...

Anyway, our short little minibreak to the south was great fun. We met some interesting characters, ate an obscene amount of fried foods, and were typical tourists. It was pretty much perfect.

Ta-Ta Sisterhood!

Finally, it's time for a post about the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! I know you're all excited for this moment! I figured I would post a bunch of photos for your amusment with a few little antecdotes. I wish I could take all of the emotion, the spirit, and genorisity of the weekend and put it in a bottle. You truly have to experience an even like this firsthand to know the power of humankind. I encourage you all to sign up for next year. It's a challenge, especially the fundraising bit, but it is worth it! I plan on being there next year, but probably as a cheerleader on the side. Honestly, without those random strangers cheering you on every single step of the way, it would be much more difficult.

So, without further ado ---

The night before. I stayed at David and Patty's house (my boss and his wife). That evening, Patty's neighbor Betsy stopped by to see how our walk preparations were coming along. She walked two years ago and has been diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. She's too weak to walk it again and it was heartbreaking to hear how she has started planning her goodbyes. She doesn't look sick in the least, but her lungs are constantly on fire and when she goes for a short walk, she has to sleep for hours afterwards. She's a fighter, but eventually this battle will be lost. She encouraged me to take photos of everything, so I did... for her. Here's all of my stuff set out. Our shirt had three women currently fighting and two who have passed away.




Here I am with Patty at 5:00 a.m. getting ready for our drive to Soldier Field where all of the festivities began.




We were welcomed by the cheering Youth Crew and immediately we were swallowed in a sea of pink and some very interesting characters, like this Sweep Fairy who we later saw driving a van and picking up those who couldn't walk any longer.



Here's a man signing the wall in honor of someone he was walking for. We started the day with some group stretching, dancing, and laughing. We were also introduced to three survivors who told their stories to us. Already the tissues were being brought out from everyone's fanny packs.



I couldn't have done this without the support of friends, family, and semi-strangers who donated for the cause. Together, Chicago raised 9.1 million dollars!!!! Unbelievable!



I love this van. (I can relate to the mosquito bites bit) These vans were decorated with bras, hilarious sayings relating to the ubiquitous mention of boobies, and all sorts of fun things. Every time they passed, they would honk and scream and encourage us. It was the crew that truly made this weekend possible and inspired us.



Most people had cute little shirts with funny stayings such as "Save Second Base" and my favorite quote of the weekend, "I'd give a BILLION dollars if I could. I love boobs that much!!!" There was some extreme creativity involving pink and catchy boob-related phrases. And solidarity. It was awesome.



Patty decided in advance that she was only going to walk the half marathon (13.1 miles) on the first day to avoid injury. Jane couldn't join us because something came up at the last minute. I decided to press on and by 5:00 p.m., I was walking into the Wellness Village after 26.2 miles of solid walking. We had rest and quick stops along the way to refuel with food, water, and Gatorade. And there were cheering sections that you'd walk through with tons of people ringing bells, using clappers, giving you high fives, handing you Lifesavers, telling you "THANK YOU FOR WALKING," encouraging you with "YOU CAN DO IT. YOU LOOK GREAT! KEEP WALKING!!!" I have never seen such spirit in my life. Complete strangers all turning out for the cause. And all of them affected in some way or another by breast cancer. This was the most inspiring bit for me.

And here I am at the end of Day 1. I may look happy but I was in some pain and had booked it for the last 4 miles because I figured my hips wouldn't hurt any worse if I was walking fast, and that way I'd be done quicker.



Day 2 began with me feeling hungover. I had a terrible headache, so apparently all of my hydrating wasn't enough, and was feeling extremely nauseous. I had to choke down a muffin and was wondering if I was going to make it through the day. By mile 4, I was doing great. Jane got to join us and it was hilarious to hear her talking about her impressions of all that we had seen the day before.




We crossed busy roads with the assistance of some Hell's Angels types who decked out their bikes with boob references, kept us laughing as we stretched and stood waiting for the light to turn, and regularly entertained us with some music and dancing. They were unbelievable.



And some photos along the way...

With the "udderly" amazing cow people---



Copping a feel at a street crossing with Jane ---



And for once, Chicago produced some amazing weather as promised. We could not have asked for more beautiful weather. I can't imagine doing all this walking in the rain. how horrible. We soaked up the sun and the lakefront. Beautiful.



At the finish line (after devouring huge ice cream cones for the last .5 mile & 39.3 miles of walking), we met up with Betsy and Robin, another neighbor on our t-shirt. They were so emotional as they knew that they had inspired us to keep walking and to help with the fight against breast cancer. They were a fabulous welcoming committee!



Our days ended with a closing ceremony. I thought I was prepared for the emotion, but I wasn't. I can't sum it up for you. You just have to experience it. In fact, you should sign up for next year!!!!

Helping to "Save Second Base"

I did it. 39.3 miles and boy! are my legs tired!



More to follow because apparently my soles and brain are connected.

Sorry, Eight Belles

When Ken has posted a few tidbits in the last month and I haven't, we know I have a problem. Mostly I spend so much time typing at work that by the time I get home, looking at another computer screen makes me physically ill. But, no matter and no excuses.

My month has been an excellent one. Ken and I were fortunate enough to traipse down to Kentucky for the weekend with Zack and Krystal to cheer on some ponies. We learned many life lessons along the way, including never to allow three men to eat full racks of ribs before continuing a long drive and to never ever allow Zack to lock the windows. Sitting in the pits with the commoners was an experience to be remembered. We had lovely weather and plenty of entertainment throughout the day. And somehow or another, I managed to kill a horse. From now on, I use my mind powers only for good.

The rest of the time has been spent arranging long walks with my co-workers or walking around the park myself for a good 10 miles on the weekends. Walking is mind-numbingly boring, which has been the biggest challenge. The physical aspect hasn't been too rough, but the iPod can only get you so far before you want to run your head into a tree on lap #7. The walk itself is this weekend and we're prepared. We all raised our money with no problems and no need to sell candy bars on the train to make money. Spending time with the ladies has been the best part, as they are full of stories and advice. The walk is this weekend and we're as ready as we'll ever be. We are hoping for beautiful weather and plan on walking as long as we can. I'm not sure I will be completing the full 26 on Day 1 or not. It will be a game day decision. We have t-shirts with the photos of those who have either passed on from breast cancer or who are currently fighting it. My co-workers didn't want to camp out on Saturday night, so we are staying at a bed and breakfast on Saturday night and enjoying a nice dinner and a hot shower. At first I was a bit disappointed with the no-camping aspect, but thinking about it now, I'm glad we made that decision.

Ken and I have attended one concert so far this year, the Avett Brothers, who I'm now a fan of and are heading to St. Louis next month for a Tom Waits concert before, as Ken says, "He smokes himself to death."

Work is going along as work usually does. We've been a bit slower now because not so many people want to go to Europe this summer thanks to the euro and we have some time before the whole Asia, South America, Oceania travel kicks in again. I've made friends with two of my co-workers who are on my same pay scale and we've made our days more entertaining with some effort.

Guess that's it from my part of the world...

The Oberoi Experience

This video played on loop at the Oberoi hotels we stayed at. It pretty much sums it all up with no exaggeration. Amazing.

India in pictures...

Putting the experience into words is almost impossible.

Marriage Procession in Varanasi

Moving moment on the Ganges in Varanasi

Rickshaw Ride in Varanasi

Incredible India.

I'm speechless.

Back from India and loving this commercial.

"Sari" for the delayed post...

It's been awhile. I kept putting off writing and now I can't even think of any interesting tidbits to throw out into this e-world.

I am leaving in six days for India, which is absolutely difficult for me to fathom at this point. I lined up my visa last week, had a struggle trying to find clothes for the journey, and started my preliminary packing today. It's more difficult than usual because I'm not backpacking, but going as a professional. At the same time, it's going to be superhot and I need to be comfortable and touristy.

And there's even more pressure because I'm staying at the TOP hotel in the world for 2007. The Oberoi Udaivilas is #1, but I'm also staying at #10 & #11. How does a flashpacker dress for lodgings of this caliber? Plus, I am traveling with four other professionals from another luxury company. I'm hoping I don't embarrass myself by eating my abu gobi wrong! But, boy am I excited about lassis! And shopping!

So, my tour is going to take me for two nights in Delhi. I believe I'm going to get to see Juhi for the second night after a whirlwind day of touring. Then I head to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and from what I hear, every room has a view. I'll let you know if that's true or not. (As we aren't actually paying for these rooms, I'm sure we get the bottom of the barrel. Mind you, the bottom of this barrel is lined in gold.) Then I fly to Jaipur for some shopping and then to Udaipur and Devi Garh. I end my trip in Varanasi where we see throngs of people dipping themselves in the Ganges. It's going to be a quick moving, action packed adventure. I can't think about it too much or I won't be able to sleep!

I am definitely curious to see what kind of product my company offers. It's one thing to hear about these journeys... it's quite another to actually witness the perks of 5 star travel. I believe that I vastly prefer my way of doing things... sleeping at cheap hotels, eating semi-cheap meals with the occasional splurge, and wandering around without knowing exactly what I'm looking at. However, it's going to be pretty fantastic to have our amazing guides to explain the symbolism at the Indian temples and mosques and to have them take us to the best shops and restaurants.

What else is new? I'm over the $1600 point in my fundraising and would love to have it all completed by the end of the month. I walked 7.6 miles this afternoon at a lovely public park nearby. It was much more entertaining to walk around with tons of people rollerblading, biking, running, playing soccer, baseball, basketball... Tomorrow I believe we are going to try to walk along Lake Michigan for a change in venue. (Because of the weather, we have been walking at an indoor track where 18 laps equals one mile...Dizziness generally ensues.) It's definitely been a challenge so far, but getting to know my co-workers and just chatting has been absolutely fantastic.

Hope you are enjoying the spring weather as much as we are!

My co-worker had numerous tests and today found out that she's in the clear! Whoo! We had Happy Hour on Thursday this week. :)

Happy Easter!

Later, poor Lamby ended up with a knife jutting out of his head.

Why we walk...

One of my fellow walkers has been in and out of the office this week at various doctor’s appointments. I just spoke with her and she told me that she found a lump last week and is now in the process of going through various procedures to determine what exactly is happening. It’s completely scary and brings home the reality of breast cancer. This truly is why the walk is so important…

I’m at $1550 with only $250 left. Now with my co-workers news, I’m even more determined in walking and fundraising.

Namaste

After lots of little bumps and plenty of phone calls, I finally got to buy my ticket to India on Friday afternoon. (And not with my credit card either!) And for a bit of a different experience.

Originally when it was discussed that I would be traveling to India, it was because of a conference in Delhi for a few days. The conference is in partnership with Air India and in going, the air ticket would be free, I'd be staying at hotels in the city for free, and would have most of my meals provided for. Then for either a few days before and some days afterwards, I would be using our ground operator to try to see the major sites and do some hotel inspections for as cheap as possible.

I emailed our operator the plans to get his thoughts and he emailed back that the conference is pretty lame, but he'd help me as needed. However, he said that they were already planning a familiarization trip for some other agents from a different company and all of the rooms were already comped and he was more than happy to have me tag along. We'd have to pay for international and internal airfare and that's it.

So, pricewise, the two were pretty even, I guess. Air India would only let me go one or two days before the conference and I'd have to leave three days later, which really wouldn't give time to see much. So we started contacting people about air tickets on our own and after some back-and-forth deals, we finally got the best possible flight (nonstop on the way home!) for the dates for the fam trip through the ground operator.

This trip is going to be amazing! We're staying at our properties (including a couple of hotels that I am dying to see) and I'll be hitting all the highlights in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Varanasi. I'm going to be gone for ten days and leave in less than four weeks!

Another co-worker is going to Australia and we've already made lists for the other to bring back. =) I'm excited!!!!!!!! Sooooooo excited!!!!!!!! And I hope to make the company proud by actually asking the right questions, dressing properly, and generally not embarrassing myself.

$1500!

Can I get a "whoo" for all the great people in my life?!

How much is that in rupees?

Updates!

For the Avon Breast Cancer Walk, I'm up to almost $1400 in donations! (Verbal donations, cash not yet applied, etc. included) I honestly can't believe it. I'm going to try for a final push to get the remainder of my donations by the end of March...

Why the urgency?

Because I think I'm actually going to India! I have contacted some organizers at an event I will be attending and things seem to be rolling along. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to in the country (and I know that it isn't vacation in the least...I'll be working and moving constantly), but I'm very very excited! I believe I'll be spending three days in Delhi and then will be sent around the country in a whirlwind tour to cities like Jaipur and Udaipur, plus Agra and Varanasi.

So I'd love to have all of my fundraising done before I leave so I can focus on walking when I get back. I hope I don't get sick and lose strength before the walk. That would be the worst.

Speaking of... I have started training with my co-workers and it has been a blast so far. I have learned so much about each of them as we walk in laps at various fitness centers. We can't wait to start walking outside and for longer stretches of time. It has been going really well so far.

Anyways, just a little news from my world! And my page once again.

Tim Finnegan's Wake

Ahhh....what a lovely weekend, despite these flurries that refuse to go away. It's supposed to be 50 this week, though!

Yesterday, I got up nice and early and went to the gym with Regan. We had a good workout and I was ready for the day. Ken was flying in around 4 p.m. so I knew that I could either snooze the afternoon away (which was tempting) or go out and be productive. I had been craving Potbelly's for a good five days and looked up the nearest location near me... One is conveniently located in downtown Naperville where I knew I could spend some time wandering around. When I walked into Potbellys my day got even better when I saw that they had all sorts of fun sodas in the case... including Orangina! I was so excited. I got my sandwich (yummmm.....) and managed to get a seat at the busy store. The music playing was awesome.. some sort of Jack Johnson Live version. Then I looked to my left and lo! there was a guy sitting there singing and playing guitar! He was really good and had everyone smiling as he worked through his set. I threw him a couple of bucks on my way out and left in a superb mood.

Across the street I discovered a spice store full of nothing but *ta da* spices. I have to go back soon with Ken since he does the actual cooking. I kept wandering and saw a sign for soy candles and a sign pointing down to a basement. And at the foot of the stairs was a dog ready to greet customers. I couldn't refuse. So I walked down and found a lovely little shop that makes homemade soy candles. They were so unbelievably nice and showed me how they make the candles and let me test their new product. Of course I had to buy a candle and got a Pink Peppercorn & Pear one. It smells so good. When I checked out, they gave me a free mini version of another type I was considering. I just love shopping in boutique-y places like this. I can't resist buying, though.

I also bought an adorable little stuffed bunny at a different store (for someone's Easter gift) and almost bought Izzy an amazingly cool collar, but wasn't willing to part with $40 for it. :) And yet again, I realized that I am not going to shop at malls for these sorts of items. Clothes are a different matter, but candles, books, jewelry... it's so much better to shop local and interact with real humans who have a vested interest in their own success.

Another great part of my day was that I had a package from Izumi in Okinawa! She sent me "snacks and sweets." When I opened the box, I squealed in glee as I saw the contents!





PUCCA!!!!! How I've missed you!!!!!! And I also really like those little Okinawan cookies. And the crackers.

She also sent me little rice snacks for Girl's Day. I remember being accosted by everything pink and girly for a time leading up to the holiday.



And finally, since she's Japanese, some sort of cracker mix with little fish.



But the best part was that in her letter she sent numerous photos of the people I met at the gym and also some words from them that she translated for me:

"Here's from Mrs. Nosato (she has short hair): Hello, Rachel. I remember I talked to you in my poor English. So that I had to use a dictionary when we met first time. You often came to our gym and run with no words. I wonder...if you can fun faster than 2 years ago. If you have a chance to visit Okinawa, please come and visit us."

My day was going well ---- and then.... I got to go to the airport and pick up Ken. We timed it perfectly and picking up at the international terminal is not nearly as stressful as the domestic one. I could even pull off and park for 10 minutes right in front of the door while waiting for him. We had our hellos and headed back to the apartment to see what goodies he brought back for me. He got me a SIGG bottle! (I might have laid some big hints.... Like, if you see a SIGG bottle cheaper than here, buy me one!)

Our day ended with Josh, Laura, Amy, & Shaun heading over to the apartment and all of us going to Ballydoyle's for dinner and drinks. A couple pints of cider and shepard's pie, plus some Irish dancers, bagpiping, and a little Irish music had me seeing green. It might have been a bit over-the-top, but it definitely made me wish I was Irish or that I could spend excessive amounts of time in Ireland each year.

I am going on and on with this post. I didn't even talk about our training walks or the hotel receptions I attended.

Have a great Monday, everybody! Happy Daylight Savings Time!

So long, Pyramids.

So, apparently, as of today, I'm not going to Egypt. I knew I shouldn't get my heart set on it.

Here's how it went down:

Co-worker: Rachel! Mr. X wants to see you in his office!
Me: Okay!
(in the office)
Mr. X (studying computer): Hmmmmm.....
Me: Need help finding something?
Mr. X: Hmmmmm.... nevermind. I can't find it.
Me: *dum dum dum silence*
Mr. X: What are you doing in April?
Me: Nothing... Why?
Mr. X: How about going to India?
Me: Really? Okay!

Now I notice that the website is for an India conference mid-April. Apparently, he is going to try to sign me up and make sure it's all okay and then I'll be going there to see some properties before some whirlwind sightseeing.

I wonder if I'll get to stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas. Not a bad view. Not bad at all.