Happy 4th of July from Orlando!

Here we are again, the sun is out this morning and we are just getting rolling. Its almost 11am and we are being lazy.. That's what vacation is for right?

Last night showed me that I won't starve or have too many ill results from drinking heavily and not eating much (I can't do it all the time, but occasionally on vacation is okay). I like red wine, and as long as I don't mix, its all good. I am still going to hedge my bets and drink PLENTY of water today.

Not sure what the plan is, could be shopping, or just hanging out around the hotel. Sounds boring, but its a nice break from the normal routine of running hard daily.


Lunch was at the Fountain, located in the Dolphin Hotel. I LOVE their Ahi Tuna burger - had to have another one... Kay and I had a wonderful lunch, and headed back to the hotel room to pick up Pam.

Off to the Fitness studio (I know, its part of the job) to workout for today. Funny thing is, I feel like crap when I don't work out, even if its only the 'dread-mill'.

 After working out, off to the local restaurant for some food and fun! Pam is a hoot, and great to hang out with and laugh.

After a lazy afternoon, I met up with Lorrie, my new friend I met in the fitness studio. Great conversation, and definitely someone I will stay in touch with after we both head home. We had drinks, then headed down the way to Kimomos for dinner. I was thrilled to meet someone who enjoys sushi as much as I do!
I had plans to watch the fireworks from the boardwalk, however dinner with Lorrie was more entertaining. Late into the evening, we parted ways and I went in search of Pam and family.

I found them in the Italian restaurant, and we finished up our evening there. Back to the room for a well deserved night's rest.

Wednesday in Orlando - the sun is out!!!

The Swan Hotel lobby fountain

WHOOO HOOO! The sun is out this morning!!!
Not sure what do with myself, but I think the pool is calling my name.. My legs don't see the sun very often, so it will be a short trip, but at least I can say I did it..

Off the fitness room for my morning workout (it helps with adjusting the attitude when on vacation) and some time on the dread-mill. Yes, the dreadmill. Not my favorite, but great for getting it warmed up and moving..

I found some time to work on posing choreography for one of my clients, and even had the fitness attendant video it for me! Fortunately, she has friends that are fitness competitors, so she didn't think I was strange at all. LOL Nothing like going through a posing routine when you are the only one who can hear the music!

Back to the room for a shower - wait! I am HUNGRY!! A passing thought, can you lose weight while on vacation? Hmmmm

I ate something small, and headed off to the Dolphin hotel to watch Kay perform. I made it just in time, and had a great time watching her group perform (5-8 yr olds) and cheering them on. Pam and I took off to catch some food, after a visit to the room. As I am waiting for Pam, I eat some veggies and small piece of cheese. Not much, but I expect to eat soon.

I am back from the day, and food didn't happen until around 5pm, and after at least 2 glasses of wine. In case you didn't know, I don't drink much. Not much at all.. Its a tough time when you haven't eaten and are drinking... We spent the rest of the afternoon in the bar (something I haven't done in a while) and enjoyed the humor of the bartender and our new friend, Lorrie.

I met Lorrie at the fitness spa 3 days ago (okay, we just sized each other up) and then bumped into each other 2 days ago at the coffee shop. We had a great conversation, and made a new friend. Lorrie owns a dance studio in Washington, and we found many common threads based on our profession as well as our common interests.

Back from the day, and wondering about wandering down to the hot tub to finish out the day... Its been a good day, with not much going on. Great for vacation!

and - its STILL raining!

Its Tuesday (I think) and its STILL raining... Did I mention its raining? I guess I am glad that our activities are mostly inside, however I would like a little time beside the pool, just because I did buy a bathing suit...

Last night was a great restaurant with a nice prime rib, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. Not my usual fare of chicken or fish made by my wonderful husband, but delicious! Thank god for veggies and salad! Just saying....

This morning started out with coffee and something that resembled breakfast, though not what I normally eat for breakfast. Where is the egg whites and steel cut oats? Okay, maybe something other than bagels and yogurt??? *sigh* 

Off to the fitness room for  a good morning warm up. It felt great yesterday to get some stress out, and work those muscles I am 'relaxing'. I know, you wonder why I would go work out on vacation, when that is what I do for a living.. Well, its like a good habit. I miss it when I don't work out, and its an excellent way to relax.

I found a way to do my hair that looks cute (I think, what do you think?) that will work for this humidity.
*Have you ever noticed that taking a self portrait doesn't always work out well? I seem to make strange faces... *

Today was spend at the StarPower dance competition with 10 MILLION little kids and their parents and siblings.. UGH..... Although I wanted to go watch Kay dance (Pam's daughter), I guess I didn't think about the amount of people and children that would be attending..


Did I mention that I am NOT a kid person? I really like little old ladies, children make me twitchy after a while. So, I spend most of my afternoon and evening at the dance competition. By about 7pm (5 hours later) I had had enough. A baby started screaming (he was tired and probably done with the noise level too)  and that was the END.  TIME TO GO....

The evening ended with finding a restaurant that serves Ahi Tuna burgers (YUM) and a glass of wine..

Orlando Epcot Center, and the rain

After a somewhat restless night of sleep (its tough sleeping in a strange bed with someone you have never shared a small space with) I am up and ready to face the day...
There are 4 of us in a room sharing two beds - Pam, Michelle (her cousin), Kay (her daughter) and me. How do we get all of us up and moving and not cause chaos? More important - WHERE is the coffee??

Coffee located, people gathered and out the door for breakfast! Look! Its only 9am! Great, we have the rest of a beautiful day ahead of us.

Its Sunday morning, we wander down to one of the restaurants in the hotel. Breakfast looks good, and we have Disney characters to entertain us while we eat! No really, Pluto, Goofy and the Chipmunks are wandering around the dining room taking pictures, and signing autographs.

Though I am not a big fan of people dressed up in animal costumes with LARGE heads, it was fun for a minute. Kay (Pam's daughter) was having fun until the Chipmunks came out; they scared her. Its odd what scares people...

I learned something new today. It rains in Florida. In July. A LOT.. Okay, I knew it rained, but really? EVERY HOUR all afternoon? WTF!!! Its not like its not already humid (my hair looks more like some kind of exotic flower than the cute hair I left home with) but I didn't expect to be breathing water.

We visited the Epcot Center - Interesting but not exciting.... Not sure what all the fuss was about. The fun part - we bought mouse ears, and took fun pictures. :)


I made Pam laugh so hard she was crying - it was purely an accident. We were messing around with taking a picture, the challenge was to put our fingers in front of our face (like V fingers) and take a picture. Well, as I was trying to get a good place (and hold the camera and take the picture) I accidently put my V fingers in the wrong place... Just sayin'....

Power, Coffee and DIA

Life is a Journey - Today’s theme is "This is happening the way its supposed to”.

So…. I woke up at 2am and realized it was dark, and getting a little hot. Then I realized the power was off. CRAP. I have to be up at 5am to catch a 6am shuttle to DIA I think with a moment of panic! Calm down I tell myself, the phone (alarm clock) should be charged and it will go off on time; I won’t be late or miss my flight.

 

I wake up at 5am (on schedule) and CRAP – the power is STILL out! Well, at least I packed everything last night, and all I have to do is put on clothes, contacts and make up. Guess I can get coffee at Starbucks before I get on the shuttle, it will be okay. I look out the window, the neighbors lights are now on, maybe I have power? I thought I heard something… YAY!!! I have lights AND coffee!! I reaffirm that today is going as planned, and everything is working out the way its supposed to.

I make it out the door with minutes to spare, and somehow get my suitcase into the truck. Did I mention that my suitcase weighs a TON, and my right shoulder is injured? I was wishing that John was home to heft it into the truck for me (he is so good about 'lifting heavy things') but I managed.

 

Off to the Arvada A-Line shuttle, just in time to load. As I am standing outside of the shuttle, I hear someone calling my name from inside the shuttle.. What? Who could that possibly be, it's 6am for heaven sake! I peer around the door, and who is in the front seat but Suzi Cameron, my new Restorative Yoga instructor! We both squeal in delight (I am sure to the annoyance of the other passengers). It's not like we are young ladies either! Again, what a coincidence (or is it just

things going as planned?)

 

On the trip to DIA, we have a lively conversation about the studio, her class starting next week, and our goals and dreams for a 'different' approach to fitness. As we near the airport, a lady seated behind us asks if we offer programs for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Yes, yes we do! In fact, Suzi's yoga class would be a perfect place to start! I hand her a business card, and ask her to contact us after she  returns from her trip. HUH - The Universe at work again!

 

We arrive, and go our separate ways. It looks like Suzie and our new friend are going the same direction; another opportunity to make that connection. I find my airline counter - its crowded. Who are all these people AND their children!! *sigh* I wait in line, its not as bad as I imagined - the airline staff is efficient and friendly. Here is the catch - my flight from Denver is delayed - by OVER 2 hours. UGH. So why did I get up so early? Oh yes, so I could chat with Suzi on the shuttle. Okay, take it in stride, no need to hurry, and plenty of time for reflection at DIA.

 

I get through check-in, security, and onto the terminal. Now what? Take a seat my friend, and wait. Time to drink water, eat something and enjoy some time to read. Maybe chat with someone new? The possibilities are endless, and today is happening the way its supposed to.

 

I am not sitting at my gate (a LOONG way from the restroom, and food) but the first chair that looked inviting. I look up from my reading to see an older gentleman wandering around with his iPad (he says looking for wifi). He sits down by me, we start talking.

 

He currently lives in the Philippines, and teaches Biology at a local school. How interesting! As we get to know each other, I find out he has had many jobs (starting with a PhD in Biology) and this is his retirement home. How cool is that!

Its time to check on the flight - yep, still delayed. I wander down to the gate and see a crowd of people waiting.... The board shows a flight leaving a little earlier, I wonder if I can get on that flight? (It never hurts to ask right?) The answer is no, but I find out that the plane I am scheduled to leave on is the SAME plane that will take me all the way to Orlando - via Charlotte, NC. Well! That's a nice surprise! I don't need to worry about lost luggage..  Still feeling like today is going well, and all is happening as planned.

On the plane and off to Charlotte NC for a short layover. When I arrive, I literally walk across the aisle and get on another plane. Okay, this is working out well, except what's going to happen with my luggage? This IS another plane, not the same plane.... Guess we will see...

I find my seat, and *groan* - I am seated next to a woman, her young daughter (around 6 or so) AND her 6 week old baby... I am wondering how well THIS is going to go, babies and planes... My good luck held out, and both the young child and the baby were well behaved during the flight. THANK GOD...

Arrive in Orlando, ready to be off an airplane and away from the airport and all these people. But - where is my suitcase? Did it make it onto the plane? I wait... and wait... and wait... No suitcase. When I check with the Baggage claim people, they tell me it was on a later flight. I am tired, hungry and at the end of a stressful day. The good news (as this day has been going) is that they will deliver my suitcase to the hotel. Again, I am relieved that it has worked out. I can live without my suitcase overnight, and get the morning off to a good start.

To finish up the evening; the hotel is beautiful and I found Pam, wine and dinner. Until tomorrow..