Sunday, January 26, 2014

Orlando or Bust!

Here in Orlando, FL, visiting my friend Patricia. She's Italian, lovely, my sister and one of the best cooks I've ever known. Oh and did I mention has the cutest kitties?! Yes, they are just adorable. Finicky but hey, they're cats so I wouldn't expect anything else. She's paying me in good food as a trade for the photographs I'm taking of her cats and family. It was great to get away from Texas and apparently I got away in just the nick of time. It snowed a couple of days ago in Austin. It's been chilly here in Orlando but nothing like what Texas has been going through so I'll take the weather here.

Patricia and I took a stroll around the neighborhood today. It was nice looking at all the tropical foliage and houses made with arches and stucco. It's interesting to witness the differences of neighborhoods in different locales.

Every time I leave here, I know that my husband is so happy and not just cause he gets to see me again. It's because I come back with some great recipes and end up cooking good dinners way more often. I enjoy it too. I love eating healthier options or even just eating more at home. We enjoy food but want to enjoy good food that makes us feel happy and not feel sick later. Patricia gives me quick, easy and yummy ideas for meals.

Meet Gamon

Meet Loki (and his favorite toy mouse)



We have other adventures planned. I can blog more about those moments later. For now, I will relax and enjoy this wonderful time with my friend. 

Friday, January 17, 2014

New Title

So I decided to rename the blog. I thought, "American Girl in India was great, but hey, shouldn't I keep this same blog and keep blogging through all my travels?" The answer I gave to myself was yes and I came up with "Traveling Jaunts". Feel free to express what you think, in the comments. Of course the title will only work if I get myself to actually start, truly and honestly, blogging. It's not something set in stone so I may change it once again at a later time.

I have no idea what holds me back. I do have a lot of "kettles on the fire", but still, I feel that it's a fear of some sort. I will figure that out over time, I hope. So I figured, let's start small. I will blog even about the tiniest of journeys and let that flow into the big ones. Let's find out together if this style works.

Today I got a hair cut, yes, I'm going to tell you about how I drove downtown and got my hair cut so hold onto your seats, cause, no it won't be bumpy at all. I will try to keep it interesting though.

I went to Russ & Company Salon, off of West and MLK, in Austin, TX. My cousin works there, well she more than works there, she runs things. I guess I should ask her what exactly is her ownership in the company. I don't want to throw out incorrect information. Anyway, out of that tangled mental mess and onto my day.

I went in and her son was there talking to her and so I peaked my head slowly around the corner, for effect of course. I love to get people started with a smile before they see me or when they see me. She promptly hugged me because that is just who Lecia is. I love her hugs though. You can feel the warmth in them. I can also say her haircuts come with witty banter and an amazing finish. This is not a plug for her business, well ok, I guess it will be but believe me or not, she's the only person who has ever understood exactly how I want my hair and gotten it down perfectly every single time. She's a beautiful soul.

I waited while she finished up working on another person. This client arrived a bit late for her appointment so it pushed mine forward. Honestly, I didn't mind at all. I had the time and I took it as more time to spend chatting with good company. We talked about all sorts of stuff, hair, travel, creepy things and then some. Oh and I must add this, she had hair color samples in her room and one was the BABE® brand (I think that was the name) and the hair color that matched mine was actually called Susie. It was something that made me giggle to myself so I had to share. I've never seen a person unhappy with Lecia's work. I always arrive early enough and leave late enough to meet her clients. They are always happy and they always hug Lecia and vice versa.

So some of my favorite conversation today was about her recent vacay to the Stanley Hotel, you know, the one that the Shining is based on, the Stephen King novel. We looked at photos and talked about a lot of the creepy, yet, cool things about the vacation and the beauty of Colorado.

All in all, a good day. Now to deal with the little tiny paw pitter patter that I hear behind me. It's that time of day where they know it's time for outside play. Smart boys. Til next time! Have a great weekend everyone!

If you see typos or errors, ignore them. I don't plan on proofing this one. :)