USA! USA! USA!

Thanks to Facebook most of you know that I was in the US for two weeks, getting my annual Target fix, plus enjoying other "must dos" like rare hamburgers, Greek food, Oprah magazines, having a decent cocktail, and indulging in lots of my mom's cooking.

There were a few downers. I left 2 bracelets at the LAX security checkpoint and didn't notice they were missing until I was in Charlotte. It took my mom and I about 34 threatening phone calls and 5 days to get them back. We were on the phone at least 15 minutes every day, leaving voicemails, getting transferred to different departments, hearing a different story every time. There's a number to call for Lost and Found, but it's voicemail and they never ever ever ever ever call you back. I called so much I was like, "Hey, yeah, it's me again."

The whole ordeal culminated in my mom going right to the head of HR to demand to speak to the head of security. This was on day 5. I received a humble callback from some chick named Patricia. What's interesting is that I'd already left Patricia 3 messages, each time growing more and more frantic ("PLEASE call me back!!"). Danielle said that I sounded like Liz Lemon. I guess when Patricia's boss got involved, she rang me back immediately and was all, "How can I help you?" Horrible. But the bracelets are back and I've learned a very valuable lesson: take off all of your jewelry before flying.

The rest of the trip was pretty fabulous. A lot of relaxing, a lot of visiting, a lot of eating. While I was sipping Veuve on my parents' lovely patio, poor Iain was back home dealing with a fender bender and a flea infestation. Poor guy. This year we've got some fun New Zealand travel lined up for the both of us.

Here are two cool pictures of my fam - the rest are all on Facebook.

OH: I learned another valuable travel lesson. When you can, purchase the day passes to the airport lounges. For $40US, I booked a day pass to the USAIrways Club lounges. I had 24 hour access in any airport, so I was good to go for Buffalo, Charlotte, and finally LA. It was a godsend. Free wifi, comfy chairs, a clean bathroom, it's QUIET, and you get a free glass of wine and/or free water, coffee, tea, etc.

Spring!!!!

September 1 marked the start of spring here in New Zealand. It was pretty awesome coming back from my trip to the USA and enjoying lighter mornings, less rain, and longer days. And I was only gone for 2 weeks! Daylight savings is approaching and I can't wait. In another month or two this beach will be stunning.

I loved our house this winter - central heating, insulation, and all the normal modern amenities Kiwis still don't have in most homes - but I cannot WAIT for summer. Our backyard and our pergola scream for a Saturday afternoon BBQ with the cats.

WNED: Canadian Earthquake Felt Across WNY (2010-06-23)

Well this is just weird. So much for that claim about Buffalo "only" getting the snow! Did anyone feel this?

Canadian Earthquake Felt Across WNY (2010-06-23)

Declan Michael Occhino!

I don't have any pictures but I wanted to congratulate Och + Kerry on their latest, born June 9th. Simone now has a brother and Pippa has another excuse to bark 24/7. Way to go guys!

BBQ at Sunnyhaven Ave

We had a BBQ on Sunday and nature did NOT cooperate. First, it started pouring approximately 5 minutes after I'd texted back a skeptical guest,"Rain? Nope -- it's fine here!"

We bought a big plastic gazebo and it saved the day! The BBQ took a cue from 1964 and the guys hung outside by the barbecue discussing sports I guess. The ladies all remained inside and talked about guys, pregnancy, families, make-up, and wine -- I'm not joking. Everything was fine until we saw a roach crawling across the coffee table towards the Kiwi dip -- in keeping with the times, I yelled for Iain who had to come in and dispose of it. Iain swears it was a beetle but there are 5 women who disagree.

Despite the uninvited visitor, I think everyone had a good time. Lots of steak, chicken, vegie burgers and pasta salad was had. We also had a surprise dessert courtesy of our friend Kevin's mom who shipped him the ingredients for s'mores all the way from Buffalo! Diet? BLOWN! It was awesome.

It felt good to entertain again (a perfect excuse to clean!) and we can't wait to do it in the new house.

Blue stayed under the bed most of the night but Tama ventured out once or twice to check out the guests.





As the day wore on, some guests left while others braved the increasingly scary-looking weather (see the sky behind Steve) and colder temps until around 11pm.

Worlds Collide!

The in-laws have met the in-laws!

Thanks to Skype, Iain's parents "met" my parents for a Christmas convo. It was actually really fun! And the kids opened their gifts on camera, which is the next best thing to actually being there. Good times all around, which of course made me homesick.

We're Back!

I returned home from the US last week. I enjoyed almost two weeks with my family and friends, attending reunions, happy hours, dinners, and BBQs. My mom cooked all of my favorites: crab legs, sausages, steak, devilled eggs, French toast.... I met old friends in NY for an afternoon of mojitos and burgers. In Buffalo, I had lamb souvlaki and fries with gravy. My high school reunion was a blast. I indulged in the best fish fry ever. I hung out with old coworkers and had wings and tequila shots. I got to meet kids who were born while I've been away. Watched reality TV and ordered pasta at 10pm (only in NYC!) On my last night, I ate huge scallops and two fantastic cocktails. I gained 7 lbs. That's okay. It was totally worth it. I'm already super psyched for 2010 (although I'll have to skip the NYC portion next year).

A few things I learned from this first trip home:

1. Pack light. Airline regulations are super strict about excess baggage, and this left me virtually unable to shop for fear of going over my weight limit.
2. I forgot how awesome shopping in the US is. Perhaps I'll arrive with an empty suitcase next year!
3. Rent a car so no one has to chauffeur me around (thank you Mom, Dad, Kate, Och, and Alex!!)
4. Buy shampoo, etc. when I get there to avoid the extra weight.
5. Leave behind extra jewelry, pairs of high heels and bathing suits -- I never wore any of it.
6. Try to schedule the trip a bit further into the summer -- I arrived during a cold spell and had only packed sun dresses and t-shirts. One pair of jeans and two long-sleeve shirts had to suffice for like 5 days.
7. If possible, fly Air New Zealand over Qantas. Qantas is cheaper and it shows. No online check-in, long lines, rude employees.

I returned home with mild jet lag. Basically, I'd feel absolutely fine all day except for one or two periods where it felt like someone had slipped an Ambien in my coffee. But I'm doing much better now, which is good since we're absolutely swamped.