Home from California

Goodness!  Where can I begin... Well, if you watched the Rose Bowl, you most certainly will remember the five and a half story indian that was on the Farmers Insurance Float.  If you click on the link, you'll see my picture riding on that float: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9169960@N05/ What a crazy week!  It got off a little rough, as our flight to LA was cancelled (no reason given).  What totally stunk about that was that we had tickets to see Dancing with the Stars and because we were unable to arrive prior to 10:00 p.m. pacific time, we missed the show.  On a positive note, though, we now know every nook & cranny of DFW airport, as we spent 11 hours in an attempt to stand-by on 5 different flights.  At 11:00 p.m., we checked into the Ritz-Carlton in Pasadena.  This was on Saturday. Sunday, we were given a personal limo driver to take us to Universal Studios where we had free tickets to go to the park.  We played for awhile, and when we tired of the park, the limo driver drove us around Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Pasadena.   When we returned, the kids went to a cottage at the Ritz to hang out with other kids, while hubby and I dressed up ultra-fancy to socialize with the bigwigs at my company.  Talk about great networking!   Monday, we went to the location where the Tournament of Roses floats were being decorated.  We stayed for the float judging, posed for the judges, and got to see the magnificance of those created.  Talk about amazing!   After the float judging, we went back to the hotel where the kids jumped in the OUTDOOR pool (it was 80 degrees outside) and went swimming.  Keep in mind, this was December 31.  Never in my life have I been swimming on December 31 in an outdoor pool.  That evening, we went to a tailgate party with my boss' (there were dozens of them).  Again...awesome networking around several firepits while drinking beer (not me, of course) and eating s'mores (also not me). Tuesday, I was up at 4:00 a.m. to be transferred to the parade.  Had to go early so the bus could drop us off in a convenient area.  Any later and the roads would've been closed.  As I was the first in the hotel lobby, I saw Al Roker, so we visited for a few minutes.  Was he going to the game, "no".  Did he have a preference who would win, "no".  Was he going to be in the parade, "no".  Was he going to the parade, "yes".  I stopped talking because I could sense he was tired of the questions.  Anyway because were were at the sight so early, we walked around for about 4 hours until we had to take off.  I waved solid for about 3 hours.  My arm was soooo sore.  After, we went to the corporate hospitality village at the Rose Bowl and then to the game itself.  I was born in Illinois, so I figured I should root for the fighting Ilini, but they lost...big time...  At least their marching band was phenominal. Wednesday,  everyone was shuttled back to the airport to go back to their respective homes.  We were shuttled to the Hertz rental car location so we could get a rental car and take on the town independently.  The time with my company was over...now was the time for us to play.  So, we drove to downtown Hollywood again.  I wanted a tour of the home office of my company...nothing of interest to husband and kids, so while I toured, they went to the Chinese Theater.  That night, we went to Target to buy more luggage, as we had been inundated with gifts and souveniers...and needed a way to take them home. Thursday, we went to Disneyland.  My favorite was the Buzz Lightyear ride (as was my husbands).  Kids liked Thunder Mountain (rollar coaster) and Splash Mountain (log ride).  We left that afternoon to go back to the hotel to get fancied-up so we could see "Wicked" (broadway musical) at the Pantages Theatre.  Finally, we ended our time in Hollywood at Rocoe's Chicken & Waffles.  This is a soul food restaurant which came HIGHLY recommended.  I, too, will recommend it to non-bandsters.   Friday, we came home.  First flight was delayed due to a passenger needing medical attention while we were starting to taxi.  Airlines had to call in paramedics to come to the airplane and we were delayed by 45 minutes.  That being said, we arrived at DFW as our connecting was boarding.  Fortunately, because we knew the airport very well (because of our 11 hour stay last Saturday), we were able to catch the flight.  It was close, though, as they were calling stand-bys to take our four seats as we came running down the terminal shouting "wait!  wait!" Finally...we're home.  I have an appointment with Dr. Gornichec Tuesday for a flouro fill.  Currently, I have zero in my band, so chances are, I've gained a bazillion pounds (okay...maybe 10) while I was gone.  The food at the Ritz (and everywhere else) was always available and good. So, hope all has been great with everyone else.  I've missed being online.   Cathy  

Had I realized you were going to So Cal (which is where I'm from). I would've hooked you up. I could've gotten you into D-land for free and since my brother owns a film company, we could've sent ya to all kinds of awesome stuff. Gosh Crappit! Maybe next time.

We've missed you too-but I'm glad you had a great time!

Let the past be past, get on the scale, and move forward.  I posted on the main board that I'd like for the scale to be just like a mileage marker-lets you know where you are at but you don't get hung up on every mile or you'd never get to your destination.  OK that's the dream, but I'm working on it.

I am glad you had a great time. I am soooo glad to see you back on the board.  Tressa

Wow, other than the flight problems...it sounds like you had a fantabulous time!  I'm so proud of you.  You are living life and it is inspiring!  Love your hair too by the way! T

welcome back. sounds like you had fun

Cathy - glad to hear you are back and had a good time!  I bet it would be SO hard to wave that long.  Were the floats awesome up close?  Did they smell good?  I've always wondered.  I was thinking about you and even posted because I had remembered that you were going to be in the parade!  I like your hair!  Keep us posted on how your appt goes.  Its really great to see you around again,.

Hey, we missed you around here!!  I'm jealous of all the fun you had (but glad you got to have it!  lol) Like Tonja said, don't worry about the scale.  Keep moving forward. Dot