Last weekend my friend hosted a "GTG” BBQ at her home.  The usual suspects attended . . . the Vegas Group!  We also decided to invite a very nice couple that we met on our recent European Group Tour  . . . Kevin & Lauren!   We were so glad to learn that they were able to come even on short notice. 

 

It was really great seeing them again.  Sometimes when you meet people while traveling you always wonder how you would feel about them under normal real world circumstances.  Well, I’m glad to say that Kevin & Lauren are just as nice and sweet in the real world as when they were during holiday!

 

It was so much fun walking down memory lane with them and sharing some of our pictures. The evening literally didn’t end until well past 1:00 a.m. the next morning. 

 

I can’t wait to see them again.  Kevin takes brilliant pictures and I want to have a chance to see them all!  Hmmmm . . . looks like a possible follow-up GTG!

 

 

 

 

Recently, a couple of people on the travel message board that I visit on occassion experienced the loss of a family member and a friend.   I was very touched by what was being said about them.  From everyone’s descriptions, they appeared to have lived a very full life.  

 

This whole experience has made me start to think about my own mortality and life experiences.  Although, I have accomplished quite a bit and I try to live an interesting and adventurous life, I almost feel like I still have not done enough.

 

Both these individuals were not selfish either.  They not only lived a full and interesting life they also managed to have a significant impact on others.  The out pour of stories from their friends and families are a true testament to this fact.

 

It made me start to think that when I leave this great world, I’d like to think that I made my mark here! I would like to leave knowing that it just wasn’t all about a 9 to 5 job,  paying my bills and doing the same vacation trips to the same places every year. 

 

I want to do new and adventurous things.  I want to expand my world, create new experirences and meet new and interesting people.  When it’s time for me to leave, I  too can do so with a smile and with no regrets!

 

I think that people should evaluate their lives every now and then, because life is too short.  We need to live it to the fullest!  I have been inspired to continue my passion for travel and adventure.  I refuse to wait another 12 years before my next big trip!

 

The decision has been made, I am in process of planning my next grand adventure . . . to climb the trails of Peru to see the ancient city of Machu Picchu . . .  to trek and discover the Ice Glaciers of Patagonia!  2007!

 

 

It's Monday and as usual I didn't do half the things I intended to do over the weekend. And to top it all off, I'm still suffering from the skin rash from Hell!  To make a long story short . . .

 

On July 1, 2005 I decided to dye my hair.  Well, in my rush to finish, I neglected to rinse my hair thoroughly and within a matter of a few days, my skin developed an allergic reaction.  I dyed my hair twice before and never had this reaction.  So when the rash worsened I realized that I had to seek some medical advice. 

 

Let me tell you, I was very embarrassed to tell my doctor what my medical problem was and how I think I got it.  I could tell that she wanted to laugh her head off, but of course she is a professional and just gave me that sympathetic . . . Ohhhhhhh! 

 

This makes me think about the stories that some of these doctors and nurses must hear from their patients. 

 

Anyway, I just hope that this heals and fast!