Today, I took an extra day off and I’m so glad that I did.  Spent the whole weekend just playing around, riding and in general goofing off. 

 

Now I want to devote some time to my trip planning.  It seems that time is flying by so fast, I have a feeling that this summer will go by fast and I don’t want August to get here and I haven’t done anything for my trip.  It’s not that I’m not excited about my trip because I am.  It’s nearing summer and I can’t help but want to be outside.  Plus I’m training for another half marathon at the end of the year and then there’s my Bellagio climb. 

 

Today, I woke up early as usual, took in a deep breath and started reading.  I’ve been reading trip reports, travel notes and many related threads on SlowTravel about Venice and Lake Como.  I’ve spent my entire morning reading, reading, reading.

 

Okay, I feel better now.  I took some good notes and now I’m guilt free and can go for a ride!

 

But before I go . . . yesterday was  Memorial Day and in the midst of enjoying the extra long weekend, I am reminded of the veterans who gave their lives.  I rode past a local high school who posted a sign of one of their graduates who didn’t make it back.  It definitely made me sad to think of such a loss!  I hope things can get resolved soon and our service personnel can return home.

 

 

Congratulations to the New American Idol, Jordan Sparks!  I think Jordan, Blake and Melinda will do very well!

 

Last year, Prince was the surprise "big" name star and this year Bette Midler surprised the audience by singing her very popular "Wind Beneath my Wings".   Very Cool, since I'm a big fan.  Plus, Bette is also a fan of Prince!

 

 

         2007 AVP Hermosa Beach Tournament

 

 

 

Okay, I'm officially a dork!!  I literally cried when Jordan finished her 3rd and final song on the American Idol finale.

 

Now, gotta go so I can start voting, while I watch the Dancing of the Stars results show!

 

 

 

This weekend was the 2007 Hermosa Beach AVP Tournament, which is always exciting to watch!  The presenting sponsor was none other than Crocs and I was so happy that they set up a booth with their products!  Whoo Hoo! 

 

I tried several different styles and they all felt so comfy!  I purchased a pair of their hot pink Capri’s and another more conservative pearl/khaki pair.  I also liked the Athens model, but felt that the Capri’s were a little more stylish.  It also lays flat and so I thought that it would be better to take while traveling.  I also got a pair of Mary Janes (dark green), which looks more stylish than the beach model that I currently have. 

 

 

 

 

I’ll post my AVP photos later this week!  But meanwhile, here's a little teaser . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AI finale without Melinda?  Don't get me wrong, I really like Jordan and Blake, but come on!  I think Melinda will go on to have a brilliant career (can anyone say Jennifer Hudson?).

 

I'm looking forward to seeing Jordan and Blake compete next week! 

 

 

Step aside and make way for Melinda Dolittle in the American Idol finale next week!  She nailed all four songs in tonight’s show and totally deserves to be back.   And yes, I did pick up the phone and voted several times to help keep her in!

 

Jordan & Blake are neck and neck for the second spot.  My personal choice would be Jordan, but I think Blake might get the popular vote.  And to be honest I would be happy with either one of them in the finale (as long as Melinda is in).   

 

My pick for this year’s American Idol is still Melinda unless Jordan or Blake does something really spectacular!  Melinda has been so consistent throughout the competition and she clearly has THE best vocals.  I have no doubt she’ll bring it on Finale week! 

 

By the way, did anyone catch that really fantastic Flamenco dancer on Dancing with the Stars?  Kind of makes me feel like visiting Spain!

 

 

Okay, yesterday was a truly tough day to get through and thank goodness I found Happy Slips' video.  Interesting that I discovered her Mother's Day video by chance while cruising YouTube looking for other travel videos.  It made me smile and laugh again.  The power of music and laughter is an awesome thing!

 

Well, today I am luckily off from work and feeling much better.  Didn't mean to get too deep, but I'm human.

 

Now, back to my trip!  I found a Venice Webcam and now I can be transported to Venice whenever I feel like it.  It will keep me entertained until I'm there to see it for real! 

 

Enjoy: http://turismo.regione.veneto.it/webcam/webcam2.html

 

Ciao'

 

 

I was cruising YouTube for more travel videos when I stumbled upon this Mother's Day video.  It made me laugh and remember my mom and the really good times . . . thanks Happy slip . . .

 

Today is Mothers Day and no matter how hard I try, I always feel sad!  It’s been years, but it always feels like it was only yesterday that she left us. 

 

But rather than remember her last moments, I wanted to focus on why she was so great and to approach this day by giving thanks  . . .  just my way of getting through today . . .

 

Mom, Thank you . . .

 

For giving me life and for being you (the best mom ever) . . .

 

For consoling me when I cried . . .

 

For being a role model and for teaching me how to appreciate what comes my way . . .

 

For working hard in order to give me and sis the opportunities that we now have . . .

 

For your sense of humor, your love of music and your passion for adventure . . .  

 

And most of all . . .  thank you for your unconditional love . . .

 

Happy Mother’s Day Everyone!

 

 

 

Jordan, the baby of the final AI contestants, rocked last night (at least on the first song).  Blake dipped one too many times in the well, Lakisha was so, so and Melinda picked the wrong songs but was still the best vocalist!

 

I think Jordan earned the right to stay in the competition based on her first song performance last night.  And for that, I picked up the phone and voted several times for her.  

 

I think that Blake and Lakisha are vulnerable.  I think Blake's popularity, however, might give him the edge and although he had an off night last night I think he should be in the top 3 next week.

 

I think Lakisha could go tonight.  But who knows what will happen.  Afterall, AI fans kept Sanjaya in when he should've left much sooner.  No offense to Sanjaya.  He's very personable and sings okay, but you can only get by on creative hair styles and flirtatious smiles towards the camera for so long before you have to back it up with great vocals. I'm sorry to say, but Rocker Girl, Gina, should have stayed on longer than you.

 

 

Tomorrow night we’re down to the final four Contestants on American Idol!  As much as I really like Jordan and admire her composure at only 17 years of age, she is simply no match for Melinda, Lakisha & Blake. 

 

If Jordan doesn’t just blow people away tomorrow, she will probably be the next one to leave on Wednesday.  And if Lakisha doesn’t bring it next week she could be next.  Melinda and Blake have been the most consistent throughout the competition.  They are my top picks for final two.

 

I think Melinda is the most talented and most consistent and should win, but on the other hand Blake has been original throughout the competition.  He could steal it away from Melinda if she doesn’t bring her A game a week from tomorrow night. 

 

And that’s the poop on Idol . . . .

 

 

I have exactly 4 months and 12 days to go before my trip to Italy in September!  Gosh, time is just flying by so fast.  I need to buckle down and start reading more about Venice, Lake Como and Milan.  I want to learn as much as I can to make the most of my time there. 

 

I also have a sweet bike ride planned in Bellagio that I have been training for and I'm really excited about doing that. 

 

I've been looking over my map of Italy trying to figure out some day trips for my trip.  I decided for sure Bergamo for one day trip and up to Switzerland for the other so I can ride the Bernina/Heidi Express Scenic Train.  I figured out that I'll have to go to Lugano to catch the express. . . but how far should I travel to and where should I stay overnight.  There's no way that I will be able to return to Bellagio on the same day!  I want to go as far as I can on the express train so I can view all the gorgeous passes running through the Swiss Alps.  It's been challenging and also fun trying to figure this out. 

 

I found a  "Daily Phrases Italian" language series on I-tunes over the weekend and downloaded it onto my Nano.  Now I can practice my Italian phrases during my bike rides!  

 

For picture of the month, how could I not select the photo that Marta selected from my Prague Album!