Me again :-)

So I've been inspired to write again. Not because there's anything going on that is so newsworthy because but because I find myself with a minute to myself to actually blog.
There's lots going on my end over the coming months especially in terms of travel. So far in the first two months of the year, I've spent a week in Seattle (work trip) and a weekend with my mom on a cruise ship (pre-carnival triumph disaster, thank the Lord). Seattle was um...well, it was Seattle. Reminds me of a slightly more interesting version of Minneapolis but that's not saying a whole lot. I did find time while I was there to catch up with an old coworker over dinner and managed to get out and see a little more than just the downtown area. Of course I also found time to do what I do best (shop) including visits to Nordstrom rack, Barney's, h&m, urban outfitters, and an epic visit to forever 21 in which I scored at least 20 very cute fast fashion items for well under $100. Nordstrom rack was notable too - I found a pair of Burberry Brit jeans that fit perfectly (curvy and long - a major feat for me) at 75% off. It was love at first try-on :-). Seattle was also notable in that I reunited with one of my favorite happy hour spots EVER. It's a restaurant called Palomino, which used to have an outpost in Minneapolis until it was forced to close due to the never ending expansion of Crave, another nice but not quite as memorable chain restaurant. I hadn't been to a Palomino in years but lo and behold, I discovered there was one in Seattle just blocks from my hotel. It was a must. I went one of my first evenings in Seattle and indulged in the potatoes Gorgonzola (amazing - don't try it if you're on a diet), a pizza, and my fave pomegranate margarita all for about $20 including tip. It was a match made in heaven (my inner fat girl and my inner cheapskate were both very pleased).
The cruise however was much more fun. What's better than an all inclusive weekend getaway for just a few hundred bucks that doesn't require flying somewhere? Unfortunately I had just begun my "flat belly" diet (haha that's slang for me trying to eat right and exercise to lose my belly fat), however that did not stop me from indulging in the abundance of food. The quality and variety of food wasn't as nice as some other cruises I've been on (yes that is my inner cruise snob talking - if you think I'm bad talk to my mom) but it was good enough that we never went hungry...well except for those first few hours after we boarded the boat when they shut down all the food places for the safety drill and didn't reopen for hours. That was not a high moment for my "didn't have a chance to eat lunch" self. Thank goodness for the bars - those were always open. We had a great time on the cruise participating in everything from the cruise boat scavenger hunt (we gave it a good try including an epic moment of doing the electric slide with strangers), the broadway style stage shows, a comedy show, and karaoke (watching). We even made it to the nightclub for a brief stint - no surprises there, lots of house and techno, yawn.
Coming up there's lots to look forward to. In March, there is a family trip to Florida to celebrate my dad's retirement. In April, im going to a reunion at my high school to celebrate 45 years of having a Black and Latino student group on the predominantly white campus. In late April I'll be celebrating my birthday in Vegas (woo-hoo!!! I'll be sure to blog about that...unless what happens in Vegas really has to stay in Vegas lol). Then in may there is my 5 yr reunion at Wharton -crazy! I can't believe I graduated from b-school 5 years ago. It seems like just a couple years ago although that could be because I blocked out the Minneapolis years like the ice ages...as if they never happened. Also in May is my dad's retirement basketball game which my sister is planning (should be interesting). And finally I'm supposed to be going to Cabo San Lucas with my BFF Shira around Memorial Day weekend. So lots coming up! Stay tuned and I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.