The Recap: June 17-19 - Biking the Tauernradweg

I've been wanting to bike the Tauernradweg for about 5 years now, ever since Dave shared his pictures and experience. While typically a 3-5 day journey from Krimml to Salzburg, we biked two days with our tight itinerary. First, Krimml to Mittersill (best Apfelstrudel ever!). The next day we trained to Kaprun, road to Sigmund Thun Gorge and ended at Zell am See (about an hour train from Salzburg). The bike bath descends slowly along the Salzache River and is the most picturesque, easy bike ride I have experienced.

As Dave would say, "We're riding through a postcard!" It's really true.

Green alpine views, small houses on the hillside, cows, the sound of gentle running water, fresh breathable air...people actually live here and see this everyday! Lucky!

My first zimmer frei experience was in Mittersill (people offer room to sleep for the night -- not a hotel). Our "Austrian Granny", as Dave called her, didn't speak a lick of English, but was very welcoming as she showed us our room (with a wonderful view) and offered fruhstuck (breakfast in German). Before I get too far ahead, it is pretty interesting that the largest waterfall in Europe is in Krimml, a tiny, no-one-knows-about city in Austria, which is good for Krimml as we noticed plenty of tourists at the falls where we started on the Tauernradweg.

My two day biking journey was my first experience of Gemutlichkeit (German feeling for warmth and coziness and enjoying living). Not a worry in the world, except the occasional bug in the eye, it was me, Dave, our bikes, the wind on our backs, mountains and the river around us. I hope to do the full bike path one day --- Krimml to Passau. I still can't believe I got to bike it even two days. I feel very lucky.

Cows!

And we start!

Starting our Journey

Leisure ride along the Salzache

Apfelstrudel in Mittersill. OMG!

Zimmer Frei Mittersill

Headed to Kaprun

Headed up the Gorge

Sigmund Thun Gorge

Getting close to Zell am See

Heading to Salzburg

Full album here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.924790141227.2395868.24613166&type=1&l=2cfe037d04

The Recap: June 16 Getting to Krimml from Venice via Salzburg

It's pretty crazy --- all elements generally in place, we made it from Venice to Krimml in 1 day.

More than 12 hours of travel, Dave forgot his passport at the hotel in Salzburg, we barely, barely caught the bike rental place before they closed (actually, they did us a favor and stayed open) -- had to BIKE through some of Salzburg to the train station, buy tickets for the bikes and myself and caught the train with minutes to spare!

We had to change trains twice to get to Krimml (very small place). We boarded the train to Krimml, which was a private train, and the ticket checker said that Dave's Eurail Pass didn't work for the private train. We exhausted our cash between cabs and the bike rental and were literally 5 euro short for Dave's ticket ... and they don't accept cards.

The ticket checker said, "You must always have cash! I will have to let you off at the next stop." Dave asked, "Is this the last train to Krimml tonight??"

She nodded, our faces dropped...tears almost swelling after a very tiring day of travel.

The ticket checker must have felt our desperate cry for help. She surveyed us, thought for a moment, and said, "Ok, here's what we can do. You can go to cash machine in Krimml to pay me then. It's okay."

"OH, THANK YOU!!!" A sigh of relief rushed over us.

Even more kind, our hotel host picked us up at the train station and paid the ticket checker for us without us even asking (she approached him and explained the situation to him while we grabbed the bikes).

We ended a long day of traveling with a superbly wonderful dinner at the hotel --- pancake soup and cheese pasta (cheese made right in Krimml). We went for a short walk in the dark and slept well that night.

Thanks for being so kind, Krimml. :)

The Recap: June 15- Venice for a Day!

We stayed in Lido, an island that is about a 5 minute vaporetti (water taxi) ride to Venice. It was cool to ride a vaporetti for the first time on the Grand Canal and under the Rialto Bridge at night.

The day involved seeing the main sights (Rialto and San Marco) but we went to the church later in the day because it was crazy busy due to the cruise ship crowd. We were happy to eat gelato and get lost around the island and get away from the crowd.

To my surprise, our spaghetti and lasagna lunch was no better than Olive Garden. Oh well. San Marco Duomo is amazing --- gold mosaics cover the ceiling and I still don't understand how they made it. I am even more in awe that the city was built on "sticks" pushed into the water. And to think, the city only sunk a tiny bit. The engineering for the foundation is quite brilliant.

Feet tired, we cruised the Grand Canal once more back to Lido. San Diego beaches are much more impressive than Lido's. We had pretty good pizza on Lido and strolled along the main road before turning in. Ah, Italy, I surely will miss you!

The Recap: Florence June 14

Florence was only short and sweet and a 5 hour stay. But, we covered the "best of" Florence, which was satisfying. Before going to the Duomo, Dave and I enjoyed REALLY good 'Za! Sausage and tomatoe --- really flavorful.

While I couldn't enter the Church because of my bare shoulders, I was able to climb 480 stairs to the top of the Dome in the Church. Essentially, I got to be in the Church with a way better view. I've climbed so many freaking stairs in the past two days --- oh buttocks!

Getting to the train on time was extremely frustrating because they changed tracks to freaking all the way on the other side. Sweating and tired, we weren't to thrilled to be sitting next to two chatty cathy's from Arizona. The way they spoke made them seem like they had little respect for Italian lifestyles and traditions. Lame.

Happily arrived in Venice, sadly in a two twin bed room, with very squishy beds. Even so, slept decent. Venice tomorrow.

CIAO

The Recap: The Cinque Terre June 12

I had time to kill before 6PM to meet up with Riccardo. I went to Levanto and laid in the grass and read my book for 2 hours. Right after I closed the book, a police officer comes up and says, "Sorry, but you can't lay in the grass. Sorry." Really, AFTER 2 hours of, in fact, laying in the grass?? I had to leave to catch the train anyhow. Good timing.

Even better timing, saw Dave when the train stopped at Vernazza on my way down to Rio. Butterflies filled my heart as I wasn't expecting to see him for two more days! Our hands touched for a brief moment as I hung out of the window and looked down at him from the train. He winked at me from the platform as the train departed. Ready for homemade wine! :)

June 13

Aye! Too much wine last night --- good wine --- but too much! I felt good today but wish I woke up earlier. Riccardo drove us to Porto Venere this morning. He drives a yellow Fiat. Cool. Porto Venere was more hoity toity than the other villages, but very beautiful. After we got back, I departed by myself to hike the LOVE TRAIL from Riomaggiore to Manorola. It was a 20 minute walk on the seaside and the ocean air was perfect. Since two trails were closed, I trained to Corniglia and Vernazza.

I almost died climbing 383 steps to the center of Corniglia! Damn wine! :-/ Corniglia is up high and has an awesome view! Breathtaking. At Vernazza, I bought a spicy chocolate and banana gelato. No, no, I know you're jealous. At Manorola, I bought a slice of pesto pizza. YUMZ. In flip flops, I hiked a rocky and semi steep trail from Vernazza to Monterroso, the last village.

Again, about died going up the trail rock stairs --- probably 380 steps too, dammit.

But the view --- AH BENE! and so worth it! 1 and 15 minutes later, I arrive at Monterosso. I walked around the old town. I just love how all the houses are built on each other. Such color and character. SPENT.

I headed back to the Riomaggiore. Riccardo again made me dinner --- Rabbit sauteed in olives, carrots, garlic, onion and olive oil. Really good! Last night I enjoyed homemade cannelloni. Bed early and rise early tonight. Riccardo is a good man and I'm very lucky to have found him on the couchsurfing site. I recommend him to anyone surfing in the Cinque Terre.

Can't wait to start the next part of my journey with my favorite company, Dave!

FLORENCE AND VENICE MANANA!

The Recap: Siena June 11

Getting to Siena was fairly painless. A 2 hour wait in Tiburtina is not ideal but 3 hours later, I arrived at 2PM. Thankfully, Siena had baggage check so I didn't have to lug around 30lbs of crap until 7PM when I met Richard.

Richard is French, by the way, not Italian like I thought. I was a little made fun of for not recognizing, but the accent sounded kind of Italian because he speaks Italian too. Before I digress, the Piazza is SO beautiful that I walked around it probably a dozen times. Two people were married in the city the day I was there in City Hall, right inside the Piazza. The whole people clap and cheer when the couple comes out of City Hall. Precious.

The Duomo is a bit of a hike from the Piazza...not far, just steep. Siena is very hilly. 3 Euro to go inside the church but OMG amazingly worth it! I took tons of pictures to try and capture the grandiose but it's not possible. The alternating black and white marble reminded me of Beetlejuice and Nightmare Before Christmas. Before I met up with Richard, I enjoyed ensalata de caprese in the Piazza Del Campo. Peaceful.

Richard lives a 20 minute walk outside of the city center. Not conducive for carrying 30 lbs extra, but not unbearable. Later, we met up with his friends for apertivo, or in U.S. speak "Happy Hour", which was enjoyable and thankfully only 5 euro.

Richards friends speak little English, but they tried. It's nice, but a little frustrating at the same time to hear beautiful Italian that you don't understand. I forget her name but she looked like Amanda Peet, Richard's friend read my love fortune last night. I was to shuffle cards and think of someone of whom I care deeply...Dave, of course.

I gave Amanda Peet the cards and she did her thing. Immediately she asked if I was engaged --- Um, NO :) She laid down 4 cards and said the Man I think about is very good for me and we love each other very much. We have similar personalities, which is why our bond is so strong, hence why she asked about engagement. Curious.

Richard's fortune was no so endearing as mine. This was weird because he and I had spoken earlier about his girlfriend and his relationship, which matched his fortune...girlfriend infatuated, him not as much, only because it'll be long distance soon...

Anyway, it was a nice night overall. The next morning, or today, I sweated my butt off carrying my load to the bus station, only to find that where I want to go is train ONLY. This was very upsetting because the train station is like a 30 minute walk from the bus station.

I started heading towards the train station when a man on a scooter saw me and asked, "You go to train?? You want ride?" I thought, wow, Siena is so great and the people are so nice! Mind you, I had a conversation with Richard the day before about how Siena is one of the safest cities in Italy and people are very friendly. I declined a couple times but the man insisted.

So I hopped on his scooter and we headed to the train station. To my shocking surprise, and also THANKFULLY at the END of the ride (train station in sight), this savior in disguise grabbed my hand and pulled it close to his crotchal region. I moved my hand up immediately because I thought he just wanted me to hold on since we were going down a hill.

WRONG. He grabbed my hand again and moved it down. Firmly, I said, "NO! Boyfriend! NO!" He said, "Oh! But just a little bit?" He gestured with his index finger and thumb to make the 'little bit' symbol. --- NO! A million times NO!.

Goddamn you, Siena. We almost said our goodbyes on the happiest note. In fact, I was looking forward to telling this store about how kind people are --- but in this case, this guy had asked for a price. So glad I'm on the train now and headed to the CINQUE TERRE!!! :)

The Recap: Rome to Siena

Good thing Marco took me by scooter to Rome yesterday; he doesn't know his buses very well and sent me in the wrong direction this morning. It's ok --- bus eventually goes to Laurentina Station. Really crossing my fingers that this goes as smoothly and cheaply as I wish it to. But, heck, I got on the wrong train going into Rome, why should it be easy? Here we go.

Side note:

Language barrier = I bought sparkling water --- not my favorite but glad no after taste.

Getting to Siena by bus at dumpy Tiburtina Station in Rome -- 3 hours and 20 euro

The Recap: Rome in a Day June 10

Even though I got lost a couple times, sweat my butt off, Rome in a day was pretty successful. I didn't go into the Colesseum or Forum, but didn't feel like I needed to.

Like I imagined, I fell in love with the Pantheon. It boggles my mind how these masterpieces were built in the time they were. Further, that they still stand. So awesome. Of course, I had chocolate gelato next to the Trevi Fountain. YUM! I actually really enjoyed getting lost around that area...until I got hot and hungry :)

No pickpocketing visible, thank goodness...only one old paranoid couple, "Stay away from him, honey, pick pockets!!!" --- A guy was trying to sell them vacation tour tickets -- i.e. heckler, not thief.

Ready for BBQ tonight with Marco and his couch surfer friends. He is honored to be my 1st couch host --- I am too. Marco is super nice, not to mention I got another scooter ride into the city. Scary! But, invigorating! I don't know how they do it!

------Before I forget:

Or, maybe, I won't really. Lucano, Lithuanian Girls, Salchichas, and Italian Men = Good Company. Plus, I didn't have to say much because the girls spoke Lithuanian and the guys Italian. I sipped Lucano and smiled. The Italians thought it was weird when I said I never had sausage for dinner, but breakfast. Italians think Americans crazy. Maybe we are. Why am I writing in broken English? Ah, Lucano :)

The Recap: June 10 - Arrival in Rome

Of course I would start off my trip in Rome by getting on the wrong train that didn't even go to Termini Station (Central station in Rome). While the guy at the airport was helpful at showing my "how" to get my ticket, I was the one who should've clarified the correct train.

Disaster averted when two gay, Italian saviors allowed me to share their cab and directed me to Termini Station. Damian and Iliad -- I'll probably never see you again, but I am indebted to your kindness.

My couchsurfing friend, Marco, is also a Saint for picking me up at 1AM! Guess What?! He drives a scooter :) My 1st night in Rome and I already got to experience the thrill of the wind in my hair, sitting behind a cute Italiano boy, motoring through the city.

It's an awesome way to end the night and I can't wait to take a shower!

The Recap : Starting with "One the Plane"

I watched the sunset in West L.A. from my window seat to London.

"See you in two weeks."

My layover in Heathrow is long, especially in these uncomfortable chairs. I paid 50 pounds for a banana from Starbucks, oof! I should've gotten a bigger banana.

Back Safe from Europa

Over the next few weeks I will be posting some of the highlight journal entries from my trip into the blog. I was originally planning not to do this because of lack of time or whatever excuse I could come up with, but ultimately decided it will be a fun way to recap my trip and share my experience for other travelers that happen across the entries.

Traveling solo and couchsurfing has made me even more grateful for the kindness and goodness of others. My dad still thought I was too naive, and I know I'm his daughter and he's worried. Yes, people dressed nicely can still be ax murderers. But, it's instinct and gut, and I never approached anyone that looked whack. Anyway, I had an amazing time traveling solo and I recommend it all the way. As a caveat, do your research.

Journal entries to come soon!

2 Weeks until Europe!!!

So I will be in Europe for 2 and half weeks exploring cities in Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. This trip has been on my mind for about 5 years now and one of the major steps of making it a reality (besides the $$) was getting into Graduate School. I think of this trip as a reward for my hard work and also an exploration of myself . Plus, with full time school for the next couple years, a trip like this may not happen for a while.

I decided to travel alone for the first 5 days of my trip because I wanted to be on my own itinerary, make my own discoveries, become inspired, more confident and stronger. I have a more reserved personality initially when meeting new people and I'm hoping this will loosen me up a bit.

My solo travel:

Rome for a day
Siena for a day
Cinque Terre for 2 days (staying in Riomaggiore)

I understand that people (mostly my family) have concerns about me traveling solo, what with all the horror stories out there. And of course, I'm taking all the necessary precautions. Really if you look online and check the stats, the good experiences outweigh the bad by the pounds!

If you are thinking of traveling solo, I recommend bookmarking this part of Rick Steve's website for reference:
http://cdn.svcs.c2.uclick.com/c2/bf5f1d205d65012ee3bf00163e41dd5b

I'm trying couch surfing for the first time and am being hosted in the 3 places I'm staying. Part of my thought was to save hundreds of dollars hotel/hostel fees. But more importantly, make international friends and show my family/friends that there are good people in this world that are, yes, willing to offer a stranger a bed for the night without expectation of payment, rather, altruism, courtesy, and gratefulness.

For people that may be weary of being hosted on couch surfing, I have some tips:

• Only message people with profiles that have a lot of positive reviews
• Ask to become friends on Facebook and check out your potential hosts interactions with their friends
• If you message the host and it seems sketch, then bail, no biggie
• Print out the hosts picture, name, address, and phone from a Word doc so your family knows exactly what the person looks like that you are staying
• ask your host to meet you in a public place first so you can decide for yourself whether you feel comfortable

After my solo travel, I'm meeting up with el boyfriend and we are exploring:
Florence
Venice
Salzburg
Biking from Krimml to Salzburg
Murren in the Berner Oberland
Zurich

Most likely, I will not be posting a blog while traveling in Europe. I'm going 1990's style and buying a journal and hand writing my itinerary/journey/discoveries. For me, writing in a journal is meditation and reflection --- the Internet is often distracting. However, I intend to upload my journal entries to my blog (or the good entries anyway, haha).

Post soon!
-Tia

Day 30 - Anything You Want to Post About

Found out that when I'm in Riomaggiore, part of the Cinque Terre in Italy, I'll be staying in this area next to the Church in the Village. I'm so freakin' lucky!

Day 29 - Picture of Yourself

New Watch, whoop whoop!

Thank you Glee, You Rocked Me Tonight

The word's on the streets and it's on the news:
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance with you!
He's got two left feet and he bites my moves!
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance, dance, dance, dance!

Day 28 - Do You For Anything at 11:11? If So, What Do You Wish For?

I don't think I have ever wished for anything at 11:11. Although, it reminds me of the song Constantine by Something Corporate, which I absolutely adore.

Day 27 - A Picture of Your Handwriting

Day 26 - What Are Some Little Things That Make You Feel Warm and Fuzzy

Saving chocolate for me that you could've easily eaten

Sweet texts in the morning

Kisses on the forehead

My 9 yr old brother telling me to have a good day at work

A wink

When my nephews give me hugs

Day 25 - Would You Rather Date Someone Plain With an Amazing Personality...

or someone beautiful with a plain personality?

Um, can't I have both? I already have both :)

Day 24 - 7 Things That Cross Your Mind a Lot

1. I can't wait to go to Europe I can't wait to go to Europe I can't wait to go to Europe I can't wait to go to Europe

2. D.

3. What Grad School courses I am taking this Fall

4. Will the Economy get better already?

5. Dark Chocolate

6. How good Brunch was last Sunday

7. I wish I worked out more

Day 23 - A Letter to Someone , Anyone

Dear Fed Ex,

You suck balls.

Sincerely,
Alexis

Day 22 - A Picture Of What You Wore Today

Happy Hump Day!

Day 21 - Turn On's and Off's

On's
-good sense of humor
-strong hands
-the way jeans fit on the butt
-shoes that look good
-nice smile
-pretty eyes

Off's
-rudeness
-college humor (gross jokes that are tasteless)
-saggy jeans
-picking a fight for no reason
-being judgmental
-selfishness

Day 20 - Concerts You Have Attended

- Janet Jackson and Usher
-Something Corporate
-Distillers, Garbage and No Doubt
-Sara Bareilles (a couple times and going to be 3 in July :)
-Tristan Prettyman
-Jason Mraz
-Alice in Chains
-Black Crows
-Fall Out Boy
-Plus +44
-Cobra Starship
-Jet
- Transfer (SD Band)
- Lots of Local Bands that I can't remember the names of ha
-The Beach Boys
-The Supreme's
-The Temptations (my first actual make out session with a boy.. I was 11 :)
-The Righteous Brothers

and Hopefully Aerosmith one day if I'm lucky... I already got screwed with MJ

Day 19 - A List of All The Places You've Lived At

At one point, I remembered all the addresses, but alas, that talent is behind me.

-Nebraska - Ralston
-El Cajon
-Mira Mesa
-Rancho Penasquitos
-Rancho Bernardo

Day 18 - Name the TV Show You Have Become Addicted To

I'm pretty much equally addicted to Big Bang Theory, Modern Family and the Office. Glee, 30 Rock, and Community are close behind. Lie to Me is my guilty pleasure and I hope it gets another season and that it starts soon!

Day 17 - What Do You Want To Be When You Get Older?

Ah, the question for a quarter life crisis...

After feeling somewhat plateau-ish for the past year, I finally mustered up the courage to apply to Grad School, which is the next step to get me closer to my career goal.

I would love to be a college professor teaching communication or design. I'm really bummed to be accruing even more debt with student loans, but a little thankful I'm not yet looking for a teaching position because of all the budget cuts. I'm crossing my fingers that things will be better in 3 years when I want to transition fully into that path.

Day 16 - If the World Were to End Tomorrow, What Would You Do With Your Remaing Time on Earth?

No sense in trying to get in contact with Branson and fly to space if the world ended tomorrow.

Family Time for sure - sit talking up all night, saying things we haven't for a while...smiling but we're close to tears, even after all these years. We just now got the feeling that we're meeting for the first time. - The Script

Day 15 - A Photo of Someone You Fancy at the Moment

Isn't this similar to the 5 celebrity crushes?

I'm not a lesbian, but I'm obsessed with Adele's new album right now, so I guess I can say that I fancy her at the moment :)

"I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited, but I... couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it. I had hoped you'd see my face, and that you'd be reminded that for me...it isn't over." - Adele - Someone Like You




" Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead. " - Adele - Someone Like You

Day 14 - Provide Pictures of 5 Celebrity Crushes

Just in case you need help here:

Johnny Depp
David Bowie
George Clooney
Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Gerard Butler

RAWR!

Day 13 - Three Confessions of Your Choice

1. I'm afraid if I don't do certain things now, I will probably never do them... or not do them in my prime, which scares me.

2. Sometimes I wish I were born a generation or 10-15 years earlier. I have this feeling sometimes that I was born in the wrong time...

3. I don't lie to my parents. I just don't tell them things they don't want to know.

Day 12 - Screenshot of Your Desktop

I have a cool scroll thru tool that makes my screen look like this when I'm going through my open tabs. Jealous? Thought so. :)

Day 11 - What is Your Favorite Quote?

Oo this is a hard one because there are so many awesome quotes.

I'm going to provide a few that are dear to me.

"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in." - Morrie from Tuesdays with Morrie

"You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!"

"Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen." - The Sunscreen Song

"Nothing will work unless you do." - Maya Angelou

"When you're through learning, you're through."

"You live and you learn. That is what life is about."

"If it is to be, it is up to me."

Day 10 - If You Could Only Live Off Of One Food and One Beverage For The Rest Of Your Days, What Would They Be?

The food I would choose would be Greek yogurt and the drink I would choose would be Naked Blue Juice --- that way I could get my vitamins and enough protein. I could mix the blue juice into the Greek yogurt so it wouldn't be so bitter. Although, I like the bitterness of Greek Yogurt.

Day 9 - Pet Peeves

People that drive too fast and zig zag in and out of lanes

People that drive too slow in the fast lane

People that don't hold the door open for someone

People that don't say "thank you" to someone for holding the door open for them

A bartender that makes eye contact with me and still fails to acknowledge that I want a beer. Really dude? There goes your tip

People that don't even try to do something for themselves and whine "Can YOU just do it for me?" --- Hell no. Hell freaking no.

People that think they know more than you about something and try to argue with you on it (not opinion or political talk -- like technical things)

People that try to force their opinion on your or make you feel bad about your life choices

Day 8 - 3 Things You Want to Say to Different People

Wow, long Saturday, almost missed my post. Well, I guess I did by 14 minutes because it's 12:14 a.m. Oh well!

I'm not sure if this challenge means "different people" as in I "know" the person or just to anyone.

Because if I saw Johnny Depp, I would say to him, "You probably get this a lot, but, I really DO love you...I"m not just saying it."

To someone else I'd also like to say, "You look like Meredith from 'The Office'. And no offense, but it's not a compliment."

And finally, I'd like to say to someone, "Sunday's are the best with you."

Goo-nite!

Day 7 - Do You Read? What Are Your Favorite Books?

I don't read too often but I tend to like the books that I do read...when I read.

Loved, loved, loved the Harry Potter Series with a passion. The complexity, character building, and story was great.

In addition, I really enjoyed Tuesdays With Morrie and The 5 People You Meet in Heaver by Mitch Albom. I read those at a time when I needed a positive outlook on life and appreciating things around me.

I still want to read Eat, Pray, Love and some others.

This challenge asks about favorite books, however, I would like to point out with was a pain in the gut to get through the first Twilight Book. Sorry, couldn't take it, don't get the hype. Way too childish, no depth, lame, etc etc.

Planning to put a couple books on my shuffle for my long Euro flights this summer. We'll see how it goes.

Day 6 - What Band or Musician is Most Important to You?

The two most important musicians to me, if I absolutely had to narrow it down, are John Mayer and Sara Bareilles.

John Mayer really for his guitar playing. I remember "Room for Squares" inspiring me so much and pushing me to move forward with my guitar playing. I really learned to slap the strings by listening to his CD.

Sara Bareilles lyrics and melody making are just sooo good. I've cried listening to some of her songs and her voice is to die for. Seen her in concert a couple times and can't wait to see her again in July! The way she puts words together help me with ideas for my own music.

Day 5 - 5 Places You Want to Visit

I'm smiling as I write the Day 5 Blog because I finally am going to visit the 3 of the 5 places I've wanted to for quite some time.

1. Italy (Rome, Cinque Terre, Venice, and Siena :) VISITING IN JUNE!!! :)))))
2. Austria (Salzburg, biking for 2 days from krimml to Salzburg, and Hallstatt) VISITING IN JUNE!!! :)))))
3. Zurich (very minor but still visiting) VISITING IN JUNE!!! :)))))
4. Ireland
5. Scotland

Day 4 - The Meaning Behind Your Tumblr Name

Since I don't have Tumblr, I'll just talk about the meaning behind my actual name: Alexis Tia Diller.

Alexis was chosen by parents. My dad was leaning towards Alexandra or Alexandria but my mom thought that was too long so Alexis it was.

It's a little amusing how I got my middle name. I was named after my mom's Aunt, whom they called Tia. Well, my mom's side is Mexican, and Tia means Aunt in Spanish. So her name wasn't actually Tia. So my middle name is Aunt??? ;)

Diller is a German name. It's interesting because our original family name was Tüller and it changed to Diller around the 1700's. Still a mystery to me but all I can guess is that when they got off the boat to America it went down like, "What's your name?? Dots on the U??? What? Ok, how about DILLER??" --- yea I don't know.

Day 3 - My Day in Great Detail

I woke up this morning hoping it was Sunday again. Dammit. I ate too much yesterday so decided to skip breakfast. Lunch is a left over pumpkin pecan pancake cut up and topped with greek yogurt and chopped, juicy strawberries. All day I anticipated lunch and a walk.

I got to work at 7 and calculated the PTO I would have by June for my Europe trip and officially put in my request for time off. It's getting real.

Read the comics like I usually do each morning (bizarro, pickles and zits were the winners today). My work day consists of going through client emails and live chatting with clients. I work with real estate agents so some things are best left to the imagination (i.e. I refuse to go into detail about some of their inquiries). Read great surveys from clients and think to myself that the appreciation is hard to come by but nice. Other side projects throughout the day -- pay per click account management, website compliance for paperwork approval, etc. went for a walk with my good friend/coworker, Ann. We have to go for two 15min walks throughout the day or we'll lose our minds.

Left for home at 4 but got sidetracked and went to REI to claim my divident.

Talked to the beau on the way home about Euro stuff. Getting a snack, watching some Seinfeld and heading to bed. Ciao!

Day 2 - 10 Like and Dislikes

I'll end on a positive note so dislikes are first!

Dislikes:

1. Slow computers
2. Rude people
3. Onions
4. Radishes
5. People that are overly late when you have plans
6. Monday morning work day
7. Student loans
8. People that cut you off in traffic or drive slow in the fast lane
9. Giving up on a rock climbing route
10. Having to do something for people that they can do themselves


Likes:

1. Dark Chocolate
2. Traveling --- pretty much anywhere
3. Long walks on the beach, yes, really
4. Hiking
5. Playing guitar
6. Having family night
7. Cuddling
8. Laughing or Making Someone Else Laugh
9. Cooking Sunday Brunch

Day 1 - Write Some Basic Things About Yourself

I found this on tumbler so I may have to skip a question or two but here we go.

I was born in Omaha, NE but my parents divorced and I moved out to San Diego, CA with El Padre at a ripe young age of 4ish. I went back to Omaha every summer until I was 18 and visited every other xmas so when people ask me where I grew up, I usually tell them that I grew up here and there.

I come from a big family and sometimes consider myself the odd one or weird one, but also musically gifted and artsy.

I work at an Internet Solutions company and recently got into Grad School at State for an M.A. in Communications. I would like to teach college someday.

I love being outdoors --- hiking, biking, running is fab

I love shoes. I'm not talking about high heels or girly shoes, but actual sneakers. I'm a sucker.

This starts manana!

A Breakthrough

For those of you who may or may not know, I play guitar and write music every now and then. I feel like ever since I've worked at my current job, I have been distant from my music. I finally made an effort to sit down with my guitar and play around. I opened my music book that I write in and noticed I haven't written my own thing since 2009! Ugh, to me it was a heartbreaking creativity slump. It was enough frustration to make the music flow and I wrote a song. After that, I went through my music book and started playing things I haven't played in a while.

I actually have quite a few instrumental songs posted to YouTube, but no songs with me singing. There are a couple reasons: not a great voice, people can be harsh sometimes...especially anonymously. However, I mustered up some courage and posted a song to YouTube of me singing one of the first lyrical songs I wrote. Not many people have viewed it yet but I was pleasantly surprised when I received this comment about the song:

Enchris89 has made a comment on A Flood Outdoors:

I really enjoyed your music before, with just the guitar. Now that you started singing, I don't think I could just appreciate your music without your voice. Your voice is amazing. I can't stop listening to this song.

I am smiling.

Thank you, Lusky

Forgot how friggen awesome this song is:

Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone

- Heart - How Do I Get You Alone

Still Over the Moon

Freaking love these shoes...and now they are mine! I think you are ready for a European Adventure, young ones!

From Me

He's different
Yes, he seems to be
But only indifferent to me

He's carefree
And, he ought to be
His touch should mean nothing to me

A fragrant memory
He'll always be
But always far, far away from me

Sometimes I write Poetry

When a melody refuses to be molded
When it's silent except for the wind
I think about the word in my palm
My finger's do the talking

Again the strings ring dull
It's nothing new
Like a heartbeat slows
Am I losing this?

I see how she stares at him
that's interesting
A rhythm presents itself
A spark

Portraits by Me

I shot some family portraits for my friend at work and got some amazing shots of my friend's lil' lady. Enjoy!

By the Way...

I got into Grad School, bitches.

Cars & Coffee and Making my Tastebuds Happy

This weekend I went to Cars and Coffee in Irvine -- a weekly event the beau and I have been trying to be a part of...not only to see awesome hot rods, but maybe even Wayne Carini and his glorious moostacche.

The dilemma that delayed us from venturing to Cars and Coffee was that it's only from 6am-9am on Saturdays and we live in San Diego. Basically, we could never get our asses up early enough.

We managed to wake up at the crack of dawn this weekend and planned to stop by a couple food places while up north: Slaters 50/50 and El Taco, both in Anaheim.

Cars were creamy and food was A-mazing! Sadly, Carini's mustache went unseen.

Weekend Menu:

Slaters:

50/50 Burger (half ground beef, half bacon) with avo, a fried egg and chipotle mayo accompanied by sweet potato fries with pumpkin dipping sauce. If that wasn't awesome enough, we ended lunch with a Bacon Brownie --- that's right, cake like brownie with pieces of bacon baked into it. YUM!

El Taco:

Flautas with creamy guac and a burrito style quesadilla with their homemade salsa --- while this place is fast food like, it was simply flavor-awesomeness!

In between these two meals, we walked around Laguna Beach and played Frisbee by the wedge in Newport.

Perfect weather. Perfect Day.