Trina's page of Blogginess

Tim and Ami hosted a lovely brunch today for a bunch of us who went to high school/junior high/elementary school together. We all got together for the first time (since high school) last August.

Tim, Kimi, Amy, Byron and I all took many, many classes together in high school. Unfortunately, Lee came down with a cold this weekend, and wasn't able to join us. :(

There's something so special about gathering with a bunch of friends that you grew up with, and seeing them with their own children.

Here's a picture of the whole group (minus a couple of the kids who must have been running around, and Kimi's husband, Manuel, who took the photo).



I love this picture, too. This is Byron (a 3rd grade teacher in Oakland) sitting down with his son, and Tim & Ami's two boys reading them from a book about dinosaurs. It was so charming! Actually, Ami didn't know that Byron was a teacher, until she saw him in action and it became immediately apparent.


Byron reading to the boys

Thank you, Tim and Ami for a wonderful afternoon!!

Labels: friends

WGI Finals - streaming to you LIVE from Dayton, OH!

Some of you may know that I usually make an annual pilgrimage to Dayton, OH to attend the Winter Guard International Competition. I've been going since 1986 (watching since 1983) and up til last year, had only missed going twice.

I think it was three years ago that WGI started to offer a streaming-video options for a subscription fee, which allows you to watch the entire competition (yes, that's three days chock-ful of color guard) LIVE.

I watched finals live, by myself last year. (long story, but I wasn't really up for any crowds last year) I really enjoyed it, but I have to say, my experience this year was so much better!


Nikki, Chad, Philip and Mom

Yesterday afternoon, through evening, I had over a few of my dear local guard friends. Chad (who marched in Miller's Blackhawks and San Jose Raiders), Nikki (San Jose Raiders and taught at James Logan HS), Philip (Cavaliers, Generis, and WGI writer) my Mom (she's my Mom first and foremost, but she also used to judge in our local circuit) and Miguel (who was the brave soul of the group who had never actually seen color guard, but has many friends, including his boyfriend, David (Miller's Blackhawks) who have been through the winter guard and drum corps activities). Freddie (Emerald Marquis and Cadets) was supposed to come, but unfortunately for us, was a no-show.


Mom and Miguel
I'd like to point out that my Mom is wearing her/my WGI sweatshirt, circa 1989 for the occasion!

Watching Finals Live, from the comfort of my own house, surrounded by a bunch of friends of like-minds was just fantastic! We had so much fun! For once, we were able to watch a show and say things in our "out loud" voices that we would otherwise have to keep mum if we were actually there. :)

Some of our favorite quotes of the evening:

"Wonder if those dresses will become chain flags?"

"OMG! They're spinning Jesus!" (an image of Jesus was ON the flags)

But nothing could prepare of for the shocking results of the evening! We were little screaming at the TV in disbelief as they announced the placements and scores for the top 3 guards in IW. In all my years, I've never seen an upset like it!

Oh, and let's not forget to mention WGI's major flub-up: after announcing all of the scores and placements of all of the finalist, and while the top three groups were receiving their medals, the announcer announced that a mistake had been made. Apparently, they had mixed up the fourth and fifth placements, and asked the two groups to please switch their plaques. How tacky.

...oh, and lest we forget - the other flub-up of the night, when the announcer spoke too early during the middle of Pride's performance. Crazy.

Congrats goes out to all of the SW and IW finalist. I thought it was one of the strongest IW competitions ever. Special personal mention to some of the groups that my friends teach who had amazing performances: Pride (loved you!), Santa Clara Vanguard, Mayflower (my friend, Rob's guard from the UK!), Carmel, Logan, Arcadia and Little Elm (who won SA, where Mykail teaches).

A great and memorable WGI!

I definitely watched more color guard shows at home this year than I ever have when I actually went to Dayton. I have to say that the WGI Fan Network was such a fantastic option and a great way to partake in the excitement of the weekend.

Labels: color guard, friends, wgi

Jessica and Baby Rulan

This afternoon, I had the honor of attending a Welcome and Naming Celebration for Jessica's baby, Rulan.

I had the great pleasure of teaching Jessica back in '94/'95 when she was a 14 year old freshman in Logan High School's winter guard. She had quite the illustrious color guard career during her remaining years at Logan, then with the Blue Devils, and finished her performing years in Blast.

Jessica and I managed to stay in touch over the years, and have remained good friends. We somehow managed to see each other every once in a while, in between all of her travels.

I was so honored to be invited to the celebration with her family and friends today. Jessica is of Native American descent (amongst many other things as well) and her family and fiance shared stories of their ancestors and heritage. They also performed some rituals from their heritage to welcome Rulan.

We were also introduced to the woman for which baby Rulan was name. The elder Rulan is a dancer with her own company, for which Jessica has danced with for several years. She also was the person who first introduced Jessica to her soon-to-be husband.

It was a delightful afternoon. I really enjoyed getting reacquainted with so many members of Jessica's family (including her "baby" sister who is now in Logan's World Guard!) and friends.

I'm so happy for Jessica and her entire family. What an honor it was to be able to witness such a special and memorable event with them.

Bonus: Vielka, Brian and Omar were there, too, so I was able to visit with them all afternoon! I hadn't had a chance to meet Omar before - what a cutie he is!


Vielka and Omar!

Labels: friends

I launched a new client site last night: Ayuh Yoga.

It was a fantastic project to work on. Not only am I very happy with how the design and finished product turned out, but I also thoroughly enjoyed working with these clients.

I actually taught (color guard) most of the people on the staff of Ayuh Yoga when they were in high school in Union City 15 years ago. I lost touch with most of them over the years, but had the wonderful opportunity to become reacquainted with them via Facebook. I've enjoyed meeting up with them at different events and gatherings over the last couple of years.

It's been such a pleasure to become friends with all of these people again, and to have the chance to get to know each other as adults. It was such an honor to be asked by these friends to design and implement the web site for their new business venture.

Congratulations to the team at Ayuh Yoga!

I wish you great success in your business, and many more years of friendship! :)

Labels: friends, web design

I had a really fantastic afternoon/evening today in Union City. Today was the local WGI Regional, held at Logan High School, where I helped teach the color guard many moons ago.

I saw so many old friends - some of whom I see once a year or so, but some that I hadn't seen in over 20 years, and only recently reconnected with over Facebook!

Here are a few photos:


Esther, Trina & Aki

This reunion was most amazing - I haven't seen either of these girls (women? ladies?!) since 1985. That's almost 25 years! Esther and Aki marched in an Elementary School Prep guard that my friend, Milton, and my sister used to teach. They were in 5th grade (or so) back then! We got reacquainted last year on Facebook, which has been wonderful. When I mentioned on my Facebook status recently that I was planning to go to the regional, they decided to come - neither of them had been to a guard show since the mid-90s, or earlier. So wonderful to see these two again!

update
I just found a photo of when Esther and Aki marched. I think it's from 1985. They are the first two on the left side. Look how cute!


Vinci Park Pirates Color Guard, 1985


Chad, Nikki, Scott & Trina

Here's a photo of most of the Logan HS Color Guard staff from '94-'95. I don't think the 4 of us have been back together since then. Wow. 15 years.


Chad, Trina, Josie and Teri

Josie and Teri were in the guard while we taught at Logan. They both started at Alvarado Middle School in the early 90s when Scott and Nikki first started the program there. Amazingly, Teri's oldest daughter is in her second year in Alvarado's guard!


Philip & Chad

Two of my dear friends. They haven't seen each other in years. We all live in San Francisco. Hopefully, we can all get together more often.


Diana & Chad

Diana - my "oldest" color guard friend. (and when I say old, of course, I mean in the number of years that we've known each other - not our age!) Diana and I met when I was 14 and she was 15. We met at "try-outs" for Sparks - the color guard that we both marched in the mid-80s. Diana is a dear, dear friend.

I'm so fortunate to have so many wonderful people in my life. It's quite remarkable to me how long our friendships have lasted, and how we still are in each others lives. Who knew so many great friendships would develop from learning how to spin a flag. :)

Labels: color guard, friends

I had a really nice visit today with some old high school friends: Kimi, Missy and Sabrina. I had kept in touch with Kimi, and saw Missy last year, but as a group, we hadn't seen each other in years - perhaps since we were all in high school.

We all played flute together when we were in our High School Marching Band. We had all reconnected sometime last year on Facebook, and finally found a day and time where the four of us could get together for an hour or so. Everyone has such busy schedules these days, but we were happy to squeeze in a little time together.

It's so great reconnecting with everyone after so many years. So interesting to get to know each other as adults, and hear about their lives now - their families, careers, etc.,

Such a nice afternoon. I look forward to seeing you all again!


Sabrina, Missy, Kimi & Trina

Labels: friends

Tonight, I reconnected with a very old friend who I had not seen or heard from in in 6 or 7 years.

I met Chad when we were both 19, and marching in a color guard in Dayton, OH. Chad was from the Dayton area, and I had moved out from Milpitas with my sister.


here we are (in a tiny, cropped photo) in our guard uniforms in 1990.

The next year, Chad moved to Milpitas to live in my parent's house while he joined another guard in San Jose. I, in the meantime, moved down to Southern California, and later to Madison, WI to march in other guards.

After we both "aged-out" of the color guard activity at the ripe old age of 22, we taught color guard together (with a few other friends) at a high school in Union City for two years.


Teaching color guard together in 1995

Chad eventually moved out of my parent's house, and I moved to San Francisco. We still saw each other on occasion over the next several years, but eventually, we lost touch.


David, Chad and Trina - San Francisco, 1999

Chad contacted me (via Facebook!) a couple of months ago. He had recently moved back to San Francisco, and, as bizarre as this sounds, was living in an apartment building directly behind my house (well, one house over)! Yes, that big, pink building of 6 or 7 apartments that sits right behind my next-door neighbor's backyard - the one that I see everyday when I look out my back windows - that's where Chad now lives!

So, we finally saw each other tonight for the first time in 6 or 7 years, and it was if no time had passed at all. We instantly reconnected, or rather, the connection that we had always had was still there.


San Francisco, 2010!

One of the first things that we talked about was the "promise" that we had made to each other when we were 19: we made a deal that if we were still both single when we turned 50, that we would marry each other. :) Well, it turns out that I married Dick, so the deal is off! ;)

It's so nice to have the opportunity to reconnect with an old friend. Now that he's so close by, I'm sure I'll be seeing a lot more of Chad again. :)

Labels: friends

Dick and David were both out of town for work last night, so Miguel, Christopher and I decided to get together for dinner.

As Christopher said, it was a "cheese, cream and cake" night. These are all things that Dick doesn't eat. (well, he'll have a bite of cake every once-in-awhile.. like at our wedding...)

When Christopher used to live with us, whenever Dick was out of town, we would make things like Mac and Cheese, or Lasagna. :)

We went to Blue - such a great comfort food restaurant in the Castro. We all shared a appetizer of Tots (yes, that would be tater-tots - the likes of which I haven't had since elementary school) covered in chili and cheese. Oh, my! We also shared a serving of their yummy mac and cheese. I had a green salad - trying to balance it all out!


Christopher was so sweet - he gave us each a box of Sweethearts for Valentine's Day. :)
Here is is posing with our Mac and Cheese.

For dessert, we walked to Sweet Inspiration, which happens to be the place where David and Miguel first met!

It was a really fun evening with the boys - thanks Bro & Miguel!

Labels: friends

When I was in fourth grade, my family lived in Fresno. My sister and I were both part of the "GATE" program (Gifted and Talented Education, apparently), which started in fourth grade. I believe there as only one GATE class per grade level in the city, but I"m not sure. Nonetheless, this means that the kids in our class came from all over Fresno, and most of us hadn't had classes in first through third grades with each other before.

My best friend that year was Julie. I'm don't remember the exact moment that we met, but I do remember that we became fast friends, and we were basically inseparable during that entire school year.

My dad got transferred to the bay area with work, and the day after I finished the fourth grade, my family moved to Milpitas. My family took occasional trips to Fresno over the next few years, and I remember that Julie and I were able to see each other for visits from time to time. We also wrote letters (the old-fashioned kind!) to each other, probably through 7th grade or so.

Alas, we lost touch sometime around Junior High or even High School. I always remembered Julie and had very fond memories of her.

Fast forward to 2007.

On October 3, 2007, I post a blog asking my readers to please let themselves be known. My blog had a lot of regular hits, so I was curious to know who was reading it regularly.

Imagine my surprise when I received the following comment:

Trina,
This probably sounds very strange, but I used to be friends with you in Fresno, years ago. Do you remember me?

One day a few months ago, I was typing random names into Google and came across this blog! We were in fourth grade together, and then you moved to Milpitas. We wrote letters and sent school pictures for years, but somehow we fell out of touch sometime in high school.

Anyway, I have wanted to drop you a line, but it seemed so "stalkerish" But since you've asked....

I enjoy your blog because you are so joyful and positive about your life - such a wonderful role model.

Julie | 10.05.07 - 9:18 pm

Pretty amazing, right? I sent her an email immediately. We've corresponded via email a few times, have become "friends" on Facebook, and keep up with each other on our mutual blogs.

We even managed a "face-to-face" visit a couple of years ago when Julie lived in Stockton. It was wonderful. What a special friendship - we met for lunch, and ended up talking for more than 3 hours, which was only cut short because I had to meet my family for dinner. I love those friendships where you can be separated for years, yet, when you see each other again, you fall right back with each other. It had been nearly 30 years since we had seen each other!

I feel so fortunate that Julie had the inclination to search for me, and that we have managed to reconnect. I think it's so special to have friends in your life from childhood.

Julie just sent me a photo that she found of the two of us - I assume it's from 1979. I absolutely love it. I don't think I ever had a picture of the two of us together.


Julie and Trina, 1979


Julie and Trina, 2008

Thanks, Julie! I hope to see you again very soon for another visit!

Labels: friends

Thanks, I needed that!



I spent the early afternoon with my friend, Andrew, today. Andrew and I have many similar interests: Raggedy Ann, Animation Art, children's literature & illustrations, animated films, etc.,

Today we went to see the movie "Fantastic Mr. Fox" at our local theater. What a great film - if you enjoy Roald Dahl books, or enjoy and appreciate stop-motion animation, I highly recommend it.

The best word I can think of to describe it is Charming. Everything about it: the story, the style, the music.... it was all indeed, "Fantastic".

After the movie, we walked over to the Cartoon Art Museum to see the Fantastic Mr. Fox Exhibit. We did this several months ago when we saw the movie Coraline. We're so lucky to have the Cartoon Art Museum here - they always have such good exhibits, like both of these, and how wonderful to see them right after seeing the films!

The Fantastic Mr. Fox exhibit features two sets from the stop motion animated film, “Flint Mine – We Took Everything” and “Farmer Scale Yellow Door,” which include puppets and props used in the film’s production. Very cool. The detail on the characters was so amazing!


Fantastic Mr. Fox set and props

After the museum, we walked over to Jeffrey's Toys to see if they had any movie-related merchandise (they did not) or Raggedy Ann dolls (they only had two small dolls). While we were perusing through the store, we spotted a little wooden doll who, shockingly, was a cross between Raggedy Ann, and, well.... me.

Hilarious! We just *had* to get it, so Andrew offered to buy it for me. :) I figured she could live in "Trina's Playhouse" in the backyard. :)


Trina with Wooden-Trina

One of Andrew's hobbies is that he has a little wooden doll named Hitty, who he takes around the world with him, and takes pictures of. Hitty is quite the World Traveler, and the girl has a much larger wardrobe than I. :) Here's a link to her very impressive photo album.

Today, she was sporting her little Fox Hat, which she wore when taking a photo with Mr. Fox.


Andrew taking a photo of Hitty and Mr. Fox

While we were writing for a train in the MUNI station, I decided to take a photo of Hitty and her new wooden friend, Trina.


Trina and Hitty at the MUNI station

It was a fun afternoon, and a nice break for both of us. Thanks, Andrew! (and thanks to Hitty, too!)

Labels: friends, just trina

Michael & Leilani

Tonight, I had a wonderful evening with two friends that I hadn't seen in a very long time.

I taught Michael and Leilani way back in 1994 and 1995 when they were both sophomores (and later juniors) in high school! I was one of their color guard instructors at James Logan High School. I can't believe that was 15 years ago.

After I finished teaching, I moved to San Francisco, and they finished high school, went to college, started their careers, etc., Oh, yes, and during that time, they also started dating (they were friends in middle school and high school, but didn't date then) and they got married last year!

Through the wonders of the internet (blogs and Facebook) we have reconnected over the past year and a half or so. It's been so wondering reconnecting with them, and learning more about them and their lives.

Michael and I ran into each other in January of this year at MacWorld. We figured it must have been at least 10 years since we'd last seen each other. It's probably been about that long since I've seen Leilani.

We've been trying to figure out a time to get together since then, and we finally managed to do that tonight! Yay!

I really loved sitting down and chatting with them for a couple of hours. It's funny how we've all stayed in touch now via blogs and Facebook, but there's nothing like seeing each other face-to-face.

Thank you for the visit, Michael & Leilani. What a wonderful treat it was. I'm looking forward to seeing you both again soon!

Labels: color guard, friends

I love my friend, Jason. We met almost 11 years ago. Actually, we met a few days after my very first date with Dick, so it's easy for me to remember my "Jason Anniversary", too.

At the time, Jason lived here in SF, and we worked together on a website for a company he worked for at the time. We hit it off immediately, and have been great friends ever since.

Jason moved to San Diego soon after, and a few years later, moved to Chicago.

Jason is a talented writer and journalist, and has written for several travel publications. He's currently the Gay and Lesbian editor for Time Out Chicago.

Check out this fantastic article he wrote from his interview with the Cast of "Glee". Have I mentioned how much I love this show?

Even though we are separated by several hundred miles, Jason and I somehow manage to see each other at least twice a year. This always amazes us, and makes us both very happy.

Jason flew in to town this morning, and is leaving again tomorrow morning. He managed to squeeze me into his packed schedule for a couple of hours after he landed. We picked up lunch from Ike's Place, walked to my place, and ate out in the backyard. The weather is clear and mildly warm (high 60s, low 70s) so it was just perfect. After we ate, we walked over to Bi-Rite Creamery for a scoop. It was all very decadent and delicious.

What a wonderful and delicious visit it was. Thanks, Jason, and safe travels!

Labels: friends, san francisco

My dear friend, Carol, is participating in her 2nd year of the Breast Cancer 3 day in San Francisco.

I'm so inspired and in awe of her - it's a 3-day walk - around San Francisco and Marin County - 20 miles per day! Yep - 60 miles over 3 days. Amazing!

There are 2 set "cheering stations" along the route each day. I drove down to Ocean Beach this early afternoon to cheer her on. It was so great seeing her participate in this first-hand. I even walked a small stretch of Ocean Beach with her to keep her company just for a few minutes. She had already walked more than 10.5 miles by the time I saw her at Noon. Fantastic!

I'm so proud of Carol, and can't wait to talk to her after the race to hear how it all went. Two more days to go! GO, Carol!


Carol coming down the path at Ocean Beach


Super Woman!

Labels: friends

I spent the afternoon hanging out with "The Boys" - David, Miguel and Christopher.

We met at Christopher's pad downtown, then headed out for an afternoon of food and fun shopping. We started out at Pearl's - a great hamburger joint near Christopher's place. Yum.

The boys are throwing a 70s-themed party next weekend, so we all needed to do a little shopping for costumes.

First stop: the Halloween Store on Van Ness where the boys all found wigs and accessories.

Miguel and Christopher or
Ponch and John?

Next stop: we went into a couple of thrift stores on Polk Street, where we all scored on some great clothes for the party! (photos coming next week! Must keep the element of surprise!) Let's just say, the boys all talked me into buying something that I'm not sure I would actually buy without all of their influence! ;)

It was a gorgeous, sunny day, and we all felt like finding some ice-cream. We went to Grubstake for Root Beer Floats and ice cream treats. Yum!


thanks for the photo, David!


Mmmmmm... Root Beer Float!

Labels: friends, san francisco

State Street Review Alumni
1978-1993

Oh, my - what a weekend! I'm only now recovering, and finding some quiet time to post photos and jot some thoughts down.

The reunion was held in Madison, WI - home base of the guard. The guard was started by the amazing Sal and LuAnn Salas in 1978, and continued through 1993. (with a hiatus in 1990 and 1991.) Sal and LuAnn are two of the most talented, dedicated and nurturing people that I know. They taught hundreds of "kids", (teenagers through early 20s) throughout the years. They were, and still are, pioneers in the activity. During the 13 years that the color guard was competing, they made finals at WGI (top 15 in the world) 12 times, winning 5 times in a row, as well as 1 second place finish, and 2 third.


Sal and Lu Ann Salas


We've been planning this reunion all year, and all of the hard work paid off this weekend.

We held the event over 3 days: Friday evening, Sal and LuAnn hosted a social at their home, Saturday night, we had the banquet, and Sunday afternoon, we met for a picnic at LuAnn's school, where we used to rehearse. It was a wonderful three days of reuniting with old friends, meeting new ones, laughing, reminiscing, and remembering. Personally, I stayed up very late each night, hanging out and having so much fun - I hardly slept at all!

I was SO happy to reconnect with so many friends. I had two friends in particular who I was very close with during 1992-1993, but we fell out of contact years ago. The three of us got back together this weekend, and it was as if no time had ever passed at all. I know we'll be seeing a lot more of each other now.


Christy, Adrian, Barb, Henry & Trina
Together again!

I really love this photo. Of course, I love all of the people in it, and I'm so glad we were finally all together again! But the other thing that cracks me up is how tall I look in it! I never look tall in photos! I'm always the short one. :)'

As happy as I was to see my old friends again, the guard geek in me was just as thrilled to meet lots of people who were in the guard years before me, and who I had watched for years and years on video. Guard Geek Heaven! :)

One of the projects that I worked on prior to the reunion was a DVD with three different presentations: a compilation of 1-minute video clips from each of the 13 years of shows, a slide show presentation of over 200 photos collected from throughout the 13 seasons, and an "In Remembrance" portion, which honored each of the 15 friends and family members who are no longer with us. We were able to project the presentations onto a large screen to share with everyone during the event.


The DVD presentation

I think the "In Remembrance" portion of the evening was particularly moving. We played a slide show with a photo and the name of each of the individuals, shown to music. As each of the names were put onto the screen, we lit a candle with that person's name on it at the table. It's so sad to think of each of those individuals - most of whom died so young. I'd hope we honored them well.


"In Remembrance"

We had about 50 alumni attend the reunion in total - not bad, considering it's been 20 years since the last reunion, and over 30 years since the first year of the guard. At the end of the evening, we took group photos of members from each of the years. I thought it was so cool that we had members represented from every single season! Way back to 1978! I was surprised when we realized that my last year, 1993, (and the last year of the guard) had the largest representation of 10.


1993 - 10 members, with 4 of our instructors

I cannot express how thrilled I was the entire weekend. What an amazing experience - everyone was so happy to be there. We know we won't wait another 20 years before the next one!

For those of you who may be interested, here are videos of the two years that I marched.

1992 - Country Western

Find more videos like this on The State Street Review Alumni Site


1993 - "State Street's Adventures in Wonderland"

Find more videos like this on The State Street Review Alumni Site

Labels: color guard, friends

We're in Downtown Chicago for the night, and hooked up with Jason for dinner. Jason is a wealth of information for all things Chicago, and had plenty of great suggestions of places we could go to.

He mentioned a good tapas restaurant a few blocks away, which sounded good to all of us. Once we walked there, we all recognized - we ate at "Cafe Iberico", a place we had all been before with my sister when she lived here! (this is the same place, right, Sis?) It was really yummy!


Standing outside the restaurant, taking a photo for my Sister!




Jason and Tammy, contemplating the menu

Labels: friends, travel

Tammy and I picked up my parents from O'Hare airport at 2:00. We were all pretty hungry, so Tammy suggested "Paradise Pup" - a Hot Dog/Hamburger joint in Des Plaines which was featured on the Food Network. The hog dogs did not disappoint! I love a good Chicago-style hot dog! If you happen to find yourself in Des Plaines, I highly recommend it!

Tammy, Dad and Mom at Paradise Pup!

After we ate, Tammy offered to take us by the original McDonalds, which also happened to be in Des Plaines. (who knew there Des Plaines is such a hub for interesting Fast Food facts?) Unfortunately, the McDonalds Museum had closed only an hour before we arrived! Bummer! It looked cool though.


We're staying downtown tonight, and are heading out to see the Harry Potter Exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Very exciting!

Labels: family, friends, travel

Day 2 of my fabulous Mid-West vacation brought me to one of my favorite places: the Art Institute of Chicago. It's one of my favorite museums in the world. I love coming here.



On my way to the museum, I passed by Millennium Park. Tammy took me here a couple of years ago - such a cool, and interesting space! So much to see!


The new Modern Wing of the museum just opened a couple of months ago! Great timing! The new wing is gorgeous - great lines, and light.


All of the windows on the side of the wing look out over Millennium Park. Very pretty.


As much as I love the Art Institute, the highlight of my trip downtown was spending time and having lunch with my dear friend, Jason!

Labels: friends, travel

I'm on V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!!

I flew into Chicago last night, and I'm staying with my friend, Tammy, in the suburbs. I have a lot of friends in this area, and I'm trying to make my rounds - it's one of my favorite kinds of vacations.

My morning started off fairly early (for this Pacific Standard Time Girl). I met Eileen in a Starbucks in Elgin at 9:00am. We were able to visit for an hour and a half before she had to take off for work. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo (WHAT?!). Sorry, Eileen! We haven't seen each other for almost a year and a half, but joked that we were pretty up to date on each other's happenings through Facebook! :)

Next, I drove to Schaumburg (of Guardsmen fame!) and met Christy and her little boy, Donovan, for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Christy and I were really close when we marched together in a guard in Madison, WI, in 1992 and 1993. We were bus partners, even. :) One of our grandest adventures was when were drove (with my sister, too) from Madison back to CA. What a great road trip that was! Shockingly, we lost touch, and probably haven't seen each other in about 14 years or so. Crazy. Regardless, when we saw each other today, it was as if no time had passed at all. I love friendships like that! Her little boy, Donovan, is amazing, and I'm completely enamored with him. We had a great time at lunch, then waltzed around the Woodfield Mall for hours. I'm SO glad to have Christy back in my life again.


Christy and Donovan

I came back to Tammy's house, and we had a lovely grilled dinner. I've lucked out - the weather is really perfect this week. Hope it keeps up! After dinner, Tammy and her Mom introduced me to the Wii. Hard to believe, but I've never played one before. It should come as no surprise to anyone that I LOVED it! I'm trying to figure out why Dick and I don't have one of these things! We played carnival games, we bowled, played a little tennis, and baseball. Super fun!

Here's a photo of my little Wii avatar (is that what they call it?). Pretty cute!


Wii Trina

Tomorrow wil be another fun-filled day of visiting friends! I have plans to go downtown and hook up with the fabulous Jason Heidemann!

Labels: friends, travel