Guam is going to be featured on a new U.S. postage stamp! It’s gorgeous (click here to see).
A few months ago, FM and I watched part of VH1’s TOP 100 videos of the eighties. I knew the songs but hadn’t seen a lot of the videos since we weren’t hooked up to MTV back in the day. The show is very entertaining and funny even if you were just a baby in the 80’s or, gasp, not even born yet. FG loves hearing about the 80’s.
One particular video brougt back a memory that always makes me smile:
I was about 20 years old and in Denver for a few days. I had gone to visit one of my favorite couples (Werner and Sharon) who were visiting Keystone. It was dark when I got back to my hotel and I got on the elevator in the lobby. Right before the doors closed, three guys got on. I only looked at the first guy who was tall, lanky and had long hair. After all my “self defense” classes, I thought about getting out but it was too late. I kept my head down when I answered their question i.e. “How ya doing?” and “Having fun in Denver?”
Meanwhile, I’m thinking they’re “hitting” on me and, shy as I was, there was no way I was going to look at them. So, I get to my floor and I notice on the elevator panel the penthouse level light is on. Just before the doors open, I look up and see Steve Perry of Journey. I’m sure they saw the look of recognition on my face because they all gave me BIG smiles and said goodnight in a teasing way.
To this day, I think about the encounter whenever I hear a Journey song. In my delusional state, I thought I might be in danger and surely they must have been thinking the same thing since I had Steve Perry “trapped” in an elevator.
I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but he really does have a fabulous voice, doesn’t he?
Posted in Flashback Fridays | 7 Comments »
Life on the Run thought my “Where I’ve Been” map might have a higher percentage of countries than I actually have which is 11%. WordPress does not allow embedded items so if you want to see my map, go to:
I’ve got the United States covered and was disappointed the Republic of Palau and Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands weren’t on the list. Those map folks need to update their country checklist. 😉
I’ll add FM’s once I get him to sit down and go through the checklist. I imagine his map will be close to 20% since he did a lot of foreign travel in the late 90’s.
I’ll be able to add another country next week ~ we’re going to Japan!
Posted in Travels | 2 Comments »
With all our travels, FM, FG and I have developed our own way of speaking which includes a smattering of foreign words infused into our conversations. Some words seem more meaningful and descriptive in another language. For example, we use the German word “stau” for traffic jam, Ciao (Italian) or Tschuss (German) for goodbye and a whole host of Spanish and Hawaiian words. The cell phone will forever be known as a “handy.”Now that we’re here in Guam, we’ve picked up a few new terms such as “waterblaster” for power washer and “zorries” for flip-flops. I knew something was really different when FG got in the car the other day and said “konichi-wa” which is good afternoon in Japanese.
We usually speak this way only amongst ourselves but, once in awhile, we forget when we’re with other people and get some mightly strange looks. I know a lot of people who speak a mix of two languages. In Hawaii, there is always a little English mixed with Hawaiian words. And then there is Spanglish. But we seem to use a multitude of languages. Is it just us or do other people speak “fusion” language as well?
Posted in Miscellaneous, Travels | 4 Comments »
I’ve noticed more tremors lately but FM never seems to feel them. It’s a little disconcerting to feel an earthquake then have someone else say “What earthquake? I didn’t feel anything.” At least, I have FG who feels them, too.
Today, FM felt his FIRST earthquake. He was at work and heard a ‘bang’ like someone slammed a door, then the tremors started. Meanwhile, I was waiting for FG to come out of school. While I was reading my magazine in the car, it felt like someone pushed the car then it started to shake. No matter how many times I feel them, I always think it’s me 🙂
The earthquake was a 4.6 on the richter scale so 4.6 must be FM’s threshold to feel a tremor. Unless he’s sleeping, then it’s got to be at least a 7.5.
Posted in Favorite Man, Travel | 2 Comments »
OK, I know how bad the title sounds and I would have included it in yesterday’s Marathon entry but FM just told me this tidbit. Unlike other marathons FM has run in, Guam’s Marathon did not include any food ~ NO FOOD, only water. Most long races have food stations with items such as bananas and oranges to replenish all the spent energy. Thankfully, FM had his own energy gels with him. Had I known, FG and I would have met him at various points along the course with food.
But there was something the Guam Marathon had at ‘Mile 18’ no other marathon had ~ Vaseline on a Stick. Literally, a tongue depressor stick with a scoop of vaseline on it. Not something I would have thought of, but FM, and I’m sure all those long distance runners out there would agree, said it was wonderful for all those chapped areas 😉
Posted in Favorite Man | 2 Comments »
About three weeks ago, I received an e-mail from FM’s former neighbor, Cheryl, in Ohio. She and her husband were coming to Guam for a visit and had heard from FM’s mom that we lived here. Unfortunately, last week while they were here, FM was so busy with his boss, who flew in on the same flight as Cheryl and Jerry. We were able to have them over for a cook-out and met them at the Fish Eye on Sunday after the Marathon Awards luncheon.
They seem like adventurous souls and headed out for Pohnpei today. After that, it’s on to Palau. It’s always great to meet fellow travelers and compare stories.
Posted in Miscellaneous, Travels | 1 Comment »
Finish Line Guam Marathon Mar 2007
Today was the 36th Annual Guam Marathon. FM came in 16th place ~ this was his highest placing of the 5 marathons he’s run. There were only 41 finishers so I’m glad he placed so well 😉 More than 41 runners started the course but the hills and heat took its toll and a few caught the roving bus to the finish line. FM’s time was longer than previous marathons because this course included a lot of hills, started at 4:00 am and was a bit humid. Not that I’m making excuses for him but it’s one tough run.
The Guam Running Club organized the marathon and did a fabulous job with the marathon and the luncheon/awards ceremony. With only 41 finishers, each person was recognized with a medal and certificate. The Runner’s Club decided to award the bottom 5 with $20.00 gift certificates because the club thought they really EARNED it. It was encouraging for them. The top three men and women also earned checks for $50, $75 and $100 from IT&E.
FM is very happy he ran the Guam Marathon because it was the smallest marathon he’s run in and it’s unlikely he’ll have this chance again when we move to New York. It’ll be back to the crowds and being pushed around at the start line.
Posted in Favorite Man, Travel | 3 Comments »
Last March, we made an unplanned trip from Germany to Ohio to attend FM’s grandmother’s funeral. It was a sad event but it was a good chance to see many family members FM hadn’t seen in years and FG & I had never met.
While we were in Ohio, FM’s Uncle Paul invited us to attend an Amish dinner with him, his girlfriend (now wife) Barbara, and other family members. Some Amish have started opening their homes to small parties to augment their income. I think it was actually FM’s Aunt Linda who had the connections for this particular Amish home. I was thrilled we were invited since I’ve always been curious about Amish living (ever since seeing the movie ‘Witness’) and it was a great chance to see inside an Amish home.
We drove to Middlefield, Ohio and were treated to a very tasty meal in a wonderful peaceful atmosphere. We were seated and served family style at a long farmers table:
I was very impressed with the meal, especially since it was cooked without electricity! The mashed potatoes were so delicious and SMOOTH ~ I secretly think the cook must have used an electric mixer. Just kidding. I don’t doubt she was true to her Amish roots.
If you look closely at the plates in the photo, we’re done with the meal and the plates look as though we’ve licked them clean. That’s how good the meal was ~ FG & I are enjoying dessert of fresh fruit cocktail. Yummy.
The other thing I notice about the photo, besides the “Just take the photo, I’m eating” look on my face, is how PALE FG & I look. Hmm…guess we’ll have that look again next winter 😉
If you ever find yourself in Middlefield, Ohio, I highly recommend dinner at an Amish home. I plan to go again when we return for a visit. It was truly a memorable time. Thanks, Uncle Paul!
Posted in Flashback Fridays, Travels | 3 Comments »
FM loves the “no octopus taking” sign at Tarague Beach. We’ll have to look for an octopus the next time we go snorkeling.
We haven’t been swimming in weeks, but we’ve been spending a couple of hours on Sundays walking along the beach with the dogs. Sport has never been a water dog but will wade in. Maya, on the other hand, HATES it.
I can tell I’m overscheduled when I have to set the timer when taking a shower. Yesterday, I didn’t want to cancel my three mile walk for yet another appointment so I had fifteen minutes to go from sweaty to presentable.
We haven’t been to the beach lately because of FM’s work schedule, FG’s cast and, the biggest reason, the continued icky haze which makes it no fun to hang out at the beach.
I’m really hoping our last few months here will clear up and we can explore the beaches we haven’t had a chance to hike to yet.
Posted in Travel | 2 Comments »
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