First Motorcycle Ride

I was totally unprepared to be terrified and in pain all at once. The plethora of emotions and feelings that ran through my brain and body were mind boggling. All I wanted was to have some fun and let my hair down.

Within a few seconds, I thought "what have I signed up for?" The freezing air at 60 miles per hours hit me like fast moving Artic glacier, my eyes quickly teared up and bugs flew in and out of my mouth at a regular clip. My wide-legged stance on the back of the too-small seat( for my comfort level) soon had me wondering if this is what childbirth felt like and I had a terrible urge to pee. Would I ever make it back alive, I thought to myself.

The grand finale was taking off the skull cap helmet to reveal my rats nest hairstyle, which minutes early had looked pretty good. I was glad to get my legs back on the pavement and wonder if I have the nerve to try to again. Maybe.

The Quad at UNC-G

I wrote a letter to the editor this month and to my delight, it was published. I had to write when I heard that the Quad at UNC-G was up for possible demolition. There has been a public outcry, including mine to save the dorms on the Quad that date back to early 1900s. The best times of my college experience (and my life) all date back to UNC-G and times spent on the Quad. From parties, special events, sunbathing, to chilling out, it was a time I will never forget. I was young, naive and full of life and happiness with my friends at a college and a dorm that I loved. I vote for preserving history and letting new building take place elsewhere. Some things in life are sacred. The Quad is one of them.

Butterflies and the Order of Things

Butterflies have their order in our world and show us that life can be tough while we are waiting for change or something to happen. Like the butterfly, we must go through the cocooning part of life when it appears that nothing is happening. Eventually we emerge like the butterfly and our wait is rewarded.

Woodley Park Guest House

Courtney Lodico and husband, Joe, are the owners of Woodley Park Guest House which they run with Raymond and Laura Saba. It is a neat twist that Courtney and Laura are sisters and both are extraordinary hosts who know how to make guests feel at home. I am serious that you will simply NOT want to leave. We were late for most of our scheduled events because we had so much fun talking to the hosts at both B and B's. I don't regret a minute and you won't either. These B and B's are simply not to be missed when you go to D.C.

Here I am with Courtney, the vivacious host of Woodley Park.

Embassy Circle Guest House

The Embassy Circle Guest House offers great conversations, great food (depending on the season) and top-rate accomodations. Here is a sampling of hummus, baba gnoush and bruschetta - the best I have wrapped my lips around.

Pictured: Raymond and his lovely wife, Laura.

The Best Bed and Breakfast Chef in DC

Here is my new friend, Raymond Saba, who in my opinion is one part of a duo who run the best bed and breakfast in D.C. He owns Embassy Circle with his wife, Laura, and is a partner at another great B & B, Woodley Park. Raymond is in his extraordinary kitchen taking out his famous Shortbread which is mouth-watering.

More to come about Embassy Circle, which wins in every category: beauty, comfort, terrific food and super-stimulating conversation with guests from all over the world.

Yes, You Can Change in 2009

For all one of you who might be reading, "Yes, You Can!" This is the year for change in every area of our lives from deeper needs dealing with our finances, employment, homes and spirituality, to reconnecting with people from your past.

Now is the time to renew our strength for the tough times ahead. Now is the time to make relationships with people a top priority. Every day on earth is a gift, no matter how hard. If you got out of bed today and walked without assistance, count your blessings. If you are working, count your blessings. If you aren't working, make this the year you find the job you are destined for. Do what it takes and the tide will break. Eventually. It has to.

You see I am reading about Change and making plans for a lot of change this year. I am still evolving my plan but I can tell you that I plan to celebrate life more in 2009. You can do it. Yes, you can.