B is for Bridges...

B is for...

Bridges. Bridges fascinate me. It began as a child, going down to the Duluth, MN harbor with my grandparents to watch the iron ore boats come in (think the Edmond Fitzgerald, but bigger). The boats had to go under the aerial lift bridge to enter the harbor. To this day I get a little thrill watching the bridge rise as these giant barges glide silently in and out. As an adult I lived in the San Francisco bay area for eight years. For a good part of that time i commuted over the Bay Bridge while my husband, the Golden Gate. Every crossing of the Bay or Golden Gate Bridge, I found something to admire or relish, if only for a moment.

Bangkok. Bangkok is where I learned just what I am made of, and that I truly can handle whatever life throws at me. Two months in on a five month Pacific Rim trip, I woke up in the middle of the night. With a fever. 105 F to be precise. And having auditory hallucinations. I was alone, in a thatched hut, on a tiny island, a 24 hour journey by boat, bus and train to Bangkok. I found the strength to get myself to Bangkok, find a decent place to stay and off to an Emergency clinic. Fortunately, it was just a nasty upper respiratory thingy topped off with a touch of dehydration. But anytime I feel stuck, helpless or weak, I remember this journey and know I can get through.

On lighter note, B is also for Broadway. If I had the time and $$$ I would see everything that hits the Great White Way. Most recently I saw Legally Blonde during previews. Just don't ask how many times I've seen Les Miz, OK?

A is for Annie

I have been watching the alphabet posts over at Bev's place all this month and thought I would jump on the bandwagon. Since I never did a "100 Things" post I realize that there might be one person out there curious about me (hi, Mom!). So here goes nuttin'!

ETA: Thanks to Cassie for the idea! (click for link to her original post)

A is for Anne, my given name, along with a few nicknames: Annie, Annabelle, Anna Banana, Annimol.

A is also for Arlene, my beloved maternal Grandmother who passed away August 20, 2007. She was nearing 93 and not doing very well. I am very happy that she is with Grandpa Fred again, and I'm sure she's mixing up a batch of ribbon brownies for him at this very minute. She was the second telephone operator in her small town of Cloquet, MN and the only woman to hold the position of Mayor there as well. She taught me to never take myself, or life too seriously, and the importance of laughter in a marriage. I feel so fortunate to have had her in my life for so many years.

A is for Australia. In 1992 I took my first solo overseas trip to Australia. I met people from all over the world, on these amazing one and two year long adventures around the world. This trip set into motion the next three years of my life...To be continued!

I managed to finish CeCe, some Regia Bamboo ankle socks, my RSC Solstice Slip socks, a pair of Wendy's Eyelet Rib socks in Lisa Souza's Wild Thing but have NOT managed to get any photos. Sigh.

No Words

We have arrived safely in Minnesota to spend vacation with my family, but a number of Minnesotans never arrived home last night. While no one I know was involved, please keep the victims of last night's Minneapolis bridge collapse and their family members in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.