This is My Danger Zone.

Which countries have you visited? Which countries are on your list to visit?

I have been to about 30+ countries. I haven't counted for a while, but I think that is where I left off. Most in the northern hemisphere with Australia as the only southern one. I'd love to visit anywhere that I haven't been yet :-).

I got home today from spending a couple of nights in Washington DC. I haven't been there for leisure in 20 years (GHB inauguration--twist of fate) and it was nice to not be there for business.

The purpose of the trip was to meet my father-in-law and his wife and I was initially grateful the husband only wanted to stay a couple of days. That is a heckuva long way to go for a two and a half day visit, but it turned out to be a nice amount of time. I was sad to leave and I look forward to going back again. I reckon that is better than me and the in-laws becoming sick of each other and looking forward to never seeing each other again.

Friday we left on a 7am flight from California to PHX for a brief layover. Our flight to BWI was almost an hour late, but that was not so bad. It made for a relaxing travel day. We managed to get exit row seats on both of the legs of our travel so we were pretty pleased with ourselves. Nothing like lots of legroom! We arrived in Balitmore about 6:30pm and Husband's dad met us at the curb. A very kind and friendly man from minute one. I immediately liked him. I have more then the average amount of meet-new-family anxiety and he put me at ease right away. We drove home to Rockville, picked up step-mom-in-law and went to Mexican for dinner. Imagine that, I travel from California to the East Coast for Mexican food. We stayed up til 1am EST catching up and getting to know each other.

Saturday we meant to get up early to get to the United States Holocause Memorial Museum when they opened at 10, but between time zone changes and difficulty getting good sleep, we didn't get on the metro until 10am. Many years ago, I commenced what I refer to as my "World War II Atrocities Tour" of the planet, so this seemed like a perfect stop along the way. Two locations I had been to were Auschwitz-Birkenau and Dachau. When I went to the camps, I expected to be horrified and I had an intellectual understanding of what I would experience there. Based on that knowledge, research I had done, I wasn't as shocked as I expected to be, for which I felt badly. There was definitley an impact at seeing the facilities in person, but I, shamefully, have to admit that the exhibits weren't as moving as I expected them to be. This was not so at the USHMM. The museum in DC gave a much greater picture from the rise of Hitler, the magnitude of the Holocaust across the continent, and the fall of the Nazis. They had graphic video presentations that were hidden from children (or adults who wanted to avoid those materials) and a much greater explanation about how the physical communities were effected, how the ghettos were created, and the pogroms. I am torn between being so blown away at the quality of the education and exhibits this museum offered along and feeling like a sick voyeur including this in my check list of tourist activities. Here (and later at Arlinton Nat'l Cemetary) I was a little upset at the general lack of reverence displayed. In the end, it IS a tourist facility, regardless that the initial intent is education, and there will be kids shouting and adults chit chatting. Despite that mild bitch I HIGHLY recommend this visit. I plan to dig out my photos of the camps I went to so that I can have another physical reminder. I knew before hitting DC that I'd want to buy a book at the museum, especially since there is no fee for entry. I wanted to support it in some way. I purchsed The World Must Know  which is essentially the book version of the museum, as well as the Elie Wiesel books that I had intended to get for a while now, but simply hadn't. I read just about every inch of items to read and looked at every video I could make my way to, but I would absolutely go back again because I know I missed more key elements. 

Phew---After I had a lovely kosher/vegetarian lunch at the museum cafe the boys indulged my desire to visit the Crime and Punishment Museum. It was fun. It wasn't worth the ginormous paragraph I wrote on the USHMM, but it was fun for me. My degree is in Crim Justice Administration, so the subject matter has always been of great interest to me. They did a nice job of spanning the history of American criminal justice, notorious criminals, famous crime fighters, the prison system, forensics, etc. There were a lot of fun interactive exhibits; a mock polygraph, a fingerprint scanner, an official line-up setup; and some really neat little quizzes for kids placed randomly along the way about school bullies, stranger danger, etc. My only real complaint was that there were a lot of 'replica' items but I reckon most of the real things simply aren't available anymore. For example, they had the shot up Ford that was used in the Bonnie and Clyde movie, but not their real car. This museum was a little spendy, but for me, given my interests, well worth it. It was quite modern and they touched on pretty much every topic I wanted to see.

Saturday night after dinner in Chinatown (which has very sadly diminished since the build of the Verizon Center), we did an evening tour of some of the monuments. We covered the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. They are lovely at night and I hope my pictures end up being worth sharing. The Vietnam Memorial, with it's books of names that you can check, was even more massive then I expected and quite impactful. There were a few little bios of folks that family members had left at the base of the wall and I read maybe 5 of them. One of them I read had been declared dead on that day, 1965. The Step-Mom-in-Law's first husband is on that wall and in the book, as well, having died in 1969. Interestingly, no one with my family name. 58,000+ names and not one with mine. Not very common, is it?  

Sunday we got up at around the same time and got on the metro at 10am. This day I wanted to visit the Arlington National Cemetary as well as the International Spy Museum but I didn't make it to the latter. When we got to the museum, Father-in-Law purchsed us tickets for the tram that cruises the main sites. I do not recommend this unless you are traveling with tiny children or those that aren't able to efficiently ambulate for whatever reason. If you've got two functional walking sticks, use them. The tram was totally a cattle car and once you are on the grounds, being stuck with their program isn't of interest. We were dropped off at JFK, RFK, and Jackie O's grave sites. Since it was a Sunday it was a wee bit busy, but I'm pleased it wasn't as bad as it would be on a spring day, for example. Again, I was torn as I stated earlier. I was a tourist, so I'm a huge hypocrite, but I was disgusted by all of the people treating these gravesites, and the whole cemetary, as a tourist attraction. ~sigh~. I did take my pictures, but I felt bad about it. There was one woman perched directly in front of JFK and Jackie O' for the longest time. I felt my ire creeping up as it was the best photo spot, but then I saw her wiping away tears and I felt like a real heel. I wasn't alive, then, I don't know what it was like for the folks that put such hope in him and then were devestated by the sudden loss. It only added to my irritation at the little kids running around and families shooting the shit like there were at Disneyland. I was walking behind one kid that asked his mom "Where was Jesus buried?" which was kind of cute.

After the Kennedy's, we decided the tram was worthless and we hiked up the hill to the Curtis-Lee house, the history of which is interesting if you care to click through. I love to wander through old homes to see how our predecessors lived but, sadly, it is under renovations so all of the furniture had been removed. It was still interesting and had an amazing view of the federal city.

Following the house, we hoofed it down and up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in time for the changing of the guard. I had no idea what to expect as I hadn't put that on my list of things to experience. Otherwise, I probably would have researched it. My first note, those guards are BABIES. They looked so young and I was curious of the criteria for being a guard. It is actually not an easy gig to get, here. I'm so naive I had no idea what an honor it would be. See? Dumb tourist...After the Tomb of the Unknowns we checked out the ampitheater, a few other small memorials (Columbia and Challenger), and some gravesites that were either well known or just interesting to passersby on our way to the Iwo Jima/Marines memorial. Since it's winter, there were no leaves on the trees so we were able to see some impressive views of the rows and rows and rows of white headstones. There are locations in the cemetary where private monuments are allowed, but I sort of resented their presense. It breaks up the solemnity I found in the uniformity. No offense to anyone out there who had family with a private monument at ANC. I would have liked to spend more time there, but my companions were getting a wee bit antsy. There is always next time.

After lunch we got back to the Mall around 3pm. I gave up on the Spy Museum and we headed to the National Museum of American History to view the newly re-displayed Star Spangled Banner. They did a lovely job with the exhibit and it was worth the wait in line. We also checked out the Gettysburg Address and the Greensboro lunch counter. There were a couple of other exhibits that I was keen on visiting there but it was a bit damp outside and the crowds were unpleasant. It just wasn't worth it to battle the masses to see Fab 5 Freddy's boom box (although that would have been fun).

Finally, I walked to the Washington Monument and the WW!! memorial and called it a day.

The weather was AWESOME for the most part, I got to see my father-in-law's office in the Dept of Ag building right on the mall, we had some lovely meals, and I saw sites I had never seen in my previous visits. My big 'whoops' was that I didn't realize the Library of Congress is closed on Sunday so I wasn't able to visit it. I do regret that. 

It was a trip I wasn't looking forward to (I'm very Bah Humbuggy) but it ended up being very nice. I hope to go back before too long!  

I know it's goofy to post commercials, but I adore this one. The song is terrific (Michelle Shocked, circa 1988-89) and the message is lovely. I'm already a KP member, so they haven't sold me on their services, but they have made me see the beauty in living to a ripe old age rather than fearing the wrinkles, the soft body, and the silver hair. I hope my sisters and friends will be there with me.

When I grow up

Howdy...after my dad passed I took a sabbatical from normal living. My mom's been gone for almost 19 years and my dad's passing, although somewhat expected, was still a really jarring experience. Anyway, the thing that has me coming back to Vox right now is my desire to talk about the movie I saw last night...Religulous.

It was definitely a Bill Maher joint. His signature style was all over it, start to finish, and if you don't like him, you won't like this. Also, if you are fundamentally ANYTHING religious and you oppose any questions or doubts, you won't like this :-). The people he engaged played along with his Q&A in varying styles ranging from the clearly amused to the childish fingers in ears shouting "lalalala I am not listening to you lalalalala". Well, not exactly, but when you see this film, you'll agree that a couple of them may as well have. I have to tell you, I have a far greater respect for your beliefs if you are willing to have some sort of discourse on the topic then if you say "I will not stand for your critcizing my Lord" and you walk out in a huff.

My background is not religous. I consider myself agnostic and was raised with parents that had a foundation in Mormonism, but didn't practice it in the home. I probably went to my friends Catholic, Jewish, Presbetyrian, etc services almost more than I went to my family's Mormon churches for most of my life. There was a stint there during my middle school years that I checked it out for a while, believing the hype, but it didn't stick for me. Now, half of my family is active, practicing Mormon and the other half is sort of non-denominational NIV Bible style Christian. I am not a Sunday church goer, I don't follow any organized western or easter religious dogma, and, indeed, I have a hard time buying in. However, I also realize that I am merely mortal, I do not have all the answers, and some coincidences in my life are way too creepy to just be coincidences, so I'm sticking with "agnostic". It also brings me some pleasure to picture my mom and dad finally together in whatever passes for an afterlife, but it does seem absurd.

Point is, I went into this movie a skeptic but not an atheist. That means I am definitely part of the demographic that is expected to enjoy what we saw. I tweeted this morning that my review of the film is this: "Funny, funny, scary, funny, SCARY". And I stand by that review. Bill Maher's treatment of most subjects cracks me up and he did some subtitling that was hilarious, on top of his standard interview style and method. There were times that even I felt he was being a little disrespectful or closed minded, but it wasn't any more then I expected and I went into the film to be entertained, not so much educated. What I found scary was the reminder at how narrow minded and fanatical people are out there. Those people whose voting will effect my future and my country and those people who choose violence as a way to further their religious agenda.

Do I recommend this film? Yes, to anyone who is familiar with Bill Maher and has an open mind, religious or not. I think you can be a good Christian, Jew, Muslim, Mormon, Catholic, whatever and still get something from the point of view in this movie. If you are strong in your faith and not a-skerred of some elite liberal's words swaying you away from your lifestyle, check it out just to experience the other extreme way of thinking and maybe even give you a couple of points to ponder. If you are already in the atheist/agnostic camp, it will entertain you and give you some more arrows for your quiver of 'truth'. I've specifically stayed away from mentioning scenes or conversations because nothing pisses me off more than a movie review that tells you everything, but I will say I expected more discussion on the Mormons and the Scientologists than it gave us. Long story short, Bill Maher was kind of a dick sometimes, he comes off almost as close minded as the fanatics he talks to, and some of his footage was older then I'd like (which diminishes current points), but his methods served his purpose perfectly and I applaud him for going out on this limb and cracking my shit up while doing so.

PS, if you are the lamers that were chatting in full speaking voice two rows behind me the whole movie, take your act to the mall's movie theaters, not the nice cinema we were at. Thank you.   

*A Bill Maher quote from the movie following an Orlando, FL Faux Jesus's explanation of the Holy Trinity. 

Last year I wrote about my dad's accident, which changed all of our worlds. It took an extremely vital, healthy, active man and turned him into a frustrated quadriplegic. The good news is that my brothers and sisters and I really came together in the last two years and my father had a lot of time to reflect and develop more personal relationships with us. On September 21st, just a couple of weeks ago, he succumbed to pneumonia and we lost him. I am jarred at the realization that at age 38 I have no more parents (or grandparents or aunts and uncles). I know I'm not the first to lose both at what I perceive to be a young age, but it sucks so very, very much just the same. I have some things to write about on this whole topic, but for now, I wanted to post the open letter I wrote to my dad and read outloud at his service. Thanks for indulging me.

Dear Dad,

We’ve spent a lot of time recently reflecting on your qualities and your accomplishments but I recognize one pervasive theme throughout. Your generosity. I suspect there are very few people in this room that haven’t been touched by your willingness to give of your time, your money or your knowledge. If you ever asked for anything in return, it was that we use your gift for something worthy. I stand before your family and friends as living, breathing proof of that generous nature.

Once upon a time you had the perfect family; beautiful wife, two daughters and two sons. The youngest child was well into elementary school so I’m guessing you were starting to see the light at the end of that child raising tunnel. Despite that, you and mom decided that you wanted to add another soul to your clan. Since having a baby wasn’t on the table for mom anymore you looked to adopt. My guess is that you two could have had the choice of a scrubbed pink, clean slate newborn. I am not entirely sure why, but instead, you chose to take in a 16 month old girl with an uncertain past and a full set of baggage. Knowing you as I know now, it doesn’t seem all that surprising that you two didn’t choose the ‘easy’ route, you instead chose a child that truly needed you.

I did not come out of my county and foster experience unscathed, of which I know you are painfully aware, but I’m not sure I ever told you how so very grateful I am that you and mom picked me. From the day I was able to form the thoughts, I knew how lucky I was. I knew I was chosen, I know that despite differences in DNA and personalities that you and mom were making me into a real member of this family. I have noticed that the first thing you did with that 16 month old child was put her in a basketball uniform and give her a basketball for photos. I do apologize that that was the last time you ever saw me holding one of those. I am grateful for the opportunities, the experiences, the family trips, and all of the wonderful things that I know my brothers and sisters are talking about today. But mostly, I am grateful for my family. You and mom may have left us much too early but you left me with the greatest gift I can imagine. Brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. I am surrounded by this tribe of amazing, successful, interesting, funny, inspiring people that YOU created and gave to me for no other reason than you had more room in your heart and your home. I only hope that I honor you every day by doing something worthy with that gift.

I will always love and miss you,

Lester Sue

Right now I am sitting in SJC awaiting my flight to Las Vegas, NV. I specify "NV" because I have been to Las Vegas, NM and it was nothing to blog about.

The good news is, my Clear card that I have had since they started and am totally attached to, gets me through security lickity split. The bad news is, I'm stuck sitting in the airport longer than I'd like because security is such a breeze. Mr. LesterSue took me to the airport before work so I wasn't able to delay my departure from home by the extra half hour Clear saves me.

So I head to Vegas for work. This is a perk of my job. The confernce I help produce is in Las Vegas in 2010 and 2011 and I am doing a site visit today of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center as well as 4 other hotels that we either have space at or are looking for space at. When you bring 11,000 of your closest friends to a city, you like to make sure the facilities don't suck. The best part is, when you do your Vegas site visit on a Saturday, you bring your spouse or BFF in that night, and stay the weekend. So, tonight I party after all of the site's and tomorrow we sit by the pool in the perfect, dry, Vegas, 94 degrees F heat sweating out the alcohol toxins. Saturday night we have tickets to Zumanity. Hubby has never seen a Cirque show so even though Zumanity is probably their worst one, if you haven't seen Ka or 'O', you will still be very impressed with what they do. Also, when you ask hubby "Do you want to see the good Cirque or the porno Cirque" you are pretty much guaranteed the porno answer. Some of their seating is loveseats instead of theater seats. That is what we are doing :-). If you are going to do it, you may as well do it right. No plans yet on Sunday although our flight is out later in the evening. I was thinking golf but we didn't feel like packing our clubs so maybe I'll shop for a dress for my reunion while he lounges poolside and stares at hot women he can't have. Neener neener.

It is a Friday so I reckon I'd better get a few more work minutes in while I'm on the airport WiFi before I have to board the plane....

As mentioned in a previous post, I have a brother who is feeding me a LOT of pro GOP, anti Obama rhetoric. While it tends to get my ire up, I do honestly appreciate the information. I research his facts and see what is backed up and what I can despute with my own research and I will vote how I want. I think it's got something to do with democracy. Anyway, up until today I hadn't heard a peep on Obama's lack of experience given Sarah Palin. Up until today. He sent me an email lambasting Barack for his few days in service, like this:

You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and then become District Manager after
143 days of  experience.

You couldn't become a surgeon and then be Chief of Surgery after 143 days
of
experience.

You couldn't get a job as a teacher and then be the Superintendent after
143
days of experience.

So I asked him, how do you reconcile this with Palin and he responds like this:

I would suggest she has more executive experience than the other three guys combined. She has actually had chief executive/decision making experience being a Mayor and a Governor. NONE of the other three have been anything more than a cog in a wheel (and Obama’s only had 150+/- days as a cog). She’s at least been the wheel. There is no substitute for being the one with the ultimate responsibility.

I could  be referring to any number of political issues, but I'm not.

Keep in mind, I love television. I mean LOVE it. Like I have spreadsheets and way more tivo tuners than tv's and I long for the fall schedule like some people look forward to Christmas. I love mindless comedy almost as much. But Hole in the Wall on Fox is just the most idiotic waste of time and brain cells I have ever witnessed. I am not sure stoners even like it.

I lived in Japan for a couple of years, I get the Japanese game show concept. Did we have to import them?

Stepping away from politics for a while to just have a moment of more crazy feline cuteness.

Sleeping cats....