Friday, May 5, 2023
Monday, December 4, 2017
Monday, January 19, 2015
Graduation Celebration
We've got a pretty big vacation planned. It's in celebration of Victoria's high school graduation: A trip to London and a cruise to Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Estonia and Finland!
Details coming soon!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Departing for Rome
August 4, 2010
Leaving for vacation is always exciting but stress inducing as well. I dropped the dogs off and picked up the rental car from the local airport. Renting a car one way from New Haven to JFK is cheaper than hiring a car to take us. It's a little more work, but a lot less money.
Because I did not want to carry the GPS all over Europe, I left the GPS home and took my chances. I should not have taken my chances because somehow I got lost. I don't know how I did it, but I thought I was lost and rolled down the window to ask for directions. I asked three times at a stop light and got three completely different directions. Finally someone offered for me to follow him and that's what I did.
We dropped the car off at Budget and headed over to Aer Lingus. We checked in and waited at our gate for our plane. The plane was on time, and the seats were pretty comfortable for cheap seats. We had televisions in the head rests and it really made the time pass quickly. We watched movies, played games and did everything but sleep.
We got into Dublin at some insane hour and waited the two and a half hours for our flight. The plane was more comfortable on the short jump from Dublin to Rome. Lots of nice folks on flight. We grabbed our bags pretty easily and I spotted an ATM. I knew I could wait but I had ordered cash ahead of time. Next time I'll just use my ATM card at the airport when we land.
Our Rome cabs dude was waving a sign with our names and it and I was so glad I chose this option. We were exhausted and if I had tried to navigate the train system I don't know if my nerves could have taken it. He drove us all over Rome, pointing at things but we were in a fog. He got us to our B&B and we checked in without a problem. We were at the B&B around 4pm. My goal was to make it to at least 8pm before sleeping.
Leaving for vacation is always exciting but stress inducing as well. I dropped the dogs off and picked up the rental car from the local airport. Renting a car one way from New Haven to JFK is cheaper than hiring a car to take us. It's a little more work, but a lot less money.
Because I did not want to carry the GPS all over Europe, I left the GPS home and took my chances. I should not have taken my chances because somehow I got lost. I don't know how I did it, but I thought I was lost and rolled down the window to ask for directions. I asked three times at a stop light and got three completely different directions. Finally someone offered for me to follow him and that's what I did.
We dropped the car off at Budget and headed over to Aer Lingus. We checked in and waited at our gate for our plane. The plane was on time, and the seats were pretty comfortable for cheap seats. We had televisions in the head rests and it really made the time pass quickly. We watched movies, played games and did everything but sleep.
We got into Dublin at some insane hour and waited the two and a half hours for our flight. The plane was more comfortable on the short jump from Dublin to Rome. Lots of nice folks on flight. We grabbed our bags pretty easily and I spotted an ATM. I knew I could wait but I had ordered cash ahead of time. Next time I'll just use my ATM card at the airport when we land.
Our Rome cabs dude was waving a sign with our names and it and I was so glad I chose this option. We were exhausted and if I had tried to navigate the train system I don't know if my nerves could have taken it. He drove us all over Rome, pointing at things but we were in a fog. He got us to our B&B and we checked in without a problem. We were at the B&B around 4pm. My goal was to make it to at least 8pm before sleeping.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Review of the Packing List
4 Shirts ~ I brought a couple of more items to dress up dinner clothes.
1 sweater/cardigan/wrap - didn't bring it, didn't miss it.
3 capris
2 cargo like long shorts
Swimsuit. Coverup - didn't use 'em at all.
5 unmentionables
One pair of sneakers because Lynn reminded me we need closed toe shoes for biking in Lucca.
One birkies which will serve as sandals and slippers.
Scarf - one must bring one to Europe, but like the last time, it'll probably sit in the luggage. - never put the darn thing on.
Teeny Weeny wallet (acts as wallet or purse as well)
Money/debit card/credit card
Documents and photocopies/folder with tickets and itinerary/addresses.
Small daypack. Purple, got it from TJ Maxx. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect day bag. Carry on the plane. It worked but it was probably bigger than I needed. Overkill on the plane.
Travel vest - I really liked the vest because it alleviated my worries about where the money was, or constantly checking.
Point n shoot camera. I did miss my DLSR but I'm glad I wasn't having to worry about it being stolen in all of the airports and train stations.
Y jack and headphones - never used it. I brought my Zune, never listened to it and it got stolen out of my backpack (I believe) on the travel day home.
Small travel alarm clock. - very glad I brought this. The bed and breakfasts did not have alarm clocks on the room.
First-aid kit. Didn't bring it.
Medicine and vitamins.
2 pairs of sunglasses.
Sunscreen
Toiletries kit
Small makeup kit.
Sealable plastic baggies.
Sewing kit/safety pins - didn't use them.
Packing cubes. These really are handy.
PJs
Spot remover. Used it once. Bought a Tide Pen.
Inflatable pillow (or "neck rest").- forgot it. Didn't miss it.
Flat iron/hair stuff/brush - didn't bring iron.
Tiny locks used to lock luggage left behind in room.
Adapter. Didn't have the right one, thank goodness for traveling friends.
Small roll of duct tape. Skipped it!
3/4 paperbacks. Left them behind as I finished them, along with guide books.
Insect repellent. Never used it.
Rain Poncho. Left 'em home.
1 sweater/cardigan/wrap - didn't bring it, didn't miss it.
3 capris
2 cargo like long shorts
Swimsuit. Coverup - didn't use 'em at all.
5 unmentionables
One pair of sneakers because Lynn reminded me we need closed toe shoes for biking in Lucca.
One birkies which will serve as sandals and slippers.
Scarf - one must bring one to Europe, but like the last time, it'll probably sit in the luggage. - never put the darn thing on.
Teeny Weeny wallet (acts as wallet or purse as well)
Money/debit card/credit card
Documents and photocopies/folder with tickets and itinerary/addresses.
Small daypack. Purple, got it from TJ Maxx. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect day bag. Carry on the plane. It worked but it was probably bigger than I needed. Overkill on the plane.
Travel vest - I really liked the vest because it alleviated my worries about where the money was, or constantly checking.
Point n shoot camera. I did miss my DLSR but I'm glad I wasn't having to worry about it being stolen in all of the airports and train stations.
Y jack and headphones - never used it. I brought my Zune, never listened to it and it got stolen out of my backpack (I believe) on the travel day home.
Small travel alarm clock. - very glad I brought this. The bed and breakfasts did not have alarm clocks on the room.
First-aid kit. Didn't bring it.
Medicine and vitamins.
2 pairs of sunglasses.
Sunscreen
Toiletries kit
Small makeup kit.
Sealable plastic baggies.
Sewing kit/safety pins - didn't use them.
Packing cubes. These really are handy.
PJs
Spot remover. Used it once. Bought a Tide Pen.
Inflatable pillow (or "neck rest").- forgot it. Didn't miss it.
Flat iron/hair stuff/brush - didn't bring iron.
Tiny locks used to lock luggage left behind in room.
Adapter. Didn't have the right one, thank goodness for traveling friends.
Small roll of duct tape. Skipped it!
3/4 paperbacks. Left them behind as I finished them, along with guide books.
Insect repellent. Never used it.
Rain Poncho. Left 'em home.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Packing List adapted from Rick Steves
What did I miss?
4 Shirts
1 sweater/cardigan/wrap
3 capris
2 cargo like long shorts
Swimsuit. Coverup
5 unmentionables
One pair of sneakers because Lynn reminded me we need closed toe shoes for biking in Lucca.
One birkies which will serve as sandals and slippers.
Scarf - one must bring one to Europe, but like the last time, it'll probably sit in the luggage.
Teeny Weeny wallet (acts as wallet or purse as well)
Money/debit card/credit card
Documents and photocopies/folder with tickets and itinerary/addresses.
Small daypack. Purple, got it from TJ Maxx. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect day bag. Carry on the plane.
Travel vest (just got it, lots of pockets, will wear on plane)
Point n shoot camera. I'm leaving the DLSR home. Extra memory cards.
Y jack and headphones to listen to Victoria's IPOD touch. I never listen to my own Zune so I'm going to skip it.
Small travel alarm clock.
First-aid kit.
Medicine and vitamins.
2 pairs of sunglasses.
Sunscreen
Toiletries kit with soap/foot spray. (Rick says not all Europe hotels have 'em) I have this peppermint foot spray that makes your feet all fresh and tingly and I think it'll be perfect after a day of touring, or even during.
Small makeup kit. If I don't have some, I'll fret. I hardly wear it while on vacation.
Sealable plastic baggies.
Sewing kit/safety pins
Travel information. Rip out appropriate chapters from guidebooks and staple them together. When you're done, give them away.
Packing cubes.
PJs
Spot remover.
Inflatable pillow (or "neck rest").
Flat iron/hair stuff/brush
Tiny locks used to lock luggage left behind in room.
Adapter.
Small roll of duct tape. Because Rick said so.
Mailing tube. Great for art lovers, this protects the posters and prints you buy along your trip. You can trim it to fit inside your backpack (though this obviously limits the dimensions of the posters you can carry).
3/4 paperbacks.
Insect repellent.
Rain Poncho.
4 Shirts
1 sweater/cardigan/wrap
3 capris
2 cargo like long shorts
Swimsuit. Coverup
5 unmentionables
One pair of sneakers because Lynn reminded me we need closed toe shoes for biking in Lucca.
One birkies which will serve as sandals and slippers.
Scarf - one must bring one to Europe, but like the last time, it'll probably sit in the luggage.
Teeny Weeny wallet (acts as wallet or purse as well)
Money/debit card/credit card
Documents and photocopies/folder with tickets and itinerary/addresses.
Small daypack. Purple, got it from TJ Maxx. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect day bag. Carry on the plane.
Travel vest (just got it, lots of pockets, will wear on plane)
Point n shoot camera. I'm leaving the DLSR home. Extra memory cards.
Y jack and headphones to listen to Victoria's IPOD touch. I never listen to my own Zune so I'm going to skip it.
Small travel alarm clock.
First-aid kit.
Medicine and vitamins.
2 pairs of sunglasses.
Sunscreen
Toiletries kit with soap/foot spray. (Rick says not all Europe hotels have 'em) I have this peppermint foot spray that makes your feet all fresh and tingly and I think it'll be perfect after a day of touring, or even during.
Small makeup kit. If I don't have some, I'll fret. I hardly wear it while on vacation.
Sealable plastic baggies.
Sewing kit/safety pins
Travel information. Rip out appropriate chapters from guidebooks and staple them together. When you're done, give them away.
Packing cubes.
PJs
Spot remover.
Inflatable pillow (or "neck rest").
Flat iron/hair stuff/brush
Tiny locks used to lock luggage left behind in room.
Adapter.
Small roll of duct tape. Because Rick said so.
Mailing tube. Great for art lovers, this protects the posters and prints you buy along your trip. You can trim it to fit inside your backpack (though this obviously limits the dimensions of the posters you can carry).
3/4 paperbacks.
Insect repellent.
Rain Poncho.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Passport Renewal
I can't believe it's been five years since we applied for passports. Victoria's passport expired this year and the process for children is pretty much like applying all over again. In the last five years they seem to have gotten their act together for single parents. The questions on the application, and the directions, seem much clearer for single parents than before.
Victoria is thrilled to be rid of the pixie-cut photo on her old passport. Eighty-five dollars and ten minutes in the post office, and we should be good to go for August!
Victoria is thrilled to be rid of the pixie-cut photo on her old passport. Eighty-five dollars and ten minutes in the post office, and we should be good to go for August!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Memories of third grade field trip
Wed Nov 09, 2005
Given the problems we have had with this year's teacher, and several situations where safety was an issue, I volunteered to the school's principal to chaperone each and every field trip. Actually I volunteered to develop a chaperone training but no one liked my idea. The last field trip did not have enough chaperones and the teacher sent home a note saying the children were running and it was dangerous. Attending field trips is the only way I am comfortable ensuring for my child's safety.
The note came home on November 2 dated October 31. It announced a field trip to the Science Center in West Hartford for November 9. Chaperones must pay 6.00 and children 7.50. I hustled over to the bank for exact change and sent in the money requesting to be a chaperone, please contact me if there is a problem. No contact. Victoria isn't sure I am a chaperone because her teacher has indicated OTHER parents are chaperones, but has not mentioned me.
Last night at basketball practice, I had a conversation with a mother in the other third grade class. She was to chaperone today and was sent home a note indicating she ought to bring a bagged lunch, wear comfortable shoes, what time to arrive and what to expect. I was noteless.
I show up at school at 9:05am, knowing OTHER chaperones are expected to be there for 9:15am. Eli's father is there to chaperone and the teacher gave a stern lecture to Eli on how she did not choose his father to be a chaperone and due to his inconsideration, now his father had taken a day off for nothing. Eli's father held strong and said to his son in front of the teacher, "You made a mistake buddy, I don't want you to feel badly about this. We are going to have a great day." He told me he was ordered to attend by his wife and there was no way he was not going. He said he does not like this teacher and we agreed we ought to get together soon.
We all waited in the class as the teacher asked a child to get her a tea bag, another child for half n half, another child was sent to close a door, and the entire class was silent for two full minutes while she tried to figure out what tomorrow's hot lunch choice was so she could take orders. It was interesting to see her in action. We were given our assignments. I was not surprised to see my group of three contained Victoria and the two toughest girls.
The teacher was on the phone or whatever device she has sticking in her ear, and said it is NOT ok for a parent to follow the bus to the Center. She sends a child to get the principal. The principal came in and explained she could not prevent the parents from following the bus and going to a public place.
At 9:25am the other teacher announced the bus was ready to leave. Our teacher was still sending kids to the bathroom. We boarded the bus, some kids sat three to a seat. We left at 9:45am when we were to leave at 9:30am. It was an excruciating hour drive on a school bus constantly telling kids to sit down. I sat near Eli's father and the other four rows of seats behind us all had kids. The teachers all sat up front, near each other. The little girl sitting next to me shows me a pair of pants she has in her backpack. I asked why she brought pants with her and she said, "In case I have an accident." Great.
On the bus two in my group are fighting with each other. One girl is crying. I must have looked perplexed because all of the children explained to me they always fight. Always? Yes, always. Why are they in the same group? They looked puzzled. It was clear, I was being punished. This teacher is dumber than I thought, giving me two challenging children. Little did she know I had a bag of chocolate and was not afraid to use it.
We arrived at the Science Center at 11am. We are half an hour later than planned and immediately went into our project. One of my group members had difficulty working with her partner and seems to have some impulse control difficulties. I liked her though. Victoria worked with her two friends, one of which speaks no English. She called Victoria Victori. Cute kid. I would have liked her in my group because I need to brush up on Spanish.
After the project, which most found boring, we went to use the bathrooms then went back to the bus to eat our lunch. This is truly torture. After thirty minutes and a million times of passing trash up, we exit the bus once again and have approximately one hour in the Science Center. All the children have been counting, recounting, stealing, waving and showing their money for hours and were looking forward to the gift shop.
Thirty minutes in the gift shop. Kids with five dollars wanted items that were twelve dollars and other children were given six dollars but would only spend one. Victoria was using her allowance and was willing to spend it all on yet more stuffed animals. We have bags full of stuffed animals. Oh heck, we have rooms full of stuffed animals.
Eli's father and I walked around the museum looking at animals and exhibits. When we got to an area I'd stand by the exit. I was positive one of my group was going to be lost. It occurred to me I didn't even know their last names. Realizing they were really behaving as best as they could, I passed candy out discretely. We don't want other children to know we are breaking the rules.
We walked over to another exhibit room and I hear my group in a sing song to their fellow classmates, "Victoria's Mom gave us candy, Victoria's mom gave us candy neener neener neener."
What else could I do? I had already given them the candy. I sang back, "If you don't be quiet you're not getting any moooooore."
Silence! Gotta love it.
We were to board the bus at 1:30pm because it was going to take longer to get back than planned. I gathered my group up to head to the bus and I passed the teacher who was saying, "Let's go see the dinosaurs" to her group.
We boarded the bus, which had parents and kids, but no teachers. The teachers were all late. Victoria asked for her gift bag and I realized I had left it somewhere inside. Victoria immediately cried and I ran off the bus in search. Someone had found it. Disaster averted.
The bus ride home was twice as long as the bus ride there, or at least it felt like it. The little girl next to me said, "I'm so proud of myself for not wetting today." Me too. Me too.
Given the problems we have had with this year's teacher, and several situations where safety was an issue, I volunteered to the school's principal to chaperone each and every field trip. Actually I volunteered to develop a chaperone training but no one liked my idea. The last field trip did not have enough chaperones and the teacher sent home a note saying the children were running and it was dangerous. Attending field trips is the only way I am comfortable ensuring for my child's safety.
The note came home on November 2 dated October 31. It announced a field trip to the Science Center in West Hartford for November 9. Chaperones must pay 6.00 and children 7.50. I hustled over to the bank for exact change and sent in the money requesting to be a chaperone, please contact me if there is a problem. No contact. Victoria isn't sure I am a chaperone because her teacher has indicated OTHER parents are chaperones, but has not mentioned me.
Last night at basketball practice, I had a conversation with a mother in the other third grade class. She was to chaperone today and was sent home a note indicating she ought to bring a bagged lunch, wear comfortable shoes, what time to arrive and what to expect. I was noteless.
I show up at school at 9:05am, knowing OTHER chaperones are expected to be there for 9:15am. Eli's father is there to chaperone and the teacher gave a stern lecture to Eli on how she did not choose his father to be a chaperone and due to his inconsideration, now his father had taken a day off for nothing. Eli's father held strong and said to his son in front of the teacher, "You made a mistake buddy, I don't want you to feel badly about this. We are going to have a great day." He told me he was ordered to attend by his wife and there was no way he was not going. He said he does not like this teacher and we agreed we ought to get together soon.
We all waited in the class as the teacher asked a child to get her a tea bag, another child for half n half, another child was sent to close a door, and the entire class was silent for two full minutes while she tried to figure out what tomorrow's hot lunch choice was so she could take orders. It was interesting to see her in action. We were given our assignments. I was not surprised to see my group of three contained Victoria and the two toughest girls.
The teacher was on the phone or whatever device she has sticking in her ear, and said it is NOT ok for a parent to follow the bus to the Center. She sends a child to get the principal. The principal came in and explained she could not prevent the parents from following the bus and going to a public place.
At 9:25am the other teacher announced the bus was ready to leave. Our teacher was still sending kids to the bathroom. We boarded the bus, some kids sat three to a seat. We left at 9:45am when we were to leave at 9:30am. It was an excruciating hour drive on a school bus constantly telling kids to sit down. I sat near Eli's father and the other four rows of seats behind us all had kids. The teachers all sat up front, near each other. The little girl sitting next to me shows me a pair of pants she has in her backpack. I asked why she brought pants with her and she said, "In case I have an accident." Great.
On the bus two in my group are fighting with each other. One girl is crying. I must have looked perplexed because all of the children explained to me they always fight. Always? Yes, always. Why are they in the same group? They looked puzzled. It was clear, I was being punished. This teacher is dumber than I thought, giving me two challenging children. Little did she know I had a bag of chocolate and was not afraid to use it.
We arrived at the Science Center at 11am. We are half an hour later than planned and immediately went into our project. One of my group members had difficulty working with her partner and seems to have some impulse control difficulties. I liked her though. Victoria worked with her two friends, one of which speaks no English. She called Victoria Victori. Cute kid. I would have liked her in my group because I need to brush up on Spanish.
After the project, which most found boring, we went to use the bathrooms then went back to the bus to eat our lunch. This is truly torture. After thirty minutes and a million times of passing trash up, we exit the bus once again and have approximately one hour in the Science Center. All the children have been counting, recounting, stealing, waving and showing their money for hours and were looking forward to the gift shop.
Thirty minutes in the gift shop. Kids with five dollars wanted items that were twelve dollars and other children were given six dollars but would only spend one. Victoria was using her allowance and was willing to spend it all on yet more stuffed animals. We have bags full of stuffed animals. Oh heck, we have rooms full of stuffed animals.
Eli's father and I walked around the museum looking at animals and exhibits. When we got to an area I'd stand by the exit. I was positive one of my group was going to be lost. It occurred to me I didn't even know their last names. Realizing they were really behaving as best as they could, I passed candy out discretely. We don't want other children to know we are breaking the rules.
We walked over to another exhibit room and I hear my group in a sing song to their fellow classmates, "Victoria's Mom gave us candy, Victoria's mom gave us candy neener neener neener."
What else could I do? I had already given them the candy. I sang back, "If you don't be quiet you're not getting any moooooore."
Silence! Gotta love it.
We were to board the bus at 1:30pm because it was going to take longer to get back than planned. I gathered my group up to head to the bus and I passed the teacher who was saying, "Let's go see the dinosaurs" to her group.
We boarded the bus, which had parents and kids, but no teachers. The teachers were all late. Victoria asked for her gift bag and I realized I had left it somewhere inside. Victoria immediately cried and I ran off the bus in search. Someone had found it. Disaster averted.
The bus ride home was twice as long as the bus ride there, or at least it felt like it. The little girl next to me said, "I'm so proud of myself for not wetting today." Me too. Me too.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Practice Packing Lite
Our trip last week enabled us to try out our packing lite theory for our Europe trip this summer. I brought enough for five days. I used my new carry on luggage size, though too large for an Aer Lingus flight.
I brought too many toiletries. I didn't use half of the lotions/sprays/whatnot I brought. I didn't use the straightener once, opting for my hair up the entire time. While I didn't wear makeup the whole week, as I thought would happen, I still can't bring myself to leave it all home. I've learned to pair it down a bit.
I didn't need too many pairs of socks because I wear sandals most of the trip. I did run out of books by Thursday so three was not enough for a week. I only brought my point and shoot camera, and am wondering if I should either leave lenses at home along with the flash, or try and make it through Europe with only the point and shoot.
Victoria did fine as well. She listened to her IPOD and used her touch a lot. My smart phone did a lot of work for me that I might ordinarily use a laptop for: it was able to get addresses to area attractions, directions, and movie times. I didn't listen to music at all, and I'm wondering if perhaps next trip I'll just bring along the dual plug for Victoria's IPOD. It doesn't seem worth it to bring my Zune when I don't use it.
I think we'll be able to manage two weeks in Europe with carry on sized luggage with a small back pack or tote as well.
I brought too many toiletries. I didn't use half of the lotions/sprays/whatnot I brought. I didn't use the straightener once, opting for my hair up the entire time. While I didn't wear makeup the whole week, as I thought would happen, I still can't bring myself to leave it all home. I've learned to pair it down a bit.
I didn't need too many pairs of socks because I wear sandals most of the trip. I did run out of books by Thursday so three was not enough for a week. I only brought my point and shoot camera, and am wondering if I should either leave lenses at home along with the flash, or try and make it through Europe with only the point and shoot.
Victoria did fine as well. She listened to her IPOD and used her touch a lot. My smart phone did a lot of work for me that I might ordinarily use a laptop for: it was able to get addresses to area attractions, directions, and movie times. I didn't listen to music at all, and I'm wondering if perhaps next trip I'll just bring along the dual plug for Victoria's IPOD. It doesn't seem worth it to bring my Zune when I don't use it.
I think we'll be able to manage two weeks in Europe with carry on sized luggage with a small back pack or tote as well.
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