Chinese Medicine - September 30th

After exhausting all traditional medicine options, I took Charlie to a Chinese medicine vet today. They did not give us any guarantees, but they recommended he start taking Artemisinin. Artemisinin is a Chinese herb that has been known to kill cancer. He will take it on an empty stomach with non-iron based foods in hopes that it will attack the iron in the cancer.

Believe - September 29th

Coming into tonight's game, the Braves were 2 games back on the Rockies. But, the Braves lost tonight and the Rockies won. The Braves are now 3 games back, but we still BELIEVE!

New Restaurant Night @ Spoon - September 28th

Hallie and I go out once a month to a restaurant we have never been to before. I really cannot believe that we have been doing this for 45 consecutive months. Some day soon, we are going to start blogging about that experience too.

Tonight was Spoon on Marietta Street near downtown. It was awesome! Later, we went to Inman Perk for a little tea & coffee. I was cracking up at all the people in their on their Mac's. I'm so happy to be one of them now.

Devastation - September 27th

It seems just wrong to say Happy Birthday to me again. While I did spend the day with mom & Carl celebrating my birthday, I will remember today for the devastation I saw near their house. Can you believe this house was completely under water? It's very sad all that people lost during the flood.

I did have a great day with them too - I love you both!!

Happy Birthday to Me Again! - September 26th

Still not my birthday, but another celebration. Tonight was with Lisa and Linda -- my dear and oldest friends! Thanks for a fun night -- I love you guys too!!!

Happy Birthday to Me - September 25th

It's not quite my birthday yet, but a few friends came out to Champs for a little celebration. Thanks to Elizabeth, Arline, John, Jen, Mark, Meredith, Mike, Rachel, Phyllis, and Stephanie! I love you guys!!!

Tennis Anyone? & Buckle - September 24th

Today was a total goof off day for me. After spending lots of time indoors (& doing job search stuff), I needed a day of just goofing off. So, I went shopping with Lisa and bought a new pair of my favorite jeans (thanks to Lisa) at Buckle. Then, I played a little tennis with Mayda. I can't believe it's been so long since I played.

3 Weeks - September 23rd

Before and After! My grass went 3 weeks without being cut with my trip and then rain, rain and more rain. It was knee high in some places, but look at it now!

Flood 2009 - September 22nd

I think this says it all.

This One Deserves Another - September 21st

You aren't seeing double. Same picture because it's the same thing every day - rain!

Really? - September 20th

Are you kidding me? It has done nothing but rain since I got home from Peru. Looks like I brought home their upcoming rainy season.

Football! - September 19th

I know for most people football season started a few weeks ago. But, since I was out of the country I missed out on opening week. So, this weekend is my "opening week"!

Roll Tide! Go Jackets! Go Falcons!

Dialogue in the Dark - September 18th

What could this picture really mean anything? Phyllis and I went down to Atlantic Station for Dialogue in the Dark. It was a real "eye opening" experience.

Done - September 17th

Another day of rain, but it did allow me to finish the office. This closet has never been so clean!

Spring Cleaning - September 16th

Day #3 since returning from Peru and day #3 of pretty much nothing but rain. After spending time doing my job search stuff -- it's on to some spring (or fall in this case) cleaning. Once I get a job, I would like to put this house on the market and move in town. Organizing rooms has been on my to-do list since being laid off. Well, now that it's possible I'm going back to work soon, I figured I better get on it. 3 bags of trash and countless items to recycling!

Driving - September 15th

One thing I really miss when traveling is driving. With the dead battery yesterday, today was my first day to really get out and drive. And, it must be done with the music loud!

Dead Battery! - September 14th

Well, my first full day back at home and all I could think about was going to Starbuck's for a Chai tea. Needless to say, I didn't go anywhere with a dead battery. This has definitely been the summer for little car issues. As frustrating as it can be, I am thankful that there haven't been any bigger issues like the transmission from last summer.

Later in the day, I had another interview with Coca Cola. Hoping it went well!

Welcome Home - September 13th

My flight arrived in Atlanta at 8am this morning. Mom & Carl brought Charlie & Henley home to me that afternoon. They were both really happy to see me! Isn't this just the cutest dog ever? I'm so thankful that he did OK while I was away.

Last Day in Peru - September 12th

Our last day in Peru! Unfortunately, our last day was spent not feeling well. I think I may have gotten a little too adventurous in my eating (or maybe it was all those Pisco Sour's in Puerto Maldonado?). It was a somewhat cloudy day in Lima, but we walked around a little watching the hang gliders.

Remembering - September 11th

I honestly didn't think I would ever fly again on September 11th. But, today I found myself going from Puerto Maldonado back to Lima before flying back home to Atlanta. I know this posting is a little late past 9/11, but let's not ever forget what happened that terrible day in 2001.

Fruits of Peru - September 10th

We all really enjoyed trying the fruits in Peru....some we have here, some new ones. Our favorite was the Maracuya!

Planes, Trains & Automobiles - September 9th

Well, there were not any planes today, but we felt like we used most modes of transportation today. After spending an almost full day on the river, we got into some "taxis" for the drive to Puerto Maldonado.

It's A Jungle Out There - September 8th

The morning was spent watching the sunrise over Oxbow Lake, which was located just outside Manu Lodge. After breakfast, we took a walk through the jungle seeing lots of birds, butterflies and other cool insects. Later, we watched the monkeys gathering bananas. The day was topped off on top of the canopy walk for the sunset in the jungle.

Who Doesn't Like a Little Boat Ride - September 7th

Not many of us are actually up to see the sunrise -- especially in the Amazon. Later, we would ride a boat through the Peruvian Amazon to the Manu Lodge nestled in the Manu National Park. We would see many birds, monkeys, wild boar and alligators.

There's Not Much Room - September 6th

Today would be remembered as the day we almost went off the cliff. We were on our way to the Cloudforest on a very narrow dirt road when we had to share road with an oncoming car. When your guide says, "There's not much room", you know you are in trouble.

Fortunately, we didn't go off the cliff and were able to enjoy a nice bike ride amongst many waterfalls.

Deliverance - September 5th

No picture available for this posting yet - but one will be eventually. We are back in Cusco and now that I'm back to civilization, I'm worried about Charlie. I was able to call him and find that he is still doing well. (Thank you God!).

The group spent the day white water rafting the Urubamba River. It was chilly, but with our wet suits we even did a little cliff jumping. For those of you who know me well will know that I would never pass up a little (or a lot) cliff jumping. The water was so cold (even with the wet suit) that you had to catch your breath before swimming over to the raft!

Inka Trail Blues - September 4th

Relaxing day in Aguas Calientes included spa and shopping. Thanks to my "Peru girls" for the massage!

Later in the afternoon, we took the Vista Train back to Cusco. I think all of us are experiencing a little Inka Trail blues now that it's over.

It's Not the Destination That Counts - September 3rd

As you can see, we reached Machupicchu today. This is what we have all been working for this week. Spectacular isn't it?

While it is spectacular, I will look back on this trek and say that the best part was the journey and not the destination. And, when you think about it -- isn't that what life is all about?

I will also remember the companionship of my friends. Each one has a special memory from this journey and that is something I will never forget.

Steps - September 2nd

Today there were 2 passes to cross, but neither were as high as yesterday. The first pass was at 12800 feet and the 2nd @ 8700 feet. 9.3 miles today and it proved to be a much longer day than yesterday. The climbs were not as difficult, but definitely longer. Today was all about steps & never ending view like this one.

Dead Woman's Pass - September 1st

Today is what I'm hoping would be the hardest day. 7.5 miles doesn't sound so bad - does it? How about climbing from 9800 to 13776 feet and back down to 12500? Now, that adds a new complexity to 7.5 miles. It was difficult, but it was worth every step and both blisters. Today I felt like I had accomplished something. It was tough both physically and mentally. I would not trade it for anything in the world. They say today is the hardest day of the Inka Trail. See the path? This is one of things that makes it difficult. The trail is not even - lots of uneven stones and many many steps.

I'm still amazed at the porters. They carry our clothes, food, tents, cookware and even propane for cooking. I won't mention that they are much faster than us.