tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34907416819983325342024-02-19T00:43:41.597-05:00Whoa It's My Life: An Aesthetic Aficionado's Adventures Around the WorldAmy's semi-annual blog filled with creative sparks, tech commentary, personal photography, travel tidbits, feminine flair, and anything else that might be milling in this free-spirited and inspired brain.Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-7261840210904687562014-08-23T02:25:00.000-04:002014-08-23T02:25:26.230-04:00Gluten Free at Burning Man<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtsZpE6CRu56s6zLUEAg5WGyiAozeenVlMMNPB2I-uipwjF0ytQlieBwiPL-HqXqLJiQFfDIYzHqcTMDohmOM8Z7A2m1ZUS_xnxVNXjEChA_12jfkwzjGl3byj4H0Ndd0lrqRPrfF0Ig/s1600/amy-at-burning-man-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtsZpE6CRu56s6zLUEAg5WGyiAozeenVlMMNPB2I-uipwjF0ytQlieBwiPL-HqXqLJiQFfDIYzHqcTMDohmOM8Z7A2m1ZUS_xnxVNXjEChA_12jfkwzjGl3byj4H0Ndd0lrqRPrfF0Ig/s1600/amy-at-burning-man-2011.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember that you are dust,<br />and to dust you shall return.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This week I leave for my fourth Burning Man, a week-long arts and music festival in the Black Rock desert north of Reno, NV. Last year I created a special challenge for myself: to make a gluten-free meal plan for the week.<br />
<br />
I have started to cut out gluten from my everyday diet but knew it would be even more difficult on the "playa," where extreme temperatures and Leave No Trace kitchens make even typical camp cooking difficult. I did allow myself one exception: if someone offered me food - gluten or no gluten - I allowed myself to eat it. Gifting is a large part of Burning Man and I didn't want to refuse someone's hospitality, especially if I found myself far from my home camp. If I had a serious dietary concern, of course, I would make sure I had gluten-free snacks on me at all times, or be sure to get back to base more often.<br />
<br />
For anyone else trying to eat healthier on the playa or looking for good gluten-free options that will work out there, here's a sampling of what I ate last year:<br />
<ul>
<li>Corn chips with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ETCUYHY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whitmyli-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wholly Guacamole</a> -- no preservatives, must keep cold, can be frozen in advance, packaging is recyclable.</li>
<li>Avocado -- bring paprika, salt and limes to make your own guacamole or just a dash of salt. Nice to get your electrolytes in. Keep cold so it doesn't spoil. </li>
<li>Soft corn tortillas toasted on the grill with cheese and pre-cooked steak strips, topped with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DY62FAK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whitmyli-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gluten-free salsa</a> -- a plastic jug of salsa will be more durable than glass.</li>
<li>Nut crackers with tuna -- get the pouches of tuna to reduce waste.</li>
<li>Rice crackers with gluten-free, natural peanut butter.</li>
<li>String cheese.</li>
<li>Yogurt with gluten-free granola.</li>
<li>Gluten-free granola and almond milk.</li>
<li>Bacon! Lots of bacon!!! -- either pork or turkey bacon, just check the labels for gluten-free.</li>
<li>Turkey or beef jerky -- check labels, usually Teriyaki versions contain gluten but depending on the brand, certain flavors may be gluten free. It's good to get your protein in! </li>
<li>Trail mix, either store bought or homemade -- I love almonds and dried cranberries.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034EDLS2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whitmyli-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KIND Fruit & Nut Bars</a> -- a great substitute for granola bars, protein bars, etc. They don't have chocolate so they will keep well even in the heat.</li>
<li>Harvest Snapea Crisps. Crunch and lightly salted. Electrolytes are essential on the playa.</li>
<li><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=whitmyli-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000CONMBS&asins=B000CONMBS&linkId=UKUIESRO63B7F5CZ&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="float: right; height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br />
</iframe>Pirate's Booty *my favorite* or any other of the Pirate Brands snacks -- I like to get a large bag and separate into my own small ziplock baggies when venturing out to reduce waste, however you may end up eating the whole bag in one sitting that way! The 4-oz individual bags are a good option, remember to take off as much packaging as possible before heading to the desert. </li>
<li>Trader Joe's Channa Masala or Madras Lentil boxes -- Indian food that comes in a pouch and can be heated or eaten at room temperature, no refrigeration needed.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FYAN60/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whitmyli-20">Pacific Natural Foods Light Sodium Organic Soup, Creamy Tomato</a> -- easy to make, just heat and eat. Sprinkle some nutritional yeast or cheese on top. I always bring a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ORRZBS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008ORRZBS&linkCode=as2&tag=whitmyli-20&linkId=OUAPLWIYFGKTVY6F" target="_blank">Jetboil</a> to heat liquids as it's small, easy to use, and <i>the pot becomes the cup</i>, which you can then walk around with while enjoying your soup. I got mine at REI but you can also order on Amazon with free 2-day shipping if you're a prime member.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FYG378/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=whitmyli-20">Pacific Natural Foods Organic Soup, French Onion</a> -- another easy meal, very satisfying as the sun sets and the temperature drops, or after coming back to camp in the middle of the night when it's freezing out. I like that these two soups come in boxes as they can be collapsed unlike a canned soup, saving space in the trash bags.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amys.com/products/product-categories/gluten-free" target="_blank">Amy's Organic brand soups</a> -- more easy meals, these come in cans so be sure to bring a can opener. It's good to have potatoes, white beans, and and other potassium-rich foods after drinking caffeine or alcohol on the playa.</li>
<li>Dried mangoes from Trader Joe's. Dried fruit of any kind. Bananas, apricots, raisins. Also high in potassium.</li>
<li>Apples, oranges, lemons, limes.</li>
<li>Lots of Gatorade, apple juice, orange juice, coconut water -- can dilute juices with some water for extra H2O, this is how I keep myself hydrated. Freeze everything before you go, it's such a treat to have ice cold drinks during the day.</li>
<li>Cucumbers. They don't last long but I love adding a few to a water
bottle in the beginning of the week for a refreshing infusion. </li>
<li>Teas, instant coffee.</li>
</ul>
Hope that helped some people preparing to eat gluten-free or mostly gluten-free at Burning Man next week. See you in the dust! Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-56773944403646214862012-07-13T10:31:00.000-04:002012-07-13T13:34:34.978-04:00Making Money Music<p>One of the many reasons I love my Mac: <em><a href="https://developer.apple.com/library/mac/#documentation/AppleScript/Conceptual/AppleScriptX/AppleScriptX.html" target="_blank">Apple Script</a></em>.</p><p>I put together a simple script to remind me every other Friday that I should invoice my clients. Here's what I did:</p><ol><li>Create a calendar appointment that recurs every other Friday, since I invoice my clients bi-weekly.</li>
<li>Create an Apple script that will play a specific playlist in iTunes, as well as open a browser window to my invoicing system (<a href="https://colorandcode.freshbooks.com/refer/www" target="_blank">Freshbooks - which I love, btw</a>).</li>
<li>Set the calendar appointment to run the Apple script.</li>
</ol><p>Cool, right?</p><p>Here's the script I wrote:</p><div style="background:#fff; padding:15px; line-height:15px;"><code style="font:Verdana, monospace !important; color:#222;"><strong>tell</strong> <em style="color:#3300ff;">application</em> "iTunes"<br />
<strong>set</strong> <span style="color:#339900">this_playlist</span> <strong>to</strong> <em style="color:#3300ff;">playlist</em> "Make Money"<br />
<strong style="color:#3300ff;">play</strong> <span style="color:#339900">this_playlist</span><br />
<strong>end tell</strong><br />
<strong>property</strong> <span style="color:#339900">theURL</span> : ""<br />
<strong>tell</strong> <em style="color:#3300ff;">application</em> "Firefox"<br />
<strong style="color:#009">open location </strong>"https://colorandcode.freshbooks.com/menu.php?CB431CBcm91dGU9aW52b2ljZV9saXN0LnZpZXdGQjc0NTAz"<br />
<strong style="color:#3300ff;">activate</strong></code><br />
</div><p><p>I created a "Make Money" playlist by searching my iTunes library for any songs with the word "money" in them. Not surprisingly, many of the tracks are hip-hop or rap, but there are a handful of oldies and other genres as well. Here is the playlist:</p><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" id="Player_8d97b4a0-c086-451a-9f50-da82916e4f75" WIDTH="250px" HEIGHT="250px"> <param NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=ss_w_mpw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fwhitmyli-20%2F8014%2F8d97b4a0-c086-451a-9f50-da82916e4f75&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><param NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><param NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=ss_w_mpw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fwhitmyli-20%2F8014%2F8d97b4a0-c086-451a-9f50-da82916e4f75&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_8d97b4a0-c086-451a-9f50-da82916e4f75" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_8d97b4a0-c086-451a-9f50-da82916e4f75" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="250px" width="250px"></embed></OBJECT> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=ss_w_mpw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fwhitmyli-20%2F8014%2F8d97b4a0-c086-451a-9f50-da82916e4f75&Operation=NoScript">Preview the "Make Money" Playlist on Amazon.com</A></NOSCRIPT> <p>This <em>Making Money</em> reminder is by far one of my favorite productivity hacks. It ensures that I stay on top of invoicing, and it's much nicer on the ears than an alarm clock.</p><p>Do you have any "money" motivational tracks in your music library?</p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-7987110513330503972012-05-21T20:39:00.000-04:002012-05-21T20:39:21.912-04:00Facebook's Stinky Ad Creation ProcessFacebook is notorious for making changes to their (recently <a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2012-05-17/tech/tech_social-media_facebook-ipo-reactions_1_facebook-stock-facebook-s-ipo-facebook-account?_s=PM:TECH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IPO</a>'ed) platform, without much user input. I understand that users don't necessarily have the future of the platform in mind, but I don't understand how facebook could neglect the needs of its <b>advertisers</b> so blatantly.<br />
<br />
Their main competitor, Google AdWords, has built in some support offerings (e.g. Google Engage, which <a href="http://colorandcode.biz/2011/thoughts-on-search-advertising/" target="_blank">my ad agency is a part of</a>) and extensive documentation around their platform. Although much younger, if Facebook plans to get more $ out of its advertiser platform, I would think it should offer some type of support or, at the very least, a quality service.<br />
<br />
Here's the story. I went to create an ad today for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/253736598045522/" target="_blank">an event that Rachman and I are hosting this Saturday</a>. I'm not new to Facebook ads by any means - in fact we have been running ads for this very event for the past several weeks, but wanted to test some new targeting and images.<br />
<br />
<h3><b>Challenge #1:</b> Can't create an ad for an event in the Firefox browser.</h3><br />
Fine.<br />
<br />
Until recently, something was broken in all browsers except - gasp - Internet Explorer!? that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/help/community/question/?id=2133941" target="_blank">prevented ads for events from even being created</a>. Event ads are unique in that they allow a user to click to RSVP right within the ad. Facebook gets some points for having a direct event advertisement platform that ties in nicely with the millions of users that manage their social calendars with Facebook. However, as an advertiser, if I can't create my ad - how are you going to get my money from advertising? Silly silly.<br />
<br />
Second point: generally speaking, Facebook support for all major browsers seems to be inconsistent. Any [good] web designer knows to test in all the major browsers. I have three of them installed on my Mac, and more virtually. This allows me to test client projects on many browsers before "launch." It also allowed me to create my event ad today... go figure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Perpetually Loading - Facebook Ad Creation in Firefox" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoP6iWux5vTExnITDaANj5-_nLkg40SNEXtZa40Xagmaf7TZhHV9KOyoW-0m673zDHnF0Pp0-pT5x59fu8B23_3fYTDbYalJsZYftiXVwIVL8hkampaGEABzF4MaBpmDWtEjvtzbEDew/s490/Create-an-Ad-or-Sponsored-Story.png" title="Perpetually Loading - Facebook Ad Creation in Firefox" /></div><br />
<h3><b>Challenge #2:</b> Facebook ad provides a mere 110 x 80 pixels of space for an image.</h3><br />
Fine.<br />
<br />
Google AdWords are generally text-only, so I guess I'm happy Facebook allows an image at all. Plus, I figure it's a nice exercise, to design within such small real estate. But when I go to upload my nicely-designed ad and the text is all blurry, it's a little concerning. I want to make sure the users can actually read what I'm advertising. So I search the small database of Facebook answers and come across this nice little entry: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=103816146375741">https://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=103816146375741</a><br />
<br />
<h3><b>Challenge</b><b> #3: </b>Only 5kb for an image? What are we, in 1999 again?</h3><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvlvb0GHmx5xZiBT_64glSVFuHRGQCRGxQo-ntcQmw-hnwlmXESuR7vwSKUS0L-zuMwvrbwd1JpxcrqfeqRNCbHdpFyXz8PEzVXuaXO3JJ-Hbpm51eyaF2IqSyH_Sh8k7K8pgZl-3Xm8/s490/image-size.png" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s4uj6Cij4GRJoTqLr2uq-qzqDBdzTx22t-VxR4HGJvw0Rk0yTAoi3p_5k6EJCaJW9BE-c6sVnq5iynwkoudl1tost7ZTqJhM6hckdVmin5sY9rSaKkIDK7GA4Ny0WbtP6YQK-cPj7XU/s490/step-2.png" /></div><br />
Fine.<br />
<br />
I'll just optimize the image using pre-millenium standards... severe compression, limiting colors, saving as GIF. This work was necessary back in the day when people had dial-up modems and used AOL... but I'll do it, if it will make my tiny text easier to read.<br />
<br />
<h3><b>Challenge </b><b>#4: </b>No matter what I do, the red-on-black text is still blurry.</h3><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB4aaJK_WaC1VdG8XDzr5HnR2A6dh14-ScsPMLxiU1z_GI7ILMvLeq4AERiIEVy0L4xPpHernu71eJuvFciwa7Xb6W54FDBrvDAw7OFiFQ8PJaRuFL2cMnuvFnriX_hGs2E3adfbhD1A/s490/step-3.png" /></div><br />
Fine.<br />
<br />
I change the text to blue. It doesn't look nearly as cool as my original version, and is now quite different from the original branding I had intended. Red text is much sexier. No, really, from a psychological perspective - it is. It signifies energy, movement, excitement, and life. Exactly what we're trying to convey.<br />
<br />
<i>Not fine.</i><br />
<br />
Facebook, if you're going to allow images in your ads, please let us visually-inclinded advertisers create "eye-catching," attractive images that will increase click-through rates and get us more event attendees!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief2gCB3ZLG4eBLuIdoebHWcuIeqjp2XSetLNgSJb-XV6RdbWMprqmlL-OBJujmeZJ0wkq1V2rQ0cFgTKSxM3Q53ERp4x7AV_FBchMu7A4Nr0amwNQxi_EF_1piWk5V4gJ7pc9LULBE9M/s490/step-1.png" /></div><br />
End of rant.Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-22963360202710018522012-04-06T21:09:00.003-04:002017-02-08T00:36:45.518-05:00My Contribution to a Documentary about my Favorite Pinup ModelI am so excited to be a part of the Bettie Page Reveals All documentary about my favorite pinup legend! She is the <b>often-imitated</b> icon whose life was complicated and controversial, and who unintentionally helped inspire the feminist revolution of the 1960s after her mysterious disappearance into seclusion in 1957. Before she passed away in 2008, she spilled the full story in her own words through a series of interviews with Academy-Award nominated filmmaker Mark Mori, who is now directing and producing the documentary.<br />
<br />
It's not like me to be star-struck but Bettie is <a href="http://whoaitsaimz.blogspot.com/search?q=gaga" title="My other celeb crush: Lady GaGa">one of only two exceptions</a>. So when I saw a posting on a Bettie Page newsletter asking for Photoshop experts to work on her film, you can imagine my response. I am <a href="http://www.bettiepagemovie.com/bettie-page/bettie-page-reveals-all-names.php#rightside10" target="_blank" title="Bettie Page Reveals All: Volunteers">honored to help out with such an exciting project</a> and all of the images I have been working on only serve to make me more excited to see the final film, which premiered at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender yesterday.<br />
<br />
I made this video while I was working on one of her photos as a "teaser."<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="368" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/34652347?byline=0&portrait=0&color=ff0099" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="491"></iframe> <br />
<br />
Of course, it is a real tease; you can barely see any of Bettie except for a tiny thumbnail on the right at the end... but hey, that's fitting with her personality, too! I can assure you the full shot is just lovely.Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-11225205652165338632012-02-03T12:48:00.000-05:002012-02-03T12:48:24.901-05:00Oops, I Guest Posted Again<p>Around midnight last night, I finally finished a guest blog post on my former university professor's site, "Business School Presenting." It had been in the works and on my to-do list for a very long time, so I'm both excited and relieved to finally have it posted on Dr. Ridgley's site, whose URL makes me laugh.</p>
<p>Go on over to <a href="http://www.ihatepresentations.com/?p=2845 "target="_blank">http://www.ihatepresentations.com/?p=2845</a> to read my article about some very basic personal branding steps.</p>
<p>If you're still here, I just want to make a quick point about blogging in general -- <i>and how it's not easy to find time to write quality content and balance all of your other real-life, big-girl responsibilities, especially when you're not getting "paid" for it, but it's rewarding in its own rights, as both an exercise and a sort of time capsule</i> -- and then maybe sometime today I will finally go to bed.</p>
<p>Yes, it is noon and I have been awake, with no caffeine, for at least 24 hours. One conference call to go and then I'm setting myself free for the evening and quite possibly the rest of the weekend.</p>
<p>Go GIANTS!</p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-57690243425656663452012-01-02T00:46:00.001-05:002012-01-02T00:47:14.362-05:00Season's Greetings or, My Obligatory Year-In-Review<p>I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! I would like to share this e-Card with you which I [snail] mailed to all of my clients, before I indulge in a bit of self-reflection.</p><img class="photo" border="0" width="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNbYmi34YuziHsvC-mZqOPmN2FDhuGNiU1EofQUIdckZQeonJAy6yJFrvJRIZPDH2L_seMX0pac5NB_AgnXpckeew_IXJEtZvdfRxN3N0aSm1QCD2wa_rE2gtwuQO4EbfZohdHOS-APs/s800/seasons-greetings-from-color-and-code.jpg" /><br />
<p>I am writing this post while on the road with my MacBook Air and a mobile hotspot, somewhere between Daytona Beach Shores, FL and Charlotte, NC. Actually, to be more exact, we are on Route 26 West near Columbia, SC. I spent New Year's Eve with my boyfriend in downtown Orlando, FL and in a few days, we will return to central NJ, all the while listening to audiobooks like Einstein's biography and "7 Habits of Highly Effective People."</p><p>Looking back over the year, I've made many changes in 2011 which have allowed me to mobilize my work, explore new parts of the country, and learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur. I am proud to have done my first Bikram yoga class in Chicago, IL, nearly completed a 30-day Bikram yoga challenge, collaborated with fellow bloggers, worked with talented photographers, interviewed a top international dance music producer, established and nurtured several key partnerships, and hired contractors including voice-over talent, a User Interface designer, and PHP developers for some "pet projects" which I expect to be launched next year. I can't believe how much I've grown this year, and I look forward enthusiastically to 2012 in which I will set even more lofty goals for myself and strive to reach them.</p><p>If you're still reading at this point -- and I'm honored that you are -- I WISH YOU A FANTASTIC 2012!!!</p><p>Till the next post,</p><p>-A</p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-24300701040843528152011-10-04T01:55:00.001-04:002011-10-04T01:56:00.711-04:00An Epic Journey West, and Back Again<p>A week ago I returned from a month-long road trip, whose primary purpose was to bring my friend Rachman and I to the <a href="http://burningman.com" target="_blank">Burning Man</a> festival in Nevada, but whose secondary purpose was to see as much of the country and friends as possible along the way. Therefore, we chose a Northern route outbound, and a Southern route inbound, not necessarily the most efficient but certainly the most interesting. I had only been "Out West" once with my family when I was much younger, in an RV we affectionately called by its brand name Lindy. Seeing some of these sights for the second time with adult eyes was very rewarding, and seeing plenty of new ones as well. We toted our laptops, an mp3 player loaded with audiobooks and hour-long mixes from our favorite artists, a very handy GPS, and one printed guidebook. Our unplanned stops involved coffee, WiFi, restroom breaks, and tips from the local business owners. Our planned stops are mapped out below!</p><p>The route out...</p><iframe width="490" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=200991986472520888338.0004ae72434828a688af0&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=p&vpsrc=6&ll=38.959409,-90.703125&spn=53.827624,85.957031&z=3&output=embed"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=200991986472520888338.0004ae72434828a688af0&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=p&vpsrc=6&ll=38.959409,-90.703125&spn=53.827624,85.957031&z=3&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">The Road to Burning Man</a> in a larger map</small><br />
<p>The route home...</p><iframe width="490" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=205060609719977470497.0004ad6ae2c734c4b1caa&t=p&vpsrc=6&ll=38.959409,-90.703125&spn=53.827624,85.957031&z=3&output=embed"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=205060609719977470497.0004ad6ae2c734c4b1caa&t=p&vpsrc=6&ll=38.548165,-94.746094&spn=54.094552,85.957031&z=3&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Roadtrip Back to New Jersey</a> in a larger map</small><br />
<p>In total, we drove about 7,156 mi, or about 5 days 2 hours (over a 4-week period). Our longest nonstop leg was roughly 18 hours, when we *ahem - Rachman* decided to forego Salt Lake City, UT and get right to Reno, NV where friends were waiting. He took the wheel overnight and we got to Reno at about 10 am on Thursday before Burning Man, leaving us plenty of time to explore Lake Tahoe, "float the river," and purchase camping supplies from the local Walmart. It was certainly the experience of a lifetime but, with any luck, I'll have another one soon!</p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-31017913375718822592011-08-17T12:08:00.001-04:002011-08-17T12:08:43.752-04:00Guest Post by Jaycie Leishman: Summer<i>Deviating from my normal routine, this is the <b>first-ever guest post</b> by a fellow 20-something blogger (20SB) friend, <a href="http://jayciepenny.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jaycie Leishman</a> from Wellsville, Utah. She has a beautifully simple blog layout with hand-drawn illustrations scattered throughout, which I love, and I was instantly drawn to her writing style. Now, we are swapping blogs for the day! You should go visit her blog for even more of her witty musings, and to see what damage I've done to her blog in my guest post today... ;-)</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX6T3wM99OJgsDObBzfzFH4XqfbqdmP9Aj4ejEvxrvXR6yGi2JkxU1y-Lz3GPAHDkED0g_ySXMWICzgJTnD-IYXHnN7nhRzjKEC8nM0nuglnAhKG3KsaAdkUJBU1U6n35QEnG1IOoLtg/s1600/erinis-badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX6T3wM99OJgsDObBzfzFH4XqfbqdmP9Aj4ejEvxrvXR6yGi2JkxU1y-Lz3GPAHDkED0g_ySXMWICzgJTnD-IYXHnN7nhRzjKEC8nM0nuglnAhKG3KsaAdkUJBU1U6n35QEnG1IOoLtg/s400/erinis-badge.jpg" /></a></div><br />
to some, summer is the greatest part of the year.<br />
snow cones, tanning, swimming, camping. the works!<br />
<br />
to a small few [like me] it's the WORST part of the year.<br />
sunburn. sweat. working. allergies. razor burn.<br />
<br />
it's not necessarily something i enjoy arguing over, so i thought for my guest post i'd write about something we can all agree on. not to mention, i am my own person, and i don't like to stick to the rules. so we're talking about...(drum roll, please)...<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ice cream.</span><br />
<br />
i scream. you scream. we all scream for ice cream. it's the perfect treat no matter the season, and especially in the summer time. i'll be honest, i have fallen head over heels in love with ice cream. it's not only my favorite food group, but it's an art, a passion, sometimes a poison.<br />
<br />
you could say that i'm somewhat of an ice cream prodigy. let me explain.<br />
<br />
when i started working at Cold Stone in the mid 21st century (aka four and a half years ago), i decided i'd work harder than everyone else until i knew absolutely everything about ice cream. it didn't take long. let's be honest, it's not exactly rocket science.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRHr3kHQALuuVZhvpljheJagrPyHmnl0nTy_LfZWhDE_Ehx37OdHZugLxRVlK_8F7bdg3G7L1w4Btnw0HcqjHWUr5cRuzGpcenhhwQkFXDzogiBCx_PWa9I9zC8UogLWPJjd_pMDm0ZY/s1600/ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRHr3kHQALuuVZhvpljheJagrPyHmnl0nTy_LfZWhDE_Ehx37OdHZugLxRVlK_8F7bdg3G7L1w4Btnw0HcqjHWUr5cRuzGpcenhhwQkFXDzogiBCx_PWa9I9zC8UogLWPJjd_pMDm0ZY/s800/ice+cream.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="caption" style="font-size: x-small;">i know it's terrible quality. that's what i get for using my phone...i'm the smokin' hot one on the right! ;)</span></div><br />
i'd spend hours thinking up creations that would knock the socks off people. when normal people slept, i dreamed of ice cream. when normal people ate cereal for breakfast, i stumbled out the door in sub-zero temps with an ice cream treat in one hand, hot chocolate in the other.<br />
<br />
my first custom creation: Mint Heaven. (please keep in mind i didn't say i was a writer of witty titles...)<br />
mint and cheesecake ice cream mixed half and half. mixed with oreos and white chocolate chips.<br />
super simple, super amazing. it doesn't sound like much, but try it. you'll see.<br />
<br />
after that it became a game. people came in daily without any idea what they want. soon, i could narrow it down by asking four simple questions.<br />
<br />
<ol><li><b>what is your favorite kind of pie?</b> - this is important because it gives me a feel for what kind of sweets they like. my favorite response is, "I don't really like pie."</li>
<li><b>what are your favorite kind of chips?</b> - this gives me an idea of how their taste palate compares to mine.</li>
<li><b>chocolate, peanut butter, or fruit? </b> - this helps me determine the sweet things they like.</li>
<li><b>any allergies or dislikes i should know about?</b> - after all, i'm not going to try to kill my customers.</li>
</ol><br />
based on these four questions, i can create a custom creation for any human on the planet, no matter how savage i think they are.<br />
i just have a knack for putting together flavors that just knock the pants off people.<br />
the guarantee: "if you don't like it, i'll make you a new one, free of charge."<br />
let's just say i've never had to recreate an ice cream. and i only give them out free to hot guys who ask for my number, but that has nothing to do with my mixing skills. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">just my shameless, flirting skills...</span><br />
<br />
my name tag, of course, introduces me as Lord Voldemort.<br />
i was dubbed a wizard by a co-worker, and boy did it stick!<br />
one day i asked him, "why Voldemort?"<br />
his reply, <thoughtfully> "well, Dumbledore and Voldemort are the two greatest wizards, right?"<br />
me, "right."<br />
him, "Well, I figure you'd be more likely to use your powers for evil."<br />
<br />
of course Amy and i haven't met. i know pretty much nothing about the girl, other than that she's got some mad skills in the art department, and i haven't asked her the four questions yet. i do, however, have a pretty good idea for an Amy creation.<br />
<br />
it would be called <i>The Decadent Amy Dessert</i>.<br />
picture this:<br />
oatmeal cookie batter ice cream.<br />
graham cracker pie crust.<br />
yellow cake pieces.<br />
a spoonful of cherry pie filling. also, a spoonful of apple pie filling, both chopped up a little bit.<br />
a dash of cinnamon.<br />
wrapped up in a warm drizzle of caramel.<br />
<br />
(think apple crisp/cobbler, what have you. then times the pleasure factor of that by a million.)<br />
<br />
voila! i am a super genius. and for more of my magic, you can find me at <a href="http://jayciepenny.blogspot.com">jayciepenny.blogspot.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<center>---</center><br />
<i>Thanks, Jaycie, now I have a craving for Cold Stone... either The Decadent Amy Dessert or a Mint Heaven would really hit the spot right now...<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
Amy</i>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-83904546723607321412011-06-28T15:54:00.009-04:002011-06-28T16:17:40.608-04:00My Very Own Window Display<p>Learning about real photography and playing with a borrowed Canon EOS 400D and Camera RAW format in my newly-found free time! I put this in the category of "continuing education." Maybe it will help with a client project one day, hehe. The real story is that I had my carpets cleaned last week so I put my shoes up on my window sill and I thought they looked just lovely up there so I had to snap a few shots before taking them down. If I decide to take them down at all...</p>
<div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px auto;'>
<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZpurSMNZ1YdRkbYvMorfTPORSzOPBIRf7kmqKL6kSxD-SB8I0NZIotv6FOt9KzEsnZGOgy1jv3zwsURFmyq6snqf4yea6GtOYt8_2l_EiURyfGVJI7qfslTnGS-H2LB7FTdacj-clyw/s1600/IMG_5813a.jpg'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZpurSMNZ1YdRkbYvMorfTPORSzOPBIRf7kmqKL6kSxD-SB8I0NZIotv6FOt9KzEsnZGOgy1jv3zwsURFmyq6snqf4yea6GtOYt8_2l_EiURyfGVJI7qfslTnGS-H2LB7FTdacj-clyw/s800/IMG_5813a.jpg' class='photo' alt='Shoes on Display' width='490' /></a>
<br/>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHuZxXmRzZ5vHCchvPGwTBmWyV3odn_hSEWaTrZx4hQCm7L87L8ttzyOwbAy1cXcP2tBau2y4XgWzwpeSi3oCh8BA5fGuQGP5CBNyyZbHn-sj5-3IJw6F9ehGLNjJHE7E9V__yftZkbk/s1600/IMG_5824a.tif"><img class="photo" width="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHuZxXmRzZ5vHCchvPGwTBmWyV3odn_hSEWaTrZx4hQCm7L87L8ttzyOwbAy1cXcP2tBau2y4XgWzwpeSi3oCh8BA5fGuQGP5CBNyyZbHn-sj5-3IJw6F9ehGLNjJHE7E9V__yftZkbk/s800/IMG_5824a.tif" /></a></div>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-37570483159493419262011-06-15T00:12:00.000-04:002011-06-15T00:12:52.848-04:00The Making of "Mr. Nouveau"<p>This time-lapse video compresses more then 4 hours of drawing into about 5 minutes. If only I could draw this quickly! I actually had a more aggressive vision in the beginning, as you can see I already sketched and began coloring two lion-looking figures (would be a leopard and her cub if I added the spots). I suppose as the saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day, and I certainly couldn't spend more than that on these drawings. Adding it to the bucket of unfinished projects, for a rainy day...</p>
<p>In the meantime, I envision this graphic being printed on the back of a set of playing cards. Any takers?</p>
<iframe width="490" height="309" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/914TQ7YxHKI?rel=0&hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>Your browser does not support iframes. Please <a href="http://youtu.be/914TQ7YxHKI?hd=1">view this video directly on YouTube</a>.</iframe>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-32913362198598812022011-06-08T18:32:00.000-04:002011-06-08T18:32:18.337-04:00My Contribution to Drawing Day 2011<p>This year's Drawing Day occurred on Saturday, June 4, and I was determined to participate. I called off social engagements, locked myself in my room, and stayed off facebook for an entire weekend. Well, for a few hours at least. As a result of this, I am pleased to introduce to you Mr. Nouveau, a very friendly peacock I drew over the course of a few days, first on plain paper, then on my graphics tablet. I don't get to use that thing nearly enough.</p>
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0AuLaJIIcXa87uCfWgmzoWKn_snqW1bIlq3_K8WeQ-cqgdGV9J3uhi18wXDtuO04qSkTgSDjRwk6I0jY3z8DvP-RNadI8dcfWhphDhuRtEOl4dx_HhQrgCoflNXVDmZdd8mWlKtMkjI/s1600/Peacock-Amy-Pospiech.png" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img width="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0AuLaJIIcXa87uCfWgmzoWKn_snqW1bIlq3_K8WeQ-cqgdGV9J3uhi18wXDtuO04qSkTgSDjRwk6I0jY3z8DvP-RNadI8dcfWhphDhuRtEOl4dx_HhQrgCoflNXVDmZdd8mWlKtMkjI/s800/Peacock-Amy-Pospiech.png" /></a></center>
<p>My photo reference was taken at my sister's graduation party a few weeks ago at Grounds for Sculpture in Trenton, NJ. I will post some of the pictures from that day soon as well.</p>
<p>About Drawing Day: One day a year, the world stops to remember that joy we had when we first picked up a pencil and created our first piece of art - that's what Drawing Day is all about. The goal for Drawing Day is simple - to create enough drawings to make some noise worldwide for the sake of art. <br/>- <a href="http://drawingday.org/drawingday-2011.php">http://drawingday.org/</a></p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-57966479474994124222011-05-08T17:57:00.002-04:002011-05-08T18:01:29.825-04:00On Top of the World Photo Shoot with LGO Productions<p>My friend Sylwia is starting her own photography business. I volunteered to be her model one cold evening in April. She had just moved into a new building next to Rittenhouse Square and mentioned that there was a roof deck that she hadn't yet been to. "Let's go!" I exclaimed, up for an adventure. So we wandered around her building trying to find the correct set of stairways to lead us to the top floor with roof access, and made our way into the cold. It was just before sunset and the lighting was perfect, as was the view. Here are a few of the photos she edited in her own colorful style:</p>
<p><a href="http://goo.gl/photos/DYQAERXjOA" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEips4b0U5V0wOWT6qc3dSnu_67Op_fL4MeQJB2kjvrvEK28WiBZ361qJlNNxySqESh_FUnWWRGOBpXQKVN4TyjDDy_obYtMtldRdm5PNp08URNItToeUnFH69yKHjK8jigoe7ksG4bEB4o/s800/Lifegoeson%20Photography%20LGO%20Productions%201a.jpg" class="photo" width="490px"/></a><br>
<a href="http://goo.gl/photos/QODA0qfvpf" style="clear:right;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFq72tCaRIBwgZQ7RnA17WPuYeO-L0qjxlC3vAMTpRK6NUmXS5GgXrcsIvz3nbtg5NfJqJ4r8jXg5sp2thZEaiYlrH_mUxsBl7gUBd1qRPsjBgXJEpl_Pssh2QipcWsn-bqYloBeFaZo/s800/Lifegoeson%20Photography%20LGO%20Productions%202a.jpg" class="photo" width="490px"></a><br>
<a href="http://goo.gl/photos/9tA3zpRmMr" style="clear:right;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em"><img class="photo" width="490px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57t7BbrxEaYsqOeTkimrvWtdVtrMPZAwC55Cwyqnx9Tx9tv8ysvNTKxoi8Gc6xB37IL1SdwiR0pi-KiUCqiYxXYdfEkclk2JxlBmkLg0tV7Edtv2Gg2NLKE4lFVXbxYMBOkX6eqp908s/s800/Lifegoeson%20Photography%20LGO%20Productions%204a.jpg"></a><br>
<a href="http://goo.gl/photos/ZGCOiXGmXf" style="clear:right;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em"><img class="photo" width="490px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpnh6EJi8vjSjfVBwg6fm7oo_bntxWA5-w_SWYmAfyvgpsu7eAGPjGwF8__RmMtvzEhTh9lR1-foUQ-8HPKXUXpi-ag4jxLmZMu3uVvB4_6TIXxV1I_fD2_wFZ5L4L18rtwDhHCUsvPE/s800/5595280390_0898db4fab_b.jpg"></a><br>
<a href="http://goo.gl/photos/2bE4jHkd8D" style="clear:right;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em"><img class="photo" width="490px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ17M30_GTztvK7m_6gIC8DULE2Clgham75PIuayKb2jkFdyDQtAOPWXtOemBkZ-S5leI8NBsLv-yLOe97DJiAZPi9p_26CRLKFkrZcgk-N5e3qY7JSH4Ys8U9Ifz5x8x2GUzxlvfOdWM/s800/Lifegoeson%20Photography%20LGO%20Productions%203a.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Photos courtesy of <a href="http://lifegoesonproductions.blogspot.com/2011/04/on-top-of-world-session-2-april-2011.html" target="_blank">Life Goes on Productions</a>, April 2, 2011. Thanks Sylwia, I'll be your model any time :-)</p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com2Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, USA39.949275417735926 -75.17065545507813339.945753417735929 -75.176205455078133 39.952797417735923 -75.165105455078134tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-39042517577634965412011-05-02T20:32:00.004-04:002011-05-08T20:48:57.788-04:00Beautiful Weekend to Live in Philadelphia<p>This weekend, I spent every last minute enjoying the abundance of cultural, and even some non-cultural sights and sounds my newly official city of residence has to offer (yes, it's official, I have the driver's license to prove it - ahh). </p>
<p>Friday evening went downtown heading for Rittenhouse square, stopped at Alfa, and ended up in Old City at Brasil's a bit later for some dancing and bottle-service-for-no-real-reason with good friends.</p>
<p>Saturday afternoon wandered down to the <a href="http://pifa.org/" target="_blank">Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA)</a> with one of my former and one of my current roommates - Brittany and Ashley. We walked around enjoying the cool but sunny weather, and eventually ended up on a lawn transplanted to the middle of Broad Street, which had been partially closed off from Chestnut Street (City Hall) to Lombard Street.</p>
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKckAxoDDtKs4wG92GL9UsbmQUtMzxqpMX4seKKYXUc0JD-V0eeiD37KEjc2ODytzKRgXzsN-uD9TiDvaiI2RWMJ8z2U1p5jICvrTA5zb8fws2hUxHAxRC1kaRlKd0K0BiGp_Fk0vDAM/s1600/IMG_5481.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKckAxoDDtKs4wG92GL9UsbmQUtMzxqpMX4seKKYXUc0JD-V0eeiD37KEjc2ODytzKRgXzsN-uD9TiDvaiI2RWMJ8z2U1p5jICvrTA5zb8fws2hUxHAxRC1kaRlKd0K0BiGp_Fk0vDAM/s800/IMG_5481.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a></center>
<p>As we found it increasingly difficult to navigate the crowds, we took a 2-hour break for sushi at Makiman. By the time we finished that, people were beginning to gather along Broad Street in preparation for whatever the night's event, the finale of the 25-day-long festival, was going to be. At this point we had no clue what that was, and neither did most of the people around us. For <a href="http://www.transe-express.com/" target="_blank">this spectacle</a>, I will provide you with some visual and auditory descriptions because word just won't do!</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIih6J3Q-QbThdYBuI_thQvZQVDl84XOhqi1WQZYWjfBEGop_HaqgQ8nvHqT3kphUMpPgMS_e9Y5NY1Foi2zHOD3BTNRvb3iG3pplO7lrlkImnTrYGKQUbKWOATEWJNekLh7jkwJw4YI/s1600/IMG_5486.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIih6J3Q-QbThdYBuI_thQvZQVDl84XOhqi1WQZYWjfBEGop_HaqgQ8nvHqT3kphUMpPgMS_e9Y5NY1Foi2zHOD3BTNRvb3iG3pplO7lrlkImnTrYGKQUbKWOATEWJNekLh7jkwJw4YI/s800/IMG_5486.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a><br/>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgOJXlbj2pZhKfHI515C7YVs924EKIVUqSw7gC95ldLAnc3vNvXngUok6MqXe69QRLZ-Ft_HV2Hxt6noUH8X_dLV8aNmm8F67KAUB6jOQQk6xNDH5FOMtmhex0JTK_0BmSyWlN7QpltM/s1600/IMG_5492.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgOJXlbj2pZhKfHI515C7YVs924EKIVUqSw7gC95ldLAnc3vNvXngUok6MqXe69QRLZ-Ft_HV2Hxt6noUH8X_dLV8aNmm8F67KAUB6jOQQk6xNDH5FOMtmhex0JTK_0BmSyWlN7QpltM/s800/IMG_5492.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a><br/>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEwp8BNszqTVbWpsTbgZjtXpPLXtRrjuuUFW9y3zi_p92Ey6VU9S_beDcewGf6-Op1trCkxiouBj8fffN1mHs4mzBJH5FtH-WFQ2FoVNLUUBnb4vB6pnfSt30LY7jGvpiefnaw4KYMbs/s1600/IMG_5510.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEwp8BNszqTVbWpsTbgZjtXpPLXtRrjuuUFW9y3zi_p92Ey6VU9S_beDcewGf6-Op1trCkxiouBj8fffN1mHs4mzBJH5FtH-WFQ2FoVNLUUBnb4vB6pnfSt30LY7jGvpiefnaw4KYMbs/s800/IMG_5510.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a><br/>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmk4pxGk1wKjgXyOkgxmeELC2470hNjV6_s67mIZAavyC-ybDVprrIuarTyoCCqo19GFXfcFqqsSlXRN7V8n4kDmKAEtKaQuUtRXy_xAjEMYKV57M4OZv0gyEUGPOct0JPI4dW1c96M4/s1600/IMG_5516.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmk4pxGk1wKjgXyOkgxmeELC2470hNjV6_s67mIZAavyC-ybDVprrIuarTyoCCqo19GFXfcFqqsSlXRN7V8n4kDmKAEtKaQuUtRXy_xAjEMYKV57M4OZv0gyEUGPOct0JPI4dW1c96M4/s800/IMG_5516.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a><br/>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa7w9s48wgPD5HjZNXAU49Q5yqg4BFp4XYSYG7wDQkOGJRQUdGBOMl3T3CloAsp31IzayyEVDhMT61cclzZx8i5FhGdNG-CTUifKgec5Qu5x4v2VttQvKKYjDWQAbSHm4eiuRawOEbjw/s1600/IMG_5524.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa7w9s48wgPD5HjZNXAU49Q5yqg4BFp4XYSYG7wDQkOGJRQUdGBOMl3T3CloAsp31IzayyEVDhMT61cclzZx8i5FhGdNG-CTUifKgec5Qu5x4v2VttQvKKYjDWQAbSHm4eiuRawOEbjw/s800/IMG_5524.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a><br/>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZxfZBkN7HowDCst75eywkYUq_4pGb1qTjazSzJ7fg9fwF-n5g7pGXoVV0Wy9uf1jgpNNlOZKH46YRLYHTayk_XlKOBDVQAzQIOzV0EPHTE8e4sxmy7MAr29gnufe3N_DqlgbvS9YFKA/s1600/IMG_5536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZxfZBkN7HowDCst75eywkYUq_4pGb1qTjazSzJ7fg9fwF-n5g7pGXoVV0Wy9uf1jgpNNlOZKH46YRLYHTayk_XlKOBDVQAzQIOzV0EPHTE8e4sxmy7MAr29gnufe3N_DqlgbvS9YFKA/s800/IMG_5536.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a><br/>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxJXyNkO1j6HIOmHG8lcdOSsK9ZKQbr-Qmx5VXO8UKhhzwtA2429bYxO2bmGmYcsKaXzaNvSzIPUeLeALoGS86JeT01HfbjGZmXkfxdwdxKYnrIZXAvlrh2FQ1cHvx4R1tEFIY6lWGuE/s1600/IMG_5541.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxJXyNkO1j6HIOmHG8lcdOSsK9ZKQbr-Qmx5VXO8UKhhzwtA2429bYxO2bmGmYcsKaXzaNvSzIPUeLeALoGS86JeT01HfbjGZmXkfxdwdxKYnrIZXAvlrh2FQ1cHvx4R1tEFIY6lWGuE/s800/IMG_5541.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a><br/>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJT_y1yMSl37CLM5Te_uLoO096AK_rKneHLWl7LRAzMfr8noLnRV1GNB6qV8x29xMoOxHViAnxZIqGOQDq1TN_aZpeT3sWfvlidZ3-nfdIiEHU4PGtvCDP2u3y2K7fzC6qMIOOOLoYGQ/s1600/IMG_5546.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJT_y1yMSl37CLM5Te_uLoO096AK_rKneHLWl7LRAzMfr8noLnRV1GNB6qV8x29xMoOxHViAnxZIqGOQDq1TN_aZpeT3sWfvlidZ3-nfdIiEHU4PGtvCDP2u3y2K7fzC6qMIOOOLoYGQ/s800/IMG_5546.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a><br/>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDGPaX1jxByYQ-zWniO-jWtMlqD7ePFjQvKePkiEIGAij-1bNsEzMR1bezs5KxDwjgBTAlX62Pzo9LcUDSrUd5j9ZsdXOfNgcH1wJgBR9VoiaCrmfRtQ5kbkG-4QcDhdqOSSZMAg1h-w/s1600/IMG_5549.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDGPaX1jxByYQ-zWniO-jWtMlqD7ePFjQvKePkiEIGAij-1bNsEzMR1bezs5KxDwjgBTAlX62Pzo9LcUDSrUd5j9ZsdXOfNgcH1wJgBR9VoiaCrmfRtQ5kbkG-4QcDhdqOSSZMAg1h-w/s800/IMG_5549.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a><br/>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOKQOPy6epXLf07QFn64GUBhp24o_69zRtIKP41MG_YgxGdIhcqzKUPxijL6sEKOsgFMzdHcwcZ2CaYoPrNBNwuLfIyBDeBISaeI-50YAdk2qrxQIAlx7qeBO91gavfq7FgZqrpi-WFM/s1600/IMG_5564.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOKQOPy6epXLf07QFn64GUBhp24o_69zRtIKP41MG_YgxGdIhcqzKUPxijL6sEKOsgFMzdHcwcZ2CaYoPrNBNwuLfIyBDeBISaeI-50YAdk2qrxQIAlx7qeBO91gavfq7FgZqrpi-WFM/s800/IMG_5564.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a><br/>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBp1dbn0JCT-JFfGFVS30n5oOGRXUem7kMWUVnR_LRTtw1TikF9jzvkxpyEbvWnGwpsb4TvjyiNW93t5QpjPdsw4vqrQN6DtlnJ6JTEw5MG6keQRJLJPZs2LydyyAmRM5dj2Tg91Uvq0/s1600/IMG_5568.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBp1dbn0JCT-JFfGFVS30n5oOGRXUem7kMWUVnR_LRTtw1TikF9jzvkxpyEbvWnGwpsb4TvjyiNW93t5QpjPdsw4vqrQN6DtlnJ6JTEw5MG6keQRJLJPZs2LydyyAmRM5dj2Tg91Uvq0/s800/IMG_5568.JPG" width="490" class="photo"/></a><br/>
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<p>The evening was topped off by a visit from a friend from New Jersey who I of course had to take to Cavanaugh's, and then my favorite secret swanky spot, hidden on a small side street and lacking a sign to announce its presence to the rest of the world. I'll only give one hint because I am selfish and want it all to myself: RR. </p>
<p>On Sunday, I stopped at my favorite cafe in Mount Airy, called High Point Cafe, for my typical Sunday morning fix of cappuccino and crepes before heading to the Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival.</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaVbwttGM6X2BorRAn-lOuJ5mQeRjJD9Nnv5ZjKmkKlYmukxPYuvrMV60Q9yzQq-KCM-YXPdMezokor7gSlTOD3ex8V1yM4R5v8LV2ZLj3qryrrwDj1SPyOLYTTt3YnUxzork79xb10s/s1600/IMG_5347.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaVbwttGM6X2BorRAn-lOuJ5mQeRjJD9Nnv5ZjKmkKlYmukxPYuvrMV60Q9yzQq-KCM-YXPdMezokor7gSlTOD3ex8V1yM4R5v8LV2ZLj3qryrrwDj1SPyOLYTTt3YnUxzork79xb10s/s800/IMG_5347.JPG" width="490" /></a></center>
<p>This street fair also featured a length of pedestrian-only traffic along Germantown Avenue, another popular street. There were plenty of vendors and right when I walked up, I spotted an awesome coffee table that I immediately snagged. Well, I put the cash-only deposit down as fast as I could, and returned later to take it home with me. It matches perfectly with our Victorian-style couches in our living room. I also picked up an old Chinese lamp, a glass doorknob, some business cards, and some delicious Sangria. When I got home, I grabbed my beach towel and laid in the backyard for a bit, something I've been wanting to do for a while now. The weather was even better than the day before, and I actually noticed that I got a bit of color while wearing my sundress... time to break out the sunscreen for the season!</p>
<p>So happy that Spring is finally here. Till the next time ;-)</p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-73383345877669928572011-04-01T15:03:00.003-04:002011-05-03T15:25:38.317-04:00True Innovation: Spotlight on GoogleToday, April 1, 2011, Google is experimenting with some new <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=helvetica">typefaces</a> for its search results pages (typophiles delight, the Comic Sans font is just lovely!!!) and announced a new program which allows you to navigate your Gmail account using <a href="http://mail.google.com/mail/help/motion.html">body motion</a> instead of typing with your fingertips.<br />
<div class="quote" style="font-size: 30px; line-height: 34px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 20px;">
"Someday, people will be moving their bodies and creating a whole world of things bending to our will, rather than our bodies bending to the will of technology."</div>
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<span style="padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 20px;">- Dr. Klayman, Gmail Motion Scientific Advisor</span> </div>
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<p><b>Important update</b>: April Fools! My cousin sent me one of these, and I found the other through further research as well as a host of others. For more tech-related jokes that big names played on their poor and unsuspecting audiences this year, check out <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2011/04/01/april-fools-2011-the-big-list/">this great list by TechCrunch</a>. Sorry, and you're welcome ;-)</p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-45157215569709021992011-03-06T00:55:00.000-05:002011-03-06T05:57:16.359-05:00The Evil Twitter Twins<p>Back in September, Twitter began rolling out a sparkly new layout and a few new features to some of its users, and officially completed it in October. Users are still given the option whether to use "old" or "new" Twitter, and I'd personally kept to the old one for a while for a variety of reasons, including my typical resistance to anything my favorite services try to change for the sake of changing (if it ain't broke...) but also because of the "new" version's wider layout, which fills most of the screen horizontally.</p>
<h2>Old Twitter</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7N7qicVszs9S8qbkv1zTWSP3kYj2O1NizDqqyoCsp4ydYcOJM0TjUjsfAIzsF26wIrIdbm9hxBfDfo8vpd0kPG5YtgaluKxgFbO0ZmllLvGaLrKj8D7sgfiLF6_t4YoVBJzfW_TFBiA/s1600/1024-old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7N7qicVszs9S8qbkv1zTWSP3kYj2O1NizDqqyoCsp4ydYcOJM0TjUjsfAIzsF26wIrIdbm9hxBfDfo8vpd0kPG5YtgaluKxgFbO0ZmllLvGaLrKj8D7sgfiLF6_t4YoVBJzfW_TFBiA/s800/1024-old.jpg" alt="Old Twitter Width"/></a></div>
<h2>New Twitter</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9baRCQseNAPYAR0VbPatR-ldusXcM_k6bLw2KyZFVfyLOm9mVdQL2wv-i1L8jz26FewcbY9MxSY_P7K9D-1_VtNl8ms-KicDKN1cq4TcNN6PJdqp8pQn-lXJoNYBqBH-hmfSoCHSWpE/s1600/1024x1024-new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9baRCQseNAPYAR0VbPatR-ldusXcM_k6bLw2KyZFVfyLOm9mVdQL2wv-i1L8jz26FewcbY9MxSY_P7K9D-1_VtNl8ms-KicDKN1cq4TcNN6PJdqp8pQn-lXJoNYBqBH-hmfSoCHSWpE/s800/1024x1024-new.jpg" alt="New Twitter Width"/></a></div>
<p>The implication is that less of the user's background image will be showing. A little *ahem* background... on Twitter's backgrounds. You basically get three options when designing your Twitter profile's background appearance:</p>
<ul><li>solid color (don't use a background image)</li><li>background image that tiles (repeats vertically and horizontally)</li><li>background image that doesn't tile and is stuck in the top-left corner of the screen</li></ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqELClqRHlWn4-ighINdz6fzKyRhd8z66JfhuyUEQMVe58SL7ogGdmB20a3QSQEhrZyVNrZSz5SzYVNfTChhozeVRDat1JHjmeGOl0tGaR1yFfU9cagHR4ZpfPO7KcV6MqKEzh8u2h-Q/s1600/background-options.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqELClqRHlWn4-ighINdz6fzKyRhd8z66JfhuyUEQMVe58SL7ogGdmB20a3QSQEhrZyVNrZSz5SzYVNfTChhozeVRDat1JHjmeGOl0tGaR1yFfU9cagHR4ZpfPO7KcV6MqKEzh8u2h-Q/s800/background-options.jpg" alt="Twitter Profile Settings Screen"/></a></div>
<p>This is a bit different from normal Web pages, which allow you to set a variety of options in HTML and CSS such as whether the image will be centered or stuck to a different side of the screen, whether it will be fixed or scroll with the content, and more. To be fair, most social networks do limit customization in order to maintain some kind of consistency for the user experience. Twitter in particular has always had a very streamlined interface and sometimes an overly-simplified approach to its service. The great thing about getting millions of minds together online though, is that often people will come up with extremely cool ways to work within the provided framework and still show off their creativity. </p>
<p>In the case of Twitter, one of these ways was to create custom background graphics which either reinforced a brand image, pointed to other social networks (Twitter limits you to one hyperlink in your actual profile), or just looked darn cool. There are <a href="http://pelfusion.com/inspiration/creative-twitter-backgrounds-of-50-designers/">plenty</a> of <a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/09/18/effective-twitter-backgrounds-examples-and-best-practices/">nifty</a> "Twitter background" roundups and <a href="http://www.blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/tutorials/twitter-background-design-how-to-and-best-practices">tutorials</a> floating out there which highlight this trend, but they generally display the narrower layout which provided more real estate for these creative backgrounds.</p>
<p>Now, I had not taken the time to design myself a cool background before this point, and in a way I'm glad I didn't because it's a shame for all the people who did, only to have them hidden today. However, in light of the imminent "You’re using an older version of Twitter that won’t be around for much longer" message posted along the top of every page, I decided that there must be a way to have a cool-looking graphic that fits in the new space provided.</p>
<p>And so, in honor of Spring cleaning, my new MacBook Air, and the design community at large, I put myself up to the challenge.</p>
<p>Thought process:</p>
<ul><li>I am not including mobile users, as they would be using mobile Twitter or a third-party application, so they wouldn't see any change in "layout" from old to new or any user's backgrounds at all.</li>
<li>For some users, 1024px is the highest resolution their screens will allow. Browsing new Twitter with a 1024px wide window on a normal device, though, means that you have 40px of background real estate on the left, and 40px on the right. Unless you're going to write something at 4pt font size or place your favicon there, I don't see this as being useful. It is practically the smallest resolution you can use in the new Twitter before getting horizontal scrollbars (ick), so I think it's safe to say this resolution will not be our target.</li>
<li>Moving on to the next big class of users: 1280px wide screens. Realizing that someone could resize their window a bit smaller even when their maximum resolution was 1280px meant that I wanted a design which could hold up to somewhere between 1024 and 1280, but generally 1280 would become the new standard. This gave me 120px to play with on each side of the screen.</li>
<li>The right sidebar in the new Twitter is now slightly transparent. I could do something cool behind there...</li></ul>
<p>Time to sit down and design. Approximately three hours, one drunken roommate, some Pad Thai, and a few bathroom breaks later, I was finally satisfied enough to test my design...</p>
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<a href="http://twitter.com/whoaitsaimz" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OxwZtERuWHH_ZpQrjt-3EGgaCRbroZrwX5WmFkZmCCJxIZpz1mycABB30Jar7niuh5AbsSgb3FvvWa_jGs4ppfD5IdIrELnwddAQDPZiu-wD1NJA8Bc-5L8oHKpt8zCZRnZzCCxAS3w/s800/1280x650.png" alt="Eureka! The Twitter Twins are Born"/></a></div>
<p>Eureka! It worked! My design didn't call for any specific top padding, and I eventually trimmed it down a bit, but I was very happy with how this looked online, how it scaled with the window, and of course, how very "Amy," my new Twitter background was.</p>
<p>Now off to write a how-to reference for the design community on <a href="http://color-and-code.com">http://color-and-code.com</a></p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-80656249377292315182011-02-14T23:22:00.006-05:002011-05-23T23:46:12.716-04:00Happy ValenTIN's Day<p>The tin man and Dorothy celebrate Valen<em>tin</em>'s Day on February 14th.</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59_L6bFyFN972nh4xePiZ9e-p91gSpf12rtU2huhyV0oj8mc_KBJNWgA8rqY6cXdHKnkLjfYmYKgbmYWkGuGahhpg8PLQKItrPm61Wt3O6wzh6kAZvsj_eUR6qil4Ckc02VoyfvIBO8I/s800/human-vs-robot-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin:10px auto;"><img width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59_L6bFyFN972nh4xePiZ9e-p91gSpf12rtU2huhyV0oj8mc_KBJNWgA8rqY6cXdHKnkLjfYmYKgbmYWkGuGahhpg8PLQKItrPm61Wt3O6wzh6kAZvsj_eUR6qil4Ckc02VoyfvIBO8I/s800/human-vs-robot-12.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>Really though, I just wanted to share this lovely piece of art by <a href="http://www.blutsbrueder-design.com/" target="_blank">Franz Steiner</a>. He photographs the real-life female models and composites them with computer-generated robots, backgrounds, and other sci-fi/fantasy objects of the not-so-far-off future which he creates in 3DS Max. The result is incredibly believable and provocative, which I thought was fitting for today's post.</p>
<p>Happy Valentine's Day everyone, whether flesh or bot.</p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-13645194180886075342011-01-30T17:52:00.003-05:002011-01-30T18:37:38.993-05:00Punta Cana: A Trip to Paradise, Part 2<p>Continued from <a href="http://whoaitsaimz.blogspot.com/2010/11/punta-cana-trip-to-paradise-part-1.html">Part 1</a>.</p> <h1>Day 4</h1> <p>On Saturday morning, Kristin and I stopped by the Club House / “Centro de Animación” where Kristin claimed her prize from the dance contest the night before – a lovely certificate and another bottle of our favorite local rum!</p> <p><img class="photo" title="Kristin receiving her award" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Kristin receiving her award" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3461_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_4851.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Ron Barceló aged rum" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Ron Barceló aged rum" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_4851_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Then we all headed to the beach restaurant “Mare Nostrum” and enjoyed a delicious brunch buffet and mimosas.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3455_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Brunch at Mare Nostrum" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="350" alt="Brunch at Mare Nostrum" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3455_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>For dessert, Trish volunteered to be the test subject for this weird pink rubbery thing but the experience was not a positive one so we didn’t follow suit.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3459_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Trish eats the pink pudding thing" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Trish eats the pink pudding thing" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3459_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>After brunch, we ventured to the front lobby where we awaited our ride to go zip lining. This is what showed up:</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3468_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Ready fro a trek up the mountain" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="350" alt="Ready fro a trek up the mountain" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3468_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/41303_787382147858_15712104_42965635.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="It's gonna be a bumpy ride" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="It's gonna be a bumpy ride" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/41303_787382147858_15712104_42965635_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p></p> <p>Note the slightly scared look on our faces. It was quite a bumpy ride - strap in!</p> <p>The ride there was so picturesque as we traveled through the local villages up to the mountain. I snapped about a hundred pictures for my own memories but most came out blurry since we were going about 60 mph on these little dirt roads.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3474_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Blue skies" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Blue skies" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3474_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a><img class="photo" title="Cute home" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Cute home" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3497_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /> </p> <p>Most of the houses had this intricate ironwork. Looks a lot more attractive than the bars on the windows you see in North Philadelphia, where I used to live ;-)</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3568_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Local road" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Local road" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3568_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3599_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Verdant green" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Verdant green" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3599_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>In this picture, you get a sense of how quickly we were traveling up to the mountain.</p> <p>Palm trees and blue skies in every direction. </p> <p><a><img class="photo" title="Houses on the hills" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Houses on the hills" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3610_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3674_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Amazing" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Amazing" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3674_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3681_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Cards, anyone?" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Cards, anyone?" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3681_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Just a normal mid-afternoon in DR? </p> <p><a><img class="photo" title="Mountains in the background" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Mountains in the background" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3690_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3721_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Gateway to paradise" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Gateway to paradise" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3721_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3722_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Political posters" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Political posters" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3722_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>There were campaign signs posted from the recent congressional election.</p> <p><a><img class="photo" title="Stopped for a minute for a photoshoot" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Stopped for a minute for a photoshoot" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3760_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3770_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="More scenery" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="More scenery" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3770_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3771_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Yours truly on the way up" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Yours truly on the way up" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3771_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3772_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Horses grazing in the jungle" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Horses grazing in the jungle" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3772_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>There were only a few others on the excursion with us that day, which the workers said was unusual but made it more enjoyable for us since we didn’t have to wait for a lot of people as we went from one zip line to another, and we got more individual attention.</p> <p>This young man from Illinois was by himself because his traveling companion had not come back to their hotel room the night before. We’re not sure if they found each other later that day, but we felt bad he was alone and quickly adopted him into our trio. </p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3778_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="The crew all harnessed up" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="The crew all harnessed up" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3778_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Our first glimpse at what a zip line actually looks like. “That’s the BEGINNER one??” we all gasped. Yes, this was the shortest one, and they got longer and higher as the day progressed.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3780_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="One of the zip lines" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="One of the zip lines" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3780_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <img class="photo" title="Trish giving the thumbs up" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Trish giving the thumbs up" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3784_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></p> <p>Just a little nervous.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3803_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Me in the middle of the zip line" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Me in the middle of the zip line" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3803_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3806_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Us three girls with our new friends" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Us three girls with our new friends" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3806_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Doing good so far. </p> <p><a><img class="photo" title="Up up up" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Up up up" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3813_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3830.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Kristin just hangin' out" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Kristin just hangin' out" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3830_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Trish really wanted a picture with a lizard. I guess we forgot the scavenger hunt only had “Take a picture with a statue of an amphibian” (note: not a live one) because after this shot we all tried to get a picture with a lizard, but this was the closest anyone got.</p> <p><a><img class="photo" title="Lizard spotting" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="367" alt="Lizard spotting" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3833_annotated_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Moving on. Yeah, this is what we had to climb…</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3852.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="This is reassuring" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="This is reassuring" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3852_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a><img class="photo" title="Don't look down..." style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Don't look down..." src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3855_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3859.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Ahhh!" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Ahhh!" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3859_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>As the lines got increasingly more difficult, correct form and technique was imperative to make it to the other side. If you pulled down on the line too much, you would slow yourself down, which is what happened to each of us one time. </p> <p>The first was Trish, who had to get rescued by the guy actually going to the middle of the line where she was stuck, and pulling her back in. We had been instructed on what to do if you got stuck (turn yourself around and use a hand-over-hand motion to pull yourself along), but in the moment I guess she forgot.</p> <p><a><img class="photo" title="Trish getting rescued" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Trish getting rescued" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3864_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>I got stuck next, but was close enough to the end of the line where the guy just walked out to grab me and pull me in.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3869.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Me getting rescued" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Me getting rescued" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3869_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3871.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Me on the line" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Me on the line" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3871_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3875.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Checking out the view" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Checking out the view" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3875_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Kristin got stuck on the last line and, using proper technique, was able to pull herself to the end.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3883.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Kristin rescuing herself" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Kristin rescuing herself" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3883_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>What an adventure! After some refreshments and a bathroom break, it was back onto the van for a bumpy ride back to the resort.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3900.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Our bright room" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Our bright room" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3900_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>We had dinner at the Rodizzio Restaurant, a Brazilian restaurant on the other resort, just a short walk along the beach away.</p> <p><a><img class="photo" title="The three of us at the restaurant" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="The three of us at the restaurant" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3902_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>During dinner, we spotted this stray doggie waiting for some leftover scraps. The waitress told us his name is Kenya, and he followed us almost back to our resort that evening, but stopped where our resort started. I guess the adult-only resort staff was not as friendly to him as the family side. </p> <p><a><img class="photo" title="Kenya the dog" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Kenya the dog" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3907_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a>Also on the walk back, someone had arranged some greenery and candles to make a large heart in sand. My pictures didn’t come out because it was too dark and the flash ruined the effect, but we later saw one of these being used in a wedding ceremony. Aww.</p> <p>When we arrived in the lobby, we visited our favorite bartender and I asked him to teach me how to make a caipirinha.</p> <ul> <li>“Have the bartender teach you how to make a drink from <u>behind</u> the bar.” </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3920.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Me making some caipirinha" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Me making some caipirinha" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3920_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>+ 1 for me.</p> <p>Since Trish didn’t make it out the night before, Kristin and I promised we’d take her to the club in the cave that night. We got a nice couple to snap this shot of us at the entrance.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/47162_787382302548_15712104_42965643_8153174_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="All of us outside Imagine" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="All of us outside Imagine" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/47162_787382302548_15712104_42965643_8153174_n_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>I spotted this woman who, despite not being Asian, was wearing what could technically pass as a kimono. She didn’t seem to speak English but I told her with gestures that I loved her dress and asked for a photo.</p> <ul> <li>“Take a picture with an Asian lady with a parasol (x2 if she’s wearing a kimono or dressed in all red).” </li> </ul> <p><img class="photo" title="Posing with the lady in a kimono and some random dude" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="604" alt="Posing with the lady in a kimono and some random dude" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/47767_787382532088_15712104_42965659_5783674_n_thumb.jpg" width="453" border="0" /></p> <p>Kristin and Trish agreed I could have one point for creativity and since none of us were probably going to find anything closer than this. The guy jumped in at the last minute, I’m not sure if he even knew the woman on my left.</p> <p>Inside the club, we danced our butts off and met an array of travelers from Boston, Massachusetts to Hamburg, Germany.</p> <p><img class="photo" title="On the hot pink sofa at Imagine disco" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="On the hot pink sofa at Imagine disco" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/47503_787383470208_15712104_42965718_2925374_n_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/58373_787383145858_15712104_42965700_6568707_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Having fun on the dance floor, which lit up in true disco style" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Having fun on the dance floor, which lit up in true disco style" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/58373_787383145858_15712104_42965700_6568707_n_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/58986_787383375398_15712104_42965713_1636686_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="At the Imagine disco" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="At the Imagine disco" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/58986_787383375398_15712104_42965713_1636686_n_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Notable moment: Miguel introduced us to the song “Wiki Wiki”  and none of us have been the same since. </p> <h1>Day 5</h1> <p>On our last full day in the DR, we decided to lay low, enjoy the weather, and hang out with all of our new friends from the week including twin sisters from Montreal, pictured below.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3944.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Dancing on the beach" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Dancing on the beach" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3944_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Starting off with some dance lessons on the beach given by our favorite Animación staff members seemed like a good idea. </p> <p>Then a dip in the turquoise water and an impromptu photo shoot. </p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_39513.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Bathing beauties" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Bathing beauties" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_39513_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <img class="photo" title="Oceanside cabanas" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Oceanside cabanas" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/47741_787383729688_15712104_42965735_8167099_n_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /> </p> <p>These are the VIP cabanas we lounged on all day.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/47167_787384049048_15712104_42965757_973202_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Hotties on the beach" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="604" alt="Hotties on the beach" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/47167_787384049048_15712104_42965757_973202_n_thumb.jpg" width="453" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Next up… </p> <ul> <li>“Take a picture of you climbing a palm tree.” </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/71890_801191304198_15712104_43331820_5628537_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Climbing a palm tree" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="604" alt="Climbing a palm tree" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/71890_801191304198_15712104_43331820_5628537_n_thumb.jpg" width="453" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Score.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/41092_787384123898_15712104_42965760_6423869_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Kristin loving life" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="604" alt="Kristin loving life" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/41092_787384123898_15712104_42965760_6423869_n_thumb.jpg" width="453" border="0" /></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/46927_787384293558_15712104_42965768_922390_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Trish loving life" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="604" alt="Trish loving life" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/46927_787384293558_15712104_42965768_922390_n_thumb.jpg" width="453" border="0" /></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/41237_787384318508_15712104_42965769_6172067_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Amy loving life" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="604" alt="Amy loving life" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/41237_787384318508_15712104_42965769_6172067_n_thumb.jpg" width="453" border="0" /></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/46692_787383964218_15712104_42965753_3384532_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Loving life x2" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Loving life x2" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/46692_787383964218_15712104_42965753_3384532_n_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/46777_787384183778_15712104_42965763_6323987_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Loving life x2" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Loving life x2" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/46777_787384183778_15712104_42965763_6323987_n_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>There were only scattered showers throughout the day, in which case we simply got out of the water and waited it out in one of the beach bars or in the lobby. Not bad for hurricane season.</p> <p>That evening, after we had each accumulated enough of a tan to make our friends at home jealous, we ate at the Dominican restaurant called El Pilón. </p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/33738_801191458888_15712104_43331828_6332285_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Sunburnt bathing beauties" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Sunburnt bathing beauties" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/33738_801191458888_15712104_43331828_6332285_n_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Then we headed to the Arieto Disco and Mangu, where we learned how to do the Bachata and watched some break dancing that looked straight from the Jersey Shore.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/71504_801191603598_15712104_43331837_817755_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="The three of us ready to disco on our last night in Punta Cana" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="604" alt="The three of us ready to disco on our last night in Punta Cana" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/71504_801191603598_15712104_43331837_817755_n_thumb.jpg" width="453" border="0" /></a></p> <p>We stayed out late and woke up early, not yet ready to leave such a gorgeous place as this. </p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/66950_801191683438_15712104_43331842_4392264_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Pool at Dawn" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Pool at Dawn" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/66950_801191683438_15712104_43331842_4392264_n_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/72039_801191873058_15712104_43331853_5577650_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Palms at Dawn" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Palms at Dawn" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/72039_801191873058_15712104_43331853_5577650_n_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Alas, arriving at the outdoor airport in 90+ degree heat, it was time to say goodbye.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3973.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Ready for takeoff" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="368" alt="Ready for takeoff" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_3973_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Bottom line is, I <a href="http://www.puntacanaprincess.com/" target="_blank">LOVE this place</a> and would go back in a heartbeat. Especially in the off-season, which proved to be the best value for the buck and probably a lot more fun.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_39512.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Vintage beauties" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;-right-width: 0px" height="653" alt="Vintage beauties" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadisePart2_12AB4/IMG_39512_thumb.jpg" width="490" border="0" /></a></p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-39899973465195449522010-11-29T22:52:00.001-05:002010-11-29T22:53:23.311-05:00Punta Cana: A Trip to Paradise, Part 1<p>I have never felt more relaxed and carefree in my life. The fact that we chose a luxury all-inclusive resort could be part of this. What a weird feeling to eat dinner and then get up and leave without asking for a bill or paying a tip. In addition, the people we met were so friendly and helped us with any and everything we needed. Well let's just get to the pictures...</p> <h1>Day 1</h1> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3266_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Plane wing over NJ" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Plane wing over NJ" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3266_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><span class="caption">Departing Newark (the armpit), NJ, USA</span></p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3274_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Plane wing over DR" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Plane wing over DR" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3274_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><span class="caption">Arriving in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic</span></p> <p>There’s the airport… the little hut… over there… <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3288.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Punta Cana Airport" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Punta Cana Airport" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3288_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>When we checked in to our beautiful suite (one of the best on the resort as we’re told), we got a delicious welcome package and some of the best rum I’ve ever tasted. </p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3289.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Girls with Cuba Libre drink" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="351" alt="Girls with Cuba Libre drink" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3289_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>The bottle lasted us about two days, but there was no shortage as Kristin won another one in a dance contest later in the week, and our new friend Luis (who we understood to be the head of the wait staff) hooked us up with a bottle for some Cuba Libre, well, <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/libre" target="_blank"><em>libre</em></a> (free), shortly thereafter. </p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3292.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Girls watching Luis prep a drink for us" style=" display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Girls watching Luis prep a drink for us" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3292_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><span class="caption">Luis fixing us a proper Cuba Libre</span></p> <p>Passing by the pool on our way to the lobby, we were greeted by some freshly-chopped coconuts filled with a delicious cocktail called <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=coco+loco+recipe" target="_blank">Coco Loco</a> (some variation of light and dark rum, coconut milk, pineapple juice, and liqueurs). We thought this would be a daily occurrence but it seems that they actually have someone who grabs a machete and chops down the coconuts right on the resort when they become ripe.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3296_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Coco Loco in a coconut" style=" display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="349" alt="Coco Loco in a coconut" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3296_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>By mid-afternoon we were really hungry but we had missed the window for lunch so we headed to the snack bar for some ham and cheese sandwiches and Sex on the Beach. Cocktails, that is.<a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3303_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Sex on the beach, on the beach" style=" display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Sex on the beach, on the beach" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3303_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>Notable moment: random [local?] guy walks by, looks at the three of us, and exclaims, “You women are beautiful. Congratulations!” I guess they don’t see too many attractive young trio’s at this mainly-honeymooners resort.</p> <p>Anyway, my sinuses really don’t like flying and all the sugar was not helping, so later that evening, Trish and Kristin explored the resort while I caught some Zzzz. Something did not agree with Kristin’s stomach and she slept on our bathroom floor that night. It couldn’t have had anything to do with all the drinks we had consumed that day…</p> <h1>Day 2</h1> <p>We all woke up bright and early to book some excursions through a guy named Miguel, who quickly became one of our favorites (and us his).</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3309.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Good morning girls with Miguel" style=" display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Good morning girls with Miguel" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3309_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>Of course, we also had to get an early start on hydration.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3312.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Marmajuana shot in the morning, it's good for my cold" style=" display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Marmajuana shot in the morning, it's good for my cold" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3312_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>And Kristin became the first to complete an item on our officially unofficial scavenger hunt.</p> <ul> <li>“Take a picture with a guy with a big hat.” </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3313.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Guy with a wide-brimmed hat and Kristin" style=" display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="640" alt="Guy with a wide-brimmed hat and Kristin" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3313_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>We headed to the beach for some much-needed sunbathing and kayaking. We also watched a wedding take place right on the beach, and met a Russian couple who were on their honeymoon.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/41178_787380870418_15712104_42965550_8098936_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Little Mermaids" style=" display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Little Mermaids" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/41178_787380870418_15712104_42965550_8098936_n_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3316.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="White sandy beach" style=" display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="White sandy beach" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3316_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3328_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Girls on the Kayak" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Girls on the Kayak" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3328_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3331_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="How do you steer this thing?" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="How do you steer this thing?" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3331_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/47924_787380625908_15712104_42965530_4393134_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Bathing beauties" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Bathing beauties" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/47924_787380625908_15712104_42965530_4393134_n_thumb06255139c430428ba5431c845f95f40e.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>Then, we took a trip to the other resort, where families and kids are allowed, and where there are many more restaurant options and a bigger lunch buffet. </p> <p>After lunch at the buffet, we walked around this other resort for a bit, dipped our feet in the pool, then took our time getting back while walking along the white sand beach. </p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/72495_801191883038_15712104_43331854_5237380_n_4.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Poolside cabanas" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Poolside cabanas" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/72495_801191883038_15712104_43331854_5237380_n_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>We made dinner reservations at the fondue restaurant on our side, quickly stopped at the internet station to check e-mail and post annoying status messages on facebook to make all of our friends at home jealous, then headed back to the room to freshen up and relax.</p> <p>When we arrived at La Petite Fondue for dinner, they upgraded us to a table for 5 and made us feel like VIPs. The fondue was delicious, not unlike the Melting Pot here in the States.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/59562_787381159838_15712104_42965568_8059867_n_4.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="The fondue place, table for 5" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="The fondue place, table for 5" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/59562_787381159838_15712104_42965568_8059867_n_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/57980_787381304548_15712104_42965581_5969826_n_4.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Being silly with fondue" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Being silly with fondue" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/57980_787381304548_15712104_42965581_5969826_n_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>We stayed for a while just enjoying the ambience, then headed to the other side again for the evening events. While waiting for the shuttle we met our new favorite bartender Emilio. He likes to make up phrases like, “Humpty humpty, shaky shaky” which we found both lewd and hilarious.</p> <p>We got to the other side of the resort with plenty of time to grab front-row seats for the show. Kristin and Trish got up on stage for the beginning, and eventually we all got up for the finale.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/59531_787381499158_15712104_42965589_310997_n_4.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Trish and Kristin on stage" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Trish and Kristin on stage" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/59531_787381499158_15712104_42965589_310997_n_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/47870_787381569018_15712104_42965593_1396208_n_4.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Trish and I on stage for the finale" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="604" alt="Trish and I on stage for the finale" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/47870_787381569018_15712104_42965593_1396208_n_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>When that was over, we were ready to hit Areito Disco! </p> <p>We heard mostly Latin music in the beginning but it quickly changed to American pop and standard club tracks as the night progressed, and we met some guys from Toronto, CA and another group from Miami, FL, USA. One of the guys was Kristin’s second win for the scavenger hunt.</p> <ul> <li>“Take a picture with a bearded man.” </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/47463_787381828498_15712104_42965622_1544847_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Kristin with the bearded man from Miami" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Kristin with the bearded man from Miami" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/47463_787381828498_15712104_42965622_1544847_n_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a>When we returned to the resort we needed to cool off from all of that dancing, so we quickly changed to our swimsuits and donned our awesome bathrobes to head to the pool. <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/47455_787382043068_15712104_42965629_1114658_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Us in bathrobes ready for a night dip" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Us in bathrobes ready for a night dip" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/47455_787382043068_15712104_42965629_1114658_n_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>Unfortunately we got kicked out because, as one Spanish interpreter pointed out to us, they were chlorinating the pools. Oops. We didn’t know if it was just for that night or for every night but needless to say we didn’t try again. Besides, the ocean is right there…</p> <h1>Day 3</h1> <p>We woke up in time for the breakfast buffet on the third day and had a little time to kill before our first excursion. So, we all knocked out another item on our scavenger hunt.</p> <ul> <li>“Take a picture with a statue of an amphibian.” </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3349.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Us sitting on a turtle" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Us sitting on a turtle" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3349_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3353.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Trish laying on a turtle" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Trish laying on a turtle" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3353_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>I honestly don’t know how we came up with that one. Anyway, we each got a point for it and spent the rest of the morning wandering around the resort and hanging out by the pool.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3339.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Sunwing VIP Club" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Sunwing VIP Club" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3339_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3357_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Trish lounges to my right" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Trish lounges to my right" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3357_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3356.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="First-person POV looking at the pool and my beautiful feet" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="First-person POV looking at the pool and my beautiful feet" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3356_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3358_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Kristin lounges to my left" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Kristin lounges to my left" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3358_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3370_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Trish taking a dip" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="653" alt="Trish taking a dip" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3370_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3374_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Barbie spikes a beach ball" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="655" alt="Barbie spikes a beach ball" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3374_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3375_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="My beautiful blonde bff at the pool" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="653" alt="My beautiful blonde bff at the pool" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3375_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>By mid-afternoon, the heat was full blast and we stepped onto a hot school bus with the windows knocked out to get to the port. When we arrived, we had to listen to some boring safety stuff, grab our lifejackets, and head on the boat for a leisurely cruise to Stingray Bay where we would be meeting some stingrays and swimming with the sharks, then snorkeling around the coral reef and imbibing a bit while enjoying some on-board entertainment. Or so we thought.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3377_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="On the way to Stingray Bay" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="On the way to Stingray Bay" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3377_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>The stingray part was tame enough. They were slimy, especially on your back – ick! Did not expect that at all, but it was fun.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/puntacanastingray_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="I'm holding a stingray!" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="686" alt="I'm holding a stingray!" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/puntacanastingray_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>When they hand-selected eight out of about a hundred people and asked them to volunteer for a new program, involving “interaction” with the sharks, my gut instinct said “HECK NO!” </p> <p>But, my two girlfriends were already looking for the dotted line to sign the waiver, and I couldn’t be the only one of the three to chicken out.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/puntacananurseshark_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Me with a Nurse shark ahhh" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="686" alt="Me with a Nurse shark ahhh" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/puntacananurseshark_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a> <span class="caption">Ah! I’m holding a Nurse shark!</span></p> <p>So, I lived to tell the story (obviously) and after we swam with it for a while, we hopped back onto the boat for some entertainment before arriving at the coral reef.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3383_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Amazing dancers on the boat" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Amazing dancers on the boat" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3383_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3397_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="All dancing crazy on the boat" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="All dancing crazy on the boat" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3397_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3398_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Ready for some snorkeling" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Ready for some snorkeling" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3398_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a> <span class="caption">Looking dorky ready for some snorky.</span></p> <p>The reefs were so close to us, Kristin actually scraped herself on it. Then the dancer guy put some reddish anti-bacterial on it, which actually made it look worse and hurt worse. Of course I snapped this flattering shot to commemorate the event.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3399_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Kristin making a funny face and pointing at her scrape from the coral" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="653" alt="Kristin making a funny face and pointing at her scrape from the coral" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3399_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a> <a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3405_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Dancers in costume on the cruise back from Stingray Bay" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Dancers in costume on the cruise back from Stingray Bay" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3405_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>After some of the infamous <a href="http://dr1.com/articles/mamajuana.shtml" target="_blank">mamajuana</a> shot and some brief entertainment, we arrived back at the port. Then it was a hot and sweaty bus ride back home in the mid-afternoon sun.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3428_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Trish gazing out the window" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="368" alt="Trish gazing out the window" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3428_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>That evening, we ordered room service while getting ready to hit the second club, Imagine.  The weird/cool thing about it is that it’s inside a natural cave. We didn’t know what to expect.</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3447_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Kristin all ready" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="685" alt="Kristin all ready" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_3447_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_34481_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Me all ready" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto;" height="687" alt="Me all ready" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/IMG_34481_thumb_3.jpg" width="490"/></a></p> <p>Trish didn’t make it that night - it was her turn to be sick. But, we liked it so much, Kristin and I decided to go back again the next night with her. Aren’t we good friends?</p> <p><a href="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/46945_787382487178_15712104_42965657_800197_n_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" title="Imagine: the club that's a cross between a cave and a castle" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 10px auto; height="368" alt="Imagine: the club that's a cross between a cave and a castle" src="http://amypospiech.com/pictures/PuntaCanaATriptoParadise_1D59/46945_787382487178_15712104_42965657_800197_n_thumb_3.jpg" width="490" /></a><span class="caption">A club inside a cave, with great music and atmosphere. You don’t have to imagine it; it’s real!</span></p> <p>Stay tuned for part dos!</p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-83727478527049492942010-10-10T22:35:00.004-04:002010-10-10T22:41:00.998-04:00Around the World in 10 Days<p>I didn't actually get to post about my trip to the Dominican Republic in August but I have another adventure to write about now. I had planned a three-day-weekend trip to San Francisco since I've always wanted to visit California, and then got assigned to a project abroad for work shortly thereafter. I somehow managed to fit both endeavors in to a small window of time and enjoyed every moment. The amount of planes I have taken in the past 10 days is just ridiculous though! I will try to post some pictures later if I have the chance, but for now I am very jet lagged and must get ready for a new week on the job...</p>
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<span class="caption">View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&msa=0&msid=112740635610187867139.00049247dd5ee861edb70&ll=42.55308,-54.140625&spn=97.913751,171.914062&z=2&source=embed" style="text-align:left">Around the World in 10 Days</a> in a larger map</span>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-69919983409200725142010-07-28T01:51:00.008-04:002010-07-28T02:08:15.182-04:00Portfolio Update: JavaScript, CSS, JSON in Action<p>The inspiration for this portfolio is a brick-and-mortar (or in my case, probably plaster and peeling paint?) art gallery. I was going to go with something that scrolls left and right as if you are walking through, but it felt so... constrained... contrived... limiting. For a portfolio piece, I really wanted something that showcased both my technical knowledge and graphic skill. So I broke out of the shell a bit with this one and made an original mashup of some leading web technologies combined with my own need for an easy-to-edit showcase of my creative work.</p>
<p>Try resizing your browser window and see what happens. Also try dragging some of the artwork around.</p>
<a href="http://amypospiech.com/portfolio.html"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: 490px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLU0zr19CccMmuyp3m-ftkZW2Z4ssctYAyIMIwgaaNAPVq952OMX8E7GcB5DY7I6OqgCZQCpNYoU72rqIgzS9FbGCqhw3Xam22NbABuGEEWQgePyYa5-J7uC9KiiRtbvLLPVrfk4WDww/s800/portfolio_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="An original portfolio design"/></a>
<p>Now for some technical mumbo-jumbo. Rather than a lightbox for image enlargements, I used a mid-size image to start. I kept it simple and linked to the image's Flickr page which also allows commenting, favoriting, viewing full size etc. for further interaction with the same number of mouse clicks. The page uses Flickr's API to pull my most interesting images from my photostream (JSON), then gets their title and puts it in the little caption area. The rest is some CSS and jQuery magic. The result is I always have an updated, interesting portfolio page which saves me precious time and energy!!! The downside is that with JavaScript disabled there isn't much to see. Note to self: come up with a creative static portfolio asap.</p>
<p>Let me know how you like it in the comments.</p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-41559861309559174222010-07-03T11:01:00.006-04:002010-07-03T11:20:51.113-04:00Happy 4th of July Weekend<div style="float:left; width:284px;">
<p style="margin-top:0px;">I'll be hanging out poolside for the rest of the day thanks to my lovely parents who let me come home whenever I want... (there's no place like home!)</p><p>Hope everyone has a happy and safe weekend, wherever in the world you are.</p></div>
<div style="float: right; padding: 3px; text-align: center; width: 200px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/whoaitsaimz/3072395597/sizes/o/" target="_blank" title="Flickr photo page"><img alt="Photo upload from Flickr: Pools of Water" class="border" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/3072395597_39b59bbaa0.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<span class="caption" style="font-size: 0.7em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/whoaitsaimz/3072395597/">Pools of Water</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/whoaitsaimz/">whoaitsaimz</a>.</span></div>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-42646425302645877742010-06-02T00:02:00.003-04:002010-06-02T00:48:38.632-04:00I'm in the FOX Spotlight!<p>A few words for Temple's Fox School of Business students: get to know and use the Center for Student Professional Development (CSPD). To see why I say this and to read even more advice from others, check out the following page on their website where I was recently featured!</p>
<p>On this page, I describe some of the things that the CSPD did for me in my undergrad career which ultimately led me to my current post-graduate position as a Junior Product Manager:</p>
<p><a href="http://sbm.temple.edu/cspd/alumni-success.html" target="_blank">"Fox Spotlight | When it comes to success stories, these alumni are writing their own chapters."</a></p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-87815637282420377612010-04-21T13:04:00.008-04:002010-04-21T13:29:23.241-04:00About the Short Story<p>I never thought I'd write <a href="http://whoaitsaimz.blogspot.com/2010/04/short-story-great-leaps-for-susan.html">a coming-of-age piece</a> for a job application. Somehow, that's exactly what happened when I applied for a position with a <a href="http://www.ogilvy.com/">well-known ad agency</a> in NYC.</p>
<p>Suzie has been a character of mine since I was a kid. I used to create PowerPoint animations of her battling monsters and flying across the city after discovering the software on my parent's computer. You couldn't have told me that Word Art and Smart Art were meant for business presentations.</p>
<p>Over the years, I have sketched, written about, and modified this little girl, but I never thought she would grow up this way. Late one Sunday night, I was taken by surprise when these words started manifesting through the keyboard. My very own fingers were telling me that Suzie is a doll, representing a young girl who realizes it's time to grow up but is not quite sure she wants to let go.</p>
<p>I did get an interview from the agency after this, although I didn't end up with the position. I am happy to say, though, that I was offered a wonderful position with the company I've interned for since last September. I'm very happy that everything has worked out and excited for this new chapter in my life, although I guess a part of me wonders what that might mean for the little heroine from my youth...</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92A42FVeWpFaTdrVcCTBvgQAw2VW2QeqQLg6GcB4i9PcWUYrlhxvqBJTsI-WxZAXR4f5VbfQh4YTbEyuMJwqaU0aSJIaPW_5Dn6FW5SLAAqsk7SxpNpqCaV2n3rV7QHmkgHO4gXVsIpk/">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92A42FVeWpFaTdrVcCTBvgQAw2VW2QeqQLg6GcB4i9PcWUYrlhxvqBJTsI-WxZAXR4f5VbfQh4YTbEyuMJwqaU0aSJIaPW_5Dn6FW5SLAAqsk7SxpNpqCaV2n3rV7QHmkgHO4gXVsIpk/s800/suzie-web.png" style="margin: 10px auto; display: block; text-align: center; width: 490px; height: auto;"/>
</a>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-44639135071277260422010-04-20T23:31:00.007-04:002010-04-21T13:21:26.754-04:00A short story: Great Leaps for Susan<p>Suzie leaped across the rooftop, flailing her arms beneath a long green cape and landing precisely on the building opposite, the silky “S” stitched into her leotard glimmering in the sunset. She dared look behind her to stare in the face of her enemy: a plastic headless Barbie doll named Midge. </p>
<p>“Susan, get down here and help set the table for dinner,” mother interrupted from the bottom of the stairway, “It’s almost 6 o’clock already.”</p>
<p>“Mom, it’s Sue,” Susan yelled back. “I’m thirteen years old now!” she huffed, shoving Midge and Suzie Doll behind her dresser in one corner of her bedroom before hurrying down the stairs.</p>
<p><span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://whoaitsaimz.blogspot.com/2010/04/about-short-story.html">Click here</a> to read the story behind the story.</span></p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3490741681998332534.post-48620311068826358652010-04-06T00:06:00.006-04:002010-04-06T10:42:12.217-04:00My First (and Last) Warm-weather Spring Break - Part 2 of 2<p>Continued from <a href="http://whoaitsaimz.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-first-and-last-warm-weather-spring.html">previous post</a>. Photo album <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/WhoaItsAimz/SpringBreak2010">here</a>!</p>
<h1>Day 4</h1>
<p>We got an early start in order to get to Kissimmee at a decent hour. Our 2 1/2 hour drive from West Palm Beach consisted of more girl talk, plenty of karaoke, and GPS directions. When we arrived at the condo where my family was staying, we headed to the main pool for a barbecue and some more Cupid Shuffle (Sharon and I couldn't resist)...</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYuR4R9xZPyzF_93KQJkwxgDJZ88jrXqLdbc0-WhT4fMZJCQyU-255HryjalR9GpRwWYMxIQ_dJm75lXt_89UKgzU-L1cfOHgexsLZjtPo2IriNufINbEfIlOZic6AT3Id9FtbR2zOr8/s1600/IMG_2202_edit.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:10px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYuR4R9xZPyzF_93KQJkwxgDJZ88jrXqLdbc0-WhT4fMZJCQyU-255HryjalR9GpRwWYMxIQ_dJm75lXt_89UKgzU-L1cfOHgexsLZjtPo2IriNufINbEfIlOZic6AT3Id9FtbR2zOr8/s720/IMG_2202_edit.jpg" border="0" alt="Cupid Shuffle again"/></a>
<p>Then we started on the Cosmopolitans, and did some sunbathing. </p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGprApxu_p2IOiytUvFKkcjok4ZTGpnldSHpp_a1pKSWXZv_kSC9oivOFZXNwLXsQBydKKr-WiEhyphenhyphenEYs24NQdbMMzcpXrbrADuknWPac0nkRqOHuMiIywYgBMkVqGgoOu4ynUGLn9IDw/s1600/IMG_2210.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:10px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGprApxu_p2IOiytUvFKkcjok4ZTGpnldSHpp_a1pKSWXZv_kSC9oivOFZXNwLXsQBydKKr-WiEhyphenhyphenEYs24NQdbMMzcpXrbrADuknWPac0nkRqOHuMiIywYgBMkVqGgoOu4ynUGLn9IDw/s720/IMG_2210.JPG" border="0" alt="Mom and Dad swimming"/></a>
<p>We headed back to the condo for dinner in the early evening, chatted for a bit, then said goodbye to Crystal and Sharon, who had to get back to their real lives. Sharon just got hired at a law firm in D.C., and Crystal had to work the next day as well. But my vacation was just getting started.</p>
<p>The evening concluded with card games Rummy and one we call "Bino" (<a href="http://www.pagat.com/draw/scat.html">also called "31" and "Scat"</a>). </p>
<h1>Day 5</h1>
<p>Very early rise for EPCOT in Disney World, where the International Flower & Garden Festival was taking place. We were delighted by topiaries and beautiful flowers all day long.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2vUhA7oEoiHo_83A8jfdyxC2YNH9LjcR2GEgYtytFGE7wbygLfSc2Vkcevtptmw_6KtzvFytIlJU8Z_nSd7JdA9_BEwXgqYhTWy96POO27zrVFS-jpA_bFUxhu9CEGSvGdLtpXc-MaI/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2vUhA7oEoiHo_83A8jfdyxC2YNH9LjcR2GEgYtytFGE7wbygLfSc2Vkcevtptmw_6KtzvFytIlJU8Z_nSd7JdA9_BEwXgqYhTWy96POO27zrVFS-jpA_bFUxhu9CEGSvGdLtpXc-MaI/s720/IMG_2218.JPG" border="0" alt="Sis excited for the park!" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun3UTWCfmF2MIRUc0qcGrmW1gMwu_i6SyZ7Y8RAZmIdo5DMUJAyYMLJWM2nVeFxVNpa-Y37bOo57puXm4MjYKb3V7uNFH8GBa1cxdEYuvHkKrv4vcXLvhfmuFEFjsi7SFNXiWwQ_bJoo/s1600/IMG_2232.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun3UTWCfmF2MIRUc0qcGrmW1gMwu_i6SyZ7Y8RAZmIdo5DMUJAyYMLJWM2nVeFxVNpa-Y37bOo57puXm4MjYKb3V7uNFH8GBa1cxdEYuvHkKrv4vcXLvhfmuFEFjsi7SFNXiWwQ_bJoo/s800/IMG_2232.JPG" border="0" alt="American Gothic" /></a>
<p>We got there just after the park opened and headed to Soaring, a simulated flight over California, complete with the smell of oranges while passing over orange groves, and other fun surprises.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEhPKaUKycRFztzij0C3I8jScv0-qfuGEcpxFVIxy4PF5fsZ569UMcDJ7dnrclG7SQybf1hGu9p7_MCjq2w0i9gUnC_Mk7oy5wwCuGE3tZXGX5hUXQXI7Y_LM5KG0lwfRYOWHSjzjYYU/s1600/IMG_2221_edit.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEhPKaUKycRFztzij0C3I8jScv0-qfuGEcpxFVIxy4PF5fsZ569UMcDJ7dnrclG7SQybf1hGu9p7_MCjq2w0i9gUnC_Mk7oy5wwCuGE3tZXGX5hUXQXI7Y_LM5KG0lwfRYOWHSjzjYYU/s800/IMG_2221_edit.jpg" border="0" alt="Outside Spaceship Earth" /></a>
<p>Next, we ventured over to Test Track where, after the ride, a GM representative offered to mail dad some information on the latest Cadillac (backhanded compliment?).</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0IE8CvRfGuXT2_gBE57DF3QQAyPESQ6cGzLYTwfPhW0M3-DGXXUzOFc42UfiNr-eTNP5yjhVL-HqDLL4QGqxBwr0QPHOqBQjJv3nueEMGtZUjbzs89eDWF4LwQ_sCjW92sZZ04acOhU/s1600/8bbf3f4f-e236-4a56-861e-9d3400bd431d.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0IE8CvRfGuXT2_gBE57DF3QQAyPESQ6cGzLYTwfPhW0M3-DGXXUzOFc42UfiNr-eTNP5yjhVL-HqDLL4QGqxBwr0QPHOqBQjJv3nueEMGtZUjbzs89eDWF4LwQ_sCjW92sZZ04acOhU/s800/8bbf3f4f-e236-4a56-861e-9d3400bd431d.jpg" border="0" alt="Test Track Photo" /></a>
<p>Arriving at Mission: SPACE, I convinced my sister to take the "more intense" trip to Mars with me, for which she claimed I owed her a consolation prize later.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV-W8U7ypv4Z9H2SlZPiaU2TfiRkSz2kth91I9-PZvS95HALn4NyJ4OVis33AiWgjHoT6Rx0PvRt-8KOI7V-jvir2H0qnSB5l-IhyphenhyphentjOwRP4D6HYT11EDpj-csLMe8Wj5RV5wuAblvh8/s1600/IMG_2223_edit.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV-W8U7ypv4Z9H2SlZPiaU2TfiRkSz2kth91I9-PZvS95HALn4NyJ4OVis33AiWgjHoT6Rx0PvRt-8KOI7V-jvir2H0qnSB5l-IhyphenhyphentjOwRP4D6HYT11EDpj-csLMe8Wj5RV5wuAblvh8/s800/IMG_2223_edit.jpg" border="0" alt="Sis outside Soarin'"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeVRMXA0Mq8J-ceJ60zsMc4LDvp9u-GOJY3YNM0xussIM1WwPCGd7okHX5TD1XSCpeJd6CehXgp13zMUnQDOio9LlhYXfNXP1kaXffdj-5S5qwjgFggIE4y55jPNQivR1S-9gCZ976QE/s1600/IMG_2225.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeVRMXA0Mq8J-ceJ60zsMc4LDvp9u-GOJY3YNM0xussIM1WwPCGd7okHX5TD1XSCpeJd6CehXgp13zMUnQDOio9LlhYXfNXP1kaXffdj-5S5qwjgFggIE4y55jPNQivR1S-9gCZ976QE/s800/IMG_2225.JPG" border="0" alt="Orange Team" /></a>
<p>Mom and dad rode the green "less intense" version.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF23tnuN75HzhpqllWF8dk0_ku2znb143aQceQZfH-_LanarquwB1-unlj85Oeab-_EEBLNytbgu2WrN5BvHB5R-kcWj4se7yaKwFrCH7TkcpcTNwfF1EZCqM66e6zU98KYeoux2bhbRE/s1600/IMG_2224.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF23tnuN75HzhpqllWF8dk0_ku2znb143aQceQZfH-_LanarquwB1-unlj85Oeab-_EEBLNytbgu2WrN5BvHB5R-kcWj4se7yaKwFrCH7TkcpcTNwfF1EZCqM66e6zU98KYeoux2bhbRE/s800/IMG_2224.JPG" border="0" alt="Green Team" /></a>
<p>Sister and I also picked up some of our favorite astronaut ice cream in the gift shop on our way out.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thinkingofyoupostcards.com/runtime/play?Guestcode=KQ6Q6AHRAFRE1Q" target="_blank"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px 10px; width: 120px; height: 160px; float:right;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTGZsHki6-YsEwvVcFHaGddOWfu0iWx05M05kLLHp7lKMbpXjucupIy2VByv_0EW7_JcnPlXIXrX13IffIH11Bx4NLA-LD-enNy6aDrNYO7Ou0jjd4JN_7ztdZzMLMMJ0G_oq4zFU9XU/" border="0" alt="Amy & Laura Dance"/></a>Then sister and I made a quick visit to Innoventions, always one of my favorites. Inside Innoventions West, we became the stars of our own video game, which you can <a href="http://www.thinkingofyoupostcards.com/runtime/play?Guestcode=KQ6Q6AHRAFRE1Q" target="_blank">play here</a>!<p>
<p>Venturing into the countries, mom, sis and I stopped for some lunch in France and met Princess Aurora (my favorite princess)!</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wLWj9FutW5xy2a8WViJttImIrPIBi4Aj7XrRgS018dvg2uZ4IyXJOYErDnOvSfFeZdLuNVqVWuHrfouV3OOXiyIgzIF40zvwRs_iupR7RRPccUmWpKk8mfZShqTfiSHmNpt_HkyQpzE/s1600/235a4515-2c2d-4dc4-b07c-9d3401512aec.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wLWj9FutW5xy2a8WViJttImIrPIBi4Aj7XrRgS018dvg2uZ4IyXJOYErDnOvSfFeZdLuNVqVWuHrfouV3OOXiyIgzIF40zvwRs_iupR7RRPccUmWpKk8mfZShqTfiSHmNpt_HkyQpzE/s800/235a4515-2c2d-4dc4-b07c-9d3401512aec.jpg" border="0" alt="Princess Aurora" /></a>
<p>After France, we had a rendez-vous (hehe) with the grandmas and dad, and one of the Photo Pass employees took a beautiful picture with my camera of the whole group of us.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqNzdDa7E5WIblot2JjbBn-LypYhSF614KXLhla2ChAGtjyQ0OVRi6DVOZm1fqKhwamYQai5wdOQxiZht4Y6hgmoSflhhVNKolPyi_luM7bArtS5KCSIrZtT_bQ5nulg4Bj89BwJezjc/s1600/IMG_2251.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqNzdDa7E5WIblot2JjbBn-LypYhSF614KXLhla2ChAGtjyQ0OVRi6DVOZm1fqKhwamYQai5wdOQxiZht4Y6hgmoSflhhVNKolPyi_luM7bArtS5KCSIrZtT_bQ5nulg4Bj89BwJezjc/s800/IMG_2251.JPG" border="0" alt="All of us" /></a>
<p>We all watched "Off Kilter," a Celtic rock band outside Canada. I even got a picture onstage after the show :-p</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcax54WY5GLv17AGN9B-9Arl_bduourhv5RsBVngCunTnbVLIgEDss9dtNjNtqh-jGWnQidcvfGHnrmVXO0hy_3zT9NZib0VQ7iedca9n-EdR3Yhk-FE0CcX7ti1eToXse1sMLF64SMtg/s1600/MVI_2254_0001.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcax54WY5GLv17AGN9B-9Arl_bduourhv5RsBVngCunTnbVLIgEDss9dtNjNtqh-jGWnQidcvfGHnrmVXO0hy_3zT9NZib0VQ7iedca9n-EdR3Yhk-FE0CcX7ti1eToXse1sMLF64SMtg/s800/MVI_2254_0001.jpg" border="0" alt="Onstage with the Celtic Rock Band"/></a>
<p>Just passing through, we saw the Beetles in the UK, watched the "Impressions de France" film, then caught part of a parade. I snapped this cute shot of sis:</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEile4ytK6qarZOCCrVrSLcPyDSRbU3AmPzP23fTq8HcM_nrbhrkCmIZpSam10n0gd0W7gAGbDhu1AMA9oGbGMLbuN44pvahueE8QxAMn5XesNXEphGDA88BF5RP2SdQocX8IwTwvvtmPoY/s1600/IMG_2260_edit.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEile4ytK6qarZOCCrVrSLcPyDSRbU3AmPzP23fTq8HcM_nrbhrkCmIZpSam10n0gd0W7gAGbDhu1AMA9oGbGMLbuN44pvahueE8QxAMn5XesNXEphGDA88BF5RP2SdQocX8IwTwvvtmPoY/s800/IMG_2260_edit.jpg" border="0" alt="Sis watching the Parade"/></a>
<p>Next up: China, for our favorite: The Dragon Legends Acrobats (we actually watched it twice it was so good).</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS4XrEN8zYZncqnTLgUy9pkk12oiQcA6fgFNWhd9wIIXiMbCjuU4hD7Jymu8jgvv-x_jiEa_qfzh6xuMybg8oe2qoq43Ec4v17udLqe1Gsu2PJVJlGaa5jArUBOUc9mOb2-hPuDFNLpA/s1600/IMG_2266_edit.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS4XrEN8zYZncqnTLgUy9pkk12oiQcA6fgFNWhd9wIIXiMbCjuU4hD7Jymu8jgvv-x_jiEa_qfzh6xuMybg8oe2qoq43Ec4v17udLqe1Gsu2PJVJlGaa5jArUBOUc9mOb2-hPuDFNLpA/s800/IMG_2266_edit.jpg" border="0" alt="Table Balancing Act" /></a>
<p>We even watched the world pass us by between Germany and China, as Disney set up the firework display for later that night.</p>
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<p>After a full day, we enjoyed an entertaining dinner at the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/dining/biergarten-restaurant/">Biergarten Restaurant</a> in Germany. I tasted all four of the beers and then danced the Polka with grandma...</p>
<p>On our way out, I spotted Snow White and Prince Charming. At first, I wanted to meet Prince Charming but the line was too long so I stood to the side and caught a few (utterly) candid shots.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPqLIVZ_H7NleMbnzbVqELCY7xZ86WrGNInEADq-tjBZDctrK6gnIh7IzO2oXL8TI3zAZHCS97ooXiRYeMfqctFT_S8ac4EjohrdgUNGneqQCEbFqu1k7DX9NTsSBJmno0Etptn-NJRU/s1600/IMG_2276_edit.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPqLIVZ_H7NleMbnzbVqELCY7xZ86WrGNInEADq-tjBZDctrK6gnIh7IzO2oXL8TI3zAZHCS97ooXiRYeMfqctFT_S8ac4EjohrdgUNGneqQCEbFqu1k7DX9NTsSBJmno0Etptn-NJRU/s800/IMG_2276_edit.jpg" border="0" alt="Prince Funny Legs"/></a>
<p>Somehow we ended up back at China for some gift shopping and a second acrobat show, which we had a prime location for viewing this time. We also watched the "Reflections of China" film before staking out a spot for the "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" fireworks.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-pvbPzAof1d3mQx-pqOLyfnY4u9hNdUfk0Rz6oxenowVAjrP52qxxX7hYbGh8mug4K_frMTDzZwt9vVDuHggCNscxTIez9RbvfT3-aareUVgCyqrZ-v-gnHm5Actic5W5h3GJPIKgZY/s1600/IMG_2280.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-pvbPzAof1d3mQx-pqOLyfnY4u9hNdUfk0Rz6oxenowVAjrP52qxxX7hYbGh8mug4K_frMTDzZwt9vVDuHggCNscxTIez9RbvfT3-aareUVgCyqrZ-v-gnHm5Actic5W5h3GJPIKgZY/s800/IMG_2280.JPG" border="0" alt="Sisters at Sunset"/></a>
<p>My view of the water was partially hidden by another guest for most of the show, but this photo came out kind of cute (if you don't realize that the girl wearing the ears is actually about my age).</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN87DiRie5P6I31JDRdTOxQ63CvkPYtBIcNgLyX9o0sumYne_Dood3v_2JuhYQt1E7DfUxv5HZGGGDCn-pDCu8m_kT09D72A948vyPPBXXYSZkMXZTzrwsP6rgBz3vhgRuI1GAiOkea_U/s1600/IMG_2315.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN87DiRie5P6I31JDRdTOxQ63CvkPYtBIcNgLyX9o0sumYne_Dood3v_2JuhYQt1E7DfUxv5HZGGGDCn-pDCu8m_kT09D72A948vyPPBXXYSZkMXZTzrwsP6rgBz3vhgRuI1GAiOkea_U/s800/IMG_2315.JPG" border="0" alt="Minnie Ear Obstruction of Fireworks"/></a>
<p>On our way out of the park, we were all mesmerized by how thousands of guests could leave in such a bottleneck without so much as a push or a shove. I think the NJ Department of Transportation could use some Imagineers. (The things you notice when you get older, huh?) Or maybe some big, gloved Mickey hands waving the traffic on with a smile :-D</p>
<p>Back at the condo, I enjoyed a quick dip in the hot tub before bed.</p>
<h1>Day 6</h1>
<p>I love the way Magic Kingdom is its own private destination, accessible to the public only after a monorail or a ferry ride. It makes the whole day feel like such a departure from reality. </p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWbfTrtTjamQ5Qvv1fTzBnJ_w5lAEoBSvilCG0TQ9lmImFedIkm1pOTgBIuVAlJFNQafqLm6z28YkvFzSoLx-ZD2YOdMc4yD3QEfIyc3UpBbCR2mQIz0eBFiRJgMIMaPI7qAadk2-8jo/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWbfTrtTjamQ5Qvv1fTzBnJ_w5lAEoBSvilCG0TQ9lmImFedIkm1pOTgBIuVAlJFNQafqLm6z28YkvFzSoLx-ZD2YOdMc4yD3QEfIyc3UpBbCR2mQIz0eBFiRJgMIMaPI7qAadk2-8jo/s800/IMG_2325.JPG" border="0" alt="On our way!" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwPeAMszESykqfiGq_oBvCVGdOhIBe-gtvTQShGgrGVZoUpY_aisCYTtB02fK_moMrMc_ZGXhWe6NS1tRbser7_R37JsM7rP7Q3tmOGFJcx5O5RZbDk76a3qwXMwohaH42Z-0t0Q5w8w/s1600/IMG_2329_edit.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwPeAMszESykqfiGq_oBvCVGdOhIBe-gtvTQShGgrGVZoUpY_aisCYTtB02fK_moMrMc_ZGXhWe6NS1tRbser7_R37JsM7rP7Q3tmOGFJcx5O5RZbDk76a3qwXMwohaH42Z-0t0Q5w8w/s800/IMG_2329_edit.jpg" border="0" alt="Monorail" /></a>
<p>The first sign was a few little princesses who had visited the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique - a place where parents spend tons of money for their daughters to get all dolled up (wonderful marketing concept)! Despite the cookie-cutter princess ideal, I thought the little girls we spotted throughout the day looked very cute. Also, the Disney Photo Pass (another great concept) ensured some great shots in front of Cinderella's Castle.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV2rHFlqt5SXBajIkKybubuC3UNG6p3otX6UOESbrhsNPbJeXUqvIBOGYAMiIssy38rQKAiB6ABDVaFvRW6gNn1LF519CeXCskAL1-m9XsfTSajGUvusVSFpMJO2FA9XFrXuSpntrsNw/s1600/792db884-246c-4b6b-b822-9d3700d14143.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center;width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV2rHFlqt5SXBajIkKybubuC3UNG6p3otX6UOESbrhsNPbJeXUqvIBOGYAMiIssy38rQKAiB6ABDVaFvRW6gNn1LF519CeXCskAL1-m9XsfTSajGUvusVSFpMJO2FA9XFrXuSpntrsNw/s800/792db884-246c-4b6b-b822-9d3700d14143.jpg" border="0" alt="Tinkerbell's Landing" /></a>
<p>We began our day a little later and started off at a leisurely pace with the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. </p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpK4dKjb2Rk_4e1kDoWbjDSlra9LDANGgvIcTUL46CIPJKr8XXOgckD4fFl1hxu4bXB6liZl0KB9cZCWpcs62sycLpR1sAK1H2RuVM28w-aK4X21KedeHosKOXAJDWTGID1Ovt8yc2wk/s1600/IMG_2349_edit.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpK4dKjb2Rk_4e1kDoWbjDSlra9LDANGgvIcTUL46CIPJKr8XXOgckD4fFl1hxu4bXB6liZl0KB9cZCWpcs62sycLpR1sAK1H2RuVM28w-aK4X21KedeHosKOXAJDWTGID1Ovt8yc2wk/s800/IMG_2349_edit.jpg" border="0" alt="Grandma on the Transit Authority" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTEQsnrytDZS8CUHsIG-2QErx7hImXm8_HP-PmwOjgZ0rxBCdgXujcIGIxCmfjcShdzhkUfMAje-6NfutVOcwqWUZJKmnyr41AtHOyT5HHeQK45XR7u-H0TFtx_AKbAQsbSEl57E0fjQ/s1600/IMG_2341.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTEQsnrytDZS8CUHsIG-2QErx7hImXm8_HP-PmwOjgZ0rxBCdgXujcIGIxCmfjcShdzhkUfMAje-6NfutVOcwqWUZJKmnyr41AtHOyT5HHeQK45XR7u-H0TFtx_AKbAQsbSEl57E0fjQ/s800/IMG_2341.JPG" border="0" alt="Mom and Dad on the Transit Authority" /></a>
<p>Then we hopped in line for Stitch's Great Escape, formerly the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter (that I loved). I was a bit disappointed that, rather than an entirely revamped attraction, Disney tried to tone down the scare factor by using a fluffy, funny character Stitch (from Lilo & Stitch) in place of an evil alien, but with the same storyline. This was somehow supposed to make the loud noises, total darkness, and painful shoulder braces more bearable for younger children, but I'm pretty sure all it did was cause more screaming children who will be scarred for life and fewer entertained adults. Even if I had never been on the ExtraTERRORestrial ride, I think something would have still felt very non-Disney about the way this was all thrown together.</p>
<p>Moving on to another attraction that had been revamped since my last visit, Space Mountain was next on the list. We were happy to have Fast Pass for this one, but the lines wouldn't have been so bad with their newly-added video games along the queue. Rickety and thrilling as ever, dad emerged from the ride with a wind-blown hairdo. Stopped for a bite at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café, then got on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin where we battled Emperor Zurg to determine who would buy the next round of drinks.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXLXw5mB_brStlVAfq_iRw2Em1X_4Ne_dZURzi2tSNZASOjBKTHtUDUQHV7gS6f9Etx20-cVfpviPQlgHhzDYZjYqkgVs3yHpm3w59_rJbBKgoEubci90cCOzBJK7CbJbNVPVmMFUiAU/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXLXw5mB_brStlVAfq_iRw2Em1X_4Ne_dZURzi2tSNZASOjBKTHtUDUQHV7gS6f9Etx20-cVfpviPQlgHhzDYZjYqkgVs3yHpm3w59_rJbBKgoEubci90cCOzBJK7CbJbNVPVmMFUiAU/s800/IMG_2361.JPG" border="0" alt="Leaving Tomorrowland" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlAjQCLpNgW4z-GL0zGhe2EwQ6fo9q9NBHCbAuwziaDabv8YIh6dn_AAYF9ZvZzN8wUczHTAPGYoWNBBRwiRJ7KEBThS9_ubZvvJMv7bAx5Rn96wTEa3gif2zb8p8iCJQmhjk0d_8Yj4/s1600/IMG_2357_edit.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlAjQCLpNgW4z-GL0zGhe2EwQ6fo9q9NBHCbAuwziaDabv8YIh6dn_AAYF9ZvZzN8wUczHTAPGYoWNBBRwiRJ7KEBThS9_ubZvvJMv7bAx5Rn96wTEa3gif2zb8p8iCJQmhjk0d_8Yj4/s800/IMG_2357_edit.jpg" border="0" alt="Mom and Dad Feeling the Magic" /></a>
<p>Venturing out of Tomorrowland, we set the grandmas in a shady spot to enjoy a parade while we rode Splash Mountain, a ride that never changes and always delights! With only a little time before our dinner reservation, we met back up with the grandmas and ventured onto the Jungle Cruise, then enjoyed our family-style dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern. Delicious and filling.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAS4ZiyH5SGfaMezBeQMfCrRj3LOaSGF68iL5www-HABi4XSwXgZzbjOXTiNiDmdedx8DwLYWjkdPYdx0BRDihhQr17zX1Z5scVcHChKsfoBxh-soSuimkA7XSUd2JTaipK5Zd_6g-Oo/s1600/IMG_2370.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAS4ZiyH5SGfaMezBeQMfCrRj3LOaSGF68iL5www-HABi4XSwXgZzbjOXTiNiDmdedx8DwLYWjkdPYdx0BRDihhQr17zX1Z5scVcHChKsfoBxh-soSuimkA7XSUd2JTaipK5Zd_6g-Oo/s800/IMG_2370.JPG" border="0" alt="Grandmas in the Stocks" /></a>
<p>Next was Pirates of the Caribbean. We boarded our ship and floated through a dark tunnel as sis joked, "and here comes the drop!" Little did we know - there actually is a 14-foot drop which surprised us all! We waved hello to Johnny (Captain Jack Sparrow) and the other pirates, then waved goodbye as the ride came to a quick conclusion.</p>
<p>As dusk approached, we rode my sister's favorite "it's a small world" (and the tune would not leave our heads for the rest of the night).</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFdwycI4bcQv-HxWUe70ExM-p1QxtdsBYX7zNE7ZZJMqF7eF9UzrMZA5wW9DXpHvKWpMSIp8RwmFz4Vc0tYJVK3vgWZR5_43Cpe_PmHH_e1Wq0vTmtkunRcPcVFJu_R_qz8SecLKFVXU/s1600/IMG_2404.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFdwycI4bcQv-HxWUe70ExM-p1QxtdsBYX7zNE7ZZJMqF7eF9UzrMZA5wW9DXpHvKWpMSIp8RwmFz4Vc0tYJVK3vgWZR5_43Cpe_PmHH_e1Wq0vTmtkunRcPcVFJu_R_qz8SecLKFVXU/s800/IMG_2404.JPG" border="0" alt="Small World Hula Girls" /></a>
<p>Mom, sis and I took a spin on the Mad Hatter's teacups.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzcrMA9Tz9LeBtrE7nrV56xDGL8rCeDNETN4Ocbg2eXHZvB8JFKgg-HeU74ZIhgKIfY3-SaUEWoxX0vd7G85KuBLsgcHz0EoYSFSUCFNKLmGxqhQnLIrxmnojhr7wQPTzZLbxpc79vfI/s1600/IMG_2430_edit.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzcrMA9Tz9LeBtrE7nrV56xDGL8rCeDNETN4Ocbg2eXHZvB8JFKgg-HeU74ZIhgKIfY3-SaUEWoxX0vd7G85KuBLsgcHz0EoYSFSUCFNKLmGxqhQnLIrxmnojhr7wQPTzZLbxpc79vfI/s800/IMG_2430_edit.jpg" border="0" alt="Teacups" /></a>
<p>As the crowd thinned and guests took their places for the evening firework display, we got right on Snow Whites's Adventures. There was an equally short wait for a new show called Mickey's PhilharMagic, a 4D musical show with Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse which I absolutely loved (but I love everything 3D and 4D is even better).</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG7PlK6fOtq_5mxaf4d2NtCTsbZWmVf9yXri9OQD0jhmE7T1nle_QswU9Aoz1CvdgUB1zUNka9xg7glUd4JpiHOpUtIrPrdil6jaKi4SmeXdw91P1WGDmWbAMhEM_vvY9noD0zeznslE/s1600/IMG_2428.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG7PlK6fOtq_5mxaf4d2NtCTsbZWmVf9yXri9OQD0jhmE7T1nle_QswU9Aoz1CvdgUB1zUNka9xg7glUd4JpiHOpUtIrPrdil6jaKi4SmeXdw91P1WGDmWbAMhEM_vvY9noD0zeznslE/s800/IMG_2428.JPG" border="0" alt="Carousel" /></a>
<p>We slowly made our way through the crowds on our way out of the park, enjoying the lights of Cindrella's castle and along Main Street USA.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2_Qs4d1s7UUl0EyQoBATX2NpaKrAEG-uAkbDf2sKPucZlm_4d1n_9qPQu-5U56dT9C0piXadwBnu0zy7amqiQQcFfOKhyphenhyphenrxKgEizZeC-u_cG5lURhhbCZauxJWz69wi35YFRPizhYh8/s1600/IMG_2444.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2_Qs4d1s7UUl0EyQoBATX2NpaKrAEG-uAkbDf2sKPucZlm_4d1n_9qPQu-5U56dT9C0piXadwBnu0zy7amqiQQcFfOKhyphenhyphenrxKgEizZeC-u_cG5lURhhbCZauxJWz69wi35YFRPizhYh8/s800/IMG_2444.JPG" border="0" alt="Cinderella's Castle at Night" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2FSn_yP9z4n9_RfKNoEgaXDYcghrSOj-AYH9QKbkH8DuTSc7nNDN7ySb7sevq41_JuVeQaSD5XfblJuw3efMcZOo7WzmgmEKBtKZFg90MdTRQXf8DlZexYOjqJl1GSFrZy1AdB3CTMY/s1600/IMG_2457_edit.jpg"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2FSn_yP9z4n9_RfKNoEgaXDYcghrSOj-AYH9QKbkH8DuTSc7nNDN7ySb7sevq41_JuVeQaSD5XfblJuw3efMcZOo7WzmgmEKBtKZFg90MdTRQXf8DlZexYOjqJl1GSFrZy1AdB3CTMY/s800/IMG_2457_edit.jpg" border="0" alt="Grandma and Sis on Main Street" /></a>
<p>Dad had the idea to take the ferry back to the car, and we caught the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks as we arrived on the shore opposite the Magic Kingdom. A truly magical end to the night!</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLkRO0j7VhR7GlqT4UyDJY68TWPxF-eeXWyx4aJHh2R8xMh6jpxlARlhEZXvYqkazdcSUJGx-g4uWOmhjvacvsPiqVxNSm2FnK4NViJsYJhBfkHjleZJd1v3ErcDrG48u6FP-lhLKMZ0/s1600/IMG_2520.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLkRO0j7VhR7GlqT4UyDJY68TWPxF-eeXWyx4aJHh2R8xMh6jpxlARlhEZXvYqkazdcSUJGx-g4uWOmhjvacvsPiqVxNSm2FnK4NViJsYJhBfkHjleZJd1v3ErcDrG48u6FP-lhLKMZ0/s800/IMG_2520.JPG" border="0" alt="Fireworks at Cinderella's Castle" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkI16XFiRV9FA6voHQo4POiBykn0ag-XbIkwlkWMI0UpF5JQgERWOD-q-OqpPfkladuXwqcos4xuFQX-UkUb7Ou-Ew182umejaoUH1oImicKj76-0vydg3xsgUPE-ZRRQ_w2-obR1Q3U/s1600/IMG_2513.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkI16XFiRV9FA6voHQo4POiBykn0ag-XbIkwlkWMI0UpF5JQgERWOD-q-OqpPfkladuXwqcos4xuFQX-UkUb7Ou-Ew182umejaoUH1oImicKj76-0vydg3xsgUPE-ZRRQ_w2-obR1Q3U/s800/IMG_2513.JPG" border="0" alt="Fireworks at Cinderella's Castle" /></a>
<h1>Day 7</h1>
<p>Woke up a little late (no rush on a rainy day) then headed to Downtown Disney for some serious gift shopping. We also had an early dinner at Planet Hollywood where I discovered a new favorite mixed drink called Gorillas in the Mist:</p>
<ul>
<li>¾ oz. Malibu Coconut Rum</li>
<li>¾ oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream</li>
<li>¾ oz.Kahlua</li>
<li>¾ oz. Banana Liqueur</li>
<li>1 ½ oz.Ice Cream</li>
<li>½ Banana</li>
</ul>
<p>Next, we entered the West Side Arena for Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba - front row - I almost got run over by a bicycle (or so it seemed)! I had no idea what to expect but it was an amazing and exciting show.</p>
<p>After that, sis and I walked through Pleasure Island and met up with the family back at Ghirardelli's chocolate shop, which you could smell from miles away, mmmm. We ate outside next to the water.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEVMcZ9ec0QR3G5Yqks7iUt_A0S6r9qW1ATOWl3d-lAIDahD3LMK_qLMY7W7oT0FixmYoZEoU0jj0Z52-2AlvdIHd-hGxCw_qRmU3KXE8vwwkkJeLIixtXhtLy52nPL7UxD-CWiC2Oy0/s1600/IMG_2530.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEVMcZ9ec0QR3G5Yqks7iUt_A0S6r9qW1ATOWl3d-lAIDahD3LMK_qLMY7W7oT0FixmYoZEoU0jj0Z52-2AlvdIHd-hGxCw_qRmU3KXE8vwwkkJeLIixtXhtLy52nPL7UxD-CWiC2Oy0/s800/IMG_2530.JPG" border="0" alt="Another Encounter with the Princess"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aHayUEjSw7w0qoKSuGrslqOgXC34bWOZthFg0vWLpz-f8BDG8xPbCFTis_GWjt7vuuQFRv50gmTp1r3FS-MczSS_ORi7wWsONEgqIKNoc36XP3MM7Oi7Ii69g2KFZ9JeyYNcImUgKe0/s1600/IMG_2528.JPG"><img class="photo" style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center; width: 490px; height: auto;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aHayUEjSw7w0qoKSuGrslqOgXC34bWOZthFg0vWLpz-f8BDG8xPbCFTis_GWjt7vuuQFRv50gmTp1r3FS-MczSS_ORi7wWsONEgqIKNoc36XP3MM7Oi7Ii69g2KFZ9JeyYNcImUgKe0/s800/IMG_2528.JPG" border="0" alt="Ghirardelli's"/></a>
<h1>Day 8</h1>
<p>Dad and I went for a morning walk through the condo complex, and so I could see the sparkling new Welcome Center. There is so much new development there. We headed back just in time for the rain and pretty much vegged out for the rest of the day with some Cards and Cosmos. Isn't that what vacation is for, anyway?</p>
<h1>Day 9</h1>
<p>Saturday was spent by the pool sunbathing and doing some reading. Mom and dad did a swamp tour, for real. Then we all had dinner in Celebration at <a href="http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/gallery_celebration.asp">Colombia Restaurant</a> with a truly delicious assortment of tapas and entrees. We went home full and hit the hay early.</p>
<h1>Day 10</h1>
<p>Early rise for the airport. Goodbye, Florida! It was a long trip home and we had been worried that our flight might be canceled because of the weather. We arrived to flooding and road closures, but at least we arrived. When I got back to campus, I had a marathon group meeting in the Tech Center which kept me on campus until about 1:30 am - back to reality, I suppose...</p>
<p>Until the next update!</p>Amy Pospiechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047070807828879469noreply@blogger.com2