Today is Wednesday, November 21 - I'm in Colorado!

Hi everyone. I made it here! It was an awesome last 2 weeks. I updated the blog with NYC days and my trip from NYC to LA then LA to Vegas then Vegas to Colorado.

Right now, it's the night before Thanksgiving and I'm sitting in my pajamas in front of the wood heater. This will be my first Thanksgiving away from The Horans...my NJ family. They have been my 2nd family while I was in NYC and I spent Thanksgiving with them. I'll miss them a lot!

This year, I'll be spending Thanksgiving in Colorado with new friends ...actually friends that I knew from visiting before.

It's been a wonderful first few days here. I already went to a doctor (cute doctor!) for my leg, went to physical therapy, unpacked my boxes, went food shopping and went on a job interview! I'm getting settled. It snowed a little bit too.

More to come...I'll keep you updated on the job search. Wow, time to get a job...back to the real world.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'll update more soon! Stay in touch. Miss everyone. Come visit!

:)
Leslie

An out of order posting...my last weekend in NYC (again)

Hi - this is out of order but I wanted to post this picture. A bunch of us (not everyone is in the picture) went to see Cirque in NYC on Friday, November 9th. It was an "okay" show...other Cirque shows are better...but it was a great time anyway. It was a great last weekend in NYC. I know, I know...another "last weekend" in NYC for me. I had a million good bye parties, blah blah blah.

Oh, guess what else I did during my last weekend in NYC???? I'll tell you....Jason and I FINALLY filmed our Amazing Race audition tape. Rob filmed it for us....with Emma as Assistant Director. Keep your fingers crossed....let's hope we get picked. If we do, we have interviews in NYC in December. We better make it.

Could you imagine Jason and me on the show? It would be awesome...oh I mean.."amazing" (ha, stupid joke).

So...that was my last weekend in NYC (again).

Step 5 - My new home and my own "real" bedroom.

I'm living with Tracy, Jeff and Elvis (their adorable dog) until I'm settled...with a job. Yes, I know, I have to get a job...for the first time since May 1. I'm ready to work though.

I have a bedroom now. I actually unpacked and I have a bedroom. This is my first "real" bedroom since I left NYC on May 16th. Steph's apartment was wonderful but my bedroom was her living room.

I'm excited to be here with Tracy, Jeff and Elvis. I have a new home. I can't wait for everyone to visit.

Step 4 - Vegas to Colorado....9 hours!

Monday, November 19, Tracy and I started the drive from Vegas to Colorado. Mindy flew back to LA (she lives in LA....and only did the drive with us to Vegas for fun!)

Tracy actually drove the entire way to Colorado. I relaxed in the passenger's seat in my new car. It was a long drive....with not many exciting sites along the way. Oh well. I think my car has a small gas tank because we had to stop a few times to fill up (and to pee).

Well....we made it! We got back to Colorado by 9:45 p.m.....just in time to see the "rose ceremony" on The Bachelor...and he didn't even chose anyone...he let both girls go. Anyway, whatever...we made it to Colorado, my new home! I'm living with Tracy and Jeff until I'm settled...with a job. Yes, I know, I have to get a job...for the first time since May 1.

Step 3 - LA to Vegas with Tracy and Mindy

Lynnie and I spent a great few days together. We celebrated her birthday and just had a great time hanging out.

On Sunday, November 18, I started the drive to Colorado. Tracy (my friend, and roommate, from Colorado) and Mindy (Tracy's sister in law) did the drive with me. It only took about 4 1/2 hours. It was an easy drive. The new car did well. Phew!

We stayed at the Mandalay Bay, enjoyed a delicious dinner and then I watched Tracy and Mindy gamble....win, lose, win, and lose. Oh well. They lost but not too badly. I only lost $28. I'm such a gambler...ha!

Step 2 - Buying a car!

Lynne's friend John helped me buy a car. He knows lots of people and was able to get me an aweome deal on a white 06 Ford Escape. I love it. It's perfect! It's a mini SUV. It has 4 wheel drive, has snow tires, and best yet...it can fit 4 friends plus luggage...so that means 4 people can visit at once. Oh yeah...just wait until I have an apartment and my leg is better so I can ski with you. I could not have done it without John! Thank you!!!!

Step 1 - Making the BIG MOVE...NYC to Venice Beach first stop...

Hi - I did it. I left NYC on November 14th and flew to LA to spend more time with Lynnie and to buy a car/SUV so then I could drive to Colorado.

Lynnie lives in Venice Beach, one block from the beach. It's an amazing place! I went to my favorite coffee place, The Cow's End, (I just call it Cow) and sat outside each mornring to drink my coffee and to watch the surfers head to the beach. It was a little over a year ago at Cow when I decided to change my life and that's where it all began.

It sounds so goofy but it was a great feeling to be back at Cow a year later to know that I really made the change by quitting my job and traveling and now I was onto another adventure...moving to Colorado.

While wearing a "boot" in NYC...

As everyone knows...I pulled my calf muscle in Costa Rica at surf camp so I had the pleasure of wearing a very sexy to-the-knee boot for my last week in NYC. Just imagine hobbling around NYC in a boot...to the subway, on the subway, crossing the street, to UPS from my storage unit and back on the subway.

I can't even begin to tell you the comments I received in NYC while hobbling around place to place. It was a riot. I met the nicest, strangest, kindest, rudest, meanest people ever. All types of people feel they have the right to talk to you if you're wearing a "boot". Here are some of the comments...

1. "Oh honey, I wore a boot once for my ankle. It was the worst month of my life. I hope your life is better than mine."

2. From an old lady screaming at me..."YOU should NOT wear a heel on your good leg because it will make your hips off balance. I know for a fact. Go back and put on a flat shoe or else you'll be sorry."

3. From a construction worker on Wall Street, "Love, oh Love, are you okay, do you need help? I'm in a rush, but I can help Love. I hope you feel better. Bye Love, have a good day." Hmmm - I don't remember ever meeting this guy or ever being in love with him. Maybe it was one of my tipsy nights. (just kidding Mom).

4. "Oh, that looks uncomfortable."

5. "Better hurry across th street or else you'll get hit."

6. "Ouch"

7. From 2 out of 10 people on the subway..."Would you like to sit down?"

8. From 1 out of 10 people.."I hope you feel better soon."

9. From Steph..."Take your boot off in my apartment, you may mark up my floors." Just kidding Steph. :)

10. From my friends at surf camp..."Run Forest Run!" HA!

Anyway, you get the point. It was hilarious. I think everyone just wear it for one day, just to see what people say and do. I could right an entire book on the comments.

Overall...

Since May 1, I have had many amazing adventures throughout the world. I feel very lucky and fortunate to have been able to do what I did. It changed my life....the places, the cultures and especially the people.

I hope you enjoyed the postings and pictures. Thank you to everyone for reading and commenting. Thank you for all of your support, excitment and encouragement throughout my travels.

I'm excited for my new life in Colorado and I'm looking forward to friends and family visiting. I'll update the blog a few more times to capture my trip to LA, buying my new car and my drive to Colorado....then the blog will be finished.

See you soon!

:)
Leslie

Today is Saturday, November 3...What's next for me????

Hi. It's Saturday, November 3...I'll be back in NYC on Monday, November 5. I'll be in NYC for a week and a half then I leave for good. I have a one day ticket....no turning back. I'm going to buy a car in LA (from one of Lynnie's great contacts) then drive to Colorado!

Yes, I'm moving....I'm making the big move. I'm moving to Colorado....no more NYC. I'm going to live with Tracy and Jeff in Old Snowmass (Aspen area) until I find a job and get settled...then I'll find an apartment. I can't wait! I'm so excited!!!!! Yes, everyone can come visit!

Tracy is going to fly out to LA then she, Mindy (another friend) and I are going to drive back to Colorado together. Oh, we're going to stay a night in Vegas. Should be fun!

I'm excited for my new adventures in Colorado.

Post Costa Rica...

Hi. Lynnie and I are in Maryland now for my cousin Deenie's wedding. She and Tony are getting married tomorrow. It's going to be a wonderful wedding! All of my family is in town. For those that know my family (from my 40th birthday party)....you know they are all a lot of fun and a bit crazy so this weekend is going to be awesome.

Lynnie and I flew to DC from Costa Rica for the wedding. We have had a great week in DC visiting family and friends. We miss Costa Rica A LOT though. :(

Okay, so...don't laugh too hard but I was actually wheeled through all the airports because I can't really walk well. My leg is still hurting. It was kinda funny. Lynne thought it was great.

We miss Costa Rica but are happy to be in town for the wedding.

Costa Rica....

It was truly an amazing week. I really don't know what to say except that it was unbelieveable. Enjoy the pictures and my notes! I hope everyone has a chance to visit Costa Rica and to experience the way of life.

- Les

PS - Thanks to all of my new friends for sharing photos!!! Many are posted.

Lynnie and me...

Pictures of Camp....

Beautiful pictures from Costa Rica

Lessons Learned and Other Random Thoughts....

1. Always apply sunscreen correctly.

2. Don't jump off your surfboard in shallow water.

3. Don't let your surfboard hit you in the head (Nicole). :)

4. Wear bugspray ALL THE TIME.

5. Huevos clara means egg whites....not huevos blanca.

6. Watch the sunrise and sunset!!!

7. Enjoy the local food.

8. Don't look out the front window when in a car or van. Just pretend the roads and bridges are paved. Don't look out the side window either or else you'll see the bridges you may fall off.

9. Laugh a lot....at yourself and of course at others. HA! :)

10. Don't be nervous about the waves...be nervous about your board.

11. Live through Jana's statement...."I have a very busy day today...7:00 a.m. run on the beach, 9:00 a.m. breakfast, 11:00 a.m. surf lesson, 3:00 p.m. massage, 6:00 p.m. drinks and dinner...I'm not sure how I'm going to fit it all in today." HA!

12. When it rains....it POURS!

13. Be patient when there is a blackout....the lights will eventually come back on....hopefully.

14. Remember...no toilet paper in the toilet...throw it in the trashcan. Gross but true! UGH!

15. The locals are the nicest, most friendly and happiest people I have met.

16. Embrace Costa Rica's slogan and way of life..."Pura Vida"...."Pure Life!"

Our graduation photos...

Holding our diplomas!

Our instructors!

We had great instructors all week. They were so patient with everyone. They were also a lot of fun. We had a great time with them. Top picture....left to right....Johan, Carlos, Flash, Luis, Eduardo, Adres and Julie!

Thank you to all of them!!!!

Sunburns and injuries....

As you know...I hurt my calf muscle....but not from surfing...DUH! In addition to my lame injury Nicole got hurt too but she did it the "cool" way....by surfing. She actually needed stitches in her head. Her board hit her head while she was surfing a huge wave. Ouch! Nicole is a great surfer! She was very brave, got the stitches and was surfing the next day. Yeah for Nicole!!!!

Lynnie did not apply sunscreen too well on her stomach as you can see by her burnt stomach. Shawn had the same problem as Lynne but on his back. Ouch!!!