She Wants It Her Way

The conference began on Sunday an it was so nice to put names to a face! We had a "new hire" dinner for all of the new employees who started after March 2012 at the Dallas Fish Market (sister to Chophouse Burger - my first Dallas dining experience). The food was delicious with a preset menu and several options to select from. I guess going for the steak was not my best decision after tooth pain from the night before...but when in Texas, LOVE the red meat!!!!

I eventually made my way to Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse with some major disappointment, and introduced my friends to Wild Bill's Western Store - where you can find boots on boots on boots!

I have never seen so many boots in my life, but that is possibly because the farthest I've been out West is Chicago (minus my trip to Australia and the hours of waiting in LAX).

Unfortunately, my tooth took it's final hit with the "BBQ" brisket from Sonny Bryan's; and I needed a solution.

Bourbon, anyone? Or whiskey? Either way, you forget that you're hurting and I was told a little swishing around my mouth would help numb the pain. A select few and I headed to the hotel pool with wine and bourbon in hand.

The next two days were a bit of a blur due to the intensity of my toothache and my primary goal became to make it stop. Even with antibiotics, 'real' pain killers, and peroxide, I felt helpless.

I did meet some cool people and got a taste of what professionalism should be while away on business. I definitely did not do it all right, but I learned a few things that will help me in Round 2 (please standby....). I made new connections and got an opportunity to discuss theories/beliefs about life, religion and love. I had time alone to think and reflect about my life and where I thought I would be and want to be at age 22.

I'm still not 100% sure; but I want to be happy. I want to live comfortably without worrying about what's next or spending an extra $1 in my bank account that I don't really have. I want to know that getting into so much debt for my undergraduate college education was worth it. I want to end up in a career that allows me to help people realize their true potential and the unlimited opportunities. And I want to love and be loved until there is no more love to give.

Thank, Dallas. I don't [/didn't] plan on coming back for you, but it was definitely good while it lasted.

Thnks fr th mmrs.

Pics:


Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse on Main St.

Same corner

RIP JFK



Memorial

Watching from Above

So I tried too...

I could probably name all of the streets in Melbourne CBD (Central Business District) by now. Every street is followed by a little street or lane and chances are, I have been on that street. I understand that trams are the way around the city, but I really prefer walking around and getting to know my surroundings. I probably walk about 5-7 miles everyday. If something catches my eye, I just go without thinking.

The best thing about being in a new city is that everything is new. The people, the streets, the shops, the smell. It's all fresh. I love new things. I love to learn and soak up information. Since I don't really have plans and everything is situated (housing, money, etc), I just use my days to enjoy the city (although I need a job...).

Thus, I made my way to the State Library. I passed by the most beautiful "museum" with artistic architecture. I admired the building and continued to find the library. When I crossed the street, I realized that somewhere along my path I had missed the library. The beautiful building was the library.

After indulging on some free internet, I was invited over for dinner by the girl that I am renting the apartment from. On my way to my new apartment, I encountered a strange experience. I felt as if I was being followed. Indeed, I was.

Through a 20 minute conversation (yes, I let it last that long), I learned that the man was from China and he had been in Australia for 10 years. I was asked a series of questions such as: Am I African, what are my origins, do I like white/black men and what is my preference, and do I like/know Obama (I get that a lot). Statements were made such as: Americans are violent/dangerous, love pornography (he stated repeatedly), obese, racist, politics are corrupt, we have the most homeless people in the world (?), and white men have many girlfriends.


With a lighthearted spirit, I could do nothing but laugh. Is this what we are really thought of as Americans?? As someone from France told met: America makes the best as well as the worst.


Let's do better, America.

After eating a delicious homemade Malaysian meal, I took the tram and headed home. The cool thing about the tram is that if you stand, you can still rest your butt/rear.


By the time I got back to the hostel, I immediately wanted to go to the bar downstairs -- so I did, alone. 


I found that even though I go to the bar alone, I never leave alone. There's always an adventure. And tonight, the mission was to play in the park, then fly a kite on the beautiful boardwalk. If I move to Melbourne, I know where I need to live. In an apartment on the Yarra River (doesn't that already sound expensive?). It's gorgeous. We played in the park like children and (again) I felt like I was in a Skins episode. Perfect.







 I love this city.

Within 36 hours of coming into Australia, love for the city and adventures is an understatement.

After my 4AM excursions, I woke up on Sunday at 2PM. It took 15 minutes of being awake before I was summoned to go on a road trip with two wonderful gals from England and Belgium. We made our way to Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, home to the world's smallest penguins and one of the largest Little Penguins population. I have so many pictures from the exhibition and landscape, but I don't have the USB for my camera. :( I will get them up ASAP, but you can check out the website linked in the mean time.

Might I remind you that it is winter in Melbourne, so the summer clothes I brought are not helpful during my outdoor escapades. As my new mates were adding layers of clothes in the bathroom, I found a sign that I found quite amusing hanging:


Take from it what you will. All I know is the staff said that syringes are best placed in the yellow box than on the floor where people can step on them.......

It had been about 40 hours since I arrived in Melbourne and I still hadn't eaten anything. After seeing penguins, I finally gained an appetite and we headed to Australian franchise: Red Rooster. They sell tasty chicken that is roasted -- not fried.

Since I had conquered jet lag from staying up until 4AM the night before, I had no trouble falling asleep at a reasonable time (by 2AM) after seeing the penguins. With a bar downstairs, it's hard not to pop in and see what's happening and who's there. The bar has a pool table and a small alleyway for smokers to convene (the "hip" spot). One thing I've noticed is that everyone rolls their own cigarettes here. I don't smoke cigs (and at $13/pack, no one here should either), but it's definitely a difference from the U.S., where you will rarely find anyone rolling their own cigarettes (too classy for that!).

Since my appetite was back, I decided to go for a snack at 7/11 (there's one on every corner). I bought a Vitamin Water for AUD$4 (about $5-6) and the other drinks were around the same price. : 0 I looked at the shelf of chips and was confused. I had never heard of any of the brands...where were the LAYS?!!?! Of course Doritos made their presence without as many options.

Day 2 of Australia: I am going to Belgium. That's the consensus. So now that my next trip is decided, I'm ready to continue this one :)

Also, I plan on improving my French now that I am surrounded by so many speakers of such a sexy/romantic language.

Submission by: Brendan Marmolejos from New York, NY

As a full-time Communications student, working 40+ hours a week during the dreaded graveyard shift in the city that never sleeps, I would assume it’s safe to say I’m in dire need of a damn vacation! Twenty years old, and I just might be the busiest person I know within my age range. Scratch that–without a doubt, I am the busiest person I know!

After consistently being denied time off, my boss eventually accommodated my need for leisure. Either that or a nervous breakdown would have subsequently ensued. Well, maybe not–but I sure as hell would have been pissed! Call me dramatic, but a little drama never hurt!

Long story short, I quickly booked my flight to the Sunshine State where my family resides. As much as I would love to travel to the Caribbean, the South Pacific, or anywhere tropical; it’s far out of my budget, and there is always room for compromise. South Florida will suffice. After all, it is in the Tropic of Cancer, right?

First stop: Siesta Key Beach–one of the few places I can go where my thoughts are as free as the coastal breeze. It’s the single habitat where my inhibitions are flushed with the crashing of each turquoise wave and replenished with the scent of the flowing sea air. The caressing warmth of the Sun combined with the cool, pristine water gives one that nurturing sense of comfort and complacency, maneuvering life’s many demands into a realm of temporal non-existence. This is what I call bliss–supreme happiness without regard to reality!

To say the least, I have become completely enamored with the beauty that encompasses the beach, and nature in general. Perhaps I was Pagan in another life, and my naturalistic customs were transferred to my present. I suppose living in New York City has allowed me to notice the alluring essence of the ocean.

That being said, the beach is my mother, and I am her son. I am the son of a beach...

Florida Beach Recommendations:

• Siesta Key Beach- Sarasota, FL
• Located on the Gulf coast of southwest Florida, Siesta Key Beach is recognized for its sugary white sand which resembles that of baby powder. It is said the sand is so fine due to the fact it is made of pure quartz. Siesta has held the title of #1 Beach in the United States for eleven consecutive years. The calm, shallow waters and quick access to delicious food vendors make this vacation spot perfect for families.

• Jensen Beach- Hutchinson Island, FL
• Located on the Atlantic coast of southeast Florida, Jensen is far less popular than most of the beaches on this list; however, it is just as tasteful as the rest. Considering the “Gulf Stream” current runs just off the coast of this sleepy coastal town, Jensen is ideal for adrenaline pumping water sports such as surfing and wind sailing.

• Miami Beach- Miami, FL
• One of my favorite beaches has to be Lummus Park in the international city of Miami. I travel frequently from New York City to Miami for work, and when I’m off the clock; my first trip is usually this particular beach. Located in the world renowned South Beach, where the most beautiful people on Earth roam, and where a plethora of nightclubs can be found in every direction; this diverse city is excellent for people watchers, party goers, spring breakers, and even the young at heart. Please note Lummus Park is a nude beach; thus, I would not recommend it for families with young children.

• Panama City Beach - Panama City, FL
• Not to be confused with Panama City, Panama; the Panama City Beach I am referring to is located in the panhandle of northwest Florida. This young, eclectic beach haven has been widely chosen by various groups of people and social crowds. If you like to drink, party, swim, and tan, then this beach is most definitely where you want to be. If you fancy the party scene, Panama City is home to the largest night club in the United States, Club La Vela, with Miami’s Club Mansion ranking in second. Seeing that PCB is mostly occupied by binge drinking college students on term breaks, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to the average, conservative American family.

• Key West Beach - Key West, FL
• Just 90 miles north of Cuba is the southernmost point of the continental United States--Key West, Florida. The beaches of this barrier island are full of breathtaking coral reefs, in which a countless number of tropical sea life habitats, allowing for perfect snorkeling and scuba diving conditions. Key West is for everyone under the sun, from couples who would prefer to lie in a hammock under a palm tree and appreciate its grandeur, or an energetic child whose felicity is brought out by splashing around in the ocean. Local government should consider changing the name from Key West to Key BEST!

Want to be featured on She Wants It Her Way as a guest blogger?? Email me your idea/post!

• Read books (literature, comics, magazines)
• Coloring books -- age ain't nothin' but a number
• Sing-a-longs
• Make lists -- like this one
• Listen to music -- I recommend Slacker Radio or 8tracks.com
• Write
• Play games on your telephonic device -- Angry Birds certainly lives up to its rep.
• Play car games -- like the license plate game or call dibbs on the nicest cars you see...even though you probably don't actually want it in real life
• Eat
• Watch a movie -- invest in a laptop, car t.v. or portable DVD player

I am a Twenty-Year-Old college student from the Washington, DC metropolitan area. I have the heart, commitment, and passion for exploring, traveling, and learning new things. As I go on adventures, even something as small as a trip to the supermarket, I am open and prepared for anything.

My travels, however, are much greater than the quick run to pick up dairy. Summer 2011 destinations include: Washington, DC. New York, New York. Orlando, Florida. Asbury Park, New Jersey. Los Angeles, California. Melbourne, Australia.


View Summer 2011 in a larger map

And  that is just what has been planned. Prepare to connect. Prepare to engage. Prepare to travel. Anticipate a learning experience that will never have you second guessing.

Tune in for more! :)

P.S. I set my own boundaries. After all, she wants it her way....