Friday, August 26, 2011

Here Comes The Story of the Hurricane...

Ok, I'm probably going to get the copyright people on me after that title. But I couldn't help myself.

If you live in the northeast US, so far this week you've experienced an earthquake and a hurricane warning. If you're not, you have heard us all lamenting about it on Facebook and Twitter no doubt. The earthquake was nothing to write home about, but it was an interesting experience. Now I can say I've experienced an earthquake. For reference, just as it's not wise to go to the airplane restroom when the captain turns on the fasten seatbelt sign, the bathroom isn't the ideal place to be during an earthquake. While I can joke about the earthquake, the hurricane looks like it may be a legit cause for concern.

After the earthquake, several friends and family members texted/emailed me to check on Cinn and I. I thought this was incredibly sweet and it definitely made me feel cared about. If you're one them, thank you. If not, what's wrong with you? No, I'm just kidding. Kind of. I realize that some of those not in the area weren't aware of it. In fact, some of those in the area weren't either, though I'm not sure how. My point is, how you treat people in a situation like this says, to me, something about one's character and priorities.  Those who checked on me made me feel like a priority. Those who are around and available during this weekend's impending ridiculousness are also amazing people. Everyone likes to feel special, cared about, protected in a tough situation. When you make the effort, especially when you go above and beyond, it makes a difference and means a lot, at least to me.



Keep in mind that phone service and internet might be down. You may not be able to get through with a quick text or email. And no, a facebook "like" doesn't count as support in this instance. You know,  when someone's status reads "help I'm trapped in the basement b/c of this hurricane" and you "like" it, not very helpful. :-) Besides, who's on a computer when 100 mph winds come ripping through. Well.... maybe for facebook purposes.

So think about your plan for this weekend and who you need to take care of if things get rough. I, for one, am happy to have a group over who would like to pass the storm with Cinn and I. One of my best friends had the genius to suggest drinking hurricanes during a hurricane and I think it's a fabulous option. I can't think of a better way to pass a stormy day than with those I'm close to.  If I don't see you, have a wonderful, stormy weekend. If I do, make sure to have your camera!



Thursday, August 25, 2011

Welcome to Lilies and Elephants!

As the title says, welcome! I just started this personal blog, which I feel is long overdue. I blog/write in two other places, the blog for my travel company, Chimera Travel,  and Chimera's quarterly e-magazine, TraveLuxe.  I love writing for business, but I also have plenty of thoughts that really have nothing to do with travel and even if they do, I don't feel they need to be on my company's blog and e-magazine. Hence, the start of Lilies and Elephants.

Why Lilies and Elephants you ask? First off, I love both. I actually wanted to name this blog Orange Lily, but it was already taken. So, for the record, was Red Lily. While forming this blog, I happened to have a conversation on twitter with several people about Elephants and how wonderful they are - my favorite animal for their intelligence and loyalty to their families - and though I might as well combine the two. I mean, if Elephant & Castle can become a worldwide pub chain, Lilies and Elephants has to have some strength, right?

This blog contains my musings, ideas, insights and potentially though hopefully not often, rants. I live my life by the "learn to swim by diving into the water" method, which results in many ridiculous stories, life lessons and hopefully helpful advice. I'm sure I'll be sharing some travel stories and pictures on here as well, and I'm always good for a little humor, self depreciating or otherwise.

If you have something you'd like to see me blog about, just ask! If  I don't know about it, I'll try to learn, or maybe I'll write a blog about how I don't know about it and why. Perhaps one day this blog will develop a theme. For now, it's just the thoughts of a wandering and adventurous spirit. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!