Thursday, January 28, 2010

The iPad and the Future of Travel

Since I am embracing my inner geek these days, I wanted to take a little time to talk about the new iPad and how it will affect travel. I'm a big fan of traveling light because you can pick up and move last minute, plus it makes for a cheaper trip (luggage fees, bellman tips, etc.). The iPad concept is exciting to me since it combines a lot of functions into one device, which I'm always a fan of. It seems as though the folks at National Geographic agree with me...thought I'd share.



The days of lugging around your laptop, netbook, or notebook on a cramped airplane, across Asia, or even on a weekend ski trip are numbered. We've seen the future of travel in Apple's new iPad tablet--and, according to Steve Jobs during his press conference yesterday, it's "magical."

Don't tempt F8, that text can w8

To all Daily Travelers,

I just caught up on my Oprah episodes on dvr and had to blog about her show on Texting while Driving. I am ashamed to admit that I am guilty of doing this, probably more often than I want to admit. My phone is always in the center console, easily accessible in case anyone needs to contact me while I'm driving.

What I didn't realize, or maybe just pretended not to realize, is that you are basically the equivalent (if not, worse) of a drunk driver if you text while driving. Oprah used her show to feature families that had lost loved ones and put some cocky people who thought they could handle it to a driving test. On average, their response rates were about 20 feet slower than normal. Twenty feet. That's the difference between slamming into a stopped car, a pedestrian, or a child on a bike (as the show revealed).

I don't want to guilt everyone into doing this, you obviously have to make the decision for yourself, but stop and think about it. If your eyes are not on the road, how can you possibly be alert to your surroundings? You're putting yourself, your passengers and everyone on the road in unnecessary danger and for what...to tell your friend that you'll be there in 10 minutes? Unless you're the President of the United States on your way to push the nuclear bomb button or something, who can't simply wait the 10 minutes?

Ok, feel a ranting coming on so I'll just say this. I know it won't be easy, but I'm going to try. I hope all of my friends and family do the same because it just isn't worth it.

If you want to watch the Oprah "texting while driving" episode, click here.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Day 3 after the Hoarders episode aired

Well, it has been 3 days since the Hoarders episode aired and so far, the response seems to be very positive. I've gotten some emails from friends who saw the show offering support and wishing us the best. My mom has also gotten a lot of encouragement not only from friends & family, but from viewers who commented in the A&E forum. I'm so thankful that people are being compassionate because I know she was terrified of what others would think. She seems to have more motivation to get through the mountain of boxes after watching the show.

I also had a co-worker come up to me today to tell me that he saw the show and that his mom suffers from the same condition. He has been wanting to do something about it but had no idea how to start. I hope he decides to get help!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Yes, that is my family on A&E's Hoarders

About a month ago, I wrote to A&E asking for help with my mom's hoarding. Shockingly, they read my letter and within a week, the schedule was set for them to come help my mom. I know she was absolutely terrified to air her "dirty laundry" on national tv, but she agreed to get help and try to move forward with her life.

The team that came to our house was extremely gracious...very professional and respectful. By the end of the 2 days it felt like we had an extended family. We were all joking and laughing while we powered through the task at hand.

Tonight the show aired, to view the full episode click here.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Katie sings Biggest Fan

My little sis, Kaitlyn Noelle sings Biggest Fan.



Can't view? Click here

Savannah's 11th birthday

Savannah's 11th birthday is tomorrow and we celebrated at home doing what she loves most...video games! The four sisters got together at the house(a rare occasion!) and played some Mario Brothers on the Wii for a while. Mom brought a delicious mint chocolate cake from Cold Stone, we punched a pinata hanging from the stairs (rain forced us to take it indoors) and had some dinner at her favorite restaurant, Macaroni Grill. Happy Birthday Vay!


Sunday, January 10, 2010

Volunteer and get a free pass to Disneyland

In case you haven't heard, Disneyland is offering a free one-park admission to anyone that completes volunteer work in their community. They're calling it the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" promotion and it will be running through 2010.

Of course, there are some official details you should know about: Must pre-register and sign up for eligible volunteer opportunity. Ticket quantities for this program are limited. Must be at least age 6 to participate. Other terms and conditions apply. For details, click here.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Great Travel Guides for Amergris Caye, Belize

For those of you thinking of traveling to Ambergris Caye, I highly recommend it. Home to one of the top scuba diving spots in the world, the Blue Hole is a scene not to miss. Not certified? No problem...take a boat to Shark Alley and snorkel with nurse sharks and giant sting rays. If you prefer to stay on dry land keep your eyes open for spotting some of the most exotic birds in the Carribean. There are plenty of hotels in San Pedro to make you feel right at home during your stay.