big apple birthday bash

This year I turned 31. Not a big deal, or so I thought... until I booked a flight to New York City for the weekend! Awesome friend Jenna knew awesome David and we connected on Facebook… recently becoming awesome friends! He was willing to host me while I was in town. Mel & Leni paid to upgrade my seat to first class so I could travel in style and comfort [an awesome gift from awesome girls]. While I was in town Bitsy & Dan took me out for an awesome lunch. I really do feel like I got a taste of New York as I sampled the local cuisine of Crif Dogs, This Little Piggy, and Milk.

There were just two things I wanted to do while in the big apple. See the Statue of Liberty and catch a Broadway show. I was lucky enough to do both! This trip I was able to take in the Lady Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry. That evening I took in some of Broadway's finest and watched Pricilla Queen of the Desert with David. A truly awesome show! 

All this awesomeness in New York makes me want to up and move! Who knows where 31 will take me. I’ll keep you posted here!

SPECIAL NOTE: Thanks to everyone who made my birthday... well... AWESOME!

saloon 54

This past weekend Events by DREW tag teamed with The Event Dynamic and threw one hell of a party! I was lucky enought to be on the production team which transformed the Minneapolis Saloon into a cool, hip, happening place, reflecting the times of the 1970's. From constructing a water bed, to applying gold glitter to the walls and hanging mylar floor to ceiling, I was a great time. [and that was in the 12 hours before the doors opened] That night Saloon 54 was [in one word] AMAZING!

For those of you that don't know...

Studio 54 was a popular and world renowned nightclub from 1977 until 1981. The club was arguably the most well known nightclub in the world and played a major formative role in the growth of disco music and nightclub culture in general.

the addam's family

On Wednesday I was finally able to see the Addam's Family [a new musical] at the Ordway. I've waited over a year to see this show and let me tell you it was worth the wait! From great songs with funny lyrics to an impressive stage and award winning acting, that show had me laughing right after the curtain went up.

proud moment

This last weekend my friend Penny O. graduated from Oklahoma City University school of law. I was lucky enough to fly into town in time to make graduation and then pack up the Uhaul and drive back to Minnesota. Congratulations Penny, I'm so proud of you!

my 2012 china tour

I’m not me anymore, at least not the same me I was.

After a month of sharing bits and pieces of my experiences in China with friends and family I’m finally ready to share my final post about my 2012 Tour of China.

For those of you that live under a rock… I traveled to China on a nine-day tour of Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. It was a fast trip; however, we packed a lot in. These are some of the questions you asked upon my return home.

HOW WAS THE FLIGHT; HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU?

Flying is one of my favorite modes of transportation. [first being Jet Ski and least being a bicycle] I have no problem sleeping on an aircraft, eating their single serving meals, or sitting for 15 and a half hours. I like the fact there is very little to do, but sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.

After making friends with the gate agent at MSP, I asked for a window seat. I not only got a window seat, but my own row all to myself, that allowed me to stretch out and travel like a rock star.

WHAT WAS THE MOST EXCITING PART OF YOUR TRIP?

Standing on The Great Wall of China. It’s been a dream of mine for quite sometime. Just being up on the wall and looking at the vast beauty all around me, and seeing the wall continue as far as the eye can see was pretty amazing. It was breath taking on so many levels. [two words: high altitude]

WERE THERE ANY SCARY EXPERIANCES THAT YOU HAD?

On my flight from Beijing to Xi’an I thought I was going to be asked to help make an emergency landing. The turbulence was so bad even I… an experienced world traveler thought something was wrong with our aircraft.

WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?

I would have spent more time with the locals. I’m very fortunate to have met Hongwei Dai. Though our time together was very short, it’s one I will never forget.

SHARE TWO FUN EXPERIANCES [this one is not really a question]

[1] The rickshaws ride though the city of Bejing had me laughing and screaming. It was fun and scary all at the same time. I’ve never felt so alive while feeling like I’m about to die in my life!

[2] Bargaining at the Knockoff Mall. I bought a pair of Converse shoes for $11.00. Helped Leni get a Dolce & Gabbana raincoat for $26.00 and my new friend Julie get a travel bag for $18.00. All these items were originally three-five times as much!

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART?

I would have to say over coming my fear of traveling to China was most rewarding. I thought I’d get sick of eating orange chicken for three meals a day, yet the food was great and nothing like what we have in the states. I also thought there would be a huge language barrier that I would hate. It was not a problem. So many people spoke English and I figured it out the few people I met who didn’t.

Seeing the world and visiting every continent has always been a dream and goal of mine. This trip reminded me that the world we all live in is a beautiful, wonderful, and inspiring place to live!

"have your own experience"

saying good bye to shanghai and china

After a great stay here in China Leni and I decided to split from the group and return to the Nanjin Road Pedestrian Street for one last look around. I found a pair for shoes I've had my eye on while in Shanghai. WHAT A DEAL!


Last night after a river boat cruise, and checking out the night life with friends I decided to get a massage. For $13.00 American dollars I had a chance to relax as I got a 60 minute massage from one of the prettiest Asian girls I had seen my whole trip. After a very busy day to seeing Shanghai and being my last night here, it was nice to just reflect on my trip and all I've experienced here while in China. From seeing and climbing The Great Wall Of China to experiencing the food this great land has to offer to making new friends with locals and fellow travelers it's been amazing to say the least. I thought to myself this is the life and then the pretty Asian girl offered me a happy ending... Oops!

 Ads for some Chinese theme park. 

Meat for sale! [I took this out the taxi window, right before I threw up in my mouth.]

the jade buddha temple

The Jade Buddha Temple is a Buddhist temple in Shanghai, China. As with many modern Chinese Buddhist temples, the current temple draws from both the Pure Land and Chan traditions of Mahayana Buddhism. It was founded in 1882 with two jade Buddha statues imported to Shanghai from Burma by sea. Pictures were not allowed to be taken of these buddhas, but they are exquisite!

I'm in shanghai

Nanjing Road is the worlds longest shopping district which measures over 3.75 miles and has over 1 million visitors daily.

I can now say I've been to the top of the 2nd tallest building in the world. The Shanghai World Financial Center is very impressive! [yet from a distance it looks like a bottle opener]

This is the view out my hotel window. I'm trying to rest before this evenings dinner and Chinese acrobatic show, but I'm too excited! I arrived in Shanghai this morning at 10:00 a.m. and I already love it here. This is my kind of place!

sights of xi'an

Today we toured the Terracotta Warriors, ate dumplings, visited an art gallery where we were able to try our hand at Chinese calligraphy before our last stop at the Wild Goose Pagoda. This evening we enjoyed a traditional hot pot dinner. Dinner was such an experience I forgot to take a picture. Yet another great day in China!

travel day to xi'an

Today Leni and I woke up early and headed to this amazing bakery a mile away from our hotel on foot. It was so cool. I had been taken there the night before by Hong Wei, a local. We ended up running back to catch our bus. It was a workout, but a fun one. Then we went to the Temple of Heaven. Around noon took a flight to Xi'an. I honestly thought we were going to crash land the aircraft, but we made it barley. This afternoon were given a chance to ride bikes on the city wall. [I passed, because bike riding is not my forte] We did however find a few places to shop and chill with local vendors.  I've added pictures of renminbi a.k.a. yuan just so you can see how colorful it is. [the exchange rate is in my favor over here so I'm living large] I also want you all to know I'm enjoying the all the food China has to offer... including their snacks. Check out this packaging!