August 31, 2010

Bye

 via

Dear August,

Sorry you need to go.
Sorry you need to leave so quickly.
You were just not long enough but then again, you weren't nice either.
You showed most of you ugly traits and that wasn't nice. Did we really deserve this?!
Either way, you're about to open the door and walk out.
Don't be sad, you'll be back next year.
Hopefully with a much better attitude.
Nonetheless, you will be missed. Dearly.
We will welcome your sister with open arms, hopefully she will do the same.
So yes, don't be so sad...and stop crying!
Smile...so it brightens this last day!

*S*

Can you believe September starts tomorrow?!
Wow!!!

I'm back from Germany! :)

♥ Selma ♥

August 28, 2010

Looking Forward To Fall

Fall season is just around the corner.
I'm not happy about it.
Sure, I love fall and its fashion and all but I'm going to miss summer.
Granted our summer this year wasn't anything special because it just seemed to be a mixture of fall and summer in one. Lots of rain, lots of cool air...lots of not so nice days...and then bammm hot summer days with endless hours of strong sun and scorching hot temps. A total crazy mixture. However, fall's around the corner and there are a few things I'm looking forward to: Today it's TV. ;)


This is just a few of the shows I'm looking forward to...ok, I admit it, I'm addicted. :)
I'm excited.
Who will survive?
Who will die?
Who will fall in love (again?!)
Who's going to act (more) crazy and wild?
Who's turning into a different person?
Who will or won't or....
I wanna know it all. Now!

Yes, I admit it...I'm addicted.
TV entertains me. Especially when I'm feeling down.
And these are just a few shows I'm looking forward to.
Wow, I am really so very much addicted. haha.

Have a fantastic day.
I off to Germany! :)

all pictures via tumblr

♥ Selma ♥

August 27, 2010

Fill In The Blank Friday...

Happy Friday everyone.
Today is Fill in the Blank time again...
...let's see if I can do this today.

1.  The most adventurous thing I've ever done is     ...I'm not a very adventurous person. You can also call me boring. So it might be just sneaking back in at 6 in the morning?! Of course mom caught me.


2.  If I were a pair of shoes I  would be   a pair of purple or black flats...nothing shiny but cute enough so any wardrobe would work with them at any time. I would never be a high heel...haha! Cute and comfy is the word!

3.  My preferred mode of digital communication is    texting because it's cheaper. Yes, I pay for my text. Ok, I get 50 free ones but that's about it. I'd rather call because I think a phone's main purpose is exactly that. :)

4.  I feel happiest when   I hold my cup of coffee in my hand and nibble on a muffin at a coffee shop. Sounds very weird I know but it brings back memories of happier times, and it literally calms me. This is all I need at this very moment.

5.  A little dream I have for my life is   to own my very own house. Boring I know, but it's what it is. Oh yeah, preferably overlooking the Pacific. ;)

6.  The one modern convenience I could NOT do without is   internet. Enough said.

7.  Music, movies, TV or books:  if I could only choose one to enjoy I would pick   movies. Any kind just makes me super happy. Then I would choose TV, books, and then music, or a combo of the tree as my second.
For more fun answers hop on over to Lauren's blog and join the fun.

Hope you're having a fantastic Friday.
I just got home from work.
It felt like an incredibly long day.
I am exhausted. And yes, it's Friday...doesn't mean I can relax tomorrow though because I need to go in again...and hopefully my nose will be back to normal and my voice sort of operating because whispering while working is not a lot of fun. :(
Being sick during summer sucks big time.
Hope you're all having a great day.
Any fun plans for the weekend?!
Me? 
Thank you for asking...I'm headed to Germany. *with or without a cold hovering over my head!*
xoxo,

♥ Selma ♥

August 26, 2010

A Sunny August Day

 via

It's gorgeous outside.
Summer in full bloom, so to speak.
Blue sky, lots of sunshine, lots of green, flowers, and flip flop wearing people...
...I'm stuck inside, sneezing, coughing and crying.
Being sick sucks.
Nonetheless I'm giving my very best to look hot today. ;)
I have to work too. 
Wish me luck.
Why oh why do I have to go in today?!
And don't ask me if there's someone out there taking my shift, because there's no one.
One more reason why I can't wait to finish this job.
I've worked my butt off even when I had a fever, and today is one of those days again.
Never got a "oh sorry, thank you for coming in by the way!". Ever.
Won't get one today either.

It's almost September, time sure flies.
But until then let's celebrate August...
...and then a new month will bring us a new and strong energy boost or something like that. ;)
I can't think nor write.
My head's spinning...time to relax and go to work.

Happy Thursday!
Is it Thursday?! I forgot?!
Oh boy...

♥ Selma ♥

August 25, 2010

First Time

It's always time for a first time so today is my very first time participating in Leigh's weekly Wednesday special. So here goes nothing...




{one} what was your favorite birthday gift?
a trip to new york city. :) however, the one i got this year *a bit belated though* even though not as good as a trip to nyc still made the list of my fave birthday gifts. simple things can and should enhance our lives.


{two} have you ever been cow-tipping or snipe-hunting?
ha, neither. i know, boring. ;)


{three} what’s the strangest talent you have?
it's not strange, it's a talent...at least people tell me i have a talent when it comes to languages. whatever. i don't see it. sometimes i do but it's rare. another thing though i think is strange and not necessarily a talent is to bend my fingers pretty far back...so it looks like i'm going to break them instantly but i'm not. can't really describe it. you got to see it, then again, you should not.


{four} what are your favorite kind of chips?
bbq, and paprika ones...not too spicy but spicy enough so i can taste something. ;) 



{five} do you know any tongue twisters?
i used to know two, and believe it or not i totally fail right at this very second. not even one of them comes to mind. am i getting old?! help!!! so yeah, i have to say NO now. 


{six} what was the last movie you saw in a theater?
salt. last night actually. and i have to say i actually liked it. :)


{seven} do you collect anything?
mugs, shot glasses, flip flops, sweaters, and t-shirts. weird combo i know but so far it's kept me warm, cozy and happy. those aren't just "things". they are all reminders of where i was or what places i actually truly and dearly love. :) happy times.


{eight} what is something you wish you were better at?
being a good cook maybe. i mean i'm doing fine with whatever i can cook so far it's just i wish i had no fear of failing and would just try and then laugh because it tastes gross. haha.


{nine} what’s the worst habit you have?
i talk too much. it's bad people. it's really bad. and if i don't talk something's not right. i'm either sad, unhappy, irritated, mad, or feel stupid.


{ten} when you wake up, what is the first thing you think?
ok then, let's go...or not!!!
Actually this was fun.
Hop on over to Leigh's blog and play along if you want.

Happy Wednesday everyone.
Hope you had a terrific day.
Mine started early, and is now slowly ending...
...I spent my afternoon watching my new DVD...and it made me cry. A. Lot. Worse than when I watched it in the theater. Emotional or what?! It definitely hit me. But I loved it. Oh boy. Here it comes again...the waterfall full of tears...

xoxo,
♥ Selma ♥

August 24, 2010

Thank you


It's not secret that I'm having rather an awful month.
Not sure what October will bring, and literally thinking about it makes me shiver.
However, I'm determined that I'll find a way and that this will happen once it happens and just thinking about it now is not doing me any good so I won't. It is August now, and I still have some time.

I've had a rough start today...my sore throat wasn't gone this morning and getting ready at 5 in the freakin' morning didn't even help. Wasn't even sure what to wear today because it was said to be gross and wet and even though it rained it was hot! So, anyways...I went to work, and the second I walked in I wanted to walk out again. People don't know the words organization or team work at all. Pretty frustrating. So, needless to say my first hour at work was awful...had to work on so many mistakes others made and find ways to make it all look perfect so no one would detect anything. My sore throat in full bloom...had almost no voice at all, and if I didn't have to talk I wouldn't really mind but my job requires tons of talking. Thank you. Had to make a list listing things that went wrong and needed to be fixed or at least finally *and hopefully FINALLY* be known or understood so mistakes won't happen. I felt like a school teacher grading my co-workers. Hello, open your eyes. Anyways...things from there on seemed fine...work was okay and everything seemed on my side except for my sore throat and voice and all. Went home after work, wanted to relax and all...just needed a nap. However, the second I got home and checked my mailbox..Awesomeness right in front of my eyes! 

I received a very belated birthday gift from my dear friend A. I couldn't and still can't stop smiling. Got the measuring spoons I forgot to order and couldn't find anywhere over here, got an amazing new T-shirt I'm going to be wearing as often as even possible because it's got three things on it I love (cheery blossoms, pink color, and Philadelphia written on it), a DVD (one that just came out last week and I was bummed that I had to wait at least four more month till it would hit stores over here), and a self made CD. Simple things, but these just made my day today!!! :) Can you see me smile?!!!

 via

Today started awful but it sure ended awesome!

Happy Tuesday everyone.

xoxo,

♥ Selma ♥

August 23, 2010

Weekend Recap

Not that I went anywhere exciting and could share pictures with you...
I stayed home and relaxed as much as even possible. However, I thought I'd do some "what I loved about this weekend" recap thing today...finding happiness each day is still my priority no matter what. ;)

♥ Browsing around and reading online news and all...I found  the following...and if I had the money I'd hire Steve Hermann and have him design my very own house! This is his latest house in Montecito, California. His style is just Crazy Beautiful. ;)

♥ Went to the movies on Sunday even though outside it was super hot and beautiful. Nonetheless had a great time inside, and then later on outside as well. :) If they only didn't dub that movie!!! Total waste of time. The dubbing I mean.The movie?! I loved it...

♥ Taking a bubble bath and listening to music at the same time...brilliant.
♥ Waking up to no alarm clock!!
♥ Catching up on some shows including Rizzoli & Isles, True Blood, and Entourage
♥ Reading!!!
Sporcle - it's addictive and I learned I don't know anything about Europe and its countries
♥ Dreaming about possible new travel adventures (San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, New York, Istanbul, Utah, Japan, or just Italy) - so much for going towards one direction.
♥ Loving my nails (how conceited!)
♥ Finding inspiring decorating ideas...in purple! Ya know my love for this magnificent color. ;)
♥ Knowing I'll be spending my upcoming weekend away! Germany here I come - again.

How was your weekend?!

The only thing I didn't do this weekend was to look for a new job. I suck at this.
I don't know where to begin or how to begin. Don't even know what I want to do.
How awful is this?!
Life continues either way.
And I'm convinced I'm going to end up as an old fat cat lady! With or without cats.

Happy Monday to all of you!!!

xoxo,


♥ Selma ♥

August 21, 2010

Happy Saturday

 via

With this statement I'm going to enjoy this weekend.
Finished work at 3pm today.
The sun's out, and making us all enjoy summer one last time.
Sunday afternoon I'm going to the movies...
...and my weekend continues because I get Monday off too! :)

Have a fantastic one.
Hope you have more plans than I do...because just the movies isn't enough in my eyes. 

xoxo,
♥ Selma ♥

August 20, 2010

At least I call it Happy Friday & I filled something out...

Without further blahblahblahhhhh...it's time to share some of my weekly smiles :D

** Knowing one of my friends got married and was a stunning bride. Wish I could have gone to her wedding and could have been part of her very special day. She got married on Friday the 13th...and I saw videos and pictures of her special day. :) Someone was awesome enough to post stuff on fb. Thank you!
Look at her cake? Isn't it gorgeous?!!! And those cute little figures or whatever you want to call them?! Can I eat these?! Looks like it. 
 via facebook

** A message from a great person. Hope she receives my virtual hugs!!!!

** Received and felt appreciation by clients of mine...I appreciate them for appreciating me. I may sound way too chipper and happy when I talk to people but it's what this job is all about. If you can't do that you can't work there. Sounds bad, but is all true. This is what my job is all about: making others feel special, and make them feel happy. I can't undo harsh words or actions or anything else gone wrong but I can try. I've tried, and sometimes I get positive feedback back. That's always making me happy and smile. :)

** This video (thanks Krystal) - this made me smile a lot. Don't we love this city?!

** Summer returning...even just for a few days. Let's enjoy it now before it's gone again.


What made you smile, laugh, happy...all that and more?! 

And well, it's Friday...and if I'm not super busy or away or tired or something else I try to keep up and join Lauren's Fill in the Blank...



1.  My favorite current TV show is   True Blood, but Pretty Little Liars is a very very very close second.

2.  The TV character I can relate to most is   no one in particular. There are times I feel like I am Erica (in Being Erica), then at other times I feel like I'm Felicity! And then again...no one at all. It depends on the situation I'm in and how much make a s how influence me. ha!

3.  My life is like (fill in with TV show and why)....  hmmmm...tough question, I have no clue. I guess TV life is more exciting than real life, so technically it's super boring and lame.... :(

4.  My all time favorite TV show is   Friends. Lame maybe, but when I feel sad, or terribly bored all I need is a bunch of Friends episodes and I can laugh again. :).

5.  A TV show that is ridiculously stupid, but I continue to watch is   anything on MTV. Really.

6.  My favorite TV couple is   Chuck and Blair from Gossip Girl, but also Marshall and Lily from HIMYM *they're so cute, and ridiculously funny I love them* .


7.  One TV episode I could watch over and over again is   when Rory (Gilmore Girls) gets invited to a Life and Death Brigade weekend in the woods. She gets to dress up, and then be part of that great stunt. Love that time, and the fashion... awwwww....




Want to read more?!
Fill in the blank's available over at Lauren's. :)

Happy Friday everyone.

xoxo,

♥ Selma ♥

August 19, 2010

Pink Is In The Air

My love for this color will never end...




 all via tumblr

Negative thoughts have crossed my mind.
I couldn't sleep at all last night. Many different reasons.
So today I wanted to ditch everything and everyone but didn't.
I have responsibilities...we all do.

Two more days and I can finally relax for two days. YES.
A movie day is planned too, and temps in the 80s are expected by this weekend.
Excited?! I know I am.

Happy Thursday!

xoxo,
♥ Selma ♥

August 18, 2010

Feelings in Quotes

 via we ♥ it

When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves,
it is useless to seek it elsewhere.
If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right.
But do not care to convince him. Men will believe what they see. Let them see.


Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.
Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.

Happy Wednesday everyone.

xoxo,
♥ Selma ♥

August 16, 2010

Tuesday Thought


Obviously today was a very bad day.
Never mind busy moments, lots of questions and phone calls and tons of thinking and organizing...but once I'm yelled at for the good *and may I call it slightly perfect* job I'm doing I can and will not accept this. And then it hit me. Just two more months are ahead of me and I am done. It's a scary thought, but just writing it down makes it sooooo possible and so just around the corner. 

For the past seven days I've learned that there are people out there truly appreciating my work and what I do to make them happy and all. It's the small things that count. It's a smile, or just a hello, or just the fact that I will cancel a doctor's appointment for a very special (I try to avoid important) person. I'm going to do this tomorrow on my day off. Yes, even then. But I've learned that there are indeed people out there knowing how hard I work and how much effort I put in every single action over a break-less 9-hour shift. Yesterday was one of the best days. I made lots of people happy. I make lots of people happy every day. It's part of my job. It's what I went to school for, and even though I get paid squat for all the effort and magic I bring into this place I also learned that some people just don't see it and love to yell at me. I believe, and yes this may sound conceited, that I am the one holding this place together. Trust me. I never talk like this but in this case, I believe so. My patience is gone and well, the appreciation I received over the past few days was awesome...all the negativity not so much...I cried, had to ditch a friend's spontaneous call/coffee stop/whatever, cried some more, talked to my mom about this, and honestly told her that I just know that this place won't survive with its current attitude coming all the way from above. Sad but true.
It's time to let go and start fresh. Where? How? No clue.
If I'm being yelled at for no real reason, not even knowing how much positivity I give and how much I have to work in order to keep it all in and make everyone happy, I don't see a point in continuing. At all. It ruins me.
So, can't and won't write more.
I'm too exhausted and need to rest.
I'm very sad, and very disappointed in everything right now.
Don't know how to proceed tomorrow but it's all going to be okay. It just has to.

Ha!
Easier said than done.



♥ Selma ♥

Smile, it's Monday

When you start working things in life change automatically. Priorities you had when you were younger (or not working) are no longer around but new ones arrived. I miss my school days. I truly am. I'm thinking to go back to school, but am not sure about it. It's been a while. My friend H. encourages me each time she talks to me to go for it. She's my age and doesn't care if she's still in school by the age of 40...the way she proceeds it may as well turn out that way. haha. Either way, my family (except my mom) encourages me too. Somewhat. It's a decision I need to make on my own. My priorities in life changed ever since I left college and ever since I started working. However, as you all know I don't really like my current job. I love my field but I don't like to be treated like a total idiot because I know better...I am  no idiot!!!!! I deserve better. So, going back to how I started this post...when you work you treat yourself differently. It's just what it is. Today, again I'm in absolutely no mood to blog (but I am!!). I'm counting down the days till I get my deserved day off because it's not Monday again. I have to work seven straight days in a row and it shows and it's felt too. So, in order to cheer myself up and start this week fresh and happy...here's some things to look at so I can go to work with a bright smile on my face!!!

my favorites of all...
and of course the last one!!
all vie we ♥ it

Happy Monday everyone!
My awwwwwwww....factor moment just arrived...and looking at the last pic it makes me smile, big, time! :)
Don't we all need some cute, funny and smiley moments in life?! I bet we do!!
 
xoxo,

♥ Selma ♥

August 15, 2010

Sundays

Next Sunday it's my day off!
Today it's not. And it's been raining and cold.
And even though I absolutely don't feel like blogging or sharing (then again, there's hardly anything I could share at this point; I work, I sleep, I daydream, I work, I sleep, I daydream...maybe eat, maybe drink, maybe talk, maybe smile...and then I sleep again and daydream again and work again...it's a never ending cycle)...so I thought I'd put up some pictures that may or may not inspire me and you!!!!


Happy Sunday everyone!
Wherever you are.
If you've got some sunshine and heat you want to get rid of, can you please send some over?! I'd really appreciate it. Thank you. :)

xoxo,

♥ Selma ♥

August 13, 2010

Fill in the Blank on Friday the 13th!

Friday, August 13. Almost again the middle of the month...what the heck is going on? Why is time flying by so quickly?! Why oh why?!! And yes, it's Friday the 13th...this day will be awesome!!! And yes, I believe it's going to be a perfect day. Therefore, I'm going to start it with Lauren's weekly Fill in the Blank Friday...and in honor of the birthday theme...here's a picture of a buffet I found...can I dig in?!! Please???!

 
 
1.  Birthdays are:   my favorite. I love enjoying my day, getting the attention, and just feeling special. Everything seems so easy and so perfect that day that it makes it just so very unique. Lately though I've hated my birthdays. Not that I'm getting older (and wiser) but mainly because no one's listening to me or at least no one's believing me, when I say I want a birthday cake on my special day. Not that this is a major thing but still...a cake just belongs to a birthday...like a cake does belong to a wedding. 

2.  My favorite birthday memory was   ...believe it or not, I don't think I have one. Maybe that time when we went to my favorite restaurant each year, and once when I couldn't do that and two of the most amazing people threw a party for me and cooked all kinds of food. Dang that was way too much. But soooo good. Yes, let's go with that memory.

3.  A birthday tradition I (or my family) has is   well actually was (because apparently someone decided it wasn't worth it anymore) going to my favorite restaurant for dinner. For years it was like this, either on my day and if that wasn't possible a day after. So yeah, can you see that I'm majorly disappointed and saddened????

4.  If I had to choose one birthday meal to eat for the rest of my birthdays hence forward, I would choose   Bulgogi. Just thinking about it makes me hungry.

5.  My birthday is on    June 2nd - Gemini!!! :)

6.  If I could take a birthday trip I would go   to San Francisco. Don't need to explain myself.

7.  The best gift I've ever received for my birthday was  pearl earrings. Gotta love my godfather. Still have them (of course) and still wear them occasionally...you all know pearls are very sensitive so I try to cherish them and not ruin them. Have I mentioned that these pearls are pink pearls?! Sigh...
For more answers to this, hop on over to Lauren's blog and join the fun if you like.

Ok, I can't come up with anything more today...it's Friday, it's going to be a very long weekend...even longer than that last one because I'm about to work way too long. Who's complaining? Not me. Boooo!!!! Oh well. So wishing you all a very happy Friday!!!

xoxo,
♥ Selma ♥

August 12, 2010

My love for...

...polka dots may not be obvious to everyone but I do love them. Preferably in black/white, red/black, yellow, green/white or anything with black. :) As long as it looks cute and makes me go "awwww" I'm good for any kind of polka dots. Then again, those dots have to have the perfect size...not too big or too small...just perfect. Hard to describe this because it's a feeling and if it feels right the size is perfect. Does this make sense?! Any at all?! Either way....here's my love for those cute little dots!!! :)


 via
 via

I could go on but don't want to bore you. The last picture is one of my favorites because it's something I could need right about now. Then again, my own boots have dots on them...just not white on black. Do I need a second pair now?! Yes. Will I buy it? No. :(

Happy Thursday night, and early Friday morning.
WOW, it's 1am already...time to go to bed. 

xoxo,

♥ Selma ♥

August 11, 2010

A from M all over Again


Today at work, I turned red.
My hands were shaking, my heart beat faster, and those butterflies in my stomach...awwww...okay, not that dramatic. However, we had some hotness today...wow!!!
And then if one wasn't enough...a second one appeared *at the same time!!!* I thought I had hot flashes but even though I'm old enough to get them (it all starts from 25+, yes, forget about the 40-something stories, haha) I knew it couldn't be. The second one I was familiar with...every August it's the same. Trust me, it's every August...and I would be lying if I said it's not true, but oh boy do I feel like a teenager again...with a enormously huge crush!!

Boy, I'm happy he wasn't wearing his tux today.
Otherwise I wouldn't be here writing.
Sigh....

Happy Wednesday!!


♥ Selma ♥

August 10, 2010

Ok then...


 both via we ♥ it

I have to admit I'm having a hard time today.
Wish I could watch the game today, live of course!
I love Baseball. To me, it's a sexy sport. Yes. I admit that. :)
My friend A. thought I was nuts when I mentioned that last time, but to me it is. So what the heck. Anyhow...I wish I could watch them play today, and tomorrow, and Thursday...both of them. Yes, I also admit I like both team. Whoops!!!! Is this bad?!
These were the games I wanted to see and equally feel bad for the loser team because I would want both to win but well, that's so not gonna happen. These were the games...I've marked them in my calendar, and it's right next to me saying "you could be there, ya know!!!". Yes, I could be there now wearing two T-shirts... ;) I may do this now all the way over here...
...fingers crossed. :) And no, I can't watch it online. By the time it starts I'll be asleep because I have to wake up at 5am again. :( So yeah, no online game watching. I wouldn't even know where I could watch the game. Sometimes they don't want us to watch stuff online, not to mention live. :( Yup.

Happy Tuesday everyone.

♥ Selma ♥

August 9, 2010

Oh, Monday...

And since it's my day off and I have nothing better to do than to relax, watch movies (Bride Wars was one of them) and drink awesome coffee...here's a video of a song that for some unknown reason inspires me.



I want that dress!!! Now!!!

Can you tell? I'm a bit bored although I had a great day with lots of interesting discussions. Met with a friend of mine whom I hadn't seen in over a month even though we practically live around the corner. :( I blame my stupid work schedule. Something needs to change. Anyhow...now I'm almost up to date...just almost.

Time to go ahead and cook some dinner.
Tomorrow I'm trying to make a lime pie. I did it last year and loved it and just want to do it again...now!

xoxo,
♥ Selma ♥

Happy Monday

I'm off today and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.
Hope your Monday starts beautifully...sorry if you have to go back to work.


This statement is so true, at least for me! :)

xoxo,

♥ Selma ♥

August 7, 2010

Please Don't...

This post may be different from all the other posts. Maybe similar. Who knows.
It's a bit of a to-do or mainly of a NOT to-do list while traveling.

 via

I've been working in the travel industry and it has come to my attention that I could have written about five entire books with stories about weird questions, behavior, moves, words, people (!!!!), and all that...however, it's funnier when you experience them. Then again, it's absolutely no fun at all when you experience them over and over again. It makes people look stupid. They're not. No one is. However, you automatically see how certain people work on or handle certain things and then you just have to turn around and go someplace in order to laugh. Or not. I usually cry because I just think it's sad and just so very embarrassing. :(
Nonetheless, this post will be different, and if I sound slightly annoyed, pissed, irritated, angry, moody and a lot more, I don't mean to sound like that at all. It may come close to it but I don't want to judge or point at people and say "hey, you messed up! Stupid, you!"... all I want to do today is vent. A little. In peace. And I absolutely don't want to harm anyone or cause people to think I'm a weirdo because I write all this down but it needs to be said. In writing. I can't bring myself ever to say this to people. I would love to at times, I do admit this. I'm not the only one. However, my job doesn't allow me this. Here, I at least take the liberty in writing down what I think and feel. It's my blog anyway...so here it is:

While traveling there are things we all should do (or at least consider and think about) and there are things we absolutely should never ever think of doing. Ever. The Do's and the Dont's if you want. In either case, this varies from person to person, and country and city...and even season! Though during my young life (with a huge emphasis on YOUNG) I've learned a few things in life (would be bad if I didn't) and a few things about travelers. Don't get me wrong now, I'm not going to teach you anything. I won't be judging either. All I'm going to say or in this case write is a few tips on how NOT to annoy people when you first meet them. And yes, I need to vent.... :(  So, here it is:
  • When you are abroad, you are abroad. You are not back home. Nothing is the same as back home (that's why you traveled abroad), therefore don't complain about it and don't point out all the time that "back home it is...". It's not, get over it.
  • If you enter a hotel and check-in, don't ask if they speak English. It's a hotel. At least the lady up at the front desk should know English. Again, it's a hotel. English has become internationally recognized (for most parts, definitely up to 90%). If not perfect, someone has to speak it. Don't start with "do you speak English" or worse "Do you understand me?!"
  • Don't assume though people understand you. Even though they may speak your language, they may know just the basic phrases and are not used to hearing everyday conversations. So, speak clear, and easy-to-understand.
  • Use your brain. Please. A phonebook is a phonebook, no matter where you are on this planet. At least in the more civilized areas. Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, and even China have phonebooks...don't start with "At home, we have a book that lists names and phone numbers. We call it phonebook..." No!!!
  • Again, use your brain daily. Not just for one minute. I'm not judging or trying to make people look bad or a slight bit ridiculous...but some things just can't be explained. Or tolerated.
    What do you do when you want to open a door?!

    I'm asking this, because it seems it's not as clear to everyone as it should be. You hold the handle and either push or pull. Right? What if you pull and nothing works? What do you do?!
    Right, you push. And what if you push first and nothing works? Correct...you pull. If both attempts fail the door's locked or if it's a bathroom stall someone might be using it. Some "stalls", for example, have green or red colors indicating whether or not it is occupied, some have "occupied" written on them. Clear?!
  • Brain work is important...traveling can be exhausting. I know that. If you've been traveling, even just for a few hours (not necessarily around the globe, heck I haven't traveled that much) then you know. Traveling is great but also very much exhausting. So, it is just natural that you can't know everything at once. But, please, try to focus. And try not to blame everything on others. If you booked something wrong, you booked it wrong. Not the computer, not the Internet, and not someone else. You didn't read the whole page, or you clicked on something else, or you skipped something assuming it wasn't important. You booked it wrong. No one else. Trust me, I've booked stuff myself and I had to read it four times to make sure I got it all right. Read, everything. And then when you agree, press confirm. Booked is booked, especially when it's a non-refundable price!!!! And left is always left, right always right...no matter where you are. Even when you're exhausted this should be clear to you.
  • Have an email address that you can open and read abroad as well. Sounds so easy, doesn't it?!
    Please don't try to send an email by clicking the tab bar on top and typing in 123455@abcde.com. You have to access your account first. The Internet you're about to use is not the one at home. It's the WorldWideWeb so you can access it but no password is remembered on this computer or any other thing is yours...you share this, and you also share it with the world. You need an account and a passport to that account of yours...yahoo, gmail, hotmail, you can even access comcast, and all other accounts...just know the password and all. Otherwise it doesn't work.
    And trust me on this, this has happened way too many times...it's one major thing that drives me insane!!!
  • Know where you are. If you travel to Europe, know where you are. Know what people may speak. You don't have to speak it though but at least know that you no longer are in Italy, or Spain, or France or Greece. Know where you are. I've had people greet me in some very unknown language. They thought they were in some other city or country. Hmmm...who booked the trip again?!
  • Be prepared. Don't assume, summer's going to be hot and sunny all the time or winter cold and gray. Anything is possible these days...anywhere, anytime.
  • Please shower! Enough said. 
  • Last on this list for today (I can assure you there's a lot more to mention but I won't go there ever)...use your brain. Oh wait?! I said that already...
You think I'm harsh by saying all the above?
I wish I was.
All this has happened to me or others and it's been just very irritating. Worse things happened too and I felt bad for the person. Really. I wonder how they survive back home. Really. I really feel bad and just ask myself if I act that way too when I travel. Obviously I don't make those mistakes. I'm prepared. I want to know about everything and anything about the city or country I'm about to visit, and that before I even hop on the train or plane or whatever. Right after the trip is booked I'm holding a guide book in my hand. Yes, I'm one of those people. This doesn't mean though that I don't make mistakes. I'm human, not a superhero. Even those make mistakes. However, I'm prepared and try not to annoy the @$%^ out of locals.

Most importantly though I travel light. Sort of. At least I have room left for shopping adventures. If you know me, you know that no matter where I'm going I'm going to end up buying new clothes/shoes/bags etc. Yes, I'm that kinda girl. ;)  So, my suitcase is usually halfway filled and that's it. ;) Just thinking about it now makes me want to go traveling again....

Ok, that's about it for today.
I needed to get this off my chest. Big time.
I feel relieved. Trust me.
This post wasn't meant to upset anyone, or annoy you guys.
It wasn't meant to irritate you or others.
My daily nerve wracking face-to-face experiences with weird people has come to a point where I couldn't and wouldn't hold back. I had to mention at least a few things very bothersome to most people working in my field. As much as I love working with all kinds of people, it has come to this point and even though I'm not proud of it I have to share this. Otherwise it's going to bug me forever and we don't want that. Plus, I am trying to stay positive and am trying to shove all negativity away. I'm trying real hard. Writing always helps, and since I'm having a difficult time at work and in life, I believe that part of my negativity comes from my job. Not good I know, but writing all this down is one giant help!!!

The good news?!! I had the cutest couple in today. I can literally say I loved them. Not in that "love" way but they were amazing. Casual, easy-going, super friendly, and just very normal. Loved how they arrived, and how they lived their lives. They definitely used their brain. :) They're off to great European cities now. Wish I could do this now too...ha, see?! The travel bug has found me....




    ♥ Selma ♥

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