London

Just wanted to drop a note that I made to London. Lots to talk about but need to go eat. Got some pics of the party before I left. Will try and get them posted today or tomorrow.

Take care all,

Kel

T- 3 Days

T minus 3 Days and counting.

Not much to post today. I'm getting a lot of feedback and help from people. I have a contact in London and northern Spain already. Haven't heard from anyone from Lisbon yet. It seems Monday is a Holiday in London so I'm looking forward to hanging with people who normally have to work.

Still not sure what I'm doing after Lisbon. I'd like to travel long the Southern Coast of Europe but I am open to where fate may take me.

Kel

T- 6 Days

Tee minus 6 days and counting. I’m starting to get excited. I got a back pack this weekend. Took it home and found out my notebook is going to be a problem. Seems desktop replacements don’t travel well in backpacks. Oh, it will fit but it’s like… 50 lbs. Just Kidding (JK). It’s around 15 I think. So I’m going to buy a light weight notebook and take it with me. I want one to help with traveling, blogging, email and watch my money.

So far it looks like I’ll spend two days in London then hit the train to Lisbon. There is an event I’m going to there and will have a chance to meet a lot of people. I’m hopping someone will let me crash at their place. Thanks April, I registered with the Couchsurfers and have tried to hook up but the short notice may not work for me. I’ll keep trying.

Not sure yet what I’ll do after Lisbon. I’d like to go to the south of Spain and work my way up to the South of France. Whatever I do or where ever I go, I’ll post daily here with pics for everyone to follow along.

Kel

Update: Found this site that has great travel tips.

Europe T-8 Days

Eight Days before I’m off to Europe. Yep, I’m off to Europe for a month. It sounded like a good idea on Tuesday. I got in impulsive thought, followed up with a request at work, got approved to take the time off, followed that up with a non-refundable two way ticket to London. The hangover is starting to kick in as I look for places to aahhhh…. sleep? OMG! I’m so screwed! I’m going tomorrow to get a back pack and sleeping bag. If I have to, I can find a camp-ground or two. I can’t believe how weak the dollar had become. I feel like a citizen of a third world country trying to go away for awhile. I look at hotels in some of the places I want to go and think, “I’m so screwed…” I’m looking at Amsterdam and I can’t find anything for under $100 a night.

So, any help from friends or fans I will take into consideration. I’d like to avoid places that have a high degree of getting robbed. But who knows, that might be a part of the adventure right?

Kel

Carol’s Birthday

Today is/was Carol’s birthday. She would have been 46. Knowing her she would have been very very happy to have another birthday but would not have been happy at all at being 46.

In other news, for the first time in 6 years my cholesterol has finally lowered to normal levels. Carol was always trying to get it to go down for me. Diets and stuff. But it never did. I went and had blood work done to see how it is doing. I guess losing weight and exercise has helped. When I found out I was so happy but then was sad that I had no one to share it with who would really care. I’m sure people are like “Oh yeah! That’s good news.” But I know that Carol would have been giggly happy about it. I miss having someone to share moments like that with.

I’ve had friends send me private emails and have with tact and compassion, reminded me of my situation and that some things are best to leave as fantasy and some things are best to keep in your life because they provide a means to aahhhh… eat?

So for now, I’ll just dream.

Kel

Dreams Part 3

I have been thinking a lot lately about dreams. Not the kind that have me wearing women’s underwear riding backwards on a donkey with clown makeup on smoking a cigarette then wake up and worry that means I might start smoking again. No, I’m talking about dreams of what I want to do in life.

What do I want to do in life? My dream before was to enjoy each and every day with Carol. That dream has ended and it’s time to move on.

I have something that I have been thinking about. I have always had this dream and kept it very private. I have only shared it with a few people, Carol being one of them. It would mean a radical change in life and life style. It is very scary and full of uncertainty. But if I get a chance, it would be something that would present each and every day with wonderment and joy. The risks are very high and the chance of failure almost certain. But the rewards are more about self fulfillment than money.

So Navykel Blog Fans, What do you have to say about this? Be conservative and take the easy way out in life, or take the leap with eyes wide open?

Kel

The loss of a Good Friend

While working at Azusa, I I had the opportunity to meet and become friends with David. He was as much as a smart ass as I am. We had to work on a project together and despite the rough edges, we got along great. He was always some I could talk to about anything. He always supported me and encouraged me to do my best.

I will miss you David.