Hello? HeLLlllooOOoo? Is anyone still here?

Hi.

My name is Debbie.

Remember me?

I'm the owner/writer/ of this particular blog. It's really nice to see you again. I know it's been a long time...almost a month actually...and though I had such great plans of posting whilst on vacation...well...pfffflllttttt. Whatevah!

And now? It is Day 2 of being back in 'the land of the rising sun', which could also be called 'the land of incredibly hot/humid weather and grumpy American women'!

Yep. That would be me.

Jet lag, anyone?

As I am having a hard time formulating any really coherent thoughts at this moment in time, can I be random with you? (You know you've missed that, right?) I'm thinking that a little bit of random is what I need to get back into the swing of things here at ETC.ETC.ETC., dontcha think?

There are so many things I would love to tell and show you about our vacation, but, I need more time to get the 998 pictures in order (And no, I won't make you look at all of them. Say, "Thank you, Debbie.").

Anyhoots.....here we go....

Random thoughts of a jet lagged traveler just returned home:

*LAX? If you're planning on leaving from there and flying on United, might I suggest getting there at least 3 hours before your flight? All United flights, foreign and domestic, were going through the same lines (ID check and security)....and with only 2 people doing the ID check...believe me, on Sunday, there were about 584 really pissed off people.

Funniest thing said by Koji:

"Can we get a fast pass?"

As we had been to Disneyland a few days before and had gotten fast passes for most rides, this was a logical question for him!!

*I really need a new pedicure. My friend, Lila, and I spent a morning pampering ourselves and getting happy feet a few weeks ago and now, my piggies are loosing a bit of their luster. I can do a pedi (if I have to) by myself, but who will paint the really fun flowers on my toes??

*When I retire, I'm really thinking that I would like to be one of the greeters at Denver International Airport.

I like the hat/vest combo and think that I would do a really great job.

*Has my keyboard always been this sensitive and persnickety? Jeez Louise, you'd think that it was mad at me for being gone so long, or something? Or...wait...maybe she's jealous of the new little computer I treated myself to? I bet that's it. Maybe spending time back here will make her feel better. Take THAT cute little pink netbook, sitting all alone on the kitchen table. (Oh yeah...she's pink...I'd put up a picture, but I'm afraid it would cause more trouble...later, okay?)

*I wish we had the ability to travel through space like they do on Star Trek. You know where I'd go? San Diego. We had THE best time and not only did we get together with my sister and her hub and some friends we met here in Nagasaki many moons ago, but....I also met some of the most wonderful new friends there....you know, friends of the blogging kind. (Some who even traveled great lengths, just for the visit...and that? Yeah, that made my heart smile.) I'll write more about the visits, but, until then, you can go HERE to read what Jenn (our "hostess with the mostest" had to say). There were other meetings with equally fun and wonderful friends and I can honestly say that even though I was a bit nervous about meeting everyone for the first time, there really was no need for that. I felt as if I were walking into the homes of people I have known all my life....getting hugs from friends I had gone to school with...sitting on the patio/sofa with friends I had known forever.

Thank you ladies....You are part of my lifeline...I hold your friendships near and dear to my heart. And.....I will come again....count on it.

*I need something cool to drink. Not tea. Not a soda. Not a beer. Hmmmm....wonder what it is?

*So, I got on the scales this morning and was very pleasantly surprised. As I have spent the last month eating pretty much anything and drinking more beer and fun drinks than I could in 6 months here....I was expecting some weight gain. On average, I will gain 6-10 pounds while on the month-long "I don't care" eating and drinking part of my vacation. This year? I gained only 5 pounds!! Yeah me!! That's makes me feel so good. With a little luck, those extra kilos will come off quickly and all will be back to normal.

*That said....I'm really craving some ice cream. A little won't hurt, will it? :-D

And with that....I'm done....for a bit anyway.

I hope you all are doing good and have had a great summer.

I wish you all a relaxing kind of day....one that has a nap in it would be perfect.