The Convention is Here but I'm Not There

 Chicago is abuzz because the Democratic National Convention is here. In my "past life" I would have been involved scurrying around making things happen and avoiding any faux pas.

So, what am I doing?  I'm chillin', I'm relaxi' and I'M LOVING IT!

Amtrak - THE WORST

Well, instead of taking vacations to another continent, as I've done in the past, I decided to travel within the United States.  To the West.

What better way than taking a vacation on Amtrak.

I had my roomette where I could have privacy but that is probably the best I can say.

The first issue was that they had no wifi...who doesn't have wifi?  So, I had to use my phone to access messages.  And when we stopped at hotels, I was able to catch up.

Amtrak hires companies for its tourist needs. One company dropped folks off at the airport and took my bags off the bus...even though I wasn't going there.  When my bags were found missing, I was livid.  Fortunately, the bags were there.

Then, in Salt Lake City, the restaurant I was supposed to dine at was closed for remodeling. Why didn't Amtrak know that?  

I was so looking forward to San Francisco:  Fisherman's Wharf, cable cars - positive vibe. We were supposed to arrive at 4:55 PM.  Time enough to bask in the uniquely San Francisco ambience. But we didn't get there until 2:30 AM. Delays...delays...delays.  Because I was on a tour the next morning, I never got a chance to enjoy San Francisco's ambience before we were on our way to Los Angeles.

There are many similar stories. But reliving them on this platform is depressing. So, I'll just sign off and vow never to take Amtrak again.  And you shouldn't either!

I got it done...and I'm happy...and I saved $.

 Well, I got my implants done in Cancun.   It was a success. My teeth feel spectacular... and I only spent $1200 or $2400 for two teeth.

In the US, it would have totaled $10,000.

The only thing I had to pay for was hotel as I had accumulated enough points that I got my airfare FREE!

My friends can laugh and mock me if they want.  But they're spending $10,000 and I'm saving $7,600.  Now who got the better deal?

Saving money is worth the trip

Last year, I got an annoying tooth extracted. My dentist suggested implants in the hole where the tooth was.

Price:  $5,000.

My insurance would pay a piddly amount so, for the most part, it's on me.

But then a girlfriend suggested I get the work done in Mexico.  And since I'd be going there in December anyway, why not get it done for a fraction of the cost.  She knew a dentist who would do the job -- maybe even better.

She was right!  I  made an appointment and got the work done for a nominal $1,500.

So-called friends mocked me for resorting to a Mexican dentist. And they acted like his office was near some back alley.  They questioned my sensibilities.

Not so.  His office was in a modern facility and he was wonderful

I felt no pain.  Everything was done professionally.

I am going back in June for the completion for the work.  While there, I'll get another suspect tooth done.  So, for two teeth, I'm paying $2500 versus $10,000.

Now, you tell me who's the crazy one?

Chemistry - ARGHH

I am so tired of hearing guys I meet online say that he'd like to meet me to see what the chemistry is like.

ARGHHH!

If they don't get that magic on the first day, that's the end!

Everyone doesn't ooze with chemistry and I fear I'm one of those.

I don't want to fake it and pretend I'm so smitten because that's not me.

But that doesn't yield second dates.

And to be honest, those relationships that begin with chemistry, explosiveness and a high High HIGH often end badly.

So, I want to pace it because it takes a lot of slow to grow.

So, if we don't get sparks on the first date and you don't...try again.

Continuing to grow and see one another in a paced way can lead to true love.

Today I Turn ___________

 Today I turn....

Can't say it!

But I'm having fun.

I'm kinda retired!

So, I'm exploring more...Going to intriguing places.

I've always been quirky...eccentric and a person who does what I want.

And, it's made me more enlightened.

So, Today I'm ___________.

It's hard to say.

It's hard to believe.

But today I turn 77!

YIKES!

Enjoying my visits to Out of the Way places

 For ten years, I've dedicated one day a month to visiting a place that is original, unique -- and maybe quirky.

Because my friends are not as "feistily curious" as I am, I don't invite them.

But what a joy!  I've been to the 31st Street Beach and saw where a naked woman was carved in the sand.  I've been to one of the most hard-to-find pubs that looks empty on the outside but once you open the door, you're greeted by an explosion of wonderfulness:  lights beaming, enthusiastic staff and the drinks and food are unbelievable.

Of course, I've seen the Shit Fountain and a little hidden away plus pond behind Lincoln Park Zoo. And yes, I've been to the Bahai Temple, I've seen Harold Washington's grave and I've wandered around some eerie -- but fun -- places.

I could go on but just have to add that this has made me interesting, lively and Happy.

What more could you ask for?