Mmmmm..ice cream.

Mmmmm, ice cream.   However, they have to tarnished everything.  Extra sugar and nuts...lol.

Pig in blanket

Pig in blanket.  About the only edible looking thing in cafe mambo.  Not impressed.  Oh well, ice cream calls later!  

I despise computers

While the advent of computers has been life-changing and has altered the workplace forever, that doesn't mean I like them.  When there's problems or hoops to jump through I get down right agitated.  Lately,  I've been doing way too much troubleshooting and instructing with the IT department.  It seems like the only answer I get from them is You need to do this, You need to do that, Have this person do that.  So, tell me...what do YOU DO?  

Rar.  Very agitated kitty right now. 

It's been a weekend of relaxation and hermit-like behavior.  I will admit.  I did not leave my room yesterday.  I was very content to read, watch downloaded tv (bones, family guy, chopped, etc.) I was also on an online shopping spree extravaganza!  I don't remember what it was like not to have online shopping.  Everything I need for my next adventure will be ordered and delivered, just waiting for me to get home in June.  Again, once the contract is signed I'll tell you more about it.  Either way, I'll have new work clothing. 

I plan to do the usual grocery store run today, but am waiting for the rain to clear up a bit.  I'm a tad bit irritated as someone from Laundry was knocking on my door at 8am this morning.  I didn't answer.  My Do not disturb light is on....  I was up really late (shopping) and whatnot. 

Only 5 more days until I meet my brother in Spain.  I'm so ready for vacation. This week will be busy though.  I'm prepping for the arrival of my favorite safety manager and I have to show him all my progress.  It's good...will make the week fly by. 

My friends at home are excited for the Hawaiian Luau I have planned for my return and birthday...even from here, a month away I'm doing major planning.  I also have to order a hawaiian shirt....:)  More Shopping!  LOL. 

Theyre here!

Bad picture....not so quick on the draw.  However, I knew the bride and groom were here by the vuzluva (spelling?) Horns and drums.  This is one busy conference center.  Two weddings here in one day.  It's also been packed all week.  

Friday night.

After a bad afternoon of me having a pity party for myself and just feeling homesick in general, the night turned out good.  My friend R from work came out with me and we had a blast!  We met up at CMI, the club i'd been to once before with other co-workers.  I was only out for a couple hours but was able to spend about $120 at the bar....lol, I have expensive taste.  Oh well, I don't go out that often.  The plan is to go out again tonight.  We'll see if I make it.  I am getting old you know.  :) 

Me and R.  I look pretty good here.  He says he looks Chinese.  I don't think so.  He'd been at a wedding prior to meeting me and had some vodkas. 

They had Jaeger!  So of course we had to have jaeger bombs.  I hate when they put them in the glass like this.  I drank a bit and then just mixed them all together.  I bet these were $20.00.  See, expensive. 

This guy kept crowding us at the bar to get his drinks, therefore, I made him take a picture.  :)  He was wearing a Boston Celtics shirt.  I don't think he even knew that they were a basketball team. 

Also the girl next to him wasn't very nice.  She even looks mean. 

Anyway, long story short...at the end of the night I decided to have a straight up shot of Russian vodka.  I almost threw up at the bar because I swallowed wrong..  (EARMUFFS PARENTS)  Sometimes I'm a total idiot.

R was a total gentleman, he made sure to ride to the hotel with me in the private taxi to make sure I got there okay.  This morning, I have a headache and I'm starving.  Eggs, toast and juice are on the menu. 

Happy International Safety Day!

Tomorrow April, 28th is International Safety Day.  It's a day where we take time to remember those injured or killed on the job.  For me, this is a big deal since I'm a total safety nerd.  We just completed an hour long safety stand down.  It involved swag, speeches and snacks.  The "three "S's"  That are required to make an event complete.  It went well, however there are some RUDE people here.  Many stood in the back and chatted, laughed, etc. 
I should know better than to have some sort of expectation that people will pay attention to something as "menial as safety" after all, it is only LIVES that are lost every year.  Or horrible accidents, like the one that I read about this week where someone's  legs were amputated due to an accident.  That's all, no worries, your conversation about your new shoes is just as important.  Too bad that person won't have to buy shoes anymore. 
Okay, stepping off my soap box.  It's just pathetic - 15 minutes is all we asked for.  And we gave you sweets and refreshments. 

Anyway,  speaking of sweets....I could go for some.  All of it was gone by the time I got to them after taking apart my computer and projector.  Maybe I'll have ice cream and chicken for dinner again.  Of course, the ice cream first. 

It's good to make friends

Scarf and tie from opening ceremony at the plant.  It's good to make friends with the communication coordinator.  

Rain!

Massive rain storm yesterday.  This was the road in many, many places.  They don't have good drainage like I'm used to.  The poor plant was suffering too.  Retro-fit ventilation = massive leaks. 

I was up late last night facilitating Dr appointments for the two weeks I'll be home in June.  Also started the vacation fill process for my specialty medication.  Why you ask?  Well, there's a new adventure coming to fruition.  Once I sign the contract I'll tell you all about it. 

Still plotting the day-drinking adventure.  (Earmuffs parents, EARMUFFS)  So far I think I have two people coming with me.  If they don't....hey...I'll toddle down to the hotel bar and live it up myself.  All good. 

The Devil Horns are out...

Saturday after our Earth Day clean up....I'm plotting with a couple other's to head out and get afternoon drunk.  Just go to the bar, own the music and the bar stools and live it up.  We'll see if this comes true. 

Wednesday

This morning hasn't started off well.  First, I ran into or was ran into by an Asian man at breakfast.  I know I was walking in a straight line, and all of the sudden, wham....into his arm that was carrying his plate.  I'm pretty sure he turned right into me, but of course blamed it on me.  I apologized but I know he was talking about "the dumb American" at his table.  I don't care.  I can't understand you anyway.  Then, trying to pour milk into my coffee cup I spilled it everywhere.  Also, for the 20th time I've had to ask them for cereal bowls. I know they forget because they don't eat cereal...but come on. 

Pretty sure I got up on the wrong side of the bed.  I got home really late from work last night, around 8:30 and then ordered some dinner.  The first two things I asked for they didn't have.  I think I'm going to talk to the Manager about this when I get home tonight.  If it's on your menu, have it.  They keep trying to offer me spaghetti.  I don't want spaghetti in place of soup or chicken.  It took them an hour to finally bring me a club sandwich.  I must admit, the new hotel is quieter, more upscale but their food stinks.  On a positive note, no spottings of the stalker waiter.  I've been keeping an eye out though so I can duck and run. 

Saturday is International Safety Day, we're observing it here on Friday so I'm busy making presentations, following up on swag and in general getting ready for it.  Saturday is our Earth Day Observance, we will all be here from 9-1pm volunteering to do a spring clean up here at the plant.  We're also working to set up a food drive for a local village that was recently flooded out.  I'm glad that my company observes so many special days and is involved with local philanthropical causes.  Even in the US we are a large contributor. 

This.is the best one yet!

I love this card....thank you Schmitty and Wendy for making the card!  

Name associations

Since I've been here, I haven't been able to escape the celebrity/movie character name associations.  I introduce myself:

 Hi, I'm Leanne.  Response, Like Leann Rimes?  No, Leanne as in Mag**son.  (I despise Leann Rimes.)

or

Giving my passport to police or security   Oh, Rose is your middle name, Yes.  Like Rose from Titanic?  (Yikes!  Don't go there!  )  Uh, sure, but NO...Rose as in the flower, as in my Grandmother.  I don't say such things but I think them.  :)   Association is fine, but for me....those two are unflattering. 

I must say, they go over my passport with a fine toothed comb.  It's fine, I'd probably do the same thing. 

Despite some of the hardships around here, people are genuinely happy and nice. 

Aches and Pains

Between my extra hard bed, ergonomically lacking office chair and walking over all sorts of uneven walking surfaces my poor back, hips and neck are all suffering.  Normally, I'd hit up the chiropractor to crack the pain away, but no such thing here....well there is, but not that I'd trust.  (See Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations Uzbekistan.)  With this in mind, I'm thinking about a massage.  However, that requires me to be mostly nude with a stranger man/woman - handling me.  I've had two massages in my life, both by my trusted friend C.  (Who btw, is an excellent massage therapist, if you're in the Waterford/Clarkston MI area and are looking let me know.)  I may have to go downstairs to the spa area and do a survey of the spa and the employees.  I don't need someone telling the rest of the staff all about my bits and pieces.  However, I'm in some pain and need to do something about it. 

In other hotel related news, I have a new (stalker) friend.  One of the waiters has taken an all too unwelcome interest in me.  He makes sure that he brings me my room service orders and if I'm walking through the lobby he makes sure I notice him.  Friday night he kinda creeped me out because when dropping off my soup he told me how beautiful and nice I am and that he wanted to sit and talk to me Saturday night.  I was like...mumbling (warning bells in my head.) uh, I'll check my schedule.  From then on, I was avoiding him, crossed the line buddy.  Saturday night, I slink down to the hotel restaurant to get out of my room and he came literally RUNNING into the restaurant.  I was thankful that I had a different waitress, but he was hovering around waiting for me.  When I left, I barely mumbled hello to him and avoided eye contact.  I hope that he gets the point, if not...I'll either have to be mean to his face or tell his supervisor that I'm feeling stalked.  I realize that there is an interest in Americans here, but he's gone way beyond that.  I don't feel comfy getting a coffee or going downstairs because he'll be there.  If I have to talk to his Supervisor I know for sure he'll be fired.  No doubt in my mind.  At the same time though, I don't like being watched constantly.  This is my temporary home, I left one hotel because stuff was taken from my room...now I'm being watched excessively.  I can't win. 

11 days to Spain, 40 days to HOME! 

Birthday Week girls night out!

As promised, here are more pics of me at the girls birthday celebration.  I'm glad I could "be" there! 

They put me in my viking helmet.  Apparently I was already intoxicated as one horn was already turned upside down. 

At the end of the night Schmitty tucked me into my comfy bed.  Ah, so comfy! 

Somehow I've ended up in Westy's cleaveage! 

Here I'm dancing to brown eyed girl!

Lester is giving me the duck face! 

I'm being attacked by a bear and gigantic fish

Ah, I miss the fish club! 

"No Gary, I will NOT make out with you!" 

The girls!  I miss them!  (left to right)  Westy, Katie's friend, Schmitty, Lester and Katie

I'm agreeing with Lester and Schmitty....

Gary is upset that I won't make out with him.....or perhaps I need a jacket like the jaeger bottle did on NYE. 

My very own Red-Headed shot. 

As you can see, I have some great friends who miss me and I miss them tremendously.  Even though I couldn't be there, I was there in spirit.  I just hope some really bad things didn't happen to me while I was "on a stick"  LOL!  

I just had to share....

I just had to share this.  My best girls went out at home on Saturday to celebrate Schmitty and Lester's birthday's.  They, all being rather creative, decided that I needed to go along.  So, here's Leanne on a stick.  I went everywhere with them, danced, sang, had drinks and was safety tucked into my bed at the end of the night.  I'll post more pics later.  They were cracking me up!  I'm trying to figure out where the picture for my head came from.....I'm blonde so it was a while ago.  :) 

On a different note, I'm so ready for vacation.  I need to get out of this country for a little bit and back into "normal" society.  I'm also excited to see my brother and an old friend in Madrid.  This weekend was a rough one.  I wasn't feeling well Friday when I got home from work, missed family day on Saturday at the plant and pretty much stayed in my room all day.  Sunday, as you saw, I did get out for a little while but not long.  I'm really, really tired today.  Coffee will be my best friend today.  I had a really strong cup at breakfast this morning.  11 days until vacation...

Tattoo

See my tattoo, small and above my ankle...it got a lot of attention today. I have plans for another on on the top of my right foot. My girls know the design!! (Sorry mom and dad.)

Tattoo

See my tattoo, small and above my ankle...it got a lot of attention today.  I have plans for another on on the top of my right foot.  My girls know the design!!    (Sorry mom and dad.)

Flip flop day

Today I thought it would be a great idea to sun my feet and legs so I wide my flip flops walking.  Bad idea, not only did I rub skin off the top of my feet, I had the dirtiest feet ever.  I need a pedicure badly...its on my top ten list for when I get home.  Whoever wants to go with me let me know and ill book the salon.  Also, the uzbeks got a look at how white I really am and my tattoo.  Lots of stares today.  But...its flip flop weather here...and my feet aren't nearly as bad as the natives.  I noticed in samarkand that most women wear sandals that are too. Small for them...their poor feet are a mess.  I try very hard to take care of my feet...although, according to my podiatrist, flip flops are the worst shoe (if you can call them that) ever.  But I love them, especially with sparkles!  

More People Pics...

Total tourist....

Isn't she pretty!  We're so cute! 

Cheese!   

Me and Dinara, Finally some PEOPLE pictures!

It's very sunny.....yikes..

You know we just had to do this......

Random pictures I forgot...

I took this because the wearing of sandals and socks is rampant here.  Plus, with the traditional dress and the socks they choose I can't help but giggle. 

We were sitting on the wall opposite this building waiting for our ride to the plant.  We had some old guy sit next to us who proceeded to spit and clear his throat about 3 times.  I was gagging grossed out.  D told him to get out of here.  The men here SPIT everywhere and all the time.  It's really gross.  I'm sure I've stepped in many a pile of spittle.  Even right outside the buildings...right on the stairs.  Other peoples spit and snot grosses me out.  D has no fear....she told him right out to get lost.  :)

Our final Mausoleum

D bought me this bracelet.  I love it....the blue matches my eyes.  Thanks D! 

Old school refrigeration!   Now, home to evil birds! 

One of the evil birds SHAT on me.  I was shat on twice in San Diego...they all say it's for good luck.  I'm owed a ton I think! 

Happy and sunburned.  It was a great trip.  The Sam Auto people really took care of us.  Lunches, dinner and a car and driver to see the city after our day of learning.  It was a busy, productive two days.  They even stopped at the wine store so I could buy local wine and the bazaar so I could buy some vinegar made from un-ripened grapes.  It's very mild...I think it would make a great vinagrette.  :)

Samarqand Shohi Zinda Majmuasi (Mausoleum)

I love that grass grows on top of the domes.  I'm sure it's fertilized by the birds! 

Here is another huge mausoleum and cemetary.....

I love the tile work...I just can't help it. 

These stairs sucked...although they were worse for me on the way down for some reason.  My left thigh, apparently my lead leg is sore....that's the only thing.....weird.  See, D is a trooper, she's tired and carrying her huge purse but still gets up the stairs.  You rock! 

There are tons of crypts....they really honor their dead. 

More tile work

Ceiling...needs more light! 

This was a prayer room.  While we were there we got to listen to a prayer.  The intricate carvings are really cool in my book.

View from the top.

Again, I was stopped in this monument for a "picture with the American."  I didn't know I looked that different.  I've learned now not to stare at people who are different...I'm so aware of being watched all the time.  LOL