It's not easy being REEN

My new site!!

2010-07-29T00:17:00.000-07:00

AS much as I really enjoyed blogging on this site, I now have a new site, and it is called www.letsdosomethingnew.com

I do new things and then Vlog and Blog about them. I hope that it keeps everyone interested in always trying new things and staying open to the adventures that are right in front of you :)

here is the site.....

Please stop by!!

Visit Rachel Reenstra's latest project, Let's Do Something New!

A GRAPE VINE ( I mean GREAT TIME)

2009-07-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

Well it is 2 days in to the MURPHY GOODE weekend and it just keeps getting better. We traveled to the vineyards and learned about the history of the grapes and were schooled on how they know when to pick and when the grapes are ready.
My favorite part of the day was blending a few different wines to make the perfect one --I called it "spit bucket" which I always wanted a wine to be called.
A little later we worked in the tasting room for a while, then headed to a dinner half of the group cooked for us---it was there that we learned how to REALLY taste wine. To do this right you must feel, smell, and taste the complexities. I felt a little bit intimidated when words like "graphite" and "granite" were used in describing the taste. Isn't that a type of stone? I kept tasting and tasting but there was never anything in my mouth that came close to tasting like a rock. I am committed to tasting at least a pebble in my next glass, and today I just might lick a stone to see what all the hype is about.
When I first tasted white wine I thought I tasted hints of hairspray. That's what it tasted like to me. Hairspray. Then again that was in the early 90's when my hair needed 2 cans of product before I left the house. Maybe everything tasted like hairspray back then. Even so, I obviously need to really pay attention to all the different smells and taste of a simple sip of wine.
The evening ended with a game of "Liars Dice" which I quickly lost because at that point in the night if there was ANY game that involved counting or adding, I was out.
Monday we have our final interviews and then team 2 (my team) cooks for everyone--(it's a good thing the interview will be over BEFORE I cook anything for anyone)- and it will be our last night here (or first of many.)
No matter what this already has been an experience of a lifetime, I have 9 new friends and a new ROCKY pallet. :)

A GOODE first day!!!!

2009-07-19T02:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it's the first day and what a blast it has been already! I spent the first few hours getting to know the area and after a nice long nap in my beautiful room looking over the town I had a little time to do some wine tasting and get to know the local wine lovers.....I fell in love with a t-shirt that said "pinot envy" and the wines at LE CREME were pretty good too. Along the way someone told me that if I went to Kendall Jackson I had to have the "hot guy". Well you don't need to tell me more than once to get moving on meeting a hot guy so I ran over there and burst into the winery demanding they introduce me to the hot guy everyone in town was telling me about. The owner looked at me and laughed (a reaction I am quite used to) and told me that the hot guy I was talking about was actually a wine called "HALK EYE", which in my defense does sound a lot like "hot guy". He could tell I was very disappointed. After I got over my humiliation he eased my pain by signing a bottle of "HALK EYE" with "from the hot guy" and giving it to me as a gift!!

At 7pm I met everyone else in the Top Ten and I fell in love with them all. I honestly do not care who wins (although I do have a favorite.) At dinner we all introduced ourselves and after that we voted on the best introduction. Somehow I won (I think they took pity on my "hot guy" story") so I get a free massage tomorrow!!! ---I cant wait. We played some bachi ball after dinner and had a few drinks at a local bar...so far so GOODE!

MURPHY GOODE SPRITZERS?????

2009-07-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I just filmed 2 days of an infomercial featuring a HOME MADE SODA MAKER called "SODA STREAM"
What's so amazing about a home made soda maker?? Everything. All you have to do is push a button to carbonate your own tap water, then add any flavor of over 30 they have to choose from,and in 20 seconds flat----you have a fizzy soda of your choice, you save the environment by NOT wasting anymore cans and plastic, you save money since you can make much more than it would cost you to buy in the store, and impress all your friends by always having sparkling water available.
Not to mention I am on my way to WINE COUNTRY competing to be a wine country correspondent and am hoping I can score some extra points with the MURPHY GOODE WINERY people if I show them that I can turn WINE into WINE-SPRITZERS with my home made soda machine........
I have to say that the thing I LOVE about shooting an infomercial
(besides my co-host who brought his own personal mini-fan to cool himself off constantly between shots)
is all the hours the day before when we go over the script. This leads to spending way to much time and energy on deciding if "FIZZ" is the appropriate word, or should I say "Carbonated". This lead to a very heated debate when half the producers (and writer) agreed that "Fizz" really is a fun word, but could people relate to the word "Fizz". I said it so many times to myself the word made no sense anymore. Fizz. Fizzzz. Fizzy.Fuzzy. Fuzzy Wuzzy wuz a bear......Someone chimed in that "Bubbly" was just as fun a word and also matched my personality. The debate went on when someone related "bubbly" to "air-heady" and did not like it.
Then, as if the gods of infomercial writing shot thru me with a moment of pure genius, I said
"The word SPARKLING is fun, sophisticated, everyone can relate, and I think it ALSO matches my personality"......
.......there was a moment of silence as if no one could believe that I wasn't just a pretty face selling the product, and that I had just saved infomercial-land with a word everyone could agree on. Suddenly there was satisfied nods and smiles (and applause that went off in my head)
Now we could get to more important things, like what words should we use for other "sparkling" drinks we can make with vodka, tequila, or MURPHY GOODE!!!

A TRIP TO---NEVERLAND.....

2009-07-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

What can I say. After 2 weeks of poisoning my mind with CNN I could no longer sit around and be sad about Michael Jackson anymore. I had to DO something. Out of the millions of people who signed up, I did NOT get chosen to go to the memorial. Ahhh, the irony of winning a lottery ticket where the grand prize is a funeral- and then being bummed when I didn't "win".
So how could I celebrate Michael Jackson in my own way?.... I jumped in my convertible, grabbed one of my best friends who was also feeling pretty crappy about M.J's passing, and I took us to NEVERLAND. Secretly I wanted to ride the ferris wheel, but we never made it past the gate. A GREAT bottle of wine and a picnic, was the best we could do. We toasted to Michael and sang our hearts out to M.J. the entire day.. I believe if Michael Jackson was alive and could have heard us he would agree...we might have been "BAD" but the day to Neverland was Good. Really, really good.

L.A. host/actress leaves Hollywood for GOODE

2009-07-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it is July 2009, and I have my eyes set on a job that would take me out of L.A. and move me to Sonoma California.
This would involve being the "wine country lifestyle correspondent" of Murphy Goode winery. They said that the want someone who is a "social media whiz" and also can breathe life into the online wine community---and bring more people to the Murphy Goode life. I don't consider myself a social media whiz, but I do put up some friggin funny videos, I have a following from being a tv personality, and I love to make sure everyone is laughing and having a great time. I am wondering if that is enough.
There are some great contestants that I am up against with more "computer savey marketing skills", but the truth is, I can only bring what I have. So far, I made it to the top I made the top 10 out of about 2000 applicants, so I must be doing something right. And I do have a passion for wine and God knows I already have some comedy material for this venture.....
We all go to Sonoma on July 18-21 for the "final interviews"
This is a reality show in the making. They should put us all in a house and run the cameras. Alcohol is already part of the gig, so the producers wouldn't have to worry about pushing that on us to make good t.v.
10 totally different individuals going after the same job???....well that's basically what I have to do every day here in Hollywood--only difference is in this 3 day audition, I get to spend a weekend with some pretty amazing people, drinking wine, and have a blast. Whether I get the gig or not, it's been a GOODE ride.

Re-union Pier---2009!!!!

2009-01-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Well, Howie is chillin out as 2008 comes to an end---2009 is starting out fabulous as I am already learning to live in the flow.
I am in Michigan for one more day, and had the chance to see my 2 best friends Laura and Julie (from highschool).
As we were drinking coffee we remembered a time in college where we just took off and went on a road trip at the last second. Then to my surprise, they decided that life is too short to not do something like that again, and even though they both are married with kids, they made one phone call to their mates, and next thing I know we were all off to an amazing bed and breakfast in Union Pier Michigan for the night.
Since Laura's parents own it, we were treated like VIP's and had an amazing night talking, laughing drinking wine and catching up. Mostly because we were all in the moment and we were all willing to say yes to what life was offering, we experienced an evening that we made into another incredible memory.
Here's to more spontaneous moments in 2009!

It's a WRAP!

2009-01-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

well, the time finally came to LEAVE Atlanta and get back to the la la land. I had a good year in the South, but learned that out west is where my heart is and --my next job.
I loved the people I worked with, but also learned that a design show is just not my calling. The interesting thing is as much as they said they wanted a host with "personality", what they really meant was not MY personality because most of the time when I opened my mouth anything that came out of my mouth was cut. Fortunately, I will be on HGTV for the next year---but will be living back in L.A. pursuing a job where they actually want me to speak. :)

HOT--LANTA

2008-06-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

OKAY OKAY ITS HOT. I GET IT.

HOT-LANTA.

I AM HOSTING SHOW IN THE HOTTEST STATE IN IN THE COUNTRY.

AND I AM SWEATING IT OUT. LITERALLY.

A picture summary

2008-06-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

All I can say is these were 2 moments captured on my trip. They descibe my feelings on this trip which is why these images jumped out.
I am now back in Atlanta for 12 more weeks. Enough time for me to enjoy Atlanta to the fullest, finish the hosting gig here---and move on to my next adventure---going back to Los Angeles.........I decided not to continue on Designed to Sell after the contract is up in October, trusting that as good as it is to have a job on t.v. --like these 2 pictures remind me-It's even better to be flying to a place that will let me blossom the brightest----trusting that the universe will provide a much better place for me to land.

Coming to the END!!!!

2008-06-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

.....well after 10 days of pure exploration, and laughter, I felt like myself again. There were so many things I didn't even cover like the full day at a turkish bath with all of us in the same hot room in our bathing suits, being thrown onto a hot slab of stone and covered in bubbles and scrubbed down by a complete stranger---then getting a massage with 6 other people laying next to me----or the full day with a tour guide who talked on his cell phone the whole time and could not pronounce the "th" sound, so we were left in hysterics everytime he said first, second and TURD court of the palace....lets meet back here at Tree Turdy....
So many more memories, but to one must end the Turkey Blog at some point.
As you can see I look happy and refreshed, with thte sun going down next to the turkish flag.....and then the laughter after our last dinner that put the perfect end to a perfect trip.

From Mosque to mombo

2008-06-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a day of touring Palaces and Mosques to get you in the mood to tie one on and dance the night away---I thought at the end of this crazy dancing night (us being the only ones on the dance floor of course) I would have come close to turning one of the guys straight, but not the case, if anything, after requesting George Micheal, and doing the jitter-bug to wake-me-up-before-you-go-go, I may have actually turned gay.

Dinners on the Turkish Sea!!

2008-06-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Okay the food was not very good, but most nights we ate overlooking the water and in the fishing villiage the hotel where we stayed would prepare turkish meals along the sea--and have some kind of performance----a bellydancer, some musicians.......and one night they even started these pots on fire and when we cracked them we got to eat what was inside.... but as I was about to dip into my kabob and yogurt on a plate still on fire, I thought---this looks very familiar to cooking at home.

Explore!!

2008-06-15T16:16:00.001-07:00

One of the best things to do on a trip is explore---we only had a day left--so we woke up and a few of us just started walking-- we took a boat---then walked the cobblestone streets that lead us to markets, native americans playing music, and a bridge overlooking the ocean where to the left was Asia and to the right was Europe---- then we kept waling and literally ran into a castle that had the best view of the city!!!
We ended the day in a really quaint alley with purple and pink couches and good wine (for the FIRST TIME)
I found out the way to pronounce WINE in turkish is shuddup. As you can imagine I spent the rest of the trip giggling as I was telling bartenders to shut-up and getting a glass of wine in return....

Stop and smell the.......

2008-06-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

well, smell anything because you don't have a choice and you especially don't have to stop to do it-----one of the things that stays with me was the SMELL--- the good and the bad.
The good was the spice market. The colors were bright, the spices were cheap, and the variety of smells were inticing--with promises of fine prepared dishes, and even a spice to keep you going for hours after dessert.
The bad was, well, just waves of B.O. and generally walking into any bathroom was enough to convince me there was another use for the burkas.

Crystal ROACH motel...

2008-06-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

Although the hotels up to this point were pretty nice and one of them right on the water, this last hotel left an impression.
The air conditioning was "broken" and the city noise unbearable--- but not as unbearable as the heat--so we keep the window open and slept to sirens, cats screeching and horns honking.. The last day the hotel manager brought us up a fan. It said "first class" on it to remind us of the level of respect we were getting. My poor roomate Jose was miserable. He went into the bathroom to run a shower, then 3 minutes later I heard a scream---and he came out with a towel wrapped around him, and in a calm gay voice, said
"I am going to let the water run for a while, and I am NOT going to tell you why."
Apparently the water came out brown and Jose was not wanting to discuss.
This, among all the beautiful memories of the trip, was one of my favorite

2008-06-15T15:53:00.000-07:00

Well who would have thought that after my italy tour on a bus last year, I'd find myself once again traveling in another country with a bus full of adventurers. I thought to mark the moment I would buy all my friends a keychain to take back with them......the one thing about this trip is all the laughter---as you can see I am hunched over as if in pain from laughing so hard---now I can't remember exactly at what,--I think I named a keychain after each person---and of course at this point everyone had something I could make fun of and the nick-name reflected it---or maybe it was retelling the story of the night before when one of the guys hit his head running up to our room to give my roommate a flinstone vitamin for his on-coming cold-----thats not the funny part---it was the sound he made that woke us all up because we thought a woman was having sex and screaming in ecstacy, but when we opened the door to see what it was, it was our friend on the ground moaning from hitting his head, holding up the chewable flinstone vitiman in his hand, still dedicated to handing off Barney the purple chewable vitamin for my roomy.
The kind of stuff you can't make up like this---are the best moments.....

The search for OSAMA

2008-06-15T15:50:00.001-07:00

Well, I figure i could not go to the middle east and not at least make an effort to find OSAMA. So After checking every Starbucks and internet cafe (he HAS to drink coffee and want to check his e-mail at SOME point) I convinced our crew to rent a yaght for the day and search the seas.
About mid-day I thought I saw SOMEthing in a cave against the rocks, but it was just a wet turban. Or t-shirt. anyway, might we have just missed him? I'll never know---so the rest of the day was spent swimming, sleeping in the sun, sailing, cooking, drinking, and yes, still keeping one eye out.....

smokin the HOOKA

2008-06-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

Lets start by saying I am not a smoker ---although I tried in Highschool, I could never get into it. One puff and I would cough for a month straight. Even after it was no longer cool, the thought of purposely putting poison in your lungs was beyond stupidity. Heck, if I wanted to commit to the idea of poison in my lungs I'll just stay in L.A. for that. This contraption was everywhere in Turkey. A Hooka. The idea is you suck in a substance that smelled like cherry, blueberry, whatever you want,and it actually would taste kinda good----if my tastebuds were in my throat. They promised it was all natural and NOT smoke. You don't get any buzz from doing it, just a pleasant fruity taste in your mouth.
Why bother? I say just eat a blueberry and call it a day. But, when in Rome.......or Turkey.....

surrounded by men!

2008-06-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

What woman would not want to be adored and surrounded by 10 beautiful, funny affectionate men??
Maybe a woman that would want to be surrounded by 10 beautiful, funny, affectionate STRAIGHT men.
OK well I cant have EVERYTHING-3 out of 4 is pretty damn good. Besides, I would have hated to see a fight break out between these men over me.
Now that I think about it, I am probably too much for ONE straight man, but just enough for 10 gay men.
We all loved to shop, compare relationship dramas and umbrella drinks, talk about what diet works the best and most of all MY FAVORITE--listening to each others over exaggerated opinions and re-inactments of this years contestants on American Idol. Yes, I was in heaven. Besides, it was sort of a fun mission- I had 9 days to turn at least one of them straight.

Turkish coffee

2008-06-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

After tasting the food, drinking the wine, I decided the one thing I loved about turkey was the shot of coffee you get in a tiny cup, and after about 2 sips, the rest was sort of mud. Good caffienated mud. And the best part is after drinking the coffee, you tip the cup up over, and someone will read your fortune based on the way the coffee drips were left on the cup. Someone read my fortune and said I am getting ready for a new change in my life, lots of money---and that an amazing love will enter my life very soon---however no one told me if this was a genuine fake fortune telling or just a fake one. :)

Ahhh. The turkish shopping....

2008-06-08T14:31:00.001-07:00

Well, I think one of these pictures speaks for it'self. At least they are honest about the GENUINE fake watches. As opposed to just regular fake watches. Had to go all the way to Turkey to get the genuine fake.
And carpets-- why the big deal--I did'nt like these kind of carpets in America, but here they show you the effort that it takes for one woman to weave a carpet---day after day---for up to 3 years for just one carpet. I felt so bad for them I wanted to get one just for the cause. But these guys know how to hook us---the serve you wine, and feed you, then show you the woman who work on the carpets and then spend 2 hours rolling out every carpet imaginable--with the oooh's and the aaah's coming from us looking at this amazing spectacle... I got out of there quick while at least 6 of the crew paid way ,way too much for a carpet they will have shipped back to america, and I am guessing when it comes in the mail they might wonder in regret just how many glasses of wine they had prior to the purchase--

I'll be here all night.....

2008-06-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

Well one last goodbye to the people of Ephesus----I did a good 5 minutes of my best Turkish material---and got ready to head to Bodrum---I am sure since we are on vacation, there will be some shopping along the way---

EPHESUS

2008-06-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Okay let's discuss Ephesus and how cool it was to see the history there----however, many believe that Mary (mother of Jesus) spent her last days here with John. They even found a house they believe she lived in---it is a sacred beautiful place---but when I looked into the history---we are saying that Mary at the age of around 66 traveled from Jeruselem to Ephesus which is the other side of the country. Did she walk? Take a boat? It would have taken years---and also--the house they believe she lived in had no kitchen, no windows, and no bathroom. How did she live there? I am the host of "designed to sell" a show that helps homeowners to make-over their house and get it ready for the market. I felt compelled to have John Gidding (the designer) look at it and see what he could do---we both decided that without a kitchen, bathroom and no windows, our budget of 2000.00 would just not be enough. We lit a candle (adding some light to the house, which added at least 200.00 value) said a prayer and left. Whether Mary lived there or not, the likelyhood of getting any offers for this house, was not very good.

The Crew---

2008-06-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

I did not know anyone on this trip except my producer and the designer of our show---so I did not know what to expect--I now I did not expect everyone to be hysterical, fun, warm and connected the second I met them---from the minute we all settled in to our first hotel we were laughing and getting along like we had all been friends for a lifetime---
This picture was taken the first night we went out---I am realizing travelcan be more fun when everyone has a sense of humor----because I think we might need it for the next 10 days....

DISCOVERING TURKEY!!

2008-06-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

Well, after being in Atlanta for 6 months---the designer of the show who is from Turkey---decided to plan a trip for him and 13 of his friends (including me) although I never thought about going to Turkey--I am always up for an adventure---so look out middle east----I am on my way to find some turkish delight!

hangin with my L.A. friends....

2008-03-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well, not ALL of my friends could make it, so we had to have a virtual hang-out with one of my best friends-----so cute you just want to kiss him...

the rest of the week was spent seeing my best girl Angie, sushi with my buddy Greg, and then hangin the last night with my x----

Do I look like a tourist? Because I am officially a visitor from now on.....

hangin out with the teens....

2008-03-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

On my week off from filming, I got a chance to speak at a spring conference of teens-----I had a book signing (of my book "get lucky)
And had a blast for the weekend, speaking, dancing, signing pix, and just having a blast.

"GET LUCKY" Seminar PRESS PLAY!

2008-03-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

I did this on my week off from the show-----it was so amazing talking to kids about manifesting their dreams and getting rid of negative thoughts! All of this was based on a book I wrote called "get lucky" about the REAL meaning of luck, and that there is no such thing as "bad luck"---which I needed to remind myself since my car broke down on my way to the conference....

SHUCKS it's cold!

2008-03-01T19:57:00.001-08:00

Well, I wanted to get out and see what the fuss was all about. The Atlanta OYSTER festival was at the outdoor park here called Piedmont Park. It was fun till our fingers starting freezing off-----I did move to the SOUTH didn't I??
Is this not where birds MIGRATE to get into the warmth???
Oysters shmoisters.
It took us an hour to shuck these things and they weren't even RAW!
They were steamed.
And so was I.

Me and Gavin Degraw and Chris!

2008-03-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

THANK GOD for my friend Chris Lok who brought new music to my life.

And a new crush.

Rachel Degraw. I like it. I think I just found my future x-husband. :)

OH MY G...O.....D press PLAY and see what I mean.....

2008-03-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

All I can say is that when you hear someone sing from the soul---it does not matter what they sing. This man was incredible----I am so glad I got the chance to see him in concert here in Atlanta---and I even got to meet him! I asked him if it was hard not to look at me since all the songs were REALLY about me, but he said he did his best to just look maybe once :)

He is already pretty famous, but mark my word, this guy is going to be a HUGE HUGE success. BIGGER then George Michael :)

Damn. I wish I would not have given up musicians for lent.

SOME LIKE IT HOTLANTA

2008-02-23T19:25:00.000-08:00

This was involved in one of the make-overs of a house where the home-owner was a photographer and wanted to do a fun shoot of the hosts. I did my best marilyn---without the John F. Kennedy perk.

INDIGO

2008-02-23T19:19:00.001-08:00

This was one of the best birthday presents I got. A night in Ashville with my best friend Shawna going to a concert of my favorite band---the indigo girls!!!
Needless to say we were by far the most feminine things in the whole place---but nothin like some good harsh lesbian music to empower me! I left feeling like a much stronger and angrier woman!!!

The flower...

2008-02-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

I saw this flower reaching for the light on my hike in Sedona.
This picture best describes how I feel right now in my life here in Atlanta.
Interpret that as you will.

COKE IS IT!!

2008-02-23T19:00:00.001-08:00

Well, since I have some free time on the show----working only 3 days a week- I decided to sell my fab. skills as the hostess with the mostess--for none other than COKE---since it is Atlanta and Coke it IT here. This is me talking about how Coke is strategically placed by all the other products in the store and how important that is for the coke sale.
I was very grateful for this job. However, I know there was a point my life exemplified a little more purpose than this.....
.......wasn't there?

ON FITNESS??? really??

2008-02-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

Okay just a reminder---this was BEFORE I went to Italy and ate gelado, had red wine and enough bread to turn this magazine cover into naming it OFF fitness. I am also in Atlanta where the average meal consists of something fried with a side of grits. So I now use this cover as an inspiration of where I can get to. Problem is I got that 'in shape' from a bad bad break-up. So I either need to find another broke, unemployed insecure musician to have an awful relationship with and then have an even worse break-up so I can get back to that shape,.. or......just lay off the fried grits.

BIRTHDAY GIRL

2008-02-23T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well----another year---officially!! Had the worst flu of my life, but I managed to still celebrate----mostly people from work--and my best male friend JEFF COLT!!! He took a much needed break from law school and came to celebrate with me.
AND as I was ready to blow out my birthday candles my friend (and designer of our show) rolls out the "over the hill" banner.
Kills me!! So funny---I took it in stride---had the party on the top floor of my building called the SKY LOUNGE. We had live music and then all played games----the perfect way to bring in my birthday in Atlanta----I just think one year ago I was in northern australia hosting animal planets "ms. adventure" How did I ever know this is where I would bea year later??? And more importantly, where will I be NEXT year??

PAYBACK???

2008-02-23T18:34:00.001-08:00

well I never thought there would come a day where I actually paid for my parents hotel----
But me and Howie found a great deal---we went to Phoenix because we were freezing in Sedona---and found a hotel that allowed dogs, and had a great pool and great service. Now that my parents are getting older I thought it'd be fun to take care of THEM for the first time in my life! I am sure a nice dinner and a great hotel for a night will finally make it up to them for paying for my education, car, wedding, and every expense I had till I was in my mid-30's?---o.k. the Hotel was not great enought to make-up for all that,- but I thought the gesture was nice--and Howie loved the room service.

Sedona!!

2008-02-23T18:07:00.000-08:00

My parents have decided to retire in beautiful sedona---so me and Howie got the chance to visit them on my break from hosting "design to sell"--
Still can't believe my parents are old enough to retire--I somehow I knew it would not be in Florida---thats too normal. Instead it's red rocks and mountains and desert.....and watching them hike together reminds me of the strength of togetherness----all the years making it work----when I am only able to commit to my little dog. But I do have a great commitment at that. He looks at the scenery with me and I know there is a part of him admiring the beauty and grateful as I am for a best friend to enjoy this with.

design to BLING

2008-01-09T23:23:00.001-08:00

well, since I HAVE to take apart this chandelier for the show, I will do it with FLAIR. Keeping in mind that no bling -bling should go to waste!!!
I am doing everything I can to make this show fun and interesting. Design is great, but adding free jewelry for me to the mix is even better......
someone elses make over is MY TAKE-OVER :)

Movin on up!!

2007-12-14T16:04:00.000-08:00

Well- here it is 7 episodes in and I still can not believe i am not packing up and going back to L.A.
I have to remind myself this is an actual job. A job that might last a year. or more.
Comittment. Commitment. Commitment. I don't even know if I can spell it let alone do it.
Yes I can. i live in an amzing highrise. I made my apartent just as colorful as I always have--Although this is no 'DESIGN TO SELL" ---I realize MY design has always been lots of color----different forms of "whoville" just this one is the classiest, most expensive and best "whoville with a view" of them all.
I love coming home to my apartment.
Love my doorman. Love that I can say I love my DOORMAN.
As cheezy as this sounds I actually caught myself throwing up my hat in the air and hearing the Mary Tyler Moore theme song
"your gonna make it after all......."

20 YEARS LATER!!!!!!

2007-12-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

reunion

So everyone dreads the 20 year highschool re-union, but I actually looked forward to it. I found out the other school I attended up to 9th grade was having theirs the same night----who crashes reunions? I guess that would be me.
I went with 2 best friends from 4th grade who I still keep in touch with. As we walked in I started having incredible flash-backs---there was kenny hoekwater--my very first crush when I was 8! Then there was Sue DeJong who I ran against for 9th grade class president and won. ( most likely because my slogan was "dont be a weenie vote for reenie")
Then there was Mark Winkle the smartest kid in the class (now a Dr.) and My best friend from 2nd grade who I knocked out with a baseball bat during a softball game. (never played sports since)
After a few hours and tons of pictures and alot of "I saw you on tv on that one thing..."
I skipped to pick up my cousin (she was my date) for the reunion at a DOUBLE TREE INN bar (I grew up classy white trash) And the real fun began----laughing, dancing, drinking, and lots of "do you remember" and "What are you doing now" and of course " I saw you on t.v. on that one show..."
And I got to see my first Love. The longest relationship I ever had---6 years!! He was there with his wife and I barely recognized him. Not enough time and too many people---most of them looking exactly the same but some with a few divorces and everyone with lots of kids already in highschool!!!Its hard not to compare at an event like this, but I left feeling happy about exactly where I ended up and smiling at the thought of being married to my x and living in Michigan---with 2 kids--- just made me feel even better about going back to my life, and made me thankful for my dog, my highrise, my job hosting a design show in atlanta but most of all my freedom.....sweet, sweet freedom

2007-12-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

sis
my other saving grace in the BIG move! Best sister ever---flew to Atlanta rented a u-haul with me and I finally helped me move out of my friends house ( Em and Pete) so they can stop calling me Dupree (referring to me as owen wilson in "you,me and dupree")
so I moved into my new place!
AND-I realized why my sister does not have a t.v.
At first I thought it was because she was one of those "I am too cool for t.v." people but it is the opposite. I had cable and she turned into a Zombie on crack. She maintained one facial expression like a look of shock and she would just stare at the television in a hypnotic like trance. I let her know she could CHANGE the channel and did not have to keep it on the first thing she turned it on, but she couldn't.
I saw her clear addiction and it was not pretty. She then let me know she does not watch t.v. because she is too cool for it, but because it clearly has a strange power over her and she may never get up and
leave the house if she had one.
I finally understood......even Howie lost consciousness after a few hours on her lap in front of the t.v.,....but she could not stop.
We ended up planning the moving chores around who flava flave picked in the 4 hour flava flave
marathon. Pathetic. But ohhhh sooo good.

HOWIE

2007-12-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

Howie
Well, there are times when I am sure that my dog is smarter than me. Any dog who ends up living in a highrise and having a painting of his face on the main wall has to be doing something right. He is curious enough to care, peaceful enough to nap, and confident enough to not care what people think about his clothes.
He has been my saving grace with this move. When I tell him I miss L.A. he looks as if he agrees, but then reminds me how much more time I have to spend with him here in Atlanta.
OK Cezar the dog whisperer, I may be doing everything wrong as far as making him believe I am the alpha dog, but lets be honest, after his lifesize painting, his diamond collar and his king pillow, why even try to kid either one of us. He knows until there is another man in my life, he runs the house.

WORKING?

2007-11-17T21:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is my job---counting receipts with the designer John Gidding---to see if he designed the house for under 2 grand--
Since I was told math would not be a part of this job, I leave it up to HGTV to do the counting---I just smile and say WOW THATS AMAZING!! And if you go to my website"Rachelreenstra.com" and click on my reels "therapy session" you will see what i am talking about. I have alot of experience in saying "THATS AMAZING!"
Loving atlanta by the way-----now maybe in the next month I can actually move here......

SPEECH SCHOOL?

2007-11-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

seriously??

My brain still hurts from the italian speech I had to know for my trip to Italy----now that I am moving to Atlanta----I guess I will have to brush up on the language of the locals.
Maybe on the 2 days off a week I can sign up here at the Atlanta school of speech. Really get down the whole "Y'all" thing.

If I can stay I Promise I'll be an ANGEL!!

2007-10-30T15:54:00.001-07:00

well thank God for the first episode and the sweet home owners that were on it! This is Emily and Pete. We re-did their home and somehow I managed to have them offer me the guest room while I look for a place to live. I am thinking of making it part of the show---I will tell every home-owner that it is neccesary for the host to stay with them for a while---just so we can be comfortable with eachother on tv----anyway, these 2 are friends for life---they really helped me while I was in a tough spot.
We went out the other night for halloween ( I made them dress up) and last night we all made brownies then watched t.v. on the couch. I asked them to make sure they had eggs and orange juice in the house, I like a full breakfast everymorning. Hmmm....I might be getting a little TOOOOO comfortable......

Workin in the Kitchen??

2007-10-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

Well I NEVER thought I would be paid to work in the kitchen I can tell you that. If you can see my confused face, it is because this is a DESIGN show and I do not know anything about re-designing a kitchen. But I am all smiles because at the end of the day we are going to help this poor couple sell their house by changin up a few things for the better. Look at the last picture--my producers were posing as well---I had no idea----they crack me up. They really are funny. But then so is the fact that I am on HOME and GARDEN TV??? Still in shock.

trapeze---lesson!!!

2007-10-25T21:59:00.001-07:00

Well how could I see a trapeze and not want to fly through the air?? This was not as easy as it seems----it took an hour and a half class----but not a "taking notes class" you had to get up there right away and DO IT. Listen to the instructor every moment-----taking hold of the bar and jumping---having no choice but to trust the instructions being shouted and let go of the voices in my head ----I realized how much this activity was a metephor for my life right now----I had no time to process this move to atlanta--this new job and universe I am getting thrown into--the only way to survive the flight is to trust---to NOT listen to the voices in my head--but truly be in the moment----
On the trapeze I had a hard time when it came time to jump off the bar and let go into the net----the voices in my head kept saying 'DONT LET GO" but when I did not let go I stayed in the same place swinging aimlessly. When I finally let go the harness threw me into the air and effortlessly I did a flip and softly landed in the net.
The point of the class is it gets you ready for the final "catch" where you hold your arms out and let the professional grab you and take you off the bar into the air----
This process involves you holding out your arms after the swing but NOT GRABBING his hands-----your hands had to be OPEN and hold them out trusting he will grab them (by the wrist) and take you where you need to go. I held out my arms when the time came........BUT ]I tried to grab instead of holding my hands open and trusting him to take me.....so--we touched hands, but because of my need to grab instead of keeping my hands open and trusting-----we only touched and I continued to swing and flipped softly into the net---learning many, many things about what I need to work on in my life right now.

2007-10-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

well---the FIRST thing I should be doing since we have already started filming the show-----I need a place to live in Atlanta!!
So instead of spending all weekend looking for a place---I decide to go with my friend Jeff and his kids to meet my best girlfriend shawna up in the mountains----camping at the infamous "leaf festival" up in ashville Noth Carolina-----a utopia of colorful leaves, mountains, sunshine, music, dancing, organic EVERYTHING, ...........and sleeping with 2000 of your closest friends in tents all across the colorful hills on the lake.....
It was INCREDIBLE. Tents full of people contra dancing (don't ask), poetry readings, bands, and even a group from a village in Rawanda performed their music and got into the audience dancing with all of us.....got a feeling I was stuck in a time warp in the 60's-----what other crazy thing could I do here? ........I had to ask.......

IT'S OFFICIAL- I AM THE NEW "DESIGN TO SELL" HOST!!!

2007-10-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well, the chemistry test went well and Friday I got the job!!!----and guess WHEN I have to move to Atlanta? now.
No time to grieve L.A.
no time to pack...
no time to do anything but to look at HOW COOL OUR TEAM IS and practice my southern accent.
This is the new team for DESIGN TO SELL on HGTV!!!
2 Realitors, 2 carpenters, one designer and one host!!
We tried to be serious for a second, but it didn't last long......
But now I DO have to get serious because I have to head south RIGHT AWAY!!
Yes! We will redecorate homes in Atlanta and help them sell on this crappy market---reconstructing and building and making homes pretty to then SELL!!! Making southern homeowners prophets everywhere!!
But first---where will I live? What will become of my 67 inch tv-L-shaped couch, surround sound and my cathedral ceiling L.A. apartment?? What will happen to my room mate? Will I keep this place and get a place there?
I guess they can cancel "ms. adventure" but they can't cancel THIS ADVENTURE! :)

2007-10-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I knew my life was going to change but I had NO IDEA how much and in such a short time. I was flown to Hotlanta and was spinning from italy and no sleep.
Yet, when I met everyone on the "design to sell" team they all greeted me warmly and were so fun and friendly I woke right up. The designer that I had to have the chemistry test with was a HOT HOT man who was a harvard and yale graduate in architect, in his spare time modeled for Hugo Boss and Gucci and oh yeah, my FAVORITE PART----has been on the cover of like 41 romance novels. Yeah, I think I can force out some chemistry----
we had a BLAST during the filming---had a great party after and then I was off to see the only person I had known from Atlanta--Jeff Hix--a good friend of my best friend shawna ---I had met him once before and we really hit it off.
He was playing in a band (wow surprise surprise I hit it off with a musician)
So we celebrated my future move and I danced to his music so inspired by his talent and proud of the city the universe would be placing me in.

DESIGN TO SELL?

2007-10-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Coming home to a CHEMISTRY TEST?

Now I failed chemistry in highschool so anything similar scares me-----so when I got the message from my agent the DAY I came home that HGTV was interested in me hosting a show called "design to sell"
but that they FIRST had to fly me to Atlanta to film a chemistry test with the designer (to see if we had chemistry on film) I thought---I knew it! my life is going to change and I'll have a great hosting gig here in L.A. Finally!! So what that "Ms. Adventure" is over--Maybe this is my new big hosting gig!!! When do they want me to do this? Next week? 2 weeks?
"No Reenstra--they need you there tomorrow"

"But I was in Atlanta yesterday on a 4 hour lay-over from Italy-----I have to go back there TOMORROW? I can't have chemistry with no sleep and major jet lag!!!"

"You want the gig or not Reenstra'
"well, yes of course."
"You'd have to move to Atlanta you know"
"GULP. really? Atlanta? Me? I'm california. Everything about me screams california--I Love the ocean and the mountains and the fake people,fake tans, fake hair...oh and I just got a great apartment with a great roomate and a 67 inch tv and couches and bed and...and...and..'
"You want the gig or not Reenstra"
" I have CATHEDRAL CEILINGS!! And it took me months to get satelite and connect my surround sound!!!"
" Gig or not reenstra. Im over this conversation"
"Atlanta???"
"Yep."
"Thats not Atlanta California is it."
"No reenstra. Atlanta georgia. You want the...
'I know I know....yes I want the gig."

Broken footy

2007-10-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

Well it was true after all. There he was crippled but happy to see me. We communicated the most we could with neither of us knowing that much of the others language---so we went where no words were needed--outside to watch the Sunset, ---which by the way, was perfectly designed to be brilliant and glowing up the sky---God's going away gift -----then we sported our intelligent look that fool people into believing we know stuff.
After the sun went down, he ordered (wouldn't you know it) PIZZA and we watched footy. (not his broken one) (it means soccer) Which I thought the perfect way to end my adventure of italy.
As I fell asleep on his couch I mentally prepared myself for the reality that I would have to face the next day---L.A.----somehow I think my life is going to make a HUGE change ----there is no way I can have a trip like this and have it not effect every part of my life-----
So I say goodbye to my marcos, kamil, bus people friends, Italian wine, gelado, and cappuccino, old man from norway, Mistro, and of course the Pope.

roman around.....

2007-10-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

Well, turns out I didn't get stood up by a man who could not stand up!
I finally called MArco 2 again.......he answered and in his broken italian said
"Raqual, me accident, hospital, no good" ACCIDENT?? HOSPITAL??
So I did what any italian speaking tourist would do---I handed the phone to a stranger and asked him to talk to marco and translate to me what happened. Apparently Marco tripped that day and broke his foot---he was in the hospital all day and can not walk so he wanted me to take a taxi to his place so we could still see each other.
Wow---of all the excuses, this one was pretty good, if anything I had to see it for myself- so I said goodbye to Rome, and as you can see I walked right up to the famous spanish steps in the rain---with no umbrella---feeling the rain pour down and was grinning ear to ear. I was not stood up after all. And as soon as I climbed the steps I would be on my way to Marco 2 right on the beach. Goodbye Rome--thank you for the best trip I ever had.

Almost over....

2007-10-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

So it is coming to my last day in Rome. Marco 1 has left and after a few days alone I promised I would spend the last day with Marco 2. He is the Marco I met here in Rome a few weeks ago. So I awaited his arrival. He was supposed to pick me up at 11:00am in Rome. I waited. And waited. No Marco 2. The weather fit my mood as it was pouring down rain. I felt very sorry for myself being stood up on my last day in Rome---with no place to go because all of the hotels were booked. I attempted to call him, but there was no answer.
I walked the streets and sat at a cafe and ordered my final Pizza and glass of wine. Even in the rain, all alone, Rome is romantic. The cobblestone streets shine with the new rain and people continue to stroll with the umbrellas, unaffected by the weather.
Then all of a sudden an old man sits at my table. Right across from me. "Is anyone sitting here?" he said in some accent. "no" and that was all he needed. I had ordered water in a glass and he began to drink out of it. I was shocked and entertained at the same time. Who breaks THIS kind of personal space?? He was from Norway and asked me why I was in Rome. Good question--- I wanted to say -to heal a broken heart, to get sense of adventure and independence back, to get over my year of turmoil and loss, and maybe hook up with an italian or two. But I just ended up saying-" I LOVE TO TRAVEL" he nodded his head and said "Ahh yes- the life of a free spirit" and that was it.
He ordered a beer and we both sat in silence in the rain as I ate my pizza and he drank his beer (and my water.)

foutain of youth

2007-10-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

Ok---not the fountain of YOUTH but the fountain where I stayed while in Rome the "TREVI" fountain---and my good friend of many ,many years met me there and we spent one fabulous day and night running around Rome catching up, taking in the sights, and he spent most of the time laughing at me and my sad attempt at italian. I remember when he came to America and tried to speak english and I kept making fun of him ----well---divine Karma at it's best I guess. At least we got some time to listen to the most AMAZING classical music that these musicians were playing in one of the main piazza's. Thanks God there is no need to translate classical music. We danced to the music and made a wish in the fountain. It was a good day with Marco. I have a feeling there might be a good day with another Marco before I leave.......

2007-10-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

Well I am back in Rome---with a few more days to experience this city on my own......well, sort of on my own.......I have an old friend Marco (is there another name for men here?) that is coming down from Milan to see me for a day....and then I might end the trip with my other Marco who I met here in Rome. But for now I will explore this city with its fountains and piazzas----and listen to the italian language that if I don't say so myself, I am getting pretty good at......and maybe have ---yes--more gelado, cappuccino and red wine :)

Goodbye to amalfi.....

2007-10-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

This trip is soon over and as I kiss goodbye to Amalfi I feel so much more relaxed, happy, and ready to end the trip with one final date with Rome. The Amalfi coast is magical, peaceful, full of life and has shown me a part of the world that I feel richer for having experienced. One of the reasons I went to Italy was to experience myself in a place out of anything like my home, to get to know the people, the area, and get to know myself outside of the hustle and bustle of L.A. life.......mission accomplished.

2007-10-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel here in Italy. But with a shirt on. I mean let's face it, even though I am sure the wine tastes watered down for the mermaids here in Italy, they still can't help themselves.

missing my boy....

2007-10-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

What can I say?? I miss my baby----I saw this little black dog on the road and I had to spend some time with him---I realize on this trip--there are things that I miss deeply about my home---and that would be my little boy Howie. He is in doggy day care and so I am sure he is having his own adventure and maybe even is writing his own doggy bloggy----
I remember him looking at me on my bed at home wondering what in the world I was doing putting him with stuffed animals--but he took it like a sport---and then when he looked at me with questioning eyes on my bed (or should I say HIS bed) wondering when I would say the magic words "want to GO OUTSIDE??"
anyway, I had a moment of joy when I got to connect with a little blind italian dog---who let me see how much I love and miss my dog at home-- and it is worth noting that I also desperately miss my big screen tv,-- but I never ran into any of those on the streets of italy.

My new friend!

2007-10-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

The trip would not have been the same without my new friend Kamil. I met him in Assisi and he came up to enjoy the amalfi coast with me. He showed me how and what TRUE italians ate, he picked the most amazing wine and he helped translate for me whenever I had no clue what people were saying (or visa-versa)......we spent hours talking over dinners and taking walks by the river at night drinking wine..... talking with Kamil is sometimes like reading a book-but your eyes don't get tired.....
he helped make Amalfi even more beautiful--if that's possible......

Wine and Drugs?

2007-10-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

You just might think after 2 weeks with the bus people friends--I might have had enough, but that is just not the case. In the beautiful town of Amalfi, there was an open roof bus that went to the top of the mountain to an incredible town called Ravello....I hopped on it and I was home--there I was again with old bus people----enjoying the view up the cliffsides to the top of the incredible town that would take your breath away......I found at the top---the reason that italians might be so happy...
Wine and Drugs?? They were so obvious about it, so after being truly appalled----- I went in.......and met the most wonderful italian who began to offer me wine tastings and feed me incredible cheese and homemade bread------ok- I bought the wine, but I stayed away from the drugs.....:)

Amalfi coast, food and me..

2007-10-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

When you are staying in a place with a view like this, you have your choice between the ocean or the pool, and THEN you have the best meal you have eaten in years, you must hug the italian chef and never let him go. Why do I feel like I am made for this place?

This is IT! T

Blue Grotto!!!

2007-10-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

Finally-the amalfi coast in the sunshine! Get me on a boat ASAP I say! I met up with a friend from India (kamil)
And well, this maybe the most beautiful place on earth seriously.......but I had to find out what the "Blue Grotto" was like. I have heard you go into this wonderful cave, the water is striking blue, and the italian man rowing the boat sings to you.....
well--I have to congratulate the italians for the biggest scam on the planet. We paid 24 dollars to get on a row boat, the man could NOT sing (in any language) and we were in this dark cave for 3 seconds. Was the water blue? Yes WOW blue water AMAZING! Lets pay you more! Blue water from the sea! They paddled us back out of the cave, took our money and laughed ( well, it looked like they were laughing) yikes....
I am thinking of getting a huge stamp tattooed to my forehead tomorrow that says "Stupid American"

Movin on.......

2007-10-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

what can I say---Rome was incredible---outdoor cafe's, piazza's, music in the streets, fountains, cathedrals, gelado, Marco, gelado, Marco, gelado......
I cant seem to get enough!!
But it is now time to head to Sorrento and the Amalfi coast ----for some sunshine, mountains, islands, and...oh yeah, more gelado...

MISTRO!!

2007-10-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

Who knew I would have my favorite Mojito in Rome---served to me by a 94 year old italian named Mistro-- yes-Marco-Mojito-Mistro-
does everything wonderful in Rome always end in--- O?

2007-10-06T04:53:00.000-07:00

well alone in Rome---but not for long! I actually booked a national toyota voice-over, and was able to do the commercial out of a studio in Rome-----then---a wonderful italian named "Marco" showed me around..........
I do believe if you are going to do Rome right, you must have a local tour guide. And his name should be Marco. And he should be sizzling hot and should play soccer. And speak just enough english to say things like "you are so beautiful", and "can I kiss you"
Oh and one last thing--he should have a place on the beach and must be able to pour me fine italian red wine and cook for me.
Perfect.
To really enjoy Rome there are just some things a travel agent can't provide- I had to book this one on my own.

THE END OF THE BUS TOUR...

2007-10-04T00:50:00.001-07:00

Well it has come to an end and what a way to go out!! One last night with the bus people! A traditional 6 course meal with wine and opera singers to add to the fun...... first a hot italian woman sang to Bill and his dad, and for a moment I think I saw the exact same smile on their face that was passed down from father to son........then the singers picked me as part of their entertainment and I found myself dancing on stage with a man who was singing italian opera in my ear----can't say one knows how to react in that situation...do you nod? Do you pretend that he is not 2 inches from your eardrums belting full alto italian-----anyway, it was a fun situation to be caught in.......What woman does not like it when a man sings to her......really, really loudly---in another language....
We had a great night----it was happy and sad---I made up a song about our tour-guide because he was always yelling at us for being late ---so I made our bus sing it to him at the end of the night......it HAS to be sung to the tune of "THATS AMORE"
"WHEN YOUR LATE FOR THE BUS THERE IS NOTHING TO DISCUSS -- THATS ROBERTO
IF YOUR LATE FOR THE BUS--HE WILL BE FULL OF DISGUST----THATS ROBERTO
BELLS WILL RING-DING-A LINGA LING -HE WILL ROCK- THATS ROBERTO
BELLS WILL RING DING A LING A LING -LOOK AT YOUR CLOCK---THATS ROBERTO

Ok -might need some work, but for the last night of a 2 week tour with 40 of my newest friends---it went over quite well.....
we all hugged and said our goodbyes.....

Now...I ROME rome for 4 nights.......alone!!!

BUS PEOPLE FRIENDS!!!

2007-10-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Thats Wilda and Helen and Mary-ellen and Frank and Pat and Janerro and Bill and Sam and Lynn and Hugert and Stan and My two girls Ava and Sandy, and Dick and Walter and Carol!!
I made a seating chart yesterday and memorized everyones name! They all laughed at me but Roberto (the guide) calls me the light of the bus. At least I think that's what he said--it was in italian.

a fathers revenge....

2007-10-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

Ahh, even at the young age of 50 something, the father still gets the last laugh. After having to much fine red wine and a few cigars in Assisi the night before, the next morning on the bus sitting next to his dad, was Bill's reward. His father enjoyed every minute of his poor sons suffering.......Luckily Bill came prepared. Nice to see even after parents are too old to ground you, they somehow get to revel in their childs self- punishment.

Sor- RAIN- to

2007-09-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sor-RAIN-to

Well, this was the amalfi coast---the place I bought a bikini for. The cliffs, the beaches, the ocean.......the RAIN. This was not planned. SO me and Ava and Sandy made the best of it. We walkd in the rain, drank, and still tried to find a view.
Oh and you see me in the big rain coat? That is not the wind blowing in the coat, that really is how fat I have gotten here. Blame it on the gelado. And Blame it on the Rain.
It's ok. I don't want to be in a bikini right now anyway.

Drink dance and learn better italian

2007-09-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

I can hardly keep up with all we are doing on this amazing tour.....
Last night we took a dinner cruise that went around venice and we had a 4 course meal to candle light as we looked at the city lights shining on the water----yes, very romantic----but not so much with a boat full of 60+ and yet, we danced, ate, drank, and laughed all the way to venice. I was hoping one of them would not burst an artery or have a heart attack. We walked around St. Marcs square and admired the music and people at night---took an amazing gondola ride---then we took the boat back, danced on the boat some more---and then me and a younger man, Bill ( and by younger man I mean 57) went to a local bar. This was a riot---of course I wanted to speak with the hot italian men, but when one good looking italian called me over to his table I must have sounded like a retard. All I could say in italian was " I like cappuccino." " (Vorrei capuccino_and "I like travel." (vorrei viajarle) And they just looked at me like--Uh yeah, ...so what. Imagine some random person walking up to you in a bar telling you they like coffee and travel.
A real conversationalist I was. I thought my italian was better, but after a few glasses of wine and dancing on a rocking boat all night, thats all I could remember. Anyway, it is as if Venice is enticing you to be in love----the music, gondola rides, wine.......but for some reason I feel happier alone then I ever have----not even envying the couple next to me making out. Although I can't help the part in my head that is saying to them
" Oh sure, its great now in the city of LOVE but just give it a few more months and brace yourself before the tsunami of heart break hits"
Oh well, if the coffee in Italy can be strong and bitter, so can I. :)

More ASSisi

2007-09-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

As I said, this is such a quiet, spiritual beautiful place---the streets are lined with old brick corridors, flower pots, gelado cafes, wine bars , nuns and priests--oh and a bus full of tourists.
The last place I ever thought I would find any kind of romance was here---surrounded by people who committed their life to celibacy.
There I was, in this deserted town,with the two other girls my age on the roof of this hotel........ and out of nowhere a few italians show up with a bottle of wine, some great stories and, well, lets just say romance finally found me---
Can I just say "A TOAST TO JULIET! Thanks girlfriend, I owe ya one :)"

ASSISI

2007-09-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well who would have thought that St. Francis of Assisi lived in the most beautiful place YET. The history of this saint is that coming from incredible wealth, he went off to war, ended up in jail, had a transformation, came back to Assisi and stated that he was going to give up all material possessions and live a humble life of compassion-helping the poor, treating all creatures equal. He started giving away his dads rich garments--his dad thought he was going crazy, so he took Francis to the bishop for help. Here is the best part- St. francis waited for all the towns people to gather, and right there in front of the bishop and his dad, he stripped naked and ran off into the hills --telling his father that his only papa now was the big guy in the sky. Somehow he got a following, did some pretty cool miracles, was blessed by the pope and the rest is history. I think at this point if I saw a cute naked man run for the hills, I just might follow him too.

WIPED OUT

2007-09-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

You see the blob on the grass? That's me---how do these old people do it??
I had to collapse-- All this sight seeing and running around is exhausting!!!---I guess I can't say I am too old for this..........at least not to the bus people.

WHERE FOR ART THOU JULIET

2007-09-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

Verona was incredible, a very charming, romantic village, once again perfect for me and 40 of my closest geriatric friends.
If you come to Verona you have to visit "Juliet's balcony"
The say this her balcony and this statue of her.
Legend has it that if you place your hand on her left breast, you will attract a lover. So poor Juliet was inappropriately groped all day by a million tourists. It was more fun watching all the japanese tourists get really embarrassed as they took pictures of this ridiculous act. But just so you know, not that I am desperate, BUT---the only reason I felt it was a must is because at this point I am in Italy -the country of LOVE, and I have yet to find romance. I mean I am on a tour bus with 42 grey haired traveling companions so let's be honest, I need all the help I can get.
So if Juliet's left boob is going to help me hook up with an italian stallion, count me in.

VENICE!!!

2007-09-25T05:49:00.000-07:00

So I am writing on my computer at a table overlooking the famous St. Marcs square in Venice---drinking a really -really expensive cappuccino and listening to live beautiful classical musicians play romantic tunes right behind me, watching people and pigeons--why do they seem to LOVE taking pictures with pigeons crawling all over them???---normally people would shoo them away, but in venice---I guess even rats with wings look enticing. I personally enjoyed the view of my hot italian waiter, so I sat drinking coffee for a while. Then I joined the festive venice feeling and bought a joker hat and wore it for the rest of the day---which might explain the strange looks I got all day.

Cappa-CHOW-no

2007-09-25T05:46:00.001-07:00

Ok When in Rome----or anywhere else in Italy, it is cappuccino and red wine---not to mention Gelado---- these are MUSTS. People seem happy here---relaxed and always have time for a coffee, wine or ice-cream. Oh and the coffee is STRONG--- and always served with HOT milk ....So I am taking part in the best coffee in the world, the best wine, and I have no idea what they put in the gelado, but it is all molto bene!!! I am gaining some knowledge about italian life, (actually gaining more weight than knowledge)----Now I just need to learn how to ride a motor bike and take up smoking and I will totally italiano.

PIZZA- I mean PISA

2007-09-25T05:42:00.000-07:00

As much as I thought I was being creative by taking a picture to make it look like I was holding the leaning tower of Pisa up, as I looked around there were about 42 other tourists holding there arms out, trying to do the same.
I was so excited about getting the picture, I forgot that there really is history behind this historic monument. But don't ask me what that is, I just know there has to be something about maybe checking the foundation of the ground before building on it.

LAKE LUGANO, SWITZERLAND

2007-09-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Ok ---just when I thought it could not get any prettier---we are in the bus and we drive around a mountain corner into a breath taking view of a crystal blue lake against italian houses built into the green cliffs next to the cleanest little town I have ever seen. Lake Lugano. Boats, cafes, gelado, fountains, a quaint cobblestone town square and once again everyone very well dressed.
I immediately got gelado and a cappuccino ----practiced my italian on a cute waiter, and drank in the scenery. L.A.seems like a life time away. We seem to be rushing through these incredible towns to get it all in, but I don't mind ---it's like small tastes of fabulious dishes, but never getting full.....and perfect for someone who has A.D.D. even with travel.

LAKE MAGGIORE, ITALY

2007-09-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

well I arrived and 30 minuted later came INGO!!! Having not seen eachother for 7 years!! It was like we were never apart. Immediately we opened a bottle of fine german red wine on my hotel balcony, and started talking and laughing just as if I saw him yesterday---- We went for pasta and more wine on the lake---and then stayed up most the night catching up on everything in our lives! The next day we sat by the lake drinking cappuccino and relaxing..... time went too fast and before knew it he was off again---back to Germany----of course the bus people saw us all over town together and wanted to know all about him. They grilled him with questions ----making sure he was good enough to spend the day with me :) He passed the test----more because he could not understand most of what they said and he just smiled and nodded.....they thought although he was shy he was really sweet.....

ALL A BORED....

2007-09-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

ALL A- BORED
Ok lets be honest getting thrown together with 42 strangers isn't easy for anyone, but we are all troupers, and when you are drinking red wine enjoying the Italian landscape, somehow the bonding happens and I forget that I am with a bus full of people my parents age. Maybe its the magic of Italy, but I seem to be actually falling in love with some of my fellow travelers-----
They are so interesting, full of life, have so many stories, and have been through enough that I feel as if I am learning from their experience as I creating my own.....it is nice to be with older people since in L.A. all my friends are my age.
I find myself laughing and feeling happy to see their familiar faces as we all take in the Italian sites. As boring as bus rides can be, we all seem to make the miles pass quickly and it's fun to have a whole bus excited for me to see my old German friend INGO who will be meeting me at the hotel tonight-----of course I will be the gossip of the bus and they will be watching my every move, so I better make it interesting!

these are a few of my favorite things.....

2007-09-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

All I can say is this man on the tour is one of my favorites. He lost his wife of 48 years a few months ago and went on this trip to help him heal. He still gets sad every day so when I make him laugh really hard my day feels complete. I know he has not laughed like this for a while, so these are the moments I love.

2007-09-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

FLORENCE

Well, lets just say if I have any chance of seeing a naked italian man, I might as well start with the best one of all-----DAVID. WOW -you have to see this in person to really comprehend its magnificence.
I have a new appreciation for Michael Angelo. Not only is this a statue of perfection----but he was 26 when he did it, it took him 2 years, and he never even got paid for it. It was originally supposed to be on the top of a cathedral--but the pope changed his mind when he realized that a statue of a naked man associated with the church might not be such a good idea.
So DAVID went in front of the government building to represent Florence strength and beauty. A man in all his glory, yet the church wanted nothing to do with it.
Michael Angelo was smart----although he did not get paid for this, everyone then saw his work, and his reputation won him plenty of recognition, and PAID work from that point on.
Now as far as me in Florence, well this is my favorite town so far----cobblestone streets, cafe's and gelado everywhere- and everyone gets around on little mopeds with their cigarette sticking out of their mouth saying "chow chow"
---it is the only way to travel through the romantic alley ways. The town squares with fountains and marble statues, the old man selling his paintings, the incredible views of the city from the mountain side----the leather and jewelry stores, the red wine, the pasta......I fell in love with this city----not to mention the beauty of the italians here-
OH and I Bought this green leather coat that I can now say
"WHERE DID I GET THIS COAT? OH JUST A LITTLE TOWN IN ITALY, IN FACT THAT IS WHY I DO NOT CARRY CREDIT CARDS ANYMORE"
Now it's off to Milan, then Switzerland and then will end up in Lake Maggiore( a magical resort town on the water in Italy)--where I will be leaving the tour for a few days and be spending time with an old german friend I have not seen in YEARS!! It has been 18 years I have known him and 10 years since I have seen him!!! I am SO very glad we have still kept in touch. My x wondered why I had to keep in touch with so many people from my past---the answer is easy- because when I connect deeply with someone special--years can go by and the love still remains.....
We will sit by the lake, catch up on the last 10 years--and look into his eyes and say "I'm sorry, could you speak english?"

MIlan--oh

2007-09-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Well, first of all these are the best dressed people in the world. Second of all this church is HUGE. This cathedral is called DUOMO. I climbed to the top and found myself looking at this sexy town full of hot italians walking through the town square. Then I realized I was wearing a dirty sweatshirt, flip flops from Target and a top that I spilled gelato on. I hurried and climbed down into the church and found the confession booth right away. I had to ask for forgiveness for my horrible taste of clothing while I was in the most impressive high fashion district in the world. While I was in confession I figured I'd spill the beans and hopefully be forgiven for all my sins up to that point. I needed a clean slate for the rest of the trip. The priest made me say 4 hail mary's and then he gave me a coupon to Gucci.

2007-09-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

well what better way to heal from a broken heart then to be in ROME!!
This past month of learning italian has served me well....although I pronounce everything wrong--the roman people love my effort.
The first night I met everyone on this tour---One man just lost his wife after 42 years of marriage, another woman just was diagnosed with breast cancer---so I realized that maybe Italy really is the place to come after life deals you a hard hand--- after giving eachother our "well everything happens for a reason" speech ( I of course had to tell them about my break-up, the show being cancelled, and my apartment burning down) we all cheered up and went out to dinner and had endless wine, great music and I was kissed and given roses all night by the italian waiters.....
Rome is more beautiful then I remember----today it is Sunday and no one is in the city---I am sitting at a cafe and the chef just came out and asked me what he could make for me--I asked him what he preferred, he said "women of course"
Then he asked if if he may prepare his delicious spaghetti with mussels---since I had just gotten back from the Colosseum, and kissed a gladiator with huge mussels, I thought it was the perfect dish.
So far I love italy as I thought I would----I have already seen the Vatican, the Forum, the Colosseum, and had the best chocolate gelado I ever tasted.
The people here are very relaxed, passionate and if I see one more couple making out and riding together on their moter bike I will cry.
Tonight everyone is going to the spanish steps and the trevi fountain---I chose to go it alone (with my new girlfriends) and explore CAMPO DI FIORI which means field of flowers. It is the area with lots of cafes, lots of italian men, and lots of good wine. Needed a break from the big group-- AND there is more kissing to be done here in Rome, and much more chocolate gelado to be had. Oh and if an italian chef offers to make yoU something---take it!! this was the best spaghetti (with mussels)I ever had!!---Tomorrow we leave for FLORENCE!! Chow Chow!!!!

ITS NOT OVER TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS.....

2007-09-12T17:20:00.000-07:00

WELL- Maybe not the fat lady, but its not over till I SING---- by the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE...... The MIS-ADVENTURE days have come to an end---but just the show---NOT the MIS-ADVENTURES!!
The last year has been incredible---but now I am on my way to have my own adventure in ITALY!!!!

I will blog as the days go by---I will be traveling for a month--for pleasure--- will be visiting friends in ROME and in Milan!!

cant wait to blog my adventures again----I have brushed up on my italian (vorrei un vino de rosso) I want red wine----and DOVE EL BANO where is the bathroom---what else do I need to know??

foxy lady

2006-12-11T07:54:00.000-08:00

My adventure took me to Fox Island (one of the Channel Islands of California) in my search for true love in the wild.

As you can see I found a happy couple snuggling up. Foxes do mate for life. Unless a younger, better looking fox comes into a female's territory. Apparently, a stranger passing through is the only thing that might make the female stray.

C'mon ladies, must we get so easily distracted? Where is the love? Dedication? You sly little foxes.

dreaming of moose

2006-12-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

Some people count sheep before they go to sleep -- I count moose. I only got to 1 before I fell asleep. I was in Maine and knew I was going to track wild moose the next day, so this helped me prepare...

Camel wear...

2006-12-11T07:25:00.000-08:00

It turns out the humps on a camel do not hold water. The humps are made of fatty tissue, the water is stored on the blood! And they can go 2 weeks without water and a month without food.

My favorite thing is their eye lashes...they have 2 sets so that they can shut out the strong sand in the desert storms... and helloooooo -- look beautiful at the same time! They can also close their nostrils if needed, and their coat reflects the sun to keep them cool.

And have you seen their fantastic long legs to keep them away from the hot sand? If I were a camel with the eyelashes and long legs it would be enough to make me put up with the 2 humps of fat on my back.

Come out of your shell......

2006-12-11T07:13:00.000-08:00

If you look carefully you will see that I am holding baby turtles, hatchlings, and they are moments from being released into the sea.

This is on "turtle Island" where I had just spent all night up on the beach watching a HUGE turtle scoot up at 1 am to find a safe place to lay her eggs.

She dug a whole and proceeded to go into a trance state and layed exactly 98 ping pong looking eggs. Then she buried them and went off to sea. The amazing thing about this mother is that she will never see them again. But they will come back to the same place to lay eggs if they make it to her age. Some turtles have to wait 50 years before they mate and lay eggs! (And I thought I was becoming an old maid!).

Out of 98 eggs only a few will survive, which is why she lays so many!

The eggs stay for about 90 days in the sand and then if they have not been eaten by predators, they hatch and crawl to the ocean, already having all the instincts to survive on their own.
No mother, father or siblings teaching them a thing -- pretty independent creatures.

These little ones I am holding have been kept safe by the program on the island, and they just hatched hours before, so they must be released into the ocean, where they belong. I watched them crawl into the ocean, their tiny heads bobbing up and down, and somehow they knew exactly what to do. Some of us humans take years to come out of our shell!!!

PREYING for love

2006-12-11T06:55:00.000-08:00

Did I say I thought there might be true love in the animal kingdom?

Wow---the praying mantis might scare any guy away for life. Most of the time she eats her mate. But here is the freaky part, ready? He STILL TRIES TO MATE HER EVEN AFTER HIS HEAD IS BITTEN OFF. He might try for a whole day or so. Talk about persistence!!!

Hellooooooooo, she just bit your head off, that is not a subtle rejection, can't you take a hint??

The good news for the ladies is they get to mate and they get a great meal as well. And most the males only go for the fatter ladies, so thin is NOT IN to find romance in this world.

It is sounding better and better the more I think about it... so me and the crew try to look like a struggling version of the praying mantis--we have the scare anyone away part down.

ring around the tail-er

2006-12-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

I have finally found an animal society that I might fit into. It might take me a while to look good in stripes (especially horizontal) but if I can get over that, i would be very happy.

I found out that ring-tailed lemurs are a female-run society. The gals get to eat first, they get to decide when and who they will mate with, and pretty much run the show. And if a guy gets too close, and they become annoyed, they wont hesitate to smack-em one.

The poor males have to snatch their left-overs, stay close by, make sure the ladies are well-fed, and if they are lucky, once a year one of the ladies when she is in heat, for one day, for few short minutes, will mate with him.

Then just as soon as the romance starts, it is over and the males are back to waiting on these finicky ladies till next year, hoping to get the chance again.

The reason the males have to keep the ladies happy is that he wants them produce the best offspring if they get that chance.

Not sure how we can get humans to catch on to this technique, but I am here and willing to get the word out....

Don't ROO-in it

2006-12-11T06:31:00.000-08:00

Still in Tasmania I got to check out some Kangaroo love.

In case you were wondering how kangaroos court, listen up gentlemen, they have much to teach.

First the kangaroo who is the biggest is called the BOOMER and he usually gets his pick, and the females usually prefer a bigger, stronger dude. But to win her over he starts by rubbing her tail with his claws (who doesn't love a good massage?), then he pursues her for as long as it takes, hoping (or hopping) he will win her affection.

And the poor female, if she does decide to mate, she will be constantly pregnant for the rest of her life. Yikes--ever hear of adoption??

That's enough to make me stay single if I were a kangaroo!

Cute as a devil

2006-12-10T21:02:00.000-08:00

The only experience I have had with a Tasmanian devil has been watching Bugs Bunny cartoons. Now, after seeing one up close, I understand the cartoon version so much more.

I went all the way down under to Tasmania and I had a lovely Ozzy Androo Kelly (taz expert) tell me all about them.

This creature screams bloody murder, just as a normal way of talking. The loud screeches hurt the ears, but then I learned why they might scream so much: the female devils pretty much stay pregnant constantly, with only 6 weeks off a year--I can only hope they plan a relaxing 6 weeks on a cruise or in the Bahamas to make up for all the work they do as a mom.

The mothers can also decide how many kids she wants, by only supplying milk to the number of teats that she wants kids. So she might give birth to 30 kids, but only supply milk to 3, and then, only 3 survive. And you thought your mom was controlling.

Mom drags them around and they clutch on to the teats for dear life. I was lucky enough to hold a baby taz, but only for a moment as you do not want to upset a screaming mother tasmanian devil.

The older one I am holding has mellowed out --maybe because she is too old to have kids, and can finally relax a little.

This animal sure proves that being a mom is a real scream.

mud bath

2006-12-10T20:44:00.000-08:00

Here's mud in your eye. Literally. Every now and then Ms. Adventure is willing to get a little dirty on her quest.

This is me and the producer Maggs and the co-producer Alicia. We were filming on an island in Borneo, and I had to get into the mud so I insisted they help me so I knew exactly how they wanted the shot. Apparently there is no sense of gravity in the dense mud and we kept falling all over each other.

Unable to stand up in the mud without falling, we barely got the shot. The good news is it's been weeks and my skin is still glowing....

Swan to find true love?

2006-12-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm searching the animal kingdom for true love -- and I think there is hope: swans mate for life. Something I have yet to figure out how to do.

The male hunts for food and builds the nest while the female sits on the eggs. It's a little old fashioned, but I like it, the idea of sitting around while the man builds the house and gets me food that is. I mean really, why do we make love so complicated?

Driving a Borneo SUV

2006-12-10T20:25:00.000-08:00

Sometimes getting there is half the fun.

This experience driving a water buffalo gave me much more patience for when I have to go back to L.A. and drive in traffic.

I was on my way to check out the proboscis monkey.

I left on a monday and it only took me 4 days.

The best part was the U turn we had to take when we almost ran into another on-coming water buffalo.

There must be an easier way to get around Borneo.