The fight continues
Previously I posted information about my childhood friend, Jeff Lapinski, who has been battling cancer this year. After a successful lymph node removal surgery, we all had great hopes that this battle had come to an end. However, a recent scan showed an enlarged node, which may or may not be news. We have to wait and see. I’m sure the waiting is the worst part!
To read more about Jeff’s status and to leave him a message of support, please visit his website, www.jefflapinksi.com.
Jeff, like my friend Bobby, has an amazingly positive attitude and is so highly admired for the manner in which he has taken on his battle with cancer. If you know Jeff, please leave him a message on his website. If you don’t know him, please send him some positive energy and your prayers. Every ounce of support matters!
On the Bright Side,
Shanna
WOW! THANK YOU!
This morning I realized that the hit counter on my website said 9995. I posted a note in my facebook status, wondering who would be number 10,000. Pete totally cheated and logged on three times. Jeff claims he would have had it had Pete not cheated. I made sure I didn’t log on for hours, as the last time I hit a milestone, I was the one who was the lucky “winner”. Oi.
At some point during my life in Japan, I created a blog, On The Bright Side. Last year, shortly before I set out on my travels in March 2008, I established this website to more easily and thoroughly communicate with you the life adventures I am so fortunate to enjoy.
I just want to THANK YOU for stopping by and taking time out of your day to visit On The Bright Side, check in with me and keep in touch. It means a lot to me, as I really enjoy posting these stories – sometimes great, sometimes silly, sometimes even a bit sad. They are just bits and pieces of my life and I am happy to share them with you. Now, if I could just get you all to leave more comments! That’s the goal for the next 10,000 hits!
In all sincerity, though, thank you. I’m grateful for your friendship and for your continued clicking. May you be the lucky one who logs in hit number 20,000! : D
On the Bright Side,
Shanna
A Note on Michael Jackson
It was the summer after seventh grade and Randy Close and I were a couple. In preparation for a road trip to Magic Mountain with Danielle, Tiffany, Ginger, David and younger brothers Kevin and Chris, Randy and I listened to the Thriller cassette tape over and over again until we knew every word to every song.
As we all piled in the Close’s van, we begged to play the Thriller tape. Without hesitation, Randy and I could sing, “Ma ma se, ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa” as our friends looked on in amazement that we actually knew the words.
Our group of friends always loved to go dancing, and we tried very hard to copy those moves, the fluid movement of the legs, the kicks and that unforgettable moonwalk. Who can forget the Grammy performance where Michael Jackson moon walked across the stage inspiring hours and hours of practice among any of us who had an ounce of desire to capture that coolness?
I remember very clearly the day that upperclassman Camille got to go to the Michael Jackson concert. Everyone knew that she was going. And the next day she returned from the concert without a voice, it was that ridiculously fun. We wanted to hear every detail of the concert. Super jealous.
High school airband competitions were popular during my high school years and I remember the junior class members doing the entire Thriller dance sequence on our theater stage.
His songs were a part of every teenage year of mine and my friends’. His music shaped our childhood in so many ways. Even when he came out with Bad, and returned to the pop-music scene physically altered, he still remained the “it” guy for us.
I don’t know what happened to Michael, what made him become the sheer freak of nature that he was, the Wacko Jacko that made headlines. I don’t think any of us want to imagine what it was like to live his life under such scrutiny. Who wouldn’t turn a bit fruity?
I’m choosing to remember him in his Thriller days. That is the Michael Jackson I want to mourn. That is the Michael Jackson I’ve mourned for years, already.
On the Bright Side,
Shanna
Who’s a lucky girl?
Who’s a lucky girl? That’s a very smiley me with Gilles, Philippe, Jean-Philippe and Olvier.
So last week, as I mentioned was a pretty bad week. But last night I went out with a bunch of friends and at some point in the evening, took this picture with all the French men. Notice my ridiculous smile? Handsome French men are a good cure for any of life’s little issues!
On the Bright Side,
Shanna
Berlin Birthday – 39
A unique b’day party! Can you tell the boys from the girls?
Before leaving for Berlin, I realized that from now on, as long as I am in this job, it will be most likely that I will be celebrating my birthday in Berlin. After my introductory weekend with Paul, I realize, there are worse places in the world to be stuck on your birthday. Berlin is fantastic!
My new colleagues were so kind and wanted to help celebrate. Pantanida, who is based in Berlin has a boyfriend whose birthday is the same day. So on the 13th, my actual birthday, I went out with Edwin and Dominik and Dominik’s parents (Germans) for dinner. I enjoyed a traditional Berlin dish – Currywerst, which is essentially 2 huge sausages smothered in a German style curry and french fries. I followed Edwin on to a very cool bar and then to another before calling it a night at 3am. A fun night, indeed.
The next evening, Pantanida had made a reservation for us at a Thai cabaret show. I mentioned in another post that she is from Thailand but lives in Berlin. So she is dialed into the Thai community in Berlin. Good friend to have, for sure.
As you can see from the photo here. The show is quite unique in that all of the ladies in the show were formally men. This makes for nothing but an entertaining evening.
We had a great time at the show. I enjoyed all of the celebrations. And I am looking forward to many more birthdays in Berlin. Even the one where I turn 40!
On the Bright Side,
Shanna
I’ve Been in L.A.
Los Angeles, California – No angels here. Traffic in L.A. serves as my reminder and motivator not to re-settle there. Drivers are crazy, obsessed with honking their horns and always in such a rush! S L O W D O W N people!
Yesterday I returned to my little corner of the world here in San Diego after spending the last two weeks in Los Angeles. This was the first chance I’ve had to get away for a bit since I returned from my travels at the end of July. I was happy to have a little break!
You see, I’ve been spending day after day after day at my computer doing my research for job opportunities, sending off letters and networking my bootie off (not really, cuz it’s definitely still there!). So I welcomed a break to visit some friends, and give myself a well-deserved mini-vacation.
I house sat for a friend who was in Europe for 10 days, which also gave me some much needed alone time, a chance to reflect on my travels and assess the path I’m taking with my career. I still managed to network a little more of my bootie off, though, as I visited the City Club, chatted with my former boss, co-workers, and members. I even attended the annual wine expo, indulging in just a few tastes of really good wine. Yummy.
Sheryl and I hit a hotspot for happy hour and dollar tacos, as well as hit the Central Market for lunch one day – tame in comparison to Asian markets! But I felt right at home!
Steve and I caught up over a fantastic dinner, our conversation falling easily back into our comfortable and stimulating rhythm. We’ve developed the habit of closing the restaurants we frequent. Just love his company.
Carol, Bruce and I got caught up on the laughter which always ensues when we start telling stories. Carol and I covered good ground in L.A., from a Greek restaurant around the corner from her house, to InNOut in Westwood, to Billingsley’s and an afternoon at the Grove. I can’t believe how many beautiful homes have been sold and torn down in the area, only to have Italian-themed condos go up. The side-street traffic in West L.A. is a nightmare because of it!
Coffee at Pete’s on Montana and 14th allowed me to catch up with Sarah and the boys, Dan and Paulie, and meet a fantastic couple, Phil and Paula. Pete’s is always good for great conversations and lazy weekend mornings.
On my way back to San Diego, I stopped in Torrance to visit with the Eisenberg family. Michelle and Justin are about to welcome their third child. Sarah and Bryan are preparing for their new sibling, too. I most enjoyed our dinner conversation, which included the kids telling or making up jokes and Bryan enjoying the idea of finishing his food after saying, “Nice to eat you!” before each bite.
Among all that fun, I did manage to make significant progress in my networking efforts. Things are really heating up!!! In fact, I even have a job interview this week! I’m so excited! I don’t want to jinx it, but I will say that it’s exactly the type of job I’ve been hoping for and I would be based overseas with lots of international travel involved. So fingers crossed. I will update you when I have more news.
Whew! It’s been a busy couple of weeks!
On the Bright Side,
Shanna
A Fellow World Traveler
Doug Naegele loves to travel too! – Using and abusing my recent photos, I’m here with Doug at the 20 year VHS reunion party! Doug and I had a great time sharing travel stories!
My 20 year high school reunion may have been a two weeks ago now, but I am still glowing in the joy of seeing old friends. It was so great to catch up with everyone, and even better that so many classmates are living fulfilling lives.
Doug, I learned, shares the same passion for all things foreign, and I really enjoyed chatting about our travels. It was nice to be able to describe the tiny town of Sapa in Vietnam and have someone nod their head in appreciation because they’ve been there, too.
It turns out Doug has traveled very extensively through SE Asis, South America, Russia, Mongolia, Tibet and China…for starters.
He and his wife, Edith, actually traveled the entire length of South America by local bus. This sounds so amazing and adventurous – I’m jealous! Doug gave me the link to the website they kept during their 2006 journey, and I’d like to pass that along to you. You can find incredible stories on their travel blog at www.dougandedith.com. Doug recommends story #26 Futbal in Lima. I give it a thumbs up, as well.
In case you are already bored with fall and longing for another summer vacation, you can take a terrific and intrepid (albeit virtual) journey with Doug and Edith! I’m having a great time following their trail!
On the Bright Side,
Shanna
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