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Manhattan to Santa Barbara… that’s how I roll . April 23rd, 2013

Thinking seat 9A is the better way to go

Thinking seat 9A is the better way to go

I love the concept of a good surprise.  Though I’ve never really been patient enough to pull off a true up-to-the-moment surprise.  After over three years since my last hometown swing, pre-NYC, I think two days notice on a random Tuesday falls fairly close to ‘surprise’.

However, today is no random Tuesday.  April 23rd… it’s the anniversary of my official departure from Babcock & Brown.  Six years ago today.  This may cause some to sigh with elation in the memory as to how traumatic those days were.  I sure as hell do.

Keeping true to form, I decided to make this anniversary as spectacular as the circumstances it brought to my life are.  I am headed to Santa Barbara, then San Francisco… a bit of an impulsive fly-by.  Which clearly was meant to be as so many elements, and by that I mean business class upgrades, just fell into place.  As Lexi once told me after an impromptu piggy back ride to gym class in the tenth grade: “Everything good happens on a Tuesday!”.  I have a very exciting week lined up.

I’m so used to flying in and out of San Fran, I forgot I was on an LAX flight and started to notice a few old school b-list actors on my flight.  I am so terrible with names, this one guy in the seat just ahead of me to the right would be recognizable, like he was the cook on Facts of Life, or something like that.  Possibly The Love Boat.  Night Court?  His wife is pretty hot for her age, been asleep since the flight took off.  I’m looking forward to my time in the LAX lounge this afternoon before boarding my SBA flight.  I will be primed and well located to stalk out my next new client!  My marketing sense is beginning to return, now that I have this refreshing and incredible renewed sense of freedom, first time since the soon-to-be former LMC Direct’s inception!  I gave an analogy to the Dreamy VP earlier this morning when he called to wish me a good trip, which is hilarious, but might be a bit racy for this audience.  He laughed, so ‘tout va bien’.  Just think of me, actually showered, kleenex boxes at home (Howard Hughes reference) and in the club lounge, working away on her important travel endeavors.  Client bait.  🙂

I’ve said it a bazillion times and I’ve never been as sincere and serious about it as I am now: I have the two most amazing nephews that any human being has possibly ever had.  I would go on that game show in a heart beat: “How Does Your Nephew Match Up”.  And I’d be taking home the prize.  I envision the Cabin Log sty guy from “There’s Something About Mary” as the host.  This spontaneous trip of mine has taken on a sudden unexpected meaning, but I genuinely hope Santa Maria is on my menu for this week.  Though I’m respectful and understand if it doesn’t work for everyone.  Timing.  It’s really an interesting ‘friend’ of mine.  I’ve been known to refer to it as more of a ‘tricky f’er’, but I recognize its significance and work toward taking nothing for granted lately.

For the first time in a long while, I am incredibly excited to visit home.  Dinner at the Rose, lunch at Beachside, non-Palio pork chops…then 75 degree San Fran.  It will be a week full of culinary bliss and grand memories.  And spinning!

Watch out Santa Barbara, I’m about to sprinkle fairy dust over as much of you as I possibly can.  😉  I’m in a ‘dreamy’ state of mind.  An Empire State of Mind.  My surprise SB week was cut short but please trust I’m doing the best I can juggling the priorities, business and absolute musts.  I’d do more if I had the time and flexibility.  San Fran seems like it presently needs no fairy dusting, but I’m going to pop my head in just in case.  I’ll sprinkle birthday dust instead.  Damn, I forgot my red heart wand…

Wait… Charleston Heston is dead, right?  That can’t be him up in seat 8D!!?  Hmmm.

I’m feeling like a little Moulin action might be necessary.  Attencion, mi familia. xxx

o and a special o and ooo to my AJ.  Where’s my gun-to-crowned-head painting!!? 🙂

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Michael
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Christina
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Providence
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Jenine
Montreal
Many thanks for all you do and being as responsive as you always have been. I remember the one trip from SA via Kenya trip during covid and how you really went above and beyond to get me out!
Tendai
Johannesburg
You are an amazing person and caring, thank you for sharing that with me. I will make sure to say hello and also look after him.
Sarah
Philadelphia
You nailed it again. Upgraded to really nice Ocean View. Thank you.
John
Greenwich
Thanks Liz - bit of a nightmare trip due to weather. Thanks for already sorting out the rebooking for the missed flight and the upgrade - much appreciated!
Peter
London
Liz, it was the least I could possibly do for everything you helped with. I seriously cannot express how appreciative I am to you. Thanks again for everything.
Marilyn
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Cheryl
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Jessica
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Janice
San Francisco
I really appreciate your help here, this looks like a fantastic place and the fact that you KNOW the property gives me great comfort sending my daughter there.
Ken
San Francisco
I can't tell you how much you have helped relieve my stress about the whole trip to France and all you have done for us. Thank you. It seems like it is so complicated, yet you put my mind at ease. Thank you so much.
Linda
Raleigh
Thank you so much! They upgraded us to a junior suite and the property is just LOVELY. We had some more ambitious plans today but the pool has just captured us.
Myra
New York
I wanted to send you this email to thank you for all the help and tremendous work and availability while you have been helping everyone with our trips, since I joined in 2022.
David
Washington DC
Wanted to introduce you to Liz who is on recommendation from my cousin an excellent travel agent and also based in Paris.
Chiann
Singapore
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