Oh, there's nothing like being on vacation and having to refuse "free" alcohol at least once a day. Especially when you're not ready to break out the 'I'm pregnant!' excuse. And finding your range of acceptable foods shrink from moderately wide to embarrassingly small with a tiny overlap with the available foods mid-week, and after making restaurant reservations.
But, despite that we did have a wonderful time on vacation - got 8 mostly-uninterrupted hours of sleep or so a night, did little to nothing besides lounging pool-side and eating every day and came back more exhausted than when we left. What's up with that?!
Also, no things I had feared might happen happened, apart from the food issues mentioned above which thankfully didn't kick in until the latter portion of our vacation.
Still counting down to the 2nd when all shall be revealed for better or worse.
And now I'm off towards bed as we didn't arrive home until after 1am this morning and despite a 1.5hr nap that snuck up on me while I shut my eyes for 'just a few minutes' I'm pooped.
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Friday, April 25, 2014
Thursday, April 26, 2012
To the Beach, Boys!
10 days ago DH and I cranked our sleep-crusted eyes open at the crack of oh-dark-thirty (aka 3:30 freakin' AM) and made our weary way to the airport for a 6:30 flight. 8 hours later - we were in Antigua doing our best to relax and recover and drink our stresses into submission.
1 nasty cleavage sunburn and 20 sandy toes later: mission accomplished.
I'll admit, it was hard to walk out the door of Little One's room after putting her to bed the night before we left, but I'm so glad we decided to go for 9 nights at an all-inclusive resort where the biggest decision we had to make all day was where to go for dinner. No errands, no work crap, just DH and me enjoying each other (yes, that way too, you nosy parkers!). After 10 years of marriage, it was nice to find that we still like each other when there are no other distractions.
Oh, and I found out on our last full day...that I like paddle boarding. Me, who never exercises if I can help it, likes an athletic activity. Go figure. We checked out the pic's taken by the resort photographer of our return (actually only my return, since DH came in farther away from the photographer) and there was serious joy on my face. Well, what you could see of my face - the pictures were a little too dark to purchase.
We made some new friends, we swam in the ocean, we laid by the pool; we ate and drank on a more than regular basis. (Ok, that was just me as well - apparently eating and eating and eating and drinking and drinking and drinking with turning over and making my way to the bar on a regular basis as my major activities allow the pounds to resettle where they had so recently departed. But not back to my boobs - what's up with that?)
The return trip was more gristly. We left the resort at 11AM (I'd been up since 6:15ish since I apparently have lost the ability to sleep later than 7 even on vacation - but that meant a last few hours of pool and sun before we had to leave) and didn't get home until around 1:30AM, and into bed at 2AM. Part of that was thanks to a detour for a late-night stop at IHOP* for sustenance on the way home, but what really took so long was a lay-over at Newark airport ('where hope goes to die' really should be it's slogan) which was extended by a late arrival by the plane needed to get us to the local airport.
5 hours later I was awake for the day, 11 hours later Little One was returned to us by the in-laws, and I'm pretty sure once I eat dinner tonight I'll be done for the day.
With over 250 posts still in my reader, it's going to take a bit for me to catch up...I'm hoping all the news has been good for everyone!
*Where we got our meal for free thanks to our waitress apparently imagining that she had taken our order and turned it in and thus ignoring us on her next 10 trips into the dining room. We tipped the off-duty waitress who actually took our order and entered it into the system and the cook who both seated us and found the other waitress to take our order.
1 nasty cleavage sunburn and 20 sandy toes later: mission accomplished.
I'll admit, it was hard to walk out the door of Little One's room after putting her to bed the night before we left, but I'm so glad we decided to go for 9 nights at an all-inclusive resort where the biggest decision we had to make all day was where to go for dinner. No errands, no work crap, just DH and me enjoying each other (yes, that way too, you nosy parkers!). After 10 years of marriage, it was nice to find that we still like each other when there are no other distractions.
Oh, and I found out on our last full day...that I like paddle boarding. Me, who never exercises if I can help it, likes an athletic activity. Go figure. We checked out the pic's taken by the resort photographer of our return (actually only my return, since DH came in farther away from the photographer) and there was serious joy on my face. Well, what you could see of my face - the pictures were a little too dark to purchase.
We made some new friends, we swam in the ocean, we laid by the pool; we ate and drank on a more than regular basis. (Ok, that was just me as well - apparently eating and eating and eating and drinking and drinking and drinking with turning over and making my way to the bar on a regular basis as my major activities allow the pounds to resettle where they had so recently departed. But not back to my boobs - what's up with that?)
The return trip was more gristly. We left the resort at 11AM (I'd been up since 6:15ish since I apparently have lost the ability to sleep later than 7 even on vacation - but that meant a last few hours of pool and sun before we had to leave) and didn't get home until around 1:30AM, and into bed at 2AM. Part of that was thanks to a detour for a late-night stop at IHOP* for sustenance on the way home, but what really took so long was a lay-over at Newark airport ('where hope goes to die' really should be it's slogan) which was extended by a late arrival by the plane needed to get us to the local airport.
5 hours later I was awake for the day, 11 hours later Little One was returned to us by the in-laws, and I'm pretty sure once I eat dinner tonight I'll be done for the day.
With over 250 posts still in my reader, it's going to take a bit for me to catch up...I'm hoping all the news has been good for everyone!
*Where we got our meal for free thanks to our waitress apparently imagining that she had taken our order and turned it in and thus ignoring us on her next 10 trips into the dining room. We tipped the off-duty waitress who actually took our order and entered it into the system and the cook who both seated us and found the other waitress to take our order.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Timing
It's everything, isn't it?
It can make the difference between being in or passing an accident scene on the highway, or less seriously, getting an online deal or not.
And how does something which has no tangible substance have so much bearing on our lives?
Anyway, that bit of philosophy aside, and without getting into too much detail (though who am I to shrink from TMI?), this month rather than placing a barrier between gametes like nuns at a Catholic school dance, we let them free to dirty dance at will.
My period should conveniently start and end before we leave for our trip. Or not. How's that for timing before we head to an all-inclusive resort?
It can make the difference between being in or passing an accident scene on the highway, or less seriously, getting an online deal or not.
And how does something which has no tangible substance have so much bearing on our lives?
Anyway, that bit of philosophy aside, and without getting into too much detail (though who am I to shrink from TMI?), this month rather than placing a barrier between gametes like nuns at a Catholic school dance, we let them free to dirty dance at will.
My period should conveniently start and end before we leave for our trip. Or not. How's that for timing before we head to an all-inclusive resort?
Friday, September 4, 2009
Labor Day Weekend
We're off to the beach for the weekend.
(Attack cats await anyone who may take that notice as an invitation to visit our home with nefarious purposes.)
Just for a reference, this will be the only trip to the beach this summer not accompanied by Auntie Flo. Timing, it's been a bitch until now.
DH will not be heading to a job site on Tuesday as he had thought. Thanks upper management for waiting until the last minute to make that change.
Hope your weekend is relaxing & see you next week!
(Attack cats await anyone who may take that notice as an invitation to visit our home with nefarious purposes.)
Just for a reference, this will be the only trip to the beach this summer not accompanied by Auntie Flo. Timing, it's been a bitch until now.
DH will not be heading to a job site on Tuesday as he had thought. Thanks upper management for waiting until the last minute to make that change.
Hope your weekend is relaxing & see you next week!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Snazzy Title Belongs Here...
Oh Hi!
Did I forget to tell you about vacation? You know, that thing where you leave home for a week (or more for some extremely lucky people) and spend time with your family (spouse, close friends, in-laws, etc.) doing things you wouldn't normally do at home?
(Wait, no, I checked the last post up and I did mention it.)
Now that I've cleared all 100+ posts out of Google Reader and caught up on all of you, here's what we did:
Now also back at work - putting off doing things like writing payroll checks and paying invoices since blogging is so much more important! Better get some lunch and get back to the grind before the boss shows back up.
Did I forget to tell you about vacation? You know, that thing where you leave home for a week (or more for some extremely lucky people) and spend time with your family (spouse, close friends, in-laws, etc.) doing things you wouldn't normally do at home?
(Wait, no, I checked the last post up and I did mention it.)
Now that I've cleared all 100+ posts out of Google Reader and caught up on all of you, here's what we did:
- Slept until 8AM (or later) every day. Can I just tell you that having my eyes open and brain semi-functioning around 6AM this morning was a horror?
- Ate spaghetti for 2 and 3 dinners respectively. (I enjoyed a nice tray of supermarket blue crab sushi with Old Bay for the third dinner as there wasn't enough sauce for both of us. Darn.)
- Lounged around and tanned/read in the sun while surviving being wind blown. (Yes I know tans are bad. Skin cancer is worse. Getting a referral to a dermatologist is on the to do list.)
- Used sunblock in deference to concerns about sun damage. But not enough as evidenced by the few places I was burned. Let's just say that sitting was difficult for a few days. Oh yeah.
- Installed a new storm door on the beach house. Very necessary since the existing door was old and creaky 8 years ago when the in-laws added onto the house and didn't replace it.
- Ate out the few nights we skipped spaghetti or pizza. I had the best fish and chips ever at a restaurant that advertises 18 beers on tap. And coleslaw. I normally hate coleslaw but this stuff was awesome - tasted like cabbage and not the sauce.
- Rode out on the jet ski with the pup (She sits in front of DH and her ears flop, flop, flop in the breeze.) to check out the boats pulling parasailers. It's so much fun to get the double-takes from the other boaters as the realize she's a dog.
- Went to the grocery stores at least 5 times for little things.
- Drove through foot deep water during a thunderstorm to go to a shoe store. For DH. Where he did not find shoes.
- Went the next day to a different store in the same local chain where DH did find new water shoes to replace the ones he's complained about for 3 years. I DID NOT find any shoes in my size. I'm not bitter. Much. {Edit: Am taking revenge with an in depth search of zappos.com ~ laughs evilly}
- Isn't that enough?
- {Edit: We also saw a pod of porpoise swimming by. That was pretty cool!}
Now also back at work - putting off doing things like writing payroll checks and paying invoices since blogging is so much more important! Better get some lunch and get back to the grind before the boss shows back up.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Perils of Home Ownership
Status: At home waiting for the HVAC tech to show for our scheduled half-year maintenance.
It's pretty much a given that as soon as I go to the little girls room he will come down the driveway and drive our dog crazy. And oh yeah, it's not just the annual guy coming but also a service rep to look at the seating of one of our outside units that is now resting at an angle to determine if it was their fault or the builders. The builder, who has left the area so we can't go back to them and point fingers. The cost to fix it will probably have to come out of our pocket.
Last week was the annual termite check whose major finding was that we have water damage on our deck rails. Really? I hadn't noticed. Maybe that's why I just placed an order for $300+ worth of railing materials and plan to work on redoing it over the weekend? (and the following week, and so on and so forth)
This sort of thing always seems to come together but not close together enough that I could manage to get the appointments scheduled on the same day.
Looking back at the calendar, I haven't had a week where I wasn't delayed getting to or missing a day plus of work for at least one day since the week of June 15th. (Mulch, RE appointments, retrieval, transfer, termites and HVAC.) Next week we're going on vacation, so it looks like the week of August 10th will be the first week I have nothing on the calendar that will cause me to miss work.
Wait, do I count the likely possibility of leaving early Friday to pick DH up for our weekend trip to Tennessee for a ski patrol conference? Shoot, I guess that means it's the week of the 17th.
Good grief!
It's pretty much a given that as soon as I go to the little girls room he will come down the driveway and drive our dog crazy. And oh yeah, it's not just the annual guy coming but also a service rep to look at the seating of one of our outside units that is now resting at an angle to determine if it was their fault or the builders. The builder, who has left the area so we can't go back to them and point fingers. The cost to fix it will probably have to come out of our pocket.
Last week was the annual termite check whose major finding was that we have water damage on our deck rails. Really? I hadn't noticed. Maybe that's why I just placed an order for $300+ worth of railing materials and plan to work on redoing it over the weekend? (and the following week, and so on and so forth)
This sort of thing always seems to come together but not close together enough that I could manage to get the appointments scheduled on the same day.
Looking back at the calendar, I haven't had a week where I wasn't delayed getting to or missing a day plus of work for at least one day since the week of June 15th. (Mulch, RE appointments, retrieval, transfer, termites and HVAC.) Next week we're going on vacation, so it looks like the week of August 10th will be the first week I have nothing on the calendar that will cause me to miss work.
Wait, do I count the likely possibility of leaving early Friday to pick DH up for our weekend trip to Tennessee for a ski patrol conference? Shoot, I guess that means it's the week of the 17th.
Good grief!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
In Lieu of My Actually Writing Something
Follow this link to read a very well-written essay about the perils of planning a vacation while still fighting the battles of infertility.
DH and I played out our version last night.
Good times. Good times.
DH and I played out our version last night.
Good times. Good times.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Results and Contemplations
So we're back from Snowshoe and it looks like we'll be back there again next year. And the next year, and the next year, and the next year, ad infiniteum.
That's because DH passed the remaining modules of the certification program. Doing so means a high honor as only 1.5% or so of all the ski patrollers in the country have reached this level; I don't know the percentage of those who completed it in the second year. But it also comes with the responsibility to remain in the program, and return as an evaluator for the upcoming candidates. I'm very proud of my husband for reaching this level, and since this is one of the few things he does outside work that requires socializing with others, I'm all for it. Plus, I get away from home and get to ski a different resort at least once a year. (We'll probably be taking a trip out West sometime next year, possibly to Steamboat, but details are very hazy at this point.)
The worst thing about going away is coming home and returning to the same old, same old. No matter how much fun and relaxation you fit into the time away it never seems to transfer back to "real life" things like laundry, cooking, and cleaning. With the economy tanking, I'm hearing more about stay-cations, and other low(er) cost means to vacation without wiping out the bank balance or college fund.
With this return I tried to figure out my favorite things about being away from home, and what I could possibly do to recreate them so home is more relaxing overall. The biggies are: eating out and not being responsible for dinner, not being responsible for cleaning, and different scenery.
So let me think, what of those can I change? Hmm, I don't think DH would appreciate eating out every night for either the cost or dietary issues. Cleaning? I suppose if I could find someone trustworthy that could be a possibility, but doubt that their services would come free. Do you know how I could change the scenery other than paste large pictures over all of the windows? Perhaps some changes to the decor in our house would make it seem different? But again, that's not always a low cost option.
Looks like I'm back to facing the same old, same old without options. Maybe I should start looking through those back-issues of Southern Living and other magazines that have been building up for the past 8 months for some ideas to implement this spring.
Or I could just turn to my loyal readers for any thoughts you might have on low-cost changes to make home more vacationy.
That's because DH passed the remaining modules of the certification program. Doing so means a high honor as only 1.5% or so of all the ski patrollers in the country have reached this level; I don't know the percentage of those who completed it in the second year. But it also comes with the responsibility to remain in the program, and return as an evaluator for the upcoming candidates. I'm very proud of my husband for reaching this level, and since this is one of the few things he does outside work that requires socializing with others, I'm all for it. Plus, I get away from home and get to ski a different resort at least once a year. (We'll probably be taking a trip out West sometime next year, possibly to Steamboat, but details are very hazy at this point.)
The worst thing about going away is coming home and returning to the same old, same old. No matter how much fun and relaxation you fit into the time away it never seems to transfer back to "real life" things like laundry, cooking, and cleaning. With the economy tanking, I'm hearing more about stay-cations, and other low(er) cost means to vacation without wiping out the bank balance or college fund.
With this return I tried to figure out my favorite things about being away from home, and what I could possibly do to recreate them so home is more relaxing overall. The biggies are: eating out and not being responsible for dinner, not being responsible for cleaning, and different scenery.
So let me think, what of those can I change? Hmm, I don't think DH would appreciate eating out every night for either the cost or dietary issues. Cleaning? I suppose if I could find someone trustworthy that could be a possibility, but doubt that their services would come free. Do you know how I could change the scenery other than paste large pictures over all of the windows? Perhaps some changes to the decor in our house would make it seem different? But again, that's not always a low cost option.
Looks like I'm back to facing the same old, same old without options. Maybe I should start looking through those back-issues of Southern Living and other magazines that have been building up for the past 8 months for some ideas to implement this spring.
Or I could just turn to my loyal readers for any thoughts you might have on low-cost changes to make home more vacationy.
Monday, January 5, 2009
News Flash...
...Time does actually fly when you have tons of things to do and a finite time in which to accomplish them. That's not really news to anyone who has felt the pressure of trying to fit too much into too little time. But I was reminded of that inevitability after failing to complete half of the things I wanted to get done last week. (Just checked, it was only like a third, but feels more monumental.)
BUT - on the upside...I (as you know) had a great visit with the RE on Monday, and Wednesday's visit also went well. Slid right in without resistance. This is big doings for me! Of course, those two visits took at least 3 hours each out of my week. (6 hours)
AND I managed to get the hall bath painted on New Years Day. No pictures yet, but I really like it. We went with a very very light blueish-green, with enough color to know it's not white, but not so much that you end up looking like you've got a permanent stomach flu when you look in the mirror. While it's NOT in any way a professional job, I'm satisfied. (8 hours with taping and other prep, drying time, and reassembling the bath that evening so my BIL could use it.)
AND on Tuesday I spent 5(!) hours returning presents (DH got 3 copies of Iron Man - everyone bought it for him! It suggests a slight lack of communication.), and running some other errands along the way. (5 hours)
AND I found the time to make Angel biscuits* in an experiment to figure out DH's favorite carrier for country ham as recalled from childhood parties. And we have a winner! The recipe I used took 11 hours, with refrigeration time, and time for the biscuits to rise, but actual hands on was less than 2 hours. Now that we know this is what he likes, I can look for another, shorter recipe that I can make and bake same day. (2 hours)
I have to admit, I also found the time to read a few books here and there, so for funzies let's say I read 6 books at a time frame of 2 hours each. (12 hours)
That's approximately 33 hours of my life. Plus there was time spent playing computer games, playing the UNO Flash game my BIL got for Christmas on New Years Eve (wow, that game is stressful for someone who doesn't perform well under pressure!), and some general vegging around (like broccoli) to attempt to recover from Christmas. For the record, the sparkling peach juice I found at Target was an excellent substitute for a sparkling alcoholic beverage.
If I had been home this weekend instead of up at the condo, I probably could have gotten everything checked off.
Next big-ish project, not on this weeks list: window treatments for the breakfast area. Have had the fabric for a couple years now, I just need to figure out what I want to do with it. Was thinking roman shades, but now I'm thinking more scarf valence draped over a few supports. There's time to think on that. We don't often use the breakfast area - our coffee table gets very hard use as a dining area - but we used it more with my parents and BIL visiting, so I had a chance to notice that the windows were a bit bare.
One of the main things I didn't get done, mostly due to lack of energy more than lack of time - put some items we have just hanging around the house on craigslist or ebay. Things like a 22"(?) flat screen CRT monitor in great condition, a pair of unused wakeboard boots, an iPod speaker system I won as a door prize - no good without an iPod, and an electronic thing that communicates with chevy/gmc truck onboard computers to maximize performance. Any takers?
*Not sure what the origin of these are, but it's not something you find in the Joy of Cooking. It's called a biscuit, but uses yeast to help rise, so there are some roll like elements as well. The recipe I used caused much cursing and gnashing of teeth as kneading was required while the dough was very much still sticky. I'm also thinking after attempting to get everything stirred in evenly that the next attempt will be a great time to test out the bread dough attachment for my mixer.
BUT - on the upside...I (as you know) had a great visit with the RE on Monday, and Wednesday's visit also went well. Slid right in without resistance. This is big doings for me! Of course, those two visits took at least 3 hours each out of my week. (6 hours)
AND I managed to get the hall bath painted on New Years Day. No pictures yet, but I really like it. We went with a very very light blueish-green, with enough color to know it's not white, but not so much that you end up looking like you've got a permanent stomach flu when you look in the mirror. While it's NOT in any way a professional job, I'm satisfied. (8 hours with taping and other prep, drying time, and reassembling the bath that evening so my BIL could use it.)
AND on Tuesday I spent 5(!) hours returning presents (DH got 3 copies of Iron Man - everyone bought it for him! It suggests a slight lack of communication.), and running some other errands along the way. (5 hours)
AND I found the time to make Angel biscuits* in an experiment to figure out DH's favorite carrier for country ham as recalled from childhood parties. And we have a winner! The recipe I used took 11 hours, with refrigeration time, and time for the biscuits to rise, but actual hands on was less than 2 hours. Now that we know this is what he likes, I can look for another, shorter recipe that I can make and bake same day. (2 hours)
I have to admit, I also found the time to read a few books here and there, so for funzies let's say I read 6 books at a time frame of 2 hours each. (12 hours)
That's approximately 33 hours of my life. Plus there was time spent playing computer games, playing the UNO Flash game my BIL got for Christmas on New Years Eve (wow, that game is stressful for someone who doesn't perform well under pressure!), and some general vegging around (like broccoli) to attempt to recover from Christmas. For the record, the sparkling peach juice I found at Target was an excellent substitute for a sparkling alcoholic beverage.
If I had been home this weekend instead of up at the condo, I probably could have gotten everything checked off.
Next big-ish project, not on this weeks list: window treatments for the breakfast area. Have had the fabric for a couple years now, I just need to figure out what I want to do with it. Was thinking roman shades, but now I'm thinking more scarf valence draped over a few supports. There's time to think on that. We don't often use the breakfast area - our coffee table gets very hard use as a dining area - but we used it more with my parents and BIL visiting, so I had a chance to notice that the windows were a bit bare.
One of the main things I didn't get done, mostly due to lack of energy more than lack of time - put some items we have just hanging around the house on craigslist or ebay. Things like a 22"(?) flat screen CRT monitor in great condition, a pair of unused wakeboard boots, an iPod speaker system I won as a door prize - no good without an iPod, and an electronic thing that communicates with chevy/gmc truck onboard computers to maximize performance. Any takers?
*Not sure what the origin of these are, but it's not something you find in the Joy of Cooking. It's called a biscuit, but uses yeast to help rise, so there are some roll like elements as well. The recipe I used caused much cursing and gnashing of teeth as kneading was required while the dough was very much still sticky. I'm also thinking after attempting to get everything stirred in evenly that the next attempt will be a great time to test out the bread dough attachment for my mixer.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Family Wedding Review
Brief daily summaries of how each day went...the area was great but such a pain to get to, I don't plan to go back. Their friends and her family were all very nice.
Thurs - Flights, driving, dinner at one of the other rental houses with families and other early guests. Blueberry beer* with dinner. DH thought it was disgusting, but I really liked. Started out smooth and sweet, with a light hoppy finish. Tolerance isn't so good - 2 bottles of beer and I went to bed with my head swimming. Haven't had that floating feeling since college.
Fri - First ever visit to a Piggly Wiggly! Lazed around and enjoyed the sun and warm temps. Lunch with the folks and grandmother - delish burger and fries at a little joint just down the road. "Rehearsal Dinner" at a roadhouse (with a full wall of beer coolers!) specializing in oysters and shrimp* and not much else. Problem for my seafood allergic mother. Who knew oysters baked with Parmesan cheese were so yummy*?! Also Michelob Ultra* with pomegranate and some other fruit - like alcoholic seltzer with fruit juice. Non-flavored Ultra is nasty - but I'm not a big fan of plain seltzer either.
Sat - Overcast. Lunch on the beach with everyone - I can't imagine what they've spent on rentals, catering, DJ's, etc. Rain threatened late afternoon. Quicky before dressing for the 7pm ceremony. Light drizzle as we are seated for the ceremony, but it stopped before the bride reached the minister and my cousin. Nice service - not too long or formal (especially when the minister has to shuffle his feet to keep away from the waves behind him, and everyone else in the wedding party was barefoot!). As the ceremony concluded the sun finally came out. A rainbow formed directly over the townhouse the bride's (recently deceased) father owned. Still gives me goosebumps. Open bar - decent cosmo's.* Reports of the green flash at true sunset.
Sun - Kicked out of rental house by owner while killing time before our 5pm flight out. Driving, flights, my sore throat. Only empty seat on the second flight was next to me! Stopped for pizza (DH) and Chinese (me; egg drop soup is good for the soul and sore throats) on the way home. So glad to get home and see the kitties.
(Mon - Had a fever overnight. It didn't break until I finally got to sleep sometime after 4am. Took the day off work to hopefully recover and not spread germs. The most I pushed myself was to pick up Shelby at the kennel - during which my fever broke, again, and for the last time. She slept most of the day Monday, also recovering from her weekend adventures. Am feeling better now - sore throat and fever are gone, but still a little stuffier than normal and not ready to take on too much.)
*A few days of eating and drinking seafood and fruity beers while TTC isn't going to kill me or our chances. I decided to enjoy myself and have fun without constant worry over what I was putting in my mouth. If you are interested, I ovulated a couple days before we left, and did the deed before, after, and during just to make sure. "They" say that the HSG can improve your chances for the following few months so I didn't want to miss out on that!
Thurs - Flights, driving, dinner at one of the other rental houses with families and other early guests. Blueberry beer* with dinner. DH thought it was disgusting, but I really liked. Started out smooth and sweet, with a light hoppy finish. Tolerance isn't so good - 2 bottles of beer and I went to bed with my head swimming. Haven't had that floating feeling since college.
Fri - First ever visit to a Piggly Wiggly! Lazed around and enjoyed the sun and warm temps. Lunch with the folks and grandmother - delish burger and fries at a little joint just down the road. "Rehearsal Dinner" at a roadhouse (with a full wall of beer coolers!) specializing in oysters and shrimp* and not much else. Problem for my seafood allergic mother. Who knew oysters baked with Parmesan cheese were so yummy*?! Also Michelob Ultra* with pomegranate and some other fruit - like alcoholic seltzer with fruit juice. Non-flavored Ultra is nasty - but I'm not a big fan of plain seltzer either.
Sat - Overcast. Lunch on the beach with everyone - I can't imagine what they've spent on rentals, catering, DJ's, etc. Rain threatened late afternoon. Quicky before dressing for the 7pm ceremony. Light drizzle as we are seated for the ceremony, but it stopped before the bride reached the minister and my cousin. Nice service - not too long or formal (especially when the minister has to shuffle his feet to keep away from the waves behind him, and everyone else in the wedding party was barefoot!). As the ceremony concluded the sun finally came out. A rainbow formed directly over the townhouse the bride's (recently deceased) father owned. Still gives me goosebumps. Open bar - decent cosmo's.* Reports of the green flash at true sunset.
Sun - Kicked out of rental house by owner while killing time before our 5pm flight out. Driving, flights, my sore throat. Only empty seat on the second flight was next to me! Stopped for pizza (DH) and Chinese (me; egg drop soup is good for the soul and sore throats) on the way home. So glad to get home and see the kitties.
(Mon - Had a fever overnight. It didn't break until I finally got to sleep sometime after 4am. Took the day off work to hopefully recover and not spread germs. The most I pushed myself was to pick up Shelby at the kennel - during which my fever broke, again, and for the last time. She slept most of the day Monday, also recovering from her weekend adventures. Am feeling better now - sore throat and fever are gone, but still a little stuffier than normal and not ready to take on too much.)
*A few days of eating and drinking seafood and fruity beers while TTC isn't going to kill me or our chances. I decided to enjoy myself and have fun without constant worry over what I was putting in my mouth. If you are interested, I ovulated a couple days before we left, and did the deed before, after, and during just to make sure. "They" say that the HSG can improve your chances for the following few months so I didn't want to miss out on that!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Time Management Issues
Well, it's started. The stress of leaving Thursday morning for my cousin's wedding in Florida. And not the easy to get to part of Florida. The part that's an hours drive from the closest airport, and 2 hours drive from the cheaper airport. I've got three days and counting to finish this up and I don't think there's enough time left! (Note to self: Remember to warn DH that I'm heading into major bitch mode due to stress.)
All the last minute items that shouldn't have been last minute items if I had just planned ahead are starting to take a toll on me. And it's Monday, so I have a double whammy of stress. (Though I did try to start to work out so I'd be in bathing suit shape in plenty of time, and you know how well that went, so maybe it's a bad example.)
(1) Scheduling Shelby for the kennel. Yep. Am lucky that this is not a spring break week around here and they had room. Am dropping her off on Weds. since our flight leaves early enough Thurs. for a pre-flight drop to not work.
(2) Updating Shelby's Bordatella shot (kennel cough), required by the kennel. It expired mid-April and I've known about it since the last time we took Shelby to the kennel. Scheduled for Wed's AM - the earliest appointment was 9AM, so with getting Shelby to the kennel afterwards, I'll be rolling into work around 11AM. Followed by a bikini wax at 12noon. To make it a productive day I'll end up working late to make up some of the missed time in the AM and to make sure that my desk is mostly orderly for my return.
(3) Stopping the papers via an obnoxious automated phone system. I'm not sure it's better than the call-center in the Philippines, really.
(4) Asking our wonderful, exceptional and did I mention fabulous, neighbors to bring in the mail and check on the kitties while we are away.
(5) Bathing suit. Preferably one that comes high on my neck and down to my knees. Unexplained b'acne and unfortunate thigh cellulite need to be covered. Also note that my only one-piece suit has the unfortunate tendency to flatten my chest to the point where my relaxed stomach and chest stick out about the same amount. I'm thinking a tankini is going to be the most flattering option (like I'm going to wear a bikini around my (younger) cousin's and fiance's friends who are probably younger and in better shape), since I don't want to embarrass myself.
(6) A new dress for the rehearsal dinner or wedding. I have a cute red and white strapless sun-dress that could go either way, and I would like to find another dress to wear for the other event. Maybe I'm picky, but I'm not finding anything that fits either my body or style preferences. If I can't find anything I like (in the limited amount of time I have remaining) I'll wear my jean skirt and a slinky top for the dinner, and the sun-dress for the wedding. But I'd love to find another dress without spending a fortune.
(7) All of this is complicated by a (long - almost 2 hours including travel time)lunch appointment at noon today, having to get home early enough tonight to make dinner for DH before his 7pm neighborhood meeting, a hair appointment Tues. at 3:30, and the aforementioned bikini wax on Weds. When am I supposed to find time to go shopping?! Not to mention take back the items I bought last week which don't work.
(8) Packing - what clothes to take (apart from the outfits for the two events and bathing suit)? And how much (do I check my bag with full size toilettries or do I go light and take just small amounts of the basics!)? Do I plan for every possibility or accept that I'll rewear some things (like skirts and shorts) in order to pack lighter? Gah! Destination weddings are a royal pain! At least when DH and I travel by ourselves it doesn't matter so much what I wear - I don't feel like I have to worry about what anyone but DH thinks.
(9) Oil Change.... This can wait for next week. Phew!
(10) Self-tanner so I don't glow when wearing any skin revealing attire. I did manage this both Sat. and Sun., so that's done (including orange elbows...oops! Good thing I don't mind looking fake). Maybe it will be real by the time we return on Sunday - even with the 30SPF sunblock I plan to take.
(11) I know I'm forgetting something...any ideas? At least there's some shopping nearby the location so if I do forget anything it can be purchased (fairly) easily.
Maybe I should just take a couple of the extra Valium left over from last week.* That would make everything better! Life would be so much easier sometimes if I didn't have to work.
*Oh crap. I'm going to need to pack OPK's...I don't think we are sharing a bath with anyone in the house we're staying in, so our issues shouldn't be exposed.
All the last minute items that shouldn't have been last minute items if I had just planned ahead are starting to take a toll on me. And it's Monday, so I have a double whammy of stress. (Though I did try to start to work out so I'd be in bathing suit shape in plenty of time, and you know how well that went, so maybe it's a bad example.)
(1) Scheduling Shelby for the kennel. Yep. Am lucky that this is not a spring break week around here and they had room. Am dropping her off on Weds. since our flight leaves early enough Thurs. for a pre-flight drop to not work.
(2) Updating Shelby's Bordatella shot (kennel cough), required by the kennel. It expired mid-April and I've known about it since the last time we took Shelby to the kennel. Scheduled for Wed's AM - the earliest appointment was 9AM, so with getting Shelby to the kennel afterwards, I'll be rolling into work around 11AM. Followed by a bikini wax at 12noon. To make it a productive day I'll end up working late to make up some of the missed time in the AM and to make sure that my desk is mostly orderly for my return.
(3) Stopping the papers via an obnoxious automated phone system. I'm not sure it's better than the call-center in the Philippines, really.
(4) Asking our wonderful, exceptional and did I mention fabulous, neighbors to bring in the mail and check on the kitties while we are away.
(5) Bathing suit. Preferably one that comes high on my neck and down to my knees. Unexplained b'acne and unfortunate thigh cellulite need to be covered. Also note that my only one-piece suit has the unfortunate tendency to flatten my chest to the point where my relaxed stomach and chest stick out about the same amount. I'm thinking a tankini is going to be the most flattering option (like I'm going to wear a bikini around my (younger) cousin's and fiance's friends who are probably younger and in better shape), since I don't want to embarrass myself.
(6) A new dress for the rehearsal dinner or wedding. I have a cute red and white strapless sun-dress that could go either way, and I would like to find another dress to wear for the other event. Maybe I'm picky, but I'm not finding anything that fits either my body or style preferences. If I can't find anything I like (in the limited amount of time I have remaining) I'll wear my jean skirt and a slinky top for the dinner, and the sun-dress for the wedding. But I'd love to find another dress without spending a fortune.
(7) All of this is complicated by a (long - almost 2 hours including travel time)lunch appointment at noon today, having to get home early enough tonight to make dinner for DH before his 7pm neighborhood meeting, a hair appointment Tues. at 3:30, and the aforementioned bikini wax on Weds. When am I supposed to find time to go shopping?! Not to mention take back the items I bought last week which don't work.
(8) Packing - what clothes to take (apart from the outfits for the two events and bathing suit)? And how much (do I check my bag with full size toilettries or do I go light and take just small amounts of the basics!)? Do I plan for every possibility or accept that I'll rewear some things (like skirts and shorts) in order to pack lighter? Gah! Destination weddings are a royal pain! At least when DH and I travel by ourselves it doesn't matter so much what I wear - I don't feel like I have to worry about what anyone but DH thinks.
(9) Oil Change.... This can wait for next week. Phew!
(10) Self-tanner so I don't glow when wearing any skin revealing attire. I did manage this both Sat. and Sun., so that's done (including orange elbows...oops! Good thing I don't mind looking fake). Maybe it will be real by the time we return on Sunday - even with the 30SPF sunblock I plan to take.
(11) I know I'm forgetting something...any ideas? At least there's some shopping nearby the location so if I do forget anything it can be purchased (fairly) easily.
Maybe I should just take a couple of the extra Valium left over from last week.* That would make everything better! Life would be so much easier sometimes if I didn't have to work.
*Oh crap. I'm going to need to pack OPK's...I don't think we are sharing a bath with anyone in the house we're staying in, so our issues shouldn't be exposed.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Goal: Increased Fitness in 30 Days
Here's the deal: My cousin is getting married the first weekend of May. On the beach. In Florida. (Oh, I've mentioned this once or twice, have I? Surely in connection with grumbling over the seriously inconvenient location? mmmm, thought so.)
As a result, I've been evaluating my current physical status and have not been even close to 80% satisfied with what I see, or how my clothes are starting to fit. The low numbers on the scale (which I could be content with) don't tell the whole picture*. Looking in the mirror I see flab, cellulite, lack of visibility of muscles I know are there. There is no way I'd want to be seen in a bathing suit in this condition, or shorts even. Ok, maybe one of those old-fashioned ones that had a high collar, long sleeves, and leggings under a full skirt. But not a normal bathing suit.
I know why my body looks like this (1) not continuing with Pilates after my gift certificate had run out; (2) eating whatever I wanted as a reaction to our troubles with fertility and/or in a "I might be pregnant, I should eat for two." rational; (3) lastly, but most importantly: not using the elliptical and recumbent bike occupying floor space in our bedroom as anything more than dust catchers while my rear remained firmly planted in the couch over the winter. Except for the Pilates and some skiing and a tiny bit of hiking, I have been fairly stationary for longer than I should have been.
In the interest of full disclosure: I failed the yearly national physical fitness evaluations in middle school. I was active, but not athletic so sit-ups, pull-ups, vee sit & reach (does anyone else remember that one?), and timed miles always went poorly (even the fat kids were faster than I was). As a kid I was skinny without effort. Not so true any more.
Regardless of how I got this way, I need to be stronger and healthier all around. It will benefit me now, and as I go through any future pregnancy. I don't want to spend $ to replace perfectly good clothes because they don't fit. (But spending $ on cute trendy clothes, just because, well, that's a different story.)
As a result, and with the upcoming wedding as an additional incentive, I have decided to publish my resolution to work towards improving my fitness levels. I thought April 1st was a good day - a month to see progress, improved weather, that sort of thing. So here goes...
Yesterday I kicked off the month by spending 20 minutes (25 including the warm-down) on the elliptical machine. I followed that up with a round of stretching and a little bit of arm work.
It's my goal to work in some sort of exercise every day for the next 30 days. Elliptical, recumbent bike, exercise video, or fit-tv - even if just for 5 minutes. Even a little bit of effort has to be better than no effort.
Of course, I'll keep an eye on my food intake as well. But I plan to make less of a change there than in my exercise habits. I know I could eat healthier, but I could eat a lot worse than I do, so that's a goal for another few months down the road. Making the change to add exercise to my daily routine is going to be hard enough.
I'd appreciate any tips from someone who's been there, done that. Or if you just want to cheer me on, that would be appreciated too!
*I'm not going to share them because they don't matter. Just because I'm not 20, 50, or 100 lbs over my ideal weight does not mean I don't need to improve my health and change some of that weight from fat to muscle.
As a result, I've been evaluating my current physical status and have not been even close to 80% satisfied with what I see, or how my clothes are starting to fit. The low numbers on the scale (which I could be content with) don't tell the whole picture*. Looking in the mirror I see flab, cellulite, lack of visibility of muscles I know are there. There is no way I'd want to be seen in a bathing suit in this condition, or shorts even. Ok, maybe one of those old-fashioned ones that had a high collar, long sleeves, and leggings under a full skirt. But not a normal bathing suit.
I know why my body looks like this (1) not continuing with Pilates after my gift certificate had run out; (2) eating whatever I wanted as a reaction to our troubles with fertility and/or in a "I might be pregnant, I should eat for two." rational; (3) lastly, but most importantly: not using the elliptical and recumbent bike occupying floor space in our bedroom as anything more than dust catchers while my rear remained firmly planted in the couch over the winter. Except for the Pilates and some skiing and a tiny bit of hiking, I have been fairly stationary for longer than I should have been.
In the interest of full disclosure: I failed the yearly national physical fitness evaluations in middle school. I was active, but not athletic so sit-ups, pull-ups, vee sit & reach (does anyone else remember that one?), and timed miles always went poorly (even the fat kids were faster than I was). As a kid I was skinny without effort. Not so true any more.
Regardless of how I got this way, I need to be stronger and healthier all around. It will benefit me now, and as I go through any future pregnancy. I don't want to spend $ to replace perfectly good clothes because they don't fit. (But spending $ on cute trendy clothes, just because, well, that's a different story.)
As a result, and with the upcoming wedding as an additional incentive, I have decided to publish my resolution to work towards improving my fitness levels. I thought April 1st was a good day - a month to see progress, improved weather, that sort of thing. So here goes...
Yesterday I kicked off the month by spending 20 minutes (25 including the warm-down) on the elliptical machine. I followed that up with a round of stretching and a little bit of arm work.
It's my goal to work in some sort of exercise every day for the next 30 days. Elliptical, recumbent bike, exercise video, or fit-tv - even if just for 5 minutes. Even a little bit of effort has to be better than no effort.
Of course, I'll keep an eye on my food intake as well. But I plan to make less of a change there than in my exercise habits. I know I could eat healthier, but I could eat a lot worse than I do, so that's a goal for another few months down the road. Making the change to add exercise to my daily routine is going to be hard enough.
I'd appreciate any tips from someone who's been there, done that. Or if you just want to cheer me on, that would be appreciated too!
*I'm not going to share them because they don't matter. Just because I'm not 20, 50, or 100 lbs over my ideal weight does not mean I don't need to improve my health and change some of that weight from fat to muscle.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Away...
I think I've mentioned that I will be at Snowshoe with DH through Easter.**
He'll be doing ski patrol stuff. I will be enjoying myself.
I hope everyone has a sweet-filled Easter.
**Our home will be guarded by two very fierce attack cats who will cover you with fur and kisses if you attempt anything. Beware.
He'll be doing ski patrol stuff. I will be enjoying myself.
I hope everyone has a sweet-filled Easter.
**Our home will be guarded by two very fierce attack cats who will cover you with fur and kisses if you attempt anything. Beware.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Area 51?!?!
Ok, this has nothing to do with aliens, and everything to do with this being my 51st post.
Go me!
So, vacation went well. I was able to relax and be lazy enough to go through about 45lbs of the 50lbs of books I picked up at the library before we left. We enjoyed dinner at Mako Mike's and caught a mild/moderately bad case of sunburn each. The weather was beautiful and the in-laws left Tuesday so we had a few days alone to just hang out together. And my DH shot an 88 at the country club golf course after not having picked up his clubs since Memorial Day weekend! That's really incredible and I am so proud of him! I went along as cart candy - just there to look pretty and cheer him (and my in-laws) on.
The only thing to mar the time we spent away was ... my screwed up body. Thank goodness I had the foresight to pack some supplies, but I didn't really think I was going to need them until the end of the week. This is not a good trend: 4 weeks, 2 weeks, 1 week ... and yet the past few times have been relatively pain and other symptom free and only lasting a couple days each. But, on our vacation it spelled the end of my anticipated multiple romantic evenings, swimsuit wearing, etc.
In other, more uplifting news, tonight is the first meeting of the neighborhood Book Club for this year (Sept-June). Somehow I got suckered into leading the group when the last person stepped down a couple years ago. I know I'm going to be exhausted by the time this night is over. Being in front of a group and keeping everything orderly is really stressful for me. But it's not all bad - I've met a group of women (men are welcome, but don't seem to be interested) with some amazing life stories.
If anyone is interested in the books we are reading leave a note in the comments or send me an email (in my profile, over there, to the right). The books have been a great mix every year I have been with the group.
And thanks gals for all of your supportive comments on my "Just wanted to share..." post. It was really nice to come home to those.
Go me!
So, vacation went well. I was able to relax and be lazy enough to go through about 45lbs of the 50lbs of books I picked up at the library before we left. We enjoyed dinner at Mako Mike's and caught a mild/moderately bad case of sunburn each. The weather was beautiful and the in-laws left Tuesday so we had a few days alone to just hang out together. And my DH shot an 88 at the country club golf course after not having picked up his clubs since Memorial Day weekend! That's really incredible and I am so proud of him! I went along as cart candy - just there to look pretty and cheer him (and my in-laws) on.
The only thing to mar the time we spent away was ... my screwed up body. Thank goodness I had the foresight to pack some supplies, but I didn't really think I was going to need them until the end of the week. This is not a good trend: 4 weeks, 2 weeks, 1 week ... and yet the past few times have been relatively pain and other symptom free and only lasting a couple days each. But, on our vacation it spelled the end of my anticipated multiple romantic evenings, swimsuit wearing, etc.
In other, more uplifting news, tonight is the first meeting of the neighborhood Book Club for this year (Sept-June). Somehow I got suckered into leading the group when the last person stepped down a couple years ago. I know I'm going to be exhausted by the time this night is over. Being in front of a group and keeping everything orderly is really stressful for me. But it's not all bad - I've met a group of women (men are welcome, but don't seem to be interested) with some amazing life stories.
If anyone is interested in the books we are reading leave a note in the comments or send me an email (in my profile, over there, to the right). The books have been a great mix every year I have been with the group.
And thanks gals for all of your supportive comments on my "Just wanted to share..." post. It was really nice to come home to those.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
I'm Leaving (but not on a jet plane, this time)
Either late tonight or sometime tomorrow DH and I will venture down to the Outer Banks to spend the week (probably less) at his parent's cottage.
With dial-up access only, I doubt I will be able to post or keep up with everyone else (oh the withdrawal!), so I'll catch you in a week (or less).
Wish me luck in keeping my sanity (the 50lbs of books I picked up at the library earlier this week should help with that too!) with my in-laws.
With dial-up access only, I doubt I will be able to post or keep up with everyone else (oh the withdrawal!), so I'll catch you in a week (or less).
Wish me luck in keeping my sanity (the 50lbs of books I picked up at the library earlier this week should help with that too!) with my in-laws.
Monday, July 9, 2007
The places we go...
Wanna hear a secret? My DH and I took off last Tuesday evening and headed for my in-laws sound-front house on the North Carolina coast for a long 4th of July weekend. Ok, not such a big secret, but it was good to get away and enjoy lounging around in the sun and not working in the yard, though Lord knows the weeds at home decided to GROW while we turned our backs.
Yes, I can hear the gnashing of teeth and jealousy from here. Don't worry, we know we are lucky to have open access to a house on the Outer Banks without having to pay through the nose. And even luckier that we get along pretty well so that spending time with them is mostly fun (hey, no family is perfect).
The major source of entertainment were the interactions of our dog and their dog. Both boxers. Both love to swim (shh, they don't know they aren't supposed to swim) in the sound. Both very happy to jump up on the chaise lounges on the deck and snuggle with you - especially right after they have been in the water and are damp. They play so hard that they both are exhausted for a few days following the time they have spent together.
The big excitement of the weekend - our dog decided to roll in eau de deer poo when we let her out to do her business shortly before we were leaving for breakfast Saturday morning. Thank goodness the outdoor shower has secondary spigots low enough to wash the dog. She got a cold bath with Dial moisturizing body wash, but it was plenty warm out and she didn't seem to mind. And since I was doing the washing I was grateful to not get any poo on me or to get so splashed that I had to change before we left.
Since she was still pretty damp we put her in the bathroom attached to the bedroom where we typically stay. She knows she's not supposed to get on the furniture, but we know she does when we're not around, so we didn't want to leave her out and take a chance on the furniture getting messed up. Fast-forward to our return after breakfast, some 2 hours later. While we were gone, you could say that she apparently took out her issues with being shut in the bathroom on the wood trim next to the door. What a mess.
Luckily my in-laws understand that dogs are dogs, but my DH and I feel pretty bad about the destruction, especially because as we were leaving we said she would be fine in the bathroom, that she never scratches the door like their dog does, etc. Of all ways to prove us wrong! We are going to repair the damaged area, but it will take a little while to match the wood and finish and get back down there to do the work. It's a good reason to get back down there soon!
Anyone want to share pet damage stories?
Yes, I can hear the gnashing of teeth and jealousy from here. Don't worry, we know we are lucky to have open access to a house on the Outer Banks without having to pay through the nose. And even luckier that we get along pretty well so that spending time with them is mostly fun (hey, no family is perfect).
The major source of entertainment were the interactions of our dog and their dog. Both boxers. Both love to swim (shh, they don't know they aren't supposed to swim) in the sound. Both very happy to jump up on the chaise lounges on the deck and snuggle with you - especially right after they have been in the water and are damp. They play so hard that they both are exhausted for a few days following the time they have spent together.
The big excitement of the weekend - our dog decided to roll in eau de deer poo when we let her out to do her business shortly before we were leaving for breakfast Saturday morning. Thank goodness the outdoor shower has secondary spigots low enough to wash the dog. She got a cold bath with Dial moisturizing body wash, but it was plenty warm out and she didn't seem to mind. And since I was doing the washing I was grateful to not get any poo on me or to get so splashed that I had to change before we left.
Since she was still pretty damp we put her in the bathroom attached to the bedroom where we typically stay. She knows she's not supposed to get on the furniture, but we know she does when we're not around, so we didn't want to leave her out and take a chance on the furniture getting messed up. Fast-forward to our return after breakfast, some 2 hours later. While we were gone, you could say that she apparently took out her issues with being shut in the bathroom on the wood trim next to the door. What a mess.
Luckily my in-laws understand that dogs are dogs, but my DH and I feel pretty bad about the destruction, especially because as we were leaving we said she would be fine in the bathroom, that she never scratches the door like their dog does, etc. Of all ways to prove us wrong! We are going to repair the damaged area, but it will take a little while to match the wood and finish and get back down there to do the work. It's a good reason to get back down there soon!
Anyone want to share pet damage stories?
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend 2007 - Recap
The best parts of this weekend:
-Holding an 8-day old baby until he started getting fussy for dinner (which I couldn't supply him with). Such perfect squishiness; such total ability to sleep peacefully, stretch, and sleep again in the middle of a loud party.
-Finding a sky-blue cashmere sweater at an outlet store for under $35 including tax; original retail $165 or so.
The worst parts of this weekend:
-Spending hours in the car, and driving in the greater DC-Metro area over a Federal Holiday weekend.
-Spending too much time around my DH's grandmother (who drives me bat-shit crazy - I could write a whole post on why I can only take so much time with this woman).
Overall:
-Celebration Friday of my MIL's 60th birthday with her cousins and their families.
-My DH and I got to spend time with his 2nd cousins who are a few years younger than us. Like any family, there are all kinds but I enjoyed meeting them. Not as snobby as I recalled from the 30 second introduction at our rehearsal dinner.
-The 4 yr old sister of the 8-day old could have been my child; she had the same profile and coloring. To be clear, I'm only related by marriage.
-Seafood! Yum. Lots of good restaurants surrounding the hotel - I never felt hungry all weekend.
-Full open bar at the reception with excellent bartenders. The best Cosmopolitan I have had in a long time!
-It was great to get home on Sunday and spend time relaxing (even taking a cat-nap on the couch) for the rest of the evening and most of Monday.
It wasn't as bad as I was expecting, but I could use another long weekend to recover!
How did you spend Memorial Day weekend?
-Holding an 8-day old baby until he started getting fussy for dinner (which I couldn't supply him with). Such perfect squishiness; such total ability to sleep peacefully, stretch, and sleep again in the middle of a loud party.
-Finding a sky-blue cashmere sweater at an outlet store for under $35 including tax; original retail $165 or so.
The worst parts of this weekend:
-Spending hours in the car, and driving in the greater DC-Metro area over a Federal Holiday weekend.
-Spending too much time around my DH's grandmother (who drives me bat-shit crazy - I could write a whole post on why I can only take so much time with this woman).
Overall:
-Celebration Friday of my MIL's 60th birthday with her cousins and their families.
-My DH and I got to spend time with his 2nd cousins who are a few years younger than us. Like any family, there are all kinds but I enjoyed meeting them. Not as snobby as I recalled from the 30 second introduction at our rehearsal dinner.
-The 4 yr old sister of the 8-day old could have been my child; she had the same profile and coloring. To be clear, I'm only related by marriage.
-Seafood! Yum. Lots of good restaurants surrounding the hotel - I never felt hungry all weekend.
-Full open bar at the reception with excellent bartenders. The best Cosmopolitan I have had in a long time!
-It was great to get home on Sunday and spend time relaxing (even taking a cat-nap on the couch) for the rest of the evening and most of Monday.
It wasn't as bad as I was expecting, but I could use another long weekend to recover!
How did you spend Memorial Day weekend?
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend 2007
Memorial Day conjures images of grilling out, the first jump into a chilly pool, banners and bunting of red, white, and blue; thoughts of spending time relaxing, enjoying the smell of fresh cut grass, and a kickoff to the lazy days of summer. Not to mention, a rare paid day off work.
Every Memorial Day weekend since we met, my DH and I have gone down to his parent's beach house on the Outer Banks - we relax, work on our tans, perhaps venture into the water after the dogs. We get to spend time with his parents, brother, and grandmother in a low pressure atmosphere.
Not this year. This year, the fiance of one of my DH's relatives decided that Memorial Day Weekend was the perfect time to get married. And that a highly trafficked and congested vacation area of the East Coast was the perfect location for friends and family to gather.
The only time I have met most of this side of my DH's family was at our wedding 5 years ago. That may be coloring my view, as I am not looking forward to interacting with people I barely know. We are attending because this is the first time since our wedding that they are gathering, and it is important to my MIL for us to attend (it is her side of the family, we see my FIL's side of the family on a much more regular basis).
I have to admit, if this wedding was any other weekend, I would be looking forward to it. But I am resentful for many reasons, all of which are related to it being over the Memorial Day Weekend. Reasons which I will not list out because some are purely selfish, and some are way too tangled to try to explain clearly.
Stay tuned for a recap...will it be as bad as I feared or worse? Or will I have a good time in spite of myself?
Every Memorial Day weekend since we met, my DH and I have gone down to his parent's beach house on the Outer Banks - we relax, work on our tans, perhaps venture into the water after the dogs. We get to spend time with his parents, brother, and grandmother in a low pressure atmosphere.
Not this year. This year, the fiance of one of my DH's relatives decided that Memorial Day Weekend was the perfect time to get married. And that a highly trafficked and congested vacation area of the East Coast was the perfect location for friends and family to gather.
The only time I have met most of this side of my DH's family was at our wedding 5 years ago. That may be coloring my view, as I am not looking forward to interacting with people I barely know. We are attending because this is the first time since our wedding that they are gathering, and it is important to my MIL for us to attend (it is her side of the family, we see my FIL's side of the family on a much more regular basis).
I have to admit, if this wedding was any other weekend, I would be looking forward to it. But I am resentful for many reasons, all of which are related to it being over the Memorial Day Weekend. Reasons which I will not list out because some are purely selfish, and some are way too tangled to try to explain clearly.
Stay tuned for a recap...will it be as bad as I feared or worse? Or will I have a good time in spite of myself?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
I'm Back (Physically at Least)
So we had a fabulous time, as expected. Very relaxing to spend the days lazing around with very little need to be anywhere or doing anything at a specific time. Of course, we did have to be at the Spa for our massages (yum, a great way to start a vacation) and a couple of dinners, but that was the extent of our time requirements. Because we belong to the Resorts returning guests program we were upgraded to a suite with a (included in the all-inclusive pricing) mini-bar. So nice to have cold bottled water in the room, and sodas, etc. There were even bottles of beer, champagne and white wine should we have been inclined. With all the bars (9?) and the tropical weather it was really more appealing to have a frozen fruity alcoholic drink prepared by a poolside bartender so we didn't touch the alcohol in the room, but it was nice to know it was there.
Both of us were very careful, but still ended up getting a little bit of sunburn. Mid-week I missed a spot on the top of my ear, and on our last full day there, I missed a spot on my tushie. Luckily it was not in a location to impair sitting so the trip back was not painful, at least in that way. My DH burned the upper part of his arms, you know, where a t-shirt usually hides the skin. The skin there is now peeling in huge flakes. Silly guy, you have to keep moisturizing so it doesn't do that!
Of course, after all my stressing over not finding the type of clothing I wanted to take, I ended up wearing only about half of what I did find to take. Most days were spent in a bathing suit and cover up from the time I got out of my AM shower til I got in my PM shower. The only items I could have used in addition were a couple more dressy-casual skirt outfits or dresses for dinners. I think either would have looked nicer than the capri's and T-shirt or tank I ended up wearing for most dinners (because I couldn't find the other options before I left, grrr). I'm still going to be on the lookout for such things for this summer.
Coming back my DH and I noticed a couple in line with 2 suitcases each! My comment to my DH was "And you thought I packed a lot of clothes." I did get a new suitcase though. It's been since I was in college that I got a large suitcase - and with the restrictions on liquids, I needed some extra room to put our full-size toiletries (sunblock, contact solution, etc.) in with my clothes instead of in my carry-on as I have previously travelled with them to avoid leakage over clothing. Any suggestions on plastic bags which will not tear when faced with the sharp edges of seam-sealed plastic tubes? Luckily, even with the tears, there were no problems going or coming back.
It really seems like we got there and I blinked once and then we had to leave. Six nights sounds like a long time (and I'm sure it is if you aren't having a good time), but the time really flew by. I wasn't ready to leave - we had just started to get into a comfortable routine, I had the start of a decent tan, things were going really well between my DH and I.
The worst part of the trip was getting on the plane to come home on Friday, knowing what we were leaving behind. It's almost as if once we started to breathe the air on that plane we both reverted back to the people we were before we left (and that was part of the reason we both needed this vacation so badly).
***EDITED***
My brain is still by the Resort pool in my bathing suit sipping on a frozen beverage. Wish I could join it!
Both of us were very careful, but still ended up getting a little bit of sunburn. Mid-week I missed a spot on the top of my ear, and on our last full day there, I missed a spot on my tushie. Luckily it was not in a location to impair sitting so the trip back was not painful, at least in that way. My DH burned the upper part of his arms, you know, where a t-shirt usually hides the skin. The skin there is now peeling in huge flakes. Silly guy, you have to keep moisturizing so it doesn't do that!
Of course, after all my stressing over not finding the type of clothing I wanted to take, I ended up wearing only about half of what I did find to take. Most days were spent in a bathing suit and cover up from the time I got out of my AM shower til I got in my PM shower. The only items I could have used in addition were a couple more dressy-casual skirt outfits or dresses for dinners. I think either would have looked nicer than the capri's and T-shirt or tank I ended up wearing for most dinners (because I couldn't find the other options before I left, grrr). I'm still going to be on the lookout for such things for this summer.
Coming back my DH and I noticed a couple in line with 2 suitcases each! My comment to my DH was "And you thought I packed a lot of clothes." I did get a new suitcase though. It's been since I was in college that I got a large suitcase - and with the restrictions on liquids, I needed some extra room to put our full-size toiletries (sunblock, contact solution, etc.) in with my clothes instead of in my carry-on as I have previously travelled with them to avoid leakage over clothing. Any suggestions on plastic bags which will not tear when faced with the sharp edges of seam-sealed plastic tubes? Luckily, even with the tears, there were no problems going or coming back.
It really seems like we got there and I blinked once and then we had to leave. Six nights sounds like a long time (and I'm sure it is if you aren't having a good time), but the time really flew by. I wasn't ready to leave - we had just started to get into a comfortable routine, I had the start of a decent tan, things were going really well between my DH and I.
The worst part of the trip was getting on the plane to come home on Friday, knowing what we were leaving behind. It's almost as if once we started to breathe the air on that plane we both reverted back to the people we were before we left (and that was part of the reason we both needed this vacation so badly).
***EDITED***
My brain is still by the Resort pool in my bathing suit sipping on a frozen beverage. Wish I could join it!
Friday, April 13, 2007
I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane!
At a God awful hour tomorrow morning. Still much to do before I step on the plane, so have a great week and I'll catch up with y'all then!
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