He really enjoyed the wind in his face! I love this age, where he so clearly experiences new things but still doesn't have words, only expressions!
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Monday, March 12, 2012
On A Boat
While in FL, Little Man took his first ride on a boat! We took the water taxi from our hotel over to the Universal property.
He really enjoyed the wind in his face! I love this age, where he so clearly experiences new things but still doesn't have words, only expressions!
He really enjoyed the wind in his face! I love this age, where he so clearly experiences new things but still doesn't have words, only expressions!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
More From Philly
Thanks to a tip from my boss, Em and I hit the Reading Terminal Market for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. It is a really cool indoor market that (obviously) used to be a terminal for the Reading Railroad! We LOVED it and decided we'd eat there every day if we lived in Philly. They had everything from delis to grocers and a used book store.
The first morning we had crepes - mine had strawberries, blackberries, and cheesecake. Yes, cheesecake. And it was wonderful.
After breakfast we hit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell took all of 5 minutes because we didn't read any of the exhibit information...oops.
The Independence Hall tour was nice, only lasted about 45 minutes. They open with a little talk from your tour guide/ranger, then lead you into the main building.
First up is the old court room. The King's crest that hung in this room was the same one that was dragged through the streets of Philadelphia and later burned after the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to the public.
The second room is the State Assembly room, mostly known for being where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The big chair at the front table is where George Washington sat and the table in the foreground is likely where the PA Delegates were seated.
The structure and details of the building were beautiful. I really wish people still used the kids of molding and detail in their homes and public buildings.
The first morning we had crepes - mine had strawberries, blackberries, and cheesecake. Yes, cheesecake. And it was wonderful.
After breakfast we hit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell took all of 5 minutes because we didn't read any of the exhibit information...oops.
The Independence Hall tour was nice, only lasted about 45 minutes. They open with a little talk from your tour guide/ranger, then lead you into the main building.
First up is the old court room. The King's crest that hung in this room was the same one that was dragged through the streets of Philadelphia and later burned after the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to the public.
The second room is the State Assembly room, mostly known for being where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The big chair at the front table is where George Washington sat and the table in the foreground is likely where the PA Delegates were seated.
The structure and details of the building were beautiful. I really wish people still used the kids of molding and detail in their homes and public buildings.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
I'm Excited About: Emily!
I'm headed off to Union Station this afternoon to catch a train to Philadelphia to spend the weekend with Emily! I haven't seen her in way too long so I'm very excited to get to spend three whole days with her.
We chose Philly because neither one of us has ever toured the city. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and tell you all about it when I get home on Tuesday!
Have a great weekend!
We chose Philly because neither one of us has ever toured the city. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and tell you all about it when I get home on Tuesday!
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Home
We just spent a week on vacation. With no homework. No studying. No papers.
In case you don't know how amazing that is, let me remind you that my wonderful husband had to spend a day writing a paper on our honeymoon.
This was HUGE.
We slept in, lounged by the pool, lounged on the beach, and slept in some more.
It was just what we needed after three years of law school.
So, please excuse my lack or blogging over the last week - I promise I'll be more vigilant for the rest of the month.
In case you don't know how amazing that is, let me remind you that my wonderful husband had to spend a day writing a paper on our honeymoon.
This was HUGE.
We slept in, lounged by the pool, lounged on the beach, and slept in some more.
It was just what we needed after three years of law school.
So, please excuse my lack or blogging over the last week - I promise I'll be more vigilant for the rest of the month.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Our New Friend
I found this guy above our pool chairs. He is large. And he has a friend.
Please don't get any closer to me, Mr Lizard. Stay on your fence until I'm behind some closed doors.
Ick.
Please don't get any closer to me, Mr Lizard. Stay on your fence until I'm behind some closed doors.
Ick.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Vacation Part 2
On Thursday morning I drove further north on 17, all the way into Wilmington, NC. I met up with Cat and then we headed out to the beach for lunch and a little more sunning.
I went to Wilmington for our friend Mary's wedding, which doubled as a mini college reunion. It is so much fun to get to see everyone and to celebrate the beginning of Mary and Mike's marriage. A few of us bridesmaids (and our husbands) stayed at Cat's grandmother's house, which was not only fun and economical, but it made things easier logistically! We all had to be in most of the same places at the same times.
Friday started with the bridal luncheon in downtown Wilmington.
It was absolutely beautiful, and the food was incredible, too! What a treat to get to spend some quality time with Mary, her mom and aunts, and Mike's mom and sister during the weekend.
Mary has a super rockin' cousin named Katherine who was there, too. Katherine, or Special K as Mary calls her, made bracelets for all of the bridesmaids! It was an awesome gift from an awesome 8 year old, and most of us wore them during the wedding - at the bride's direction!
The hostesses had arranged for a charm cake and it was so much fun! I had heard of the tradition, but had never seen it in person. The charms were all pretty, and I ended up with the pelican which means I will have "a life of plenty."
After lunch us girls headed home to nap and then change for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal went well, with the most confusing part being figuring out what our heights would be the following day since only one of us (not me) remembered to bring their wedding shoes. I'm sure we looked very silly trying to estimate our varied height changes!
After rehearsal we walked a block or so to the rehearsal dinner. It was on the 3rd floor of a building, overlooking downtown. And I learned something about Mike - he has a major thing for Swedish Fish! There were Swedish Fish at every table, and the cake was decorated WITH the candies, as well as decorated with a fondant rendering of a bag of the candies!
We all had fun chatting, watching a slide show, and listening to toasts. There was a lot of laughter and a few tears throughout the toasts, which is the way it should be!
I went to Wilmington for our friend Mary's wedding, which doubled as a mini college reunion. It is so much fun to get to see everyone and to celebrate the beginning of Mary and Mike's marriage. A few of us bridesmaids (and our husbands) stayed at Cat's grandmother's house, which was not only fun and economical, but it made things easier logistically! We all had to be in most of the same places at the same times.
Friday started with the bridal luncheon in downtown Wilmington.
It was absolutely beautiful, and the food was incredible, too! What a treat to get to spend some quality time with Mary, her mom and aunts, and Mike's mom and sister during the weekend.
Mary has a super rockin' cousin named Katherine who was there, too. Katherine, or Special K as Mary calls her, made bracelets for all of the bridesmaids! It was an awesome gift from an awesome 8 year old, and most of us wore them during the wedding - at the bride's direction!
The hostesses had arranged for a charm cake and it was so much fun! I had heard of the tradition, but had never seen it in person. The charms were all pretty, and I ended up with the pelican which means I will have "a life of plenty."
After lunch us girls headed home to nap and then change for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal went well, with the most confusing part being figuring out what our heights would be the following day since only one of us (not me) remembered to bring their wedding shoes. I'm sure we looked very silly trying to estimate our varied height changes!
After rehearsal we walked a block or so to the rehearsal dinner. It was on the 3rd floor of a building, overlooking downtown. And I learned something about Mike - he has a major thing for Swedish Fish! There were Swedish Fish at every table, and the cake was decorated WITH the candies, as well as decorated with a fondant rendering of a bag of the candies!
We all had fun chatting, watching a slide show, and listening to toasts. There was a lot of laughter and a few tears throughout the toasts, which is the way it should be!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Vacation Part One
My short absence was due to my being on vacation for approximately 10 days, which means I'm not apologizing because I'm not sorry for being on vacation.
I started the week by flying to Charleston, SC. My brothers picked me up and we went back to a friend's house for lunch. I was happy to see KT and Joey, but sad that I still haven't met their adorable kid! Katie made a killer lunch of grilled cheese on croissants with some kind of amazing honey mustard or something on it.
I also got a wedding present at Katie and Joey's house! It was well worth the wait, too - a cozy South Carolina sweatshirt blanket and a beautiful SC themed print. I can't wait to get the print framed and up in the house. I already used the blanket on the plane ride back home (I forgot to pack jeans - this was a problem on the planes and in the beach house that Papa keeps at a balmy 65 degrees).
After a couple of hours Rob, Patrick, Lauren, and I headed up 17 and arrived at the Brewer beach house in time for dinner. Most of the family arrived on Sunday, and T & Lisa came in on Tuesday. The weather was amazing and the water temperature was perfect. I can't tell you how many hours I spent on the beach last week.
I got a little pink on Monday so I avoided direct sunlight on Tuesday. I was trying to remain conscious of my bridesmaid duties at the end of the week, and I didn't want to be the bright red one with the crazy tan lines.
On Wednesday morning I woke up at 5:40am, put on a bathing suit, and put my contacts in so I could see. I headed downstairs to meet up with dad and we walked down to the beach with the paddle boards in tow. (the following pictures are of me and my brother, Rob. No one was on the beach to take pictures of me and Daddy at 6am - shocking, I know.)
I know a lot of people probably consider getting up early to see a sunrise at the beach, and some people might actually do it, but if you've never done it while out in the water you are missing out big time.
It only took a few minutes for Dad and I to paddle out. Before the sun rises there is almost no wind and the water is very calm, almost like a lake. As I headed out past the waves I noticed a porpoise only about 40 yards in front of me. I decided to remain kneeling on the board just in case one of the porpoise (porpi?) decided to come closer - I figured I'd lose balance out of sheer shock and awe! Dad and I spotted a few more of them over the next 20 minutes, but none ever got closer than that first one. I also saw a few cannon ball jellyfish, but that wasn't nearly as exciting.
We watched for the tell-tale color changes in the clouds that hinted to the location of the sun. It is always amazing to me how quickly the sun seems to come above the horizon! Only a few minutes after seeing that first burst of bright orange, the entire ball is up into the sky.
Along with light, the sun brought wind and more waves. Unfortunately for us the wind was coming straight off the beach and into our faces. This made our trip back in a bit more laborious than our trip out had been. After 15-20 minutes of constant paddling I was able to catch a couple of waves back into the shore.
We made it back inside for breakfast, and then I went back upstairs to take a nap. (Is it still a nap if everyone else in the house is still asleep?) Only about 45 minutes later I woke up again, put on another bathing suit, and added socks, tennis shoes, shorts, and a tank top because I was suiting up for a looooong walk.
Papa drove (yes, drove) Dad, Elizabeth, Shani, and me down to the south end of Pawleys Island, let us out, and drove back home.
Those of you that aren't up on your geography may not know this, but there is a reason that it is called "Pawleys Island," it is an island. Another interesting fact; our beach house is not on Pawelys Island, it is in North Litchfield. I'll spell this out for you: We got out of the car at the south end of Pawleys Island, and between us and our house was the rest of Pawleys Island, the Pawleys Island Inlet, South Litchfield, Litchfield, and North Litchfield.
We walked 8.5 miles (on sand!) in about 2.5 hours - and it was awesome! Dad timed the tides right, so when we got to the Inlet we were able to walk across very easily. The water was just above my knees at the very deepest part. There were 3 grown men in kayaks only a few yards away from us as we crossed, I'm not sure who looked sillier but my money is on them (who kayaks in 2 feet of water?)
It was a great way to start my last day at the beach house, though I'll admit I was pretty sore up until yesterday!
Thursday morning I headed north to Wilmington, NC for a wedding and since this post is already really really long I'll save that for another day.
I started the week by flying to Charleston, SC. My brothers picked me up and we went back to a friend's house for lunch. I was happy to see KT and Joey, but sad that I still haven't met their adorable kid! Katie made a killer lunch of grilled cheese on croissants with some kind of amazing honey mustard or something on it.
I also got a wedding present at Katie and Joey's house! It was well worth the wait, too - a cozy South Carolina sweatshirt blanket and a beautiful SC themed print. I can't wait to get the print framed and up in the house. I already used the blanket on the plane ride back home (I forgot to pack jeans - this was a problem on the planes and in the beach house that Papa keeps at a balmy 65 degrees).
After a couple of hours Rob, Patrick, Lauren, and I headed up 17 and arrived at the Brewer beach house in time for dinner. Most of the family arrived on Sunday, and T & Lisa came in on Tuesday. The weather was amazing and the water temperature was perfect. I can't tell you how many hours I spent on the beach last week.
I got a little pink on Monday so I avoided direct sunlight on Tuesday. I was trying to remain conscious of my bridesmaid duties at the end of the week, and I didn't want to be the bright red one with the crazy tan lines.
On Wednesday morning I woke up at 5:40am, put on a bathing suit, and put my contacts in so I could see. I headed downstairs to meet up with dad and we walked down to the beach with the paddle boards in tow. (the following pictures are of me and my brother, Rob. No one was on the beach to take pictures of me and Daddy at 6am - shocking, I know.)
I know a lot of people probably consider getting up early to see a sunrise at the beach, and some people might actually do it, but if you've never done it while out in the water you are missing out big time.
It only took a few minutes for Dad and I to paddle out. Before the sun rises there is almost no wind and the water is very calm, almost like a lake. As I headed out past the waves I noticed a porpoise only about 40 yards in front of me. I decided to remain kneeling on the board just in case one of the porpoise (porpi?) decided to come closer - I figured I'd lose balance out of sheer shock and awe! Dad and I spotted a few more of them over the next 20 minutes, but none ever got closer than that first one. I also saw a few cannon ball jellyfish, but that wasn't nearly as exciting.
We watched for the tell-tale color changes in the clouds that hinted to the location of the sun. It is always amazing to me how quickly the sun seems to come above the horizon! Only a few minutes after seeing that first burst of bright orange, the entire ball is up into the sky.
Along with light, the sun brought wind and more waves. Unfortunately for us the wind was coming straight off the beach and into our faces. This made our trip back in a bit more laborious than our trip out had been. After 15-20 minutes of constant paddling I was able to catch a couple of waves back into the shore.
We made it back inside for breakfast, and then I went back upstairs to take a nap. (Is it still a nap if everyone else in the house is still asleep?) Only about 45 minutes later I woke up again, put on another bathing suit, and added socks, tennis shoes, shorts, and a tank top because I was suiting up for a looooong walk.
Papa drove (yes, drove) Dad, Elizabeth, Shani, and me down to the south end of Pawleys Island, let us out, and drove back home.
Those of you that aren't up on your geography may not know this, but there is a reason that it is called "Pawleys Island," it is an island. Another interesting fact; our beach house is not on Pawelys Island, it is in North Litchfield. I'll spell this out for you: We got out of the car at the south end of Pawleys Island, and between us and our house was the rest of Pawleys Island, the Pawleys Island Inlet, South Litchfield, Litchfield, and North Litchfield.
We walked 8.5 miles (on sand!) in about 2.5 hours - and it was awesome! Dad timed the tides right, so when we got to the Inlet we were able to walk across very easily. The water was just above my knees at the very deepest part. There were 3 grown men in kayaks only a few yards away from us as we crossed, I'm not sure who looked sillier but my money is on them (who kayaks in 2 feet of water?)
It was a great way to start my last day at the beach house, though I'll admit I was pretty sore up until yesterday!
Thursday morning I headed north to Wilmington, NC for a wedding and since this post is already really really long I'll save that for another day.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy Independence Day
Did you know that the Continental Congress voted to legally separate from the UK on July 2, 1776 and two days later they voted to approve the Declaration of Independence? It took 2 days to agree to the wording that would break us away from tyranny and lead us into a self-governing republic!
I dare say I miss those days.
In an excerpt from a letter to his wife, Abigail, John Adams wrote:
He was referring to the day that they voted to leave the UK, but the celebration part is spot on!
I hope you are celebrating today with "solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty" and with "illuminations" galore! Happy Independence Day, and God Bless America!
I dare say I miss those days.
In an excerpt from a letter to his wife, Abigail, John Adams wrote:
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."
He was referring to the day that they voted to leave the UK, but the celebration part is spot on!
I hope you are celebrating today with "solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty" and with "illuminations" galore! Happy Independence Day, and God Bless America!
Friday, May 28, 2010
I'm Excited About: OBX Edition
We're off to the beach! In fact, we're already en route by the time this posts.
We've loaded up the cars with people, luggage, beach chairs, coolers, and a hound dog and headed south to the Outer Banks. It should take us about 5 hours to get there, so we're hoping to be there by lunch time.
There are 16 people on this trip, luckily Tina found us an enormous house with enough beds and bedrooms for all. It has two kitchens, too! This may prove helpful after the main grocery run.
Frank's bocce set will make the trip, too. I'm hoping to have at least one day where I head down to the sand in the morning and only come back in time for dinner. I already bought the newest Pat Conroy book to devour while my feet are in the surf!
I'm looking forward to our 4 day weekend - no work, no chores, just sun, sand, and sea. Hopefully my hound will handle the sand a little better this time....last time he ended up eating half of the beach because he is short and his tongue hangs out when he is hot. He may spend most of his time at the house, but he'll be worn out just from the excitement of it all anyway!
I hope your holiday weekend is fun and relaxing!
We've loaded up the cars with people, luggage, beach chairs, coolers, and a hound dog and headed south to the Outer Banks. It should take us about 5 hours to get there, so we're hoping to be there by lunch time.
There are 16 people on this trip, luckily Tina found us an enormous house with enough beds and bedrooms for all. It has two kitchens, too! This may prove helpful after the main grocery run.
Frank's bocce set will make the trip, too. I'm hoping to have at least one day where I head down to the sand in the morning and only come back in time for dinner. I already bought the newest Pat Conroy book to devour while my feet are in the surf!
I'm looking forward to our 4 day weekend - no work, no chores, just sun, sand, and sea. Hopefully my hound will handle the sand a little better this time....last time he ended up eating half of the beach because he is short and his tongue hangs out when he is hot. He may spend most of his time at the house, but he'll be worn out just from the excitement of it all anyway!
I hope your holiday weekend is fun and relaxing!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wordless Wednesday, Fail
I was going to start "Wordless Wednesday" this week, and I even had an awesome selection of pictures to choose from....but, the internet is down at home and I can't load pictures on my phone or at work.
Sorry.
I'll try to load them again today, but for now just picture my dog wearing sunglasses and a 8 week old baby chillin' on my lap.
Our friends, the Connallys, came over to hang last night which meant lots of treats for Hamilton - to keep him occupied - and lots of baby lovin' time for me! Their little Ayden is 8 weeks old now, I can't believe how quickly time has flown!
We also did some major cleaning and lawn-mowing yesterday in preparation for our trip to the beach tomorrow. I do love coming home to a clean house!
Sorry.
I'll try to load them again today, but for now just picture my dog wearing sunglasses and a 8 week old baby chillin' on my lap.
Our friends, the Connallys, came over to hang last night which meant lots of treats for Hamilton - to keep him occupied - and lots of baby lovin' time for me! Their little Ayden is 8 weeks old now, I can't believe how quickly time has flown!
We also did some major cleaning and lawn-mowing yesterday in preparation for our trip to the beach tomorrow. I do love coming home to a clean house!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Weightloss Update
The good news is I weighed myself yesterday and I'm down a little over 4lbs - the bad news is I have 6 more to go.
I could be exercising more, and that is something I'll try to do over the next 10 days. My meal routine is pretty solid, the hard part is dinner.
I'll keep working on it and hopefully stay in my current eating routine once I've shed the extra pounds. I'm also hoping to maintain a more regularized work out schedule, even just to keep toning up my arms and abs or working out some stress.
I'll check back in after the weekend, maybe do one more weigh in sometime early next week so I have time to sprint for the finish line.
Oh, and Theo & Tamsin - if y'all think I'm going running with you at the beach....don't hold your breath.
I could be exercising more, and that is something I'll try to do over the next 10 days. My meal routine is pretty solid, the hard part is dinner.
I'll keep working on it and hopefully stay in my current eating routine once I've shed the extra pounds. I'm also hoping to maintain a more regularized work out schedule, even just to keep toning up my arms and abs or working out some stress.
I'll check back in after the weekend, maybe do one more weigh in sometime early next week so I have time to sprint for the finish line.
Oh, and Theo & Tamsin - if y'all think I'm going running with you at the beach....don't hold your breath.
Friday, April 23, 2010
I'm Excited About: Weightloss Edition
So, in the last couple weeks something has happened to me. I gained weight. Like, a lot.
I always go through periods of craving sweets and salt, but for some reason it is lasting longer this time and my pants are getting tight. I think it has something to do with the fact that I keep "celebrating" things, and we all know what happens to 'eating well' when we're hanging with friends; burgers, fries, beers, biscuits, birthday cake, baby shower cupcakes, etc.
We're going to the Outer Banks for Memorial Day weekend in 5 weeks and it is my goal to lose the extra poundage I've acquired by then. My plan involves working out regularly (my gym at work finally got a bike, yay!), cut the sweets, decrease bread (that includes fries), and watch added sodium.
I have all of the tools, including good food for lunches at work, now lets see if I can pull (or work) it off!
I always go through periods of craving sweets and salt, but for some reason it is lasting longer this time and my pants are getting tight. I think it has something to do with the fact that I keep "celebrating" things, and we all know what happens to 'eating well' when we're hanging with friends; burgers, fries, beers, biscuits, birthday cake, baby shower cupcakes, etc.
We're going to the Outer Banks for Memorial Day weekend in 5 weeks and it is my goal to lose the extra poundage I've acquired by then. My plan involves working out regularly (my gym at work finally got a bike, yay!), cut the sweets, decrease bread (that includes fries), and watch added sodium.
I have all of the tools, including good food for lunches at work, now lets see if I can pull (or work) it off!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
What Doesn't Happen In Vegas
also stays in Vegas. Here is a list of things I did not do in Vegas:
1. read a book about this history of Las Vegas (actually, I didn't read anything at all)
2. go sight seeing - still haven't seen the inside of New York New York, MGM, The Tropicana, The Mirage, Trump, Treasure Island, The Monte Carlo, or Bally's, also have not ridden the roller coaster at NYNY which was specifically on my list (again)
3. win a lot of money - I did win a high hand bonus ($100 in addition to the pot winnings because I had pocket Jacks and got the third and forth on the flop and turn) at Caesar's, which means I'm two-for-two with bonus hands per trip, and both bonuses were won at Caesar's.
4. go to a show - this wasn't really on my list of things to do because when I look at a $150 Cirque ticket all I see is money being wasted on 'not poker'
5. stay up all night - I'm old, and I was in bed by 1am every night
So my list for next time includes:
1. stay for more than 2.5 days so that I can accomplish what is on my list
2. visit all of the casinos that I haven't seen yet, preferably gaming at each one even if just for a minute
3. ride the roller coaster at NYNY - it looks awesome and I really want to do it
4. stay up all night and see a Vegas sunrise (disco nap allowed as long as it isn't for more than 90 minutes and it isn't any later than midnight to 1:30am)
5. read up on the city and the history, possibly also sight see away from the Strip
6. take a ride in a helicopter
7. win lots of money
1. read a book about this history of Las Vegas (actually, I didn't read anything at all)
2. go sight seeing - still haven't seen the inside of New York New York, MGM, The Tropicana, The Mirage, Trump, Treasure Island, The Monte Carlo, or Bally's, also have not ridden the roller coaster at NYNY which was specifically on my list (again)
3. win a lot of money - I did win a high hand bonus ($100 in addition to the pot winnings because I had pocket Jacks and got the third and forth on the flop and turn) at Caesar's, which means I'm two-for-two with bonus hands per trip, and both bonuses were won at Caesar's.
4. go to a show - this wasn't really on my list of things to do because when I look at a $150 Cirque ticket all I see is money being wasted on 'not poker'
5. stay up all night - I'm old, and I was in bed by 1am every night
So my list for next time includes:
1. stay for more than 2.5 days so that I can accomplish what is on my list
2. visit all of the casinos that I haven't seen yet, preferably gaming at each one even if just for a minute
3. ride the roller coaster at NYNY - it looks awesome and I really want to do it
4. stay up all night and see a Vegas sunrise (disco nap allowed as long as it isn't for more than 90 minutes and it isn't any later than midnight to 1:30am)
5. read up on the city and the history, possibly also sight see away from the Strip
6. take a ride in a helicopter
7. win lots of money
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Queen of Countdowns
I love a good countdown, almost as much as I love lists (they keep me sane).
Right now I have two countdowns, both of which are bringing me joy and angst.
1. Las Vegas, aka vacation
We're off to the warm (read: above freezing) desert for a long weekend in 12 days! And it isn't just us - a lot of friends are coming, too. There are a few people still on the fence and my advice to them is BOOK IT!
Frank and I are staying at the Vdara, a new resort in the City Center complex near the middle of strip. Some friends are staying at the Bellagio (fancy-pants), some are at Bally's, and some are at Planet Hollywood. Then there is another group going containing a friend/acquaintance of mine, rounding out the number to be somewhere between 12 and 22 people I will know in Vegas in one weekend.
I'm looking forward to three things:
1) playoff football will be going on and that means betting on games
2) poker is fun! and when you add in playoff football, some casinos will splash random tables' pots when teams score, adding to the fun
3) the general atmosphere. I really loved the excitement and bright lights, there are so many things to do there that almost anyone could have fun! I hope to spend a little more time exploring and sight seeing, maybe I'll get a book about the history of the strip or something to read on the way out there.
The second big countdown is
2. The Move
We're moving back to Arlington at the end of the month and there is still a lot of work to do before that happens. Packing, cleaning, and priming the bedroom are the obvious tasks, but there are others like contacting the cable company, the electric company, the gas company, nailing down a date with the management company so we know when we get the keys, booking a moving van, rounding up our volunteers, etc.
Then, once we're moved in there are things like - do we paint? will our furniture fit? should we ask to install a dog door? I need rugs for the living room, bedroom, office, and landing.
While it is overwhelming at times, I am so excited to be back in Arlington and super excited for a back yard and a basement!
For now I must focus on work during the day and keeping myself sane during the evenings - I think I'll start making lists.
Right now I have two countdowns, both of which are bringing me joy and angst.
1. Las Vegas, aka vacation
We're off to the warm (read: above freezing) desert for a long weekend in 12 days! And it isn't just us - a lot of friends are coming, too. There are a few people still on the fence and my advice to them is BOOK IT!
Frank and I are staying at the Vdara, a new resort in the City Center complex near the middle of strip. Some friends are staying at the Bellagio (fancy-pants), some are at Bally's, and some are at Planet Hollywood. Then there is another group going containing a friend/acquaintance of mine, rounding out the number to be somewhere between 12 and 22 people I will know in Vegas in one weekend.
I'm looking forward to three things:
1) playoff football will be going on and that means betting on games
2) poker is fun! and when you add in playoff football, some casinos will splash random tables' pots when teams score, adding to the fun
3) the general atmosphere. I really loved the excitement and bright lights, there are so many things to do there that almost anyone could have fun! I hope to spend a little more time exploring and sight seeing, maybe I'll get a book about the history of the strip or something to read on the way out there.
The second big countdown is
2. The Move
We're moving back to Arlington at the end of the month and there is still a lot of work to do before that happens. Packing, cleaning, and priming the bedroom are the obvious tasks, but there are others like contacting the cable company, the electric company, the gas company, nailing down a date with the management company so we know when we get the keys, booking a moving van, rounding up our volunteers, etc.
Then, once we're moved in there are things like - do we paint? will our furniture fit? should we ask to install a dog door? I need rugs for the living room, bedroom, office, and landing.
While it is overwhelming at times, I am so excited to be back in Arlington and super excited for a back yard and a basement!
For now I must focus on work during the day and keeping myself sane during the evenings - I think I'll start making lists.
Monday, August 24, 2009
"Prepare to be underwhelmed"
That is what Frank said to me as we drove to Plymouth Rock on Friday. While he was right about the rock itself, the area was very cute and we had a great time with my in-laws!
No one in the Carolinas ever told me that people took pieces of the actual "Plymouth Rock" home as souvenirs in the 1800's, but that is the story and now the rock is approximately 1/3rd the size that it was when the pilgrims landed on it in 1620.
I took multiple pictures, the one up top is of the entire rock from 10 feet above; and the picture below shows part of the numbers and a penny, for scale.
The park ranger stationed at Plymouth Rock really knew his stuff; I came away assured that the pilgrims really did 'land' on the rock. It seems that the beach was entirely bare and the large boulder was the only thing on it, so they used Plymouth Rock as a natural dock of sorts and stepped out onto it from the smaller boats used to ferry people and supplies to/from the Mayflower.
He also told us that on the actual voyage across the ocean only one person died - but one person was also born! So when the Mayflower got to America it had the same number of passengers as when it left England - half of them died in the three months it took for winter to pass once they were anchored off of the Massachusetts coast, which really furthers my theory that they would have been better off somewhere in the Carolinas...but that is just my opinion...
There were gift shops, too. They reminded me of the Hammock Shops in Pawleys Island (especially the part where I bought too much fudge). Frank like the hats, and even got Chuck in on the hat action!
The Mayflower II is docked at Plymouth Rock; it is a replica of the original Mayflower and was sailed from Plymouth, England to Plymouth Rock, MA in the 1950's by a crew of 30 or 40 men. The coolest/craziest part is that they used only wind power and did everything as the pilgrims would have done it in the 1620's (the only exceptions being a few minor 'safety' features required by international maritime rules). We got to go aboard and it was as legit as can be! It even smelled like 40 dirty men had just been there!! Here's to historical accuracy.
We wrapped up the afternoon with D'Angelo's so that Frank could have his lobster roll, then we settled in for the Yankees @ Red Sox game back at Casa Webb. While the Red Sox took a terrible beating, we had a great time hanging out with my in-laws and, of course, Quincy (the wire-haired jack russell mix, of whom I somehow took no pictures) (we're best friends though, so I'll take pictures next time)
He also told us that on the actual voyage across the ocean only one person died - but one person was also born! So when the Mayflower got to America it had the same number of passengers as when it left England - half of them died in the three months it took for winter to pass once they were anchored off of the Massachusetts coast, which really furthers my theory that they would have been better off somewhere in the Carolinas...but that is just my opinion...
There were gift shops, too. They reminded me of the Hammock Shops in Pawleys Island (especially the part where I bought too much fudge). Frank like the hats, and even got Chuck in on the hat action!
The Mayflower II is docked at Plymouth Rock; it is a replica of the original Mayflower and was sailed from Plymouth, England to Plymouth Rock, MA in the 1950's by a crew of 30 or 40 men. The coolest/craziest part is that they used only wind power and did everything as the pilgrims would have done it in the 1620's (the only exceptions being a few minor 'safety' features required by international maritime rules). We got to go aboard and it was as legit as can be! It even smelled like 40 dirty men had just been there!! Here's to historical accuracy.
The cannons on board and presence of lots of pirate stuff in the gift shops really got my attention - as Frank will tell you, I LOVE pirates, mostly Jack Sparrow. It took some restraint to not buy a bag of 'pirate gold,' but it seems that I have come to view gift shops as being full of "stuff I'll throw away in 2 years anyway." I am already beginning to worry about the angst my future children will cause me when they buy "stuff" - ugh! (sorry mom, sorry for all of the 'stuff!')
I would have bought this, if I had a boat and a pirate problem - or better yet, if I had a boat and I were a pirate!
I would have bought this, if I had a boat and a pirate problem - or better yet, if I had a boat and I were a pirate!
We wrapped up the afternoon with D'Angelo's so that Frank could have his lobster roll, then we settled in for the Yankees @ Red Sox game back at Casa Webb. While the Red Sox took a terrible beating, we had a great time hanging out with my in-laws and, of course, Quincy (the wire-haired jack russell mix, of whom I somehow took no pictures) (we're best friends though, so I'll take pictures next time)
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