Sunday, July 13, 2008
We're Back!!!
We survived our road trip vacation and had a great time. It was nice to be home and see my pugs and sleep in my own bed though. We were off to our church festival today and then back to work tomorrow :( Too tired to really write much but here are some pictures. Will post tomorrow. Here are a few pics from vacation. We have the Mackinac Straits Bridge as seen from the ferry, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac island, Arch Rock were we stopped to hike, us being oh so cute, and the waves on Lake Huron.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Vacation update
Ok so as I promised I said I would blog while gone so here it goes. Here are the top 5 things so far in order...
1) Mackinac Island Bike tour: We took an 8 mile bike ride around all of Mackinac Island Michigan. Yes, we actually biked the whole 8.2 miles around the island. We stopped to hike up to Arch Rock and then three more times to take video,photos, etc and to rest our butts as the bike seats on the rental bikes were VERY uncomfortable. We had a blast.
2) Main Street, Mackinac island: We walked around, tried some fudge, ate lunch, tried some fudge, walked some more, tried some fudge, had a beer, shopped and bought LOTS of fudge. Did I mention that we tried some fudge...
3) Lake Michigan: Being an ocean girl I was actually impressed with Lake Michigan. I love hearing waves crash against the shore and rocks and I thought for sure that I would have to go to the ocean to hear and see those sounds and I was wrong. I was in awe of the Lake. It was awesome to see the waves, listen and watch them crash, stick my feet in the water and avoid the seagulls.
4) The White Chicken Chili at the Minerva Restaurant at the Park Place hotel in Traverse City, Michigan: No seriously, this was hands down one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten. It was incredible. We arrived a little after 7:30pm in Traverse City and were tired from our bike ride so we thought we would eat at the restaurant in the hotel. Not only were bottles of wine 1/2 off but the food was good and the chicken chili was AMAZING!!! We are here for a few more days and I plan on eating that at least 1 more time.
5)The vacation: I know this sounds weird but this is the first vacation in a few years that we haven't brought a lot of emotional baggage with us. In 2006, we went to CA and were hoping to find out that we were pregnant after our already decided last round of fertility treatments. Well, we weren't pregnant so we decided to move forward with our adoption plan and grieve the loss of not having a child of our own biologically anyway. Last year, we again went to CA on a spontaneous trip after we lost the twins we were hoping to adopt domestically. It was on this trip that we agreed to move forward with an international adoption. So for the last few years our vacations came with some emotional baggage, but not this year. We are on a clear path to a family and couldn't be happier so we can actually relax and enjoy.
Well it is late here in the eastern time zone so off to bed and then the Cherry Festival were I have already discovered that I love ALMOND BUTTER! Pictures to come later!
1) Mackinac Island Bike tour: We took an 8 mile bike ride around all of Mackinac Island Michigan. Yes, we actually biked the whole 8.2 miles around the island. We stopped to hike up to Arch Rock and then three more times to take video,photos, etc and to rest our butts as the bike seats on the rental bikes were VERY uncomfortable. We had a blast.
2) Main Street, Mackinac island: We walked around, tried some fudge, ate lunch, tried some fudge, walked some more, tried some fudge, had a beer, shopped and bought LOTS of fudge. Did I mention that we tried some fudge...
3) Lake Michigan: Being an ocean girl I was actually impressed with Lake Michigan. I love hearing waves crash against the shore and rocks and I thought for sure that I would have to go to the ocean to hear and see those sounds and I was wrong. I was in awe of the Lake. It was awesome to see the waves, listen and watch them crash, stick my feet in the water and avoid the seagulls.
4) The White Chicken Chili at the Minerva Restaurant at the Park Place hotel in Traverse City, Michigan: No seriously, this was hands down one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten. It was incredible. We arrived a little after 7:30pm in Traverse City and were tired from our bike ride so we thought we would eat at the restaurant in the hotel. Not only were bottles of wine 1/2 off but the food was good and the chicken chili was AMAZING!!! We are here for a few more days and I plan on eating that at least 1 more time.
5)The vacation: I know this sounds weird but this is the first vacation in a few years that we haven't brought a lot of emotional baggage with us. In 2006, we went to CA and were hoping to find out that we were pregnant after our already decided last round of fertility treatments. Well, we weren't pregnant so we decided to move forward with our adoption plan and grieve the loss of not having a child of our own biologically anyway. Last year, we again went to CA on a spontaneous trip after we lost the twins we were hoping to adopt domestically. It was on this trip that we agreed to move forward with an international adoption. So for the last few years our vacations came with some emotional baggage, but not this year. We are on a clear path to a family and couldn't be happier so we can actually relax and enjoy.
Well it is late here in the eastern time zone so off to bed and then the Cherry Festival were I have already discovered that I love ALMOND BUTTER! Pictures to come later!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Road Trip
Tomorrow we are off on our summer road trip. We are heading for Mackinac Island and Traverse City Michigan. I have never been to Michigan unless you count the Detroit airport but I don't think that really counts. I am excited to g some place new.
I have only been on 2 road trips in my life. One was in college to visit my roommate in Portland, Oregon. So my friend and I drove for twelve hours or so and it was less than fun. In fact at times it was miserable because we took her car and it was a stick shift and I don't drive a stick shift.
My second road trip came when we moved from California to Wisconsin. It was me, my hubby and our dog Sebastian. We had to plan out ahead where we would stop because of Sebastian. We had to make sure that we found dog friendly hotels along the way. We were told to check out www.petswelcome.com and it was awesome. We could look up cities and then pet friendly accommodations in those cities. Because we had Sebastian, it took us a little longer than it should have but we wanted to stop and see things on the way.
We stopped in Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, and Minnesota. We went to Rocky Mountain National Park and we got to walk around at the Mormon temple in Salt Lake City. They let us bring Sebastian inside the grounds but I had to carry him. Unfortunately at Rocky Mountain National Park, we weren't allowed to let him out of the car so we just drove around.
This will be my third road and this time it is just me and the husband. I am excited and hope I don't get too bored in the car. I bought snacks for the road and am trying to get packed. I still have to get the dogs packed up for their mini vacation at the vets office. They will be well taken care of but we will miss them for sure. I am hoping to blog some while gone and will try and post some pics too.
In adoption news: Some of my forum family received word today that they made it through court. YEAH!! Now we just need to see some birth certificates and travel dates.
I have only been on 2 road trips in my life. One was in college to visit my roommate in Portland, Oregon. So my friend and I drove for twelve hours or so and it was less than fun. In fact at times it was miserable because we took her car and it was a stick shift and I don't drive a stick shift.
My second road trip came when we moved from California to Wisconsin. It was me, my hubby and our dog Sebastian. We had to plan out ahead where we would stop because of Sebastian. We had to make sure that we found dog friendly hotels along the way. We were told to check out www.petswelcome.com and it was awesome. We could look up cities and then pet friendly accommodations in those cities. Because we had Sebastian, it took us a little longer than it should have but we wanted to stop and see things on the way.
We stopped in Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, and Minnesota. We went to Rocky Mountain National Park and we got to walk around at the Mormon temple in Salt Lake City. They let us bring Sebastian inside the grounds but I had to carry him. Unfortunately at Rocky Mountain National Park, we weren't allowed to let him out of the car so we just drove around.
This will be my third road and this time it is just me and the husband. I am excited and hope I don't get too bored in the car. I bought snacks for the road and am trying to get packed. I still have to get the dogs packed up for their mini vacation at the vets office. They will be well taken care of but we will miss them for sure. I am hoping to blog some while gone and will try and post some pics too.
In adoption news: Some of my forum family received word today that they made it through court. YEAH!! Now we just need to see some birth certificates and travel dates.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Crazy weekend
Sorry I have been gone for a few days but with the holiday weekend things were a little nuts. It started on Friday with the 4th. After I got home from work, we packed up the dogs and headed to the lake (Wisconsin). We cooked out with the family and went out on the boat and then anchored the boat to watch fireworks. It was really fun.
We spent the night on Friday up there and then headed back home on Saturday but only for a little while as we were headed to Summerfest in Milwaukee. We left home about 2pm for Milwaukee and by 4pm were had parked the car and were heading in. Our goal was to enjoy some music, food and beer. We also wanted to catch Cheap Trick who was scheduled to go on at 10pm. So we ate lots of yummy food. I had Cajun food and Dave went for Greek and then we split some Chinese food. And of course we sampled lots of local beers. By 8pm we headed to the stage to catch Cheap Trick and boy are we glad we did. It was packed! We wound up sitting with some really nice people from Texas that were around our age. They had a couple of spaces at the end of their table and were gracious enough to allow us to join them.
We have seen Cheap Trick 5 times now and every time they have been amazing. It was fun to be with other fans singing and dancing. In order for little old me to see anything I along with a lot of others wound up standing on the table.
We thought for sure we were going to get stuck in the parking lot for hours as we have in the past. We didn't though we got right out and were on our way until.... we got to Johnson Creek area. Then we came to a complete stop. I mean we turned off the car stopped along with the miles of other cars. There was a car accident ahead that was pretty terrible. There were 2 Med Flight helicopters that arrived at the scene. It was pretty scary. We couldn't really see anything but we were totally stuck there. We hoped and prayed that the parties involved would be ok and thankfully it appears that they will be. I slept in the car but made the mistake of rolling the window down a little and now I have a mosquito bite and I really had to use the bathroom. So I "practiced" my technique for when we travel to Hossana. Not my finest moment but a necessity all the same. Well we left Milwaukee at about 11:30pm and we arrived home about 2:30am and it should have only taken us about an hour. Long night for sure.
Then today, we headed back to Milwaukee to watch the Brewers sweep the Pittsburgh Pirates. I watched my favorite Brewer, JJ Hardy hit 2 home runs and I got a little sun burned but it was a fun game all the same. I am thoroughly exhausted and I have to work tomorrow and then we leave Tuesday for vacation!
We spent the night on Friday up there and then headed back home on Saturday but only for a little while as we were headed to Summerfest in Milwaukee. We left home about 2pm for Milwaukee and by 4pm were had parked the car and were heading in. Our goal was to enjoy some music, food and beer. We also wanted to catch Cheap Trick who was scheduled to go on at 10pm. So we ate lots of yummy food. I had Cajun food and Dave went for Greek and then we split some Chinese food. And of course we sampled lots of local beers. By 8pm we headed to the stage to catch Cheap Trick and boy are we glad we did. It was packed! We wound up sitting with some really nice people from Texas that were around our age. They had a couple of spaces at the end of their table and were gracious enough to allow us to join them.
We have seen Cheap Trick 5 times now and every time they have been amazing. It was fun to be with other fans singing and dancing. In order for little old me to see anything I along with a lot of others wound up standing on the table.
We thought for sure we were going to get stuck in the parking lot for hours as we have in the past. We didn't though we got right out and were on our way until.... we got to Johnson Creek area. Then we came to a complete stop. I mean we turned off the car stopped along with the miles of other cars. There was a car accident ahead that was pretty terrible. There were 2 Med Flight helicopters that arrived at the scene. It was pretty scary. We couldn't really see anything but we were totally stuck there. We hoped and prayed that the parties involved would be ok and thankfully it appears that they will be. I slept in the car but made the mistake of rolling the window down a little and now I have a mosquito bite and I really had to use the bathroom. So I "practiced" my technique for when we travel to Hossana. Not my finest moment but a necessity all the same. Well we left Milwaukee at about 11:30pm and we arrived home about 2:30am and it should have only taken us about an hour. Long night for sure.
Then today, we headed back to Milwaukee to watch the Brewers sweep the Pittsburgh Pirates. I watched my favorite Brewer, JJ Hardy hit 2 home runs and I got a little sun burned but it was a fun game all the same. I am thoroughly exhausted and I have to work tomorrow and then we leave Tuesday for vacation!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
American Soldier
Today in honor of the 4th of July, I have chosen for my weekly song, "American Soldier" by Toby Keith. I have had family in the military and have friends whose husbands were in Iraq and were blessed to come home and I have another friend whose husband has to go back. So to honor all of the men and women who fight for our freedom, this one is for you. I couldn't be the modern woman I am with out them. They keep this country safe and fight to protect us and our freedom. May all those who in the military or part of a military family find peace in their hearts and know that this family honors, respects and admires you. There is a personal update after the lyrics.
"American Soldier"
I'm just trying to be a father,
Raise a daughter and a son,
Be a lover to their mother,
Everything to everyone.
Up and at 'em bright and early,
I'm all business in my suit,
Yeah, I'm dressed for success from my head down to my boots,
I don't do it for money, there's still bills that I can't pay,
I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway,
Providing for our future's my responsibility,
Yeah I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be,
And I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekends been to strong,
I just work straight through the holidays,
And sometimes all night long.
You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door
Hey, I'm solid, hey I'm steady, hey I'm true down to the core,
And I will always do my duty, no matter what the price,
I've counted up the cost,
I know the sacrifice,
Oh, and I don't want to die for you,
But if dying's asked of me,
I'll bear that cross with an honor,
'Cause freedom don't come free.
I'm an American soldier, an American,
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand,
When liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right,
I'm out here on the front lines, so sleep in peace tonight.
American soldier, I'm an American,
An American,
An American Soldier
Update: Well, I have touched base with my friend and she is in fact moving. She is moving to St. Louis. It is a great opportunity for her and her family but selfishly, I am bummed that she is leaving. I wish her all the best and will work hard to make sure we stay in touch. Happy 4th of July everyone.
"American Soldier"
I'm just trying to be a father,
Raise a daughter and a son,
Be a lover to their mother,
Everything to everyone.
Up and at 'em bright and early,
I'm all business in my suit,
Yeah, I'm dressed for success from my head down to my boots,
I don't do it for money, there's still bills that I can't pay,
I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway,
Providing for our future's my responsibility,
Yeah I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be,
And I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekends been to strong,
I just work straight through the holidays,
And sometimes all night long.
You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door
Hey, I'm solid, hey I'm steady, hey I'm true down to the core,
And I will always do my duty, no matter what the price,
I've counted up the cost,
I know the sacrifice,
Oh, and I don't want to die for you,
But if dying's asked of me,
I'll bear that cross with an honor,
'Cause freedom don't come free.
I'm an American soldier, an American,
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand,
When liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right,
I'm out here on the front lines, so sleep in peace tonight.
American soldier, I'm an American,
An American,
An American Soldier
Update: Well, I have touched base with my friend and she is in fact moving. She is moving to St. Louis. It is a great opportunity for her and her family but selfishly, I am bummed that she is leaving. I wish her all the best and will work hard to make sure we stay in touch. Happy 4th of July everyone.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Change in my blog
So if you have speakers you may have noticed that I have added music to my blog. There are 10 songs that have touched my soul on my mini- Ipod. Everything from a Celine Dion song to a couple of Rascal Flatts songs or some Garth Brooks and one of my all time favorites, Josh Groban. If you don't like them you can turn the volume down or there is a pause button that will stop it from playing.
I chose these 10 songs because when I listen to music, I listen to the lyrics. Lyrics mean a lot to me and these particular songs have tremendous meaning for me personally so I have decided to share them with you.
Please enjoy.
In other news, I am having some mixed emotions today. I saw a for sale sign on one of my friends' houses and I am so upset. She and I are neighbors and we just get each other. We have only know each other for a few years and I really hope she isn't moving far away. I don't want to pry because she is a private person and I want to respect that. I know she will tell me what is going on when she is ready. So I am sad at the possible moving of a close friend and confused as to why now and hopeful that she still stays in the area.
Adoption wise, we have had confirmation that there probably won't be any referrals this week for sure. We are all hopeful that we start seeing some come the middle of July or end of July. We know that these families won't make it through court before it closes but they would be blessed with a picture of their child to get them through the summer.
Lastly, I will be on vacation next week but will try and keep up the blog as best I can but may not be as frequent.
I chose these 10 songs because when I listen to music, I listen to the lyrics. Lyrics mean a lot to me and these particular songs have tremendous meaning for me personally so I have decided to share them with you.
Please enjoy.
In other news, I am having some mixed emotions today. I saw a for sale sign on one of my friends' houses and I am so upset. She and I are neighbors and we just get each other. We have only know each other for a few years and I really hope she isn't moving far away. I don't want to pry because she is a private person and I want to respect that. I know she will tell me what is going on when she is ready. So I am sad at the possible moving of a close friend and confused as to why now and hopeful that she still stays in the area.
Adoption wise, we have had confirmation that there probably won't be any referrals this week for sure. We are all hopeful that we start seeing some come the middle of July or end of July. We know that these families won't make it through court before it closes but they would be blessed with a picture of their child to get them through the summer.
Lastly, I will be on vacation next week but will try and keep up the blog as best I can but may not be as frequent.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
What a wonderful day...
Today, when I got up I thought I wasn't going to have a very good day. Normally, Tuesday's are my day off but I had to work today and I didn't get nearly enough sleep last night. So alarm goes off at 4:30am and I hit snooze a few times and off to work I go (no worries, I did shower).
Well, I get to work and check my email and I have an email from my bestest friend. She had sent me an e-card. I didn't have time to check it then but it brought a smile to my face. I thought, just maybe today wouldn't be so bad.
I then signed in to check my message boards. (I did stop and do actual work to, this is the abridged version as work stuff is boring). Well, a truly amazing woman and mom that I have never met, sponsored a giveaway for this totally adorable onesie. All we had to do was enter by June 30th and say what one of our wishes was for our little one. I figured why not enter, I would love to see what everyone wishes for. My wish was that our little one knows how much they are loved here in the US and in Ethiopia. Well, according to the random drawing, I won.I was shocked and super happy. I can't wait to put this one my baby!
Thanks super mom out west. I hope someday my little one can say thanks to you for being so incredibly generous.
Okay ,back to work. No wait, I want to see the e-card. So I go back to me email and click the link. Have I told you that I have an amazing best friend? Well, she is fabulous. She wrote me the sweetest little note. It brought tears to my eyes. I so wish we didn't live 2000 miles away from each other. I miss her like crazy. I know she is always a phone call or email away but sometimes I just wish we could go grab coffee like we used to or eat chips and salsa or make lasagna. I could go on but I might cry. We have been friends for so long, I don't know what I would do without her. We have both hit bumpy roads in our life (I mean who hasn't between the ages of 14-32??) but we have always been there for each other.
I usually get to see her about 1 time per year when we travel for vacation to California aka my home sweet home. This year though, we can't go. We are saving money and vacation days for our trip to Ethiopia. We are going to Michigan but we can drive there. I know that she understands and is super happy for us but it still stinks. I want to see her and hug my adorable little nieces. They are getting so big and have always been cute but I miss their sweet little faces.
So as you can see my what I thought would be terrible day turned out to be not half bad.
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