'Tis the season for holiday cards- but since I am not writing one this year, I figured I should at least put this year down in writing somewhere.
2011 started out like most years- Some friends (and their significant others) took me out for New Years Eve fun. I got kissed on the cheek by both significant others since mine was still overseas, I broke a kitchen lamp with a champagne cork, and we had a wonderful time. I am hoping for as much fun this year- though it will be with less alcohol.
My Hubby came home in time for Medical School "Prom" which made me incredibly happy. He settled into Iowa life fairly quickly and school progressed as planned. I LOVE LOVE LOVE having him home. It is the best thing in the world to wake up and find him there and not have a time delay when talking to him. I will trade my "clean" house for his boy cooties any day of the week and be getting the better end of the bargain. I will spare you all the lovey-dovey-ness, but I love that man more everyday and I am SOOOO glad to have him home.
All was going as planned and then I failed Neuro. That was pretty much the big game changer for the year- it disrupted all our plans for a while, but I am hoping that it turns out to be a blessing in disguise. Insert cliche about a silver lining, sunny side of street, etc here. It has provided some interesting opportunities though.
During the summer I did some traveling. I went with 3 amazing medical school friends to Florida and we hung out on the #1 beach in the world for 2011 for a weekend. It was a amazing- we spent all day in the water hunting for sand dollars and then screamed like tweens at a boy band concert when we saw wild dolphins. We ate well, drank well, burned into well done, and even had a hospital visit (turned out fine).
Hubby and I then went to the Dominican Republic for 10 days with a friend from Canada. It was an all-inclusive place, with a swim up bar, and fantastic weather. We did a dune-buggy outing into the jungle- complete with cock fight, school visit, horseback riding, and homemade DR lunch- as well as a really fun Booze-cruise tour. The booze cruise started with some animal interactions at the marine park (a fur seal, stingrays and nurse sharks- we unfortunately couldn't touch the nurse sharks since it was mating season, but just swimming above them was pretty cool) and then snorkeling (with blue fish!) and then lots of rum in a quiet bay. It was so much fun to drink anything, eat everything, and dance all the time. I highly recommend the DR for a good time.
When we returned stateside, we went home to Colorado for the 4th and saw family, friends, and all Hubby's military buddies. Those guys crack me up to no end. I shot a 50 caliber hand-cannon (and hit the target dead on), went bar-hopping with all the guys, hung out with family and friends, and ate Big City Burrito. It was nice to go home and see everyone.
Since I didn't go back to school in the fall, we started a "boot-camp" workout class. Four times a week with high intensity drills and weights was kicking my butt into shape, until the last week when I started getting really really dizzy anytime my heart rate went up. I was a little concerned since I was trying to join the Military reserves, so we did some tests and it turns out I was pregnant! (Needless to say, the military idea was out.)
Pregnancy has been fun so far- growing a life takes a surprising amount of energy! I am still amazed at how much energy a 3oz life-form needs. We are so incredibly excited for Tater-Tot to arrive at the end of April. He is doing well so far (yes a HE) and the doctors say he is growing nicely and all the tests come back normal :) (Probably the only time this kid will ever be "normal"!) Hubby talks to "Tater" every day and he got to feel him kick:) It is a very strange sensation to have your insides moving around- I can't wait to have this little guy to cuddle with!
I started working at the Starbucks at Target for a seasonal position. I finally hit the second trimester and no longer wanted to sit around the house (there is only so much Netflix a person can handle). It has been a good experience. I made some cash, made some friends, and have had my need to finish school firmly implanted once again. I finish up next week and I am excited to start studying again.
That pretty much wraps up this year. Next year is looking pretty bright- there is an open seat in the class of 2015 (I just need a >80% for neuro and I am in), Tater will be joining the world, Hubby has some good job prospects in the works, my sister may come out to live in Iowa land (keep your fingers crossed! I want a free baby-sitter!), and life is looking good.
I wish you all a wonderful New Year and I pray and hope that your lives are blessed with happiness and opportunities (the obviously good kind- not the silver lining kind). Happy Holidays!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Fall
I love the Fall.
Fall makes me feel hopeful and full of life. Something about the way fall smells, the way the light comes in, the activity, makes me feel alive and wonderful. I love the crisp smell of cooler temps and changing plants, and the way the sun slants in more orange and yellow during the afternoon. I love the cool breezes and the sounds the trees make as they prepare to sleep. I love the buzz of activity around fall- the football, the schools starting, hearing the band, the apples and pumpkins in a frenzied growth. I love the food and the celebrations. I love getting to wear jeans and sweatshirts and sleeping under covers, but it still being warm enough to play outside. I love the spurts of warm days, summer trying to get out all its sun before going to rest, and the days where it is cold and rainy- winter practicing before the frost comes.
I am also ready to be back in school. The break was nice- sleeping and low stress was nice, but now I am ready to be active again, to do things again. Unfortunately, I have another 6 months before I get to try again. I thought about taking classes at the local community college this fall, but my heart just wasn't in it. I didn't want to take Finance 101 just because I need something to do. I wish I could just fast forward to May and see what the future has in store. I have a lingering fear that I will fail again (though that would take some trying on my part), but I still want things to be settled.
I know I have some life changes coming up, I wish I felt more prepared for most of them. My 25th year of life is a year of waiting for the changes to take place. A year of being a chrysalis. Being a chrysalis takes a surprising amount of stamina and optimism- waiting out the changes and being hopeful that you made the right decisions- knowing that you have to live with them regardless- but still being excited.
Fall always reminds me of band. I have so many wonderful memories of after school practice in the fall- the sun slipping behind the mountains as we practiced on the parking lot- music, laughter, weird concoctions of Gatorade, sunglasses, movement. I remember football games with hotdogs and chips, being either too hot or too cold, but cheering like we cared. I remember riding home on the bus with Queen playing on the speakers, the pleather seats sticky in the afternoon heat and slippery with the evening cold. I remember tucking our plumes up our sleeves and watching the freshmen try to figure out how their "plumes were untied". I remember Dinkles shoes and lounging in the band hallway in the afternoon sun. I remember mornings in the gray sun in that hallway, and the smell of paper and books. I remember hating some days, but knowing that I would always come back. I only really remember the good things now- even the bad things are remembered as a growth. There are still things that make me angry, sad, and uncomfortable, but even those provided a growing experience. I remember feeling that I could accomplish anything and that things were easy. Fall always makes me feel that way again.
Fall makes me feel hopeful and full of life. Something about the way fall smells, the way the light comes in, the activity, makes me feel alive and wonderful. I love the crisp smell of cooler temps and changing plants, and the way the sun slants in more orange and yellow during the afternoon. I love the cool breezes and the sounds the trees make as they prepare to sleep. I love the buzz of activity around fall- the football, the schools starting, hearing the band, the apples and pumpkins in a frenzied growth. I love the food and the celebrations. I love getting to wear jeans and sweatshirts and sleeping under covers, but it still being warm enough to play outside. I love the spurts of warm days, summer trying to get out all its sun before going to rest, and the days where it is cold and rainy- winter practicing before the frost comes.
I am also ready to be back in school. The break was nice- sleeping and low stress was nice, but now I am ready to be active again, to do things again. Unfortunately, I have another 6 months before I get to try again. I thought about taking classes at the local community college this fall, but my heart just wasn't in it. I didn't want to take Finance 101 just because I need something to do. I wish I could just fast forward to May and see what the future has in store. I have a lingering fear that I will fail again (though that would take some trying on my part), but I still want things to be settled.
I know I have some life changes coming up, I wish I felt more prepared for most of them. My 25th year of life is a year of waiting for the changes to take place. A year of being a chrysalis. Being a chrysalis takes a surprising amount of stamina and optimism- waiting out the changes and being hopeful that you made the right decisions- knowing that you have to live with them regardless- but still being excited.
Fall always reminds me of band. I have so many wonderful memories of after school practice in the fall- the sun slipping behind the mountains as we practiced on the parking lot- music, laughter, weird concoctions of Gatorade, sunglasses, movement. I remember football games with hotdogs and chips, being either too hot or too cold, but cheering like we cared. I remember riding home on the bus with Queen playing on the speakers, the pleather seats sticky in the afternoon heat and slippery with the evening cold. I remember tucking our plumes up our sleeves and watching the freshmen try to figure out how their "plumes were untied". I remember Dinkles shoes and lounging in the band hallway in the afternoon sun. I remember mornings in the gray sun in that hallway, and the smell of paper and books. I remember hating some days, but knowing that I would always come back. I only really remember the good things now- even the bad things are remembered as a growth. There are still things that make me angry, sad, and uncomfortable, but even those provided a growing experience. I remember feeling that I could accomplish anything and that things were easy. Fall always makes me feel that way again.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Too Damn Hot
Last night at midnight the heat index was almost 100 degrees. Right now, it is indexed at 117 (97 with 54% humidity). I woke up at 6 am this morning, thinking maybe it would be more comfortable, but it was still a heat index of over 90 (82 degrees and 82%).
I have wanted to go running for the past week, but it is so hot outside that just looking outside makes me get uncomfortable. I know that there are still people who are out running in that, but I feel so miserable being that hot that it stops being fun, and the whole point of running for me is stress relief. (Getting in shape is just an awesome benefit.) I want to get in shape- but since I haven't run since I went on vacation, I am out of shape again, and the heat just makes it worse. I miss Colorado summer- the dry heat that disappears as soon as the sun sets. It stays hot all night long- it doesn't drop below 80 most nights. I wish there was a local lap pool to go swim at, but the closest is the Y and that is not walking distance. I don't really understand why Des Moines doesn't have any pools considering how hot it is here...
I can't wait for the cooler days to start, I miss being in school to have something to do, and I don't know what to do with myself most days. I spend a lot of time reading, and I have started drawing again. I have some ideas for some classes this fall at the local community college, but it is hard getting excited for something that really doesn't seem like it will make a difference. I am just treading water until I can get started again. I hate that.
I swear I didn't pray for patience...
I have wanted to go running for the past week, but it is so hot outside that just looking outside makes me get uncomfortable. I know that there are still people who are out running in that, but I feel so miserable being that hot that it stops being fun, and the whole point of running for me is stress relief. (Getting in shape is just an awesome benefit.) I want to get in shape- but since I haven't run since I went on vacation, I am out of shape again, and the heat just makes it worse. I miss Colorado summer- the dry heat that disappears as soon as the sun sets. It stays hot all night long- it doesn't drop below 80 most nights. I wish there was a local lap pool to go swim at, but the closest is the Y and that is not walking distance. I don't really understand why Des Moines doesn't have any pools considering how hot it is here...
I can't wait for the cooler days to start, I miss being in school to have something to do, and I don't know what to do with myself most days. I spend a lot of time reading, and I have started drawing again. I have some ideas for some classes this fall at the local community college, but it is hard getting excited for something that really doesn't seem like it will make a difference. I am just treading water until I can get started again. I hate that.
I swear I didn't pray for patience...
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Life Lessons Suck
Sometimes you have to touch the stove to know that it is hot and will burn you.
I failed Neuroanatomy and as a result was academically dismissed- and cannot rejoin the class of 2014. It is a two credit course (of course the shortest one of the year) I am not entirely sure how or why I failed it. I have enough excuses- Sean being home, a different kind of studying, weather, medications, death of my dog, traveling, and other random excuses- but the fact is that I failed. I didn't do what was necessary and I slacked off and didn't take it seriously.
So, what does this mean?
I appealed the decision, and as a result I have to retake the class in the spring, pass with >80%, and then I can rejoin the class of 2015 (as long as space is available). This means I have a year off of school, my loans come due, and I have to find something to do until next year. I know that I can do this. I can pass this class, or I literally will die trying, and there is always someone who decides not to continue so I will have a spot. The hard part for me is going to be the finding something that will keep my brain in school mode, somehow pay or delay the loans, and keep myself busy.
I hate failing. It is one of my fears in life- that I will fail. I hate the shame that comes along with it- having to tell my friends and family that I failed, that I am not as smart as I seem, that I didn't live up to my potential kills me on the inside. I think I hate the shame and embarrassment of failing more than the actual failing.
I am mad at myself for allowing this to happen. I am putting this up on my blog so that it is there for the world to see and to help me overcome my embarrassment at not being perfect. This is something that I am going to have to explain a lot in my life and I might as well start now. I would rather be open and honest and tell everyone then leave it bottled up inside to fester and infect my spirit. The more used to telling people about this I get, the easier it will be in the future.
I am trying to look at this positively- I know that God only puts obstacles in our paths that we can overcome and I thoroughly believe that everything happens for a reason- even if we never find out what that reason was. I am determined to look at this as a growth experience and an opportunity to learn something. I know that this will make me more intent of my studies when they resume and that this may be a blessing in disguise. I just wish that God had decided to make the lesson a little less harsh to learn. I hate feeling stupid and I hate being in limbo land waiting for something to happen.
I know I am smart enough to do this, and that it is still something that I want to do. I will get through it, and hopefully this will turn out to be the opportunity of a lifetime. I am searching for that silver-lining.
Appropriate cliches:
-When you kick down an ant hill, they build it up stronger
-Try, Try, Try again
-You made your bed, now you have to sleep in it
-Thomas Edison had 1000 failures and only one success, but that is why we have the light-bulb
- Failures are pivotal moments that force you to take a different path - a path to a better place
-“Failure doesn’t mean you are a failure…it just means you haven’t succeeded yet,”
-“if you’re not failing, you’re not trying. You learn how the world works when you fail.
-Get back up on that horse after it kicks you off
- If it was easy, everyone would do it
-Light at the end of the tunnel
- Almost any sports analogy
I failed Neuroanatomy and as a result was academically dismissed- and cannot rejoin the class of 2014. It is a two credit course (of course the shortest one of the year) I am not entirely sure how or why I failed it. I have enough excuses- Sean being home, a different kind of studying, weather, medications, death of my dog, traveling, and other random excuses- but the fact is that I failed. I didn't do what was necessary and I slacked off and didn't take it seriously.
So, what does this mean?
I appealed the decision, and as a result I have to retake the class in the spring, pass with >80%, and then I can rejoin the class of 2015 (as long as space is available). This means I have a year off of school, my loans come due, and I have to find something to do until next year. I know that I can do this. I can pass this class, or I literally will die trying, and there is always someone who decides not to continue so I will have a spot. The hard part for me is going to be the finding something that will keep my brain in school mode, somehow pay or delay the loans, and keep myself busy.
I hate failing. It is one of my fears in life- that I will fail. I hate the shame that comes along with it- having to tell my friends and family that I failed, that I am not as smart as I seem, that I didn't live up to my potential kills me on the inside. I think I hate the shame and embarrassment of failing more than the actual failing.
I am mad at myself for allowing this to happen. I am putting this up on my blog so that it is there for the world to see and to help me overcome my embarrassment at not being perfect. This is something that I am going to have to explain a lot in my life and I might as well start now. I would rather be open and honest and tell everyone then leave it bottled up inside to fester and infect my spirit. The more used to telling people about this I get, the easier it will be in the future.
I am trying to look at this positively- I know that God only puts obstacles in our paths that we can overcome and I thoroughly believe that everything happens for a reason- even if we never find out what that reason was. I am determined to look at this as a growth experience and an opportunity to learn something. I know that this will make me more intent of my studies when they resume and that this may be a blessing in disguise. I just wish that God had decided to make the lesson a little less harsh to learn. I hate feeling stupid and I hate being in limbo land waiting for something to happen.
I know I am smart enough to do this, and that it is still something that I want to do. I will get through it, and hopefully this will turn out to be the opportunity of a lifetime. I am searching for that silver-lining.
Appropriate cliches:
-When you kick down an ant hill, they build it up stronger
-Try, Try, Try again
-You made your bed, now you have to sleep in it
-Thomas Edison had 1000 failures and only one success, but that is why we have the light-bulb
- Failures are pivotal moments that force you to take a different path - a path to a better place
-“Failure doesn’t mean you are a failure…it just means you haven’t succeeded yet,”
-“if you’re not failing, you’re not trying. You learn how the world works when you fail.
-Get back up on that horse after it kicks you off
- If it was easy, everyone would do it
-Light at the end of the tunnel
- Almost any sports analogy
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Summer....
Well, first year is finished.
I am pretty much done with my first year of medical school which blows my mind. I can't believe that one year ago, I was getting ready to move out of Colorado and to this crazy place called Iowa to go learn how to take care of feet.
So much has changed and yet stayed the same.
I made some amazing friends this year- it seems strange to think that one year ago I didn't know any of the people who I now am in constant contact. I feel as though I have known them for years, though I suppose if you break down the credits this year it was more like 2 years of school crammed into one. From randomly sitting down at a picnic table because they looked friendly, to early morning coffee, to study sessions, to ski trips, to tests, to Florida, and all the dinners, I would have been a basket case without them. (Not that I am not already a basket case- I would just be a BIGGER basket case)
My handsome husband came home in February. It has been so wonderful to have him home. As I am writing this, he is sleeping in the other room and it seems as though he never left- that last year was just this odd dream and I woke up and found him right where he is supposed to be. I hated having him so far away, but in hindsight, it was the perfect timing as school kept me busy enough that I didn't have time to do anything else.
I started running this year. Me, who was the slowest person on the track team (I only really joined because of a crush and a friend convinced me to try it) actually enjoys running now. I am still ridiculously slow, but I am working on distance now instead of speed. I will never win any races or win any competitions, but I can now earn the $50 race t-shirt and get in shape. I am currently working on a half marathon with the goal to do a full. Where I used to hate running I am finding myself- it is time that I don't have to think, be or do- time where nothing but moving matters. Stress powers my legs in ways unrequited crushes never could. I am currently up to 8 miles- it takes almost 2 hours (yes I realize people walk faster than that) but I enjoy it. I have lost 10 lbs doing it, so I am back to my sophomore year of college weight, but in way better shape than I have been for a long time. (I can run a mile in 9 minutes easily now- my fastest time in high school was 9:30)
School is school. You learn, cram, recite, cram, and then try desperately to remember again. It sticks better if you have heard it once (a big thank you to my AP bio teacher- that stuff STILL comes in handy). I am really enjoying learning all this stuff, though I am ready to get out of the books and actually learn stuff that is useful. They say that it gets better after first year- and to be honest, it wasn't as awful as I imagined it could be. (Don't get me wrong- there were days where I banged my head against the table, drank WAY too much caffeine, and gave serious thought to joining the circus) A big part of why I didn't go batty (er) was that I was with people who took it seriously, but also enjoyed life. The best advice I got was a lecturer who said he was on the bottom of the class "because someone has to hold up the top half" and yet he still got a great residency, had a family, and is successful. The difference between the A and the B isn't worth my sanity or missing out on my friends and family.
A random enough entry- a nice collection of my thoughts this evening. Perhaps I may keep this up this summer, or try to. I feel a need to describe Iowa- but that is best left for another day.
I am pretty much done with my first year of medical school which blows my mind. I can't believe that one year ago, I was getting ready to move out of Colorado and to this crazy place called Iowa to go learn how to take care of feet.
So much has changed and yet stayed the same.
I made some amazing friends this year- it seems strange to think that one year ago I didn't know any of the people who I now am in constant contact. I feel as though I have known them for years, though I suppose if you break down the credits this year it was more like 2 years of school crammed into one. From randomly sitting down at a picnic table because they looked friendly, to early morning coffee, to study sessions, to ski trips, to tests, to Florida, and all the dinners, I would have been a basket case without them. (Not that I am not already a basket case- I would just be a BIGGER basket case)
My handsome husband came home in February. It has been so wonderful to have him home. As I am writing this, he is sleeping in the other room and it seems as though he never left- that last year was just this odd dream and I woke up and found him right where he is supposed to be. I hated having him so far away, but in hindsight, it was the perfect timing as school kept me busy enough that I didn't have time to do anything else.
I started running this year. Me, who was the slowest person on the track team (I only really joined because of a crush and a friend convinced me to try it) actually enjoys running now. I am still ridiculously slow, but I am working on distance now instead of speed. I will never win any races or win any competitions, but I can now earn the $50 race t-shirt and get in shape. I am currently working on a half marathon with the goal to do a full. Where I used to hate running I am finding myself- it is time that I don't have to think, be or do- time where nothing but moving matters. Stress powers my legs in ways unrequited crushes never could. I am currently up to 8 miles- it takes almost 2 hours (yes I realize people walk faster than that) but I enjoy it. I have lost 10 lbs doing it, so I am back to my sophomore year of college weight, but in way better shape than I have been for a long time. (I can run a mile in 9 minutes easily now- my fastest time in high school was 9:30)
School is school. You learn, cram, recite, cram, and then try desperately to remember again. It sticks better if you have heard it once (a big thank you to my AP bio teacher- that stuff STILL comes in handy). I am really enjoying learning all this stuff, though I am ready to get out of the books and actually learn stuff that is useful. They say that it gets better after first year- and to be honest, it wasn't as awful as I imagined it could be. (Don't get me wrong- there were days where I banged my head against the table, drank WAY too much caffeine, and gave serious thought to joining the circus) A big part of why I didn't go batty (er) was that I was with people who took it seriously, but also enjoyed life. The best advice I got was a lecturer who said he was on the bottom of the class "because someone has to hold up the top half" and yet he still got a great residency, had a family, and is successful. The difference between the A and the B isn't worth my sanity or missing out on my friends and family.
A random enough entry- a nice collection of my thoughts this evening. Perhaps I may keep this up this summer, or try to. I feel a need to describe Iowa- but that is best left for another day.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Medical School is Hard
Medical school is hard. The material itself hasn't been too terribly challenging (I mean, I understand most of it) what is killing me is the volume. I had a test 2 weeks in on stuff that took us 4 months to get through in undergrad. Each test is the equivalent of a final exam. The details, and the massive amount of memorization are the hardest part.
I have been having some crisis of faith the past couple of days. I realized I will graduate and be done with residency when I am 31 years old. That seems so old to me- I still view myself as the 19 year old kid- and 31 (while still young in the grand scheme of things) is suddenly a lot closer than I thought it was. I want to have kids sometime in the near future, and the timing is difficult to plan with school and residency. I know that this is where I am supposed to be- things fell into place so easily and perfectly for it not to be the right place- I am just afraid that life will be different than what I imagined. I didn't really understand what I was signing up for when I got into this. It is exciting and scary and totally overwhelming. I set out thinking that this would be a great challenge and I am discovering the mountain I picked is a lot taller up close.
I do enjoy it though- I am loving going to school and studying with friends. I have made some really good friends here and I am enjoying it. The stress is pretty constant, but I am learning how to deal with it and I know it is making me stronger. (Though the gray hairs are multiplying). I am motivated by the fact that so many doctors tell me that the first year is the worst and once I get through it, the school part is great. It keeps me motivated when I look forward at the nightmare barrage of tests in October. Oy.
Biochem test 3 on Monday and our first anatomy exam on Friday. At least amino acids just help the TCA cycle (my dreaded nemesis) so they aren't the bane of my existence (just friends with it). The brachial plexus is evil and nerves really should just innervate everything and not specific things. That would make life easier. :D (yeah yeah I know they are important)
Hopefully, I can pull these off- time to stop procrastinating and work on my study guides and flash cards.... If only I could get my notes a news feed on Facebook- then I would learn something every time I checked it.... I would know my notes in no time!
I have been having some crisis of faith the past couple of days. I realized I will graduate and be done with residency when I am 31 years old. That seems so old to me- I still view myself as the 19 year old kid- and 31 (while still young in the grand scheme of things) is suddenly a lot closer than I thought it was. I want to have kids sometime in the near future, and the timing is difficult to plan with school and residency. I know that this is where I am supposed to be- things fell into place so easily and perfectly for it not to be the right place- I am just afraid that life will be different than what I imagined. I didn't really understand what I was signing up for when I got into this. It is exciting and scary and totally overwhelming. I set out thinking that this would be a great challenge and I am discovering the mountain I picked is a lot taller up close.
I do enjoy it though- I am loving going to school and studying with friends. I have made some really good friends here and I am enjoying it. The stress is pretty constant, but I am learning how to deal with it and I know it is making me stronger. (Though the gray hairs are multiplying). I am motivated by the fact that so many doctors tell me that the first year is the worst and once I get through it, the school part is great. It keeps me motivated when I look forward at the nightmare barrage of tests in October. Oy.
Biochem test 3 on Monday and our first anatomy exam on Friday. At least amino acids just help the TCA cycle (my dreaded nemesis) so they aren't the bane of my existence (just friends with it). The brachial plexus is evil and nerves really should just innervate everything and not specific things. That would make life easier. :D (yeah yeah I know they are important)
Hopefully, I can pull these off- time to stop procrastinating and work on my study guides and flash cards.... If only I could get my notes a news feed on Facebook- then I would learn something every time I checked it.... I would know my notes in no time!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
European Honeymoon
First, I love my husband. He has been working so hard and is supporting me through moving, school, and general life transitions; in addition, he had to deal with my first attempt at overseas travel. The important things that I learned: 1. Look at the map before you book a hotel. 2. If you have the option of flying or the train- fly. 3. Stay in one city as much as possible. 4. Europeans don't pee even though they drink wine like water- that is why there are no bathrooms anywhere. 5. Europeans have no idea how to get through security. The reason you have to be there an hour before boarding time (instead of 45 mins in the US) is because they have no clue. 6. Paris drivers are nuts- I am never allowed to drive in Paris.
So here is the trip :D
Paris:
My husband arrived in Paris a day before me, so he stayed at The Kube Hotel. It is ice-cube themed with an ice bar, so everything is square with cold climate accents. He had a blast, so much so that we changed reservations to stay there later in the trip. I arrived the next day, and my wonderful Love met me at the airport. We rode the Roissy (pronounced Waussy) Bus to the Arc de Triomphe Hilton. All the Hiltons that we stayed at were a gift from my dad as he had lots of points to give us :) (Thanks Dad!) The hotel was nice (Orbitz charges around 500 Euro a night), but if you ever go to Paris, there are much nicer hotels for much less. It was all location-not the niceness of the hotel. That night we went to the Arc, and walked the Champs Elysees (and got everything we wanted- Dinner!).
Versailles:
The next day we stayed at the Palace of Triannon in Versailles. It was GORGEOUS. We walked the pleasure gardens of King Louis and walked by the palaces of the King and Marie Antoinette. There is a big man-made lake that we walked around looking at the baby swans (which Husband insisted on calling ugly ducklings...) There was a dog swimming in one of the small ponds- I am pretty sure King Louis was rolling in his grave....
That night we went on a dinner cruise down the Seine. We had a bottle of champagne and wine and took in the sites (The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Statue of Liberty, and more). We were right in the front of the boat, so we had spectacular views of everything.
Barcelona:
We took a plane in the morning to Barcelona. The city is beautiful and the Spanish are more friendly than the French. We stayed at the Hilton near the dock, and had an ocean view room:) We walked around the mall, and I got to speak real Spanish!
Cruise:
This was my favorite part of the trip. It was the best way to see Italy (especially because I don't speak Italian) and everyone on the ship spoke English, I didn't have to worry about food, unpacking, water, or activities.
Monte Carlo, Monaco: We docked with yachts. Multi-billion dollar yachts- Mel Gibson's yacht was there. Then we took the Bateaux Bus (Boat Bus) across the harbor, and walked up to Monte Carlo. We had drinks in the Hotel next to the casino, and then watched them filming "Casino Story" (working title) while we waited for the casino to open. We went in, and payed our 10 Euro to gamble (that is how ritzy this casino is- you have to be dressed up too!) We played black jack and roulette and felt like James Bond! It was awesome. Afterwords, we walked around the city and I looked at the cars. I have never seen so many nice cars ever. And not BMW or Mercedes nice- Lamborghini, Rolls Royce- AMAZING cars. And the even more amazing part- they were dirty because the people there actually drive them. That is true wealth, when you drive your $100,000+ car to run errands and don't mind that it is dirty.
Pisa: Husband took me to see the Leaning Tower and I took a ton of pictures. The buildings are so beautiful and easy to photograph. The white stones and Saints are gorgeous and we of course got the obligatory picture of Husband pushing the tower back up:) There are these amazing trees on the drive there and back- Pine Umbrella Trees. They are very unique looking, and are everywhere. It was a beautiful place. When we got back to the boat, Husband went and played poker. He had gotten third place in the tournament the night before, and was determined to get first. He did- and then cleaned up in a cash game after.
Rome: We took a tour into Rome. (It is a 1 hr 45 min bus ride inland) We saw the Colosseum (SO COOL), the Forum (where Julius was buried at one point), Trevi Fountain (yes I did throw in coins for a wish), and the Vatican. The Vatican was so ornate and stunning it almost made me want to be Catholic. Almost. :D Rome was such a beautiful city- so much to see and do. I was so glad to have a tour guide or I would have been ridiculously lost and I got to learn a ton.
Napoli: We climbed Mt. Vesuvius! They bused us up most of the way, but we climbed up the the top and looked down into the crater. The Valerian was in bloom, so the entire mountain and bus trip had this amazing sweet smell. Vesuvius is the world's most dangerous volcano right now, as it is set to go off any time now. It used to have a vent, but the last big eruption sealed it- which is bad because that means it will explode instead of just lava-ing- and there are 3 million people living near it. We could see the steam coming out of the rocks. Real Italian pizza for lunch and then we went down to Pompeii and walked around a city that is from 79AD. Amazing place- the art in the houses, on the walls, and even the streets was amazing. It was fascinating- and tragic- the people had horrible deaths. It was a beautiful place with so much to learn.
We had all-you-can-eat Sushi that night. Yum! And we went to the "White Hot Party" that night and boogied down because we could sleep in the next day!
Sea Day! This was such a nice relaxing day. We made friends with Amy from Canada (and her parents) and so we hung out with her and relaxed in the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean. Yummy Italian food for dinner, with amazing Tiramisu for dessert.
Palma de Mallorca: This is part of the Balearic Islands (same chain as Ibiza) Amy and her family went with us to the beach. It is apparently a big German tourist destination, so everyone on the beach was speaking German. They had these buckets for sale. For 11 Euro, we got a big bucket, a bottle of coconut rum, orange juice mixer, ice, and straws. We also got one with vodka and lemon-lime mixer for a little more. It got all of us very happy. The boys were enjoying the European "scenery". Amy and I got tattoos. (Don't worry- they were just Henna!) and we all got a little sunburned- but it was a GREAT beach day! It was the perfect way to end the cruise.
Cannes: We took the train from Barcelona to Cannes (14 hours of it). It was a long day, but the countryside of France is beautiful. Tons of grapes, hay, and produce.
We stayed here for 2 nights, and did go to the beach. For being one of the most famous topless beaches- no one was topless. It was beautiful weather though, and we had fun walking around and eating lots of pizza. (I had pizza with smoked salmon on it!)
Paris (again): We took the train back to Paris, and stayed in the Kube. It is a unique place! Fake fur accents (curtains, upholstery, even the elevator!) and a fingerprint based key system so you never forget your key. We went to the ice bar and had vodka drinks. You get a coat and mittens, and then 4 different vodka cocktails and then one of your favorite. The drinks were: Bubblegum (tasted like grape bubble gum), Blueberry, Mint/Basil (my favorite), and Chocolate. I know, why wasn't the chocolate my favorite? It was dark chips with a shot of straight vodka. It was good, but brutal. The mint/basil one had a fresh sweet taste- I could have had that all night! Then we stayed at the Charles de Gaulle Hilton. We stayed in and just enjoyed our last two days together. We got room service (fun!). We also had the best meal of the trip. We went to a restaurant called "The Place". OH YUM. I had escargot (mmmmm) and Husband got a artichoke salad. I have never had a salad as good as this. (The chef wouldn't give us any hints on what the dressing was though) Then I had Sea Bass in a butter sauce (I think I died for a moment and went to heaven eating that) Husband had filet mignon. I also had the best mojito I have ever had in my life. It even had a sparkler in it! Creme brulee for dessert (lit on fire in front of me!) It was SO good.
The next day we had to return to reality. I missed my flight (oops) but I got home safe. Husband made it back safe too. Overall, it was an amazing trip. I can't believe it is over. At least I only have to wait 6 months for my Husband to come home!
So here is the trip :D
Paris:
My husband arrived in Paris a day before me, so he stayed at The Kube Hotel. It is ice-cube themed with an ice bar, so everything is square with cold climate accents. He had a blast, so much so that we changed reservations to stay there later in the trip. I arrived the next day, and my wonderful Love met me at the airport. We rode the Roissy (pronounced Waussy) Bus to the Arc de Triomphe Hilton. All the Hiltons that we stayed at were a gift from my dad as he had lots of points to give us :) (Thanks Dad!) The hotel was nice (Orbitz charges around 500 Euro a night), but if you ever go to Paris, there are much nicer hotels for much less. It was all location-not the niceness of the hotel. That night we went to the Arc, and walked the Champs Elysees (and got everything we wanted- Dinner!).
Versailles:
The next day we stayed at the Palace of Triannon in Versailles. It was GORGEOUS. We walked the pleasure gardens of King Louis and walked by the palaces of the King and Marie Antoinette. There is a big man-made lake that we walked around looking at the baby swans (which Husband insisted on calling ugly ducklings...) There was a dog swimming in one of the small ponds- I am pretty sure King Louis was rolling in his grave....
That night we went on a dinner cruise down the Seine. We had a bottle of champagne and wine and took in the sites (The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Statue of Liberty, and more). We were right in the front of the boat, so we had spectacular views of everything.
Barcelona:
We took a plane in the morning to Barcelona. The city is beautiful and the Spanish are more friendly than the French. We stayed at the Hilton near the dock, and had an ocean view room:) We walked around the mall, and I got to speak real Spanish!
Cruise:
This was my favorite part of the trip. It was the best way to see Italy (especially because I don't speak Italian) and everyone on the ship spoke English, I didn't have to worry about food, unpacking, water, or activities.
Monte Carlo, Monaco: We docked with yachts. Multi-billion dollar yachts- Mel Gibson's yacht was there. Then we took the Bateaux Bus (Boat Bus) across the harbor, and walked up to Monte Carlo. We had drinks in the Hotel next to the casino, and then watched them filming "Casino Story" (working title) while we waited for the casino to open. We went in, and payed our 10 Euro to gamble (that is how ritzy this casino is- you have to be dressed up too!) We played black jack and roulette and felt like James Bond! It was awesome. Afterwords, we walked around the city and I looked at the cars. I have never seen so many nice cars ever. And not BMW or Mercedes nice- Lamborghini, Rolls Royce- AMAZING cars. And the even more amazing part- they were dirty because the people there actually drive them. That is true wealth, when you drive your $100,000+ car to run errands and don't mind that it is dirty.
Pisa: Husband took me to see the Leaning Tower and I took a ton of pictures. The buildings are so beautiful and easy to photograph. The white stones and Saints are gorgeous and we of course got the obligatory picture of Husband pushing the tower back up:) There are these amazing trees on the drive there and back- Pine Umbrella Trees. They are very unique looking, and are everywhere. It was a beautiful place. When we got back to the boat, Husband went and played poker. He had gotten third place in the tournament the night before, and was determined to get first. He did- and then cleaned up in a cash game after.
Rome: We took a tour into Rome. (It is a 1 hr 45 min bus ride inland) We saw the Colosseum (SO COOL), the Forum (where Julius was buried at one point), Trevi Fountain (yes I did throw in coins for a wish), and the Vatican. The Vatican was so ornate and stunning it almost made me want to be Catholic. Almost. :D Rome was such a beautiful city- so much to see and do. I was so glad to have a tour guide or I would have been ridiculously lost and I got to learn a ton.
Napoli: We climbed Mt. Vesuvius! They bused us up most of the way, but we climbed up the the top and looked down into the crater. The Valerian was in bloom, so the entire mountain and bus trip had this amazing sweet smell. Vesuvius is the world's most dangerous volcano right now, as it is set to go off any time now. It used to have a vent, but the last big eruption sealed it- which is bad because that means it will explode instead of just lava-ing- and there are 3 million people living near it. We could see the steam coming out of the rocks. Real Italian pizza for lunch and then we went down to Pompeii and walked around a city that is from 79AD. Amazing place- the art in the houses, on the walls, and even the streets was amazing. It was fascinating- and tragic- the people had horrible deaths. It was a beautiful place with so much to learn.
We had all-you-can-eat Sushi that night. Yum! And we went to the "White Hot Party" that night and boogied down because we could sleep in the next day!
Sea Day! This was such a nice relaxing day. We made friends with Amy from Canada (and her parents) and so we hung out with her and relaxed in the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean. Yummy Italian food for dinner, with amazing Tiramisu for dessert.
Palma de Mallorca: This is part of the Balearic Islands (same chain as Ibiza) Amy and her family went with us to the beach. It is apparently a big German tourist destination, so everyone on the beach was speaking German. They had these buckets for sale. For 11 Euro, we got a big bucket, a bottle of coconut rum, orange juice mixer, ice, and straws. We also got one with vodka and lemon-lime mixer for a little more. It got all of us very happy. The boys were enjoying the European "scenery". Amy and I got tattoos. (Don't worry- they were just Henna!) and we all got a little sunburned- but it was a GREAT beach day! It was the perfect way to end the cruise.
Cannes: We took the train from Barcelona to Cannes (14 hours of it). It was a long day, but the countryside of France is beautiful. Tons of grapes, hay, and produce.
We stayed here for 2 nights, and did go to the beach. For being one of the most famous topless beaches- no one was topless. It was beautiful weather though, and we had fun walking around and eating lots of pizza. (I had pizza with smoked salmon on it!)
Paris (again): We took the train back to Paris, and stayed in the Kube. It is a unique place! Fake fur accents (curtains, upholstery, even the elevator!) and a fingerprint based key system so you never forget your key. We went to the ice bar and had vodka drinks. You get a coat and mittens, and then 4 different vodka cocktails and then one of your favorite. The drinks were: Bubblegum (tasted like grape bubble gum), Blueberry, Mint/Basil (my favorite), and Chocolate. I know, why wasn't the chocolate my favorite? It was dark chips with a shot of straight vodka. It was good, but brutal. The mint/basil one had a fresh sweet taste- I could have had that all night! Then we stayed at the Charles de Gaulle Hilton. We stayed in and just enjoyed our last two days together. We got room service (fun!). We also had the best meal of the trip. We went to a restaurant called "The Place". OH YUM. I had escargot (mmmmm) and Husband got a artichoke salad. I have never had a salad as good as this. (The chef wouldn't give us any hints on what the dressing was though) Then I had Sea Bass in a butter sauce (I think I died for a moment and went to heaven eating that) Husband had filet mignon. I also had the best mojito I have ever had in my life. It even had a sparkler in it! Creme brulee for dessert (lit on fire in front of me!) It was SO good.
The next day we had to return to reality. I missed my flight (oops) but I got home safe. Husband made it back safe too. Overall, it was an amazing trip. I can't believe it is over. At least I only have to wait 6 months for my Husband to come home!
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